Bite Your Tongue: The Podcast

Bite Your Tongue
  • 4.9 (119)
  • PARENTING

Did you ever expect being the parent of an adult child would be so difficult? Introducing "Bite Your Tongue," a look at exploring that next chapter in parenting: building healthy relationships with adult children. From money and finance to relationships and sibling rivalry, we cover it all. Even when to bite your tongue! Join your host Denise Gorant as she brings together experts, parents and even young adults to discuss this next phase of parenting. We will chat, have some fun and learn about ourselves and our kids along the way! RSSVERIFY

  1. 4D AGO

    Ira Glass Made me Question Everything: You Might Too

    For this episode of Bite Your Tongue, we’re doing something quite a bit different. This is the last episode of Season 7, and today it’s just me. Me — and excerpts from one of my all-time favorite podcasts, This American Life with Ira Glass. For those who may not know Ira’s work, he is the groundbreaking creator and host of This American Life, whose storytelling helped redefine public radio and podcasting. A recipient of the Peabody, Pulitzer, and Edward R. Murrow Awards, Ira is widely considered one of the most influential storytellers of our time. Now, as you might guess, I would have absolutely loved to have Ira on as a guest. Sadly, that didn’t happen. But Ira did the next best thing — he very graciously gave me permission to use excerpts from his show in this episode. Honestly, I was so grateful. What a class act and what a thrill for me to connect, even briefly, with someone I admire so much. So here’s how this all came about. I was listening to a recent episode of This American Life called Call Your Parents, and it immediately caught my attention. As I listened, I found myself completely drawn in. In fact, when I mentioned the episode to Connie FIsher, our audio engineer, she told me she literally sat in her car until the episode finished because she was so engrossed in it. In the episode, Ira shares recordings and conversations with his parents from when he was a young adult. While Ira never had children of his own, he has of course been an adult child — and like so many families, his relationship with his parents was loving, complicated, strained at times, and deeply human. As I listened, I kept thinking: Maybe this is not quite as new as we think it is. For years on this podcast I’ve heard versions of the same questions over and over: Why don’t they call?Why don’t they visit?Why are relationships with adult children so hard now?Why does this generation seem so different?But listening to Ira and his parents, I realized they were wrestling with many of the exact same issues decades ago. His parents worried about his career. He sometimes pulled away. There was judgment. Frustration. Love. Misunderstanding. In other words, it all sounded incredibly familiar. There are several moments in this episode that stayed with me long after I finished listening — moments that are funny, painfully honest, tender, and incredibly relatable for anyone navigating family relationships. You will love it. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, I found myself wondering: Are relationships between parents and adult children truly harder today? Or are we finally talking openly about struggles families have quietly carried for generations? This finale became much more personal than I expected. It made me reflect not only on today’s struggles between parents and adult children, but on my own parents, my own choices, and the possibility that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Next up: We are dropping some short episodes called: Straight From the Listener Line," which aims to address real questions from listeners with expert insights. This initiative emphasizes the podcast's commitment to fostering dialogue and providing support for families navigating the complexities of adult relationships. And don't forget our phone line (719-347-1106) and email address (biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com).  We will never play your message on the podcast without your approval first.   Let us know what is on your mind! We are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss. Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Website: biteyourtonguepodcast.com Substack: Behind the Mic Listener Line: 719-347-1106 Email: biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    16 min

  2. MAY 8

    Weddings, Etiquette and Listener Questions

    Weddings, Family Tension, and Modern Etiquette  Episode Description: If there is one life event that can bring together love, joy, tradition, money, and family tension all at once, it is a wedding. In this episode of Bite Your Tongue, Denise talks with Lizzie Post — co-president of the Emily Post Institute, co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast, and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post — about how weddings have changed and why they still create so many emotional landmines for families. Together they explore what modern etiquette really means, how parents can support their adult children without taking over, and why communication matters so much when expectations, finances, and family traditions collide. They also tackle listener questions about guest lists, controlling money, invisible groom’s parents, wedding gifts, complicated family dynamics, and how to navigate all of it with more respect and less resentment. A few key takeaways from Lizzie Post: Patience and flexibility matter more than everListen carefully before reactingBe honest about expectations, especially around moneyA thoughtful apology can go a long wayGood etiquette is less about rules and more about respect, kindness, and considerationGuest: Lizzie Post is co-president of the Emily Post Institute, co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast, and author of several etiquette books, including Emily Post Etiquette and Emily Post Business Etiquette. Her upcoming book, The Emily Post Wedding Etiquette Book, will offer a completely modern look at weddings, relationships, and etiquette today. Connect with Bite Your Tongue: We hope all of you will call to share their stories, ideas, episodes they liked or did not like.  We'd like to begin answering these questions in each episode.  So give us a call now at 719-347-1106. We are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss. Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Website: biteyourtonguepodcast.com Substack: Behind the Mic Listener Line: 719-347-1106 Email: biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    55 min

  3. APR 24

    The Bank of Mom and Dad -- When Helping Hurts

    Are you helping your adult child… or accidentally holding them back? Many parents quietly support their adult children financially — paying rent, helping with debt, or covering emergencies. But when does helping become enabling? In this episode, Denise talks with financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz about the emotional and psychological forces behind the “Bank of Mom and Dad.” Dr. Brad tells it like it is and doesn't hold back.  He's says the right things - but sometimes they are hard to hear.  You decide.  Together they explore why financial dependence happens, how parents unintentionally reinforce it, and what it takes to change the pattern. This is a tough conversation — but an important one for any parent wondering if their financial support is truly helping their child thrive. In this episode we discuss: What a financial psychologist actually doesWhy money is the #1 stressor for most AmericansThe emotional drivers behind parents financially supporting adult childrenThe difference between helping and enablingThe psychology of financial dependenceWhy adult children sometimes resent the parents supporting themHow guilt, divorce, and childhood experiences shape financial decisionsWhat parents can do when an adult child refuses to become independentThe psychological concept of an “extinction burst”How to create boundaries around financial helpWhat to do when grandchildren complicate the situationWhether helping with a house down payment is a good ideaHow money can impact sibling relationships and inheritanceIf you have something to add or if you have a question you'd like us to answer: 📞 Call the Bite Your Tongue listener line: 719-347-1106 You can also email us at biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com. We are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss.   Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook  Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    42 min

  4. APR 10

    Doormat Mom No More: When Parents Say “Enough”

    Family estrangement is one of the most painful and least discussed challenges parents face today. In this deeply personal and controversial episode, Denise speaks with journalist, entrepreneur, and author Laura Wellington, known online as Doormat Mom No More. After raising five children as a widowed mother, Laura found herself unexpectedly cut off by one of her adult daughters—an experience that left her heartbroken and searching for answers. She tried desperately to find other parents who were suffering with similar loss.  But noone came forward.  Then, she did what she never thought she would do - put a video about her problem on TikTok.  What followed was something she never anticipated: thousands of parents reaching out with similar stories. She's been featured in so many places including The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and The Doctor Phil TV Show.  Laura is a bright accomplished woman and her story will resonate with many.  It's more than just about estrangement.  It's about finding yourself. This conversation is raw, complicated, and at times uncomfortable—but it’s one many families are quietly navigating. Whether you’re a parent, an adult child, or someone trying to understand a fractured relationship, this episode opens the door to a conversation we’re not having nearly enough. Check out Laura's book -- Doormat Mom, No More! When Good Parents Finally say "Enough" to Their Ungrateful Kids. If this episode resonates with you, we want to hear your story. 📞 Call the Bite Your Tongue listener line: 719-347-1106 You can also email us at biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com. We are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss.   Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook  Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    52 min

  5. MAR 27

    When Overthinking can make our Adult Children Feel Evaluated

    Do you lie awake at night running through every possible “what if” about your adult child? What if they make the wrong choice? What if they don’t land on their feet? Should I call? Should I say something? Should I bite my tongue? In this episode of Bite Your Tongue, Denise welcomes back psychologist and parent coach Jeffrey Bernstein, author of Freeing Your Child from Overthinking, to unpack the difference between anxiety and overthinking — and why that distinction matters so much in relationships with adult children. What You’ll Learn: Why overthinking is a mental habit — not just anxietyHow parents unintentionally fuel their adult child’s anxietyWhy “less is more” is often the most loving responseThe danger of becoming a SWAT Team ParentHow to support an overthinking adult child without fixing or rescuingThe power of validation over adviceHow retirement and extra time can increase parental overthinkingThe PACE Method Dr. Bernstein introduces a simple but powerful tool: P — Pause A — Acknowledge C — Contain E — Engage When parents regulate their own overthinking, adult children don’t have to defend against it. Key Takeaway: Overthinking fuels anxiety — and anxiety leaks into relationships. But calm, collaborative parenting builds emotional safety. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is stop managing… and start mentoring. If this resonated, tap follow, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review—your support helps more families find their footing. Don't forget about our listening line at 719.347.1106.  We hope all of you will call to share their stories, ideas, episodes they liked or did not like.  We'd like to begin answering these questions in each episode.  So give us a call now at 719-347-1106. We are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss. Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook  Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Support the show Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    38 min

  6. MAR 13

    Modern Grand Parenting, Boundaries and In-Law Dynamics

    Are you a grandparent?  If so, listen to this episode.  Boundaries, burnout, and big feelings—grand parenting can be a joy and a minefield at the same time. We invited Dee Dee Moore, founder of More Than Grand, to help us navigate the messy middle: when “free” childcare starts costing a family its energy, when in-law dynamics get prickly, and when love needs the guardrails of a clear agreement to thrive. We start with a listener story about an eager grandmother who slid from helping to shouldering everything—until resentment and health issues made the arrangement unsustainable. Dee Dee helps the listener with her question and adds lots of tips when you are deciding to help with childcare.  Then we turn to feeling shut out by a daughter-in-law. Dee Dee reframes the “gatekeeper” idea and urges us to build a direct relationship with her as a person, not just our child’s spouse. We share examples of compliments that actually land, small trust-building gestures, and how counseling can open space when everyone is stuck.  We also tackle overbuying—why today’s parents want fewer things—and offer better ways to show love, from experiences to intentional support that fits their home and values. Underneath it all is an identity shift: moving from fixer to “privileged bystander,” present and steady without calling the shots. We discuss preventing estrangement with early expectation-setting, learning modern safety and care practices, and staying curious instead of reactive. If you’re a new or seasoned grandparent looking for clarity, scripts, and a calmer path forward, this conversation offers tools you can use today. If this resonated, tap follow, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review—your support helps more families find their footing. Don't forget about our listening line at 719.347.1106.  We hope all of you will call to share their stories, ideas, episodes they liked or did not like.  We'd like to begin answering these questions in each episode.  So give us a call now at 719-347-1106. We are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss. Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook  Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Support the show Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    36 min

  7. FEB 27

    UPDATED! The Mother–Daughter Relationship Makeover (And What It Really Takes)

    This episode is for mothers walking on eggshells. For daughters who feel judged. For families who love each other deeply but don’t know how to stop hurting each other. In this powerful episode of Bite Your Tongue, Denise Gorant speaks with Leslie Glass and her daughter Lindsey Glass about the hardest—and most hopeful—parts of the mother-daughter relationship. Co-authors of The Mother-Daughter Relationship Makeover and its companion workbook, Leslie and Lindsey share their deeply personal journey through addiction, family conflict, estrangement, and reconciliation. Together, they explore why these relationships fracture, how communication breaks down, and what real repair actually looks like. What We Cover: Why mothers and daughters trigger each other so deeplyThe independence vs. control conflict baked into motherhoodHow “helpful” comments about food, weight, or appearance become landminesWhat makes a fight toxic—and what makes it repairableWhy estrangement can feel safer than staying in conflictHow apologies, accountability, and boundaries rebuild trustPractical tools for changing communication patternsWhy healing starts with self-work—not changing the other personLeslie and Lindsey also share practical tools from their workbook—like replacement phrases that diffuse tension, ways to identify triggers before they explode, and why doing the work separately (not together) can be the most honest starting point. One of the most powerful ideas from this conversation is simple but uncomfortable: "You have to decide whether you want to be right—or whether you want to stay connected." Healing doesn’t require perfection. It requires awareness, accountability, compassion—and sometimes knowing when to bite your tongue. We’re also launching our new listener phone line. We hope all of you will call to share their stories, ideas, episodes they liked or did not like.  We'd like to begin answering these questions in each episode.  So give us a call now at 719-347-1106. Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook  Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Support the show Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    45 min

  8. FEB 13

    Forget Them Kids — Challenging the One-Sided Narrative of Family Estrangement

    This is a controversial episode — and we want to hear from you. 📞 Bite Your Tongue Phone Line: (719) 347-1106 Call and share your thoughts, questions, or experiences. 🎁 FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY: The first caller will receive a free copy of FCK Them Kids*. Leave your name and email. Family estrangement has gone mainstream — from Oprah to headlines about celebrity families — and the narrative is almost always the same: parents are to blame. But what if that story isn’t complete? In this emotionally charged and controversial episode, Denise is joined by psychologist and author Vivian King, PhD, whose book F* Them Kids* challenges what she calls the one-sided narrative of the estrangement epidemic. Vivian speaks candidly about her own experience with estrangement, the role of social media and therapy culture, and why many loving, non-abusive parents are being dehumanized and silenced. This conversation is not about dismissing adult children’s pain — it’s about expanding the dialogue, questioning cultural assumptions, and asking hard questions about accountability, boundaries, and dignity on both sides. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode invites you to listen with curiosity, courage, and an open mind.  We will talk about: The rise of “no contact” culture and the language of blameHow social media and online echo chambers reinforce estrangementWhen therapy helps — and when it harmsWhy many estranged parents are not abusive or neglectfulThe emotional toll of estrangement on parentsShould parents apologize “no matter what”?How to hold on to dignity, self-worth, and joy when a child cuts contactWhy this conversation makes so many people uncomfortable — and why it mattersPlease follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook  Instagram Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.   Support the show Support the show     The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    31 min
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4.9
out of 5
119 Ratings

About

Did you ever expect being the parent of an adult child would be so difficult? Introducing "Bite Your Tongue," a look at exploring that next chapter in parenting: building healthy relationships with adult children. From money and finance to relationships and sibling rivalry, we cover it all. Even when to bite your tongue! Join your host Denise Gorant as she brings together experts, parents and even young adults to discuss this next phase of parenting. We will chat, have some fun and learn about ourselves and our kids along the way! RSSVERIFY

Information

  • Creator
    Bite Your Tongue
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bite Your Tongue: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Bite Your Tongue: The Podcast

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