760 Are You Reacting or Responding? Here’s the Difference!

Have you ever reacted in ways you later regret? In this episode we’ll explore what emotional reactivity really is, why it’s often tied to old wounds and unmet needs, and how you can break free from the cycle. You’ll learn practical tools to pause, breathe, set healthy boundaries, and respond with clarity instead of reacting on autopilot—building more peace, emotional intelligence, and self-respect in your daily life. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/760

On today’s episode, I invite Caitlin Crosby on to The Terri Cole Show for a dive into ambition, betrayal, and boundary setting as a female entrepreneur. Caitlin shares her personal story of overcoming the betrayal of a trusted CFO and how she learned to trust her instincts. Plus, we chat about how the same struggles we have in professional life often pop up in our personal lives as well. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/759

Growing up with emotionally immature parents often leaves lasting patterns like people-pleasing, hyper-independence, or caretaking. In this episode, we explore why setting healthy boundaries with parents who are critical, inconsistent, or self-absorbed feels so hard—and why it’s essential for your healing. Emotionally immature parents can make boundaries feel impossible. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to create boundaries that actually work—from scripting conversations to handling guilt-tripping or anger. If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your peace and finally prioritize your own well-being, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/758

In this inspiring conversation, Julie Smolansky, CEO of Lifeway, shares her journey of resilience, healing, and leadership. From escaping the Soviet Union with her family to unexpectedly becoming a CEO at 27 after her father’s sudden passing, Julie opens up about overcoming trauma, sexism, and self-doubt while building a successful business rooted in the mind-gut connection. She also reveals her passion for advocacy—producing The Hunting Ground to raise awareness about unreported crimes on campus, co-founding Test400k to fight for justice, and navigating the painful boundaries of addiction within her own family. This interview is a powerful reminder that growth, empowerment, and mental health are possible when we honor our truth and lead with courage. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/757

What if the very thing we fear could actually make us stronger? In this powerful conversation, Terri Cole sits down with Jeff Krasno to explore how good stress can be a surprising ally for health, vitality, and longevity. Together, they uncover how challenges, when embraced in the right way, can activate the body’s natural capacity to heal and grow. Jeff shares his personal journey, the science behind beneficial stress, and why our modern lifestyle has stripped away the kinds of challenges we actually evolved to handle. From fasting and movement to tough conversations, he shows that leaning into discomfort can transform both body and mind. If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with stress, this episode will open your eyes to practical tools you can use right away. Instead of avoiding all discomfort, discover how harnessing the right kind of stress can expand your healthspan, increase resilience, and unlock your longevity. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/756

Content note: This episode discusses manipulative and abusive relationship dynamics that may be triggering for some readers. Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who made you question your own reality?  Maybe it's romantic, familial, or even just a friendship where every disagreement somehow leaves you thinking, "Did I misremember that? I really thought I said that out loud... maybe I didn't?" If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. For years, my community has been asking me to break down how to identify narcissists and sociopaths because the confusion around these two personality types can literally be dangerous.  When you can't tell what you're dealing with, you can't protect yourself effectively. After 25 years as a licensed psychotherapist, I've seen too many brilliant, capable people get trapped in relationships that slowly eroded their sense of self.  The good news? Once you understand the key differences between narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder (which includes sociopathy), you can spot the red flags early and protect your peace. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/755

Today, I’m excited to share a conversation with my very special guest Christine Gutierrez. Way back in the day, Christine interned with me as part of her psychotherapy training. Now I am proud to say she has her own expansive career as a licensed psychotherapist, self-worth expert, and spiritual thought leader. In our chat, she guides me through the themes of her book, I Am Worthy: We talk about overcoming self-doubt, cultivating self-love, and finding inner peace. It was wonderful to chat with Christine again, and I hope this episode can bring you the same joy it brings me to have her in my life! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/754

Today I’m super excited to share an interview with Dr. Jody Carrington! Jody is a fearless advocate for authentic human connection in her speaking, writing, and clinical psychology. She shares so much about her personal story: From how her upbringing on a farm in the rural town of Viking, Alberta taught her that she couldn’t rest to the way her identity was challenged when she learned that her parents had been hiding a secret sibling from her for her whole life. Plus, Jody shares her insights on trauma, empathy, and the power of analog human connection. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/753

Are family roles still running your life? Do you feel like you're always the "responsible one" in your family? Are you exhausted from being the designated crisis responder, organizer, or emotional go-between for your siblings? Do you find yourself stuck in the same childhood role you've been playing for decades, even though you're a full-grown adult? If you're nodding along, you're definitely not alone. I've been getting tons of emails from people struggling with difficult sibling relationships, dealing with lingering resentment, invisible labor, and feeling trapped in roles they never asked for but somehow feel like they can't escape. In this episode of The Terri Cole Show, I'm breaking down the six biggest triggers that keep adult siblings stuck in conflict, why those childhood family roles still control us, and what you can actually do to change these exhausting patterns. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/752

On today’s episode I’m interviewing special guest Gretchen Rubin, who transitioned from a successful law career to become a bestselling author, speaker, and happiness expert. She tells me all about how her quest to understand power, money, fame, and happiness led her to write bestselling books like The Happiness Project. In this episode, Gretchen shares her insights on redefining success, embracing change, and living a life aligned with your values. Tune in to explore how you can expand your own idea of success and step into a bigger life! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/751