https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-with-francesca--2693902enNewsCopyright Francesca Lucahttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/da8d364e0c52b679d6c6032f6b1b01e2.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-with-francesca--2693902Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:23:36 +0000Francesca LucaFrancesca Lucafeeds@spreaker.comtrueepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-rick-manbat-sexuality-counselor--72321276https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10189Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:58:32 +0000Francesca LucaRick Manabat is a seasoned sexual addiction therapist known for cutting through shame and getting to the real story underneath compulsive behavior. His work focuses on helping individuals and couples understand the emotional drivers behind...3312falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/she-snoops-and-he-has-no-idea--72006225https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10170Thu, 14 May 2026 13:29:23 +0000Francesca LucaOne listener admits she secretly checks her boyfriend’s phone, messages, and socials; and he’s completely unaware. Is she protecting herself from heartbreak, or quietly destroying the trust in her relationship? We get into the fine line between...693falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-john-hamel-shameful-silence--71947318https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10164Sun, 10 May 2026 14:58:33 +0000Francesca LucaYou think you understand domestic violence. What if men, yes, men are a significant portion of victims, even in the most extreme caes? This conversation goes there. No bs. No easy answers.3313falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/evelyn-resh-author-of-women-sex-power-and-pleasure--71676710https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10153Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:01:34 +0000Francesca LucaEvelyn Resh is a certified sexuality counselor and certified mid-wife who has been in practice for more than 20 years. With her integrative approach to women's health, she helps women to create the life and sex life they desire by looking at their...3354truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/memorist-meg-kissinger-s-intimate-family-portrait-of-mental-illness-in-an-era-of-silence--71316276https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10124Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:16:39 +0000Francesca LucaThe Kissinger family, from the outside, looked like the American dream. Big Catholic family, beautiful home in the Chicago suburbs, vacations, country clubs, and success. But behind the doors of that home were secrets, untreated mental illness,...3335falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rick-manabat-sexual-addiction-counselor--71141119https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10075Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:38:38 +0000Francesca LucaRick Manabat is a seasoned sexual addiction therapist known for cutting through shame and getting to the real story underneath compulsive behavior. His work focuses on helping individuals and couples understand the emotional drivers behind...3352falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-your-ex-shows-up-after-20-years-like-he-went-out-for-a-gallon-of-milk--71233833https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10072Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:51:35 +0000Francesca LucaImagine you’re sitting on your couch, living your best life, maybe contemplating what to have for dinner or finally finishing that book, when a notification pops up. It’s a name you haven’t seen in two decades. It’s him. The tone of the message is so...812falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/good-guys-vs-bad-boys-dilemma--70611966It’s a tale as old as time: the classic case of the "Grass is Greener" Syndrome. You have a partner who is kind, consistent, and follows the rules, yet you find yourself peering over the fence at the "bad boy" types, wondering where the spark went.
Before you go looking for a "fix" of excitement, remember the grass is usually greenest where you actually remember to water it. If you’re currently weighing the comfort of a good man against the allure of a "bad" one, here is the reality check you might not want, but definitely need. Chaos is Not Chemistry
If you grew up in a high-stress or unpredictable environment, you might have accidentally conditioned yourself to associate "excitement" with "danger." In this headspace, a healthy relationship feels like a flatline.
When you find a man who is actually stable, your nervous system doesn't know how to handle the lack of drama, so it mislabels "peace" as "boredom."
The Reality Check: It is not your boyfriend’s job to be your 24/7 entertainment director. If you’re feeling antsy, ask yourself if your life is missing a personal challenge. It’s unfair to blame a partner for your own lack of stimulation. The Reliability Paradox
You likely fell for the "Good Guy" because of his reliability. But here’s the thing: you cannot have it both ways. * The Dependable Man: He is thoughtful, grounded, and follows through. This makes him a great partner, but it also makes him predictable.
The Bad Boy: He is unpredictable and "thrilling," but that same trait makes him a terrible partner when life gets hard.
Don't be deluded into thinking there is a middle ground where a man can be a grounded, dependable partner 90% of the time, then suddenly "flip a switch" to become a reckless thrill-seeker the moment you get bored. When a person shows you who they are, believe them. If you strip away his reliability to find "passion," you lose the very person you claimed to love. The Solution: Take Ownership of Your Joy Build a Life Independent of Him: If you need a roller coaster, go find one, literally or figuratively. Take up a high-stakes hobby, pivot your career, or travel. Stop expecting your relationship to be the sole source of your adrenaline.
Reframe "Boring" as "Safe": Get accustomed to feeling relaxed. Being with a "follows the rules" kind of guy isn't a lack of passion; it’s a foundation of safety.
The Compatibility Test: If you’ve taken ownership of your own joy and the relationship still feels like a chore, you might simply be incompatible. If that's the case, let him go so he can find someone who actually appreciates the peace he provides.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10020Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:55:50 +0000Francesca Luca(Be Careful What Lawn You Water) It’s a tale as old as time: the classic case of the "Grass is Greener" Syndrome. You have a partner who is kind, consistent, and follows the rules, yet you find yourself peering over the fence at the "bad boy" types,...It’s a tale as old as time: the classic case of the "Grass is Greener" Syndrome. You have a partner who is kind, consistent, and follows the rules, yet you find yourself peering over the fence at the "bad boy" types, wondering where the spark went.
Before you go looking for a "fix" of excitement, remember the grass is usually greenest where you actually remember to water it. If you’re currently weighing the comfort of a good man against the allure of a "bad" one, here is the reality check you might not want, but definitely need. Chaos is Not Chemistry
If you grew up in a high-stress or unpredictable environment, you might have accidentally conditioned yourself to associate "excitement" with "danger." In this headspace, a healthy relationship feels like a flatline.
When you find a man who is actually stable, your nervous system doesn't know how to handle the lack of drama, so it mislabels "peace" as "boredom."
The Reality Check: It is not your boyfriend’s job to be your 24/7 entertainment director. If you’re feeling antsy, ask yourself if your life is missing a personal challenge. It’s unfair to blame a partner for your own lack of stimulation. The Reliability Paradox
You likely fell for the "Good Guy" because of his reliability. But here’s the thing: you cannot have it both ways. * The Dependable Man: He is thoughtful, grounded, and follows through. This makes him a great partner, but it also makes him predictable.
The Bad Boy: He is unpredictable and "thrilling," but that same trait makes him a terrible partner when life gets hard.
Don't be deluded into thinking there is a middle ground where a man can be a grounded, dependable partner 90% of the time, then suddenly "flip a switch" to become a reckless thrill-seeker the moment you get bored. When a person shows you who they are, believe them. If you strip away his reliability to find "passion," you lose the very person you claimed to love. The Solution: Take Ownership of Your Joy Build a Life Independent of Him: If you need a roller coaster, go find one, literally or figuratively. Take up a high-stakes hobby, pivot your career, or travel. Stop expecting your relationship to be the sole source of your adrenaline.
Reframe "Boring" as "Safe": Get accustomed to feeling relaxed. Being with a "follows the rules" kind of guy isn't a lack of passion; it’s a foundation of safety.
The Compatibility Test: If you’ve taken ownership of your own joy and the relationship still feels like a chore, you might simply be incompatible. If that's the case, let him go so he can find someone who actually appreciates the peace he provides.]]>678falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-not-tonight-chronicles-navigating-the-desire-gap--70541623

The Bond: Some people genuinely don’t need physical intimacy to feel bonded; they can go indefinitely and feel perfectly secure.

The Void: Others feel lonely and rejected without it, even if the rest of the relationship is technically "great."

Your need for connection isn't a democracy. Your friends, your family, and society don't get a vote on what makes you feel loved. If you feel lonely without it, you're lonely. Period. The Uncomfortable "Why" When there is a chronic lack of interest in physical intimacy, it’s rarely just about a "low drive." Often, it’s a symptom of something deeper that needs to be looked at with clear eyes:

• Fear of Vulnerability: Physical intimacy requires being "seen," and for some, that is terrifying.
• Identity Struggles: Sometimes a lack of interest points toward a sexual identity issue that hasn't been addressed.
• The Hardest Question: Is it a lack of interest in "it"… or a lack of interest in "it" with you?

It’s a harsh distinction, but it’s a necessary one. If needs have been clearly expressed and there is no interest in even working on the issue, you aren't dealing with a "dry spell." You’re dealing with a dead end. The 10-Year Litmus Test If you’re justifying the situation today, ask yourself the "forever" question: If nothing changed—if this was the reality for the next 10 years—could you live with it without becoming bitter? When someone starts fantasizing about getting their needs met elsewhere just to feel a spark of life, the relationship is already in trouble. Incompatibility doesn’t make either person a "villain." But pretending it doesn’t matter when it clearly defines your sense of connection? That’s where you lose years of your life that you’ll never get back. Watching the Willingness Love isn’t just about getting along; it’s about being matched where it counts. Being wanted counts. The only way forward is a conversation that isn't about attacking or accusing, but about stating a fundamental truth: "I need physical intimacy to feel connected, and I’m not okay with how this is going." Once that's on the table, stop listening to the words and start watching the willingness. Is there a genuine desire to bridge the gap, or just a hope that the problem will go away? It’s never too late for things to change, but don’t wait until the resentment has already taken over to speak up.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10014Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:21:52 +0000Francesca LucaThe Oxygen and the Icing: Why We Need to Stop Downplaying Sexual Incompatibility Let’s stop the polite nodding and get real: Sexual incompatibility isn’t “shallow.” In the world of "serious" relationships, we’re often told that if the conversation is...

The Bond: Some people genuinely don’t need physical intimacy to feel bonded; they can go indefinitely and feel perfectly secure.

The Void: Others feel lonely and rejected without it, even if the rest of the relationship is technically "great."

Your need for connection isn't a democracy. Your friends, your family, and society don't get a vote on what makes you feel loved. If you feel lonely without it, you're lonely. Period. The Uncomfortable "Why" When there is a chronic lack of interest in physical intimacy, it’s rarely just about a "low drive." Often, it’s a symptom of something deeper that needs to be looked at with clear eyes:

• Fear of Vulnerability: Physical intimacy requires being "seen," and for some, that is terrifying.
• Identity Struggles: Sometimes a lack of interest points toward a sexual identity issue that hasn't been addressed.
• The Hardest Question: Is it a lack of interest in "it"… or a lack of interest in "it" with you?

It’s a harsh distinction, but it’s a necessary one. If needs have been clearly expressed and there is no interest in even working on the issue, you aren't dealing with a "dry spell." You’re dealing with a dead end. The 10-Year Litmus Test If you’re justifying the situation today, ask yourself the "forever" question: If nothing changed—if this was the reality for the next 10 years—could you live with it without becoming bitter? When someone starts fantasizing about getting their needs met elsewhere just to feel a spark of life, the relationship is already in trouble. Incompatibility doesn’t make either person a "villain." But pretending it doesn’t matter when it clearly defines your sense of connection? That’s where you lose years of your life that you’ll never get back. Watching the Willingness Love isn’t just about getting along; it’s about being matched where it counts. Being wanted counts. The only way forward is a conversation that isn't about attacking or accusing, but about stating a fundamental truth: "I need physical intimacy to feel connected, and I’m not okay with how this is going." Once that's on the table, stop listening to the words and start watching the willingness. Is there a genuine desire to bridge the gap, or just a hope that the problem will go away? It’s never too late for things to change, but don’t wait until the resentment has already taken over to speak up.]]>706falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/harmless-crush-or-emotional-affair--70180213You’re happy at home. You’ve got a solid relationship. You love your partner.
And then there’s… him. The guy at work.
It starts small. A look that lingers half a second too long. A joke that feels just a little more charged than it should. You notice what he’s wearing. He notices when you change your hair.
There’s nothing happening; but there’s something there.
A shift in energy when you’re in the same room.
And now you’re asking yourself, “Is this harmless… or is this the beginning of something slippery?”
First, let’s normalize it. Feeling a flicker doesn’t mean you’re unhappy at home. It means you’re alive. But here’s where it matters, what you do with that undercurrent is everything.
A harmless crush stays harmless because it stays contained. You don’t feed it. You don’t linger in his office longer than necessary. You don’t start sharing pieces of your emotional world that belong in your relationship. No watering here.
Do you confide in him about frustrations at home? 
Do you dress with him in mind? Do you look forward to work more than you know you should?
Would you feel uncomfortable if your partner stood right there during one of those “innocent” conversations? That’s the line.
The undercurrent itself isn’t the betrayal. Secrecy is.
Sometimes that office attraction isn’t about the other person at all. Maybe you miss being admired or miss playful energy.
Instead of panicking or pretending, just ask yourself what this is showing you.
Strong relationships don’t collapse because someone attractive walks into the building. They can grow stronger if you use moments like this as awareness instead of escape routes.
You can be committed and still be human. You can notice chemistry and still do the right thing.
Attraction isn’t the danger. Indulgence is.
You don’t cheat because you felt something.
You cheat because you fed the beast.

]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=10006Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:50:02 +0000Francesca LucaLet’s talk about something most people experience… and almost nobody admits. You’re happy at home. You’ve got a solid relationship. You love your partner. And then there’s… him. The guy at work. It starts small. A look that lingers half a second too...You’re happy at home. You’ve got a solid relationship. You love your partner.
And then there’s… him. The guy at work.
It starts small. A look that lingers half a second too long. A joke that feels just a little more charged than it should. You notice what he’s wearing. He notices when you change your hair.
There’s nothing happening; but there’s something there.
A shift in energy when you’re in the same room.
And now you’re asking yourself, “Is this harmless… or is this the beginning of something slippery?”
First, let’s normalize it. Feeling a flicker doesn’t mean you’re unhappy at home. It means you’re alive. But here’s where it matters, what you do with that undercurrent is everything.
A harmless crush stays harmless because it stays contained. You don’t feed it. You don’t linger in his office longer than necessary. You don’t start sharing pieces of your emotional world that belong in your relationship. No watering here.
Do you confide in him about frustrations at home? 
Do you dress with him in mind? Do you look forward to work more than you know you should?
Would you feel uncomfortable if your partner stood right there during one of those “innocent” conversations? That’s the line.
The undercurrent itself isn’t the betrayal. Secrecy is.
Sometimes that office attraction isn’t about the other person at all. Maybe you miss being admired or miss playful energy.
Instead of panicking or pretending, just ask yourself what this is showing you.
Strong relationships don’t collapse because someone attractive walks into the building. They can grow stronger if you use moments like this as awareness instead of escape routes.
You can be committed and still be human. You can notice chemistry and still do the right thing.
Attraction isn’t the danger. Indulgence is.
You don’t cheat because you felt something.
You cheat because you fed the beast.

]]>589falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/keith-glomsowitch-author-of-stalked--69977427https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9999Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:43:18 +0000Francesca LucaKeith Zlomsowitch waited more than 30 years to tell his story in STALKED: It Could Have Been Me.  He shares the threats, stalking, and emotional turmoil he and Nicole endured at the hands of O.J. Simpson and how, in that fateful moment, it very well...3255falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-more-isn-t-always-loving-better--69668965What happens when one partner says, “If you were a real man, you’d talk about your feelings”and the other shuts down completely? That comment is a low blow. Full stop.
Using someone’s identity, especially their masculinity as a bargaining chip to force intimate conversation is like trying to open a flower with a sledgehammer. Fortress built! For many men(and women too), silence isn’t cruelty or avoidance. It’s protection. It’s how they process. It’s how they avoid saying the wrong thing before they understand what they’re actually feeling. A man doesn’t stop being a man because he doesn’t “perform” vulnerability on demand. it’s often how he was built. But here’s the other side of the table. For many women, talking is intimacy. Words are connection. Sharing is reassurance. When silence appears, it can feel frightening. Panic quickly creeps in with real fear of being abandoned. Are we okay? Are you pulling away? So when she pushes for conversation, it’s often not malice. It’s fear. Different Languages, Same Relationship This is where couples get stuck because they’re speaking different emotional languages. To her talking equals closeness but to him silence equals safetly. Without awareness the couple can drift apart. The real damage happens when shame enters the room, when vulnerability is demanded instead of invited or when masculinity or femininity is used as leverage. The Way Forward (Without Surrendering Yourself) First, that comment can’t just be “gotten over.” Words like that hit identity, not just feelings. If it’s not addressed, it quietly controls everything that follows. I would suggest saying something like:
“I do want to talk to you. But when you said a man ‘talks about his feelings,’ it felt like an attack and it made me go silent.” Then let the response come. Next, silence needs structure.
“I’ll talk when I’m ready” feels endless to someone who equates talking with safety. A time boundary changes everything. Try:
“I don’t have the words right now. Give me 2 hours (or 24). I promise I’ll come back to you.” Now silence becomes a bridge instead of a wall. And yes “I don’t have the words yet” is still communication. So is “I’m frustrated.” So is “Give me a little time.”That is communication. The Bigger Truth Men don’t need to be shamed into vulnerability. It backfires every time.
But withdrawing forever because of a bad comment hands over too much power. Leadership in a relationship doesn’t mean dominating the emotional pace. It means setting boundaries and staying engaged. Address the insult.
Name the boundary.
Then find a way to communicate that works for you without disappearing. Because the goal isn’t to win the silence-versus-words battle.
It’s to build a shared language where both people feel safe enough to stay.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9976Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:49:23 +0000Francesca LucaA question came up recently on Love Bites that stuck with me: What happens when one partner says, “If you were a real man, you’d talk about your feelings”and the other shuts down completely? That comment is a low blow. Full stop. Using someone’s...What happens when one partner says, “If you were a real man, you’d talk about your feelings”and the other shuts down completely? That comment is a low blow. Full stop.
Using someone’s identity, especially their masculinity as a bargaining chip to force intimate conversation is like trying to open a flower with a sledgehammer. Fortress built! For many men(and women too), silence isn’t cruelty or avoidance. It’s protection. It’s how they process. It’s how they avoid saying the wrong thing before they understand what they’re actually feeling. A man doesn’t stop being a man because he doesn’t “perform” vulnerability on demand. it’s often how he was built. But here’s the other side of the table. For many women, talking is intimacy. Words are connection. Sharing is reassurance. When silence appears, it can feel frightening. Panic quickly creeps in with real fear of being abandoned. Are we okay? Are you pulling away? So when she pushes for conversation, it’s often not malice. It’s fear. Different Languages, Same Relationship This is where couples get stuck because they’re speaking different emotional languages. To her talking equals closeness but to him silence equals safetly. Without awareness the couple can drift apart. The real damage happens when shame enters the room, when vulnerability is demanded instead of invited or when masculinity or femininity is used as leverage. The Way Forward (Without Surrendering Yourself) First, that comment can’t just be “gotten over.” Words like that hit identity, not just feelings. If it’s not addressed, it quietly controls everything that follows. I would suggest saying something like:
“I do want to talk to you. But when you said a man ‘talks about his feelings,’ it felt like an attack and it made me go silent.” Then let the response come. Next, silence needs structure.
“I’ll talk when I’m ready” feels endless to someone who equates talking with safety. A time boundary changes everything. Try:
“I don’t have the words right now. Give me 2 hours (or 24). I promise I’ll come back to you.” Now silence becomes a bridge instead of a wall. And yes “I don’t have the words yet” is still communication. So is “I’m frustrated.” So is “Give me a little time.”That is communication. The Bigger Truth Men don’t need to be shamed into vulnerability. It backfires every time.
But withdrawing forever because of a bad comment hands over too much power. Leadership in a relationship doesn’t mean dominating the emotional pace. It means setting boundaries and staying engaged. Address the insult.
Name the boundary.
Then find a way to communicate that works for you without disappearing. Because the goal isn’t to win the silence-versus-words battle.
It’s to build a shared language where both people feel safe enough to stay.]]>721falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hal-eisner-an-accidental-career-my-fifty-eight-year-adventure-as-a-broadcast-news-reporter--69627819https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9971Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:13:38 +0000Francesca LucaIn An Accidental Career, Hal Eisner chronicles his life from his early years in Pittsburgh and Dallas to a remarkable 43-year tenure as a television news reporter in Los Angeles. His journey through radio and television showcases his dedication to...3205falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-friend-machine-with-victoria-hetherington--69545781https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9966Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:13:13 +0000Francesca Luca Third-quarter 2023 Google Trends indicated a 2,400 percent increase in searches for “AI girlfriends.” Millions of people are currently in what they consider to be serious relationships with AI. Thousands have engaged in ceremonial weddings with their...3407falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-control-can-disguise-itself-as-care--69455984Quiet time feels like an offense. And suddenly, you’re wondering how something that looks like “care” can feel so constricting. We All Come From Different Starting Points Every relationship is shaped by the emotional environments we grew up in. If you were closely monitored or overly doted on as a child, attention in adulthood might feel smothering.
If you grew up with little attention, that same closeness might feel comforting or even necessary. Neither is wrong. But when two different nervous systems collide, things can get complicated. Sometimes heightened need for reassurance isn’t about control but rather about anxiety. Loss, grief, or past abandonment can wire someone to stay hyper-alert to any perceived disconnection. Silence doesn’t feel neutral; it feels dangerous. A delayed response can trigger urgency:
Something’s wrong. I need reassurance now. That second text or voicemail isn’t always passive-aggressive or manipulative. Often, it’s an attempt to regain emotional stability. Anxiety doesn’t always think clearly. When Needs Clash On the other side, there are people who regulate stress by pulling inward. They decompress through quiet, space, and mental   needing to explain themselves. And that is completely valid. But when contact starts to feel obligatory, irritation creeps in. You pull back. The other person leans forward. This is a classic pursuer–withdrawer dynamic. What often goes unnoticed is how unspoken boundaries turn into passive resentment. Over time, that erodes intimacy far more than an honest conversation ever could. What Not to Do Don’t frame the issue as “you’re too needy.”
Don’t wait until resentment builds and spills out sideways.
And don’t over-explain your need for space; that turns a boundary into a negotiation. Something as simple as: “When I don’t respond right away, it’s usually because I’m decompressing, not because I’m avoiding you. But when I feel like I have to check in constantly, I actually feel less connected, and I don’t want that to happen between us.” That reassures connection and sets a limit without making anyone the villain. Why This Matters Long-Term For a relationship to stay healthy over time closeness must be chosen, not demanded, space must be tolerated, not punished and reassurance cannot require constant access. When anxiety becomes someone else’s responsibility, burnout is inevitable. Desire doesn’t survive surveillance. Even deep love can’t thrive when one partner feels managed instead of chosen. Attraction stays alive when connection is voluntary, not reported. The Real Litmus Test The most important question isn’t how much reassurance someone needs, but can one partner tolerate boundaries without escalating or can the other hold those boundaries without disappearing or over-explaining? If the answer to both is yes, the relationship can grow. If not, resentment will eventually dominate. Signs Things Are Moving in a Healthy Direction Here’s what progress actually looks like:

• Boundaries are heard without being interpreted as rejection
  Curiosity replaces defensiveness.
• Anxiety is regulated internally
  Instead of double-texting, there’s pausing, grounding, and perspective.
• Scorekeeping disappears
  No guilt-laced comments. No tracking response times.
• Consistency is trusted, not tested
  You’re no longer “on trial” after years of reliability.
• Fear can be expressed without being acted out
  Naming feelings replaces impulsive behavior.
• Conversations bring relief, not vigilance
  You feel more open afterward, not constrained.

And most importantly: progress sticks, even during stress. Final Thought Healthy relationships don’t require constant availability. They require emotional regulation, trust, and respect for difference. You shouldn’t have to disappear to have space.
And no one should have to panic to feel connected. When reassurance works but learning doesn’t, you’re not building intimacy, you’re becoming a pacifier. And desire? It survives on freedom, not fear.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9958Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:21:13 +0000Francesca LucaHave you ever been in a relationship where it feels like your every move is being monitored even though you’ve done nothing wrong? Not in an obvious, dramatic way. More subtle than that. A missed call becomes a problem or a delayed response sparks...Quiet time feels like an offense. And suddenly, you’re wondering how something that looks like “care” can feel so constricting. We All Come From Different Starting Points Every relationship is shaped by the emotional environments we grew up in. If you were closely monitored or overly doted on as a child, attention in adulthood might feel smothering.
If you grew up with little attention, that same closeness might feel comforting or even necessary. Neither is wrong. But when two different nervous systems collide, things can get complicated. Sometimes heightened need for reassurance isn’t about control but rather about anxiety. Loss, grief, or past abandonment can wire someone to stay hyper-alert to any perceived disconnection. Silence doesn’t feel neutral; it feels dangerous. A delayed response can trigger urgency:
Something’s wrong. I need reassurance now. That second text or voicemail isn’t always passive-aggressive or manipulative. Often, it’s an attempt to regain emotional stability. Anxiety doesn’t always think clearly. When Needs Clash On the other side, there are people who regulate stress by pulling inward. They decompress through quiet, space, and mental   needing to explain themselves. And that is completely valid. But when contact starts to feel obligatory, irritation creeps in. You pull back. The other person leans forward. This is a classic pursuer–withdrawer dynamic. What often goes unnoticed is how unspoken boundaries turn into passive resentment. Over time, that erodes intimacy far more than an honest conversation ever could. What Not to Do Don’t frame the issue as “you’re too needy.”
Don’t wait until resentment builds and spills out sideways.
And don’t over-explain your need for space; that turns a boundary into a negotiation. Something as simple as: “When I don’t respond right away, it’s usually because I’m decompressing, not because I’m avoiding you. But when I feel like I have to check in constantly, I actually feel less connected, and I don’t want that to happen between us.” That reassures connection and sets a limit without making anyone the villain. Why This Matters Long-Term For a relationship to stay healthy over time closeness must be chosen, not demanded, space must be tolerated, not punished and reassurance cannot require constant access. When anxiety becomes someone else’s responsibility, burnout is inevitable. Desire doesn’t survive surveillance. Even deep love can’t thrive when one partner feels managed instead of chosen. Attraction stays alive when connection is voluntary, not reported. The Real Litmus Test The most important question isn’t how much reassurance someone needs, but can one partner tolerate boundaries without escalating or can the other hold those boundaries without disappearing or over-explaining? If the answer to both is yes, the relationship can grow. If not, resentment will eventually dominate. Signs Things Are Moving in a Healthy Direction Here’s what progress actually looks like:

• Boundaries are heard without being interpreted as rejection
  Curiosity replaces defensiveness.
• Anxiety is regulated internally
  Instead of double-texting, there’s pausing, grounding, and perspective.
• Scorekeeping disappears
  No guilt-laced comments. No tracking response times.
• Consistency is trusted, not tested
  You’re no longer “on trial” after years of reliability.
• Fear can be expressed without being acted out
  Naming feelings replaces impulsive behavior.
• Conversations bring relief, not vigilance
  You feel more open afterward, not constrained.

And most importantly: progress sticks, even during stress. Final Thought Healthy relationships...]]>802falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/susan-winter-when-is-it-time-to-end-a-relationship--69445975We question them when they’re just not quite right. When there’s still love.
Still history.
Still moments that make us think, “Maybe I’m expecting too much.” Letting go isn’t just about ending a relationship.
but also releasing the version of the future we’ve been holding onto. And for many people, that’s the hardest part.
Not the loss of the person, but the loss of who they thought they were going to be with that person. Today’s conversation isn’t about giving up on love.
It’s about recognizing when love starts to diminish you. My guest is Susan Winter, relationship expert, author, and someone who has spent decades helping people navigate love without losing themselves in the process.
She doesn’t believe every relationship should be saved.
She believes every person deserves to stay whole. Today we’re talking about a question so many people live with quietly:
When is it time to let go of a relationship and how do you do that without turning it into a personal failure?]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9955Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:21:13 +0000Francesca LucaWe don’t usually question our relationships when they’re obviously broken. We question them when they’re just not quite right. When there’s still love. Still history. Still moments that make us think, “Maybe I’m expecting too much.” Letting go isn’t...We question them when they’re just not quite right. When there’s still love.
Still history.
Still moments that make us think, “Maybe I’m expecting too much.” Letting go isn’t just about ending a relationship.
but also releasing the version of the future we’ve been holding onto. And for many people, that’s the hardest part.
Not the loss of the person, but the loss of who they thought they were going to be with that person. Today’s conversation isn’t about giving up on love.
It’s about recognizing when love starts to diminish you. My guest is Susan Winter, relationship expert, author, and someone who has spent decades helping people navigate love without losing themselves in the process.
She doesn’t believe every relationship should be saved.
She believes every person deserves to stay whole. Today we’re talking about a question so many people live with quietly:
When is it time to let go of a relationship and how do you do that without turning it into a personal failure?]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stephanie-coontz--69382666https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9948Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:00:38 +0000Francesca LucaStephanie Coontz was active in the Free Speech and civil rights movements; her work has been cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision on same-sex marriage rights. She has also testified before Congress on family...3246falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/historian-and-author-stephanie-coontz--69374713https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9945Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:54:26 +0000Francesca LucaStephanie Coontz was active in the Free Speech and civil rights movements; her work has been cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision on same-sex marriage rights. She has also testified before Congress on family...3246falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-unspoken-tension-between-care-and-commitment-when-family-needs-and-partnership-needs-collide--69345389https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9940Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:44:16 +0000Francesca LucaThere are seasons when a couple’s future shifts because the emotional landscape around them is changing in unexpected ways. A parent falls ill, responsibilities multiply, or a family experiences a loss that quietly reshapes priorities. What once felt...972falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-deal-with-betrayal-when-your-whole-world-just-breaks--69138197It doesn’t just hurt. It fractures your sense of safety, identity, and reality.
And if you feel like your world just ripped open…it did.
If the pain is showing up as nightmares, panic dreams, or sleep that feels anything but restful, it’s not random. Your mind, body, and emotions are all trying to make sense of something that feels too big to swallow.
So Let’s Talk About Those Nightmares
Maybe you’re dreaming you’re choking. Maybe you’re trapped. Maybe you’re voiceless.
Or maybe you’re watching something collapse and can’t stop it. You wake up in a sweat.
These dreams can feel dramatic, frightening, even suffocating. But there’s meaning buried inside them.
Choking or being unable to speak might symbolize:
struggling to process an overwhelming truth
feeling forced to accept something horrific
holding in emotions or words you’re scared to express
feeling powerless or unheard
being stuck in an experience you can’t mentally or emotionally digest
Your mind is doing what it can: trying to “process” something your heart hasn’t caught up to yet.
Over time, if not processed, nightmares can intensify. It means your internal system is working overtime to help you survive something that feels impossible.
Trying to Make Sense of the Senseless
Here’s the part people rarely talk about:
Betrayal trauma scrambles your reality questioning yourself, your memories, your own intuition, your ability to trust. The list goes on and on.
But hear this clearly:
You are overwhelmed because something overwhelming happened. Your brain is trying to reorganize a world that suddenly looks nothing like the one you knew.
You deserve support in that process.
Steady yourself while you navigate the emotional aftershocks.
Find a Safe Space to Unload
A trusted friend, counselor, therapist, or support group can help you release the feelings you’ve been swallowing. Not to judge you. Not to tell you what to do.
Just to hold space while you breathe again.
Protect Your Sense of Agency
When betrayal hits, you often lose your footing.
You may not be ready for big decisions and that’s okay.
Exploring your options with someone supportive helps you regain a sense of control even if you don’t act on any of it yet.
Don’t Rush Big Choices
In moments of crisis, the world loves to shout advice. Ignore that noise.
Your next steps should be your own taken when you’re steady enough to stand.
Release the Self-Blame
Betrayal is not something you “cause” by being imperfect.
It’s something someone chooses to do.
Your worth doesn’t decrease because someone else acted without integrity.
Your Dreams Aren’t a Threat
Yes, they’re scary. Yes, they feel real. But they’re not predicting anything.
They’re simply your internal alarm system trying to process emotional overload.
It’s your mind saying: “I’m trying to help you heal. I just need support.”
Lean on People But Choose Wisely
Some people listen. Some people lecture. Right now, seek the listeners.
The ones who say, “I’m here,” not “Here’s what you should do.” Your heart needs presence, not pressure. And Above All: Let Yourself Feel What You Feel
There is no “correct” timeline. No “right” emotional reaction. No universal rulebook.
There is only your experience, your process, your pace.
Whatever you decide to do next, take space, reconnect, rebuild trust, walk away, or simply breathe moment by moment remember:
You do not have to do this alone.This is survivable. Not easy. Not quick. But survivable.
Every emotion you’re carrying be it fear, anger, numbness, confusion, grief, or disbelief is valid.
BREATHE.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9920Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:45:34 +0000Francesca LucaJust yesterday I received a question from a listener that tore my own heart apart. His wife of 27 years has been cheating on him for a year with his boss. And….he’s having nightmares. Tragic. Let me start by acknowledging the devastation of betrayal...It doesn’t just hurt. It fractures your sense of safety, identity, and reality.
And if you feel like your world just ripped open…it did.
If the pain is showing up as nightmares, panic dreams, or sleep that feels anything but restful, it’s not random. Your mind, body, and emotions are all trying to make sense of something that feels too big to swallow.
So Let’s Talk About Those Nightmares
Maybe you’re dreaming you’re choking. Maybe you’re trapped. Maybe you’re voiceless.
Or maybe you’re watching something collapse and can’t stop it. You wake up in a sweat.
These dreams can feel dramatic, frightening, even suffocating. But there’s meaning buried inside them.
Choking or being unable to speak might symbolize:
struggling to process an overwhelming truth
feeling forced to accept something horrific
holding in emotions or words you’re scared to express
feeling powerless or unheard
being stuck in an experience you can’t mentally or emotionally digest
Your mind is doing what it can: trying to “process” something your heart hasn’t caught up to yet.
Over time, if not processed, nightmares can intensify. It means your internal system is working overtime to help you survive something that feels impossible.
Trying to Make Sense of the Senseless
Here’s the part people rarely talk about:
Betrayal trauma scrambles your reality questioning yourself, your memories, your own intuition, your ability to trust. The list goes on and on.
But hear this clearly:
You are overwhelmed because something overwhelming happened. Your brain is trying to reorganize a world that suddenly looks nothing like the one you knew.
You deserve support in that process.
Steady yourself while you navigate the emotional aftershocks.
Find a Safe Space to Unload
A trusted friend, counselor, therapist, or support group can help you release the feelings you’ve been swallowing. Not to judge you. Not to tell you what to do.
Just to hold space while you breathe again.
Protect Your Sense of Agency
When betrayal hits, you often lose your footing.
You may not be ready for big decisions and that’s okay.
Exploring your options with someone supportive helps you regain a sense of control even if you don’t act on any of it yet.
Don’t Rush Big Choices
In moments of crisis, the world loves to shout advice. Ignore that noise.
Your next steps should be your own taken when you’re steady enough to stand.
Release the Self-Blame
Betrayal is not something you “cause” by being imperfect.
It’s something someone chooses to do.
Your worth doesn’t decrease because someone else acted without integrity.
Your Dreams Aren’t a Threat
Yes, they’re scary. Yes, they feel real. But they’re not predicting anything.
They’re simply your internal alarm system trying to process emotional overload.
It’s your mind saying: “I’m trying to help you heal. I just need support.”
Lean on People But Choose Wisely
Some people listen. Some people lecture. Right now, seek the listeners.
The ones who say, “I’m here,” not “Here’s what you should do.” Your heart needs presence, not pressure. And Above All: Let Yourself Feel What You Feel
There is no “correct” timeline. No “right” emotional reaction. No universal rulebook.
There is only your experience, your process, your pace.
Whatever you decide to do next, take space, reconnect, rebuild trust, walk away, or simply breathe moment by moment remember:
You do not have to do this alone.This is survivable. Not easy. Not quick. But survivable.
Every emotion you’re carrying be it fear, anger, numbness, confusion, grief, or disbelief is...]]>782falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/softening-a-no-without-losing-yourself--69133861https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9913Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:58:31 +0000Francesca LucaWhy are you so afraid to just say no? How much explaining do you do so you won't feel uncomfortable? A lot of people don’t actually say no. They negotiate. They soften. They redirect. They make it about someone else’s comfort so they don’t have to sit...677falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-seven-year-itch-when-nothing-s-wrong-still-feels-wrong--69101426“I miss feeling close to you” opens one. Try expressing longing instead of outcomes:

• “I want us to feel more alive together.”
• “I miss feeling emotionally connected.”
• “I want to find our way back to each other.”

These aren’t accusations, they’re invitations. Gratitude and Longing Can Coexist Comparison is a trap. Seeing others single and searching doesn’t mean you’re obligated to stay quietly unfulfilled. Gratitude for what you have and longing for something deeper can exist at the same time. One does not cancel out the other. The seven-year itch isn’t a sign that love is broken. More often, it’s a signal that love is asking to grow. And listening to that signal gently, honestly, and without shame can be the beginning of something deeper rather than the end of something good.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9908Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:21:44 +0000Francesca LucaYou’ve probably heard the phrase “the seven-year itch.” It’s often tossed around casually, but it points to something very real. The seven-year itch refers to a period often somewhere between 5 and 10 years into a long-term relationship or marriage...“I miss feeling close to you” opens one. Try expressing longing instead of outcomes:

• “I want us to feel more alive together.”
• “I miss feeling emotionally connected.”
• “I want to find our way back to each other.”

These aren’t accusations, they’re invitations. Gratitude and Longing Can Coexist Comparison is a trap. Seeing others single and searching doesn’t mean you’re obligated to stay quietly unfulfilled. Gratitude for what you have and longing for something deeper can exist at the same time. One does not cancel out the other. The seven-year itch isn’t a sign that love is broken. More often, it’s a signal that love is asking to grow. And listening to that signal gently, honestly, and without shame can be the beginning of something deeper rather than the end of something good.]]>837falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-know-your-self-with-professor-j-eric-oliver--68961868How to Know Your Self. This conversation is going to be one you'll never forget. It’s that kind of impact. Stay tuned.]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9898Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:56:20 +0000Francesca LucaEvery once in a while you meet someone that just completely rewires the way you see yourself. You find yourself saying, "Oh… this changes everything". My guest is the guy behind one of those experiences. Professor J. Eric Oliver has been teaching a...How to Know Your Self. This conversation is going to be one you'll never forget. It’s that kind of impact. Stay tuned.]]>3191falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-can-t-stand-my-family-parties-a-psychological-survival-guide--68888535The Brain Behind the Guilt
That little voice saying “You should go” could be a relic from childhood. Humans are wired for social belonging. As kids, we learned that family = safety. Over time, that conditioning morphs into guilt when we try to set boundaries as adults.
The rational part of your brain says, “This will hurt me, I shouldn’t go.” But the emotional, threat-detecting part remembers: “Family = danger if I step out of line.” The result? Internal conflict, stress, and maybe even physical tension.
The Choice: Obligation vs. Self-Preservation
You want one thing (peace, boundaries, joy) but feel pressure to do the opposite (attend, appease, perform). Only you can weigh the costs:
Emotional toll: Will attending trigger anxiety, resentment, or anger?
Social cost: Will skipping it actually damage relationships, or is that just a story in your head?
Personal benefit: Could going bring genuine connection, fun, or closure? Practical Psychological Strategies
1. Reframe Your Expectations
Let go of the “Leave It to Beaver” fantasy. Toxic families rarely deliver warmth, hugs, and universal acceptance. Set zero expectations; this reduces disappointment and stress.
2. Create Mental Safe Zones
The Ally Anchor: Identify one reliable, non-toxic person to stick with.
The Physical Anchor: Use the kitchen or a small task as a legitimate escape from drama.
The Sensory Anchor: (this one’s a little airy fairy but it does work, trust me!)A scent, a tactile object, or a personal mantra can calm your nervous system in real time.
Plan short attendance, pre-scripted exits, and self-soothing techniques. This allows you to stay present without getting emotionally hijacked.
After the party, give your mind and body a reset: meditation, a bath, journaling, or a small indulgence. Psychologically, this helps consolidate boundaries and reduce residual stress.
Flip the Script: Power and Control
If you host, set boundaries proactively: limit duration, assign roles, and manage expectations. Perceived control drastically reduces stress and anxiety in these situations.
Family gatherings don’t have to mean self-sacrifice. Recognize the psychological forces at play, conditioning, guilt, cognitive dissonance and decide from a place of awareness, not obligation. Protect your mental health first. Connection is valuable, but not at the expense of your emotional survival.

]]>https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9888Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:27:10 +0000Francesca LucaEveryone says, “Just go. It’s family.” But what if going feels like stepping into a minefield? What if the thought of small talk, judgment, and old grudges sends your anxiety skyrocketing? Let’s unpack why that “should go” feeling exists and how to...The Brain Behind the Guilt
That little voice saying “You should go” could be a relic from childhood. Humans are wired for social belonging. As kids, we learned that family = safety. Over time, that conditioning morphs into guilt when we try to set boundaries as adults.
The rational part of your brain says, “This will hurt me, I shouldn’t go.” But the emotional, threat-detecting part remembers: “Family = danger if I step out of line.” The result? Internal conflict, stress, and maybe even physical tension.
The Choice: Obligation vs. Self-Preservation
You want one thing (peace, boundaries, joy) but feel pressure to do the opposite (attend, appease, perform). Only you can weigh the costs:
Emotional toll: Will attending trigger anxiety, resentment, or anger?
Social cost: Will skipping it actually damage relationships, or is that just a story in your head?
Personal benefit: Could going bring genuine connection, fun, or closure? Practical Psychological Strategies
1. Reframe Your Expectations
Let go of the “Leave It to Beaver” fantasy. Toxic families rarely deliver warmth, hugs, and universal acceptance. Set zero expectations; this reduces disappointment and stress.
2. Create Mental Safe Zones
The Ally Anchor: Identify one reliable, non-toxic person to stick with.
The Physical Anchor: Use the kitchen or a small task as a legitimate escape from drama.
The Sensory Anchor: (this one’s a little airy fairy but it does work, trust me!)A scent, a tactile object, or a personal mantra can calm your nervous system in real time.
Plan short attendance, pre-scripted exits, and self-soothing techniques. This allows you to stay present without getting emotionally hijacked.
After the party, give your mind and body a reset: meditation, a bath, journaling, or a small indulgence. Psychologically, this helps consolidate boundaries and reduce residual stress.
Flip the Script: Power and Control
If you host, set boundaries proactively: limit duration, assign roles, and manage expectations. Perceived control drastically reduces stress and anxiety in these situations.
Family gatherings don’t have to mean self-sacrifice. Recognize the psychological forces at play, conditioning, guilt, cognitive dissonance and decide from a place of awareness, not obligation. Protect your mental health first. Connection is valuable, but not at the expense of your emotional survival.

]]>733falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kate-king-author-mend-or-move-on--68832157https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9877Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:35:26 +0000Francesca LucaWe’re diving into the emotional crossroads that so many people face but rarely talk about openly: when a relationship isn’t working, how do you know whether to fight for it… or walk away? My guest is Kate King, a trauma-informed relationship coach and...3360falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-ll-be-back-in-january-babe-it-s-not-a-seasonal-subscription--68660975https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9871Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:28:13 +0000Francesca LucaWhen your boyfriend suddenly “needs space” right before the holidays, that’s not random. That’s not casual. And it’s definitely not something to brush off with, “Oh…okay, let me know when you’re done.” No. We’re not doing that here. Some women...773falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/too-soon-for-the-holidays-when-bringing-your-boo-home-is-a-hard-pass--68582272https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9866Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:21:51 +0000Francesca LucaAh, the holidays. Time for twinkling lights, awkward hugs, and… introducing your brand-new boo to your family. Nothing says “holiday cheer” like throwing someone into the middle of your family circus and praying they survive.Here’s the cold, honest...655falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-james-greenblatt--68448255https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9863Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:18:58 +0000Francesca LucaDr. James Greenblatt founded Psychiatry Redefined, a leading educational platform training clinicians worldwide in functional and integrative psychiatry. A sought-after international speaker, Dr. Greenblatt regularly lectures on nutritional psychiatry...3234falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trupti-gokani-from-disease-to-dis-ease--68446600https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9858Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:58:18 +0000Francesca LucaTrupti Gokani, MD is an award-winning, board-certified neurologist, health & mindset coach, ayurvedic expert, and Master Practitioner of NLP, who has dedicated her life to developing a unique blend of ancient wisdom with modern approaches. By...3360falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/leslie-morgan-steiner--68401015https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9847Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:18:33 +0000Francesca LucaLeslie Morgan Steiner is an author, consultant and thought leader on women’s leadership, work-life balance, inspirational parenting, overcoming adversity and surviving violence against women. She lives in Washington, DC. She recently completed her...3210falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/test--68313310https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9810Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:38:04 +0000Francesca Lucatest episode688falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-deborah-tannen-you-just-don-t-understand--68312627https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9805Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:45:06 +0000Francesca Luca3361falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-emotional-hangover-after-a-breakup-stop-rerunning-the-past--68181730https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9768Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:57:15 +0000Francesca LucaBreakups are messy, messy business. And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the heartbreak, it’s the emotional hangover that lingers long after the door has closed. That “if only” moment keeps creeping in: “If only he wasn’t a gaslighter… a manipulator…...688falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-packing-his-lunch-you-re-his-lover-not-his-mother--68082388https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9749Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:45:07 +0000Francesca LucaWe need to talk about something a lot of women fall into without realizing it, the mothering trap. It starts with love: you want to take care of him, make his life easier, show how much you care. But before you know it, you’re not his partner anymore…...688falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-men-and-women-just-be-friends--68014798https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9741Sat, 04 Oct 2025 18:26:04 +0000Francesca LucaYeah yeah, we’ve all debated this before. But let’s be honest; this gets murky fast when one person has (or had) feelings.Let me just say it:
I actually don’t think men and women can stay close friends if there’s romantic history or lingering...766falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-francesca-luca-show-with-lori-gottlieb--68014367https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9737Sat, 04 Oct 2025 18:13:57 +0000Francesca LucaToday we are talking with Lori Gottlieb.3362falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-men-and-women-just-be-friends--68013649https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9728Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:12:31 +0000Francesca Luca766falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-men-and-women-just-be-friends--68001613https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9726Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:09:56 +0000Francesca LucaYeah yeah, we’ve all debated this before. But let’s be honest; this gets murky fast when one person has (or had) feelings.Let me just say it:
I actually don’t think men and women can stay close friends if there’s romantic history or lingering...766falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-men-and-women-just-be-friends--67988530https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9718Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:53:17 +0000Francesca LucaYeah yeah, we’ve all debated this before. But let’s be honest; this gets murky fast when one person has (or had) feelings.Let me just say it:
I actually don’t think men and women can stay close friends if there’s romantic history or lingering...766falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-francesca-luca-show-with-evelyn--67899435https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9700Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:15:08 +0000Francesca LucaThink mismatched libidos mean a relationship is doomed? Think again. Evelyn Resh and I are going all in, sex, shame, desire, and why giving yourself permission to enjoy is the ultimate act of self-love. If you’re ready to break free from guilt and...3361falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-secret-that-is-eating-me-alive--67888220https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9686Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:26:49 +0000Francesca LucaWhat If Telling Your Family You're Getting a Divorce IsHarder Than the Divorce Itself?We talk a lot about the pain of ending a marriage, the grief, the unraveling, thelogistics, the loneliness. But what if the hardest part isn’t the end of...555falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/adam-kahane-collaborating-with-the-enemy--67745763https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9265Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:28:50 +0000Francesca LucaPeace, progress and justice are only possible when we find ways to work with those we do not agree with, do not like, and do not trust. This is a lesson that few want to learn, and one that fewer know how to practice. That is why this interview is a...3363falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-if-telling-your-family-you-re-getting-a-divorce-is-harder-than-the-divorce-itself--67709796https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9261Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:52:07 +0000Francesca LucaWe talk a lot about the pain of ending a marriage, the grief, the unraveling, the logistics, the loneliness. But what if the hardest part isn’t the end of the relationship...What if it’s telling your family? What if the fear of their disappointment...731falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/joan-pagano-strength-trainer--67665202https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9255Sun, 07 Sep 2025 17:21:43 +0000Francesca LucaAbout Joan PaganoJoan Pagano is a certified fitness expert, author, and personal trainer with decades of experience helping people achieve strength, balance, and vitality at every stage of life. Former trainer to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and...3298falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-impossible-partner--67644825https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9246Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:28:41 +0000Francesca Luca[powerpress] I was in a year-long relationship that started off amazing, but over time she became controlling, created constant drama, and even tried to turn me against my daughter and friends. She talked down to me and made me feel small. I know...548falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/historian-and-author-stephanie-coontz--67532099https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9222Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:12:56 +0000Francesca LucaStephanie Coontz was active in the Free Speech and civil rights movements; her work has been cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision on same-sex marriage rights. She has also testified before Congress on family...2897falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-edward-fernandes-a-k-a-dr-ziggy-social-psychologist-discusses-the-swinging-lifestyle--67454381https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9211Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:05:51 +0000Francesca LucaIn a world where monogamy still reigns supreme, some couples are rewriting the rules and doing it with flair. I sat down with Dr. Edward Fernandes, a candid voice from the swinging community, to explore the realities behind the fantasy. From the...3360falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kiss-cam-chaos-an-attorney-spills-the-legal-tea-on-andy-byron--67360534https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9204Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:00:30 +0000Francesca LucaIt wasn’t just awkward, it might’ve crossed a line. We get the unfiltered legal lowdown from Attorney Nicole Brenecki(and a few side-eyes) who’s not afraid to call it like she sees it.3417falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/loving-without-lust-when-you-re-not-attracted-but-still-attached--67360533https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9200Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:47:12 +0000Francesca LucaWhy Chemistry Matters A relationship doesn’t need all four types in full force, but if you’re missing both physical and emotional chemistry? You’re looking at more of a friendship than a romance.The healthiest relationships usually have: Enough...608falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-s-still-watching-you-but-why-are-you-watching-him-watch-you--67263675https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9192Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:27:31 +0000Francesca LucaYou broke up. You moved on. He didn’t… exactly. Sure, he’s not showing up at your door with roses but he is sniffing around your digital doorstep.He likes your posts. Watches your reels. Slides into your DMs on your birthday.That’s always the hook,...648falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-your-relationships-feel-like-a-one-way-street-love-bites-with-lifestyle-coach-francesca-luca--67068410https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9187Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:07:26 +0000Francesca LucaIf you’ve ever felt like you’re giving more than you’re getting, you’re probably not imagining it. So many women feel this way. You give. You care. You keep showing up.But when you look around, it’s like… where is everyone when it’s your turn?...604falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-alexandra-solomon-advice-on-situationships--67063922https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9184Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:55:23 +0000Francesca LucaAn internationally recognized expert on relationships, Dr. Alexandra Solomon, is the author of several best-selling books including Loving Bravely, Taking Sexy Back, and Love Every Day. Dr. Solomon’s work has helped millions navigate the messiness...3511falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/unavailable-unbothered-loving-a-woman-who-won-t-let-you-in--66944068https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9167Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:08:05 +0000Francesca LucaShe’s hot, she’s magnetic… and completely shut off. You’re craving connection, but she’s giving you crumbs — if that. In this no-B.S. episode of Love Bites, we’re calling it like it is: the girlfriend who’s emotionally unavailable. Is she protecting...589falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-everyone-really-looking-at-you-the-spotlight-effect--66902501https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9164Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:11:59 +0000Francesca LucaYou walk into a room feeling confident, maybe even a little fabulous. And then you trip over absolutely nothing. Your ankle rolled , and now you’re absolutely sure the entire room is staring at you. Been there? Me too.That overwhelming sense that the...626falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/workplace-toxicity--66759420https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9152Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:39:19 +0000Francesca LucaToxic workplaces… We’ve all heard the term, but what does it really mean? It’s not just annoying coworkers or tough deadlines… workplace toxicity runs deeper. It’s the environment where passive aggressive emails, manipulative leadership, favoritism,...3440falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-long-distance-relationships-work-sure-but-let-s-talk-reality--66749278https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9144Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:54:44 +0000Francesca Luca Listener Wants To Know How Far Is Too Far For a Long Distance Relationship? Long-distance relationships are tough.  I’M NOT A FAN, BUT THAT’S ME. Seriously though…When was the last time you met someone in a long-distance relationship...557falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-my-partner-cheating-signs-questions-and-what-to-do-next--66594409https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9124Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:29:14 +0000Francesca LucaOne of the most painful questions a person can ask in a relationship is, “Is my partner cheating on me?” It’s a thought that carries weight, anxiety, and often shame. This segment is about helping you sort through what you're feeling, recognizing...453falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sarah-devine-the-fear-of-abandonment--66409641https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9116Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:38:48 +0000Francesca LucaBeing with someone who has abandonment issues can feel like dealing with a child who never gets enough sugar. Only, instead of sweets, it's emotional attention they’re after—endless, exhausting, and impossible to fully satisfy. Here’s the tough...3325falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-he-high-maintenance-or-a-narcissist--66325946https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9112Thu, 29 May 2025 11:23:11 +0000Francesca LucaListener wrote in: my boyfriend and I have a great physical relationship but he's not available for important events. Is he just high maintenance or is he a full blown narcissist? Listen to the South Shore Morning News segment here to find out what...509falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-marie-morin-weighs-in-on-narcissism--66320025https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9108Wed, 28 May 2025 22:26:35 +0000Francesca LucaNarcissism. It's a word we toss around a lot, but what does it really mean in the context of a relationship? Is it just about selfies and ego? Or is it something much deeper… something that can chip away at a partner’s self-worth, create emotional...3461falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-robin-buckley-ted-talk-presenter--66075024https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9096Tue, 13 May 2025 17:41:07 +0000Francesca LucaWhen Dr Robin Buckley told her Ted Talk audience she bought her teenager a sex toy, it set off a wave of controversy. But sex expert Georgia Grace says that it’s something parent should talk to their children about.Just like the consumption of...3506falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/garrett-glaser-groundbreaking-journalist-emmy-winning-correspondent-and-media-insider--65815815https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9089Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:35:38 +0000Francesca Luca What does it mean to be truly yourself- when the world around you says not to be? Here with us is Garrett Glaser, a respected journalist who spent three decades in front of the camera and made history as the first local TV news correspondent to come...3496falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alia-dastagir-award-winning-journalist--65566577https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9055Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:12:40 +0000Francesca LucaHaving received a monumental amount of online vitriol for amplifying the stories of abuse victims, Alia Dastagir joins us Wednesday night at 8pm on The Francesca Luca Show on 95.9 WATD FM. She is an award winning journalist, former USA Today Reporter...3427falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-s-cheating-again-for-the-third-time-francesca-addresses-caller-s-question-on-love-bites-friday--65550789https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9051Sat, 12 Apr 2025 18:10:14 +0000Francesca Luca[powerpress]519falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tom-flaherty-the-business-of-relationships--65137698https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=9000Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:13:53 +0000Francesca LucaWhat do you do when relationships, whether personal or professional start to break down? How do you rebuild trust, communication, and understanding when it feels like everything is falling apart? Tom Hagerty, a retired corporate executive, business...3375falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/emotionally-unavailable-partners--64869291https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8731Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:11:24 +0000Francesca Luca3367falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-he-a-mama-s-boy-or-just-loves-his-mama--64766320https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8719Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:30:30 +0000Francesca Luca453falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-he-a-mama-s-boy-or-just-loves-his-mama--64765812https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8716Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:11:14 +0000Francesca Luca[powerpress]453falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mark-rowlands-the-word-of-dog--64041368https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8658Thu, 30 Jan 2025 14:03:56 +0000Francesca LucaMark Rowlands is an acclaimed philosopher, professor, and the chair of the philosophy department at the University of Miami. With over two decades of research and more than 23 books to his name, Mark is one of the world’s foremost experts on the...3421falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-you-stuck-in-a-love-triangle-with-dr-karen-sternberg--63852949https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8647Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:20:57 +0000Francesca LucaEver feel like you're caught in a never-ending emotional tug-of-war? Whether it’s jealousy, confusion, or a deep sense of longing, love triangles can leave us feeling lost and stuck. Karen Sternberg weighs in as she unravels the psychology behind...3421falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/build-your-village-a-guide-to-finding-joy-and-community-in-every-stage-of-life-with-florence-ann-romano--63606033https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8633Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:57:00 +0000Francesca LucaWhat if the key to happiness wasn't something you found alone but something you built with others? In this episode Florence Ann Romano answers a timeless question: What does it mean to have a "village" and how can we create one in today's fast-paced,...3484falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-brain-on-art-how-the-arts-transforms-us--63404588https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8622Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:09:30 +0000Francesca LucaDid you know engaging with art can physically change your brain? From painting to music, dance to storytelling, author Susan Magsamen, reveals the science behind how art boosts mental health, reduces stress, and improves well-being—no...1091falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-christmas-tree-shops-story-with-anthony-sammarco--63176742https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8618Thu, 05 Dec 2024 21:59:59 +0000Francesca LucaDo you remember the magic of walking into The Christmas Tree Shops during the holidays? Historian and author Anthony Sammarco takes us on a nostalgic journey through his newest book, The Christmas Tree Shops. For generations The Christmas Tree...3428falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/detri-mcghee--62669944https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8608Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:57:19 +0000Francesca Luca[ "CRITICISM MANAGEMENT": New System Addresses Old Problems      "CRITICISM MANAGEMENT" may be a new term, but it addresses a multitude of age-old, universal problems.  Fear of criticism gives Peer Pressure its power.  Misuse of criticism...3390falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-pause-with-dr-emilo-justo--62431510https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8600Sun, 20 Oct 2024 21:23:45 +0000Francesca LucaAs a Cuban Refugee who arrived in America with his family and nothing else, Dr. Justo proves that lack of privilege is not an obstacle to success, and that creating resilience is key to an enriching life. If you ready to embrace your best self,...3440falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-you-step-upon-a-star-cringeworthy-confessions-of-a-tabloid-bad-boy--62303973https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8597Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:37:18 +0000Francesca LucaWilliam Keck is a reformed National Enquirer bad boy who exposed celebrities' private lives while harboring deeply personal secrets of his own. Discover what inspired him to infiltrate the off-limits realms of the Hollywood icons he grew up idolizing,...569falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-the-hell-is-up-with-non-monogamous-relationships-with-dr-edward-fernandez--62184536https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8592Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:24:24 +0000Francesca LucaHey everyone, and welcome to the very first episode of What The Hell?!, my new monthly segment where I dive deeper into life’s most interesting and often controversial questions, cutting out the crap and getting to the heart of the real answers. ...3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/david-tereshchuk-a-question-of-paternity--62119456https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8587Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:52:04 +0000Francesca LucaWhat would you do if your mother lied to you about who your father was? David Tereshchuk is a journalist whose decades-long investigative career, both in Britain and the United States, has involved prying answers out of both victims and perpetrators...3481falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ariel-vox-from-fear-to-fierce-how-to-turn-failure-into-success--62001049https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8582Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:06:26 +0000Francesca LucaWe all experience fear, but what if we could stop being controlled by fear and make it work for us? Award-winning author and destiny coach Ariel Vox was not even two years old when she and her mother were in a car accident that left her mother in a...3358falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rachel-zimmerman-author-of-the-memoir-us-after--61373851https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8579Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:45:46 +0000Francesca LucaHow do you keep living after your husband decides to stop?  Award-winning journalist Rachel Zimmerman, who’s been writing about health and medicine for more than twenty years and worked as a health reporter for WBUR, Boston’s NPR News station....3481falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dark-side-of-marijuana-with-dr-raymond-wiggins--61200764http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8519Thu, 29 Aug 2024 17:04:03 +0000Francesca Luca“Marijuana – is it the ultimate Trojan horse? Have we been sold a bill of goods: that pot is harmless, that it’s medicine, that it’s freedom. Have we been duped? My guest, Dr. Raymond Wiggins claims that the dark side of marijuana is real. Yet we’re...3421falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-new-i-do--61129861https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8483Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:12:53 +0000Francesca LucaHave you looked at your partner and thought, “I love you, but I miss having my own place!” Award-winning journalist and author Vicki Larson, who set out to answer that question for couples everywhere has just released LATitude, How You Can Make a...3840falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/georgia-ede-how-a-fascination-with-food-turned-into-a-profession--60975440http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8397Fri, 09 Aug 2024 22:55:36 +0000Francesca Luca3548falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jacqueline-newman-secrets-to-protecting-your-wealth-health-and-happiness--60971107http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8393Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:05:50 +0000Francesca Luca3548falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-marsha-means-sexual-addiction-counselor--60817317https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8312Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:04:03 +0000Francesca LucaIn early childhood Marsha Means was sexually abused several times. This factor set up the stage of her life, and like a character in a play, she lived out her role automatically. It also shaped how she thought, acted, and felt about herself, about...3396falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-boston-mob-guide-with-stephanie-schorow--60721800https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8296Wed, 17 Jul 2024 21:02:21 +0000Francesca LucaStephanie Schorow takes us on a walk on the wild side of Boston. We visit the largest and most notorious adult entertainment districts in the nation, with a controversial scene at every corner; organized crime, exotic dancers, bad boys, hit men,...3485falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hooker-s-daughter--60656733http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8282Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:05:24 +0000Francesca LucaIn the 1950's, Dale Stanten's mother established a home-based business as a prostitute to remedy her husband's inability to provide for his family. At just six years old, she was answering the front door for johns. Kids were forbidden to play with her...3505falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cleaning-your-clutter-with-lisa-rigoni--60625427https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8272Sun, 07 Jul 2024 15:00:50 +0000Francesca Luca3417falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ozempic-craze-with-dr-mylaine-riobe--60601589https://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8254Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:31:27 +0000Francesca Luca3448falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ozempic-craze--60540945http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8249Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:20:45 +0000Francesca LucaThe Ozempic craze is booming in the U.S.  Celebrities and the general public alike are seeking a specific side effect of the medication- weight loss.  Why is it so popular now? Why is Ozempic NOT the answer? Find out ALL the answers with Mylaine...3448falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ozempic-craze--60532179http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=8236Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:00:54 +0000Francesca Luca      ozempic - mylaine roboie MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_0 = [ { name: "ozempic", formats: ["mp3"], mp3: "aHR0cDovL3RhbGt3aXRoZnJhbmNlc2NhLmNvbS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyNC8wNi9vemVtcGljLm1wMw==", counterpart:"", artist: "mylaine roboie", image: "",...3448falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-did-psychologist-and-ted-talk-presenter-robin-buckley-give-her-13-year-old-daughter-a-vibrator--57654293http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7931Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:59:39 +0000Francesca LucaAt just 13 years old, Dr. Robin Buckley gave her daughter a vibrator. It wasn't something she planned on doing. She knew eventually her daughters would need bras and tampons, maybe even braces, but a vibrator was not on the list.  So why did she do...3484falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/build-your-village-florence-ann-romano--57059605http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7928Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:49:47 +0000Francesca LucaEveryone has heard the phrase, “It takes a village,” but how exactly do we find our village? Who is in it and what does it look like? Rethinking the relationships in your life, you may realize that even if you have a calendar filled with social plans,...3392falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/white-house-wild-child-how-alice-roosevelt-broke-all-the-rules-and-won-the-heart-of-america--56927444http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7918Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:29:48 +0000Francesca Luca      TWF900 for 9-20-23 MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_0 = [ { name: "TWF900 for 9-20-23", formats: ["mp3"], mp3: "aHR0cDovL3RhbGt3aXRoZnJhbmNlc2NhLmNvbS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMy8wOS9UV0Y5MDAtZm9yLTktMjAtMjMubXAz", counterpart:"", artist: "", image: "",...3402falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/white-house-wild-child-the-fascinating-historical-biography-of-america-s-most-memorable-first-daughter-alice-roosevelt-whose-free-spiri--56886882http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7911Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:47:58 +0000Francesca LucaAlice Roosevelt was just as strong-willed and outspoken as her father Theodore Roosevelt, who admitted even he could not control her. Alice Roosevelt Longworth — Teddy Roosevelt’s oldest child — was the most eccentric first daughter to ever enter the...3476falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-ann-hester-empowering-patients-to-receive-the-best-health-care--56715281http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7904Wed, 06 Sep 2023 17:53:49 +0000Francesca LucaHow can people position themselves at the center of their healthcare teams? What are some ways to improve communication with a doctor? How can patients make the most out of every moment with their doctor? How can technology improve our health? How...3476falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-story-of-blind-parents-who-against-all-odds-lived-remarkable-lives--56291520http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7899Sat, 29 Jul 2023 18:35:12 +0000Francesca Luca  The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents’ Story is the inspiring chronicle of a remarkable couple, who against all odds, lived full and productive lives. Mario became the first blind graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and was later...3445falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/superwoman-no-more-with-christa-tharp-author-of-ditch-the-f-king-cape--53731577http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7892Wed, 03 May 2023 17:01:11 +0000Francesca LucaAs a Mompreneur with a super-sized family, Christa Tharp has has been frequently asked, “How do you do it all?” Often called a Superwoman and always feeling like that was a title she could never live up to. The Superwoman Complex is killing woman at a...3441falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ann-dousett-johnston-author-of-drink-women-s-intimate-relationship-with-alcohol--52899193http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7887Wed, 22 Feb 2023 20:25:01 +0000Francesca LucaWe live in a culture where the first question you're usually asked at an event is, "Red or white?" Carrie Bradshaw and her rounds of cosmopolitans and Bridget Jones with her glasses of chardonnay; female drinkers are funny. They suffer through...3378falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/not-in-the-mood-randi-braun-has-a-new-playbook--52899556http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7873Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:01:36 +0000Francesca Luca3477falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-the-drama-ever-end-with-dr-karyl-mcbride--52898769http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7867Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:53:56 +0000Francesca LucaAcclaimed family therapist and author of the classic bestseller Will I Ever Be Good Enough? presents a comprehensive and actionable guide to understanding and healing from narcissistic family abuse. A pioneer on the devastating effects of...3317falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/diana-de-vegh-breaks-her-silence-on-an-alleged-love-affair-with-john-f-kennedy--52899619http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7847Wed, 07 Sep 2022 21:33:06 +0000Francesca LucaFor the first time ever, one of the former president’s lovers tells her story. It’s an old story. Really old: young woman, Great Man. Predictable outcome: heartbreak for her, no consequences for him. But wait … there’s a twist. He dies, abruptly,...3397falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-stephanie-green-medical-assistance-in-dying-maid--52898588http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7801Sun, 22 May 2022 21:53:24 +0000Francesca LucaAuthor of "This is Assisted Dying", Dr. Stefanie Green has been forging new paths in the field of medical assistance in dying since 2016.  Dr. Green reveals the reasons a patient might seek an assisted death, how the process works, what the event...3456falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inside-the-criminal-mind-with-dr-stanton-samenow--52899245http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7773Tue, 12 Apr 2022 18:04:04 +0000Francesca LucaUnderstanding how the mind of a criminal thinks radically differently from others as well as how such a person becomes ingenious at casing others out for his or her own purposes seems like a pretty good reason to invite Forensic Psychologist Dr....3431falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/deborah-tannen-you-just-don-t-understand--52899628http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7768Wed, 23 Mar 2022 21:38:26 +0000Francesca LucaWhy do so many women feel that men don’t tell them anything, that they only want to fix everything? Why do so many men feel that women nag them and never get to the point? Sociolinguist and bestselling author of “That’s not what I meant!” ,Deborah...3340falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-body-in-balance-the-new-science-of-food-hormones-and-health-with-dr-neal-barnard--52899202http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7764Sat, 19 Mar 2022 16:43:15 +0000Francesca LucaBy now, most of us are at least aware that food affects so much of our health.  Some foods can actually cause a surprising range of health problems, the list goes on and on from infertility to weight gain, breast and prostate cancer, chronic pain to...3449falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/carl-safina-beyond-words-what-animals-think-and-feel--52898568http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7751Wed, 02 Mar 2022 21:52:49 +0000Francesca LucaFor all the love and attention we give our pets,  so much of what they do remains mysterious. We know what it means when dogs wag their tails—but what about when they sniff and roll on a stinky spot? Why do they play tug-of-war with one dog, while...3545falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-ira-rashbaum-discusses-tms--52898587http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7734Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:54:29 +0000Francesca Luca3415falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lost-cafe-schindler-one-family-two-wars-and-the-search-for-truth--52899630http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7715Wed, 12 Jan 2022 20:30:07 +0000Francesca LucaRigorously researched, The Lost Café Schindler successfully weaves together a compelling and at times deeply moving memoir and family history that also chronicles the wider story of the Jews of the Austro-Hungarian Empire... It distinguishes itself...3191falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-nancy-segal-deliberately-divided-deliberately-divided-inside-the-controversial-study-of-twins-and-triplets-adopted-apart--52898534http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7709Wed, 08 Dec 2021 17:11:19 +0000Francesca Luca This show is about how two doctors had separated identical twins to study them, BUT never told the twins or their adoptive parents of the existence of their siblings. It sounds like something from a science fiction novel, doesn’t it? This couldn’t...3254falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/professor-caroline-kautsire-author-of-what-kind-of-girl--52898841http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7697Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:04:41 +0000Francesca LucaWhat Kind of Girl? is a sweeping coming of age story about a girl in Malawi who must tangle with the gender restrictions, religious institutions, American cultural attitudes, and African traditions that seek to define who she can be as a woman.  It is...3530falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/susan-mcpherson-the-art-of-connecting-the-gather-ask-do-method-for-building-meaningful-business-relationships--52898626http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7684Thu, 07 Oct 2021 19:00:56 +0000Francesca LucaSusan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of...3550falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/death-with-dignity-with-peg-sandeen--46560774
At Death with Dignity National Center, they value the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings working daily to realize a future in which all people have the freedom to decide how they live and die.]]>http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7667Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:40:26 +0000Francesca LucaDEATH WITH DIGNITY MOVEMENT At Death with Dignity National Center, they value the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings working daily to realize a future in which all people have the freedom to decide how they live and die.
At Death with Dignity National Center, they value the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings working daily to realize a future in which all people have the freedom to decide how they live and die.]]>3436falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/drunk-how-we-sipped-danced-and-stumbled-our-way-to-civilization--46560776http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7654Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:36:55 +0000Francesca LucaA little alcohol can boost creativity and strengthen social ties. But there’s nothing moderate about the way many Americans drink today. Especially during a once in a lifetime pandemic. Plan to be educated, surprised and entertained. Find out why...3476falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/so-tell-me-the-about-the-last-time-you-you-had-sex-with-dr-ian-kerner--46560775
Dr. Ian Kerner is a  New York Times bestselling author;  his newest book, "So tell me about the last time you had sex" is a must read!  Dr. Kerner is regularly quoted as an expert in various media, with recent features in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Economist and NPR.  He contributes regularly on the topic of sex for CNN Health. He lectures frequently on topics related to sex and relationships, with recent presentations at New York University, Yale and Princeton.



 ]]>http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7641Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:05:03 +0000Francesca LucaWhen it comes to sex and relationship problems, there are just too many leading lives of quiet desperation. Sometimes you can be lying in bed next to someone and feel a million miles apart.The problem is talking about sex and relationships is hard,...
Dr. Ian Kerner is a  New York Times bestselling author;  his newest book, "So tell me about the last time you had sex" is a must read!  Dr. Kerner is regularly quoted as an expert in various media, with recent features in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Economist and NPR.  He contributes regularly on the topic of sex for CNN Health. He lectures frequently on topics related to sex and relationships, with recent presentations at New York University, Yale and Princeton.



 ]]>3366falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/negotiating-from-the-boardroom-to-the-bedroom-with-cindy-watson-founder-of-women-on-purpose--43986210http://talkwithfrancesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cindy-watson.mp3

Become a masterful negotiator using the art of feminine negotiation; this show is packed with valuable tips learning how to take control of your life and up your game. ]]>http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7620Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:58:38 +0000Francesca Lucahttp://talkwithfrancesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cindy-watson.mp3 Become a masterful negotiator using the art of feminine negotiation; this show is packed with valuable tips learning how to take control of your life and up your game. http://talkwithfrancesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cindy-watson.mp3

Become a masterful negotiator using the art of feminine negotiation; this show is packed with valuable tips learning how to take control of your life and up your game. ]]>3368falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eleanor-vale-dating-after-medicare--42963247http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7613Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:16:12 +0000Francesca Luca3369falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-live-like-a-millionaire-when-you-are-a-million-short-marilyn-anderson--42745304http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7607Wed, 23 Dec 2020 23:02:28 +0000Francesca Luca3427falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cinnia-finfer-confessions-of-a-helmet-free-childhood--42745306http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7603Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:25:52 +0000Francesca Luca3442falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eric-vance-author-of-suggestible-you-talks-about-the-significant-impact-of-the-placebo-effect--42531602http://talkwithfrancesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/eric-vance-mp3.mp3

The mind and body continually twist and shape our realities. Eric Vance, while researching his book, Suggestible You, he was poked, prodded, burned, electrocuted, hypnotized and even cursed by a witchdoctor, all in the name of science.]]>http://talkwithfrancesca.com/?p=7596Tue, 08 Dec 2020 19:07:32 +0000Francesca Lucahttp://talkwithfrancesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/eric-vance-mp3.mp3 The mind and body continually twist and shape our realities. Eric Vance, while researching his book, Suggestible You, he was poked, prodded, burned, electrocuted, hypnotized...http://talkwithfrancesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/eric-vance-mp3.mp3

The mind and body continually twist and shape our realities. Eric Vance, while researching his book, Suggestible You, he was poked, prodded, burned, electrocuted, hypnotized and even cursed by a witchdoctor, all in the name of science.]]>3542falsefull