Episode Description
This is a controversial episode — and we want to hear from you.
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Family estrangement has gone mainstream — from Oprah to headlines about celebrity families — and the narrative is almost always the same: parents are to blame.
But what if that story isn’t complete?
In this emotionally charged and controversial episode, Denise is joined by psychologist and author Vivian King, PhD, whose book F* Them Kids* challenges what she calls the one-sided narrative of the estrangement epidemic. Vivian speaks candidly about her own experience with estrangement, the role of social media and therapy culture, and why many loving, non-abusive parents are being dehumanized and silenced.
This conversation is not about dismissing adult children’s pain — it’s about expanding the dialogue, questioning cultural assumptions, and asking hard questions about accountability, boundaries, and dignity on both sides.
Whether you agree or disagree, this episode invites you to listen with curiosity, courage, and an open mind. We will talk about:
- The rise of “no contact” culture and the language of blame
- How social media and online echo chambers reinforce estrangement
- When therapy helps — and when it harms
- Why many estranged parents are not abusive or neglectful
- The emotional toll of estrangement on parents
- Should parents apologize “no matter what”?
- How to hold on to dignity, self-worth, and joy when a child cuts contact
- Why this conversation makes so many people uncomfortable — and why it matters
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Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.
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