Tami Simon and depth psychologist Vanessa Bennett explore the psyche's need to experience initiation in our key life transitions, using resentment as a focal point for healing, how to change our unhealthy patterns in relationships, and reclaiming personal agency.
What relationship myth causes us the most suffering? According to depth psychologist Vanessa Bennett, it's this: "That if you're not fulfilled by parenthood, sex, or your relationships, then there's something wrong with you." Why? Because it's often the fault of our culture, and not you personally, that's to blame.
This week, Tami Simon welcomes the author of The Motherhood Myth to discuss the hidden pressures and misconceptions surrounding parenthood and intimate partnership—and how looking at your resentments is a surprisingly direct way to discover the roots of the wounds that unconsciously drive unhappiness in your relationships.
Join us to explore:
At your life's turning points, why your unconscious may invite chaos or trauma
The societal roots of discontent in parenthood and intimate relationships
How Vanessa's own experiences—from her neighborhood's destruction by fire to everyday life with her daughter and husband—illustrate how to grow and heal
"If you're good, I'm good. And if you're not, I'm not"—codependency explained
The "choose me" wound—how we abandon ourselves in relationships and how to reintegrate
The "Consent Tool," a practice to help restore safety and intimacy in your relationships, and more
If you've ever felt frustrated about the demands of your relationships—obvious or hidden—this episode will spark a wealth of "aha!" moments and insights for change.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Listeners of Insights At The Edge get 10% off their first month at www.betterhelp.com/soundstrue.
Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
--------
1:03:05
--------
1:03:05
Stephen Jenkinson: Matrimony Is the Mothering of Culture
Explore how matrimony acts as a "mothering" force of culture in this conversation with Stephen Jenkinson that shines a light on the wedding ritual, marriage, and their deeper layers.
Has our modern culture lost the original empowering nature of the wedding day and of marriage itself? In this episode of Insights at the Edge, host Tami Simon welcomes Stephen Jenkinson—culture activist, founder of the Orphan Wisdom School, and author of the forthcoming book Matrimony. Here, Jenkinson explores the difference between weddings, marriage, and matrimony, revealing how authentic ritual can heal cultural wounds and foster community. Drawing from his new book and years of experience, he shares why matrimony is not just a private act but a vital, communal force that shapes the heart of culture itself.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Listeners of Insights At The Edge get 10% off their first month at www.betterhelp.com/soundstrue.
Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
--------
1:11:40
--------
1:11:40
Clea Shearer: My Cancer Will Be Purposeful
Discover the wisdom and practical lessons Clea Shearer gained on her cancer journey. This episode offers hope, humor, and supportive insights for anyone facing a serious physical illness or any of life's other monumental challenges.
Clea Shearer discusses her new book, Cancer Is Complicated. With host Tami Simon, the author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Home Edit shares her journey through a stage two breast cancer diagnosis, the emotional and physical complexities of treatment, and the surprising gifts that emerged along the way. Learn how Clea's experience reshaped her perspectives on life purpose and helping others, and how to support yourself or someone you love in navigating physical illness or other serious challenges.
Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
--------
56:10
--------
56:10
Once More: Reflections on Reincarnation and the Gap Between Lives
In this special reflection episode of Insights at the Edge host Tami Simon looks back on her seven-part series exploring reincarnation and the gap between lives. Drawing from personal experience and deep spiritual inquiry, Tami shares the motivations behind the series, the key questions that guided her journey, and the profound insights that emerged. Listeners are invited to consider new perspectives on identity, the continuity of consciousness, and the intersection of science and spirituality, while reflecting on their own most meaningful questions about life, death, and what may lie beyond.
Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
--------
25:17
--------
25:17
Once More: Reflections on Reincarnation and the Gap Between Lives
In this special reflection episode of Insights at the Edge host Tami Simon looks back on her seven-part series exploring reincarnation and the gap between lives. Drawing from personal experience and deep spiritual inquiry, Tami shares the motivations behind the series, the key questions that guided her journey, and the profound insights that emerged. Listeners are invited to consider new perspectives on identity, the continuity of consciousness, and the intersection of science and spirituality, while reflecting on their own most meaningful questions about life, death, and what may lie beyond.
Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
Tami Simon, Founder and Publisher of Sounds True interviews spiritual teachers, visionary writers, and living luminaries about their newest work and current challenges—the growing edge of their inner inquiry and outer contribution to the world.