Sensitive Stories

Latest Episodes:

83: Letting Yourself Feel Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Did you learn to numb your feelings? In this episode, I talk with Emily Macleod about reconnecting with your body through somatics and:

Slowing down to notice what your body is telling you
Letting go of self-judgment and embracing your imagination
Accepting your big emotions

Emily is a Somatics Coach for highly sensitive people. She shows highly sensitive people how to safely come back to their body so they can lessen the overwhelm and find confidence and joy.

Keep in touch with Emily:

Website: http://www.emilymacleodhsp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymacleodhsp

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.com
You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.
Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

82: Finding Your Way Back to Wholeness Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Have you felt disconnected from your emotions? In this episode, I talk with Marie O’Neill about coming back to yourself and:

Reconnecting to all parts of your being after periods of chronic stress or self-doubt
Caring for your nervous system to support self-exploration
Finding meaning through connections with nature, community, or spirituality

Marie is a holistic psychotherapist and spiritual coach specialising in working with HSPs. She offers programmes, services and community for highly sensitive people who want to heal their relationship with themselves on all levels, body, nervous system, mind and soul, based on her Sensitive Soul framework.

Keep in touch with Marie:

Website: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/space_for_the_soul_therapy

Resources Mentioned:

Sensitive Soul Sanctuary: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/join-sensitive-soul-santuary-membership
Sensitive Soul Group: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/group-programme
Free Workbook: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/calm-connected-workbook
Free Masterclass: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/sensitivity-masterclass#downloadmasterclass

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

REPLAY: Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sacrifice Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

How often do you take care of yourself? In this episode, I talk with Angelique Foye-Fletcher, LMFT, RPT about breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice and:

How your cultural upbringing shapes your identity as an HSP
Learning to take care of yourself when you grew up in an environment or culture that didn’t have room for your sensitivity
Why simple acts of mindfulness are deeply healing and can change the way you parent

Angelique Foye-Fletcher (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist who helps sensitive, neurodivergent adults and caregivers heal through her four pillars of Books, Nature, Play, and Connection. An INFJ, HSP, and Enneagram 4, Angelique brings curiosity, ritual, and deep empathy into her work—often lighting incense or walking in nature as part of her own healing practice.

Keep in touch with Angelique:

Website: https://foyefletchertherapy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyefletchertherapy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foyefletcherllc

Resources Mentioned:

Parent/Caregiver Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/parentcaregiver-support-coaching
Reconnect + Rejuvenate Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/coachingtherapy-packages

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

REPLAY: Embracing Your Sensitive Awareness Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Have you felt embarrassed by your sensitivity? In this episode, I talk with William Allen about the journey of learning to understand and embrace being an HSP as well as:

Moving from living inauthentically to accepting your sensitivity
The challenges faced by HSP men such as lack of community and models of sensitive masculinity
Practicing portable self-care such as meditation, breathing, and connection with nature to recover from overwhelm more quickly
Finding more resilience as an HSP with the 3Es: Educate, Embrace, Evangelize

William is an author with a writer’s heart and researcher’s mind. After getting a degree in Psychology with an eye on doing psychology research, he recalibrated for a career in Information Technology. He retired early from his corporate job to start his Hypno-coaching and neurofeedback brain training business, BrainPilots, in Bend, Oregon. In late 2016, he began his blog, The Sensitive Man, about his experiences, as a highly sensitive man. The blog became the genesis of his first book, Confessions of a Sensitive Man. His new book, On Being a Sensitive Man, is the follow up book, which focuses on how to live in the world as a sensitive man. He feels that HSP males need to take their keen insights and intuition and make them public. He would like to shed more light on highly sensitive males and the much-needed role they need to take in our society.

Keep in touch with William:

Website: http://www.thesensitiveman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zallenw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesensitiveman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrallen

Resources Mentioned:

Online HSP Men’s Group: https://www.thesensitiveman.com/hsp-mens-group.html
Confessions of a Sensitive Man by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781098325169
On Being a Sensitive Man: Success Strategies for Harnessing Your Highly Sensing Nature by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781667817439
The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
Research on High Sensitivity: https://sensitivityresearch.com
Sensitive: The Untold Story documentary: https://sensitivethemovie.com
Sensitive Men Rising documentary: https://sensitivemenrising.org

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

REPLAY: Embracing Your Sensitivity + Socializing On Your Own Terms Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Have you gotten stuck in the belief that HSPs are fragile? In this episode, I talk with Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, LMFT about celebrating your sensitivity and:

Teaching people how to treat you and communicating that your needs are different
Setting firm, but kind boundaries and how to manage pushback
Finding fulfilling ways to socialize without the overwhelm or social pressure to show up like everyone else
Rewriting the messages that say HSPs are weird, too sensitive, shy, or weak
It’s possible for highly sensitive people to be ambitious, resilient, and strong

Ibinye is a licensed marriage and family therapist for couples and women with anxiety and insomnia. As a coach, she helps highly sensitive women set clear, kind boundaries, so they can put their needs at the forefront of their lives, stand up for themselves and rock social situations. When she's not working with HSPs she loves trying out new foods and taking naps.

Keep in touch with Ibinye:

Website: http://www.thezinniapractice.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezinniapractice
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thezinniapractice

Resources Mentioned:

Individual Coaching for Highly Sensitive Women: https://calendly.com/ibi-k7ob/consult
HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

REPLAY: Tidying Up + Letting Go of Overwhelm Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Are you overwhelmed by clutter? In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Jo-Rushdy about the impacts of tidying up and:

How clutter and tidying up impacts our emotional, mental, and physical health
The importance of digital boundaries and creating a sanctuary in your home
Letting go of what doesn’t bring you joy and finding gratitude for your belongings
Intentionally going through the six stages of the KonMari method of tidying up

Rebecca guides sensitive souls on transformational journeys by decluttering their homes, hearts and minds into sanctuaries that spark joy and flow. As a recovered shopaholic & drawing on her lived experiences she’s dedicated to helping other highly sensitive people turn their wounds into wisdom and their exhaustion into energy. Rebecca also facilitates wellness workshops and speaks for corporates, government agencies and NGOs on the power of decluttering our personal and professional lives so that we can be more focused, effective and happy in whatever we do. Rebecca has lived and worked all over the world. She was the first platinum KonMari® consultant in Malaysia, and in Edinburgh, Scotland where she is currently based with her husband and two wonderfully sensitive daughters.

Keep in touch with Rebecca:

Website: http://www.sparkjoyandflow.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkjoyandflow
Insight Timer: http://www.insightttimer.com/sparkjoyandflow

Resources Mentioned:

Circle of Joy Community: https://circleofjoy.mn.co/plans/1444189
Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781607747307

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

81: Getting Unstuck From Anxiety and Depression Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Are you on an emotional rollercoaster? In this episode, I talk with Esther Kane, MSW, RCC, about the real reason you struggle with anxiety or depression and:

Impacts of being labeled as moody, serious, or quiet when you were younger
Discovering the connection between anxiety, depression, and your sensitive nervous system
How to leverage your capacity to feel deep joy to break out of the emotional rollercoaster you’ve been on

Esther is a psychotherapist with nearly 30 years of experience who specializes in highly sensitive people, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing. She shares trauma-informed, body-based insights on her YouTube channel, Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person, providing practical support for those dealing with anxiety, emotional eating/food addiction, and overwhelm.

Keep in touch with Esther:

Website: https://www.estherkane.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivingHSP
Esther’s Newsletter and Counselling Services: https://www.estherkane.com/services

Resources Mentioned:

Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
Why We Meditate by Goleman and Rinpoche: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781982178468
Crossing Zero by Anders Sorenson
Radical Compassion by Tara Brach: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780525522836
Self-Compassion Break by Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/#guided-practices
Polyvagal Theory/Deb Dana: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/polyvagal-theory

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

80: Embracing Creativity and Curiosity Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Do you feel disconnected from your creative side? In this episode, I talk with Jill McDougall about embracing the messiness of play and:

Pulling the threads of curiosity and learning to trust your intuitive gifts
The impact of growing up feeling sensory-sensitive and wanting harmonious environments
Finding confidence and breaking free of limiting beliefs as an adult

Jill is a mixed media/collage artist living in Washington state. Fascinated by what lies beneath the surface, she notices the details and nuance of things and builds fragments of her observations into the layers of her art. She believes that the world needs authenticity, creativity and connection now more than ever, and is learning to lean into her sensitivities and reframe them as superpowers.

Keep in touch with Jill:

Website: https://www.jillmcdougall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillmcdougallart
Substack: https://jillinspire.substack.com

Resources Mentioned:

Sensitive by Jenn Granneman and Andre Solo: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780593235034
HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test
Olander Sand Trays: https://www.olanderearthworks.com

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

79: Breaking the Mold of ADHD Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Are you quietly restless or get lost in the clouds? In this episode, I talk with Nikolai Blinow, LMHC about the subtle signs of ADHD in highly sensitive people and:

Why HSPs and women are often misdiagnosed
The three types of ADHD and how they present
How to embrace neurodiversity as a strength and lean into radical acceptance

Nikolai is a highly-sensitive person with ADHD who helps fellow HSP and ADHD women in leadership roles who are done with operating in survival mode. Her work blends strategic therapy & nervous system re-calibration to help women slow down, stay powerful, and keep their edge.

Keep in touch with Nikolai:

Website: http://www.ompowermentpsych.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolai-diana-blinow-9239302

Resources Mentioned:

Nikolai’s self-care challenges: https://www.ompowermentpsych.com/freechallenge
Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
ADHD 2.0 by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780399178740
HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test
ADHD Self-Report Scale: https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf
Divergently Community: https://www.joindivergently.com
Autism, ADHD, or High Sensitivity research review: https://youtu.be/qTap7Ibbq1c

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

78: Getting to the Roots of People Pleasing Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Do you lose yourself caring for others? In this episode, I talk with Kirsten Davidson, RP about being mindful about self-abandonment and:

Understanding the distinction between caretaking from a place of empathy and people pleasing from a place of fear of abandonment
Connecting with all the parts of yourself to heal and guide you in times of insecurity
How to decipher the roots of your anxious experiences

Kirsten is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Founder of Mind The Gaps Psychotherapy, where she supports adults, couples, and families in moving through disconnection, emotional overwhelm, and stuck patterns toward more self-led, connected ways of being. Her work is grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and existential approaches, helping clients explore what lies beneath their patterns with curiosity and compassion. Beyond the therapy room, she contributes to broader mental health conversations through public speaking and her writing for Psychology Today, where she explores relationships, identity, and personal growth.

Keep in touch with Kirsten: