Straight Talk Blog
Dare to be Vulnerable
What Stoicism, People-Pleasing, and Avoidance Have in Common "Being invulnerable creates a dull, disconnected existence. You deserve to experience all the colors of life –– dare to be vulnerable." Lisa Merlo-Booth Most people want emotional intimacy and genuine...
Mistakes are human. Grace is strength.
"When you give others grace, you give yourself grace too; what a gift to both of you." Lisa Merlo-Booth Being human means that you are riddled with imperfections—as is everyone around you. There is no way around being imperfect. From the: Thoughts you have, To...
Collusion of Silence: How We Protect Harmful Behavior
"Protecting others from the impact of their bad behavior is collusion. Don’t collude." Lisa Merlo-Booth At a family dinner party, Sally responded to something her uncle stated by saying, "That's interesting, I don't think of it like that," and before she could...
Mike Vrabel and the Leadership Revolution We Desperately Need
How one coach's relational approach is transforming a team—and why these same principles work in marriages, families, and boardrooms "When there's adversity or when you need to hold somebody accountable, I think it's always coming from a better place when there's a...
An Open Letter to Christian Leaders
I'm tired. I'm angry. And I am enraged at the level of condoned violence and killing going on in our nation. However, I am particularly appalled at you—the leaders of Christian communities. Countless people turn to you for guidance. They look to you to help them be...
Stop Normalizing Toxic Behavior: Why Violence, Disrespect & Lack of Accountability Hurt Relationships
"Normalizing violence in your home, on the job, or in the world harms individuals, teams, nations, and our world." ~LMB Radically New Relationships™ are built on solid foundations of mutual respect, equality, kindness, and accountability. Sadly, far too many people...
What Keeping the Peace Is Costing You
"Waiting for someone to “see the light” and change their behavior keeps everyone stuck." ~LMB The number of families cowering, ducking, and silencing to a reactive adult is more than most people can imagine. Many families are tip-toing around the men in their homes....
How to Know If Your Spouse Is Really Changing
"Always pay attention to actions, not words. If you’re still wondering if they’ve changed, they probably haven’t." ~LMB In a world where fake stories, recordings, and information is rampant, it can be easy to get sucked in. Just as we can be fooled by information...
The Courage to Stand: Confronting Harm in 2026
"Standing up to harmful behavior is as necessary in your home as it is on the job and in the world." ~LMB Last week's post talked about Standing Where Others Cower. This week's post shares how to do this. The daily toxic messaging spewing from social media, inundating...
Stand Where Others Cower: Your New Year Challenge
"This year, find the courage to be a powerful example of the best of humanity." ~LMB May your New Year be filled with courage, compassion, kindness, and integrity that creates powerful change. Extend compassion and kindness to yourself and others. Embrace your...
Bringing Compassion to This Holiday Season
"Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with love, belonging, and heart-warming kindness." ~LMB While many families are busy getting excited about the holidays, many others are grieving tremendous losses. In recent weeks alone, from the victims of the...
Is This Pattern Making Your Problems Worse?
"Explaining why you did something doesn’t erase the impact, repair the hurt, or change the outcome." ~LMB Have you fallen into the habit of explaining your actions rather than repairing the hurt those actions caused? Do any of these responses sound familiar?...
A Series on Relationally Toxic Behaviors – Toxic Behavior #2: Dismissiveness
"Your partner’s experiences are important because they say they are—not when you decide they are." ~LMB Disagreements in relationships are normal, healthy, and to be expected. However, disagreeing is different than being told your opinions, experiences, concerns,...
Slow Down to Soak in the Gifts of the Holiday Season
"Focusing on the stress of the holiday season blinds you to the gifts. Don’t be blinded." ~LMB Holidays can be a tremendous trigger for stress. You’re worried about getting everything done, having family members get along, cooking a great meal, etc. Balancing this...
How to Handle Family Stress at Thanksgiving Without Falling Into Old Patterns
"Bringing your adult self to family holidays makes for much better gatherings." ~LMB Whew, there are few things more capable of bringing you right back to acting like a 10-year-old child than family gatherings! Your parents’ critiques, sibling rivalries, family...