Canaries in the Coal Mine
Welcome to Canaries in the Coal Mine — a podcast for people who notice deeply, tell the truth, and are breaking patterns they didn’t choose.
I’m Shannon — a former party girl turned cycle-breaker, trauma survivor, boundary-setter, and fellow feel-everything human. I know what it’s like to grow up reading the room, managing emotions that weren’t yours, and learning to doubt your own instincts just to stay connected.
This podcast is for anyone who was raised around addiction, emotional immaturity, narcissism, codependency, or emotional neglect — and grew up feeling “too much,” too sensitive, or somehow wrong.
But here’s the truth:
You’re not broken.
You’re not crazy.
You’re just the canary.
Through thoughtful conversations, grounded tools, and clear language, we talk about emotional patterns, family systems, boundaries that protect, nervous system overload, and what it actually takes to come back to yourself.
Just honest conversation.
If you’ve always noticed what others missed, you’ll feel at home here.
🎙️ New episodes every other Tuesday at 1 PM ET.
Canaries in the Coal Mine
When You’re the Only One Who Changed
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This video explores why being around family feels so exhausting during the holidays, especially for adult children of emotionally immature parents. We talk about holiday family stress, emotional exhaustion, and healing.
If your stomach tightens when the group text comes through…
If you feel drained before you even arrive…
If you’re not mad, just done…
This episode is for you. 💛
For those raised in emotional immaturity, chaos, or addiction, the holidays don’t just bring memories —
they bring roles.
Today we’re talking about:
• why “nothing terrible is happening” can still feel unbearable
• how your body stops calling steady tension “normal”
• why healing can make family gatherings feel harder at first
• the grief that shows up when hope starts to change shape
• practical ways to protect your energy without over-explaining
• how to get through the season without losing parts of yourself
You didn’t lose tolerance.
You gained self-respect.
Watch Next:
'That guilt when you say “no” & here’s what’s really happening' → https://youtu.be/e_umz5MfZ5Y
'What Happens When You Become Your Family's Cycle Breaker' → https://youtu.be/UQuw9pgf03E
Each film is a soft place to land — cinematic truth-telling for cycle-breakers, deep feelers, and anyone healing from the inside out.
Subscribe:
New cinematic healing films → @thecanariesinthecoalmine
If you want to support my work:
• Explore the Canary Book Nook → https://amzn.to/4fzi6Eu
• Share this film with someone who needs it
• Subscribe, like, and comment — your engagement helps this work reach more people
Free Resources (for your journey):
Canary Love Notes → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com/c6ivxhp4ti
Vagus Nerve Reset Guide → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com/4qzfwvxxp7
7 Tools for Sensitive Souls → https://mailchi.mp/7d6d2342bb0b/the-canarys-survival-guide
The Guilt-Free No – 1-Page Starter → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com/82zbqakphl
Find Us Online:
Website → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com
Podcast → Canaries in the Coal Mine (Spotify / Apple / Amazon)
Book Nook → https://amzn.to/4fzi6Eu
Community Question:
What part of the holidays drains you the most: the build-up, the visit, or the aftermath?
And what helps you stay connected to yourself when old family roles show up?
Share below — your words might be the thing that helps someone else breathe. 💛
Sponsorship Disclosure:
This episode is not sponsored. Affiliate links help support this channel at no additional cost to you.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:36 - When the Shift Comes Quietly
2:09 - Why Being Around Family Feels Different Now
7:43 - How to Stay With Yourself Through It
9:57 - The Grief that Comes with Growth
#HolidayStress #FamilyTriggers #EmotionalExhaustion #CycleBreaker #TraumaHealing #CPTSDRecovery #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #Boundaries #NervousSystem
About This Channel:
A cinematic space for cycle-breakers, deep feelers, and truth-tellers.
We aren’t “too much” - we’re wired for honesty, healing, and connection.
New episodes every other Tuesday at 1 PM ET, plus podcast uploads.
Educational Disclaimer:
This content is for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not therapy or medical advice.