SHIFT Talking™

🧠 Personality, Parenting & The Power of Knowing Yourself—with Eric Gee

What do sharks, dolphins, and fascists have in common? They're all part of Eric Gee's wild and wickedly accurate personality typing system. In this episode of SHIFT Talking, Davina sits down with Eric Gee, author of The Power of Personality and founder of The Youtopia Project, to unpack why self-awareness isn’t optional, how to decode your kids (and yourself), and what your “deviant role” says about your hidden strengths.

We talk Game of Thrones characters, parent-child dynamics, school trauma, anger expression, and why your quirks aren...

🔥 Emotional Literacy Isn’t Just for Actors—It’s the Tool You’ve Been Missing

In this mind-bending, soul-stretching episode of SHIFT Talking, Davina sits down with Jim Rojas Taylor—former Marine, actor, author, and emotional literacy evangelist—who flips the script on how we teach regulation, empathy, and confidence. His message is simple but revolutionary: Why are we working so hard to build imaginary people (actors)... and doing so little to build real ones?

Jim breaks down how the same emotional and mental tools used in acting (like the Stanislavski system) are powerful, practical frameworks for...

What happens when you build a life that looks “successful”—but feels like hell?

In this raw, real, and soul-punching conversation, Davina sits down with business coach and podcaster Alan Lazaros to talk SHIFT about masculinity, emotional honesty, and what it takes to actually grow without selling your soul. From childhood trauma and identity loss to marriage, sobriety, and the silent suffering men face, this episode is a masterclass in owning your truth—even when the world isn’t ready for it.

No predatory sales pitches. No performance bullshit. Just two humans telling the truth.

⏱️ In...

You’re doing the work. You’re growing. You’re unlearning. And it’s lonely as fuck.

In this week’s SHIFT Rx, Davina gets all the way real about what no one tells you: personal development costs connection—and you have to do it anyway. From losing friendships to questioning your identity, the truth is that becoming who you’re meant to be is a death and a rebirth. And yes, grief is part of the process.

This one’s for the people mid-shift: misunderstood, second-guessing, and wondering if it’s worth it. It is. This is your r...

You’re evolving—and it shows. But instead of applause, you're met with distance, side-eyes, or straight-up silence.

This solo is for the transitional characters. The ones doing the inner work, setting the boundaries, shifting the cycles—and wondering why it feels so damn lonely. Not everyone wants you to stay stuck… but they were comfortable when you did.

In this vulnerable and validating episode, Davina unpacks the painful side of becoming self-aware: the grief of being misunderstood, the frustration of misalignment, and the disorientation that hits when your inner upgrades aren’t mirrored back externally...

Masculinity is cracking—and that’s a good thing. In this powerful, paradigm-breaking episode, I sit down with Jason Lange, men’s embodiment coach and founder of Evolutionary.Men, to talk about what’s actually holding men back from intimacy, healing, and fully living. Spoiler: it’s not just porn, patriarchy, or pride—it’s disconnection.

This isn’t a “man up” conversation—it’s a real one. About vulnerability, emotional sobriety, parenting, partnership, and why every man deserves a space to be held, witnessed, and deeply seen.

We go deep into men’s groups, shadow work, fatherhood, n...

You say you want him to talk—but when he stays silent, what’s really going on?

In this episode of SHIFT Rx, Davina unpacks the hidden wiring behind male emotional shutdown. Spoiler: he’s not emotionally unavailable—he’s emotionally unpracticed. And when you learn what’s happening inside his nervous system, you’ll stop blaming and start understanding.

We’re talking conditioning, double standards, emotional safety, and how to stop flinching when softness finally shows up.

If you’re loving a man, raising a boy, or trying to reconnect with a partner who won’t...

We say we want men to open up… But when they do, why do we flinch?

In today's solo, Davina unpacks the invisible conditioning that makes male vulnerability feel unsafe, unattractive, or overwhelming to the very people asking for it. From personal stories to societal scripts, she names the tension many women hold: the craving for emotional intimacy and the recoil when it finally arrives.

This is for the women raising men, loving men, or grieving the men they've lost—and for the men trying to be something other than stoic and shut down.

<...

Sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s about regulation. And if your kid’s sleep is all over the place? Chances are, yours is too.

In this wide-ranging, nonjudgmental, and surprisingly hilarious conversation with sleep coach Allison Egidi (yes, I pronounced it wrong last time!), we go deep into what’s really messing with your kid’s (and your) sleep—plus what you can do to fix it without flipping your entire life upside down.

From nap transitions and circadian rhythms to pee cabinets and co-sleeping debates, this one is packed with real talk, compassionate...

Let’s cut the bullshit: you don’t need another sleep tracker. You need to stop setting tomorrow-you up to fail because tonight-you is avoiding her feelings.

This is a spicy, straight-up voice note to the part of you that knows better but still stays up late watching Bravo and housing Sour Patch Kids (hi, same). This isn’t about shame. It’s about regulation, rhythm, and remembering who you are when you’re actually rested.

00:02 – Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s your nervous system’s non-negotiable

00:45 – Why we’re blaming the engine when...

aka: The Identity Crisis Hiding in Your Sleep Schedule

You’re not bad at routines. You’re starving for yourself.

This episode is a raw, real-time reflection on why we trade sleep for slivers of freedom—and what it costs us as parents, partners, and people trying to feel like ourselves again. We’re talking sleep sabotage, revenge bedtime procrastination, and the emotional tug-of-war between being responsible and being free.

00:02 – Why this episode’s late & what that teaches about presence vs. planning

01:30 – The truth: I teach regulation but still sabotage my ow...

This one’s a mic-drop moment from start to finish.

In this soul-stretching conversation, I sit down with Leslie Lindsey Davis—a truth-teller, author, and certified breaker of generational patterns. Together, we talk perfectionism, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, addiction, emotional literacy, parenting, marriage, and why self-forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s necessary.

We go deep into the practice of written self-conversations, how to build self-trust when the old you wants to run the show, and how to shift without shame—even when the change feels terrifying. Leslie shares the real reason many of us feel stuck, how to respo...

You don’t have to suffer to prove you’ve changed.

This week’s SHIFT Rx tackles the emotional toll of self-punishment—and why withholding forgiveness doesn’t make you strong, it just keeps you stuck. We’re flipping the script on what it really means to move forward after a mistake, especially if you’ve been conditioned to believe that grace has to be earned through shame, regret, and emotional isolation.

Inside this short but seismic episode, we break down:

You aren’t broken. You’re on autopilot.

Up to 97% of your day is driven by subconscious patterns. And guess what? Those patterns didn’t start with you—but they’re absolutely affecting how you parent, how you speak to yourself, and how you show up under pressure.

In this episode, we’re naming what’s actually behind your spirals, shutdowns, and snap moments—and why it’s not a lack of love, but a brain that’s been running the same script since you were seven.

💥 The good news? That script is editable.

This is...

In this episode, we’re talking SHIFT with Bev Mitelman, M.A., a therapist who doesn’t just teach attachment theory—she lived it, rewired it, and now helps others do the same.

Together, we crack open how our earliest emotional environments shape the way we love, fight, flinch, chase, ghost, people-please, overfunction, or run like hell. We’re talking deep nervous system programming that runs 97% of our choices—and how to finally bring that shit into conscious awareness.

This isn’t about labels. It’s about liberation.

We go all in: anxious partners, avoi...

SHIFT Rx: You’re Not Stuck with Your Attachment Style

Think your attachment style defines your relationships forever? Think again.

In this week’s SHIFT Rx, I'm breaking down the truth about attachment styles—and how they’re not life sentences, they’re survival strategies. You’ll learn why these patterns formed, how they show up in relationships, and most importantly, how to shift them through nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and intentional change.

Whether you struggle with anxious attachment, avoidant shutdowns, or a constant push-pull cycle, this episode gives you a map to interrupt...

You aren't broken. You've been wired—long before you had a choice in the matter. And now? You’re likely parenting from that same wiring, wondering why it feels so damn hard to stay steady.

This episode is about naming what actually drives our reactions as parents—and why it’s not a lack of love, but unhealed attachment wounds. If you’ve ever wondered why you spiral, shut down, smother, or second-guess yourself constantly, this one’s going to hit home.

It’s not just you. It’s your wiring. And the best news? Patterns are pro...

In this episode, we’re talking SHIFT with therapist Kayce Hodos—an expert in perinatal mental health and someone who’s deeply unafraid to tell the truth about motherhood.

Together, we dismantle the myths that keep parents isolated: the pressure to feel instant love, the shame of postpartum identity loss, the fantasy that becoming a parent will heal your wounds instead of exposing them. Kayce opens up about her own postpartum experience, what she wishes she had known, and how the system continues to fail parents (especially moms) in their most vulnerable moments.

We talk depres...

This SHIFT Rx is for the parents, especially the moms, feeling like they're drowning in roles they thought would save them.

We were sold the story that motherhood would give us purpose. Completion. Healing.

But here's the truth: Motherhood doesn’t fix you. It exposes you. It doesn’t patch up your wounds—it peels back the layers and shows you exactly where the work is.

This one’s not about judgment. It’s about naming the shift—the identity reckoning, the emotional rawness, the exhaustion, the grief, the guilt—and giving you a map to rebui...

You can love your kids fiercely and still fantasize about disappearing. You can be obsessed with their little faces and still feel like motherhood robbed you of your own. You can be the soft place they land—and still grieve the you who existed before the role took over.

This episode isn’t about bashing motherhood. It’s about naming the parts of it no one talks about—so you can stop thinking you’re the only one drowning in love, guilt, rage, and grief all at once.

This isn’t a hot take. It’s a love lette...

In this episode, we’re talking SHIFT with Dr. Bruce Chalmer—a seasoned couples therapist with decades of insight. We get into the real stuff: the 'oh shit' moments that wake people up in therapy, the messiness of faith and forgiveness, and why labeling someone a narcissist might be doing more harm than good.

Bruce shares how vulnerability, curiosity, and a little discomfort are actually the point in healing work—and why genuine connection can’t be boxed into categories or quick fixes. We talk telehealth (spoiler: it’s not killing therapy), placebo effects, stats vs. soul, and why th...

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsey Paoli—licensed therapist (x2 incoming), coach, and founder of the Rewire Mastermind—for a convo about the real differences between therapy and coaching, and how to get help without getting screwed.

We unpack everything from licensing and insurance BS to the dangers of toxic positivity and performative wellness. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a therapist or a coach (or if you’re a provider figuring out your own path) this one’s for you.

🎧 Press play. Get steady. Keep shifting.

05:42...

This SHIFT Rx hits you with the truth most people don’t want to admit: Healing doesn’t always feel good. In fact, real healing often feels worse before it feels better.

Yup. That discomfort you’re feeling? That loneliness? That questioning of everything you thought you knew? That’s not failure. That’s proof you're actually growing.

This episode will shift the way you think about personal growth—from something that’s supposed to feel magical all the time to something that's gritty, real, and wildly worth it. We’re not sugarcoating healing around here. We’re givi...

This SHIFT Rx hits you with the truth most people never get taught: Knowing whether you need a coach or a therapist can change your entire path.

Yup. That uncertainty you’re feeling? That’s your intuition telling you: "I’m ready to grow. I just need the right guide."

This episode will shift the way you think about getting help—from something shameful to something strategic. We’re not gatekeeping healing around here. We’re clearing the fog so you can move, grow, and finally pick support that actually fits where you're headed.

This is fo...

Owning your healing journey isn’t about chasing a perfect version of yourself—it’s about getting honest, messy, and radically real about what growth actually feels like. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the hard truths we rarely talk about: how easy it is to fake progress, perform healing, and unintentionally gaslight ourselves out of real change.

If you’ve ever wondered “am I really healing, or just acting like I am?”, this episode will help you gut-check yourself with love—and show you how to get back on a real, sustainable path f...

Owning your path isn’t about waiting for a permission slip—it’s about choosing yourself loudly and on purpose. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my own real, raw journey from disillusioned therapist-to-be to proud mental health coach. If you’ve ever felt trapped by other people’s expectations, fear of judgment, or your own self-doubt, this episode will show you how to finally reclaim your direction—and your power.

I’ll break down:

🔥 Why waiting for permission keeps you stuck (and how to build true self-trust)

🔥 How owning your career path—even if it looks di...

Hey friend—here’s your reminder that boundaries aren’t about keeping people out… they’re about keeping you from disappearing.

This SHIFT Rx hits you with the boldest truth most people don’t want to admit: People pleasing is manipulation.

Yup. That uncomfortable squirm in your gut? That’s your nervous system realizing that playing nice was never the same as being kind.

This episode will shift the way you think about boundaries—from something you set to something you live by. We’re going deeper than surface-level scripts. We’re unpacking the real reason boun...

Hey friend—your prescription for perspective just got filled.

SHIFT Rx is your quick-hit dose of behavior change, nervous system know-how, and communication clarity. Think of it like the voice note your most emotionally steady friend would send—the one that reminds you you’re not crazy, you’re just growing. You’ll get straight answers to the messy questions keeping you stuck—minus the sugarcoat and self-help fluff.

Each episode is like a voice note I’d send after your “why TF does this feel so lonely?” spiral—calling you in, not out, with a mix of strategy, s...

Hey friend—your prescription for perspective just got filled.

SHIFT Rx is your quick-hit dose of behavior change, nervous system know-how, and communication clarity. Think of it like the voice note your most emotionally steady friend would send that you didn’t know you needed. You’ll get straight answers to the messy questions keeping you stuck—minus the sugarcoat and the self-help fluff.

Each episode is like a voice note I’d send after your 10 p.m. “why TF do I keep doing this” text—calling you in, not out, with a combo of strategy, scienc...

We’ve all been there: confidently repeating something we thought was true… only to find out later it’s not. This episode? That’s me. Owning it. Because I got got—and it matters.

So why not just stay quiet and move on? Because accountability matters—and I’m modeling the SHIFT.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

🔥 The real reason it’s so hard to admit we’re wrong (and what it does to our nervous system)

🔥 How confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance sneak into our parenting and beliefs

🔥 What I di...

Parenting advice is everywhere, but most of it skips the biggest factor—you. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on traditional parenting strategies and focusing on what really changes the game: your emotional state, your regulation, your healing. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why no tactic seems to work, this is for you.

I’ll break down:

🔥 Why parenting isn’t about controlling your kid—it’s about steadying yourself

🔥 The 10-second check-in that will change how you react (and prevent meltdowns—for both of you)

🔥 How unhealed childhood wounds...

Welcome back to Shift Talking! In Part 2 of my conversation with Carl Dietz, we dive into how microdosing healing through small, daily actions can create real, lasting change—without the overwhelm.

Carl shares the science behind behavioral microshifts, the power of shallow healing, and how Nubellum’s app is designed to help you find what works for you in under two minutes a day. If you’ve ever struggled to stick with meditation, breathwork, or habit-building, this episode will change the way you think about mental health and self-improvement.

🔹 Didn’t catch Part 1? Listen here!

Can you really heal your mind and body without medication? In this episode of Shift Talking, I sit down with Carl Dietz, co-founder of Nubellum, to dive into the placebo effect, brain chemistry, and how our minds can trigger real physiological healing—without pharmaceuticals.

Carl shares fascinating insights into how the brain naturally produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, why some medications work primarily due to belief, and what New Bellum is doing to revolutionize self-directed healing.

This is Part 1 of our conversation—stay tuned for Part 2, where we break down their innovative new app and...

In this episode, Davina discusses strategies for managing conflict effectively, focusing on recognizing escalation signals, utilizing the power of pauses, and employing grounding techniques. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, disarming statements, and setting boundaries during conflicts. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and resilience in navigating emotional challenges, ultimately aiming for personal transformation and healthier relationships.

01:01 Understanding Conflict in Relationships

07:07 Barriers to Effective Conflict Resolution

10:04 The Shift Framework for Repairing Relationships

18:12 Repairing Conflict with Children

26:39 Modeling Repair for Emotional Intelligence

38:02 Transforming Conflict into...

In this episode, Davina discusses strategies for managing conflict effectively, focusing on recognizing escalation signals, utilizing the power of pauses, and employing grounding techniques. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, disarming statements, and setting boundaries during conflicts. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and resilience in navigating emotional challenges, ultimately aiming for personal transformation and healthier relationships.

01:05 Introduction to Conflict Management

04:28 The 3 Stages of Escalation

05:40 The Power of the Pause

09:30 Grounding Techniques During Conflict

14:51 Disarming Statements and Vulnerability

21:20 Challenging the Win/Lose Narratives

In this episode of SHIFT Talking, Davina explores the nuances of assertive communication, emphasizing its importance in preventing and addressing conflicts. She reflects on her previous episode's shortcomings and introduces a structured approach to initiating difficult conversations. The discussion covers various communication styles, the significance of nonverbal cues, and practical strategies for effective dialogue. Davina also introduces the SHIFT framework, encouraging listeners to practice assertiveness in their daily interactions and prepare for future episodes focused on conflict resolution.

Takeaways

Assertive communication is essential for effective dialogue.

It's important to differentiate between assertiveness and...

In this episode, Davina discusses the importance of preventing conflicts and managing anger through self-awareness and emotional regulation. She introduces the SHIFT framework, which emphasizes self-awareness, healing, innovation, fortitude, and transformation. The conversation covers recognizing triggers, understanding emotional responses, and the significance of communication in preventing conflicts. Davina shares personal experiences and practical strategies for parents to navigate their emotions and improve relationships with their children.

02:02 Understanding Triggers and Self-Awareness

10:39 The Shift Framework: Healing and Innovation

19:00 Fortitude and Transformation in Anger Management

24:05 Innovative Communication and Proactive Engagement

30:27 Building Emotional...

In Part 3 of their enlightening conversation, Dolly and Davina explore the multifaceted journey of self-love and healing. They discuss the importance of self-empowerment, the depth of self-care, and the logical approach to emotional work. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of accepting one's shortcomings, the role of anger as a messenger, and the transformative power of writing. They also touch on the impact of medication in healing, the necessity of building nurturing connections, and the continuous journey of self-discovery through gratitude and community support.

00:00 The Essence of Self-Love Languages

05:00 Understanding Self-Empowerment

14:50 Navigating...

In Part 2 of this three-part series, Davina and The Holistic Dolly explore the profound journey of self-love, emphasizing the importance of self-attunement, self-compassion, self-forgiveness, and self-parenting. They discuss how these elements contribute to emotional healing and personal growth, while also addressing the challenges of resistance and the need to reconnect with one's body and emotions. The conversation highlights the significance of nurturing all parts of oneself and the transformative power of understanding and accepting one's past experiences.

00:18 Welcome to SHIFT Talking

01:15 Self-Attunement Explained

03:00 The Second Self-Love Language: Self-Compassion

03:28 The Third Self-Love...

In the first episode of SHIFT Talking in 2025, Davina kicks off the year with an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with The Holistic Dolly—an experienced Trauma Recovery Registered Nurse, licensed in California, and Holistic Mental Health Life Coach. Specializing in childhood trauma recovery and codependency healing, Dolly shares her unique, holistic approach to rebuilding self-love and mental health through her concept of the five self-love languages.

In Part 1 of this three-part series, Davina and Dolly explore profound themes of trauma recovery, self-love, and the cultural influences that shape mental health practices. Dolly reflects on her personal journey, th...