Shame & Attraction: Why Your Brain Falls for the Wrong People with Leah Mitchell

Shame & Attraction: Why Your Brain Falls for the Wrong People with Leah Mitchell

From Untethering Shame by Kyira Wackett

May 31, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

This episode explores why individuals are drawn to unhealthy relationships and how to break the cycle of seeking validation.

Why do I keep choosing the people, relationships, and dynamics that confirm my deepest insecurities? That question sits at the heart of this episode. I'm joined by neuroscience-based love coach Leah Mitchell to unpack why we're drawn to the "wrong" people on a chemical level. We get into why we stay stuck seeking validation as adults, the truth about reaching for the "narcissist" label, how cortisol and stress shape attraction, why we chase the chaos we grew up with, and why secure love can feel so threatening. None of it leaves you stuck. Leah shares her idea of "regardless energy" and a real first step toward choosing differently. If good love has ever felt boring, if you sabotage the healthy thing, or you're tired of ending up in the same place, this one is for you. In this episode: Why we get stuck seeking validation The truth about the "narcissist" label How attraction works on a chemical level Why secure love can feel like a trap Learning to trust yourself and choose connection anyway Connect with Leah Mitchell: Facebook: facebook.com/LeahMitchell Instagram: @goddessofloveofficial Get Connected: Subscribe to my YouTube channel Sign up for my email list…

People in this episode

Host: Kyira Wackett

Guest: Leah Mitchell

Topics covered

  • attraction
  • validation
  • narcissism
  • chemical attraction
  • secure love
  • shame resilience

Keywords

  • shame
  • attraction
  • narcissist
  • validation
  • cortisol
  • stress
  • secure love
  • chaos
  • connection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Facebook, Instagram, Adversity Rising, Spotify

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