Relationships Made Easy

Dr. Abby Medcalf
  • 4.8 (456)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The research says the key to a happy life is happy relationships. But how exactly do you make your relationships better? That’s what this show is all about.   I’m Dr. Abby Medcalf, psychologist, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and (according to my kids) the bossy Jewish mom you didn’t know you needed. With decades of experience and millions of listeners in over 180 countries, I give you the no-fluff, research-backed strategies to make all your relationships better: with your partner, your family, your friends, and (most importantly) yourself.   Every week on the Relationships Made Easy podcast, I mix straight talk, humor, and science to help you communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and stop second-guessing yourself. Because great relationships aren’t built in a day. Great relationships are built daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2D AGO

    358. Holiday Peace On Demand: What to Do When Family Drama Boils Over

    The holidays can bring out the best in us and the absolute worst. One minute you’re sipping cocoa, the next you’re fantasizing about running away from the dinner table and hiding in your car. You love your family, but let’s be honest: they can drive you crazy. That’s why in this episode I’m giving you tools you can actually use in real time. You’ll learn a simple 90-second reset that calms your body, a handful of one-line phrases that stop conflict without escalating it, and a repair strategy you can use afterward so resentment doesn’t follow you into the new year. ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/holiday-conflict-cheat-sheet   Get Your Holiday Conflict Cheat Sheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/holiday-conflict-sheet   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.   Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop   Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  2. NOV 3

    357. Talk So They Lean In: The 5 Moves for Difficult Conversations

    Hard conversations don’t usually blow up because of the issue itself. They blow up because of the moves we make in the moment. You’ve been there: you bring up money, or intimacy, or family dynamics, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a fight you didn’t want, wondering how it went sideways so fast. The good news? You don’t need more guts or more clever comebacks. You need a better playbook. Today I’ll teach you the five moves that keep defensiveness low and collaboration high. You’ll learn the exact questions to ask, what to do when your partner shuts down, and how to leave the conversation feeling connected instead of defeated. ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-have-hard-conversations-without-defensiveness   Download My Conversation Pocket Guide: https://abbymedcalf.com/convo-guide   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  3. OCT 27

    356. When Kindness Has Claws: Dealing With Relational Aggression

    Ever had someone freeze you out of a group text? Spread just enough gossip to make you doubt yourself? Smile to your face while subtly undermining you behind your back? That’s not just “drama,” it’s a form of bullying called relational aggression, and it can wreck friendships, families, and entire communities if it’s left unchecked. It’s not just drama. It’s emotional sabotage. Today, I’m breaking down what relational aggression really is, why it’s so destructive, and the research-backed strategies to protect yourself and stop the cycle, whether you’re dealing with family gatherings, sorority politics, or your neighborhood book club. _________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/relational-aggression-how-to-recognize-it-and-stop-it Get the Relational Aggression Response Scripts: https://abbymedcalf.com/aggression-scripts   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  4. OCT 20

    355. What to Do When Someone Gives You the Silent Treatment

    You’re in a conflict, and suddenly, silence. No texts. No words. Just... nothing. It’s like you’re talking to a ghost. Whether it's your partner, parent, best friend, or coworker, the silent treatment isn’t just frustrating. It can be manipulative, even emotionally abusive. Today, I’m breaking down why people do it, how it messes with your brain, and what you can do instead of spiraling. Because begging for scraps of communication isn’t connection. And you deserve better than that. ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-the-silent-treatment   Get the FREE Download What to Say When You’re Getting the Silent Treatment: 7 Boundary Scripts That Keep You Calm, Clear, and in Control: https://abbymedcalf.com/silent-treatment-scripts   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.   Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop   Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  5. OCT 13

    354. How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated: Science-Backed Strategies That Work

    Ever notice how you can get excited about something in the beginning, but then totally lose steam? You start a new meditation practice, promise yourself you’ll speak more kindly to your partner, or commit to exercising. At first, you feel that spark. But then life gets busy, the excitement fades, and suddenly your motivation’s gone.   Here’s the problem: what you do to get motivated isn’t what you do to stay motivated. It’s like lighting a campfire. You use kindling to get it going, but you need bigger and bigger sticks and finally logs to keep it burning. If you just keep tossing kindling on, the fire fizzles out. But if you toss a log on too soon, you’ll smash those tiny embers.   Today I’m going to show you what the research says about how to get motivated in the first place and, just as importantly, how to stay motivated over the long haul in all areas of your life, from your personal growth to your relationships. ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/get-and-stay-motivated Download the Motivation Map Now: https://abbymedcalf.com/motivation-map   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  6. OCT 6

    353. When to Speak Up: What to Do If You Think Your Friend’s Relationship Is Toxic

    You’re sitting across from your friend, watching them light up when their partner texts, and your stomach turns. Something feels off. You’ve seen the controlling behavior, the subtle put-downs, the “jokes” that aren’t really funny. You love your friend, and you’re worried. But what do you do with that? Do you say something and risk the friendship? Or do you stay quiet and hope they figure it out on their own? ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-talk-to-a-friend-in-a-toxic-relationship     Get the free download: What to Say When You’re Worried: 10 Loving Scripts to Use When a Friend’s Relationship Looks Toxic. https://abbymedcalf.com/loving-scripts-friend   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.   Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop   A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag, or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop   Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  7. SEP 29

    352. Is Your Anxiety Trying to Protect You?

    You’ve probably been taught that anxiety is a bad thing. Something to eliminate, avoid, or medicate (legally or otherwise) into oblivion. But what if I told you that anxiety, in its healthiest form, is actually trying to help you? What if anxiety wasn’t the villain in your story, but a misunderstood protector showing up in a slightly over-the-top way? This week, you're going to learn how to spot the difference between anxiety that’s working for you and anxiety that’s working you over. You’ll also get science-backed tools for reframing your worry so you can stop fighting it and start using it. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/anxiety-isnt-the-enemy Download your quick quiz: Is Your Anxiety Helping or Hurting You? https://abbymedcalf.com/anxiety-quiz Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack. You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  8. SEP 22

    351. Tired of Being the Scapegoat? How to Handle Blamers Without Losing Your Mind

    You didn’t forget the milk, cause the delay, or ruin the weekend plans. But here you are, somehow the one being blamed. Again. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or parent, being on the receiving end of blame is frustrating, confusing, and downright crazy-making. It’s like they’ve outsourced their emotional homework to you and you’re the one getting detention. Today we’ll unpack why some people love to point the finger, how it warps your relationships, and what you can do about it without turning into the jerk they accuse you of being. _________ 👉 Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-is-everything-my-fault   👉 Free Download: “Blame-Proof Boundaries: 10 Scripts to Use When Someone’s Pointing the Finger.” Grab the exact language that stops blame in its tracks, without escalating the conflict: https://abbymedcalf.com/blame-scripts   👉 Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack.   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   👉 Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/    👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop   Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
456 Ratings

About

The research says the key to a happy life is happy relationships. But how exactly do you make your relationships better? That’s what this show is all about.   I’m Dr. Abby Medcalf, psychologist, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and (according to my kids) the bossy Jewish mom you didn’t know you needed. With decades of experience and millions of listeners in over 180 countries, I give you the no-fluff, research-backed strategies to make all your relationships better: with your partner, your family, your friends, and (most importantly) yourself.   Every week on the Relationships Made Easy podcast, I mix straight talk, humor, and science to help you communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and stop second-guessing yourself. Because great relationships aren’t built in a day. Great relationships are built daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Abby Medcalf
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    367
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Abby Medcalf. All Rights Reserved.455209
  • Show Website
    Relationships Made Easy

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