Self-improvement Book Club by Rachel

About Self-improvement Book Club by Rachel

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel-meditation/subscribe (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel-meditation/subscribe) I review self-help books in a fun & entertaining way!

Publisher

Rachel Collins

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Sept 2022

Latest episode

25 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

101 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Aug 2025

   E 101: Caring versus codependency - which one is it?

   we're diving into a summary of Chapter 2 from Terri Cole's incredible new book, Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency. If you've ever felt that relentless push to do more, give more, and be more, often leaving you feeling drained and unseen, then this is for you. Chapter 2 is a real game-changer, laying out the subtle ways we might be sacrificing our own peace, even when we think we're just being "good" or "helpful." We'll be looking at what high-functioning codependency truly means, how to tell the difference between healthy caring and codependent patterns, and a really insightful concept So, let's get into the highlights of Chapter 2 and uncover some powerful truths that can genuinely shift how you relate to yourself and others. Segment 1: What is High-Functioning Codependency? Host: In the book, Terri Cole makes it clear that high-functioning codependency, or HFC, isn't what most people think of when they hear "codependent." It's not about being helpless or unable to function. Quite the opposite! HFCs are often the most capable, reliable, and successful individuals – they're the ones everyone turns to. But the core of HFC, as explained in Chapter 2, is an over-investment in the external world. This means being overly focused on the feelings, situations, and circumstances of others, usually to the detriment of your own internal peace. This constant outward focus uses up immense time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. It's often an unconscious drive to manage, fix, or please others, even if it's disguised as genuine care. Segment 2: Caring vs. Codependent – The Key Difference Host: This chapter also draws a really crucial line between healthy caring and codependent behavior. We're all wired to care, and that's a beautiful thing. But Terri suggests the biggest differentiator lies in your motivation and your boundaries. Healthy caring comes from a place of genuine desire to support, with respect for the other person's autonomy. You give from a place of abundance, you maintain your boundaries, and you don't expect a specific outcome. Codependent "caring," conversely, often springs from fear, obligation, or a deep need to be needed. You might be "helping" to avoid conflict, to get approval, or out of a fear of what might happen if you don't step in. This often leads to over-investment in another's outcomes, blurring your personal boundaries. Terri encourages us to ask ourselves: "Why am I doing this? How do I truly feel after? Am I expecting something in return? Did they even ask for my help?" These questions help reveal the true driver behind our actions. Need a therapist? Check us out at www.strideforwardcounseling.com

2. 

   6 May 2025

   E100: “Too Much” taking a look at high functioning codependency

   Episode Summary: In this 100th episode, the podcast delves into the book "Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency" by Terri Cole, specifically focusing on Chapters 1 and 2. The host explores Cole's redefinition of codependency, moving beyond the traditional association with addiction to the concept of High-Functioning Codependency (HFC). The episode examines the characteristics of HFC, including over-functioning, auto-advice giving, difficulty receiving, poor boundaries, people-pleasing, a strong need for external validation, high empathy, being out of touch with one's own feelings, and conflict avoidance. The podcast further discusses how HFCs can fall into patterns of burnout, exhaustion, and resentment. Finally, the role of societal, familial, and peer messaging in the development of codependent behaviors is explored, using the example of a successful lawyer. Show Notes: Episode: Episode 100 - Book Review: "Too Much" by Terri Cole (Chapters 1 & 2) Key Topics: Terri Cole's book, "Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency" Traditional vs. new definitions of codependency Characteristics of High-Functioning Codependency (HFC) Over-functioning, auto-advice giving, difficulty receiving Poor boundaries, people-pleasing, need for external validation High empathy, out of touch with own feelings, conflict avoidance The path to burnout, exhaustion, and resentment for HFCs Influence of societal, familial, and peer messaging on codependency Breaking free from codependent cycles Call to Action: Read "Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency" by Terri Cole Reflect on personal patterns of over-giving and self-sacrifice Tune in to the next episode for more insights on reclaiming personal power and creating healthy boundaries. -- Rachel Collins LCPC (she/her) https://strideforwardcounseling.com

3. 

   7 Mar 2025

   E99: Stumbling Into Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert

   Podcast Summary: Exploring "Stumbling Into Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert** In this episode, we delve into the intriguing insights found in Daniel Gilbert's bestselling book, "Stumbling Into Happiness." Gilbert, a renowned psychologist, takes us on a journey through the science of happiness, exploring the common misconceptions and surprising truths about what makes us feel fulfilled. We discuss the concept of "affective forecasting," where Gilbert highlights our often inaccurate ability to predict what will make us happy in the future. He explains how our minds tend to overestimate emotional responses to future events, leading us to make decisions based on faulty predictions. Key points of the episode include: - The difference between synthetic happiness (the contentment we create when we don't get what we want) and natural happiness (the joy we feel when we achieve our desires). - The role of memory and storytelling in shaping our happiness, and how our past experiences can sometimes mislead our expectations. - The idea that happiness is not a constant state but rather a fluctuating emotional landscape influenced by our circumstances and mindset. - Practical tips on how to embrace the uncertainty of life, recognize the value of experiences over material possessions, and ultimately, learn to "stumble" into happiness. Join us as we unpack these fascinating ideas and reflect on how Gilbert's research can help us better understand our pursuit of happiness. Whether you're seeking ways to enhance your own happiness or just curious about human psychology, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging discussions to inspire your journey. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to be happy! Visit us at: https://strideforwardcounseling.com

Who has been a guest on Self-improvement Book Club by Rachel

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Carolyn Karoll, LCSW-C, CEDS-C
• Adina Silverman, MS, RD, LDN
• Raffi Bilek

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32