Listen Up, Younger Self! | Relationships, love, marriage, romance, intimacy

Heather Solomon returns to Listen Up, Younger Self after a month-long break to share an honest, heartfelt episode about taking permission to pause. She opens up about family caregiving, the guilt of stepping back, the science behind needing recovery, and how true presence protects relationships and creativity.

This episode blends personal stories, practical strategies for setting boundaries and doing "do-nothing" time, and a gentle...

Saying goodbye at college drop-off feels like nothing else- you’re proud, you’re gutted, and you’re questioning who you are now. I’ve been there (twice), and in this episode I’m sharing the real, messy truth about this season. You’ll hear the science of why it hurts so much, how to handle the naysayers, and practical ways to cope. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded: this pain is proof of love, and while your role shifts, your pur...

Welcome to another  episode of "Listen Up Younger Self" with your host, Heather Solomon.  Ever wake up in a funk and think, “It’s just me today”? Spoiler: it’s not just you. Your mood is like campfire smoke - it drifts, and everyone around you breathes it in. In this episode, I’m sharing how unchecked moods quietly become your brand in your marriage, your parenting, and even at work. We’ll talk science, self-awareness, and my 3-Shi...

Hey friends - today we’re diving into something that might rattle you a little: Dr. John Gottman’s research shows that 69% of the issues in a marriage are never fully resolved. Ever. So what do you do when the same fights keep showing up on repeat? Is it normal? Is it toxic? Is it you?

In this podcast mini, I’m breaking down what the 69% actually means, how to spot the difference between annoying quirks and soul-crushing patterns, ...

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of "Listen Up Younger Self" with your host, Heather Solomon.

Let’s talk about what real support looks like when someone you love is going through hell. In this short but powerful mini, I’m sharing a simple phrase I heard from a friend that hit me like truth lightning: Shut up, show up, and follow up. Whether someone’s grieving, divorcing, or in crisis—this is the episode that’ll make you rethink...

Ever woken up in a sweat because your husband ninja-changed the thermostat? Or caught him bingeing your show while you slept like it was no big deal? SAME. In this short and spicy episode, I’m diving into the micro-annoyances that aren’t grounds for divorce… but definitely grounds for a dramatic sigh and maybe a blanket tug-of-war.

We’re talking snack theft, dishwasher sabotage, one-sip-left offenses, and the emotional support sand...

In this brief yet impactful mini episode, Heather Solomon shares a personal story that leads to a profound discussion on marriage and relationships. Inspired by an unexpected conversation at a concert, she delves into common, yet often unspoken, challenges couples face as they navigate through life's demands and transitions.

With her characteristic blend of humor and wisdom, Heather addresses the fears of becoming an empty nester, ...

Ever caught yourself stewing in silence, waiting for someone to read your mind? Yeah… same. In this episode of Listen Up, Younger Self, we’re digging into assumptions—those sneaky little stories we make up in our heads that quietly wreck our relationships.

I’m talking about the unspoken expectations, the eye-rolls we don’t explain, and the “you should’ve known” moments that build walls instead of connection. I’ll share where these ...

In this transformative episode, host Heather Solomon opens up about her past addiction to negativity and offers eye-opening insights into how it affects various aspects of life, from marriage to parenting. Heather shares her personal journey of recognizing and overcoming the subtle yet pervasive negativity that was once a part of her identity. Through candid discussions, she reveals how negativity acts as a barrier to intimacy, cre...

In this heartfelt episode, Heather Solomon explores the beauty of life's chaos and the empowering journey of growth it brings. Join her as she reflects on the fulfilling moments with her adult children, the challenges faced along the way, and the importance of embracing the so-called 'messy middleground' of life. Discover valuable insights on choosing self-awareness, understanding the significance of modeling behavior to raise empo...

In this eye-opening episode of "Listen Up, Younger Self," Heather Solomon dives deep into the detrimental habit of needing to be right and how it impacts relationships, especially in marriage and parenting. Explore why we often feel this urge, how it harms our connections, and the practical steps we can take to choose connection over control. With real-life examples and practical wisdom, discover how embracing happiness over self-r...

In this episode of "Listen Up, Younger Self," Heather Solomon breaks down the concept of the emotional bank account in relationships. She explains how simple daily actions can either deposit or withdraw from this account, affecting the health and longevity of your marriage. Discover how to recognize the signs of being in the red and learn the steps to rebuild emotional trust with your partner. Heather also emphasizes the importance...

In this engaging episode of 'Listen Up Younger Self,' host Heather Solomon delves into the complexities of modern marriage dynamics, exploring how relationships often tread the thin line between partnership and parental roles. She offers insightful commentary on the importance of recognizing and shifting from a parent-child dynamic to one of mutual respect and romance.

With warmth and humor, Heather challenges listeners to examine ...

In this revealing episode of "Listen Up, Younger Self," Heather Solomon courageously addresses the often-avoided topic of intimacy and sex in marriage. Are you familiar with the evolution from passionate kisses to high-fives in a parking lot? Discover why physical connection fades and what underlying factors contribute to emotional drift, a common yet unspoken dilemma in relationships.

Join Heather as she explores the science and e...

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Listen Up, Younger Self with your host, Heather Solomon. Join us as we dive into the all-too-familiar realm of losing our cool in the heat of the moment, only to spend hours dwelling on what could have been done differently. In this episode, Heather candidly shares personal stories and struggles while offering insights on how to take control of our reactions and master the art of the ...

In this episode of "Listen Up, Younger Self," host Heather Solomon welcomes one of America's top midlife dating coaches, Jonathan Aslay, who shares his profound insights into the dynamics of modern relationships. With over 200,000 YouTube subscribers, Jonathan offers a no-nonsense perspective on emotional maturity, casual relationships, and the evolving landscape of dating.

Heather and Jonathan delve into the significant changes in...

In this heartfelt episode of Listen Up, Younger Self, host Heather Solomon opens up as the first guest on a new marriage podcast. Heather dives into candid stories and valuable lessons learned from her 30-year journey in marriage and parenting. She discusses the common pitfalls that can slowly erode a connection between partners and shares practical tips on how to overcome them without resorting to dramatic fixes.

Listeners are tak...

In this episode of Listen Up, Younger Self, host Heather Solomon delves into the dynamics of marriage communication, exploring how seemingly insignificant words can damage the foundation of a relationship. Heather identifies ten phrases that can sabotage a marriage, offering insights into why these words harm and how they can be avoided. With a blend of humor and wisdom, she shares strategies for transforming conflict into opportun...

Join Heather Solomon in this transformative episode of Listen Up, Younger Self, as she expertly navigates the treacherous waters of self-talk. Reflecting on her own experiences with body image and self-criticism, Heather discusses the deeply ingrained habits we develop, often leading to toxic self-perception and its ripple effects on our relationships, parenting, and self-worth.

Discover why we default to negative self-talk, how it...