Are the holidays bringing more emotional chaos than cheer into your life? In this episode, Steve Alessi, Lauren Alessi, and licensed mental health counselor @ryan.landau unpack the real challenges of stress, seasonal mood swings, and family drama during the Christmas season.

You'll get key insights on seasonal affective disorder, financial anxiety, loneliness, and the unique pressures men and women face during this time of year - as well as practical tips for setting boundaries, finding community, and staying intentional—even when family relationships get tricky.

You’ll learn how small shifts like slowing down, budgeting, and focusing on others can dissolve stress and create joyful memories - even if you are dealing with loss or grief during the holidays.

With candid stories and professional insights, the conversation breaks down why it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and how to navigate tough moments with more awareness, connection, and self-care.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Ryan Landau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, high-performance coach, and relationship therapist with over 23 years in health and wellness, 15 of which have been focused in professional clinical practice. He specializes in helping high performers translate success into sustainable fulfillment while building relationships that strengthen their lives, leadership, and wellbeing.

Ryan combines therapy, EMDR, neuroscience, spiritual intelligence, and his own lived experience in recovery to help individuals and couples evolve into more grounded, capable, and connected versions of themselves.

He previously served as cofounder, COO, and consultant for a wellness tech company leveraging neurofeedback to tap into neuroplasticity for lasting behavioral change. Ryan and his wife—also a therapist—are now building a relationship-growth platform designed to help couples thrive in their partnership and marriage. He is also the author of the relationship and personal-growth newsletter Love Grows Us.

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE:

Not So Merry: How to Beat the Holiday Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPYaAo6rLy4

0:00 Intro
0:56 Share This Episode!
1:50 Meet Ryan Landau
7:31 Facing The Holidays
14:34 The Highs And Lows
20:52 Don't Cry 'Woe Is Me'
27:49 Money Anxiety
31:41 More Does Not Equal More
37:59 Be Extra Mindful
44:58 Adjust Your Settings

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