Finding Yourself in Difficult Conversations?

Summary

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.

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Your Host

Christina Gessler

Dr. Christina Gessler holds a Ph.D. in history, which she uses to explore what stories we tell and what happens to those we never tell. She is the creator and executive producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter ChristinaGessler.Substack.Com featuring curated playlists and writing advice. She is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics.
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