Empathy... What Does It Mean?

Empathy... What Does It Mean?

From Good Movement Draws Good Movement by Terryn Drieling

May 19, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 135

About this episode

This episode explores the complexities of empathy, discussing its dual nature as both a superpower and a potential burden.

In today’s episode, I’m talking about empathy and what it really means. It’s often talked about like it’s automatically a good thing. But honestly, empathy can be both a superpower and something that quietly wears us down when we aren’t intentional with it. As someone who has always felt deeply for other people, I’ve had to learn the difference between holding space for someone and trying to carry what was never mine to carry in the first place. Thankfully, inner work helped me recognize where healthy empathy ends and emotional over-responsibility begins. If you’re ready to dive deeper and do the “inner work” I talk about here often, I’d love to connect with you. Schedule a free 30-minute call with me, and let’s talk about 1:1 Good Movement Guidance . Don’t forget to mention “castpod” when you book to receive 10% off! In this episode, I cover: What empathy actually is (and what it isn’t) Why empathy can feel both beautiful and exhausting The difference between supporting someone vs. carrying their emotions How empathy can become unhealthy without self-awareness What the “hold the herd” analogy entails Why emotional safety creates a stronger connection How exposure to different…

People in this episode

Host: Terryn Drieling

Topics covered

  • empathy
  • emotional intelligence
  • self-awareness
  • mental health
  • relationships
  • inner work

Keywords

  • empathy
  • emotional over-responsibility
  • supporting others
  • self-awareness
  • inner work
  • emotional safety
  • perspectives

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