In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of smugness - that irritating feeling of being excessively pleased with oneself or offensively self-satisfied. The conversation delves into different perspectives on smugness, its relationship to contempt, and how this emotion can serve as an important signal in relationships. The hosts discuss the importance of approaching all emotions non-judgmentally while acknowledging that certain emotions, like smugness, may warrant closer examination.

Episode Highlights:

• Heather describes smugness as having an element of arrogance and "demeaning another person," placing it in the category of contempt, which therapists identify as particularly damaging to relationships
• Michelle offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that smugness can sometimes be an indicator of having endured abuse or being repeatedly dismissed, serving as a red flag that something deeper needs attention
• The hosts agree that smugness functions as an "orange flag" emotion - positioned between a yellow caution and a red warning - signaling that attention is needed before the feeling potentially evolves into more destructive contempt
• Tina points out how quickly we can judge our own emotions, reminding listeners of the importance of approaching all feelings with a non-judgmental attitude first
• The hosts recommend mindfulness techniques for processing smugness, particularly "noticing who or what you're judging," as a way to unpack and understand what's beneath this potentially problematic emotion

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by 
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by 
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform