Listen Up, Younger Self! | Relationships, love, marriage, romance, intimacy

Why Your Brain Obsessively Hates Your Wins (and How to Stop It)| EP 66

Host Heather Solomon explores why our brains fixate on mistakes—rooted in negativity bias, the amygdala, and neuroplasticity—and how social media and comparison culture deepen that pattern. She shares personal stories (like helping a man in a wheelchair) to show how the habit of dismissing good deeds steals joy and identity.
Heather offers practical steps to change the soundtrack: catch the inner critic, savor positive moments (about 20 seconds), reframe gratitude to notice small wins, celebrate progress, and practice believing compliments. The episode encourages seeing the good without an asterisk so you can make space for joy, connection, and peace.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

Permission to Pause: Saving Your Marriage & Sanity | EP 65

Heather Solomon returns to Listen Up, Younger Self after a month-long break to share an honest, heartfelt episode about taking permission to pause. She opens up about family caregiving, the guilt of stepping back, the science behind needing recovery, and how true presence protects relationships and creativity.
This episode blends personal stories, practical strategies for setting boundaries and doing "do-nothing" time, and a gentle reminder that pausing is an act of strength—not failure.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

When the U‑Haul Drives Away: Surviving College Drop‑Off| EP 64

Saying goodbye at college drop-off feels like nothing else- you’re proud, you’re gutted, and you’re questioning who you are now. I’ve been there (twice), and in this episode I’m sharing the real, messy truth about this season. You’ll hear the science of why it hurts so much, how to handle the naysayers, and practical ways to cope. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded: this pain is proof of love, and while your role shifts, your purpose doesn’t disappear. It’s time to grieve, reframe, and then step boldly into your next chapter.
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

When Your Mood Runs the Show in Marriage and Parenting| EP 63

Welcome to another  episode of "Listen Up Younger Self" with your host, Heather Solomon.  Ever wake up in a funk and think, “It’s just me today”? Spoiler: it’s not just you. Your mood is like campfire smoke - it drifts, and everyone around you breathes it in. In this episode, I’m sharing how unchecked moods quietly become your brand in your marriage, your parenting, and even at work. We’ll talk science, self-awareness, and my 3-Shift Method to turn your day around before it writes the wrong story in your family’s highlight reel. This one’s a gut-check you’ll want to hear.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

The 69% You’ll Never Fix: What Gottman Wants You to Know About Marriage| EP 62

Hey friends - today we’re diving into something that might rattle you a little: Dr. John Gottman’s research shows that 69% of the issues in a marriage are never fully resolved. Ever. So what do you do when the same fights keep showing up on repeat? Is it normal? Is it toxic? Is it you?
In this podcast mini, I’m breaking down what the 69% actually means, how to spot the difference between annoying quirks and soul-crushing patterns, and what to do when your partner says they'll change… but never does. You’ll walk away with gut-check questions, clarity, and maybe a permission slip or two.
It’s real. It’s deep. And it’s time to talk to my younger self.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

Shut Up, Show Up, and Follow Up: The True Art of Support | EP 61

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of "Listen Up Younger Self" with your host, Heather Solomon.
Let’s talk about what real support looks like when someone you love is going through hell. In this short but powerful mini, I’m sharing a simple phrase I heard from a friend that hit me like truth lightning: Shut up, show up, and follow up. Whether someone’s grieving, divorcing, or in crisis—this is the episode that’ll make you rethink how you show up.
We’re skipping the performative stuff and getting honest about presence over pep talks, quiet comfort over quick fixes, and why Brené Brown says silence can shut down connection.
Send this one to the friend who needs it—or maybe just listen with your own heart wide open.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

Marital Micro Crimes: The True Test of Love | EP 60

Ever woken up in a sweat because your husband ninja-changed the thermostat? Or caught him bingeing your show while you slept like it was no big deal? SAME. In this short and spicy episode, I’m diving into the micro-annoyances that aren’t grounds for divorce… but definitely grounds for a dramatic sigh and maybe a blanket tug-of-war.
We’re talking snack theft, dishwasher sabotage, one-sip-left offenses, and the emotional support sandwich he stole. It’s petty, it’s real, it’s marriage. Because the truth is, love isn’t just in the big moments—it’s in the daily battles over coffee cups and covers.
Laugh with me (or send it to your partner as a gentle warning). Because if you can laugh about it? You’re doing just fine.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

The Drift in Marriage is Real - Here's Your Nudge |EP59

In this brief yet impactful mini episode, Heather Solomon shares a personal story that leads to a profound discussion on marriage and relationships. Inspired by an unexpected conversation at a concert, she delves into common, yet often unspoken, challenges couples face as they navigate through life's demands and transitions.
With her characteristic blend of humor and wisdom, Heather addresses the fears of becoming an empty nester, the quiet drift that can occur in a marriage, and the importance of prioritizing your partner amidst the chaos of everyday life. Listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps towards reconnecting and nurturing their relationships, even in the busiest of times.
Join Heather in this heartfelt dialogue as she shares insights on choosing love over convenience and making the little moments count in a big way. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their marital bonds and embrace the journey of love with intention and care.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

Assumptions Are Wrecking Your Marriage: Let’s Fix That |EP 58

Ever caught yourself stewing in silence, waiting for someone to read your mind? Yeah… same. In this episode of Listen Up, Younger Self, we’re digging into assumptions—those sneaky little stories we make up in our heads that quietly wreck our relationships.
I’m talking about the unspoken expectations, the eye-rolls we don’t explain, and the “you should’ve known” moments that build walls instead of connection. I’ll share where these habits come from, why our brains default to assumption mode, and how to stop turning quiet moments into emotional booby traps.
You’ll get real talk, a little neuroscience, and a few personal stories (because yep, I’ve done it too). Plus, I’ll give you some simple tools to ditch the drama, speak up with love, and create deeper connections—with your partner, your kids, your friends… and yourself.
This one’s for the strong ones who’ve stayed silent too long. Let’s change that!
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/

The Negativity Habit That's Sabotaging Your Marriage (and How to Fix It)| EP 57

In this transformative episode, host Heather Solomon opens up about her past addiction to negativity and offers eye-opening insights into how it affects various aspects of life, from marriage to parenting. Heather shares her personal journey of recognizing and overcoming the subtle yet pervasive negativity that was once a part of her identity. Through candid discussions, she reveals how negativity acts as a barrier to intimacy, creativity, and personal growth, pushing her to re-evaluate her daily choices.
Delving into the science behind negativity bias and the profound impact it has on relationships, Heather discusses how she shifted her mindset to foster a more positive environment for herself and her family. Packed with relatable anecdotes and practical exercises, this episode provides listeners with actionable tools to detox from negativity. Tune in for a candid and enlightening conversation as Heather empowers you to choose joy over drama, creating a healthier legacy for yourself and future generations.
 
Connect with me, I'd love any suggestions for future episodes.
Email: listenupyoungerself@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.solomon.14
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherslmn/