Episodes

My preconceived notions on the gender transition experience got BLOWN UP thanks to this conversation with Andrea Leigh - a powerful woman of influence straight outta Oklahoma - with an affinity for fashion, tattoos, sports cars, Harleys and guns. Andrea has the unique perspective and wisdom that comes from living a full and satisfying life as a man and now, as a woman. She has strong opinions about being referred to as “trans” and the freedom to choose our own identities. This conversation provides another informed perspective - especially if you have opinions on people who identify as transgender.

I invited Poonan Bhuchar on the pod because I believed her lived experience of marriage, divorce, and career differed from mine and would expand my perspective. Well...Poonan did teach me a great deal - but ultimately, we are more stunningly alike than different. From overriding our gut instincts, to not listening to our body, to doing the very best we can for our kids…we cover a lot of ground and it all relates to our ability to heal emotionally. Poonan called it out; we each have a social responsibility to take care of our emotional well-being and break the ties of generational trauma. This is a tell-it-like-it-is conversation…join us.

This conversation was a little edgy, but so illuminating for me. I connect with Jaclyn Foster, the insightful author of "I Touch Myself" and we navigate awkward waters with laughter and REAL talk. There is more to consider with the intricacies of self-love and the art of body awareness. Plus, we get into the confusing paradox of our response to pleasure; we can desire unhealthy behaviors like overeating or excessive drinking and also instinctively shut down overwhelmingly positive sensations, such as those experienced during a sexual encounter. So much to unpack, join the conversation…

A REAL conversation with Alycia Anderson - a wheelchair user who responds with candor to discriminatory assumptions and uncomfortable conversations that happen in her presence or after she has rolled away.

I learned so much during this conversation with Emelda De Coteau. Our motherhood journeys look very different - as we talk about the emotional terrain of raising a child with unique needs.Tears were definitely shed in this episode; Emelda speaks honestly about her journey as a mother to her vibrant, neurodivergent child. At one point, she describes how it feels to watch your child struggle to find a playmate and be understood by other children - and what you do and don't do in hard moments like that. It was a wakeup call for me. We delve into the practical aspects of parenthood that many families encounter, from advocating for suitable educational resources to nurturing communication with children who experience the world differently. This was a very REAL and important talk that sharpened and bonded both of us. May no parent feel alone on their journey!

I am back with the insightful Christie Watrous for a heartfelt conversation on the intricacies of sisterhood. We get REAL about the social conditioning that often pits women against each other and share our own journeys toward meaningful connections. Christie and I discuss our shared passion around holding space for other women and the transformative experience of being seen in our most vulnerable moments. We emphasize the significance of environments that encourage curiosity over comparison.I talk about my commitment to creating Red Tent (a best selling book by Anita Diamont)gatherings; the kind of where women can gather to find solace and solidarity amidst life's challenges. isterhood that holds the potential to transform personal growth and communal resilience.

My conversation with Christie Watrous expands my limited viewpoint…again. We unpack what it means to connect with our bodies and each other, defining intimacy and pleasure in REAL terms. Spoiler alert: intimacy and pleasure are not always sexual and wow sometimes they are - AND it can look different than what the culture dishes up. As the founder of Embodied Life Transitions, Christy brings her personal experience of transformation and empowerment to our discussion, offering insights into reclaiming our bodies and desires. We talk candidly about our need to deconstruct shame narratives and embrace the pursuit of pleasure, which extends beyond the confines of the bedroom and into the joy of our simple daily rituals, from sipping a warm beverage to soaking in the melody of our favorite tune.Christie and I confront our personal truths - from unhealthy self-concepts to narratives that frame the end of a marriage as failure. Join the conversation.

Here I am, a white chick, learning what’s appropriate to ask of a black woman when it comes to her lived experience. Thank God for Wanda Smith who is grace and wisdom embodied into one beautiful human. I ask a lot of careful, race-related questions because I am so afraid of doing it wrong - but she gets me. Our conversation highlights the importance of curious dialogue to create empathy and self-awareness. We talk about the importance of being in circles with safe people who get us and forged even greater bonds discussing grief and struggle. So grateful. Join us…

A love letter ended up in my hands. It’s the week of all things LOVE and I’m feeling moved to record an impromptu, mini-episode with just us…you and me – as I share a message received on Valentine's Day. I hope that revealing something this personal - and then unpacking all that it represents - sets the stage for deeper love for ALL of us… Join me.

Another REALity check on the couch with one of my besties - Christina and I share honest stuff about our bodies and how to process emotions and the sensations we feel. It gets pretty personal at points.

This talk with Dr. Sarah Almilli underscores the very reason I started this podcast! We start with my recap of when I was called a racist (among other fun things) on social media – and my determination to pursue conversations that broaden my limited perspective.AND, Sarah delivered a REAL convo to be sure. Join us…

I love convos where we explore spirituality without arguing religion, dogma, and “which faith corners the market on righteousness.” My beliefs have shifted profoundly over the years and a spirit of inquiry and exploration feels like church to me. Thanks Kerri Naber for going there with me!

Megan O’Connor was a 15-year career firefighter and medic when I met her; a woman of huge kindness and empathy while being equally determined and strong. AND she was suffering greatly. These things can be true at the same time.

A killer conversation with Julian Sarafian, former big law attorney turned private practice advocate for content creators, social media influencers, and startups. Julian's journey is a revelation about the intense pressures of high-powered professions and a testimony to choosing work on our own terms.

A REAL conversation about losing Mom. Christina Fichera is back - and unpacks her recent experience of watching her mom die and the random hospice pamphlet that changed her own grieving process.

“Embrace the suck.” Not quite what I expected to hear from Marine widow Erin Nichols as she opens up about her commitment as a young wife of a deployed soldier, her husband Sam’s catastrophic injury while serving in Iraq, and their 13-year journey after his traumatic brain injury.

I often wonder, “Who do I think I am? I’m having conversations around topics that I don’t fully understand. What if I say something wrong…what will people think?” Yep, imposter syndrome still rears its ugly head with me - and I am reminded of the reason for this podcast. I am meant for conversations on important things, especially the stuff I am called to shift and learn for REAL.

Sara Bareilles sings, “...let your words be anything but empty…” and I discuss this concept with Eliza Maroney as a guest on her podcast last Spring. AND, in listening back to the podcast, I notice a slightly hollow sound in my voice - an honest revelation of where my head was at.

I can’t get over this deep convo with Albert Chavez and the commonalities we share, despite vastly different backgrounds. A boy raised around violence, addiction, and fear teaches this “educated” white girl about excellence.

Join me and guest Kathleen Klug, author of "Start With ONE," as we explore the power of small actions in achieving big dreams. Discover why starting simply can be your best strategy!

In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle Raz, co-founder of Thrivister and an advocate for recognizing ADHD as a gift. We explore the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with ADHD, sharing personal experiences and professional insights. Michelle's expertise in coaching those with executive function challenges offers valuable perspectives.

Join me and Eunice Brownlee for a crucial discussion on domestic abuse and family court inequities. Eunice shares her personal experiences, offering insights into the complexities of abuse and the justice system. Note: The episode contains sensitive content on domestic violence. Viewer discretion advised.

Join me and Eunice Brownlee for a crucial discussion on domestic abuse and family court inequities. Eunice shares her personal experiences, offering insights into the complexities of abuse and the justice system. Note: The episode contains sensitive content on domestic violence. Viewer discretion advised.

Join me and Christina Fichera as we reflect on life's challenges from our unique perspectives. We discuss how beauty intertwines with pain and the complexities of sharing personal struggles. The episode includes insights from key resources like "The Body Keeps the Score," "Big Magic," and the "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast.