Last episode I talked about the wires. This week we go into one of the most foundational ones: who you are letting into your life and what it is actually costing or feeding you.

I am sharing the science behind why the people in your consistent circle are reshaping your brain whether you realize it or not, walking you through the Arthur Brooks research on friendship and happiness that I have been wanting to talk, and giving you the Friend Inventory, a mental sort for your circle that does not require a single hard conversation this week. We also get into trauma bonds in friendship, and what it looks like when you are hiding your wins from the people who are supposed to be your people.

This one is going to sit with you. Clear your schedule for the drive home.

Last episode, I asked you who benefits from your exhaustion.

Today, we answer it.

I'm Desiree Rew, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and in this episode, I'm naming the three systems and people that benefit directly, materially, and concretely from your depletion. The wellness industry is built on your spending. The workplace that extracts your best and promotes you last. And the person sitting in your phone contacts right now who has been running their life on the fuel of yours.

With data, clinical truth, and with the names for things nobody gave you permission to call what they actually are.

Self-Care*ish AF! The Podcast— It's time to take your life back.

I moved to Portugal because I wanted to. Full stop. No other reason required.

And the fact that that sentence feels radical to some of you, that reaction is exactly what this podcast is about.

I'm Desiree Rew, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Season 3 of Self-Care*ish AF! is about going underneath the surface version of self-care you've been sold. In this opener I'm catching up with longtime listeners, welcoming new ones, and laying out exactly what this season is, who it's for, and what problem we are solving together.

For the woman who is tired of being the strong one. For the woman who is doing everything right and still feels like something is missing. For the woman who is capable of everything and exhausted by all of it.

You are exactly who I made this for. Subscribe and stay with me this season.