How Shame Keeps Us Stuck

Season of Stuck

In this episode of Season of Stuck, Deanna sits down with author and cultural journalist Melissa Petro to dive deep into a topic that keeps so many of us feeling stuck: shame. As the author of Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, Melissa has a unique perspective on how shame impacts our self-worth, keeps us from living authentically, and traps us in cycles of feeling "not enough." Together, Deanna and Melissa explore the complex dynamics of shame (and how those dynamics keep us stuck), discuss how societal expectations drive shame and impact women, and Melissa offers actionable ways to break free from shame and reclaim your worth—and get unstuck in the process.
Tune in to learn about:

• What shame really is and how it differs from guilt
• How shame is a social control tool, especially for women
• Practical steps to stop the shame spiral and regain your confidence
• Why sharing your story with trusted people is essential for shame resilience
• How acceptance and self-compassion can lead to profound freedom from shame

Thoughts from the episode:

“I could see these women who were just like objectively killing it, who…really focused on their flaws and perceived failures rather than all the success. And I just really needed to understand where that was coming from—because it wasn't personal.”

“Instead of being reactive, we recognize the feeling [of shame]. Then we can start to notice, ‘okay, where does that come from? What is the message? What is the outside telling me that is in conflict with my inside or with who I think I am?’”

About the guest:
Melissa Petro is a cultural journalist, writer, and educator whose work delves into social issues, identity, and the female experience. Her recent book, Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, combines memoir with an exploration of societal expectations and shame resilience, empowering readers to move past shame-based identities.
Connect with Melissa Petro:
On the web:
melissa-petro.com
On social media:
Instagram: @melissapetro
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