Family holidays are supposed to be joyful — but for many of us, they’re complicated, emotional, and sometimes exhausting.

In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson sits down with her cousins for a deeply honest conversation about what family gatherings are really like behind the scenes. From generational differences and unspoken tensions to traditions, boundaries, and unconditional love, this episode explores why family dynamics can be so challenging — and why they still matter.

Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, dreading uncomfortable conversations, or trying to protect your peace while staying connected, this episode offers real-life insight, practical wisdom, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

This conversation covers:
Why family holidays feel emotionally heavy


How generations clash around values, boundaries, and traditions


Navigating conflict without walking away forever


What “chosen family” really means

 

Don’t forgive to follow and subscribe.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Why family holidays feel harder than they look

02:30 – The reality behind “perfect” family gatherings

06:45 – Generational traditions and where they come from

10:20 – Family conflict: words that hurt and how people heal

14:30 – How family prepares you for the real world

17:00 – When blood family isn’t your safe place

19:00 – Chosen family and expanding the definition of home

22:00 – Generational clashes: alcohol, boundaries, and change

25:10 – Loving people without agreeing with them

28:30 – Respecting elders while honoring who you are

32:45 – Teaching the next generation respect and connection

36:10 – How to keep family traditions alive

41:00 – Social media, distance, and staying connected

45:45 – Favorite family memories and legacy

53:20 – Final reflections: showing up imperfectly still matters

 

#FamilyDynamics #HolidayStress #FamilyHealing #GenerationalTrauma #ChosenFamily #HolidayBoundaries #FamilyTraditions #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyRelationships #PrescribingAHealthierFuture

Family holidays are supposed to be joyful &mdash; but for many of us, they&rsquo;re complicated, emotional, and sometimes exhausting.
In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson sits down with her cousins for a deeply honest conversation about what family gatherings are really like behind the scenes. From generational differences and unspoken tensions to traditions, boundaries, and unconditional love, this episode explores why family dynamics can be so challenging &mdash; and why they still matter.
Whether you&rsquo;re navigating holiday stress, dreading uncomfortable conversations, or trying to protect your peace while staying connected, this episode offers real-life insight, practical wisdom, and reassurance that you&rsquo;re not alone.
This conversation covers:
<ul>
<li>Why family holidays feel emotionally heavy </li>
<li>How generations clash around values, boundaries, and traditions </li>
<li>Navigating conflict without walking away forever </li>
<li>What &ldquo;chosen family&rdquo; really means</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t forgive to follow and subscribe.
Some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Why family holidays feel harder than they look
02:30 &ndash; The reality behind &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; family gatherings
06:45 &ndash; Generational traditions and where they come from
10:20 &ndash; Family conflict: words that hurt and how people heal
14:30 &ndash; How family prepares you for the real world
17:00 &ndash; When blood family isn&rsquo;t your safe place
19:00 &ndash; Chosen family and expanding the definition of home
22:00 &ndash; Generational clashes: alcohol, boundaries, and change
25:10 &ndash; Loving people without agreeing with them
28:30 &ndash; Respecting elders while honoring who you are
32:45 &ndash; Teaching the next generation respect and connection
36:10 &ndash; How to keep family traditions alive
41:00 &ndash; Social media, distance, and staying connected
45:45 &ndash; Favorite family memories and legacy
53:20 &ndash; Final reflections: showing up imperfectly still matters
&nbsp;
#FamilyDynamics #HolidayStress #FamilyHealing #GenerationalTrauma #ChosenFamily #HolidayBoundaries #FamilyTraditions #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyRelationships #PrescribingAHealthierFuture

Hosted by California State Senator and board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Akilah Weber, Prescribing a Healthier Future explores the powerful connection between policy and public health. Each episode examines the social determinants of health—like neighborhood safety, school quality, environmental justice, and economic opportunity—through conversations with healthcare heroes, community leaders, policymakers, and everyday Californians. Together, we’ll uncover how smarter policies and stronger communities can shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Hosted by California State Senator and board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Akilah Weber, Prescribing a Healthier Future explores the powerful connection between policy and public health. Each episode examines the social determinants of health&mdash;like neighborhood safety, school quality, environmental justice, and economic opportunity&mdash;through conversations with healthcare heroes, community leaders, policymakers, and everyday Californians. Together, we&rsquo;ll uncover how smarter policies and stronger communities can shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Advertisement