Addiction Counselor Chico West and his wife Shannon lend their years of experience to listeners from all walks of life offering a unique perspective from both the filter (Shannon) and the no filter (Chico). Welcome to Filter Optional.
Filter Optional
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5.0(2 reviews)
163 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Addiction Counselor Chico West and his wife Shannon lend their years of experience to listeners from all walks of life offering a unique perspective from both the filter (Shannon) and the no filter (Chico). Welcome to Filter Optional.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/21/2022
1 verified contact email on file for Filter Optional
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Recent Episodes
June 30, 2026
The Messy Middle: How to Have Hard Conversations Without Avoiding or Controlling | #33
Chico and Shannon West explore navigating difficult conversations by embracing the "messy middle" with courage and curiosity for lasting relationship growth.
June 23, 2026
Stepping Into Vulnerability | #32
Chico West explores the human need for approval, sharing personal insights from sobriety and faith to reveal how true peace comes from within, not external validation.
June 16, 2026
Blind Spots: The Things Everyone Else Can See (But You Can’t) | #31
<p>In this episode of Filter Optional, Chico and Shannon West tackle a topic that affects every relationship, every family, and every stage of personal growth: <strong>blind spots</strong>.</p><p>What if the thing holding you back isn't what you know about yourself... but what you don't know?</p><p>Using humor, marriage stories, parenting examples, and real-life coaching experiences, Chico and Shannon explore how blind spots show up in everyday life. From defensiveness and assumptions to overhelping, impulsivity, and stubborn certainty, they unpack why we're often quick to spot blind spots in others while remaining unaware of our own .</p><p>The conversation highlights an important truth: blind spots aren't character flaws. They're simply gaps in how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. The key isn't eliminating them. It's becoming curious enough to uncover them.</p><p><br></p><p>Key Points</p><ul><li>What blind spots are and why everyone has them </li><li>The difference between intentions and impact in relationships</li><li>Why defensiveness is often a clue that a blind spot exists</li><li>Understanding the <strong>bias blind spot</strong>: seeing others' biases while missing your own </li><li>How blind spots show up in parenting, marriage, friendships, and personal growth</li><li>The role of feedback, self-awareness, and trusted relationships in uncovering blind spots</li><li>Why curiosity creates growth while certainty often creates stagnation</li></ul><p>Takeaway</p><p>You can't grow from what you refuse to see. Blind spots are part of being human, but self-awareness begins when we're willing to ask hard questions, listen to feedback, and get curious about the things we may be missing. Growth doesn't happen when we're right. It happens when we're willing to learn.</p>
163 total episodes available with 2 transcripts
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Filter Optional?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates inactive.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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