In this episode, I’m back with part two of my very candid conversation with my bestie, Kristine, who interviewed me for her podcast, Crystal Clear.

We go deep into romantic relationships, self-love, and the difference between living as your Authentic Self versus your Strategic Self. I open up about old dating patterns, emotional unavailability, deep shame, and the ways I once hid parts of myself to feel more lovable.

We unpack what it really takes to break painful patterns, find the courage to tell the truth, and how to stop abandoning yourself in relationships. In true best friend fashion, Kristine hits on the heavy and vulnerable topics with me, pulling out the real experience behind the scenes. While this healing work can bring you to your knees - it’s in the breakdown of personal posturing where the rewards are found.

Highlights:

(02:16) Friendships as a testing ground for intimacy and vulnerability in romantic relationships

(05:58) My personal escapism in dating born out of shame

(09:00) How an image consultation called me out and woke me up to the unserving identity I was projecting

(17:17) The catalyst that led to unwavering self-commitment, breaking deep patterns

(21:02) The inner battle between self-abandonment and inner devotion

(22:30) Why the person who exposes your wounds is your perfect match (for a reason or a season)

(24:35) How romantic partnerships are a mirror for your relationship with yourself

(27:55) The point at which a relationship will always implode

Listen to Kristine Munro’s podcast, Crystal Clear:

On Apple

On Spotify

Learn more about Shine Image Consulting HERE

Resources:

Join SJ’s Spring Writing Retreat: WRITE THE DAMN BOOK! 5/7-5/9 in Denver, CO

1. Follow SJ on Instagram
2. Download the Free Identity Workbook
3. Grab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here.
4. Buy The Less Effect on Amazon
5. Follow Landon Hail Press on Instagram
6. Download the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring Authors
7. Book A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I take you behind the curtain with a very open and honest chat with my bestie, Kristine Munro about the friendship we have built over the years that has truly healed and changed me.

We talk about what it means to choose your authentic self over the strategic self: the one that stays quiet, plays small, and tries to keep everything “safe” - and how platonic intimacy is the gateway to understanding and healing relationship dynamics.

We touch on vulnerability, emotional safety, and triggers in friendships, and the importance of understanding your attachment style in the context of nurturing connections, both platonically and romantically. This conversation is a deep reminder that we are all mirrors to one another and that the relationship you have with yourself shapes every other relationship in your life.

It’s about healing in real time, being seen more fully, and letting love challenge you into growth.

Highlights:

(02:10) - Strategic Self vs Authentic Self and knowing the difference in relationships

(9:00) - Where Kristine triggers me and how it reflects in my romantic relationship

(16:30) - Love as a threat when it comes to attachment styles

(20:05) - Healing through giving love in the way we didn’t receive growing up

(22:15) - Why Kristine pulled away in our friendship and what it actually meant

(26:30) - Conscious friendships as a testing ground for romantic relationships & challenge as love

(30:35) - Building safety to expand your capacity for intimacy

(34:20) - How my friendship with Kristine has continued building my secure attachment in relationship

Listen to Kristine Munro’s podcast, Crystal Clear:

On Apple

On Spotify

Resources:

Join SJ’s Spring Writing Retreat: WRITE THE DAMN BOOK! 5/7-5/9 in Denver, CO

1. Follow SJ on Instagram
2. Download the Free Identity Workbook
3. Grab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here.
4. Buy The Less Effect on Amazon
5. Follow Landon Hail Press on Instagram
6. Download the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring Authors
7. Book A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

This is part two of how to survive a breakup, and we’re going deeper. If part one was about feeling the pain, this episode is about rebuilding yourself inside of it.

I’m sharing what’s helping me in real time, from redefining rejection and protecting my self-worth, to creating routines and rituals that anchor me when everything feels unstable.

We talk about self-care as self-respect, breaking patterns instead of repeating them, and why this season is not a setback but a setup for what’s waiting for you.

If you’re in the thick of it, I want you to know this is not the end of your love story. It’s the part where you come home to yourself and rise.

Highlights:

(03:10) Only you can reject you

(07:40) Self-care as self-respect, and why your habits matter more than ever

(10:05) Routine and ritual to create stability in emotional chaos

(13:20) Positive self talk versus shame spirals

(18:10) Date yourself first

(23:45) How forgiveness, compassion, and keeping your heart open are your superhighway to lasting love

Some Helpful Links For This Episode:

Cord cutting meditation

YouTube channel: Neville Goddard

YouTube channel: Abraham Hicks

Read “Wired for Love: How Undertstanding Your Partner’s Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship” by Stan Tatkin

DETACHED Episode 57: The Profound (and Psychological) Impact of Ritual on Mental Health:

Listen on Apple

Listen on Spotify

Resources:

Join SJ’s Spring Writing Retreat: WRITE THE DAMN BOOK! 5/7-5/9 in Denver, CO

1. Follow SJ on Instagram
2. Download the Free Identity Workbook
3. Grab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here.
4. Buy The Less Effect on Amazon
5. Follow Landon Hail Press on Instagram
6. Download the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring Authors
7. Book A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio