How To Relate

Many people try to answer what makes relationships work. This podcast aims to answer how do we work relationships? I’m Brittani Procknow, a relationship therapist working with individuals and couples to deepen intimacy and live relationally. I’m taking insights from behind closed doors you, as an audience seeking to improve your way of being in relationship to yourself and others. I’m talking to people about everyday concepts including mental health, work, dating, families, friendships, and hobbies and how they influence our relationships. I’m grateful to have you here. Let’s dive in.

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Episodes

Thursday Feb 20, 2025


Enjoy this unplanned, unfiltered conversation with Jamie. We'll dive into the messiness of early adulthood, Jamie's martial arts career, religious faith and marriage, navigating friendships, and curing anxiety with cherry juice. Enjoy!
 
00:00 Introduction and Initial Banter
00:21 First Meeting and Early Memories
02:02 Life as Roommates
03:15 Adulting and Personal Growth
06:20 Social Work and Career Paths
07:28 Dating and Social Plans
09:17 Jewish Faith and Hebrew School
13:53 Taekwondo Journey and Challenges
29:28 Anxiety and Mental Health
35:01 Telepathic Connections and Idle Hour Coffee
35:33 Reconnecting After Years Apart
37:03 Girls Trip Planning and Busy Schedules
38:54 Discussing Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome
40:33 Convenience and Habitual Routines
48:58 Married Life and Household Chores
58:30 Fun Activities and Hobbies
01:05:29 Limiting Doomscrolling and Final Thoughts
 

Thursday Feb 13, 2025

In this episode of the How to Relate podcast, host and guest Beth Vincent explore the intricacies of life as a woman in her 30s. They discuss the challenges of balancing career ambitions with personal and relational goals, the role of self-care and movement in maintaining mental health, the impact of societal expectations on dating and relationships, and strategies for dealing with dating burnout. They also delve into gender socialization, the importance of vulnerability, and how to maintain a sense of identity while juggling multiple roles.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:12 Connecting Through Running and Therapy
02:08 Balancing Career and Personal Life
04:45 Navigating Dating in Your 30s
14:39 Effort and Expectations in Dating
25:54 The Impact of Job Burnout on Relationships
33:23 Exploring Identity Beyond Work
34:13 The Power of Taking Risks
38:44 Navigating Dating Burnout
43:49 Rediscovering Self Amidst Family Life
47:53 Challenging Gender Socialization
51:41 Rebuilding After Heartbreak
56:19 Balancing Self-Work and Relationships
01:04:59 The Importance of Fun in Dating
01:06:20 Embracing Your 30s with Choice and Joy

Thursday Feb 06, 2025


In this episode of the How to Relate Podcast, host Brittani and guest Everett, both therapists, dive into the complexities and nuances of dead bedrooms in relationships. They discuss the definition and implications of sexless relationships, the importance of mutual communication about sexual needs, the impact of individual self-esteem and body image, and the role of environmental and emotional factors in sexual desire. They also touch on the concept of 'the ick' and its impact on sexual attraction, the power dynamics in initiating sex, and how to compassionately reject a partner while maintaining intimacy and connection.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:11 Meeting and Initial Impressions
00:56 Therapists in Raleigh
01:29 Raleigh vs. New York
02:15 Comedian's Take on Raleigh
03:15 Transition to Main Topic
03:22 Understanding Dead Bedrooms
04:22 Sexual Frequency and Metrics
05:53 Avoidance in Relationships
07:03 Factors Affecting Libido
07:52 Impact of Body Image
09:00 Relationship Dynamics and Newness
10:59 Sexual Compatibility Conversations
11:41 Physiological Issues in Sex
13:32 Stress and Sexual Performance
18:26 Creating a Positive Sexual Environment
27:00 Rituals and Spontaneity in Sex
32:58 Communicating Sexual Preferences
35:06 Navigating Early Conversations About Sex
35:57 The Importance of Sexual Communication
37:32 Dealing with Sexual Incompatibility
39:19 Understanding the Impact of Secrets in Relationships
43:33 Addressing Dead Bedrooms and Sexual Neglect
44:23 Power Dynamics in Sexual Relationships
47:52 Strategies for Initiating Intimacy
52:05 The Role of Sensuality and Non-Sexual Physical Comfort
54:13 The 'Ick' Factor in Relationships
01:00:59 Final Thoughts on Sexual Rejection and Relationship Health
 

Thursday Jan 30, 2025


Talking about embodiment, therapy, yoga, and relationships with Glenn Chetham!
 
00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast
00:18 First Impressions and Shared Interests
01:04 Journey to Becoming a Therapist
04:53 Exploring Embodiment
14:46 Core Capsule Exercise
25:54 Navigating Emotions and Inner Dialogue
34:47 Empathy and Secure Attachment
35:45 Self-Security and Relationships
36:26 Embodiment in Relationships
38:01 Trust and Nervous System Regulation
41:57 Embodiment Practices and Community Healing
58:20 Movement as a Tool for Embodiment
01:04:40 Challenges and Benefits of Embodiment
01:07:30 Final Thoughts on Embodiment
 

Thursday Jan 23, 2025

In this episode of the How to Relate podcast, Brittani and Jaclyn dive into the intricate dynamics of dating, especially from the perspective of therapists. The discussion centers navigating the dating landscape, highlighting the importance of understanding both oneself and the other person involved.
Key topics include managing differences in dating, the balance between independence and togetherness, and how therapists navigate personal relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. We'll touch on common dating hurdles like handling expectations, potential versus reality, and the often blurred lines between offering support and becoming a fixer. Explore the concept of emotional availability, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and openness to both love and potential heartbreak. 

Thursday Jan 16, 2025


Understanding Trauma: Insights from Psychiatry
In this episode of the How to Relate podcast, Brittani sits down with Dr. Amie Sharrits. Amie is a psychiatrist specializing in trauma and alternative modalities to heal trauma. In this episode we discuss the complexities of trauma, psychodynamics, and psychoanalysis. We'll delve into the differences between psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches, talk about the role of the unconscious mind, and discuss practical steps for managing trauma in oneself and in relationships. The conversation also covers gentle support techniques, the importance of setting goals, and how to address triggers in a healthy way. Whether you're a professional or someone dealing with trauma, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 The Tomato Story: A Friendship Begins
01:04 Diving into Trauma Work
02:27 Understanding Psychodynamics and Psychoanalysis
05:37 Exploring Therapy Modalities
07:40 Inner Child Work and PTSD
09:22 Navigating Trauma and Healing
10:40 The Therapeutic Process and Safety
14:12 Brain Functions and Trauma Response
21:41 Supporting Partners in Trauma Work
25:01 The Concept of Being Triggered
29:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections
 

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025


In this episode of the How to Relate Podcast, the focus is on attachment theory and the various attachment styles, exploring how they affect our romantic relationships. You'll have a general overview of attachment theory, discuss the four types of attachment styles—secure, anxious, dismissive-avoidant, and disorganized. You'll understand how these styles originate from childhood experiences and manifest in adult relationships. The episode also offers actionable insights to understand your own attachment strategies and move towards more secure and fulfilling relational dynamics.
00:00 Introduction to Attachment Theory
01:00 Origins of Attachment Strategies
01:49 Exploring the Four Attachment Styles
05:35 Common Misconceptions and Communication Issues
06:10 Societal Influences on Attachment
08:17 Calibrating Relational Dynamics
11:54 Self-Reflection and Emotional Availability
15:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

Monday Jan 06, 2025


In this episode of the 'How to Relate' podcast, Brittani talks with long-time friend and therapist Andrea. In his episode, we'll dive deep into understanding perfectionism, the importance of boundaries, and the challenges brought about by societal norms and social media. You'll also learn healthy ways to set New Year's goals, the therapeutic benefits of journaling, and how to foster supportive, emotionally intelligent relationships. Tune in for practical insights into achieving mental wellness, especially for perfectionists and those struggling with obsessive behaviors.
 
00:00 Welcome to the How to Relate Podcast
00:12 Meeting Andrea: A Journey from 2017
01:10 Navigating Changes and Challenges
01:26 Impact of COVID on Mental Health and Habits
03:05 Helping Clients with Food and Exercise Boundaries
07:08 Understanding Perfectionism and Its Effects
23:23 New Year's Resolutions: Realistic and Sustainable Changes
30:11 The Importance of Mental Health in Achieving Goals
35:37 Starting the Journey to Better Mental Health
36:23 Managing Anxiety and Depression Holistically
37:02 The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
39:22 Accepting and Addressing Mental Health Issues
43:29 The Power of Journaling
45:12 Avoiding Perfectionism in Mental Health Practices
52:37 Navigating Relationships and Mental Health
58:31 Setting Personal Goals and Boundaries
01:05:44 The Importance of Therapy and Self-Reflection
01:07:17 Looking Forward to a New Year
 

Thursday Dec 19, 2024

How can we get better at making connections? What makes friendships unique? How can we show up as better friends without sacrificing ourselves? An episode all about friendships with Matthew Case. 

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024

What makes dating so challenging in 2024? Should we be using our dating lives as entertainment? What's the best way to use the apps? All of these questions are answered with dating expert Dr. Lori Husband! 

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