Call Me Katie

Dr Katie Stirling

A podcast designed to help you create a life that not only looks good from the outside but feels good from the inside. Hosted by Dr Katie Stirling, a Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Therapist. Join each week for conversations with experts, thought leaders and every day inspirational people. Call me Katie is your space to be inspired, develop new insights and learn the tools and strategies you need to create the life and relationship you want.

  1. 09/17/2025

    What Makes Relationships LAST | The 6 Fail Factors with Divorce Lawyer Sarah Intelligator

    Why do some relationships thrive while others fall apart? In this episode, Family Lawyer and author (Live, Laugh, Find True Love) Sarah Intelligator shares the 6 Fail Factors she’s seen again and again in nearly two decades of divorce cases. From fundamental values and fear to foundation, family, fairy tales, and fixing, Sarah reveals the hidden patterns that cause couples to break down — and what it takes to build a relationship that lasts. We explore: - The #1 red flag most people ignore when dating - How to tell the difference between fundamental values and fleeting interests - The 5 pillars every relationship foundation needs (respect, trust, communication, honesty, teamwork) - Why “don’t go to sleep angry” is a myth — and what to do instead - How fear and fixing sabotage relationships before they begin - Practical steps to strengthen communication and prevent resentment Whether you’re dating, in a long-term relationship, or reflecting after divorce, Sarah’s insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and choose love that lasts. 🎁 Free Resource for Couples: Stop Reactive Communication → https://stan.store/drkatiestirling/p/stop-reactive-communication--free-guide Sarah's Links: • Book: Live, Laugh, Find True Love  Australia link: https://amzn.asia/d/7st5XwZ U.S. link: https://a.co/d/i3kTi7j • Website: lafamilylawpractice.com • Instagram: @sarah.a.intelligator.esq Dr. Katie Links: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiestirling • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeKatiePodcast • Website: https://www.drkatiestirling.com

    37 min
  2. 09/03/2025

    Beyond Difficult (Part 2): When Pursue Meets Withdraw — Attachment, Boundaries & Repair

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Rachel Samson and Dr. Jessie Stern, we explore how these patterns play out in relationships and what to do about them.   Inside this episode: Why schemas and coping modes develop in childhood The classic anxious–avoidant pursue/withdraw loop and why it feels so stuck How to recognize flooding and use structured breaks that protect both partners The difference between boundaries and ultimatums (and why social media gets this wrong) Common attachment myths that keep us feeling broken or stuck Why deep listening may be the single most powerful skill for every human relationship   Whether you’re in a romantic partnership, parenting, or navigating workplace dynamics, these tools will help you shift from me vs. you into us vs. the problem.   What you’ll learn How avoidant partners shut down to self-protect (and how to reconnect) Why anxious partners amplify pursuit (and how to soothe instead) How to make breaks work instead of backfiring Why healthy relationships do have conflict — but repair faster   Resources & tools Free 7 Steps to Effective Breaks guide: https://www.drkatiestirling.com/download-deescalate-tool Free The 4 Horsemen & Their Antidotes ebook:  https://stan.store/drkatiestirling/p/stop-reactive-communication--free-guide Program: Relationship Reset Bootcamp https://www.drkatiestirling.com/course/relationship-reset   🔗 Connect with Rachel & Dr. Jessie Rachel Samson: @australianpsychologist Dr. Jessie Stern: @drjessiestern  📖 Get their book Beyond Difficult: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781923046597/beyond-difficult--jessie-stern-rachel-samson--2025--9781923046597   👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Katie Instagram: @drkatiestirling YouTube: Call Me Katie Podcast Join Katie’s Online Relationship Reset: https://www.drkatiestirling.com/course/relationship-reset Website: www.drkatiestirling.com   👉 This is Part 2 of our conversation. Don’t miss Part 1, where we explore how attachment, temperament and neurobiology shape the way we interact in relationships: https://youtu.be/HyqWEyCDorA

    28 min
  3. 08/27/2025

    Beyond Difficult (Part 1): How Temperament, Attachment & Neurobiology Shape Who We Are

    Why do two people experience the same situation so differently? And why does one person’s behavior feel “difficult” while another’s doesn’t? In this episode of Call Me Katie, I’m joined by psychologists Rachel Samson (@australianpsychologist) and Dr. Jessie Stern (@drjessiestern), co-authors of Beyond Difficult. Together, we explore the unique ingredients that make us who we are — and why understanding these factors is key to transforming our relationships. We discuss: How attachment experiences shape our expectations of others The role of temperament in how we react and process the world Why neurotype & neurobiology change the way we see and feel interactions The double empathy problem and what it reveals about difference Why acceptance (not agreement) is the foundation for connection This is Part 1 of our two-part series. Stay tuned for Episode 21, where we explore applying these insights to relationships, parenting, and navigating conflict. 🔗 Connect with Rachel & Dr. Jessie Rachel Samson: @australianpsychologist  | Website Dr. Jessie Stern: @drjessiestern  | Website 📖 Get their book Beyond Difficult: Readings Bookstore 👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Katie Instagram: @drkatiestirling YouTube: Call Me Katie Podcast Website: www.drkatiestirling.com 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on health, psychology & relationships #PsychologyPodcast #Attachment #Temperament #Neurodiversity #BeyondDifficult

    32 min

About

A podcast designed to help you create a life that not only looks good from the outside but feels good from the inside. Hosted by Dr Katie Stirling, a Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Therapist. Join each week for conversations with experts, thought leaders and every day inspirational people. Call me Katie is your space to be inspired, develop new insights and learn the tools and strategies you need to create the life and relationship you want.