Episode Details

What happens when being agreeable stops being simply a personality trait and becomes a way of surviving?

Bradley L. Gabbert is the author of The Agreeable Child: A Yogic Journey from Tragedy to Triumph, a memoir exploring his experience with childhood trauma, people-pleasing, emotional health, relationships, and personal change.

In this conversation, Bradley reflects on patterns he says began in childhood and followed him into adulthood. He explains how constantly putting other people’s needs ahead of his own eventually affected his relationships and his ability to make his own choices.

We discuss the moment therapy and a 4-7-8 breathing exercise unexpectedly brought decades of grief and emotion to the surface, and how Bradley subsequently explored breathing, yoga, meditation, and Yoga Nidra.

Bradley also talks about learning to become more assertive, reclaiming his agency, examining emotional patterns within relationships, and why he believes meaningful change can begin by asking “Why?” repeatedly until you reach something you can actually change.

His food for thought is simple:

Notice the conflicts within your life and within yourself—and keep asking why.

Learn more about Bradley and his story: Bradley L. Gabbert⁠

Learn more about The Agreeable Child: The Agreeable Child⁠

Explore more from Thought Atlas: Thought Atlas on Podmatch⁠