In part two of this powerful conversation, licensed therapist JJ Brake sits down with Foster and Cesar for a live couples session , revealing how her Internal Family Systems and Intimacy from the Inside Out work helps partners connect beneath conflict. You will hear Foster and Cesar unpack a real moment of tension, guided by JJ’s compassionate framework for understanding triggers, defensiveness, and emotional parts within relationships. JJ also shares her own breaking moment: losing her family home in the devastating Altadena fires. She opens up about grief, resilience, and the concept of “post-traumatic growth”, reflecting on how tragedy can become fertile ground for healing and renewal. This episode is a raw and heart-centered exploration of love, trauma, and the courage to stay connected through it all. In this episode they explore: What happens when a therapist leads her clients (live!) through a real couples conflict How Internal Family Systems (IFS) reveals the hidden “parts” behind our reactions The surprising power of humor in therapy and emotional repair What it really means to feel seen versus dismissed by your partner How anger, grief, and resilience can coexist in the healing process To connect with JJ Brake, visit jjbrake.com . Her app Unblend.me is the first platform designed for between-session mental wellness. Try it for free now! Also mentioned: The Gottman Method Intimacy From The Inside Out Non-Violent Communication / Courageous Communication Internal Family Systems Listen to Part 1 of our conversation with JJ Brake here: Curiosity Over Conflict: How to Heal Relationships with JJ Brake . You can also watch the episodes on YouTube . If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review! Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to
[email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram . Cesar Cardona: Attend his upcoming speaking engagements Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter Foster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance Learn about her postpartum services Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley Special Guest: JJ Brake Send us a text