Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining Colby Pearce on The Secure Start Podcast to talk about Jake and His Shame Armour and the accompanying Guidebook.

We spent the episode exploring why shame is such an important conversation to be having, both personally and therapeutically, and how it shows up in the lives of children, adults, and families. Shame is often quiet, protective, and deeply misunderstood, yet it has a powerful influence on how we see ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world.

During the conversation, I shared how I work with shame in my therapeutic practice and why stories like Jake and His Shame Armour can be such a gentle and effective entry point. Stories allow us to externalise shame, soften our defences, and approach difficult emotions with curiosity rather than judgment. They create space for connection, reflection, and compassion, especially for children who may not yet have the language for what they’re feeling.

We also talked about how shame can act like armour: protective at first, but heavy and limiting over time. In therapy, the work isn’t about ripping that armour away, it’s about understanding why it’s there, honouring its role, and slowly helping clients discover what safety might look like without it.

A small behind-the-scenes note: the recording was late (Australian podcast perks), so I’m genuinely impressed I was that awake and able to hold a coherent conversation 😂 But I’m grateful for the thoughtful questions and the opportunity to bring this topic into the open.

If shame, yours, your child’s, or something that shows up in your family system, feels familiar, I hope this episode offers reassurance, insight, and maybe a little relief. Shame thrives in silence. Conversations like these are one way we begin to loosen its grip.

🎧 Listen here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459807/episodes/18550275

📺 Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ymgfk50GohI