If you’re in a relationship with… well, any human being, you already know this: Conflict is inevitable. It doesn’t matter how aligned, in love, or “on the same page” you are — sooner or later, you will bump up against each other’s edges. Needs will go unmet, feelings will get hurt, and misunderstandings will happen. In this episode of On Attachment, I’m joined again by my dear friend and colleague, relationship coach and author James “Fish” Gill. Fish’s work is all about conscious communication and finding our way back to connection — particularly in those tender, messy, “we’re not at our best right now” moments that relationships inevitably bring. Let’s dig into some of the big themes from our conversation.

Becoming a parent is one of the biggest relational transitions most of us will ever face. And while the world loves to tell us how overwhelming, chaotic, and identity-shattering it should be, the truth is that everyone’s experience is deeply personal—and deeply shaped by their attachment patterns. Recently, on the podcast, Joel and I shared our own journey into parenthood—how we felt before having a baby, what surprised us, what challenged us, and how we’ve stayed connected along the way. Afterward, I received countless messages from people saying: “Please talk more about this.” So, let’s.