In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood — and most powerful — parts of the internal system: the Protector Part.

The Protector is the part of us that steps between us and anything that feels threatening… which, as Brittney explains, can mean real threats OR the ones our brain just perceives as dangerous. Sometimes that looks heroic and loving. Sometimes it looks self-sabotaging. And sometimes, when paired with the Critical Part, it can go to some dark places.

It’s heavier material, but it’s important material. And as always, we keep it real, grounded, and practical.

Content Warnings

This episode includes discussion of:

· Suicide and suicidal ideation

· Domestic violence and abuse

· Power, control, and harmful ideologies

· Real-world violence and systemic oppression

Please listen gently and skip sections as needed.

This episode was recorded on November 17, 2025 and released on December 17, 2025.

If you prefer to consume your podcasts visually, we also offer video versions on YouTube @thiswayinpodcast or at our website at https://www.thiswayinpodcast.com

Chapter Markers

00:00:15 Welcome

00:03:20 Real vs. Perceived Threats

00:16:17 When Protector Parts are Challenged

00:31:05 When Protector Interacts with Other Parts

00:45:00 Protector Parts and Suicide

00:50:08 Medically Assisted Suicide

00:53:00 When Protection Mode is Always On

00:54:40 What Can We Do?

01:01:03 Disclaimer and Outro

Episode links:

Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood, (1990)

https://amzn.to/47YAmnm

Leave us a voicemail at: https://www.podpage.com/this-way-in/voicemail/

Amazon links could generate a small commission to the show, at no additional cost to you.

Disclaimer

This Way In is a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, not a replacement for therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. Please never delay, disregard, or change professional recommendations because of something you hear here.

Credits:

Co-Produced and Hosted by: Brittney Baxter Dameron and Amy Lotsberg

Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.

Theme song. “The Journey” by Melissa West and Mixed/Mastered by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next time!

This week, we’re tackling one of the most powerful—and complicated—parts of self: the Critical Part. You know that inner voice that claims it’s “just being helpful” but somehow leaves you feeling like garbage? Yeah, that one.

Brittney breaks down how our critical parts can either build us up or tear us (and everyone around us) down. When unburdened, they help us make solid decisions, set boundaries, and stay true to our values. When burdened, they morph into bullies—judgy, rigid, and obsessed with control.

We explore how these parts get shaped early on (hello, critical parents), why they can hijack relationships and even fuel abuse, and how our protectors often tag-team with them in the name of “safety.” The tradeoff? Freedom, joy, and genuine connection.

Amy shares personal reflections on how the critical part shows up in everyday life—from podcast goals to family dynamics—and Brittney offers practical ways to spot when this part’s in the driver’s seat. Together, they unpack how to shift from self-sabotage to self-awareness.

And yes, Paul Rudd makes another cameo as our unofficial Parts of Self mascot—because who better to remind us that you can be serious and stay playful?

And if your inner critic pipes up while you do—just tell it to chill. You’re doing great.

This episode was recorded on October 27, 2025 and released on December 3, 2025.

Chapter Markers

00:00:15 Intro

00:01:45 When Criticism Turns Toxic

00:05:35 Self-Criticism and Inner Abuse

00:10:03 Critical Parents

00:10:52 Control, Power, and Relationships

00:25:20 Critical Thinking vs. Judging

00:34:27 Freedom vs. Safety

00:37:16 Generational Patterns

00:42:43 Taming the God Complex

00:48:12 Harness Your Power

00:59:56 Domestic Violence Joined the Chat

01:03:14 Next Time: Protector Part

Episode links:

Visit us at: https://www.thiswayinpodcast.com

Leave us a voicemail at: https://www.podpage.com/this-way-in/voicemail/

Amazon links could generate a small commission to the show, at no additional cost to you.

Disclaimer

This Way In is a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, not a replacement for therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. Please never delay, disregard, or change professional recommendations because of something you hear here.

Credits:

Co-Produced and Hosted by: Brittney Baxter Dameron and Amy Lotsberg

Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.

Theme song. “The Journey” by Melissa West and Mixed/Mastered by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next time!

In this illuminating episode of our Parts of Self series, Brittney and Amy dive deep into the Responsible Part—what it looks like when it's balanced and unburdened, and what happens when it hits burnout and critical parts step in like stressed-out understudies.

We explore the fascinating (and sometimes maddening) relationship between responsible and kid parts, how social conditioning and gender roles shape emotional labor, and what to do when our inner to-do list manager becomes a joyless tyrant. Amy shares how tech glitches turn her into a one-woman rage spiral, and Brittney offers powerful insights from therapy, life, and the beach (spoiler: pink Speedos are involved).

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overfunctioning, or over-it—this one's for you.

Chapter Markers

00:00:15 Intro

00:01:12 Review of Kid Part – Onto Responsible Part

00:03:12 When Critical Comes to the Party

00:07:12 That Glorious Responsible Part High

00:08:00 When Responsibility is Kinda Fun

00:10:03 Crushed by the ToDo List

00:13:01 When You’re Not Allowed to be Authentically You

00:19:38 Emotional Labor: What is it Really?

00:24:58 Growing up with Kid Parts at the Helm

00:33:01 Wait. Was that Mania?

00:38:02 Balance Your Responsible with your Kid

00:40:30 Vacations and Paul Rudd

00: 44:17 Next Up: Critical Part

Disclaimer

This Way In is a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, not a replacement for therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. Please never delay, disregard, or change professional recommendations because of something you hear here.

Credits:

Co-Produced and Hosted by: Brittney Baxter Dameron and Amy Lotsberg

Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.

Theme song. “The Journey” by Melissa West and Mixed/Mastered by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next time!