The Tamsen Show

The Hidden Reason You Keep Choosing Emotionally Unavailable People

July 30, 2026·47 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

You may have never heard the term mother hunger, but you may know what it feels like. It can show up as apologizing when you did nothing wrong, saying sorry to keep the peace, taking care of everyone else, choosing people who cannot fully show up, or feeling guilty for having needs. In this episode, Tamsen sits down with therapist and bestselling author Kelly McDaniel to explore how the mother-daughter bond can shape the way we love, eat, grieve, and move through relationships. Tamsen also shares her own experience of losing her mother at 20, becoming a caregiver while she was still a teenager, and realizing years later how that loss continued to shape her life. In this episode, you’ll learn: - What mother hunger is and how it can exist even when your mother was physically present. - Why you may keep apologizing, overgiving, or choosing emotionally unavailable people. - How grief, food, attachment, and relationship patterns can be connected. - Why caring for an aging mother can bring up guilt, anger, and resentment. - How to begin giving yourself the care, safety, and guidance you may have missed. If you have ever wondered why you keep saying sorry, why you feel responsible for everyone, or why the same relationship patterns keep repeating, this conversation may help you understand what is underneath. If you liked this conversation, check this out: What No One Tells You About Grief After Losing Your Mother If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Check out Kelly's website Get Kelly's book, Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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