The Hidden Weight of Shame & How to Release It | Dr. Zoe Shaw | 202

Feedback on the show? Send us a message!What if the shame carried for years wasn’t proof that something was wrong… but proof that healing had never truly been given space to begin?In this deeply vulnerable episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo sits down with Dr. Zoe Shaw, licensed psychotherapist, relationship coach, author, and podcast host for a powerful conversation about shame, secrecy, identity, and emotional healing. Dr. Zoe opens up about growing up in a strict religious environment, navigating racial identity shame, becoming pregnant as a teenager, and carrying the burden of secrecy for decades after placing her daughter for adoption.Together, Amanda and Dr. Zoe explore the emotional weight of people-pleasing, perfectionism, trauma, and the ways shame quietly shapes relationships, self-worth, and the ability to show up authentically in the world. Dr. Zoe also breaks down the difference between guilt, simple shame, toxic shame, and what she calls “complex shame”, a deeper form of shame built over years of painful experiences and hidden wounds.This conversation is an honest and hopeful reminder that healing doesn’t begin through hiding…It begins through vulnerability, self-forgiveness, and finally allowing the truth to be seen.⏰ Timeline Summary[5:40] – Growing up with racial identity shame and strict religious expectations                                                                                                                    [9:15] – Becoming pregnant at 15 and carrying the burden of secrecy                  [14:30] – Using achievement, success, and perfectionism to hide shame [19:05] – The moment she revealed her secret to her children and family [23:45] – The difference between guilt, simple shame, complex shame, and toxic shame                                                                                                            [31:40] – Practical ways to begin untangling shame and finding forgiveness 💡 In this episode, listeners will discover:🧠 The difference between guilt, simple shame, toxic shame, and complex shame💔 How secrecy and people-pleasing can quietly shape identity and relationships ✨ The emotional impact of carrying shame from childhood into adulthood 📖 Dr. Zoe’s personal journey through teen pregnancy, adoption, and self-forgiveness🪞 How perfectionism and achievement can become coping mechanisms for hidden painTo Connect with Amanda:Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddessFollow & Support the Podcast:📱Instagram: @MandersMindset👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!To Connect with Zoe:  📖 Get Dr. Zoe's Book Stronger in the Difficult Places: https://a.co/d/bWNSd4GGet Dr. Zoe's Must Have Resources to untangle Shame: https://dr-zoe-shaw-enterprises.kit.com/7247f0bc86