#142: Holiday Gathering Survival Guide: Navigating Difficult Conversations!
Tue Dec 09 2025
In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo share real, honest, and practical ways to improve communication and relationships, especially during holiday gatherings. They recount personal anecdotes about family holiday experiences, discuss how to manage expectations, and tackle hard conversations around politics, religion, and personal life choices. The hosts emphasize emotional boundaries, curiosity, and connection. Key concepts from Brene Brown's “Rising Strong” and “Braving the Wilderness” are explored, focusing on managing emotions, handling conflict, and maintaining authentic interactions. The episode wraps up with practical tips and the importance of focusing on the bigger picture to enjoy a peaceful and meaningful holiday season.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Experts : Dr. Brene Brown, Dr. Marc Brackett, Dr. Chandra
Resources :
Rising Strong by Dr. Brene Brown:
https://brenebrown.com/book/rising-strong/
Braving Wilderness by Dr. Brene Brown:
https://brenebrown.com/book/braving-the-wilderness/
Permission to Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett:
https://marcbrackett.com/permission-to-feel/
Navigating Difficult People and Opinions During the Holiday by Dr. Chandra:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pacific-heart/201711/navigating-difficult-people-and-opinions-during-the-holidays
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In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo share real, honest, and practical ways to improve communication and relationships, especially during holiday gatherings. They recount personal anecdotes about family holiday experiences, discuss how to manage expectations, and tackle hard conversations around politics, religion, and personal life choices. The hosts emphasize emotional boundaries, curiosity, and connection. Key concepts from Brene Brown's “Rising Strong” and “Braving the Wilderness” are explored, focusing on managing emotions, handling conflict, and maintaining authentic interactions. The episode wraps up with practical tips and the importance of focusing on the bigger picture to enjoy a peaceful and meaningful holiday season. Music by epidemic sound. SHOW NOTES: Experts : Dr. Brene Brown, Dr. Marc Brackett, Dr. Chandra Resources : Rising Strong by Dr. Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/book/rising-strong/ Braving Wilderness by Dr. Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/book/braving-the-wilderness/ Permission to Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett: https://marcbrackett.com/permission-to-feel/ Navigating Difficult People and Opinions During the Holiday by Dr. Chandra: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pacific-heart/201711/navigating-difficult-people-and-opinions-during-the-holidays