Healing Doesn't Have to Hurt

In this episode, hosts April and Andrea dive into how different generations approach mental health and emotional wellness — from Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Together, they unpack the messages each generation was raised with and how those beliefs shaped coping, connection, and self-care.

April and Andrea discuss the impact of “tough it out” mentalities versus today’s emphasis on emotional awareness, what each generation got right, where harm was done, and how unspoken expectations still show up in relationships and healing. From silence and survival to vulnerability and regulation, this conversation explores...

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea explore what joy really is—and why so many of us struggle to access it, even when life looks “good” on the outside. They unpack the difference between happiness and joy, explaining why happiness is often conditional, while joy is a deeper state of being that lives inside the body.The conversation gently weaves through lived experiences of disconnection, trauma, survival mode, and the belief that joy has to be loud or earned. April and Andrea discuss how safety—not perfection or achievement—is the gateway to joy, and...

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea have an honest, relatable conversation about adult ADHD, what it actually looks like beyond the stereotypes, and why so many people go undiagnosed or misunderstood for years.Together, they explore how ADHD can present in very different ways: chronic lateness and chronic earliness, hyperfocus and distraction, sensory seeking and shutdown. They unpack common experiences like time blindness, rejection sensitivity, demand avoidance, and the constant inner criticism that comes from being told to “just try harder.”The episode also dives into how ADHD intersects with trauma, menopause, hormon...

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea have an honest, relatable conversation about adult ADHD, what it actually looks like beyond the stereotypes, and why so many people go undiagnosed or misunderstood for years.Together, they explore how ADHD can present in very different ways: chronic lateness and chronic earliness, hyperfocus and distraction, sensory seeking and shutdown. They unpack common experiences like time blindness, rejection sensitivity, demand avoidance, and the constant inner criticism that comes from being told to “just try harder.”The episode also dives into how ADHD intersects with trauma, menopause, hormon...

In this powerful episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea dive deep into one of the hardest skills most of us will ever learn: setting boundaries without guilt. What does it really mean to say “no”—and actually mean it? Why does the word feel so intimidating, especially for people-pleasers, over-givers, and caretakers?

Drawing from real experiences, childhood conditioning, and nervous system insight, they unpack why boundaries often feel “mean,” why so many of us fear disappointing others, and how to finally shift from people-pleasing to true emotional safety.

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea dive into two very real—and very different—experiences: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Through laughter, honesty, and personal stories, they explore how each one shows up in daily life, how they affect our relationships, and what’s happening in the brain and body when either takes over.

Andrea shares what it’s like to constantly chase connection and opportunity, fearing she’ll miss a moment of joy, while April opens up about finding comfort—and sometimes avoidance—in staying home...

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea dive deep into the world of emotions. What it really means to be “in your feelings,” and why that’s not a bad thing.

They explore the difference between having feelings and being dysregulated, and how our emotions serve as powerful information about our needs, boundaries, and alignment. From childhood messages like “suck it up” to the ways we’ve learned to apologize for our emotions, this conversation unpacks why so many of us struggle to sit with what we feel.

Episode Description – I’m Done

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea explore what it really means to be done — that breaking point when burnout meets surrender. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, or just life feeling too heavy, they talk about how “done” can actually be a doorway to healing.

Through honest conversation and gentle humor, they unpack the difference between giving up and letting go, the childhood messages that keep us pushing past our limits, and how to recognize when your body and...

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea dive into the many layers of feeling “tired.” From physical fatigue and soul exhaustion to the existential weariness that comes with living through challenging times, they unpack how modern life and even “good” busyness can drain our energy.

Through honest reflection and relatable stories, they explore how rest isn’t something to be earned but a vital part of healing. The hosts share practical tools for calming the nervous system, restoring balance, and finding peace through mindful rest and energy medicine techniques.<...

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea unpack the phrase we all use but rarely mean: “I’m fine.” Together, they explore how this universal mask hides our true emotions, creates disconnection, and keeps us in survival mode. They reflect on the childhood messages that taught us to suppress feelings, the exhaustion of constant masking, and how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and over-giving often keep us from authenticity.

With warmth and humor (including a memorable bra analogy), they share practical tools like grounding exercises and gentle self-regulation practices to help us recognize when we’re hi...

We’re overwhelmed — plain and simple. Between juggling work, family, and all the things we think we should be doing, sometimes it just feels like too much. In this episode we talk honestly about that feeling, why it happens, and how we’re trying to give ourselves a little more grace in the middle of it. We also share what’s helping us regulate and find some relief from the suffering of overwhelm.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running in a hundred directions at once, you’re not alone — we’re right there with y

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, your hosts dive into the very real experience of feeling stuck.

From decision fatigue to decision paralysis, they unpack how these struggles are connected to the nervous system and our past experiences. They explore why making even the smallest choice can feel overwhelming, how trauma shapes our responses, and why sometimes the safest option feels like doing nothing at all.

You’ll hear practical tools for moving forward, the importance of nervous system regulation, and how finding alignment can shif...

✨ Episode 2: I’m a Mess

Ever feel like you’re falling apart—like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t keep it together? You’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re human.

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, we talk about what’s really happening when you feel like a mess: your nervous system is doing its job to protect you, sometimes by shutting things down. We’ll unpack why this happens, how it shows up in everyday life, and most importantly, how to meet yourself with compassion when y...

In this first episode, we explore the idea that growth and transformation don’t have to come from suffering. Through personal stories including a powerful lesson from a traditional sweat lodge in Mexico and a breakthrough experience with belief-change practices. We challenge the “no pain, no gain” mindset often tied to healing. You’ll also learn a simple, science-backed technique for calming your nervous system: the humming effect. Join us as we set the stage for a podcast that’s all about gentle, empowering ways to heal and align.