Why do so many difficult conversations happen over a school break, a holiday meal, or at an important family event? How can we better prepare ourselves, and start managing our expectations? This episode explores:

Ways we can navigate difficult* conversations.

Why we can stop trying to have the right answer.

Questions to ask ourselves as we set our intentions and our boundaries.

How to offer a heads up in advance of divulging surprising news.

The importance of chosen families, and of friendship gatherings.

Tips for helping others and ourselves, even when things go wrong.


*This episode is not applicable for abusive situations.
Our guest is: Lindsay Geist, who holds an MDiv and MSW, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her graduate work at Duke Divinity School and UNC-Chapel Hill (according to Lindsay: “yes, you can go to two rival schools at the same time...as long as you don’t mention it during basketball season!”). She runs her own private practice; and leads trainings on mental health, addressing anxiety, and soul care. Lindsay also co-hosts the podcast, “Not Alone: Conversations on Faith and Mental Health.”
Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, a historian of women and gender.
Listeners to this episode may also be interested in:


How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship and Community, by Mia Birdsong


It’s a Wonderful Life: Insights on Finding a Meaningful Existence, by Frank Martela


Tw-eats: Big Feelings and Short Recipes for Those Who Cook and Eat With Love, David K. Smith


Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, by Nedra Glover Tawwab

This podcast episode on dealing with rejection

This podcast on the value of spending time outside

This podcast on Cooking and Grief


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