In this episode of Project I AM, we dive into two powerful emotions that shape the way we connect with others: guilt and shame. While guilt can serve as a bridge to repair relationships, shame often builds walls that isolate us. But how do these emotions affect our bonds with loved ones, and what can we do to overcome their negative effects?

Join us as we:

- Unpack the psychology behind guilt and shame.

- Explore how these emotions can lead to isolation, overcompensation, and defensiveness in our relationships.

- Share actionable strategies for repairing the damage and building stronger connections, including radical vulnerability, self-compassion, and reframing guilt as a tool for growth.

Whether you’ve struggled with feelings of inadequacy or simply want to understand how to better navigate guilt and shame in your relationships, this episode offers insight, research-backed strategies, and practical advice to help you foster deeper, more meaningful connections.

Tune in, and take the first step toward turning guilt and shame into opportunities for growth and connection. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! "The Connection Killers: How Guilt and Shame Undermine Relationships"

In this episode of Project I Am, we’re exploring one of the most vital aspects of our well-being: community. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, finding your tribe—a supportive network of people who truly understand and uplift you—has never been more important.

Join us as we unpack the profound benefits of meaningful relationships, from improved mental and physical health to greater resilience and joy. We’ll discuss the rise of loneliness in modern society, how to overcome barriers to connection, and actionable steps to build and strengthen your community bonds.

Whether you’re seeking deeper connections or looking to nurture the relationships you already have, this episode is filled with insights and encouragement to help you embrace the power of community. Tune in and take the first step toward building a fulfilling, connected life.

Subscribe now to Project I AM for inspiration on living with intention, connection, and purpose!

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to them can shape our future. In this episode of The Resilient Mind, we explore the emotional weight of setbacks and uncover strategies to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Join host [Your Name] as we dive into the shame we often feel from mistakes and learn how to replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Discover the science behind resilience, the power of shifting perspectives, and actionable steps to help you bounce back stronger than ever. Drawing on recent research, personal stories, and timeless wisdom, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and empower you.

Whether you're facing a career challenge, a personal disappointment, or just a tough season of life, this episode will give you the tools to navigate setbacks with courage, kindness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Tune in to learn how to transform your struggles into stepping stones!

In this episode of Project I AM, we dive into a question with profound implications: Why do we confuse discomfort with a lack of safety? This misunderstanding shapes personal growth, relationships, workplaces, and even public policy.

Join Dr. David J. Schlosz as we explore:

- The key distinction between discomfort and danger.

- Neuroscience explaining why our brains misinterpret challenges as threats.

- How parenting, education, and social media foster “safetyism.”

- The cultural impacts of trigger warnings, safe spaces, and censorship.

- Practical strategies to reframe discomfort as a path to growth.

Drawing on insights from leading psychologists, research studies, and real-world examples—from workplace dynamics to debates around free speech—this episode will challenge you to rethink how you navigate adversity and embrace discomfort as a vital part of life.

Why do we withdraw or hide parts of ourselves when we’re longing for connection the most? In this episode of Project I AM, we explore the Central Relational Paradox—a concept from Relational Cultural Theory that sheds light on the push-and-pull between our deep desire for connection and our fear of rejection.

Join your host, Dr. David Schlosz, as we dive into the origins of this paradox, its roots in relational psychology, and how it shows up in our everyday lives. Using current research, real-world anecdotes, and practical advice, we’ll uncover why this paradox exists and how to overcome it.

Discover:

• Why fear of vulnerability often leads us to self-sabotage relationships.
• How past experiences shape our ability to connect authentically.
• Practical strategies to break free from the patterns that keep us stuck.

Whether you’re navigating friendships, romantic relationships, or professional connections, this episode will challenge you to examine your relational patterns and take steps toward deeper, more fulfilling connections.

Tune in now and learn how small acts of courage can transform your relationships.

• Baker Miller, J. (1976). Toward a New Psychology of Women. Beacon Press.
• Jordan, J. V. (2021). Mutuality and relational growth: Foundations of Relational Cultural Theory. Psychological Review.
• Chopik, W. J., & Edelstein, R. S. (2021). Adverse childhood experiences and adult relational patterns. Attachment & Human Development.
• Johnson, S., & Greenberg, L. (2020). Emotional withdrawal in romantic relationships: Patterns and impacts. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

In this episode, we explore the transformative practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a communication style that prioritizes empathy, clarity, and compassion. Developed by psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, NVC encourages us to approach conversations—especially challenging ones—with openness and respect. We’ll break down the four essential components of NVC: Observation, Feelings, Needs, and Requests, and discuss how each step can help us connect more meaningfully with others while reducing conflict.

With real-life examples, a practical exercise, and insights into Rosenberg’s philosophy, this episode provides a foundational understanding of NVC and tips for incorporating it into your daily life. Whether you’re navigating relationships, workplace dynamics, or simply looking to communicate more effectively, tune in to discover how NVC can help you transform your interactions and foster deeper, more compassionate connections.

More resources available at The Center for Non-Violent Communication: https://www.cnvc.org

In this episode, we explore the journey from loneliness to aloneness—a transformative state where solitude becomes a source of comfort, growth, and even joy. Loneliness is a deeply human experience, and research shows that it’s more common than ever. But what if instead of running from loneliness, we learned to embrace it as an opportunity for self-connection and inner peace? We dive into recent studies on the effects of loneliness, self-compassion, and mindfulness, sharing practical steps to help you turn moments of loneliness into valuable times of self-discovery.

Join us to explore how you can shift your perspective, find meaning in solitude, and nurture a sense of wholeness that comes from within. If you’re feeling disconnected or yearning for more peace in your own company, this episode offers comfort, insight, and a gentle reminder: you are enough, just as you are.

In this episode of Project I AM, we dive into the transformative power of self-compassion—a practice that might feel foreign or even indulgent in a world that often pushes us to be our own toughest critics. Yet, as research shows, it’s self-compassion, not self-criticism, that fosters resilience, motivation, and emotional well-being.

We explore what self-compassion truly means, drawing on insights from Dr. Kristin Neff, who identifies three core elements: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Together, these components allow us to meet our challenges with warmth and understanding instead of judgment and harshness. Through compelling studies, practical exercises, and reflections, we discuss how self-compassion can benefit not only our mental health but also our relationships and personal growth.

Join us as we uncover simple ways to bring more compassion into your daily life, nurturing a more supportive and balanced inner voice. Embrace the journey toward self-kindness—because you’re worthy of the same compassion you offer others. Listen now and discover how self-compassion can change your life