Triggered or Transforming? From Division to Connection Kelsey Blahnik

Forget surface-level advice and toxic positivity Megan and Laura dive headfirst into the emotional and psychological labor of modern life. From parenting and relationships to political tension and personal healing, this show unpacks the why behind our behaviors and offers practical strategies for growth, grounded in both clinical insight and real-life experience.

With raw conversations and expert-informed dialogue, guest Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, explores what it really takes to stay connected to ourselves and others in today’s world.

Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, @theandway, is a seasoned clinician and peace-making advocate with a deep commitment to community healing. https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/

Her background includes:

• Leading a group private practice focused on mental health and trauma recovery

• Working with vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals with HIV, veterans at the VA, and clients in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs

• Co-hosting monthly gatherings with Love Anyway, fostering understanding in politically polarized communities Her blend of clinical expertise and grassroots activism brings a unique and grounded perspective to every episode.

What We Talk About:

• Emotional Labor in Parenting How to identify, redistribute, and recover from the invisible workload.

• Guilt, Shame & Compliance Regret Learn the psychological difference and how to move from self-blame to self-awareness.

• Boundaries Without Burnout Practical tips for setting boundaries in relationships, family, work, and parenting.

• Unsolicited Advice & Assertive Communication When others overstep and how to speak your truth without spiraling.

• Individualism vs. Collectivism How cultural conditioning affects everything from parenting to conflict resolution.

• Conflict as Growth We teach you how to navigate it, not avoid it—because real connection includes discomfort.

• Parenting With Emotional Intelligence Raising resilient kids while breaking cycles and building healthier dynamics.

• Navigating Political Conversations How to disagree without disconnecting—and when to walk away.

• Mental Health, Media, and Modern Life Coping with anxiety, setting realistic expectations, and making intentional choices.

Why You’ll Keep Listening:

• You’re done with surface-level advice and craving emotional depth

• You’re parenting, partnering, or processing—and want to do it better

• You want tools rooted in clinical insight, emotional intelligence, and real-life experience

• You care about community healing, not just personal growth

You’ll Walk Away With:

• Scripts for hard conversations

• Tools to manage conflict and reduce emotional reactivity

• Support for parenting in a mentally healthy way

• Language to advocate for yourself in messy relationships

• Permission to change, grow, and hold boundaries that honor your values

Perfect For: Parents, helpers, cycle-breakers, caretakers, adult children of dysfunction, educators, therapists, and anyone exhausted by the emotional gymnastics of modern life—but not willing to give up on connection.