Love vs. Approval, Healing Trauma, and Choosing Change with Dr. Nicki J. Monti

In this episode of The Dr. K Show, Dr. Michael Karlfeldt sits down with Dr. Nicki J. Monti—renowned psychotherapist, teacher, speaker, media personality, and author of Stuck in the Story No More and Our Love Matters. Known for her straight-shooting style and work helping people break free from self-defeating patterns, Dr. Nicki brings a rare blend of clinical insight, lived experience, and soulful clarity to a conversation that challenges how we define love, identity, and healing.Together, we explore why approval often masquerades as love, how early-life stories shape our relationships, and what it really takes to shift your life from the inside out. Dr. Nicki shares powerful reflections from her memoir The Divine Traumedy of Nicki Joy: A True Grime Tale—including addiction recovery, self-worth, and the “house of mirrors” concept (how the world reflects what we believe about ourselves). We also unpack practical reframes: changing perception without rewriting the past, learning to meet the present moment as “the best day,” and using tools like writing your obituary to reverse-engineer the life you actually want.This episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck in old patterns, hungry for real connection, or worried we’re drifting away from humanity in an AI-saturated world. If you’re ready to trade self-judgment for self-respect—and move from performing life to actually living it—this conversation will hit home.Key Topics CoveredThe difference between love vs. approval (and why approval can’t heal the soul)How childhood stories shape adult relationships and self-worth“House of mirrors”: how your inner beliefs attract matching experiencesHealing as a change in perception, not a change in the pastAddiction recovery, shame, and transforming pain into purposeWhy “love is the easiest part” of relationships—and what matters moreAuthenticity, vulnerability, and staying human in an AI-driven cultureFinding meaning in grief, death, and the privilege of being aliveLiving in the present moment—even when it’s messy or uncomfortableA practical reflection tool: writing your obituary to clarify your values and direction ____________________________________ If you're ready to optimize your health, restore your vitality, and take control of your longevity, subscribe now and join The Dr. K Show community. ____________________________________ CONNECT WITH DR. KARLFELDT: Website: TheKarlfeldtCenter.com Instagram: instagram.com/thekarlfeldtcenter Facebook: facebook.com/thekarlfeldtcenter ____________________________________ 📖 BOOK: The Science and Spirit of Transformation: A Holistic Guide to Elevating Health, Consciousness, and Purpose Get your copy at: store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/the-science-and-spirit-of-transformationPrice: $24.99 | Use code DRKSHOWPODCAST for 100% off ____________________________________ MORE PODCASTS FROM DR. KARLFELDT: 🎙 Integrative Cancer Solutions — Real patient stories and evidence-based integrative therapies for those navigating a cancer diagnosis. 🎙 Integrative Lyme Solutions — Expert guidance and healing journeys for those dealing with Lyme disease and co-infections. Explore all shows on https://www.youtube.com/@KarlfeldtCenter👉 Schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Naturopathic Doctor at The Karlfeldt Center:📞 208-338-8902📧 [email protected]