Episode 32: What happens when you keep speaking up—but still don't feel heard?
Episode 32: What happens when you keep speaking up—but still don't feel heard?  
Podcast: Heads and Tails
Published On: Fri Sep 11 2026
Description: In this episode of Heads & Tails, Dr. Kate White and Jay White unpack the difference between being disagreed with, dismissed, invalidated, misunderstood, and simply not listened to. Kate explores why dismissal can become particularly consequential for midlife women—in the doctor's office, at work, at home, and during the menopause transition. Jay explains why repeated dismissal breeds resentment and how couples can recognize when "I heard you" isn't the same as actually making someone feel heard. They discuss medical dismissal, menopause rage, the "Karen" stereotype, changing executive function, invisible workload, and why needing something different in midlife doesn't mean something is wrong with you. In this episode:     •    The five ways we can feel unheard     •    Dismissal vs. disagreement     •    Why "that's normal for your age" isn't always an adequate answer     •    Kate's own experience of having symptoms attributed to stress     •    Why resentment often points to an unspoken need     •    Menopause, mood, executive function, and "losing your filter"     •    Passive vs. aggressive vs. assertive communication     •    How to make specific requests at home, work, and in healthcare     •    Three powerful words: "Tell me more." The takeaway: Anger can be information. Instead of simply asking, "Why am I so angry?" ask, "What am I trying to say that isn't being heard?" Send us your questions at mailto:ask@headsandtailspodcast.com.