Reimagining Love with Dr. Alexandra Solomon

Latest Episodes:

How to Love Better: Cultivating Growth, Kindness, and Compassion with Yung Pueblo Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

You likely know today’s guest, Diego Perez, by his pen name: Yung Pueblo. He has an online audience of over 4 million people and is a New York Times bestselling author, whose books have been translated into over 25 languages. Diego’s work focuses on the power of self-healing, creating healthy relationships, and cultivating self-awareness, and his meditation practice is central to all that he shares with the world. He and Dr. Alexandra discuss all of that in this conversation, as they dig into the lessons and reflections he’s woven together in his new book, How to Love Better: The Path to Deeper Connection Through Growth, Kindness, and Compassion. They dive into what it means to argue and disagree peacefully with a partner, the power of meditation, and why it’s important to work with the universe, not against it. Diego also opens up about his own love story with his wife, Sarah. They wrap things up by exploring a question together from a listener in Chicago who is feeling doubts in her relationship and isn’t sure about the way forward.

How to Love Better: The Path to Deeper Connection Through Growth, Kindness, and Compassion by Yung Pueblo - https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-love-better-the-path-to-deeper-connection-through-growth-kindness-and-compassion-yung-pueblo/ee4231a521bfc115?ean=9780593582275&next=t&next=t

Diego’s Instagram @yung_pueblo

Diego’s website https://yungpueblo.com/

Order Dr. Alexandra’s book, Love Every Day - https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-every-day-365-relational-self-awareness-practices-to-help-your-relationship-heal-grow-and-thrive-alexandra-solomon/2e7045884bea4a5f?ean=9781683736530&next=t

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Learn more about the Options Transition to Independence Program which offers education, vocational, independent living, and emotional support for young adults with complex learning needs. https://www.experienceoptions.org/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stop, Breathe, Be: Transformative Resets to Curb Stress with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Are you stressed? According to physician and stress expert Dr. Aditi Nerurkar’s research, the answer is most likely “YES.” Whether it’s due to pressure at work, the unrelenting deluge of news, care responsibilities, or relationship challenges (or all of the above!), it’s understandable that most of us feel overwhelmed. But when old coping strategies aren’t working anymore and life feels unmanageable, it takes a toll on our brains, bodies and longevity.

Dr. Aditi joins Dr. Alexandra on today’s episode for a transformative conversation, centered on her bestselling book “The Five Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body For Less Stress and More Resilience.” Dr. Aditi is a Harvard stress expert, medical doctor, and researcher who is committed to offering actionable, practical, and science-backed approaches to reimagining your relationship with everyday stress and burnout. They discuss the solutions she shares in her book, which will empower you to develop the right kind of resilience, the kind that will allow you to move through challenges with patience and stability. And Dr. Aditi also shares her three second brain reset, “Stop, Breathe, Be” for listeners to try out.

Relevant Links:

The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-5-resets-rewire-your-brain-and-body-for-less-stress-and-more-resilience-aditi-nerurkar-md/267e885810a58e51?ean=9780063289215&next=t&next=t%2Ct

Dr. Aditi’s website - https://www.draditi.com/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Know When It’s Right: The Conversations that Unlock Connection with Lindsay Jill Roth Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Many of us have cultivated confidence in our careers, our family life, and our friendships, but when it comes to dating, we feel lost at sea. This was the case for acclaimed TV and live events producer Lindsay Jill Roth, who found herself asking what she knew were the wrong questions in dating (What does he want me to say? How can I make this person like me?). So, she set out to create a tool for herself that she's now sharing with the world. In her new book, Romances & Practicalities, Lindsay offers a roadmap for how to understand your wants and needs better and truly communicate and connect with the person you’re dating, through 250 research-backed questions spread across twelve categories—from money to children to chores to sex. These questions help folks develop deeper intimacy and open up about what they’re looking for in an intimate partnership. In her conversation with Dr. Alexandra, you’ll hear about Lindsay's budding romance with her now husband, the couples she spoke with who have used this system, and the wisdom and practical guidance she’s garnered from the clinical experts she interviewed for the book—including Dr. Alexandra! Lindsay urges listeners to view expansive and thoughtful dialog as something sexy, not just vital, as they get to know someone that they think might be their person. Lindsay and Dr. Alexandra also address a thoughtful listener question at the end of the episode, about dating across socio-economic class.

Romances & Practicalities: A Love Story (Maybe Yours!) in 250 Questions by Lindsay Jill Roth - https://bookshop.org/p/books/romances-practicalities-a-love-story-maybe-yours-in-250-questions-lindsay-jill-roth/7c695a74b388ec46?ean=9780063339798&next=t&next=t%2Ct

Lindsay’s website - https://lindsayjillroth.com/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Disconnected to Passionate: How to Get Out of a Sexual Rut with Dr. Kate Balestrieri Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Conversations about sex are so important, but approaching the topic with a partner can feel overwhelming. When we come up against sexual challenges in our relationships, it can be easy to fall into patterns of blame and shame. Listening to this episode is a great first step as you find your voice and reclaim your power in your sex life. You’ll hear from psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Kate Balestrieri, who joins Dr. Alexandra for a conversation all about sexuality and her new book, What Happened to My Sex Life? They explore the importance of creating shared agreements and visions with your partner when it comes to sex, how to navigate retroactive jealousy, and the role safety plays in our sexual connections. They also respond to a listener question about how someone’s sexual history can impact their current relationship dynamic.

Dr. Kate’s book: What Happened to My Sex Life? A Sex Therapist's Guide to Reclaiming Lost Desire, Connection, and Pleasure - https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-happened-to-my-sex-life-a-sex-therapist-s-guide-to-reclaiming-lost-desire-connection-and-pleasure-kate-balestrieri/fcee606927121387?ean=9781891011764&next=t&next=t%2Ct

Dr. Kate’s Instagram: @drkatebalestrieri

Dr. Kate’s website: Modern Intimacy - https://www.modernintimacy.com/dr-kate-balestrieri-sex-therapist/

Get Naked with Dr. Kate (podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-naked-with-dr-kate/id1563975869

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Family of Origin Roles Series: The Rebel (From Critical to Curious) Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode is part of a solo series on Reimagining Love about Family of Origin Roles (a.k.a. FOO roles). We’re exploring how the roles we were cast into as children and held within our family systems shape how we show up in our relationships today. Whether you were the one who held the family together, the rebel who pushed back against household norms, or the “easy” kid who flew under the radar, we all inhabited a position in the community of our family and absorbed certain messages about love, connection, and worthiness as a result.

Check out the introductory episode of the series if you missed it! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-role-did-you-play-in-your-family-of-origin-re-release/id1588419386?i=1000676613922

All previous role-specific episodes are also linked below, along with the FREE Family of Origin Roles workbook, Reclaiming You.

We’re taking a look at “The Rebel” role in today’s episode. Some family systems are well-equipped to handle disagreement, debate, and resistance. But when a family is under pressure in any way, a child who questions or challenges the system is going to be seen as a threat. While the Rebel may cling to their strong opinions and double down on their critical stance, feelings of fear, isolation, and anxiety may occur and continue into adulthood, especially around conformity and authority. Does this sound like you, or someone you love? Listen to the episode to learn more about this role and how The Rebel can break free from old stories that their only path to safety was to push back and choose the path of opposition.

Relevant links:

Reimagining Love episode: “People-Pleasing vs. Brutal Honesty: When & How to Share Feedback with Your Partner” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/people-pleasing-vs-brutal-honesty-when-how-to-share/id1588419386?i=1000593435253

Reimagining Love episode: “When Having ‘No Filter’ Hurts a Relationship” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-having-no-filter-hurts-a-relationship/id1588419386?i=1000592040330

Get the FREE Family of Origin Roles Workbook: Reclaiming You - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/68fb9be6dd08f86094b477d5/t/695460efc0563e326f3c907d/1767137519524/foo_workbook.pdf

Past episodes of the Family of Origin Roles Series:

The Perfect One (From Performance to Presence) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-perfect-one/id1588419386?i=1000679074329

The Easy One (From Accommodation to Authenticity) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-easy-one/id1588419386?i=1000679861104

The Struggling One (From Scapegoat to Self-Advocate) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-struggling-one/id1588419386?i=1000682992450

The Peacemaker (From Referee to Realist) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-peacemaker/id1588419386?i=1000683905568

The Parentified Child (From Confidant to Consultant) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-parentified-child/id1588419386?i=1000688828837

Take the Family of Origin Roles Quiz - https://www.dralexandrasolomon.com/rolesquiz

Dr. Alexandra’s Psychotherapy Networker Article - https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/work-issues-at-the-heart-of-couples-conflicts/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Family of Origin Roles Series: The Parentified Child (From Confidant to Consultant) Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Check out the introductory episode of the series if you missed it! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-role-did-you-play-in-your-family-of-origin-re-release/id1588419386?i=1000676613922

All previous role-specific episodes are also linked below.

We’re taking a look at “The Parentified Child” role in today’s episode. The child cast into this role likely heard that they were “so mature,” “wise beyond their years,” or were praised for their comforting presence when they were growing up. The problem? Kids shouldn’t have to provide emotional support to the adults in their family. Unfortunately for the Parentified Child, this felt like the surest route to safety and love, perhaps due to a chaotic environment, overwhelmed parents, or conflict in the family system. As an adult, the Parentified Child carries with them a certain set of beliefs and tendencies that they picked up as a kid in this role. Does this sound like you, or someone you love? Listen to the episode to learn more about this role and how The Parentified Child can free themselves from always taking on others’ needs and create more egalitarian relationships that feel safe and nourishing.

Relevant links:

Get the FREE Family of Origin Roles Workbook: Reclaiming You - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/68fb9be6dd08f86094b477d5/t/695460efc0563e326f3c907d/1767137519524/foo_workbook.pdf

Reimagining Love episode with Dr. Hillary McBride: Getting Present: Tuning Into Your Body with Dr. Hillary McBride - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-present-tuning-into-your-body-with-dr-hillary/id1588419386?i=1000583003768

Reimagining Love series: “I Love My Partner, But Their Family is Toxic”: Part 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-love-my-partner-but-their-family-is-toxic-part-one/id1588419386?i=1000581520129

Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-love-my-partner-but-their-family-is-toxic-part-two/id1588419386?i=1000582290241

Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls' Childhood (Rebecca Epstein, Jamilia J. Blake, Thalia González, from the Center on Poverty and Inequality, Georgetown Law) - https://genderjusticeandopportunity.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/girlhood-interrupted.pdf

Past episodes of the Family of Origin Roles Series:

The Perfect One (From Performance to Presence) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-perfect-one/id1588419386?i=1000679074329

The Easy One (From Accommodation to Authenticity) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-easy-one/id1588419386?i=1000679861104

The Struggling One (From Scapegoat to Self-Advocate) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-struggling-one/id1588419386?i=1000682992450

The Peacemaker (From Referee to Realist) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-of-origin-roles-series-the-peacemaker/id1588419386?i=1000683905568

Take the Family of Origin Roles Quiz - https://www.dralexandrasolomon.com/rolesquiz

Dr. Alexandra’s Psychotherapy Networker Article - https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/work-issues-at-the-heart-of-couples-conflicts/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exploring Attachment: Transform Your Relationship Patterns with Thais Gibson Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of attachment with guest Thais Gibson, an author, counselor, and the co-founder of The Personal Development School. While the discourse around attachment so often focuses on identifying what’s “wrong” with us, in this conversation, Dr. Alexandra and Thais explore how understanding and investigating our attachment style can create fertile ground for us to change the way we show up in relationships and break frustrating patterns. Our attachment style is not our destiny, and when we begin to understand the roots of this subconscious programming, we have the opportunity to reprogram ourselves for better and more fulfilling relationships. This episode will give you the tools and insights to start down that path and think more expansively about attachment.

Thais’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/?hl=en

The Personal Development School: https://university.personaldevelopmentschool.com/?utm_source=google-search&utm_medium=cpc-lead&utm_campaign=18002521897&utm_term=&gc_id=18002521897&h_ad_id=669729918143&utm_content=the%20personal%20development%20school&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-ty8BhA_EiwAkyoa3z3T3TuA97YrM94r0tXSv9POnZZRtUuXq3m84CMMe-o1W8CwB7UaYxoCJ1QQAvD_BwE

Order Dr. Alexandra’s book, Love Every Day: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-every-day-365-relational-self-awareness-practices-to-help-your-relationship-heal-grow-and-thrive-alexandra-solomon/2e7045884bea4a5f?ean=9781683736530&next=t&

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter: https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question: https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your Best Relationship Begins with You: Nine Truths About Love & Self-Acceptance with Jillian Turecki Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Today’s guest is Jillian Turecki, a certified relationship coach, teacher, author of the new book It Begins With You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life, and host of the podcast, Jillian On Love. You’ve likely seen her wise and straightforward videos that get right to the heart of our most pressing dating and relationship questions. She’s helped thousands through her teachings, courses, writing, and her popular social media accounts to revolutionize their relationship with themselves so that they can transform their romantic relationships.

One of the central tenets of Jillian’s work is the idea that the common denominator in all your relationships is you. A lot of us know in our bones that creating safety inside ourselves is the key to healthy relationships with others—but we don’t always know how to do this or where to start. Jillian and Dr. Alexandra also discuss estrangement and navigating complex relationships with family members. Tune in to today’s episode to hear all of Jillian’s wisdom!

Relevant Links:

It Begins with You: The 9 Hard Truths about Love That Will Change Your Life by Jillian Turecki https://bookshop.org/p/books/it-begins-with-you-the-9-hard-truths-about-love-that-will-change-your-life-jillian-turecki/eea0130dbab15569?ean=9780063374362&next=t&

Jillian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianturecki/?hl=en

Jillian's website: https://www.jillianturecki.com/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Family of Origin Roles Series: The Peacemaker (From Referee to Realist) Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode is part of a solo series on Reimagining Love about Family of Origin Roles (a.k.a. FOO roles). Tune in on the first two Tuesdays of each month to learn about how the roles we were cast into as children and held within our family systems shape how we show up in our relationships today. Whether you were the one who held the family together, the rebel who pushed back against household norms, or the “easy” kid who flew under the radar, we all inhabited a position in the community of our family and absorbed certain messages about love, connection, and worthiness as a result.

Check out the introductory episode of the series if you missed it! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-role-did-you-play-in-your-family-of-origin-re-release/id1588419386?i=1000676613922

We’re taking a look at “The Peacemaker” role in today’s episode. All families have conflict, and it’s common for one child in the family to play a referee or mediator role, either through intervention or more subtler peacemaking strategies, such as comic relief. As adults, Peacemakers likely find themselves between friends and family members when there are tensions and may struggle to extract themselves from these dynamics. Does this sound like you, or someone you love? Listen to the episode to learn more about this role and how The Peacemaker can embark on their healing journey.

Relevant links:

Get the FREE Family of Origin Roles Workbook: Reclaiming You - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/68fb9be6dd08f86094b477d5/t/695460efc0563e326f3c907d/1767137519524/foo_workbook.pdf

Reimagining Love: Disrupting the Underfunctioning/Overfunctioning Dynamic - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrupting-the-underfunctioning-overfunctioning/id1588419386?i=1000565488608

Take the Family of Origin Roles Quiz - https://www.dralexandrasolomon.com/rolesquiz

Reimagining Love: “Tending to ‘Little You’ & Exploring Your Family of Origin” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tending-to-little-you-exploring-your-family-of-origin/id1588419386?i=1000584624154

Dr. Alexandra’s Psychotherapy Networker Article - https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/work-issues-at-the-heart-of-couples-conflicts/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Family of Origin Roles Series: The Struggling One (From Scapegoat to Self-Advocate) Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Check out the introductory episode of the series if you missed it! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-role-did-you-play-in-your-family-of-origin-re-release/id1588419386?i=1000676613922

We’re taking a look at “The Struggling One” role in today’s episode. In some families, there is an individual who needs more care and attention than others. There are a number of reasons why this might be the case, including a difference in ability, a behavioral challenge, or a mental health condition. In any case, the “struggling one” is the recipient of a lot of the family system’s energy, and this dynamic may lead to certain challenges and strengths for that person in adulthood. Does this sound like you, or someone you love? Listen to the episode to learn more about this role and how The Struggling One can embark on their healing journey.

Relevant links:

Get the FREE Family of Origin Roles Workbook: Reclaiming You - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/68fb9be6dd08f86094b477d5/t/695460efc0563e326f3c907d/1767137519524/foo_workbook.pdf

Minorities Less Likely to Be Identified for Special Education, Study Finds (EducationWeek) - https://www.edweek.org/leadership/minorities-less-likely-to-be-identified-for-special-education-study-finds/2015/06

‘Boys are disappearing’ from mental health care as signs of depression go undetected (NBC News) - https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/depression-anxiety-teen-boys-diagnosis-undetected-rcna141649

Girls With Social and/or Attention Deficit Re-Examined in Young Adulthood: Prospective Study of Diagnostic Stability, Daily Life Functioning and Social Situation (National Library of Medicine) - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10201085/

The "Spoon Theory" (Christine Miserandino, www.butyoudontlooksick.com) https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/2020-05/Spoon%20theory%20by%20Christine%20Miserandino.pdf

Take the Family of Origin Roles Quiz - https://www.dralexandrasolomon.com/rolesquiz

Reimagining Love: “Tending to ‘Little You’ & Exploring Your Family of Origin” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tending-to-little-you-exploring-your-family-of-origin/id1588419386?i=1000584624154

Dr. Alexandra’s Psychotherapy Networker Article - https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/work-issues-at-the-heart-of-couples-conflicts/

Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter - https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/sign-up

Submit a Listener Question - https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Reimagining Love with Dr. Alexandra Solomon

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected