Family Troubles with Dr. Joshua Coleman

Joshua Coleman
  • 4.7 (29)
  • Relationships

Family Troubles with Dr. Joshua Coleman is a podcast dedicated to exploring and understanding the intricate dynamics of family life through a multifaceted lens. Hosted by Dr. Joshua Coleman, a seasoned psychologist with decades of experience, this show dives deep into the complexities of modern familial relationships, along with transformative strategies to foster healthier connections and mend broken bonds. Each episode will tackle a broad range of topics affecting families today - from estranged relationships and family conflict, to the latest research and evolving societal pressures. Discussions will be intellectually stimulating, offering a 360-degree view of the strains on family life through interviews with leading academics, psychologists, sociologists and historians. If you’ve ever asked: • Why do adult relationships with parents fall apart?• When is estrangement appropriate?• Is reconciling and healing after estrangement possible?• Why is estrangement becoming more common today? Then you’re in the right place. Whether you're a professional in the field or simply interested in understanding the current landscape of family dynamics, Family Troubles will provide valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives. Join in as we unravel the modern challenges facing families, share expert opinions, and provide a space for learning about the evolving nature of family estrangement and relationships.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Breaking the Cycle: What History Teaches Us About Today's Family Crisis with Professor Steven Mintz

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Historian and University of Texas Professor, Steven Mintz to explore the challenges of modern parenting, family dynamics, and building resilience in children and adults alike. Steven shares his expertise on how family relationships evolve, the pressures parents face today, and strategies to create healthier, more connected households. We dive into the impact of generational patterns, the role of emotional awareness, and practical communication tools that help families navigate conflict without losing connection. Steven provides insights on fostering empathy, setting boundaries, and guiding children toward independence while maintaining strong family bonds. Listen for more on:  • Steven’s perspective on navigating modern parenting challenges  • How generational patterns affect family dynamics • The importance of emotional awareness in parent-child relationships • Practical communication strategies to reduce conflict and build trust  • Balancing boundaries and connection for healthier relationships • Tools for building resilience and supporting children’s emotional growth Tune into this episode of Family Troubles to hear an empowering conversation about family, parenting, and the strategies that help create stronger, more resilient relationships. Guest Links: Substack: https://stevenmintz.substack.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B001IXU2N8 Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    59 min

  2. May 26

    What Does It Take to Reconcile? Why Cutoff Culture Is Growing and What Families Can Do Instead with Tania Khazaal

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Tania Khazaal for a thoughtful and candid conversation about family estrangement, emotional healing, and what it really means to move forward without losing ourselves or the people we love. Tania shares her personal story of cutting off contact with her mother, what brought her back, and how changing the way she understood her mother’s story changed the way she understood herself. We talk about the rise of what Tania calls “cutoff culture,” the growing tendency to frame distance as healing, and why both parents and adult children may need to build more resilience, compassion, and stronger communication skills to repair relationships. We also explore the role of social media, emotional language, accountability, and what reconciliation can actually look like in practice. Listen for more on:  • Tania’s journey from estrangement to reconciliation with her mother  • Why understanding a parent’s story can shift how we see our own  • The difference between healing, boundaries, and emotional avoidance  • How social media and “cutoff culture” shape family relationships  • Communication habits that help repair trust and reduce defensiveness  • Tania’s three-stage framework for healing and rebuilding connection Tune into this episode of Family Troubles for an honest conversation about family, forgiveness, resilience, and the possibility of creating stronger relationships without losing yourself in the process. Guest Links: Website: https://taniakhazaal.com/ Instagram: @taniakhazaal LinkedIn:Tania Khazaal TikTok: @taniakhazaal YouTube: Tania Khazaal  Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    56 min

  3. May 12

    How Mothers Cope with Difficult Adult Children and Chronic Sorrow with Judith R. Smith

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Professor Judith R. Smith to discuss her book, Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change. Drawing from years of research and interviews, Judith explores what it means to parent an adult child struggling with mental illness, addiction, unemployment, estrangement, and ongoing instability. We talk about the emotional reality many mothers quietly carry, the chronic fear, guilt, exhaustion, ambivalence, and grief that can come with loving a child you cannot “fix.” Judith also challenges common ideas like “tough love” and highlights the larger social systems that leave families carrying impossible burdens alone. Listen for more on: How mothers often tie their sense of self to their children’s wellbeingWhy “tough love” can fail families facing mental illness or addictionThe concept of chronic sorrow and ongoing grief in parentingHow guilt and self blame shape difficult parent-child relationshipsWhy small boundaries and self care matter for overwhelmed parentsThe importance of community, support groups, and reducing shameTune into this episode of Family Troubles for a thoughtful conversation about difficult parenting, resilience, and finding support in the middle of uncertainty. Guest Links: Website: https://www.difficultmothering.com/ Book: Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/difficultmothering/ Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    39 min

  4. Apr 28

    How Divorce Increases Estrangement Risk with Michelle Weiner-Davis

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Michelle Weiner-Davis to unpack something I see far too often, how divorce can quietly evolve into long-term family estrangement. We explore how these fractures don’t just impact couples, but ripple through entire families, sometimes for decades. We also get into the role of therapy, communication, and personal narratives in shaping these outcomes. I share insights from my own work (and life), and we talk about what actually helps families stay connected or find their way back to each other. Listen for more on: How divorce can lead to lasting parent-child estrangementWhy kids taking sides creates long-term family fracturesThe impact of therapy culture on family relationshipsHow communication mistakes can block reconciliationWhy empathy and curiosity matter more than being rightThe simple skills that can rebuild connectionIf this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with someone who needs a more hopeful path forward in their family relationships.  Guest Links: Website: https://www.divorcebusting.com/ Email: michelle@divorcebusting.com Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    48 min

  5. Apr 21

    What Are Recovered Memories? How Memory Distortion Leads to Family Estrangement with Mark Pendergrast

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with journalist and author Mark Pendergrast to unpack one of the most complex and sensitive issues I see in my work: memory. We explore how memories are formed, how they can shift over time, and how certain therapeutic approaches have contributed to deeply painful family estrangements. Mark shares both his research and his personal story of losing contact with his daughters, offering a perspective that is both informed and deeply human. We talk about the rise of recovered memory claims, why they became so widespread, and what science actually says about how memory works. I also share what I’m seeing in my practice today, from the influence of therapy culture and social media to the many different pathways that can lead to estrangement. This is a nuanced conversation about truth, perception, and the real-world consequences when those lines get blurred. Listen for more on: Why memory is reconstructive and not a perfect recording of the pastHow suggestive therapy techniques can shape or distort memoriesThe difference between forgetting something and never having experienced itWhy some estrangements are rooted in belief, not verifiable eventsThe role of modern therapy culture in shaping family narrativesHow to approach these situations with care, curiosity, and opennessWhy preserving the possibility of dialogue matters more than certaintyIf this conversation gave you something to think about, tune into the full episode and share it with someone who could benefit from a deeper understanding of family relationships. Guest Links: Website: https://www.markpendergrast.com Book: Victim of Memory: Incest Accusations and Shattered Lives Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    33 min

  6. Apr 14

    What Is Ambiguous Loss? Understanding Estrangement and Grief for Parents with Pauline Boss

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with renowned family therapist and sociologist Pauline Boss to explore her groundbreaking concept of ambiguous loss and its powerful relevance to family estrangement. We discuss why some of the most painful losses are the hardest to define and how learning to live with that uncertainty can open the door to healing. We also challenge the cultural myth of closure, offering a more compassionate and empowering way to understand grief, disconnection, and the complexity of family relationships. Listen for more on: What ambiguous loss is and why it’s central to understanding estrangementThe difference between guilt and shame and why that distinction mattersWhy the idea of “closure” can be misleading (and even harmful)How focusing on your own growth can create the conditions for possible reconnectionThe risks of a culture that encourages cutting off relationships in pursuit of happinessWhy meaning, not resolution, is the key to moving forwardIf this episode speaks to you, give it a listen and don’t forget to subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review to help more families find support. Guest Links:  Website: https://www.ambiguousloss.com/ Book: The Myth Of Closure Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    37 min

  7. Apr 7

    Changing Relations Between Parents and Adult Children with Frank Furstenberg

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Frank Furstenberg, one of the most influential sociologists of family life, to unpack how modern families are evolving and why parenting today feels harder than ever. We explore how rising inequality, shifting expectations, and longer paths to adulthood are reshaping the bond between parents and children in ways that are both deeply meaningful and, at times, incredibly challenging. We also get into the “good news, bad news” of modern family life: while many relationships are closer and more emotionally connected than ever before, the pressure, expectations, and stakes have never been higher, sometimes leading to distance, conflict, or even estrangement. Listen for more on: Why parenting today is more expensive, demanding, and longer-lastingHow inequality is increasing stress and pressure on familiesWhy adulthood is delayed and how that impacts parent-child relationshipsHow closer, more involved parenting can sometimes lead to tension or distanceWhy estrangement feels more intense today, even if it’s not entirely newA hopeful truth: families may be more emotionally connected than everIf this episode speaks to you, give it a listen and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more families find support. Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    52 min

  8. Mar 31

    Why Do Adult Children Estrange? A Rutgers Researcher Explains with Kristina Scharp

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Kristina Scharp, an associate professor at Rutgers University and director of the Family Communication and Relationships Lab. Kristina is one of the leading researchers on family estrangement, and we get into what really drives family distance and how people cope with it. We talk about how estrangement and alienation are often misunderstood, and how both are part of a bigger picture of family distancing. We also explore how perception shapes conflict, why expectations around family relationships are changing, and what actually helps create the possibility for repair. Listen for more on:  • How estrangement, alienation, and marginalization are all forms of family distancing  • Why arguing about what really happened often makes conflict worse  • Why choosing connection over being right can shift the relationship  • How taking responsibility can lower defensiveness and rebuild trust  • Why estrangement often includes both relief and grief at the same time  • How changing cultural values are reshaping family relationships Give this episode a listen, and if it resonates, subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review to help more families find support. Guest Links: Website: https://sci.rutgers.edu/scharp-kristina LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristina-scharp-80a7667 Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    1h 2m

  9. Mar 31

    Anxious Parenting, Estrangement, and Raising Boys vs Girls with Ruth Whippman

    In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Ruth Whippman, author of BoyMom and America the Anxious, to talk about the pressure modern parents face and how it’s shaping our kids. Ruth brings a cultural lens to parenting and shares how the drive to optimize our children can quietly strain the parent-child relationship. We get into how this pressure shows up in real life, from constant monitoring to the belief that parents are responsible for their child’s happiness and outcomes. We also explore what it means to raise boys today, the mixed messages they’re receiving about masculinity, and how more care and connection, not control, can lead to healthier development. Listen for more on:  • How the pressure to create a “perfect” child is increasing anxiety for both parents and kids  • Why trying to control outcomes can actually damage the parent-child relationship  • How constant monitoring and “optimization” can create distance instead of connection  • The conflicting messages boys receive about masculinity and identity today  • Why boys often need more emotional support but tend to receive less  • How early nurturing and connection shape empathy, resilience, and healthy development Give this episode a listen, and if it resonates, subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review to help more families find support. Guest Links: Instagram: @ruthwhippman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-whippman-94b89511/ Substack: https://ruthwhippman.substack.com/ Books: BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity -America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness Is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    55 min

  10. Mar 31

    Nedra Glover Tawwab On If Boundaries Are Helping or Hurting Us Today?

    On this first episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist, relationship expert, and bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace. Nedra has helped millions through her books, social media, and clinical work, and is widely known for making boundaries practical and accessible in everyday life. We talk about family estrangement, setting boundaries with parents, and what it really takes to build healthier relationships. Nedra shares how growing up in a family with few boundaries shaped her work, and why learning to set limits can change the course of your life. We explore the difference between boundaries and cutoffs, how enmeshment and overinvolvement can lead to distance, and why both parents and adult children have a role in repairing relationships. This conversation brings clarity and balance to a topic that is often framed as all or nothing. Listen for more on:  • When family estrangement may be necessary and when boundaries can help instead  • How setting boundaries with parents can improve relationships without cutting them off  • The impact of enmeshment and why some adult children need space to feel independent  • Why parents must change how they communicate to stay connected to their adult children  • How attachment styles are flexible and can shift within different relationships  • The difference between healthy responsibility and parentification in childhood If this episode resonates, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and leave a review to help more families find support. Check out the other resources and socials below. Guest Links Website: https://www.nedratawwab.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedratawwab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nedratawwab/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@nedratawwab Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links: Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg

    52 min
  • 10 Episodes

4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Family Troubles with Dr. Joshua Coleman is a podcast dedicated to exploring and understanding the intricate dynamics of family life through a multifaceted lens. Hosted by Dr. Joshua Coleman, a seasoned psychologist with decades of experience, this show dives deep into the complexities of modern familial relationships, along with transformative strategies to foster healthier connections and mend broken bonds. Each episode will tackle a broad range of topics affecting families today - from estranged relationships and family conflict, to the latest research and evolving societal pressures. Discussions will be intellectually stimulating, offering a 360-degree view of the strains on family life through interviews with leading academics, psychologists, sociologists and historians. If you’ve ever asked: • Why do adult relationships with parents fall apart?• When is estrangement appropriate?• Is reconciling and healing after estrangement possible?• Why is estrangement becoming more common today? Then you’re in the right place. Whether you're a professional in the field or simply interested in understanding the current landscape of family dynamics, Family Troubles will provide valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives. Join in as we unravel the modern challenges facing families, share expert opinions, and provide a space for learning about the evolving nature of family estrangement and relationships.

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