Are you exhausted from trying to "fix" everyone and everything in your life? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, yoga mentor, and author Elena Brower to discuss why letting go is the ultimate act of self-love.

We've been conditioned to think that love means fixing, controlling, or "managing" the people around us. But what if the most powerful thing you could do is simply hold space?

In this episode, Elena Brower—bestselling author of Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself—shares her profound journey from high-functioning perfectionism to a life of presence and service.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/846

"Is she entitled? Or have you just been serving yourself up on a platter?"

My therapist asked me that years ago, while I was mid-rant about a friend who kept asking me for favors. It stopped me cold, and it changed how I understood my own patterns.

If you're the one who says "I got it" before anyone finishes asking, who anticipates everyone's needs, who lies awake wondering if you came off as selfish, this episode is for you.

It's part one of a two-part series on boundaries and high functioning codependency, and I'm breaking down why boundaries are so hard for those of us who over-give, auto-accommodate, and self-sacrifice on autopilot.

You'll learn what boundaries are made of (your preferences, desires, limits, and deal breakers), how HFC traits create disordered boundaries, and why healthy boundaries are the bridge to the relationships you want.

Ready for the scripts? Part two, with word-for-word boundary scenarios, is at terricole.com/718.

This episode is part of our Best of The Terri Cole Show summer series: the most-requested episodes of the show, back to back, while new episodes are in the works for fall.

Get the free assessment guide for this episode: terricole.com/guide
Listen to part two: terricole.com/718
Find out where you stand with boundaries: boundaryquiz.com

Are you feeling like an outsider in your own home? Does the pressure to be the "perfect" stepmom have you constantly over-functioning, resentful, and burnt out?

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Scrimger, the founder of the "Kick-Ass Stepmom" community. We dive deep into the messy, complicated, and often painful reality of navigating blended family dynamics. We aren't just talking about tips—we're talking about the deep emotional work required to feel secure, respected, and valued as a bonus mom.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/844

Last week, we talked about what emotional insecurity looks like, the patterns that tell you safety is missing in a relationship. This week is about what comes next: what actually creates emotional safety.

Emotionally safe relationships do not just happen by accident.

They are built through small, consistent behaviors over time. Trust, respect, honesty, and repair are skills, not lucky outcomes.

Here are six things you can practice to build more emotional safety in the relationships that matter most to you.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/843

Have you ever achieved your biggest goals only to end up feeling completely exhausted, lonely, and burnt out?

In this episode, I'm sitting down with my soul-sister and nervous system regulation expert, Koya Webb, to unpack the hidden trap of high-functioning codependency and people-pleasing. Koya opens up about her raw "dark night of the soul" moment—crying in a bathtub after hosting a massively successful 8,000-person event—and how it forced her to stop self-abandoning and start truly healing.

Whether you are a super-empath, a highly sensitive person (HSP), or just someone running on empty, this conversation will give you the exact science-backed daily rituals you need to reset your nervous system, build deep community, and reclaim your personal sovereignty.

We dive deep into Koya's brand new book, "Well Being Rituals: Science-Backed Practices for Sustainable Healing and Living," exploring the 7 levels of holistic well-being you can start practicing today. It's time to stop giving from an empty bucket!

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/842

Last week, we talked about what emotional insecurity looks like, the patterns that tell you safety is missing in a relationship. This week is about what comes next: what actually creates emotional safety.

Emotionally safe relationships do not just happen by accident.

They are built through small, consistent behaviors over time. Trust, respect, honesty, and repair are skills, not lucky outcomes.

Here are six things you can practice to build more emotional safety in the relationships that matter most to you.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/841

If you've been carrying anger, disappointment, guilt, or emotional baggage, this episode offers a powerful new perspective on healing, peace, and personal growth.

In this conversation with Danielle LaPorte, we explore why emotional healing starts with compassion instead of control. We talk about resentment, rejection, gratitude, forgiveness, emotional resilience, and the surprising connection between creating the life you want and releasing what no longer serves you.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/840

I am obsessed with emotional intelligence. It is something I have always done naturally without knowing what it was called.

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, measures your capacity to understand, perceive, and manage emotions, your own and other people's.

While IQ measures cognitive and logical ability, EQ measures your capacity for interpersonal success. Higher emotional intelligence is linked to better stress management, more satisfying relationships, and greater leadership potential at work.

The eight traits in this episode are how higher EQ shows up in real life, and they are all skills you can practice to raise yours at any age.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/839