Call Me Katie

How Stress Kills Connection: Dr. Libby Weaver on Nervous System Tools for Your Relationship (Part 2)

Can stress quietly erode your connection, intimacy, and presence with the people you love most?
In this powerful Part 2, Dr. Libby Weaver — bestselling author, nutritional biochemist, and creator of The Invisible Load — joins Dr. Katie Stirling to explore how chronic stress impacts our relationships, libido, and nervous system health.
Together, they unpack what happens when we live in a constant fight–flight–freeze state and share the practical, evidence-based tools to help you calm your body and reconnect with what matters most.
In this episode:• How stress hijacks presence and emotional intimacy• Why resentment — not just hormones — kills libido• What the fight–flight–freeze response looks like in relationships• How nutrition, iron, and gut health affect your mood and stress resilience• Simple nervous system resets you can use every day• Three small lifestyle shifts to move from the red zone to calm
🔗 Dr Libby Links:• Website: www.drlibby.com• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlibby/• Dr Libby's Bio Blends: https://www.bioblends.com/
✨ Dr Katie Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiestirling/Website: www.drkatiestirling.comYouTube: Call Me Katie Podcast
🎧 Listen to Part 1:👉 Living in the Red Zone: Dr. Libby Weaver on Stress, Health & Breaking the Busy Cycle

Living in the Red Zone: Dr. Libby Weaver on Stress, Health & Breaking the Busy Cycle

Why constant fight-or-flight is damaging your body — and how to break free.
Are you constantly “on,” overwhelmed, or running on adrenaline? In this episode of Call Me Katie, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Katie Stirling sits down with nutritional biochemist and bestselling author Dr. Libby Weaver to explore what it really means to live in the red zone — and how to break the cycle.
You’ll learn:
- Signs you’re living in fight-or-flight- The hidden toll on digestion, hormones & mood- Dr. Libby’s Rushing Woman Syndrome- What chronic stress looks like in men- How the invisible mental load impacts your nervous system- Practical strategies to calm your nervous system
👉 Subscribe for practical tools:https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeKatiePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
📚 Dr Libby's Links:– Dr. Libby’s website & supplements: https://www.drlibby.com
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlibby
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drlibby6300
 
👉 Subscribe for weekly resources:https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeKatiePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
 
👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Katie:– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiestirling
– Website: https://www.drkatiestirling.com
 
#Stress #NervousSystem #CallMeKatiePodcast #DrLibbyWeaver

Psychopath vs. Narcissist vs. Avoidant: What’s the Difference — and Why It Matters to Your Relationship (w/ Dr. Maika Steinborn)

Are we over-labeling normal relationship struggles — and what actually separates a psychopath, a narcissist, and an avoidant partner?
Clinical and educational psychologist Dr. Maika Steinborn joins Dr. Katie Stirling to clarify the most confused terms online and offer a practical, compassionate lens you can use in real life.
In this episode:- Psychopath vs. Narcissist: Antisocial PD vs. NPD — motives, behaviors, and myths- Avoidant attachment vs. Avoidant PD: style vs. diagnosis (and why it matters)- The risks of mislabeling & stigma — how it blocks change- Can people with NPD change? What it requires- How to use psychology without weaponizing labels — focus on behaviors & repair
FREE Resources:• Stop Reactive Communication (Free Guide): https://stan.store/drkatiestirling/p/stop-reactive-communication--free-guide• 7 Steps to Effective Breaks (Free Guide): https://www.drkatiestirling.com/free-tool-deescalate-conflict
Guest:• Dr. Maika Steinborn — YouTube: @DrMaikaSteinborn | IG: @drmaikasteinborn
Connect with Dr. Katie:• Instagram: @drkatiestirling | Website: https://www.drkatiestirling.com | YouTube: Call Me Katie Podcast

What Makes Relationships LAST | The 6 Fail Factors with Divorce Lawyer Sarah Intelligator

Why do some relationships thrive while others fall apart?
In this episode, Family Lawyer and author (Live, Laugh, Find True Love) Sarah Intelligator shares the 6 Fail Factors she’s seen again and again in nearly two decades of divorce cases. From fundamental values and fear to foundation, family, fairy tales, and fixing, Sarah reveals the hidden patterns that cause couples to break down — and what it takes to build a relationship that lasts.
We explore:
- The #1 red flag most people ignore when dating- How to tell the difference between fundamental values and fleeting interests- The 5 pillars every relationship foundation needs (respect, trust, communication, honesty, teamwork)- Why “don’t go to sleep angry” is a myth — and what to do instead- How fear and fixing sabotage relationships before they begin- Practical steps to strengthen communication and prevent resentment
Whether you’re dating, in a long-term relationship, or reflecting after divorce, Sarah’s insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and choose love that lasts.
🎁 Free Resource for Couples:Stop Reactive Communication → https://stan.store/drkatiestirling/p/stop-reactive-communication--free-guide
Sarah's Links:• Book: Live, Laugh, Find True Love Australia link: https://amzn.asia/d/7st5XwZU.S. link: https://a.co/d/i3kTi7j• Website: lafamilylawpractice.com• Instagram: @sarah.a.intelligator.esq
Dr. Katie Links:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiestirling• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeKatiePodcast• Website: https://www.drkatiestirling.com

Food as Medicine for Women: Nutrition, Gut Health & Mental Health with Brigid Titgemeier

Can the food on your plate transform your hormones, gut health, and even your mental wellbeing? 🌿
 
In this episode, I sit down with Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP — Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian and founder of BeingBrigid. We explore the interconnectedness of blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and gut health, and how these elements influence women’s overall wellbeing.
 
You’ll hear us unpack:•        Why women face unique health challenges due to hormonal changes •        How nutrition and lifestyle influence chronic disease risk•        The role of blood sugar regulation in mood & energy•        How inflammation drives women’s health issues•        Why gut health is a key element of overall wellbeing•        The gut–brain connection and mental health•        Why the healthcare system needs to prioritize nutrition•        The truth behind common nutrition myths•        How to become your own health advocate
Connect with Brigid:Website: https://beingfunctionalnutrition.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingbrigid
 
Connect with Dr. Katie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiestirlingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeKatiePodcastWebsite: https://www.drkatiestirling.com

Beyond Difficult (Part 2): When Pursue Meets Withdraw — Attachment, Boundaries & Repair

In Part 2 of my conversation with Rachel Samson and Dr. Jessie Stern, we explore how these patterns play out in relationships and what to do about them.
 
Inside this episode:
Why schemas and coping modes develop in childhood
The classic anxious–avoidant pursue/withdraw loop and why it feels so stuck
How to recognize flooding and use structured breaks that protect both partners
The difference between boundaries and ultimatums (and why social media gets this wrong)
Common attachment myths that keep us feeling broken or stuck
Why deep listening may be the single most powerful skill for every human relationship
 
Whether you’re in a romantic partnership, parenting, or navigating workplace dynamics, these tools will help you shift from me vs. you into us vs. the problem.
 
What you’ll learn
How avoidant partners shut down to self-protect (and how to reconnect)
Why anxious partners amplify pursuit (and how to soothe instead)
How to make breaks work instead of backfiring
Why healthy relationships do have conflict — but repair faster
 
Resources & tools
Free 7 Steps to Effective Breaks guide: https://www.drkatiestirling.com/download-deescalate-tool
Free The 4 Horsemen & Their Antidotes ebook:  https://stan.store/drkatiestirling/p/stop-reactive-communication--free-guide
Program: Relationship Reset Bootcamp https://www.drkatiestirling.com/course/relationship-reset
 
🔗 Connect with Rachel & Dr. Jessie
Rachel Samson: @australianpsychologist
Dr. Jessie Stern: @drjessiestern 
📖 Get their book Beyond Difficult: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781923046597/beyond-difficult--jessie-stern-rachel-samson--2025--9781923046597
 
👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Katie
Instagram: @drkatiestirling
YouTube: Call Me Katie PodcastJoin Katie’s Online Relationship Reset: https://www.drkatiestirling.com/course/relationship-reset
Website: www.drkatiestirling.com
 
👉 This is Part 2 of our conversation. Don’t miss Part 1, where we explore how attachment, temperament and neurobiology shape the way we interact in relationships: https://youtu.be/HyqWEyCDorA

Beyond Difficult (Part 1): How Temperament, Attachment & Neurobiology Shape Who We Are

Why do two people experience the same situation so differently? And why does one person’s behavior feel “difficult” while another’s doesn’t?
In this episode of Call Me Katie, I’m joined by psychologists Rachel Samson (@australianpsychologist) and Dr. Jessie Stern (@drjessiestern), co-authors of Beyond Difficult. Together, we explore the unique ingredients that make us who we are — and why understanding these factors is key to transforming our relationships.
We discuss:
How attachment experiences shape our expectations of others
The role of temperament in how we react and process the world
Why neurotype & neurobiology change the way we see and feel interactions
The double empathy problem and what it reveals about difference
Why acceptance (not agreement) is the foundation for connection
This is Part 1 of our two-part series. Stay tuned for Episode 21, where we explore applying these insights to relationships, parenting, and navigating conflict.
🔗 Connect with Rachel & Dr. JessieRachel Samson: @australianpsychologist | WebsiteDr. Jessie Stern: @drjessiestern | Website📖 Get their book Beyond Difficult: Readings Bookstore
👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. KatieInstagram: @drkatiestirlingYouTube: Call Me Katie PodcastWebsite: www.drkatiestirling.com
🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on health, psychology & relationships
#PsychologyPodcast #Attachment #Temperament #Neurodiversity #BeyondDifficult

The Dark Side of Wellness: Sarah Ann Macklin on What the Industry Gets Wrong

What happens when wellness becomes just another pressure to perform?
In this episode, I’m joined by nutritionist, mental health advocate, and Live Well, Be Well podcast host Sarah Ann Macklin for a powerful conversation about the ways the wellness industry may be doing more harm than good. We explore the line between health and obsession, how social media shapes our view of wellbeing, and what it actually looks like to live a life that feels good, not just looks good.
Whether you’re feeling burnt out from trying to "be healthy" or just want a more grounded, compassionate approach to wellness - this one's for you.
 We discuss:
•        The pressure to be “clean” and perfect
•        Performative wellness and social media
•        What people misunderstand about food, mood, and mental health
•        Where to start if you feel disconnected from your body
•        One wellness myth Sarah wishes we could all unlearn
🎧 Listen now on Call Me Katie🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Katie Stirling
#WellnessCulture #MentalHealthAwareness #CallMeKatiePodcast #NutritionAndMentalHealth

Sexual Desire Decoded: Why You Want Sex Differently — with Dr. Vencill & Dr. Fogel Mersy

Ever felt like you and your partner are on different pages when it comes to sex?
You’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong.
In this episode, Licensed Psychologists and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists Dr. Jennifer Vencill and Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy help us rethink everything we’ve been told about sexual desire. Whether you're the one who wants more sex, less sex, or just better sex — this conversation is for you.
We explore:– Why desire discrepancies are common (and normal)– The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire– How our brain's handbrakes and accelerators affect libido– The 4 foundations of responsive desire– The “Willingness Model” and practical ways to reconnect– How pleasure and satisfaction shape desire– The Wheel of Sexual Experience, intimacy dates, and more
This episode is filled with expert insight and practical tools to help you build more connection, confidence, and compassion in your intimate life.
Connect with our guests:@laurenfogelmersy@drjennifervencill
📘 Grab their book Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships  https://drlaurenfogel.com/book
🎧 Tune in now and share with a partner or friend who needs this🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week

This One Question Revealed Everything: 7 Experts Share Their Wish for the World

What’s the one thing the world needs most?
This season, I asked every guest the same closing question:
“If you had a magic wand and could gift everyone on the planet one skill or piece of knowledge — what would it be?”
The answers were profound — sometimes simple, sometimes surprising, but always full of heart. In this special reflection episode, I bring together their wishes for a better world.
From therapists and psychologists to authors and wellness experts, these voices offer a collective reminder that small things — like empathy, courage, and connection — can spark real change.
🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe wherever you get your podcasts🔗 Explore more: www.drkatiestirling.com