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Ever felt that dizzy aftertaste of a conversation where everything somehow becomes your fault? We sit down with coach and mentor Kyle Miller to untangle the confusion around narcissistic abuse, the misuse of the word “narcissist,” and the practical steps that help survivors reclaim clarity, confidence, and peace.

Kyle shares a grounded way to tell patterns apart, focusing on three crucial signals: accountability, empathy, and compassion. From there, we explore how emotional abuse hides in plain sight—not as one dramatic event, but as a string of small, explainable moments that add up to harm. Kyle explains why rumination is the mind’s attempt to make sense of chaos and how validation turns looping thoughts into a coherent story you can finally put down. We also dig into the difference between niceness and kindness, why your downtime counts as a real appointment, and how to build boundaries that protect your energy without isolating you from healthy connection.

For friends watching from the outside, Kyle offers a better approach than “just leave.” You’ll hear why questions beat ultimatums, how intermittent reinforcement keeps people stuck, and what earned trust looks like after you’ve been burned. Along the way, Kyle shares parts of his own journey—how one blunt, caring challenge saved him from a false story about himself—and the coaching practices he uses to help clients move from survival to a life that feels like theirs again.

If you’re sorting through gaslighting, rebuilding self-trust, or trying to support someone you love, this conversation pairs clear definitions with compassionate tools you can use today. Want more of these insights and resources? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help others find the show.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

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What if the strongest antidote to perfectionism isn’t tougher goals, but kinder ones? We sit down with life coach and former Dartmouth swim coach Jenn Verser to explore how compassion—especially the kind we offer ourselves—can loosen the grip of people pleasing, fear of failure, and the constant need to outperform. Jen brings candid stories from elite athletics and real-world coaching, showing how high achievers can reframe identity, find alignment, and rebuild confidence without burning out.

We dig into why perfectionism is rising among students and professionals, how cultural pressure moves the finish line, and what happens when your “best” meets a room full of “bests.” Jenn shares practical tools that work: say your inner monologue out loud so you can hear its tone, practice receiving help as a gift rather than a debt, and use conversation—not just policy—to lead with integrity. Her story about keeping a struggling athlete on the team reveals how context, transparency, and accountability can transform outcomes. This is leadership that starts at the human level and scales through trust.

We also talk about life beyond the resume. Jenn explains her shift from corporate to coaching to be present for her child and aging parents, and how anyone can start realignment without quitting their job. Expect concrete takeaways on boundaries, self-trust, emotional recovery, and how to replace “always-on” with honest priorities. If you’ve been measuring your worth by output, this conversation offers a warmer, smarter metric: progress you can feel.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a gentler path to growth, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your voice helps this community of kindness grow.

"This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

to learn more.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day."

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What if a classroom could feel like a rehearsal room—brave, focused, and full of possibility? We sit down with 25-year-old performing arts teacher Avelyn Simons to explore how kindness, boundaries, and creative practice can transform shy teens into confident speakers and generous teammates. From building a drama program from scratch to steering a mixed-ability public speaking class, Avelyn shares real stories, simple systems, and a service-first approach that makes empathy actionable.

We dig into the realities of earning respect as a young educator and why “phone jail” isn’t about control but about making space for presence. Avelyn breaks down how theater games lower social risk, how structure turns nerves into clarity, and how students learn more than lines—they learn to read a room, project calm, and show up for each other. The conversation moves from backstage heroics and 10-second costume changes to community trips where students bring the magic of performance to immigrant and lower-income families, reframing talent as a gift meant to be shared.

Along the way, you’ll hear about moments that sparkle—singing at the Empire State Building, unexpected breakthroughs from a sports kid who found his voice, and the handwritten notes that remind teachers why the work matters. If you care about arts education, classroom culture, student confidence, or practical ways to weave empathy into everyday learning, this conversation will land. Subscribe, share with a teacher or parent who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us your favorite takeaway—your voice helps more listeners find stories of kindness that last.

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