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South Carolina | Life > Experiences

What is Mel Robbin’s “Let Them” Theory

Devon Nadelstumph Student Contributor, University of South Carolina
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Surpassing the renowned Joe Rogan Experience, Mel Robbins has officially become the #1 podcast in the world. Melanie Lee Robins is a New York Times best-selling author, motivational speaker, and the host of The Mel Robbins Podcast. She rose quickly to fame with her creation of The Let Them Theory.  

The Let Them Theory is all about shifting your mindset. It is a step-by-step guide on how to stop letting other people’s opinions, drama, and judgement impact your own life. The Let Them Theory deeply resonates with people- because if someone wants to do something that bothers or disappoints you… just let them. Let’s dive into the specific episode “The ‘Let Them Theory’: A Life-Changing Mindset Hack That 15 Million People Can’t Stop Talking About.” In this episode, Mel Robbins breaks down how to apply The Let Them Theory to real-life situations.  

Mel Robbins emphasized three important key takeaways for apply the Let Them Theory: Detachment from external control, personal responsibility with “let me,” and accepting others of who they are. First, it is important in recognizing that you cannot control others’ thoughts, feelings, or actions. By implementing the Let Them Theory, this will allow you to detach from the outlying pressures of the outside and prioritize your inner peace. Next, Mel Robbins highlights the evolving shift from “let them” to “let me.” The shift emphasizes what you can control (your own thoughts, feelings, and actions) and maintain your personal integrity. Lastly, Mel Robbins focuses on acceptance in how it is important to eliminate conflict and build authentic relationships. You cannot control other people, so it is highly important to allow people to be themselves without trying to change them.

However, Mel Robbins discusses two key situations where you may not apply the Let Them Theory. The first scenario is if a person constantly has a pattern in hurting and disrupting your life, then it is important dress the conflict and communicate with one another. The person could possibly not know how their actions are negatively affecting you, which is why communication is key during hardships. The other scenario is if a person constantly over crosses boundaries that could be harmful, manipulative, toxic, or damaging, then it becomes a priority in protecting your own boundaries. Emotional detachment does not mean emotional neglect, it is all about continuing to protect your own space, time, needs, and safety.

Hope you gained some insight into Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory and how you can start using it in your own life! This mindset will allow you to better understand yourself, build self-respect, and protect your energy. To learn more, you can check out her official website at melrobbins.com and stream The Mel Robbins Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Audible, YouTube, SiriusXM, and more!  

Devon Nadelstumph

South Carolina '26

Devon Nadelstumph is a Her Campus content creator and editorial member at the South Carolina chapter.

She is a mass communications major with a media arts minor at the University of South Carolina. She is expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in June 2026. She is a part of other organizations such as Garnet & Black Magazine, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Zeta Phi Eta, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and Gamecock Community Shop.

Devon Nadelstumph enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, thrifting, going to the beach, and hiking! She loves meeting friends and is excited to join the Her Campus community!