The Real Rules of Healthy Relationships with Lisa Merlo-Booth
This one hits close to home. We brought in our dear friend and seasoned relationship coach, Lisa Merlo-Booth, to unpack the relationship lessons we didn’t get from our mothers (or Hollywood, for that matter).
In this episode, we get real about:
Growing up with dysfunctional templates and learning to spot red flags
Why jealousy is not love—and neither is ordering for you at dinner
The danger of falling for potential instead of reality
How self-worth gets tangled up in whether someone chooses you
Tips for spotting healthy dynamics (and yes, they do exist!)
What makes a good therapist or coach—and what to walk away from
We laughed, we cringed, we healed a little. Join us for a conversation every woman deserves to hear, no matter what stage of life or love you’re in.
About Lisa Merlo-Booth:
Lisa isn’t your typical relationship coach. With over 20 years of experience as a relationship coach and trained therapist, she cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of the matter. Lisa tackles complex issues head-on with clarity, humor, and a no-nonsense approach that drives real, lasting change.
Her mission is to help individuals, couples, teams, and organizations create radically new relationships and cultures that don’t just survive—they thrive.
The old relationship rules are broken, and Lisa is here to rewrite them. Through her Radically New Relationships™ Paradigm, she challenges outdated norms and replaces them with a bold, transformative framework. Her approach ensures relationships are deeply supportive, powerfully connected, and built to last.
Lisa’s Links:
https://www.facebook.com/LisaMerloBoothStraightTalk
https://www.instagram.com/lisamerlobooth
Resources:
Books
“The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman – Offers research-based tips for improving relationships.
“Hold Me Tight” by Dr. Sue Johnson – Focuses on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and building secure bonds.
“Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall Rosenberg – Teaches compassionate communication in relationships.
“Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab – A guide to setting healthy boundaries.
“Us” by Terrence Real – Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship.
“Making Marriage Simple” by Harville Hendrix – Ten Relationship Saving Truths
Websites & Online Resources
Love is Respect – Offers education on healthy relationships, dating abuse, and boundaries.
The Gottman Institute – Research-backed tools for couples and professionals.
One Love Foundation – Focuses on preventing abuse and promoting healthy relationships.
Psychology Today – Articles and therapist directory for relationship help.
Mental Health America – Covers traits of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Podcasts
Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel – Real couples discuss relationship struggles with a therapist.
Love, Happiness and Success Podcast – Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby covers dating, marriage, breakups, and more.
Dear Sugars podcast – Cheryl Stayed and Steve Almond offer relationship advice.
Courses & Workshops
Hold Me Tight Workshops (Susan Johnson’s work run by trained therapists)
Gottman Relationship Coach (online courses)
Couples Therapy Inc. – Online and in-person workshops.
Local community centers and nonprofits like Omega Institute, Kripalu, or other organizations offering workshops or support groups.
Support Groups & Counseling
Couples therapy or individual therapy – Licensed therapists can provide tailored support.
Support groups – Look for local or online groups for relationship health, boundaries, codependency, etc.
Hotlines/Chats – Such as from “Love is Respect” or the National Domestic Violence
Hotline for crisis support.
Review all resources here.
*Information shared on this podcast is not medical advice. If you have a concern about your physical or mental health, please seek support from a professional.
