Beyond What Hurts Us
79 episodes Last Updated: Dec 18, 24
Welcome to "Beyond What Hurts Us," the podcast where real-life healing and self-discovery take center stage. Join your hosts, Kristen Alderson and Leslie Inlow, as we navigate the twists and turns of life's challenges, validating traumatic experiences, and offering a guiding light toward hope, self-awareness, and authenticity.
Life's journey leaves its marks, visible and hidden, on us all. Kristen and Leslie, two down-to-earth friends who've walked their own paths of healing, are here to share their stories and make sure you know that your pain is heard, understood, and respected.
At "Beyond What Hurts Us," we know that healing is a diverse journey, spanning physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Our mission is to empower you with insights and encouragement to embrace your own unique healing process.
Join Kristen and Leslie as they embark on this transformative journey, shedding light on the shadows of pain and discovering the strength that resides within each of us. Subscribe to "Beyond What Hurts Us" today, and let's heal together, one relatable and heartfelt conversation at a time.
Content by: Kristen Alderson & Leslie Inlow
Edited by: Kristen Alderson
Music Selections by: Kyle Beattie
Episodes
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive into the profound work of uncovering core beliefs and patterns that shape our lives, especially in relationships. Leslie leads Kristen to reflect on her experiences with perfectionism, over-functioning, and self-reliance, tracing their roots back to childhood. Through an open discussion on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy, Kristen and Leslie explore how deeply ingrained beliefs—like "I can only rely on myself"—manifest in adulthood and relationships. Together, they process what it means to observe yourself, acknowledge emotional needs, and move toward healing from the inside out.
Do you ever feel paralyzed by the pressure to be perfect? To be honest, this episode almost didn’t make it to air because the audio isn’t flawless. But in the spirit of embracing imperfection, Kristen and Leslie decided to share it anyway. Together, they dive into the roots of perfectionist panic—that overwhelming fear of falling short or making mistakes—and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and creativity. Leslie offers insights through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), helping us understand the parts of ourselves that drive perfectionism, where they come from, and why they often mean well but hold us back. Kristen and Leslie explore how to approach these parts with curiosity and compassion, showing how perfectionism develops as a protective mechanism and how we can begin to let it go. This episode is a testament to growth over perfection. Tune in to discover how letting go of unrealistic expectations can lead to a life that’s not perfect but full of joy, progress, and authenticity.
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the idea that healing often lies in the balance between extremes. Why do polarized emotions or opinions keep us stuck, and how can embracing the “shades of gray” in tough situations help us move forward? By finding the middle ground, we open ourselves to growth, understanding, and deeper healing. Join us as we discuss how balance is not about compromise but about clarity and peace.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie confront the difficult reality of discovering abusive behavior in people we once admired and explore the red flags we might have missed or dismissed. We discuss the emotional impact of shattered perceptions, why we sometimes ignore warning signs, and how to rebuild trust in our own judgment. This conversation is about learning to recognize and believe red flags, setting healthier boundaries, and finding resilience to move forward with clarity and self-assurance.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie explore how curiosity and asking questions can shift our perspectives, even on seemingly simple things like sports. Why do we get so emotionally invested in whether "our team" wins or loses? By examining these reactions, we uncover the layers of identity, connection, and loyalty that play into our intense feelings for sports teams. Join us as we discuss how understanding these emotional ties can help us grow in empathy and self-awareness, and even heal our approach to relationships and community.
In this heartfelt episode, Kristen and Leslie sit down with Chelsea Ohlemiller, author of Now That She’s Gone, a deeply personal memoir chronicling her journey through grief after losing her mother. Chelsea shares the profound lessons learned from her mother's life, her grief, and how she’s found healing through preserving her legacy. Join us as we discuss the impact of love, loss, and how embracing a loved one’s memory can offer comfort and a path toward peace.
Can we just stop the bullsh*t? In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive deep into the emotional dynamics of the pursuer-withdrawer relationship and how to break free from the exhausting push-and-pull cycle. Instead of focusing on labels, we'll shift the focus to what truly matters: the relationship itself. Join us as we explore practical steps for healing attachment wounds, improving communication, and moving towards a healthier, more secure connection—no labels required.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the transformative power of gratitude as a tool for healing. By choosing to focus on what we’re thankful for, we can shift our mindset, allowing positivity and growth to flourish in our lives. We’ll dive into how gratitude helps us move beyond pain, heal emotional wounds, and create space for joy. Join us as we discuss practical ways to cultivate gratitude and watch the healing that follows.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive into the journey of moving from self-abandonment to self-love, exploring how you can shift your mindset to view yourself as "the one." We’ll discuss the importance of breaking patterns of neglecting your own needs and how to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. It’s about learning to prioritize your well-being and embracing the love and worth you deserve.
In this special episode, Kristen and her daughter Kendall take a break from the show's usual focus on healing to explore the joy that can be found all around us. While Beyond What Hurts Us typically dives deep into self-discovery and emotional well-being, we believe it's just as important to pause and appreciate the simple, beautiful moments life has to offer. Join us as we share stories, laughter, and a few surprises from our everyday adventures, reminding ourselves that healing isn't just about looking inward—it's also about embracing the happiness in our lives. Come along for a heartwarming conversation filled with jo