How to be a Human Being in the World with Dr. Kathleen Young

Neurodivergence at Home: The Hidden Patterns You Might Be Missing

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kara Pepper is a mom of two neurodivergent kids. She’s also married to someone with ADHD and likely on the spectrum. But like many people, she d...

5 Myths That Erode Connection in Neurodivergent Relationships

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the emotional heavy lifting in your relationship… If you’ve caught yourself thinking, Why do I have...

What No One Tells You About Being Married to Someone on the Spectrum

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kim was married for nearly 18 years to someone she describes as kind, funny, and devoted. He showed up for their family in ways that looked like love:...

Could My Partner Be on the Spectrum?

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You love your partner. They're loyal, kind, steady. You’ve built a life together. So why do you still feel so alone?That question is more comm...

What If It's You: Masking, High IQ, and Late-Diagnosed Autism

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people don’t start out wondering if they’re autistic. You probably didn’t either. But maybe you've started to notice some patterns. M...

Could Neurodivergence Be Part of the Picture?

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people don’t walk into therapy saying, “I think I’m neurodivergent.” What they usually say is, “I’m overwhelmed.” “I feel like ...

Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams: Bree Hailemariam’s Journey to the Big Apple

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen sits down with Bree Hailemariam—a vibrant, determined, and inspiring woman who’s made her mark in the tech world and bey...

Passion to Profit, Through the Eyes of a Business Coach

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kaaryn Nailor, a business strategist, life coach, and former dean at Columbia Business School, shares her fascinating journey from intellectual proper...

Gratitude

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt envy creep into your relationships and wondered how to turn it into something positive? Kathleen shares a personal story about her friend Co...

Authentic Living and Self-Discovery

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the pursuit of excellence turns every moment into a task? Life coach Chris Hale joins me to explore the cycle of constant busyness t...

Caring for Aging Parents with Dementia

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Olga Gupta, a dedicated physician and researcher, shares a story that resonates deeply with anyone caring for a parent with dementia. Imagine the ...

Self-acceptance

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how societal 'shoulds' shape your life, especially as a woman in midlife? Join Kathleen as she unravels the complexit...

The Friend That Holds Us All Together

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how some people effortlessly keep a group of friends connected, even as time and distance try their best to pull you apart? With the bac...

The Power of Possibility

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if your life's greatest transformation was just one bold decision away? Inspired by a summer spent reconnecting with friends who have made s...

Embracing 50: Life Lessons, Self-Care, and Seizing the Day

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Turning 50 was both a milestone and a revelation for me, filled with bittersweet moments and personal insights. Imagine celebrating with friends, feel...

The Humanity of Friendship

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a friend, only to realize she might just have a higher tolerance for flaws than you do? Fresh from a reve...

Breaking Free from Black and White Thinking

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can a simple shift in perspective transform your entire life? In this insightful episode, Kathleen tackles the pervasive issue of black-and-white thin...

The Secret to Online Dating

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered why your online dating efforts seem to hit a wall? Let's uncover the impact of mindset and beliefs on dating success. Drawing from ...

Breaking the Busyness Habit: Embracing Rest for a Balanced Life

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt like the world won't stop spinning unless you're constantly in motion? We've all been there, buried under tasks and to-do lis...

The Importance of Rest

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Dr. Kathleen Young, a psychiatrist and certified life coach, returns after a brief hiatus to discuss the importance of rest. Kat...

Accepting Vacation Reality

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I sat sifting through photos of my family’s recent California escapade, the disparity between vacation dreams and reality hit me like a Pacific w...

Pushing Yourself

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I nursed the fracture in my foot, I found myself on a path that was as much about psychological resilience as it was about physical healing. Life t...

The Unspoken Rule of Making New Friends as Adults

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the complexities of relationships, whether with neighbors or colleagues, often involves overcoming the awkwardness of small talk and the co...

Embracing Discomfort

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever find yourself at the edge of your comfort zone, heart racing, tempted to retreat to the familiar? That's where the magic happens, and in our...

The Skill of Developing Closeness in Relationships

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever found yourself chuckling over a friend's pile of unopened Amazon packages? That's the kind of authentic moment being embraced in today&...

The Unspoken Journey: Reflections on Loss and Healing, with Annette Tran

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Grief is a journey no road map could ever navigate, yet, it's a path many of us will walk with heavy hearts. This week, as Kathleen sits across f...

Finding Courage to Heal and Connect with Others in Grief

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Kathleen opens up about the personal victories in her recovery, from taking those initial unassisted steps to finding the courag...

Mastering the Art of Goodbye

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Kathleen made the tough decision to bid farewell to her long-time physical therapist, the emotional weight of that goodbye surprised her. It spar...

Nurturing the Gardens of Past Relationships

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Friendships are like gardens; they demand our time and care to flourish. In the hustle of life's relentless march, it's all too easy for the...

Caring for Your Friends in a Way that Leaves Them Feeling Cared For

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When a colleague's simple acts of kindness transformed the way Kathleen experienced one of life's hurdles, it wasn't just her broken fo...

The Art of Living Fully in Midlife and Aging Gracefully, with Timi Lewis

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As she sat with her feet up, nursing a broken foot and a bruised ego, Kathleen’s good friend Timi Lewis stopped by to remind her that hitting the bi...

The Hidden Struggles of Forming Adult Friendships

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Watching her son navigate the complex world of social interaction with the help of specialized training made Kathleen realize something profound: aren...

The Power of Open Communication in Meaningful Friendships

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen explores the nuances of friendships and the power of open communication. Reflecting on the new year and a recent snowfall in...

A Different Path Can be Just as Good

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every parent's journey is marked by a unique set of trials and revelations – Kathleen’s has been no exception. The parenting path she has nav...

Embracing the Beautiful Chaos

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! In this week’s episode, we're not just recounting moments; we're transforming how we view the very essence of our kin. Bec...

Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams Through Life Coaching with Brig Johnson

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brig Johnson empowers high-achieving women to become unapologetically confident! With a background in healthcare, she's turned her expertise into...

Lessons on Flexibility, Happiness, and Connection

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This past year, Kathleen has weathered a storm of surprises, from a broken foot to navigating the chaos of New York City on crutches. Join her on a he...

The Universe Will Slow You Down

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As December unfolds, Kathleen navigates the challenges and unexpected turns that have come her way during this holiday season. Sharing a personal jour...

It Takes Time to Build Relationships

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a personal story: I've spent years chasing professional opportunities, moving from city to city, and always prioritizing my career. B...

Trauma, Resilience, and Dealing with Complicated Feelings with Dr. Toya Clay

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special treat for you as Kathleen invites her friend, Dr. Toya Clay, to join the conversation. Toya, a child and adolescent psychiat...

From Attorney to Entrepreneur: Finding Fulfillment in Change, with Ashley Gray

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen interviews Ashley Gray, a successful entrepreneur and former attorney. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from law to ownin...

Can You Have Too Many Friends?

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Drawing from a personal experience of spontaneously making plans with a newer friend visiting New York City, Kathleen reflects on the dynamics of frie...

Choosing Things in Your Life and Then Making Them Work for You, with Nicole Coward

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen hosts a special guest, Nicole Coward. The two share a long-standing friendship, originating from their meeting 17 years ago ...

Assume People Will Like You

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What's the key to getting good at making friends? Is it a skill that can be developed? In this episode, Kathleen explores the crucial skill of bu...

Making Peace With the Life You Have

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen discusses the concept of making peace with one's current life, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's perspe...

Regret

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Regret is a wasted emotion because it's tied to the past, which remains unchangeable. When we dwell on past decisions, it tends to have a negativ...

Nurturing Friendships When You Are Busy and Tired

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen shares insights from a facilitated group discussion on making friends in midlife, emphasizing the perceived exhaustion and b...

Gender Differences in Autism Spectrum with Dr. Krystal Sodaitis

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen speaks to Dr. Krystal Sodaitis, a Certified Life and Weight Coach and an expert in neurodiversity and pediatrics. Dr. Sodait...

Understanding Relationships From an Enneagram Perspective with Mariah Wickham

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today Kathleen is joined by Mariah Wickham, a certified life coach, Enneagram specialist, storyteller, and a mom of two who's been married for 21...

Autism and Advocacy: Exploring Diverse Realities

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen holds a raw and honest discussion about raising a child on the autism spectrum. She is joined by her dear friend, Dr. Randy ...

Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Society has conditioned women to view prioritizing their needs and saying "NO" as selfish acts. In doing so, we've unintentionally beco...

Making Friends and Maintaining Relationships in Midlife

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Making close friends in midlife can feel challenging. Kathleen shares her experiences and thoughts on the subject, shedding light on the common barrie...

Embracing Disappointment with Dr. Latifat Akintade

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen welcomes back Dr. Latifat Akintade of MoneyfitMD to discuss embracing disappointment. They challenge the notion of avoiding ...

The Scarcity Mindset

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As August's sun-drenched days give way to the approaching fall, Kathleen is struck by a bittersweet sensation, a tinge of sadness as she bids goo...

How to Best Support Your Friends

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The most important ingredient in offering support and supporting others offering support is safety - creating safety in our relationships with others....

The Stories We Tell

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of time, we create unnecessary drama in our heads by telling stories. We do this all the time, trying to anticipate or predict an outcome when i...

The "Soft Life" Movement

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#InMySoftGirlEra has taken over social media with images of women enjoying luxurious vacations, indulging in extravagant experiences, and more. But is...

Resentment

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Resentment often arises from uncommunicated or unmet expectations, especially when people please and want others to do things differently. Kathleen hi...

Self Acceptance: Embracing Your Humaneness

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kathleen dives into the topic of self-acceptance and its importance in fostering closer and more fulfilling relationships. She highli...

Vulnerability Part 3: Letting Your Guard Down Safely

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our perfectionist society, we often build walls to protect ourselves from shame. However, embracing our authentic selves and allowing others to see...

Vulnerability Part 2: Why Being Vulnerable is So Hard

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Oftentimes we are quick to ascribe meanings to the actions of our loved ones and follow by being angry and resentful rather than being expressive. And...

My Heart is Full

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kathleen wakes up, genuinely feeling happy, alive, vibrant, and ineffable. With a heart full today, she sets us on another amazing relationship milest...

Vulnerability Part 1: The Upside of Being Vulnerable

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Embracing vulnerability opens the door to the possibility of experiencing rejection, criticism, and anxiety. Our brain, in an attempt to shield us fro...

Decoupling The Fear, Anxiety, and Loss That Comes With Change

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Change often brings along a sense of loss and triggers emotions like fear, vulnerability, and anxiety. It can create an illusion that happiness will o...

On Motherhood and Humanness, with Stephanie Rosenfield

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling like you're moving away from that goofier and fun mom you are meant to be? This episode is definitely for you! Oftentimes, as a m...

The Decision to Seek Treatment, with Emily Shaw NPP

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many people find themselves lured into going harder on themselves or using humor or alcohol to cope with mental health difficulties, but this only swe...

Maybe You Don't Need All New Friends

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you truly content and fulfilled with your friendships? As adults, nurturing and maintaining meaningful connections requires dedication, time, and ...

Following the Call with Dr. Lisa DelliCarpini

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a world where you can be anything, be authentic. Aligning what you want and the kind of life you're leading right now may be messy, but when i...

Clearing Out Relationship Clutter

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People tend to avoid formal endings of relationships because they'd rather avoid the emotions that come with ending things. However, the earlier ...

The Chronic Habit of People Pleasing

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you said yes to others, hidden your NO just to make them like you or feel better? Although it is okay in close relationships to sh...

Accepting People as They Are, Including the Fact That People Make Mistakes

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The truth is we will never fully know what is going on in someone else’s life. We don’t know the full truth and all their stories. This is why whe...

Tell People How You Feel!

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's no legacy so rich as vulnerability; it's so crucial in maintaining satisfying relationships whether platonic or not, and it's h...

How to Deal with Being on the Receiving End of Hard Feedback

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For any relationship to thrive, there has to be feedback. After all, isn’t that how we tell that a communication loop is complete? However, being on...

How to Deal with ‘Relationship Shame’, with Dr. Kathleen Young

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We live in a society that places high value on being married or being in a long-term partnership. So when such relationships come to an end (or don&ap...

Letting Go of Forced Perfection with Keisha Edwards Hunt

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Kathleen speaks to Keisha Edwards Hunt, who at 24, was pregnant and enrolled in graduate school. Early in her pregnancy, her ...

You Don't Have to Quit in Order to Like Your Job Again, with Dr. Mary Leung

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Kathleen is joined by Dr. Mary Leung who is a board-certified internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology physician. ...

Loss and Resilience with Brigette Lumpkins

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Resilience is very far from being numb. It means you feel, experience, fail, and get hurt, but still keep on going. You attack while running away. It ...

Why We Aren't Asking for Help

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More often than not, high-achieving black women wear the armor of everything being okay as a response to negative life experiences. And unfortunately,...

Honest Feelings on Parenting with Dr. Earle Chambers

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Am I doing it right?” “Am I being a perfect parent?” These are some of the questions that many parents find themselves asking.  Given that p...

Rocking Your Crown as You Pursue Multiple Passions with April Preyar

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Black hair (whether in kinks, curls, or Afro) is too unique NOT to be loved. And while most women get their hair permed from age 5/6, some continue to...

What's the ‘Why' in Your Story? with Jonathan Swain

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What breathes life into you? What is it that you crave for more from life than mere survival? Opportunities are always there, and it's all just a...

Navigating Conflict in Friendships

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You hurt my feelings. These are just four simple words, yet so uncomfortable to utter to platonic friends as an adult. And inasmuch as conflicts in fr...

Eliminating Your Limiting Parenting Beliefs with Andrea Robyn Manley

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“I’m not good enough”, “I’m not important”, “I’m not capable”. Limiting beliefs. We all have them. Such thoughts can actually be dou...

7: We're More than What we Do for a Living with Dr. Kara Pepper

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As humans, we are multifaceted, and a lot of times the best things in our lives happen when we don't concede to the herd mentality. As a matter o...

My Year-End Reflections for 2022

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When any year comes to a close, we're filled with a level of excitement in us that only seems to crop up at this time of year. Excitement for a b...

My Path to Alopecia with Worokya Duncan

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The guest on this episode needs no introduction. Besides being a long-term dear friend of mine, Worokya Duncan is a perfect example of strength and re...

How to Get Out of Your Way with Kimberly Page

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The world has many people who will stand in your way if you let them. Sometimes, you’re even the person in the way. You don’t have to block yourse...

MILF Maintenance with Camille Hattan

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bad moments don't make bad moms, but happy moms are good moms. And today’s guest confirms that moms can combine motherhood, self-care, self-lov...

Why You Don’t Have What You Want

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Goals are powerful because they give you the direction, clarity, and focus to thrive in life. Yet many people struggle to make consistent progress, fo...

Making a Midlife Pivot in Your Career with Grace Walton Doherty

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I speak to my long-term friend, Grace Walton Doherty. Grace is a Boston native and mum of two teenagers. She currently offers...

I Can Do Anything with Dana Bonas Davis

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you get away from structuring everything around a redefining life event that is accompanied by enormous psychological, emotional, and financial...

The Refinement in Resilience with Dr. Jewel Montgomery Smay

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to conceive should be a happy time for couples, but when it isn't, it becomes soo dispiriting. How do you still trust the journey even whe...

Being Intentional About Relationships in Midlife

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Once you grow up, making and maintaining friends can be hard. While being a good friend comes easily to some, there’s a certain level of effort that...

Allowing Yourself to Feel All Your Emotions with Dr. Michelle Chestovich

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody is safe when it comes to invisible illnesses. When the brain gets sick, getting out of the trap of thoughts is not easy even for the stakeholde...

Forgiving Yourself for Choosing the Wrong Partner with Dr. Allyson Walker

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Divorce is not a punishment, and one can still live a fulfilling life after it. One may constantly blame themselves and even find it hard to move on, ...

My Unrecognizable Life

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The more you own your imperfections and awkwardness and put yourself out there, the more opportunities and abundance come your way, and the more comfo...

There is no Perfectionism When it Comes to Money with Dr. Latifat Akintade

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We all experience the human phenomenon that our brain creates as a way of protecting us - the scarcity mindset. While we may have various reasons that...

Why ‘How to be a Human being in the World'?

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our first episode of the How to be a Human Being in the World podcast, where  I, Dr. Kathleen Young, a physiatrist and passionate life coa...

Giving Back to Yourself with Ladonna Armour

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Kathleen is joined by Ladonna Armour, an all-fun former strategic brand builder, and manager. Ladonna, stepping out of the co...

What I Learned from My Beta Group

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many people aren't pursuing the life they want because they are not sure of what lights them up, while others think it's just not possible. ...