Best Dark Knot Podcasts (2024)

1
Healing from Family and Romantic Relationship Betrayals with Expert Dr. Debi Silber 44:53

1d ago44:53

44:53

We often crave to be loved perfectly, yet human love is naturally imperfect. And while it's normal for us to unintentionally let each other down now and again, actions of betrayal are in a different category altogether. When those we count on most betray us, the body, mind, and spirit are deeply traumatized. The etymology of the word "betrayal" tak…

1
The Joy and Freedom of Being Imperfect with Expert Debra Fox Gansenberg 37:25

8d ago37:25

37:25

We often believe that if we try harder and harder to be the perfect partner, parent, friend, or employee, we will somehow create a trouble-free life and gain the love, safety, and respect we crave. Yet when we chronically strive for perfection, we tend to create more self-judgment, anxiety, and stress. Unfortunately, this toxic dynamic can foster a…

1
The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot Gaslighters and Heal from Emotional Manipulation with Expert Dr. Robin Stern 48:23

15d ago48:23

48:23

Gaslighting. It's an increasingly common term that dates back to a 1938 British Play, Gas Light, and subsequent movies focused on the power of manipulation in relationships. In the original play, a manipulative husband makes his wife feel as if she's going insane by telling her that perceptions are inaccurate when she notices that the house lights …

1
Untying the Anxiety Knot with Mental Health Expert Lisa Sugarman 46:07

27d ago46:07

46:07

Anxiety has a way of weaving itself into our bodies, brains, and lives. Struggles with anxiety often begin in childhood and, by adulthood, can become firmly entrenched in our lives. With many mental health issues on the rise--from anxiety, depression, and chronic stress to suicide--it's time to pause to find actionable strategies to help us diminis…

1
Truth, Lies, and Confessions: The Fear of Sharing Dark Secrets with Mental Health Advocate Tobi Ojekunle 47:03

29d ago47:03

47:03

Secrets. Lies. Truth. Confessions. We often learn to hide parts of who we are--including the mistakes we've made along the way. Yet, I've found that keeping secrets--the dark, shamed-filled ones--can lead to depression, anxiety, and the tendency to be untrue to the self and others. One lie, even a small one, can lead to a web of lies that makes tel…

1
Feeling Blocked? Bring Your Dreams To Life Through The Power Of Manifestation With Expert Julia Griffin 37:40

1M ago37:40

37:40

It can be easy to fall into indifference, hopelessness, or despair when we're met with roadblocks over and over again. Yet I've found that--even in those low spots when we feel as if we'll never bring our dreams to life--the shining lights of hope and faith can help us move forward toward the goals that bring us greater love and purpose. Is it poss…

1
Healing from Trauma, PTSD, and Complex-PTSD with Expert Maya Golden Bethany 46:54

1M ago46:54

46:54

Trauma. PTSD. Complex-PTSD. Abuse. These seemingly simple words can hold a great deal of meaning, pain, and nearly inescapable charge. Although the significance of these terms can be diluted by misuse, there's nothing "light" or unimportant about the profound, lasting effects of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and other expe…

1
More Often Than Knot: Bride by Ali Hazelwood 1:11:16

2M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

It's the final episode of Season Six and we're talking about Bride by Ali Hazelwood. You can visit the author's website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ for details about her other work. There will be some small plot point spoilers in our discussion of the book but we always try to warn you. As always with romance, we know there is going to be a HEA and our episodes aim t…

1
PTSD and Children: Supportive Insights for Parents with Expert Jolene Philo 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

PTSD and children—it’s a critical topic. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is increasingly common in our challenging world, and while it’s often difficult to recognize PTSD in adults, it can be even more challenging to determine when a child has PTSD. In fact, there was a time when experts believed children couldn’t develop PTSD. Fortunately, w…

1
There Are Always Reasons: The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew & Of Mist and Shadow by Jenna Wolfhart 1:07:03

2M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

In the fifth episode of Season Six we continue our individual six degrees of separation to lead us back to a joint book in the final episode. This week Jessica's choice was Of Mist and Shadow by ⁠Jenna Wolfhart and Emma's choice was The Whispering Dark by ⁠Kelly Andrew⁠. Click on the author names for links to their website or for details of further…

1
Motherhood Matters! Empowering and Uplifting Self-Care Tips for Moms with Expert Dayna M. Kurtz, LCSW 31:27

2M ago31:27

31:27

Every day, millions of women struggle in their new (or existing) roles as mothers. No matter how much a woman desires to be a mother, the journey of motherhood can be scary and challenging. Motherhood is inherently imperfect, yet we often feel as if we should be perfect mothers who can “do it all.” In reality, the drain of striving for perfection—a…

1
Go Forth and Cuddle: Beastly and Bookish by Cantrina Bell & The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna 44:23

2M ago44:23

44:23

In the fourth episode of Season Six we continue our individual six degrees of separation to lead us back to a joint book in the final episode. This week Jessica's choice was Beastly and Bookish by Catrina Bell⁠⁠ and Emma's choice was The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. Click on the author names for links to their website…

1
Motherhood is Beautiful and Hard! From Managing Stress to Post-Partum Depression, Dive Into Powerful Self-Care Tips with Expert Tracy Gold 39:45

2M ago39:45

39:45

Motherhood is wonderful, yet, as any mom can tell you, it’s not always sunshine, roses, and smiles. From the challenges of physiological changes, self-doubt, and anxiety to the bright joys of cuddle time and first steps, being a mom can be—all at once—scary, stressful, and full of delight. When we add issues such as prenatal depression, postpartum …

1
All The Red Flags: Fiasco by Constance Fay and Honeysuckle by January Rayne 58:05

2M ago58:05

58:05

In the third episode of Season Six we continue our individual six degrees of separation to lead us back to a joint book in the final episode. This week Jessica's choice was Honeysuckles by ⁠January Rayne⁠ and Emma's choice was Fiasco by ⁠Constance Fay. Click on the author names for links to their website or for details of further books in the serie…

1
Break Free of Stress and Burnout Using the Power of Mindful Intention with Expert Chantay Golson 43:10

2M ago43:10

43:10

Tired of endless chaos? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Exhausted? If you're nodding along, you're likely feeling the effects of the hustle culture. The cure for healthy boundaries and mindful self-care is here! We often expect ourselves to be it all and do it all perfectly--and without complaint or sign of exhaustion. Yet the price we pay for a …

1
ThunderCats Are Old!: Tempting the Beast by Lora Leigh & Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher 1:08:06

2M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

In the second episode of Season Six we begin our individual six degrees of separation to lead us back to a joint book in the final episode. This week Jessica's choice was Tempting the Beast by Lora Leigh and Emma's choice was Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher. Click on the author names for links to their website or for details of further books in the…

1
Manipulators and Predators are Everywhere! Discover How to Spot Red Flags and Heal from Manipulation! 43:57

3M ago43:57

43:57

Manipulators and predators are everywhere! Unfortunately, most of us have found ourselves in the hands of a manipulator at least once in our lives. We often feel guilty and ashamed, telling ourselves we should have known better. Yet manipulators—especially those who are truly experts at their craft—can be exceedingly difficult to detect. Yet you ca…

1
The Moment He Sniffs Her: The Winter King by C L Wilson 1:03:23

3M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

We're back with the first episode of Season Six and we're talking about The Winter King, a fantasy romance by C L Wilson. You can visit the author's website ⁠here⁠ for details of further books in the series and additional work. There will be some small plot point spoilers in our discussion of the book but we always try to warn you so you can skip a…

1
Free Yourself By Releasing The Burden Of Shame And Guilt With Expert Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

We often believe that shaming messages don't affect us, but from my experience, the effects of shamed-based culture or upbringing can be exceedingly harmful. Whether shaming messages are implicit or explicit, they can result in the internalization of negative self-messages that lead to feelings of unworthiness, chronic guilt, depression, and anxiet…

1
Season Six Trailer 4:24

3M ago4:24

4:24

Season Six of the SFFRomCast is on the way! We're returning to our six degrees of separation but with a special twist, and this short trailer is to let you what you can expect as we continue to celebrate and share our love of sci-fi and fantasy romance books. You can also watch this trailer on You Tube if you'd like to put faces to voices and find …

1
Love, Loss, and Grieving: Getting Stuck, Moving Forward, and Letting Go with Expert Mark Ed 38:03

3M ago38:03

38:03

LOVE is the greatest gift we are ever given. It brings us purpose, joy, connection, and life itself. Yet because we love, we also open ourselves up to the immense pain that comes with loss. Indeed, I believe that the greater our love, the more intense our pain during the loss and grieving process. And although love lives inside us and around us eve…

1
Heal From Betrayal Via Gentle Self-Love With Award-Winning Expert Noah benShea 42:13

3M ago42:13

42:13

We want to believe that love will last forever, and perhaps it does. Yet, as imperfect humans, we sometimes let down others—and even ourselves—in ways that sever the trust that is so necessary for lasting, healthy relationships. When we experience the deep pain of betrayal, which can cause immense psychological damage, it can be tough to grieve, he…

1
THE CURE FOR ECO-ANXIETY! Discover Simple Tips to Create Inner Peace and Lasting Change with Expert Laura Paskus 45:05

4M ago45:05

45:05

Eco-anxiety is on the rise. We see and feel the effects of climate change at every turn. From natural disasters to increasingly unpredictable weather cycles, we can no longer avoid noticing humanity's impact on the planet. It's easy to slip into feeling anxious, helpless, and hopeless—plus riddled with grief—yet it's never too late to increase our …

1
Lasting Love: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Relationships with Expert Myrna Haskell 55:14

4M ago55:14

55:14

Real love takes work! It's easy to believe that healthy relationships should "just happen." Our happily-ever-after fairy tales perpetuate the myth that love relationships should be both easy and perfect. Yet even in fairytales, the main characters encounter incredible challenges that test their resilience, commitment, and fortitude. Could it be tha…

1
Suffering from Imposter Syndrome? Filled with Self-Doubt? Discover Empowering Tips for Embracing Self-Worth with Expert Linda Sanderville 40:29

4M ago40:29

40:29

Imposter syndrome haunts many of us. For those who suffer from this self-defeating dynamic, I've found that feelings of being an imposter stay entrenched even when others offer heartfelt validation. The persistent fear of not being enough, which often begins in early childhood, can lead to chronic feelings of self-doubt and incompetence that overri…

1
Feeling Powerless? Create BIG Changes in Your World via Small Acts of Kindness with Expert Magali Limeta 37:50

4M ago37:50

37:50

Feeling stressed and powerless in today's chaotic world? At every turn, we are faced with important concerns: political turmoil, global warming, environmental disasters, wars, pollution, human rights, and skyrocketing mental health issues. We struggle with broken healthcare, education, financial, and housing systems—plus so much more. The challenge…

1
Unhealthy Food Habits? Rewire Your Brain for Lasting Change with Nutrition Expert Eydie Desser 38:39

5M ago38:39

38:39

Are your eating habits bringing you down? We often believe that what we eat has little, if any, impact on our psychological health. Especially when we are stressed or exhausted, it's all too easy to slide into unhealthy habits such as eating on the run, binging on sweets, or gobbling up carbs and comfort foods. Unfortunately, when poor eating habit…

1
Reduce Stress! Create Balance! Optimize Your Emotional and Physical Wellbeing with Somatic Expert Dr. Amy Wheeler 40:58

5M ago40:58

40:58

Looking for an antidote to stress? If you feel constantly out of balance, anxious, or stressed, you're not alone. When life feels challenging or unhealed trauma gets triggered, it's easy to become dysregulated and spiral downward. This negative cycle hurts us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Although we often can't control what life brings ou…

1
Simple Steps to Lasting Joy with Expert Lisa McCourt 47:23

5M ago47:23

47:23

We are often expected to stay happy—to be cheery and upbeat no matter what is going on in our lives. As a result of this unreasonable expectation, many people believe that they are failing if they don't feel happy 24/7. Yet, in real life, lasting happiness—what I term joy—lets go of impossible standards and makes space for all of our emotions and a…

1
Create a NEW Experience of Love and Relationship by Healing Your Inner Child with Expert Rebeccah Silence 46:29

5M ago46:29

46:29

Are you a prisoner of your past? Is it possible to access your inner child to heal the wounds that keep you stuck? Can intergenerational patterns of violence and pain be shifted? Absolutely! Although some believe that we leave childhood issues behind as we enter adulthood, I've found that our negative childhood experiences—including wounds, trauma,…

1
Embrace Your Perfectly Imperfect Self with Body Positivity Expert Emily Lauren Dick 48:29

6M ago48:29

48:29

The pressure to look perfect--and be perfect--is exhausting and expensive on many levels. In the quest to live up to impossibly high beauty standards, we often squander an incredible amount of time, mental energy, and financial resources. I've found that our mental and physical health pay a huge price when we feel judged, rejected, and shamed if we…

1
You Are Enough! You Do Enough! You Have Enough! The Upside of Inner Contentment! with Expert Sheridan Stewart 49:33

6M ago49:33

49:33

We often have scripts running in our heads that tell us we should be more, do more, and obtain more. These inner narratives work against us, feeding anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. The impossible ideal of perfection is fed by society as well as those who can capitalize on our insecurities. It's no wonder we suffer from anxiety, depression, and low s…

1
Sensitivity as a Superpower! Tips for Mindfully Embracing Sensitivity with Expert Rebecca Strong, Writer, Singer, and HSP! 50:13

6M ago50:13

50:13

If you're a sensitive person, you may have been told that you are the problem—that if only you weren't "so sensitive," everything would be okay. You might have heard all too often that you should just "toughen up." Yet sensitivity—when respected and valued—can be a most wondrous superpower. We live in an often-insensitive world that is hyper-focuse…

1
Boosting Your Body Image and Eating Habits with Expert Bri DeRosa 41:19

6M ago41:19

41:19

Body image. Food. Perfectionism. The relationships we have with our bodies and the food we eat are shaped by factors such as childhood environments and societal messaging. Throughout life, the conscious and unconscious choices we make around food have the power to impact us mentally, emotionally, and physically. When we pause to notice the negative…

1
Manifest Incredible Abundance with Expert Jessica Lancaster 45:30

7M ago45:30

45:30

Manifesting! This singular word is magical to some and cringe-worthy to others. Yet, when manifesting is mindfully embraced, it can become a powerful tool for everyone. When we think of manifesting, ideas of the supernatural might come to mind, but true manifesting simply involves harnessing the power of your own mindset, heart, and soul. As we lea…

1
How Insecure Attachment Feeds Unhealthy Behaviors with Expert Jasmine Alexander, Registered Clinical Counselor 43:36

7M ago43:36

43:36

People-pleasing tendencies tend to begin in early childhood and often stem from insecure attachment. From childhood forward, we often learn to please others to obtain love, avoid conflict, and feel safe. Yet when we compromise our values and needs in order to please others, we lose touch with our inner selves and often pay the price through ongoing…

1
The Wild, Wonderful World of Imperfect Parenting with Expert Heather Aranda, Mother of Eight 36:46

7M ago36:46

36:46

Balancing family, marriage, work, and at least a touch of self-care isn't easy. Sometimes, the harder we strive to get it all done perfectly, the more life seems to unravel. Could the secret to finding balance be a blend of loving kindness, a positive mindset, and letting go of the desperate quest for perfection? Books by Dr. Carla Manly: Date Smar…

1
Crafting Healthy Friendships at Every Stage in Life with Expert Jessica Speer 39:48

7M ago39:48

39:48

Healthy friendships are food for the soul. Indeed, the best relationships are rooted in mutual kindness, honesty, and respect. With loneliness at epidemic levels, it's all the more important for us to know how to cultivate loving, healthy friendships. We often think that great friendships "just happen," but, like every truly wonderful relationship,…

1
Neurodivergence, Trauma, and Special Needs! Strength-Based Tips for Fostering Healthy Family Time with Expert Bri DeRosa 42:32

7M ago42:32

42:32

Neurodiversity—the idea that each person experiences and interacts with the world around them in different ways—is a truly empowering concept. When we remove labels that promote a view of the self or others that is deficit-focused and embrace a strength-based approach, we reduce bias and judgment while promoting acceptance and forward momentum. I'v…

1
Winter Witches: A Conversation with Authors Sarah Hawley and Kate Kenzie 49:40

7M ago49:40

49:40

Welcome to our bonus episode where we are discussing all things witchy with authors Sarah Hawley and Kate Kenzie. (You can follow the links here to find their websites and where you can sign up to their newsletters) There is a list below of (most of) the books discussed and if you would like to watch us on YouTube (with captions), follow us on soci…

1
Nurturing Sisterhood: Keys to Connecting with Sisters of the Soul and Heart with Experts Sabrina and Eunice Moyle 34:05

8M ago34:05

34:05

The power of sisterhood can be amazing despite—and sometimes because of—the imperfections each person brings to the relationship. When sisters unite in heart, soul, and energy, true magic can happen. And, as soul sisters know, sisterhood doesn't require biological connection to take root—it just requires loads of imperfect love. Books by Dr. Carla …

1
Fostering Healthy Boundaries and Empowerment with Expert June Smalls 25:58

8M ago25:58

25:58

From the norms that push people-pleasing behaviors to the influences of patriarchal households, it's easy to end up feeling small and boundaryless. In our natural quest to feel loved, accepted, and safe, we often never discover how to create and use healthy boundaries. The resulting lack of empowerment can prevent us from knowing and becoming our f…

1
The Huge Upsides of Domestically Committed Fatherhood with Expert Tim J. Myers 41:35

8M ago41:35

41:35

Looking for ways to create equality and balance at home? It’s exhausting when household responsibilities aren’t divvied up fairly. Even in today’s world, women often handle more household and childrearing duties than their partners—even when they’re also working full time. Research consistently shows that a balance in family duties—and in a relatio…

1
REAL Family is Made, Not Born! From Attachment to Self-Care, Expert Dr. Denise Wagner Offers Top Tips on Parenting and Adoption! 40:41

8M ago40:41

40:41

We often believe that families are based on shared genes—that biology itself creates family. Yet in my professional and personal experience, I've surely found that the healthiest of families are based not on genetics but on deep love and connection. Through this lens, we can appreciate that children who are adopted can be embraced as part of a fami…

1
Discover and Live Your Passion with the Power of Your Inner Self with Wellness Expert Andrea Menard 35:02

9M ago35:02

35:02

Discover your power, joy, and purpose! If we let others’ expectations dictate our lives, we run the risk of never discovering our true purpose. When we don’t pause to explore our true selves, we can feel stuck and half-alive. Yet the answers to some of our deepest fears and yearnings lie just inside the quiet of the soul. There is immense power and…

1
Plagued by Self-Doubt, Anxiety, or Panic Attacks? Free Yourself from Fear with Expert Dr. Friedemann Schaub 33:25

9M ago33:25

33:25

Anxiety. It's a powerful force that can take hold of us and control every aspect of our lives. Anxiety, which is a form of fear, can be very sneaky. It often surfaces slowly, and before we know it, we feel anxious as we wake up and throughout the day. We often go to sleep feeling anxious and even experience heavy anxiety in our dreams. As the world…

1
Triple Breasted Women: The Time Travel Trope 1:14:49

9M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

It's the final episode of Season Five already! We are talking about some of our favourite fantasy and sci-fi romances which feature the Time Travel trope! A full list of the books, both featured and mentioned, can be found below. There may be some plot point spoilers in our discussion of the books but as always with romance, we know there is going …

1
An Inside Look at the Highs and Lows of Chronic Depression with Expert Owen Dara 53:48

9M ago53:48

53:48

Love. Music. Passion. Creative Genius. Chronic Depression. Success. Those who live with chronic depression are often deeply misunderstood. Recent research shows that nearly 1 in 5 of those 18 and older in the U.S. have reported suffering from depression. Although we’re making strides in the destigmatization of mental health issues, silent struggles…

1
In Elf World: Second Chance/Secret Baby Trope 58:58

9M ago58:58

58:58

In our penultimate episode of Season Five, we are talking about some of our favourite fantasy and sci-fi romances which feature the Second Chance/Secret Baby trope! A full list of the books, both featured and mentioned, can be found below. There may be some plot point spoilers in our discussion of the books but as always with romance, we know there…

1
Get Unstuck! Discover How to Live Your Best, Imperfect Life with Expert Arash Farzaneh 36:25

9M ago36:25

36:25

We often have secret dreams that we want to pursue but are fearful taking the next step. All too often, we find ourselves on a path in life that others chose for us--or that we accepted by default. In our desire to gain approval, acceptance, and love, we sometimes do what is "right" for others but not for ourselves. In this process, we get stuck an…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dark Knot Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide