That's Helpful with Ed Stott
Forgiveness: How to Let Go, Without Letting Them Off the Hook with Rachael Coopes
Published: 22 May 2025 at 00:09 Europe/London
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Episode notes
What if forgiveness didn’t mean forgetting, reconciling, or letting people off the hook — but reclaiming your future?
Learning how to forgive - even when it feels like the hardest thing in the world to do is transformative. It is a complex process though & there’s a real art to balancing boundaries & letting go. It’s an art Rachel Coopes is obsessed with. She’s the author of The Art of Forgiveness.
💡 You’ll hear: – The origin of the word forgiveness — and why it changes everything – The science behind rumination, stress, and long-term health – What forgiveness has to do with resilience and agency – How to begin (even if you’re not ready yet) – Why boundaries are essential — not the opposite of forgiveness – Why reconciliation and forgiveness are not the same – How your future can be your act of forgiveness
📖 Chapters 00:00 The Quote That Changed Everything 02:18 How Forgiveness Became Rachael’s Obsession 05:10 What 25 Interviews Taught Her 06:30 Forgiveness vs Letting People Off the Hook 10:45 Forgiveness ≠ Reconciliation 13:05 The Neuroscience of Resentment 17:55 Where to Start When Forgiveness Feels Impossible 22:00 Boundaries, Distance & Letting Go 24:45 When Forgiveness Just Isn’t Possible 26:10 Resilience, Accountability & Rachael’s Son’s Story 29:40 Your Future as the Ultimate Act of Forgiveness 31:15 “Forgive Like a Grain of Sand”
🔗 Helpful Links: – The Art of Forgiveness by Rachael Coopes – Rachael’s official website – Follow Rachael on Instagram – Watch Rachael’s forgiveness interview on YouTube
💌 Related episodes: – The Science of Habits that Actually Stick with Dr Bree Hurn – How to Hack your Dopamine with Dr Anastasia Hronis 📺 Watch & Subscribe: – Watch this episode on YouTube – Subscribe to the Substack
📬 Get in touch: thatshelpful @ edstott.com Follow That’s Helpful on Instagram
