Imagine a podcaster, tattoos peeking out from a black shirt, speaking directly to you with an electric guitar gently rising in the background.

“I want you to write 10 things you’d love your partner to do,” he says. “Here’s a roadmap to my heart. Then ask them, ‘Will you give me yours?’”

That’s Dr. John Delony — a mental health advocate and podcaster with over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers and 1.5 million Instagram followers. Hosted on Dave Ramsey’s network, Delony’s show tackles the messy, uncomfortable realities of life: from mending broken marriages and family conflicts to wilder questions like whether someone should leave their family for their best friend’s spouse.

Many callers start with, “I’ve never told anyone this before.”

What makes Delony’s approach so relatable? He’s not the stereotype of a soft-spoken therapist asking “how does that make you feel?” Instead, he blends expert insight with the tone of a trusted friend who’s ready to listen and offer practical advice.

David Kessler, an expert on grief and a guest on Delony’s show, praises this balance. “He’s both the professional and the good buddy — exactly what many people need.”

A Mental Health Voice for a Crisis

The U.S. faces a growing mental health crisis, with loneliness and anxiety affecting millions worldwide. Podcasts like Delony’s aren’t replacements for therapy, but mental health professionals see them as valuable stepping stones.

Dr. Frank Sileo, a psychologist, explains, “Podcasts can be a crucial first step for people beginning their mental health journey, offering a space to learn and reflect.”

Delony’s unique blend of traditionally masculine style, genuine openness, and a doctorate in counseling makes him a rare connector for many who feel stigmatized about seeking help.

Setting Politics Aside to Connect

At a live Q&A during the “Money and Relationships” tour, an audience member named Rachel from California shared how Delony’s show speaks to her struggles as a single mom — even if her problems differ from callers’.

Fans appreciate that Delony is linked to Dave Ramsey’s Christian-based teachings, but also that he’s been through tough times himself and tells it like it is.

Delony didn’t seek fame. Before joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, he was a university dean speaking to parents about emotional challenges their kids would face. A chance meeting with a Ramsey exec changed his path, pushing him into podcasting — a scary leap motivated by wanting to model love and understanding in a divided world.

“I wanted to show my kids what loving well looks like when everyone’s yelling at each other,” he said.

Beyond Politics: Love and Empathy First

While Ramsey is vocal about conservative politics, Delony keeps his political views more ambiguous. He describes himself humorously: “I had to put a giant buck in the back of my Prius the first time I went deer hunting — I fall all over the place politically.”

His priority? “I just love everybody, and everybody’s welcome at my house.”

Delony emphasizes empathy over politics. It’s easy to demonize someone with opposing views, but much harder — and more important — to support a friend hurting over an issue you disagree with.

Ultimately, his podcast isn’t about psychology jargon. It’s about sitting down with people through their struggles, “sharing a drink and telling the truth,” regardless of differences.

Roots in Listening and Connection

Delony’s upbringing in Texas shaped his empathy. His father was a Houston homicide detective who often took late-night calls from people in crisis — sometimes from their church community. Young John would listen from his bedroom, learning early that mental health struggles don’t always show on the surface.

With degrees in psychology, counselor education, and higher education administration, Delony worked for years supporting college students through crises before becoming a public figure.

He’s also been honest about his own mental health battles. In his book, Own Your Past, Change Your Future, he recalls a moment when anxiety gripped him so tightly that he crawled through mud in the middle of the night, convinced his house was about to collapse. It wasn’t the house — it was him needing help.

Another powerful story he shares is about his marriage, which faced serious strain after miscarriages and challenges. Together, he and his wife chose to rebuild rather than give up, seeking therapy and learning to communicate clearly.

Rebuilding Community in a Disconnected World

Delony stresses that many people are lonely because modern life has replaced neighborly connections with apps and services. Men, in particular, often struggle to open up emotionally, having been socialized to connect through shared activity rather than vulnerability.

He recalls a group of friends who would gather monthly to help one person tackle their home projects — working shoulder to shoulder, eating pizza, and celebrating their shared effort. These moments built deep bonds.

Now living in Tennessee, Delony keeps fostering connection intentionally. “When I buy concert tickets, I buy two or four, so I always have people to share the night with,” he says.

A Message of Vulnerability and Hope

In an increasingly lonely and polarized world, Delony’s mission is clear: model vulnerability, teach relationship skills, and sit with hurting people — no matter their background or beliefs.

He wants to remind us all that beneath our differences, we’re wired for community and belonging. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to listen.

Source: CNN – Why podcaster Dr. John Delony’s approach to talking about uncomfortable topics is resonating with millions

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Nicole’s Journey: A Struggle for Answers

When Nicole first experienced pain during intercourse nearly a decade ago, she was determined to find a solution. After consulting multiple specialists, she was diagnosed with labial hypoplasia—a condition where the outer labia are only partially formed. Following corrective surgery, she found significant relief and remained pain-free for years, incorporating yoga into her routine to aid healing.

But six years later, the pain returned—this time, at the initial stages of penetration. For the past three years, the 33-year-old California resident has sought a formal diagnosis, but the cause of her discomfort remains unclear.

“I get a lot of ‘it’s probably anxiety or related to mental health,’” Nicole shared. “It’s disappointing since I made a ton of progress and now feel like I’m being tossed aside.”

Nicole’s experience isn’t unique. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearly 3 in 4 women will experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives—whether temporarily or as a chronic issue.

What Causes Pain During Intercourse?

Painful intercourse can stem from multiple factors, including:

• Pelvic Floor Tension: Women with tight pelvic floor muscles may experience pain not just during intercourse but also during gynecological exams or tampon use. Tightness in the neck, lower back, and hips can also contribute.
• Hormonal Changes: Decreased estrogen levels during menopause, postpartum recovery, or breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse painful.
• Past Trauma or Surgeries: Stress, traumatic experiences, or muscle tensing—whether conscious or unconscious—can also lead to discomfort.

Seeking Treatment for Painful Sex

For those experiencing pain due to pelvic floor muscle tension, pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly effective treatment. According to Dr. Anna Falter, a pelvic floor therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, therapy can help relax overly tight muscles and prevent future discomfort.

Treatment Approaches:

1. Trigger Point Therapy
   • A therapist applies pressure to tight pelvic muscles to help them relax. This can be done vaginally with a gloved, lubricated finger or at home using a pelvic wand or vaginal dilators.
2. Pelvic Floor Lengthening Exercises
   • Unlike Kegel exercises, which strengthen muscles, lengthening exercises focus on relaxation. This is often paired with diaphragmatic breathing to reduce tension.
3. Daily Check-ins & Stretches
   • Simple activities like brushing teeth or sitting on the couch can become moments to check for muscle tension. Yoga poses like child’s pose, butterfly stretch, and deep squat can help release tightness.

Dr. Falter emphasizes that individualized treatment is key. Seeking professional guidance ensures exercises are performed correctly and effectively.

How Partners Can Offer Support

If your partner experiences pain during sex, there are ways to help:

• Stop Immediately If Pain Occurs: Pushing through discomfort can create negative associations with intimacy.
• Open Communication: A supportive, understanding approach can ease feelings of shame or inadequacy.
• Educate Yourself: Learning about treatment strategies helps partners provide better support.
• Explore Non-Penetrative Intimacy: Activities like manual stimulation, oral sex, affectionate touch, and meaningful kisses maintain closeness.

“At the end of any sexual encounter, you want to be able to look forward to the next time with anticipation and delight,” says relationship expert Dr. Emily Dillon. “If sex is painful, it can create a cycle of dread, which you don’t want.”

The Importance of Physical Intimacy

Despite the lack of a clear diagnosis, Nicole is committed to maintaining a fulfilling intimate relationship. She and her boyfriend have explored alternative solutions, incorporating pelvic floor therapy into their routine to alleviate discomfort.

“There was a lot of education that had to be done, which isn’t always fun or sexy,” she admitted. “But in the end, it has brought us closer together and strengthened our emotional connection.”

For those facing similar struggles, seeking medical help and communicating with a supportive partner can make all the difference. Pain-free intimacy is possible with the right approach and treatment.

Source: CNN – Sex shouldn’t be painful. Here’s what to do if it is

The post Why Sex Shouldn’t Be Painful – And What to Do If It Is appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

With the rise of dating apps, social media, and technology, the dating world has changed dramatically. Today, we have easy access to everything from TikTok stories about first-date disasters to viral threads discussing awkward encounters. You might think spotting “green” and “red flags” on a first date would be straightforward, but dating is still subjective, and opinions on what counts as a “flag” can vary widely.

Some people argue that modern dating puts too much pressure on individuals with unrealistic expectations, while others view it as a chance to be more selective, like a job interview where only the best matches get a second date.

To help navigate today’s fast-paced dating scene, we spoke to relationship experts about the ultimate green flag on a first date. Their insights highlight the signs that reflect compatibility, mutual respect, and emotional maturity—all essential for building healthy relationships in today’s dating world.

Sincerity and Boundaried Openness

One of the biggest green flags on a first date is sincerity, coupled with “boundaried openness.” This means your date is open and authentic but knows the boundaries of the context. They share enough about themselves to create a connection but don’t overshare or come on too strong.

Pay attention to how they talk about their past relationships. People who have had healthy relationships tend to speak positively about their friends and family. They are also conscientious—showing up on time, being considerate, and genuinely interested in getting to know you.

Calm Chemistry, Not Overwhelming Sparks

Surprisingly, not feeling an intense, overwhelming chemistry is actually a good sign. While sparks are fun, they can cloud judgment and may indicate an unhealthy, high-pressure dynamic. Emotionally available people often feel calming rather than chaotic. Instead of fireworks, you might feel an easy sense of curiosity and interest. That’s a green flag.

How They Talk About Past Relationships

How your date speaks about their exes is another important sign. If they talk about a past breakup respectfully, without being disrespectful or bitter, that’s a good sign of emotional maturity. A green flag would be hearing something like, “We weren’t on the same page,” while a red flag would be something like, “They were a total [insult].”

Asking your date, “If your ex were here, what would they say about the breakup?” can reveal character, emotional intelligence, and self-control. How they speak about their past relationships is often how they’ll eventually treat you.

Kindness Is Key

Kindness is a major green flag on a first date. Pay attention to how your date treats others, especially the waitstaff at a restaurant or anyone else in a service position. Kindness is an essential trait for healthy, long-lasting relationships.

Also, think about how they make you feel. Do you feel comfortable, safe, and respected? A little discomfort is normal due to first-date nerves, but if you feel uncomfortable in a threatening way, it’s something to take seriously. Signs like controlling behavior should raise alarms.

Balanced Sharing and Active Listening

On a good first date, there should be a sense of balance when it comes to sharing personal information. Reciprocal self-disclosure, where both people share and listen in equal measure, is a great sign. A green flag would be someone who listens to understand and allows you to finish before responding, rather than interrupting with their own perspective.

Enjoying Each Other’s Company

The biggest green flag on a first date is simply enjoying each other’s company enough to want to see them again. This could mean feeling relaxed, at ease, and having a good time. If you’re enjoying their presence and feel like they bring out the best in you, that’s a sign of a healthy connection.

Also, shared interests, mutual history, common friends, and similar values or causes are all great indicators that there’s potential for something more.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a first date is just the beginning of getting to know someone. The biggest green flag is whether you feel comfortable, respected, and interested in continuing the connection. If your date demonstrates kindness, emotional intelligence, and shared values, it’s a promising sign of compatibility.

Source

The post What Relationship Experts Say Are the Biggest Green Flags on a First Date appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

When Kelly Corrigan’s daughters entered their tween years, she wanted to help them navigate the challenges of growing up. If one of her girls came home upset, whether it was from bullying or feeling left out, Corrigan would offer advice on how to handle it.

However, her well-meaning solutions didn’t always work. Her daughters would often become frustrated or dismissive, retreating into their own world. “Their emotions would shift from raw to tired and dismissive,” Corrigan recalled in an interview on NPR’s TED Radio Hour.

But one day, when her daughter Georgia called crying, Corrigan had a chance to try something different. She was in the car with a friend who was training to become a therapist, so she put the call on speaker.

Georgia was upset because she felt all the girls in her class had turned on her for no reason. Corrigan’s friend quietly whispered, “Say, ‘Tell me more.’” Corrigan repeated it: “Tell me more.”

To her surprise, Georgia started to open up in a way she hadn’t before. Corrigan continued with another suggestion from her friend: “Say, ‘That sounds really hard.’” When Corrigan echoed those words, Georgia responded with more honesty and vulnerability than ever. Instead of shutting down, she kept talking.

This experience was a turning point for Corrigan. She realized that sometimes, the best way to help someone going through a tough time is not by offering solutions, but by listening and validating their feelings.

Over the years, Corrigan has shared her insights on family dynamics, relationships, and emotional support through her PBS show, podcast, and books. She emphasizes that offering compassion, rather than fixing the problem, can create a deeper connection. Here are some key lessons she shared on TED Radio Hour.

1. Resist the Urge to Fix the Problem

Corrigan explains that jumping straight to solutions can be dismissive. If someone shares their troubles and you immediately offer advice, it can feel like you’re saying, “It’s not that difficult; why are you upset?” Instead of fixing the issue, allow the person to work through their feelings. Let them feel the satisfaction of resolving their own problems, not you.

“You have to decide their needs are more important than your urge to help,” Corrigan says.

2. Use These Seven Words

To help someone feel truly heard, you don’t need to offer advice—just listen. Corrigan recommends using simple phrases like:

• “Tell me more.”
• “Go on…”
• “What else?”

These words give the other person space to share their feelings and experiences, making them feel loved and accepted. As Corrigan puts it, “You can get pretty far in life with those seven words.”

3. Practice Emotional Hospitality

Love and support don’t look the same for everyone. Some people, like children, may not want a hug when they’re upset. Corrigan suggests practicing “emotional hospitality,” which means creating a safe, welcoming environment where the other person feels invited to share their feelings. You don’t have to say the perfect thing—just show up and listen.

“Tell me something. I’m here,” Corrigan says. And then, really listen. Most people prefer talking, but few love to listen.

4. Tune In—Love Can Be Quiet

When a loved one is struggling, it’s natural to want to jump into action—making plans or offering solutions. But Corrigan learned that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply sit with the person and be present.

She shared a story about her father in his final days. When he seemed agitated, Corrigan resisted the urge to call a nurse or try to comfort him with advice. Instead, she sat with him and let him express his regrets and thoughts. He talked about small things that still weighed on him, like not visiting his brother-in-law enough or wishing he had named a child after his lacrosse coach.

Rather than reassure him or minimize his feelings, Corrigan just listened. She communicated her presence by absorbing his emotions, letting him express them fully. And in that moment, it gave him peace.

“I thought love meant action. I had no idea it could be so still,” Corrigan reflects.

Sometimes, the most supportive thing you can do for someone in crisis is to listen deeply, create space for their emotions, and show love in quiet, still ways.

Source

Transcript

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