You Keep Me Sane
For 10 years, Aileen and Julie have been each other's sounding board from opposite sides of the globe – Aileen in London and Julie in Melbourne.
They have navigated everything – motherhood, relationships, menopause, health, grief, and everything in between – through daily voice messages. These exchanges often became lifelines, and now they share that space with their listeners.
In You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie hold honest conversations on life's challenges, growth, and connection. They lend an ear and share heartfelt insights, creating a space that allows both them, and you, to be human.
Listeners are encouraged to write in with their own experiences and topics, becoming part of the conversation that feels like a chat with close friends.
You Keep Me Sane
Authenticity vs. Approval: The Tug of War We All Face | YKMS
Episode Overview
In this episode, we explore the journey back to authenticity—why we lose it, how we reclaim it, and what it costs us when we don’t. From childhood conditioning to the pressure to fit in, we unpack how the need for approval can disconnect us from who we really are. With insights from Gabor Maté and our own stories, we reflect on what it means to show up as your true self.
Key Discussion Points
- Losing Ourselves: How early conditioning shapes our identity.
- Authenticity vs. Attachment: Why we trade truth for belonging.
- Our Stories: When we conformed, resisted, and reclaimed ourselves.
- Fear of Judgment: Why being real feels risky—but freeing.
- Relationship Shifts: How authenticity affects who we attract.
- Staying Self-Aware: Spotting when you’re not being you—and what to do.
Listener Takeaways
- Notice when you feel disconnected—start with curiosity.
- Your truth matters—even if others don’t get it.
- Find people who love the real you.
- You don’t need to earn your worth—you already have it.
Sources & Further Reading:
- Gabor Maté, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
- Gabor Maté, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress
- Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
- Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever struggled with authenticity? Have you faced judgment for being yourself? Send us a DM or share your thoughts—we’re here to listen.
If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps us reach more people who need these conversations.
See you next time! 💛
Join Us for More on Patreon!
Please join us on Patreon for our Sanity Checks - our short weekly episodes where we share what’s really on our minds. They’ve been part of the podcast since the very beginning - those little check-ins and raw conversations. Now, for the price of a coffee a month, you'll get this extra weekly episode plus much more!
Join Us via this link:
https://www.patreon.com/14211197/join
Links:
- Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod
- Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
- Email us at hello@youkeepmesane.com
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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy
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Disclaimer:
Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.