Sensitive Stories

Latest Episodes:

50: Balancing Work and Creative Passions Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Are you getting enough time for what you love? In this episode, I talk with Brian Zirngible, LMFT about balancing your career and creative passions as an HSP and:

• Regulating overwhelm and burnout with music, breathwork, and movement

• Finding time for what nourishes you through boundaries and communication

• How improv can support HSPs in being more flexible and resilient

Brian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a solo private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. Brian specializes in supporting highly sensitive men, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and athletes by turning pain into possibility. As an actively working musician and artist himself, Brian understands the unique challenges of the entertainment industry and the pressures of many unrealistic expectations and soul-crushing deadlines. Brian offers hope, healing and support for highly sensitive and creative men who are stuck, lost and who are searching for renewed purpose and more balance in their lives.

Keep in touch with Brian:
• Website: http://brianzirngible.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianzirngiblelmft

Resources Mentioned:
• Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182

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.

49: Tidying Up + Letting Go of Overwhelm Apr 01, 2025

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: https://insighttimer.com/sparkjoyandflow

Resources Mentioned:
• Circle of Joy Community: https://sparkjoyandflow.substack.com
• 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.

48: An HSP’s Infertility Journey Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Are you struggling with infertility? In this episode, I talk with Liz Gray, LCSW, RPT about her IVF journey through an HSP lens and:

• The physical, emotional, and mental impact of infertility treatment

• Why you should ask questions and trust your instincts when interviewing providers

• Transitioning into parenthood and navigating postpartum as a highly sensitive person

Liz is a Highly Sensitive Person, certified EMDR therapist and clinical supervisor, wife, human & goldendoodle momma, organizer, forever learner, quiet leader, social introvert, think-outside-the-box creator, trauma survivor, and infertility warrior. She is the proud co-founder of the Trauma-Informed Maternal Health Directory, which connects women to safe, highly qualified trauma-informed providers while they navigate infertility, pregnancy, and new parenthood. Liz lives outside of Chicago, IL with her husband, mini goldendoodle, and 8-month old son.

Keep in touch with Liz:
• Website: https://www.maternaltraumasupport.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternaltraumasupport

Resources Mentioned:
• The Trauma-Informed Maternal Health Network: https://www.maternaltraumasupport.com/provider.
At checkout, click on the annual listing option and enter PODCAST for 20% off an annual membership!

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.

47: Honoring Your Thresholds as a Black HSP Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Have you been misunderstood and put into a box? In this episode, I talk with Lana Holmes, Psy.D., LCP about the complexities of being highly sensitive and black as well as:

• Honoring your thresholds even if others misinterpret resting as laziness

• Embracing all parts of who you are and loving your sensitivity

• Untangling stereotypes to recognize other people for who they truly are

• How to uplift and include all members of our HSP community

Dr. Lana is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the Center for Inclusive Therapy + Wellness. She's passionate about providing therapy that welcomes and celebrates marginalized, oppressed, and stigmatized communities. Her areas of clinical interest and expertise include: the intersection between mental health and spirituality, issues pertaining to BDSM, kink, and ethical non-monogamy; issues pertaining to BIPOC individuals, issues pertaining to LGBTQIA2S+ folx, trauma across the lifespan, life transitions, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. She currently has openings for online individual and couples therapy.

Keep in touch with Dr. Lana:
• Website: https://www.inclusivetherapywellness.com/lana
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-holmes-psy-d-348972186
• Email: inclusivetherapywellness@gmail.com

Resources Mentioned:
• Kink and Clinical Practice 101 Training: https://www.touchstoneinstitute.org/trainings/kink-and-clinical-practice-101-(self-paced)
• Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781478921684
• Nap Ministry: https://thenapministry.wordpress.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.

46: Healing Burnout Through Books Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Are you constantly putting your needs last? In this episode, I talk with Dorothy Meyer about finding the courage to care for yourself and:

• Breaking free from perfectionism with small snippets of self-care

• Resetting from burnout by leaning on your support system and resources

• Closing the gap between your passions and your career to find more meaningful work

• Carving out time for your favorite forms of self-care like reading

Dorothy is a bookseller and small business owner in the Southern New Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia with a career background in corporate Human Resources. She is navigating her way through midlife as a highly sensitive person with an endless curiosity for expanding knowledge about the world and herself. Through the years Dorothy has struggled with perfectionism, overachieving, anxiety and susceptibility to burnout. Understanding herself as an HSP has been an integral component of her overall wellness. She enjoys reading, running, yoga, and spending time in nature.

Keep in touch with Dorothy:
• Website: http://www.renscoffeeandbooks.com
• Ren’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renscoffeenj
• Dorothy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyellowbrickreader
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renscoffeehouseandbooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renscoffeehousenj
Resources Mentioned:
• Ren’s Mailing List: https://www.renscoffeeandbooks.com
• Dorothy’s HSP Reading List: https://bookshop.org/lists/dorothy-s-hsp-reading-list
• Fierce Self-Compass by Kristin Neff, PhD: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780062991065

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.

45: Social Justice for Sensitives Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Are you burning out trying to make change and fight injustice? In this episode, I talk with Dorcas Cheng-Tozun about sustainable social advocacy and:

• The six roles of social justice work

• Why the extroverted activist ideal isn’t accurate or sustainable

• Pacing yourself and taking time for rest to make more impact in your volunteer or nonprofit work

• Benefits of having diverse personalities and interdependent communities

Dorcas is a writer, editor, communications consultant, and longtime nonprofit professional. She is the author of three books and currently teaches design thinking and social innovation to high school students. A Silicon Valley native, Dorcas has also lived in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Kenya.

Keep in touch with Dorcas:
• Website: http://www.chengtozun.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chengtozun
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chengtozun
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chengtozun

Resources Mentioned:
• Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781506483436

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.

44: Grieving Through the Seasons Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Are you carving out space to grieve? In this episode, I talk with Nichola Day about grieving through the seasons:
• Intentionally practicing rituals and finding community to honor grief throughout the year
• Prioritizing self-care and rest during times of grief
• Finding your personal and seasonal rhythms to reconnect with your values
• Unfolding the complexities of grief, from the acute loss to finding the lessons
Nichola is a Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher, and Yoga Therapist with her own business, 'Sensitive Yoga Therapy', based in the UK. She is HSP herself, as well as identifying as neurodivergent. She works to support other sensitives experiencing anxiety, overwhelm and burnout to reconnect back with their bodies, the natural world around them and their true authentic selves. She offers a route back to this through Yoga, Mindfulness, Seasonal Living & Inner Inquiry. When she is not working, Nichola loves to read, walk amongst trees and gaze at the moon!
Keep in touch with Nichola:
• Website: http://www.nicholaday.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitiveyogatherapy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitiveyogatherapy
Resources Mentioned:
• Sensitive Soul Space monthly membership: https://www.nicholaday.co.uk/sensitivesoulspace
• Yoga Therapy: https://www.nicholaday.co.uk/one-to-one-yoga-therapy Use code SensitiveStories for 20% off.
Thank you to Cozy Earth for sponsoring this episode.
Cozy Earth offers super soft and sustainably sourced bedding and loungewear. Use discount code SENSITIVE at checkout for up to 40% off. https://cozyearth.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.

43: Self-Care as Sensitive Leadership Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Do you constantly push your needs or ideas aside? In this episode, I talk with Tara Jackson about caring for yourself as a form of sensitive leadership and:
• How prioritizing self-care and your own sensitive rhythm is helpful for everyone
• Trusting your intuition to rest or to follow a creative idea in your work
• Why HSPs make excellent leaders and the various ways you can take a leadership role in your personal or professional life
• Allowing spiritual and somatic practices to guide you in creative ideas
Tara is an embodied leadership and creativity coach. She supports her clients to create in alignment with the seasons and rhythms of nature. She supports them to step into and embody their true authentic power so they show up from a place of wholeness and alignment. She invites her clients into deeper connection with their bodies, trusting themselves, as a basis for everything they do. She is also the author of four books, and creator of an oracle card deck.
Keep in touch with Tara:
• Website: https://empathpreneurs.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathpreneurs
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatarajackson
Resources Mentioned:
• Tara’s Books and Oracle Cards: https://empathpreneurs.org/books
• 1:1 Consulting with Tara: https://empathpreneurs.org/offerings/embodied-power
Thank you to Cozy Earth for sponsoring this episode.
Cozy Earth offers super soft and sustainably sourced bedding and loungewear. Use discount code SENSITIVE at checkout for up to 40% off. https://cozyearth.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.

42: Cutting Family Ties as an HSP Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Do you have a difficult relationship with a parent? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sharon Martin about cutting family ties and:
• The most common reasons most people cut ties with parents or close family members
• The difference between going low and no contact
• How common it is to second guess your decision to cut ties and what to do if that happens
• What to say to people who attempt to guilt you into making amends with a dysfunctional family member
• Navigating special occasions and finding healing after estrangement
Sharon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, and author specializing in helping adult children recover from difficult childhoods. She identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person and a recovering perfectionist. Sharon is the author of four books: The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism, The Better Boundaries Workbook, The Better Boundaries Guided Journal, and Cutting Ties with Your Parents.
Keep in touch with Sharon:
• Website: https://www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_sharon_martin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonmartinlcsw
Resources Mentioned:
• Cutting Ties with Your Parents by Dr. Sharon Martin: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781648483905
• The Better Boundaries Guided Journal by Dr. Sharon Martin: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781648482755
• The Better Boundaries Workbook by Dr. Sharon Martin: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781684037582
Thank you to Cozy Earth for sponsoring this episode.
Cozy Earth offers super soft and sustainably sourced bedding and loungewear. Use discount code SENSITIVE at checkout for up to 40% off. https://cozyearth.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.

41: Symbolism of Self-Care Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Do you struggle to care for yourself when overwhelmed? In this episode, I talk with Arianna Smith, LPC about allowing card pulls to guide your self-care practice and:
• The importance of starting with slow mornings and introspective practices as an HSP
• Using tarot either inside or outside of a spiritual/religious practice
• Understanding the different types of card decks and how to choose the right one
Arianna is a licensed therapist, professional copywriter, and a queer, witchy soul who dances daily between the clinical and creative. She empowers heart-centered individuals to tap into their intuition and reclaim their power through a trauma-informed, expansive approach that combines EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and intuitive practices like tarot, human design, and astrology. As a writer, Arianna merges clinical insight with feel-good content strategy to help therapists elevate their practices through authentic copy and email marketing. As a seasoned tarot reader, she blends deep reflection, spiritual exploration, and a dash of playfulness to guide clients through life’s complex questions and milestones.
Keep in touch with Arianna:
• Website: https://tarotwitharianna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writewitharianna
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianna-j-smith
Resources Mentioned:
• Intuitive Tarot Reading & Mentorship: https://tarotwitharianna.com
• How To Pick Your Tarot Deck: A Beginner’s Guide (includes recommended decks): https://www.ariannasmith.com/blog/how-to-pick-your-first-tarot-deck
Questions for Single Card Pulls:
Morning
• Where can I focus my energy?
• What HSP strength can I lean upon today?
Evening
• What did I learn about myself today?
• What energy from today should I release?
Mindful Break
• What is overwhelming me right now?
• What can support me right now?
Thank you to Cozy Earth for sponsoring this episode.
Find super soft and sustainable bedding and loungewear at https://cozyearth.com. Use code SENSITIVE for up to 40% off.

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.

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