Ever feel like you’re constantly bombarded by societal expectations and pressures, especially as a woman? Well, you’re not alone.  I recently had an eye-opening chat with Shawna Samuel, the founder of Mental Offload, and we dove into this hot topic, exploring how imperative it is to subtract these pressures to reclaim our time and energy. Shawna’s insights on shedding the perennial need to please others, to make space for self-care and personal growth, are just the wake-up call we all need. Navigating the labyrinth of household chores and responsibilities often brings its own set of challenges. The talk with Shawna brought to light the concept of weaponized incompetence, and how it’s often entwined with maternal gatekeeping. These patterns can strain relationships, but more importantly, they can impact our ability to trust and allow space for our partners to learn. We dug into how we can shift these dynamics and embrace Read More . . .

Here’s a powerful notion to consider: What if falling short of your goal was the best thing that could happen to you?  In this episode, I recount the highs and lows of the past year, celebrating the podcast milestones and embracing the detours, like rebranding and unforeseen setbacks.  If your expectations are tied to societal norms, let’s shake them up a bit. Personal freedom is at the core of our discussion as we wade through the waters of change and personal growth. I reassess my goals and champion the idea of embracing life’s imperfections. So, prepare yourself, the journey to personal growth isn’t about perfection but more about resilience in the face of adversity.  Lastly, I have a heart-to-heart about celebrating small behavioral victories over grand end goals. It’s easy to get disheartened when we don’t meet our lofty goals, but what if we shift our focus to smaller, more Read More . . .

Do you ever feel like you’re hiding parts of yourself for fear of judgment or societal expectations? You’re not alone. In this revealing episode, I share a deeply personal and unexpected secret that has been simmering behind the scenes of my life and career. This secret isn’t just about me; it opens up a hearty discussion about what it means to be a woman in today’s world. It’s about the roles we feel compelled to play, the masks we wear, and the pressure to appear a certain way. What’s the hidden ingredient in my life? Tune in to find out. You’ll discover lessons on authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace our true selves, even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s an episode that will stir your thoughts and maybe even inspire you to unveil your secrets. Chapter Summaries: Revealing My Secret (0:00:08)  I discuss embracing our true selves, being honest Read More . . .

Calling all thinkers and social drinkers!  Prepare to reassess your beliefs, confront societal norms, and redefine your relationship with alcohol. My guest, Molly Watts, and I take the lid off the alcohol industry, revealing the disturbing lack of health benefits associated with any level of drinking. Be prepared for a deep dive into the psychological aspects of alcohol consumption and the myths surrounding it that often go unchallenged. In this episode, we dissect the complex relationship between alcohol and anxiety. We shed light on how alcohol disrupts our brain’s homeostasis and potentially induces anxiety in the middle of the night.  Through our conversation, we aim to equip you with crucial insights about habitual drinking, the importance of good sleep hygiene, and the implications of heavy drinking. Here’s where you’ll learn how to address the anxiety that comes with tackling your drinking habits, and why it’s essential to confront it head-on. Read More . . .

In today’s upbeat and eye-opening episode, We’re taking a candid look at the “Peter Pan Syndrome,” that tendency we have to cling to youth in ways that actually make our health choices anything but youthful. I’ll take you back to when I was 22, equating fun with a whole lot of unhealthy habits, and lay bare the biases and misconceptions we often have about what being young, ‘edgy,’ or ‘fun’ really means. I’ll also dig into the hidden narratives in food marketing—ever notice how processed, unhealthy options get billed as ‘party foods,’ while anything healthy gets tagged as ‘boring’ or ‘old’? Through stories like a client of mine who was scared of losing her connection with her boyfriend by eating healthier, I’ll unfold the irrational ties we make between overeating, overdrinking, and this idea of defying aging. But here’s the real meat of today’s talk—it’s all about empowerment and self-realization. Read More . . .

In this episode, I’m diving into the often-praised but harmful world of multi-tasking. Living in a society where being “busy” is seen as a badge of honor, many midlife women, like you, find themselves caught up in the relentless cycle of task-switching, never truly being present at the moment. This leads to disconnected relationships, poor self-care, and ultimately, a detrimental impact on your overall well-being. I opened up about my personal experiences with ADHD, sharing my struggle and triumph over the need to multi-task. I’ll reveal why slowing down, focusing on one thing at a time, and breaking free from the productivity culture is vital for our health and true connection with others. With humor, wisdom, and genuine understanding, I’ll guide you to recognize your worth beyond your to-do lists. I’ll provide strategies to delegate, delete, and redefine success in a way that prioritizes self-care and mindfulness. It’s not about Read More . . .

Are you ready to join Stacey on her remarkable journey of self-discovery and personal transformation? This episode is a candid exploration of Stacey’s battle with weight, societal expectations, and her relationship with food. Starting from a young age, Stacey found herself on the exhausting roller coaster of dieting, a ride many of us know all too well. She’s generously sharing her raw and relatable experiences with us, hoping to inspire others to break free from the chains of societal pressures. Stacey’s transformation was not just about changing her diet; it also involved shifting her mindset and behaviors. She learned to listen to her body, becoming curious about her patterns and habits. This process propelled her to set personal goals which led to monumental shifts in her life, including leaving her corporate job to begin a consulting gig. We dive into the power of curiosity and how it can spur personal Read More . . .

Ever felt a twinge of envy? Have you ever been labeled as jealous when all you did was desire someone’s achievements or possessions?  Let’s pull back the curtain on envy, an emotion often misunderstood and maligned, yet so deeply intertwined with the human condition. I’m turning this conversation on its head, not just acknowledging envy, but reclaiming it as a mirror reflecting our deepest desires.  I explore the societal narratives that paint women as rivals and discuss how envy plays a pivotal role in these portrayals. It’s time to transform this negative emotion into an empowering tool for self-awareness and self-improvement. Now, let’s talk about Schadenfreude – that umbrella term for the complex mix of emotions centered around envy. The satisfaction you feel when someone who seems to have it all stumbles. A destructive force in our relationships and communities, I explore how to recognize its influence, challenge it, and Read More . . .

What if the secrets to strength and resilience are hidden in the annals of women’s shared histories?  Today, I am unearthing these stories, illuminating the silent strength of our foremothers, and embracing the power of sisterhood. I dive into the societal perceptions of women through different life stages and tackle the stigma and shame linked to women’s bodies. I recognize the wisdom in seeking help and the freedom in finding our own paths.  Imagine a time when women thrived in multigenerational living, and the guidance of elder women — the crone — was cherished. I traverse through this era, understanding the impact of patriarchy and cultural shifts on women’s communal living. I unveil the repercussions of transitioning from these cohesive communities to isolated nuclear households.  Along this journey, I find solace in the narratives woven in books like The Red Tent and Women Who Run With the Wolves. They serve Read More . . .