A Slice of Empathy

Breathe, Plan, Reclaim: Overcoming the ‘Not Good Enough’ Core Belief

In this episode, counselor and author Sabrina Trobak explores how core beliefs like "not good enough" form, how they fuel anxiety and unhealthy patterns, and why awareness is the first step to change.
She shares practical strategies—breathing exercises, concrete planning, and relationship tools—to build confidence, reframe thoughts, and develop a lasting sense of being good enough, important, and valued.
Connect with Sabrina:
https://www.trobakholistic.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@SabrinaTrobak
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-trobak-b-ed-m-a-c-p-r-c-c-ccs-99725127/
https://www.instagram.com/nge_trobak/
https://www.tiktok.com/@nge_core_belief
https://www.facebook.com/trobakholisticcounselling

Life with an Escape Artist: The Non‑ADHD Partner's Story

Producer and artist manager Christine Cox joins the podcast to share her experience as the non-ADHD partner in a long-term marriage. She discusses the frustration, judgment, and emotional labor of keeping life on track amid ADHD-driven chaos, plus how therapy, humor, journaling, and boundaries have helped.
Christine also talks about defending her spouse in social settings, the impact of smartphones and stimulation, and why curiosity and empathy from others would make a big difference. She’s working on a book, Life with an Escape Artist, and can be found on Instagram @MissChristineCox.
Christine Cox is a producer, artist manager, and strategist with over two decades of experience in theater, film, and live entertainment. She is currently at work on her book Life with an Escape Artist, which explores the rarely-discussed perspective of partners navigating relationships with ADHD. Drawing on humor, empathy, and hard-earned lessons from nearly 20 years with her husband, actor and magician Max Darwin, Christine brings a candid and compassionate voice to conversations about love, resilience, and creative life.  
Connect with Christine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misschristinecox/
https://www.maxloveschristine.com/about
MaxLovesChristine.com & ChristineLovesMax.com
On ADHD: https://www.csquaredentertainment.com/successmentalhealth
 

Transforming Legacy: Dr. Ashley Rodriguez on Breaking Generational Patterns

Dr. Ashley Rodriguez, a Latina psychologist and founder of Path Break Coaching, discusses trauma-informed, culturally responsive care for women of color. She shares her personal and clinical journey, explores intergenerational trauma, emotional burdens of being the "strong" one, and practical tools for rebuilding relationships, setting boundaries, and integrating mind, body, and spirit.
Learn about her upcoming course, Legacy Reset, and takeaways like community, increased self-awareness, and sustainable rituals to support healing and reclaim inherited narratives.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathbreakcoachingandconsulting/
Website: https://www.ashleyrodriguezphd.com/
 

Staying or Leaving? Dr. Becky Whetstone on Marriage and Divorce

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Becky Whetstone, a seasoned marriage crisis therapist, to navigate the complex world of relationships and marriages. Becky shares her personal journey from experiencing a marital crisis to becoming a renowned relationship expert. She discusses the crucial stages of a deteriorating marriage, the importance of proper therapy, and how her groundbreaking book aims to fill a void in traditional marriage counseling.
Becky provides valuable advice on maintaining individuality in a relationship, the impact of early marriages, and how to navigate the challenges of raising children in a split family environment. The conversation also touches on the delicate subject of religious beliefs in marriage and divorce, offering a compassionate perspective for those grappling with such dilemmas. Discover practical tips on how to address marriage crises early to prevent irreparable damage.
Whether you're in a struggling marriage, thinking about divorce, or simply interested in enhancing your relationship skills, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a leading voice in marriage crisis management.
Connect with Becky: https://medium.com/@doctorbecky

Silent Struggles: Valerie's Journey Through Trauma and Healing

Welcome back to Slice of Empathy, where in this episode, we transition from Patrick's childhood traumas to explore Valerie's equally compelling journey. Valerie, Patrick's wife and co-host, opens up about the emotional challenges she faced growing up in a household that lacked emotional warmth and support. 
The episode sheds light on the silent struggles Valerie experienced, from the absence of a supportive family environment to the decision to leave home at 18 for her safety. Valerie discusses the pressures of growing up in a chaotic, abusive home and the long-term effects that shaped her adult life, her marriage, and her pursuit of emotional healing.
Join us as Valerie bravely shares her experiences with therapy, the realization of past trauma, and her path towards a healthier emotional state. This powerful dialogue also touches on the importance of establishing boundaries, understanding emotional needs, and learning to find strength in vulnerability.

Navigating Adult Friendships: Seasons, Change, and Growth with Coleman Housefield

In this episode, we sit down with Coleman Housefield, a seasoned marriage and family coach, to explore the intricacies of adult friendships and how they evolve through different life stages. Coleman shares valuable insights on the natural progression of friendships, emphasizing that relationships often align with different seasons of our lives.
We dive into the importance of emotional responsibility in marriage and how taking ownership of our emotions can transform not only our romantic relationships but also our interactions with friends and family. Coleman provides actionable advice for fighting fair in relationships and nurturing connections that reflect interdependence.
The conversation also touches on the pivotal decision of parenthood, offering guidance for couples facing differing views on having children. Coleman illuminates how our upbringing shapes our perspectives on becoming parents and how to break free from generational cycles.
Join us as we explore the dynamics of modern relationships, the challenges of maintaining old friendships, and the journey of fostering new connections with practical wisdom that can be applied in everyday life.
Connect with Coleman:
Website: www.colemanhousefield.com
Podcast: The Ordinary Family

Redefining Success: Alice Yeh on Breaking Free from Perfectionism

In this episode, we're joined by Alice Yeh, a certified career clarity coach and former corporate high achiever. Alice shares her personal journey of breaking free from burnout and perfectionism after years in top companies like JP Morgan and Google. Having experienced multiple layoffs, including a pivotal one at Google, Alice has redefined what success means to her. She offers insights into navigating career crossroads, rebuilding after burnout, and finding courage to create a life that truly excites you. Tune in to discover how Alice's travel experiences and mindset shifts have influenced her approach to career and life design.
Connect with Alice: https://aliceyehcoaching.com/
Sam website: https://wearesam.co/
Special Sam Promotion - Sign up to become a member and get 15% off your first session with code: wearesam15
Sam IG: https://www.instagram.com/wearesamco/
Sam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearesamco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceyeh/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heyaliceyeh/
 

What He Never Said: Patrick Kerl on Grief, Family, and Generational Wounds

Welcome to an intimate episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, where we delve into a deeply personal journey of marriage, family dynamics, and the quiet weight of unrecognized trauma.
In this episode, we explore my husband’s story — raised by a devoted single father after his parents divorced, while navigating the emotional distance of a mother who was present only on weekends and largely unavailable. After losing his father to cancer at just 16, he moved in with his mother and stepfather — a man who barely tolerated him, offering little in the way of support or connection.
The loss of his mother years later to the very same cancer, and the absence of emotional acknowledgment or healing in between, left wounds that lingered into adulthood.
Together, we reflect on the generational and emotional impacts of this journey, and what it means to build a marriage when your earliest examples of love and security were fractured or missing. This is a conversation about grief, resilience, and learning how to show up for each other — even when no one showed up for you.

Transforming Pain into Purpose: Blanca Rodriguez's Journey to Healing

In this deeply moving episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we explore the powerful story of Blanca Rodriguez, the remarkable founder of Wounded Healer LLC. Join us as we delve into Blanca's journey from a childhood marked by trauma and loss to a life dedicated to healing and transformation. Blanca shares her inspiring mission to help others through holistic life coaching, dance, and physical movement, revealing how she turned her pain into purpose.
Blanca opens up about the challenges she faced, including growing up with a mother affected by chronic mental illness and enduring multiple incidents of sexual assault. Discover how music and dance became her refuge, guiding her toward emotional and physical healing. The conversation highlights the importance of physical movement and open communication in overcoming trauma and fostering resilience.
Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that emphasizes the significance of seeking support and embracing life's journey as a dance. Whether you're experiencing a dark season or seeking inspiration, Blanca's story will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and determination to improve your quality of life, no matter where you are on your personal path.
Learn more about Blanca and Wounded Healer LLC:
www.woundedhealer.us
https://www.facebook.com/r.blancae
https://www.facebook.com/Woundedhealer1965
www.linkedin.com/in/blanca-e-rodriguez-58b20490
https://www.instagram.com/woundedhealer.blancae/
https://www.threads.net/@woundedhealer.blancae
https://www.tiktok.com/@woundedhealer.blancae?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/groups/964878995475822

Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming the Sunday Scaries with CT Kaupp

In this episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we are joined by CT Kaupp, the visionary behind the Mindful Soulpreneur (SPX). CT shares his journey from managing a website design business to embracing mindfulness as a transformative life tool. Discover how small, intentional shifts can bring profound changes to your life, breaking free from the autopilot mode that often accompanies our routines.
CT delves into the concept of the "Sunday Scaries"—the anxiety or dread often felt before the workweek begins—and offers practical advice to overcome it. Learn how integrating simple mindfulness practices can help you reclaim your energy and find joy, without the pressure of unrealistic expectations.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges the traditional narrative of success and encourages a more balanced, mindful approach to living. Whether you're self-employed, working a traditional schedule, or just feeling stuck, this episode provides valuable insights to help you align with your true self. 
 
Website: https://themindfulsoulpreneur.com/about/