The holidays have a way of bringing out the best—and the most complicated—in family life. In this episode of Prescribing Healthier Futures, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson is joined by three cousins for a candid, warm, and often funny conversation about what it really takes to navigate family during the season. Not the highlight reel version—the real version, with long histories, strong personalities, shifting traditions, and the conversations you’d rather avoid.

Together, they reflect on how their family built a rhythm around gathering, how multiple generations kept the “torch” going, and why love can still be present even when tension is, too. They talk about disagreements that sting, the importance of respect across generations, and what it looks like to welcome change—whether that’s new partners, evolving identities, or different expectations from younger family members.

They also broaden the definition of family: sometimes the healthiest holiday choice is spending time with the community you’ve created, especially when being around blood relatives isn’t safe or supportive. The takeaway is simple and powerful: your gathering doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Set boundaries, step away when you need to, and be gentle with yourself—so you can keep showing up in a way that’s healthy.

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