What happens when you're known for helping people feel seen—but suddenly, you're the one being misunderstood?
In this episode, therapist and bestselling author Whitney Goodman joins Alice to talk about the emotional labor of being visible online, the backlash that followed her viral posts, and how she’s built resilience without losing authenticity. But this conversation goes far beyond internet culture.
They unpack the hidden costs of toxic positivity, how emotional suppression shows up in our daily lives, what denial really feels like inside a family system, and why we need better tools for handling discomfort. Whitney also shares her most personal rejection stories—from being publicly “dragged” to quietly questioning whether she could keep showing up.
Whether you're navigating rejection, burnout, visibility, or vulnerability—this episode is packed with honesty, nuance, and relief.
Resources & Links
Order Whitney’s Book
Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy amazon.com/Toxic-Positivity-Keeping-World-Obsessed/dp/0593542754/
Join Whitney’s Community
Calling Home: https://www.callinghome.co
Follow Whitney Online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitwithwhit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whitneygoodmanlmft
Chapters
00:00 The Hidden Rejection of Being Misunderstood
02:27 Why We Reach for Positivity in the Wrong Moments
06:32 “Everything Happens for a Reason” and Other Harmful Messages
12:14 Toxic Positivity as a Coping Strategy
18:52 How Emotional Suppression Becomes Exhausting
22:57 The False Comfort of Certainty
28:11 What It’s Like to Be Misunderstood by Thousands
35:50 The First Time Whitney Got Dragged Online
41:57 Her Relationship With Rejection Today
48:33 How She Keeps Showing Up Anyway