Kissing Frogs with Dr. Molly Burrets

In this heartfelt episode of Kissing Frogs, Dr. Patrice Le Goy joins Dr. Molly for a candid exploration of how formative relationships shape our sense of self, trust, and the very core of the connections we build later in life. Drawing from her experience as an international psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and host of the podcast Like Minded with Dr. Patrice, Dr. Patrice opens up about a transformative young love—a relationship that led her to take life-altering risks and ultimately taught her the power of discernment, communication, and self-compassion.Topics Covered- How youthful optimism and naiveté can lead us to ignore red flags in relationships- The danger of “filling in the blanks” with hope instead of earned trust- Moving for love: When following your heart can mean blowing up your life—and how to recover- The hard-won wisdom of learning to communicate directly and require clarity in our connections- Building resilience through painful choices—and finding your way back homeWith vulnerability and grace, Dr. Patrice discusses how a personal romantic disappointment became the foundation for her grit, professional wisdom, and her approach as a parent and partner. She and Dr. Molly reflect on the importance of learning from heartbreak, practicing self-compassion, and modeling open communication for the next generation.Dr. Patrice is an international psychologist, licensed marriage & family therapist, and host of the mental health & pop culture podcast “Like Minded with Dr. Patrice.” She blends her clinical expertise with personal experience to support clients and audiences in building authentic, resilient, and compassionate relationships.---Connect with Dr. Patrice  Instagram: @drpatricelagoy  Podcast: Like Minded with Dr. PatriceConnect with Dr. Molly  Instagram: @drmollyburrets @KissingFrogsPod  Website: www.drmollyburrets.com  Substack: @drmollyburrets

In this episode of Kissing Frogs, Dr. Molly welcomes Josie Santi—wellness creator and host of The EveryGirl podcast—for a candid and inspiring conversation centered on engagement, partnership, and building a meaningful future.With openness and humor, Josie shares what makes her engagement special: a conscious choice to slow down and savor this unique season, refusing to let wedding stress overshadow the joy of commitment. She describes her nine-year relationship with fiancé Joey, from their early days of deep conversations and long-distance connection, to planning a dramatic, creative wedding in Chicago’s Opera House. Together, they explore how to intentionally nurture friendship, embrace imperfection, and keep choosing each other as life changes.Topics Covered: - Why Josie celebrates a long engagement rather than rushing to the altar  - Letting go of wedding stress and focusing on building the relationship  - Staying best friends and keeping connection alive  - Seeing engagement as more than a waiting room—making it a meaningful chapter  - Letting go of perfectionism and learning to return to each other, again and againJosie Santi inspires thousands to live intentionally and love bravely. Her journey proves that engagement is more than a milestone—it's a time for joyful growth, reflection, and building the foundation for a lasting marriage.Connect with Josie SantiInstagram: @josiesanti  Podcast: The EveryGirl Podcast  TikTok: @josiesantiConnect with Dr. Molly:Instagram: @DrMollyBurrets @KissingFrogsPod  Website: www.drmollyburrets.com

In this powerful episode of Kissing Frogs, Kendra Allen joins Dr. Molly to share an unfiltered account of surviving a toxic first love, overcoming addiction, and ultimately transforming heartbreak into purpose. Now a renowned breakup coach, podcast host, and author of The Breakup Workbook, Kendra Allen opens up about how losing herself in a controlling, emotionally abusive relationship set her on a path to profound healing and lifelong sobriety.Topics Covered:- Navigating a first love marked by a significant age gap and power imbalance- Recognizing red flags: isolation, gaslighting, and weaponized vulnerability- The parallels between breakup grief and addiction recovery- How speaking her truth and seeking support cracked open the door to healing- Practical ways to reclaim self-esteem and rebuild life after heartbreak- Why “no contact” and true self-work are non-negotiables for moving on- When healing can create space for new (or renewed) partnershipsKendra Allen is the creator of Breakup Bestie and The Heal Your Heartbreak Podcast. Her new book, The Breakup Workbook, guides readers through actionable exercises to process pain and rediscover self-worth. With over 100k Instagram followers, she’s helped thousands worldwide to rebuild after loss—always blending clinical insight with real-life lessons.Connect with Kendra  Instagram: @yourbreakupbestie  Website: www.breakupbestie.com  Podcast: Heal Your HeartbreakConnect with Dr. Molly  Instagram: @drmollyburrets @KissingFrogsPod  Website: www.drmollyburrets.com  Substack: @drmollyburrets

In this candid and empowering episode of Kissing Frogs, Dr. Molly sits down with Talia Koren—writer and host of the Dating Intentionally podcast—for an honest conversation about breaking old patterns and learning how to date with purpose.With warmth and vulnerability, Talia Koren shares her story of leaving a six-year relationship, navigating the aftermath with a year of intentional singlehood, and embarking on a quest of 100 dates that would ultimately lead her to genuine self-knowledge—and lasting love. Together, Dr. Molly and Talia Koren unravel toxic beliefs about “working harder” in the wrong relationship, the anxious-avoidant trap, and the power of clarifying your needs.Topics Covered:- The cost of staying in relationships that don’t fit- How therapy and defining “core needs” reshaped her dating life- The anxious-avoidant dynamic and the myth of “fixing” love- Discovering joy and confidence on the other side of heartbreak- Why moving in together doesn’t guarantee security- Turning dating into self-discovery and growth  - The importance of dating intentionally—and not settling for lessTalia Koren is a creator and host of the Dating Intentionally podcast. She went on over 100 dates in 1 year, until she met her husband, and had a blast. Now, she helps her 250k+ listeners and community navigate dating with confidence and ease.Connect with Talia Koren:  Instagram: @dating.intentionally  Website: DatingIntentionallyPod.comConnect with Dr. Molly:  Instagram: @DrMollyBurrets @KissingFrogsPod  Website: www.drmollyburrets.com

In this vibrant and unfiltered episode of Kissing Frogs, Dr. Molly is joined by Kamie Crawford—a powerhouse host, America’s bestie, and the Webby award-winning voice behind the Relationsh!t podcast—for a candid conversation about love’s many lessons, and the art of manifesting a partnership that truly feels like home.Honest, hilarious, and deeply moving, Kamie pulls back the curtain on her journey from being bullied as a child to an engaged woman who knows her worth, sharing wisdom for anyone navigating the messy middle of dating and relationships. From the trials of wedding planning to overcoming childhood wounds of abandonment, the duo dives into what it really means to grow, claim your power, and show up fully for yourself and your person.Topics Covered:- The highs and chaos of wedding planning—letting go of control and honoring your boundaries- Embracing singlehood after years of serial monogamy and the mindshift of dating with intention- Transforming childhood abandonment and bullying into radical self-worth and intuition- How to set and hold standards in dating (“You’re single until someone claims you!”)- Navigating triggers, conflict, and healing in real time with a loving partner- The myth of “healing before dating” and why real growth happens in relationship- Why specificity and intention are vital when manifesting your ideal partner- Permission to leave relationships that keep you small, and the practical advice for women afraid to walk awayAbout Kamie Crawford:  An acclaimed TV host, Miss Teen USA alum, longtime co-host of MTV’s Catfish, and creator of the hit Relationsh!t podcast, Kamie is renowned for her warmth, wit, and unflinching honesty—amassing millions of listeners and embodying the spirit of the best friend we all wish we had. With a vibrant career, and a love story built on intention and mutual growth, Kamie reveals how, after kissing many frogs, she finally called in—and claimed—the partnership she always deserved.Connect with Kamie:  Instagram: @kamiecrawford  Podcast: Relationsh!tWebsite: kamiecrawford.comConnect with Dr. Molly: Website: www.drmollyburrets.com  Instagram: @KissingFrogsPod

In this vulnerable and deeply honest episode of Kissing Frogs, Hannah Brown—former Bachelorette, Dancing with the Stars champion, and bestselling author—joins Dr. Molly for a candid conversation about love after heartbreak, building resilience, and rewriting your own narrative. Hannah Brown opens up about how working through betrayal, therapy, and marriage challenged her to grow in ways she never expected, and why real relationships are never as neat as they look on Instagram.Topics Covered:- The real journey from “quarter-life memoir” to lasting love- How unresolved trauma and heartbreak can shape (and sabotage) new relationships- Why genuine partnership is about healing together, not being fully “fixed” first- Learning to trust yourself again after betrayal—and why it’s still a work in progress- Navigating avoidant, anxious, and secure attachment styles in love and friendship- The power (and discomfort) of choosing the unfamiliar path, in love and life- How faith and therapy ground her marriage with Adam, and why generational emotional “wealth” matters- Behind the scenes of engagement anxiety, wedding ambivalence, and why “what if” questions are normal—even for America’s sweetheart- What it really means to be seen—and to see your partner—on the other side of painHannah Brown is a television personality, lifestyle expert and two-time New York Timesbestselling author. Brown’s authenticity and charismatic personality have captivated her millionsof followers, and she continues to inspire and empower others. Born and raised in Tuscaloosa,Alabama, Brown currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.Connect with Hannah  Instagram: @hannahbrownTikTok: @hannahkbrownBuy Hannah’s Book:Amazon - HERETarget - HEREB&N - HEREBAM - HEREConnect with Dr. Molly  Instagram: @DrMollyBurrets @KissingFrogsPod  Website: www.drmollyburrets.com

In this insightful episode of Kissing Frogs, Damona Hoffman joins Dr. Molly to break down the myths of modern dating and offer a new approach to finding meaningful relationships. Drawing from her own path—once a frustrated dater, now a sought-after dating coach—Damona Hoffman shares how letting go of prescribed fairy tales and embracing who you truly are can transform your dating life.Topics Covered:- Why relying on “chemistry” can derail your search for love- The rules for mindful, intentional online dating- Turning what makes you unique into your dating superpower- How partnership supports personal growth, courage, and change- Why relationship “work” should feel collaborative, not drainingCelebrity Dating Coach Damona Hoffman has been coaching singles on how to find love online and offline for over 15 years. Damona is the Official Love Expert on The Drew Barrymore Show and a member of Drew’s Crew. Her first book F the Fairy Tale was published in January 2024 and became an instant Amazon #1 bestseller. She’s a regular on-air contributor to NPR and NBC’s Access Daily. Plus, her articles appear regularly in The LA Times and The Washington Post. Damona also starred in two A+E Networks’ TV shows: #BlackLove and A Question of Love. Her weekly podcast Dates & Mates has been featured in Cosmopolitan, HuffPost, Bustle and tops the charts in the Relationships category on the major podcast platforms.Connect with DamonaInstagram: @damonahoffmanWebsite: www.damonahoffman.comPodcast on Apple: Dates & MatesConnect with Dr. Molly  Instagram: @drmollyburrets @KissingFrogsPod  Website: www.drmollyburrets.comSubstack: @drmollyburrets

In this vulnerable solo episode of Kissing Frogs, Dr. Molly steps into the role of storyteller, opening up about a pivotal relationship from her early twenties—a whirlwind romance set in the heart of post-9/11 Chicago. With candor and warmth, Dr. Molly unpacks the beginning, the bliss, and the heartbreaking end of her connection with “Mr. Chicago”—the man who, through love, loss, and ultimate honesty, changed the course of her life and her understanding of intimacy, grief, and self-worth.Topics Covered: - The myth of the “perfect” relationship expert - Discovering green flags—and true partnership—in her marriage - Pursuing dreams, leaving comfort, and trusting that what’s meant for you won’t miss you - Love as an agent of transformation: From Paris to Chicago, from “safe” to “extraordinary” - Navigating love and grief after profound loss—including living with the memory of a partner’s late fiancée - How who says “I love you” first is less important than how it’s received - The cost of partners who won’t defend you - Why leaps of faith create room for extraordinary relationships - Finding integrity—not just in how we love, but in how we let go - What Dr. Molly would say today to the one who broke her heart—and helped her become herselfA clinical psychologist specializing in women’s mental health and relationships, Dr. Molly brings decades of both professional insight and lived experience to this moving reflection. Her story is an offering to anyone still nursing an old heartbreak, questioning when to leap, or wondering whether it’s ever too late to learn and love again.Connect with Dr. Molly Website: www.drmollyburrets.com Instagram: @DrMollyBurrets @KissingFrogsPodSubstack: @DrMollyBurrets

In this heartfelt episode of Kissing Frogs, Olivia Amitrano joins Dr. Molly to share the powerful arc of her relationship with her mother—an artistic, complicated woman whose struggles shaped Olivia’s own journey through trauma, forgiveness, and ultimately, self-trust. Their candid conversation explores how early family dynamics and the cycle of inherited wounds can color the way we love, care for others, and eventually, ourselves.Topics Covered:- The mother wound and parentification- Generational patterns & the quest to break cycles- How caregiving and nearly losing her mom led to profound inner change- Discovering self-trust after decades of external seeking- Healing and reclaiming voice through art and musicOlivia Amitrano is an herbalist, singer/songwriter, and the curious mind behind the wellness forward hit podcast, What’s The Juice. As the founder of Organic Olivia, she blends herbalism with modern health insights to help people bridge tradition and evidence-based wellness in meaningful ways. On What’s The Juice, Olivia brings candid, deep, and often juicy conversations with thinkers, healers, artists, and experts, all in service of making health feel human. Beyond her work in herbal education and community building, she’s also a creative voice in music, weaving soul into her art as a singer and songwriter.Together, Dr. Molly and Olivia invite listeners to consider that even our messiest family stories can lead to wisdom, self-compassion, and the freedom to choose our own path.Connect with Olivia:Instagram: @oliviaamitranoWebsites: organicolivia.comPodcast: What’s The Juice?Connect with Dr. MollyWebsite: www.drmollyburrets.comInstagram: @drmollyburrets @KissingFrogsPod

In this powerful episode of Kissing Frogs, Sabrina Zohar joins Dr. Molly to candidly unravel her journey from a cycle of toxic relationships and deep-seated self-doubt to a place of healing and growth. She shares the raw story of falling for the "Health Guy," ignoring glaring red flags, enduring emotional abuse, and finally reaching the breaking point that set her on a path to reclaim her worth. Together, they discuss the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the challenge of breaking old patterns, and the ongoing work of rebuilding healthy boundaries and self-compassion.Topics Covered:- Breaking out of toxic romantic patterns- The weight of childhood trauma and narcissistic parenting- Living through verbal and emotional abuse- Hitting rock bottom and finding the courage to leave- The nonlinear road of therapy, healing, and self-discovery- Building healthy love through conscious choice and daily repairSabrina Zohar is a dynamic entrepreneur and dating coach renowned for her transformativepodcast, The Sabrina Zohar Show. With a clear, no-nonsense approach to relationshipadvice, Sabrina's podcast has resonated globally, ranking in the top 0.05% of all podcasts.Each episode features practical tips backed by board-certified and licensed psychologists,aimed at helping listeners improve their dating lives by fostering self-worth and personalgrowth.Connect with Sabrina  Instagram: @sabrinazohar x @thesabrinazoharshowWebsite: www.sabrinazohar.comPodcast on Apple: The Sabrina Zohar ShowConnect with Dr. Molly  Website: www.drmollyburrets.com  Instagram: @KissingFrogsPod x @DrMollyBurrets

In this revealing episode of Kissing Frogs, Danielle Robay joins Dr. Molly to explore the often-overlooked pain of friendship breakups and the winding path to forgiveness. Sharing the poignant story of her rupture with a beloved friend, Danielle reflects on how betrayal by someone we trust deeply can shake our sense of self, spark profound personal growth, and ultimately teach us to love and show up for others—differently and more deeply.Topics Covered:- The rarely discussed grief of friendship breakups- Navigating the complexities and gray areas of adult female friendship- Betrayal, boundaries, and the search for emotional safety- The messy, nonlinear journey of forgiveness and repair- How hitting rock bottom can spur personal and professional transformation- Making meaning out of pain and showing up for others in their darkest momentsDanielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator. Dubbed the “Queen of Questions,”she's also the founder of the bestselling card game Question Everything. Named a “gamechanger” by Forbes, Danielle is the host and co–executive producer (alongside ReeseWitherspoon) of Bookmarked from Hello Sunshine, as well as the host of the podcast QUESTION EVERYTHING and E!’s While You Were Streaming. Following in the footsteps of her mentor Larry King, she’s interviewed Hollywood icons, Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural thought leaders—logging over 8,000 hours in elevated conversation. A proud Gloria Steinem Endowed Fellow in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, Danielle is committed to storytelling that challenges, connects, and empowers.Connect with DanielleInstagram: @daniellerobay and @questioneverythinghqPodcast: Question Everything  Website: Daniellerobay.com Connect with Dr. MollyWebsite: www.drmollyburrets.com  Instagram: @KissingFrogsPod

In this intimate episode of Kissing Frogs, Krista Williams sits down with Dr. Molly to share the powerful story of her first love—a high school romance that became a template for future relationships, body image struggles, and her understanding of self-worth. Together, they explore how early heartbreak and unresolved family patterns can echo into adulthood, shaping the way we love and heal.Topics Covered:- The mother wound and its effects on self-esteem- How first loves become emotional templates- Navigating heartbreak, codependency, and grief- Transforming pain into personal and spiritual growth- The journey from seeking external validation to cultivating self-trust- Spiritual insights on karmic connections and soulmate lessonsKrista Williams is a multi-passionate creator, modern mystic, and self-described lifeexperimenter. She’s the co-founder of Almost 30, the #1-ranking podcast redefiningspirituality, self-growth, and what it means to come of age in your thirties. Krista is also thevoice behind Spotify’s Morning Microdose, and the creator of transformative platformsincluding The Life Edit, Metamorphosis, and Modern Tarot. Her work has been featured inThe Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Bustle, Elite Daily, and more, guiding ageneration toward deeper self-trust, alignment, and conscious living.With honesty and insight, Krista Williams offers a roadmap for moving through heartbreak, while Dr. Molly weaves in clinical wisdom and support. This episode is a reminder that even our earliest wounds hold the potential for healing, wisdom, and deeper connection with ourselves.Connect with KristaInstagram: @itskristaWebsite: itskrista.comPodcast almost30.comBook: almost30.com/bookConnect with Dr. MollyWebsite: www.drmollyburrets.comInstagram: @KissingFrogsPod

Kissing Frogs is a podcast about relationships and the surprising ways they shape our lives. Guided by clinical psychologist, relationship expert, and USC professor Dr. Molly Burrets, guests share honest, heartfelt stories about an important relationship—from the first spark to the messy middle to whatever came next—and reflect on how it changed them along the way.With warmth and curiosity, the conversations explore love, lust, loss, heartbreak, grief, betrayal, and failure, while also making space to laugh, reflect, and find meaning in the journey. At its heart, Kissing Frogs celebrates resilience, hard-earned wisdom, and the very human process of becoming who we’re meant to be.