Going There with Jen Vertanen

Your success in life (not just of the $$$ variety) correlates directly to how uncomfortable you're willing to be. If you're a client, you know how much I geek out about the brain and our ability to change it (neuroplasticity) no matter how old you are. Well- I found someone equally fascinated by it - Sarah Von Bargen of the popular blog, Yes and Yes. Find out how you can do everything right and follow all the rules and still find yourself on a life's journey full of plot twists and turns. In today's episode, we cover the gamut from how Sarah got started as a blogger (she was broke as a joke and $50k in debt with a $16/hour job) to the power of habits backed by science and how going face down in a bowl of pizza rolls is trying to tell you something to what it's like having a Myer's Briggs different than 98% of the population and how to not piss people off by judging them for not having their shit all together to how she found herself in the middle of a dance circle with Richard Simmons - yes - THAT Richard Simmons. A weirdly, wonderful conversation (my favorite)... ______ SARAHVONBARGEN is a writer, educator, and coach who helps people spend their money, money, and energy on purpose.  Website | Instagram ______ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere65 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SusanShehata is a woman of many (MANY) talents but all of them boil down to this; Susan's work centers around helping people identify and unwind the limiting beliefs or the limiting stories - the core stories that keep us stuck. The first half of this episode has us talking about the many healing modalities Susan employs including space work, breath work, and core story work in which she's developed her own process including the simple system she's created to identify our stories around worth, lovability, belonging, safety, competency, power, and freedom and how those core stories become our subconscious operating system driving how we show up in the world. This is all absolutely fascinating stuff but it gets even better... Susan and I talk about her work as a trauma educator and how she's helping in the anti-racism front. Susan says - racism is one of the largest, if not the largest, collective and historical traumas. Historical because of course, it goes back so long and collective because it has not been resolved. So unlike some historical traumas that perhaps we can speak of in past tense, racism is obviously and unfortunately, alive and well. I don't want to give it all away but Susan gets personal with her own stories of technically being white but of Middle Eastern descent and how that's informed her own core stories around safety and belonging. What excites Susan? The fact that we are collectively having very hard conversations. Amen. Ours is a rich conversation that intersects race, culture, and trauma - all so timely and relevant to the here and now. ______ SUSANSHEHATA is a Wellness Educator and Social Entrepreneur, who specializes in helping people transform their stories, by identifying and releasing the limiting beliefs that keep them stuck. She does that through speaking, writing, wellness services, educational programs, business masterminds and events. From the creative merging of her former eco-friendly shop with a healing center to her scholarship program for healing childhood trauma, Susan is an entrepreneur with a heavy focus on social innovation. Susan has been a certified wellness professional, facilitating and educating on transformational healing and space work with an emphasis on trauma recovery, for eighteen years. She is also a credentialed mediator (Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice), and a trained Conflict Coach through the Conflict Resolution Center (Minneapolis). Susan's writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, Elephant Journal and the Twin Cities Pioneer Press and her column, The Space Guru™, has appeared in the Edge Magazine. Susan was the co-host and co-producer of the weekly radio show, Raising the Consciousness on AM950. She is also the creator of The Fabulous Paper Purge, a free online program that was featured on Fox News and KARE11, and has supported over 1300 participants. Susan is a connector who is passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs, community building and inspiring individuals to take action in ways that benefit themselves and humanity. Website ______ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere64 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I could recognize that I actually am in choice in absolutely every moment. And there's a lot of power in that. We all go through hard times but it's finding your way through it and to the other side - knowing you will battle your way out of it and that you're going to be ok. Oftentimes it's just a battle to feel like you can access joy but that doesn't mean you give up trying to find it...to feel it. My guest, Paula Jenkins, and I discuss this and so much more on this week's episode. Paula shares with us her own journey back to joy (again and again) beginning with the traumatic birth of her son that left her with PTSD. We also explore how we can choose joy in difficult times and improbable situations...much like we find ourselves in today. But it's not just about joy. It's also about grief and feeling every feeling in-between. Choosing the path that leads to love evenwhen the options range from shitty to shittier...there's always still a choice and you can always choose love. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? ______ PAULAJENKINS is a certified life coach, and host of the popular podcast, Jump Start Your Joy ™.  Her mission is to bring more joy into the world through coaching, podcasting, and helping others create podcasts to share their voice. Jump Start Your Joy™ launched in 2015, and has been on iTunes New & Noteworthy, What’s Hot and bounces around the Top 200 under Personal Journals.  After receiving her Master’s degree in Religion from Yale University, Paula was a project manager for 20 years in the digital marketing space for big clients like Clorox, Visa, Genentech, Xbox, Robert Half, and Chevron Federal Credit Union.  She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Sean the Chef, their 9 year old son, and their friendly rescue chihuahua-mix named Chewbacca Baloney Jenkins (who goes by Chewie). Website | Instagram ______ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere63 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

cw: trauma, abuse including that of a minor We can all agree...trauma sucks. And while we all wished it was different...trauma happens far more often than many of us even know.  If you've experienced trauma, you get the funny ways it shows up in your life from what triggers you to how you feel in your body. And it never goes away...you just find ways to work with it. Eunice Brownlee and I dive into this and so much more in this raw + vulnerable story of trauma, resilience, and hope. What I want people to take away from this conversation is the hope. That we are resilient, we are strong and there are ways to create safety in our worlds. There are people like Eunice, myself, and so many others out there that just want to help because we've been through it and we understand it. You are not alone. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ EUNICEBROWNLEE has spent her career finding the balance between her left and right brains.  She is a passionate writer and writes regularly about mental health, trauma, and abuse. As a survivor of all three, she uses her experience to help others open up and tell their stories. She's also a single mother, striving to raise a daughter who is strong and outspoken. When she’s not doing any of the above, she can be found seeking her next passport stamp and drinking wine. Instagram | Facebook | Medium ______ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere62 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

You need to honor every part of yourself…even the part that doesn't want to get out of bed. How do you find motivation when it's hard to get out of the bed and not just because the bed is super cozy with luxuriously soft sheets and a down comforter that's just the right weight – you know – not too heavy but light enough to keep you warm? But because life feels heavy and you're constantly in the grind going nowhere fast? That's exactly the question Lisa Orkin and I explore in this week's #goingtherewithjen. It's one thing to be young and have your entire life ahead of you to figure your shit out…but entirely different when you're 57 and living the same old. I'm also guessing Lisa and I aren't alone when we find ourselves running away from success. Why is that? Listen in to hear our thoughts… ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ LISAORKIN been in recording studios as long as she can remember, learning from her dad and mentor Dick Orkin and eventually working alongside him as the Creative Director for his company the award-winning Radio Ranch. Lisa has over 25 years of experience in copywriting, scripting, audio production, voice acting, teaching and speaking in both traditional and digital media. She has also worked in the world of indie filmmaking as a writer, actor and producer - making award-winning films with the likes of Adam Mckay, Shira Piven, and Dweezil Zappa.  Lisa's current podcast is a wild mix of all her creative lives, Project Woo Woo, where she has very real conversations with imaginary people. And all this in a tutu and checkered Vans. ______ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere61 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

There's all these things that I tried to make the outlet to get rid of that edge, that wildness, really, which really was mania... cw: drug use, suicide You can't just change your life overnight, you have to have a game plan and you don't have to do it all at once. Find one thing, get into that, and all the other things are going to follow. Such great words of advice from today's guest, Dawn Duncan. In this episode, Dawn shares courageously and beautifully from the heart about her mental health experiences and how she numbed with drugs and alcohol and all other sorts of ways to get rid of the edge.  With her marriage in shambles and finding herself in jail one night next to prostitutes and hardcore criminals, Dawn decided to turn her life around and she started with small changes that over time, led to drastic (in a good way!) results. Listen in as Dawn shares exactly how she went from a suicide attempt and jail to the vibrant, lively, sober woman she is today. Along the way you'll hear kick you in the gut truthbombs and wisdom for how not to go it alone. ______ DAWNDUNCAN is a 24 year veteran of entrepreneurship and an author who lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is a Northern Minnesota native and graduate of the University of North Dakota, where she received her BA in English. Since moving to Colorado in 1994, Dawn has been an active community member, business owner, and leader who has worked in executive recruiting and training, the music industry, and now as an agency owner of a boutique copywriting and editing firm. She is married to husband Michael, a native of Ireland, and they are proud parents of a German Shepherd rescue named Czar. Her own experiences in the world of mental health and addiction have fueled a new passion for sharing her story with others, with hopes to inspire and guide them to the type of transformation that she has experienced in her life.  ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? ______ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere60 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

"Medication doesn't "fix" anything. It makes it so I can deal with the actual problems, rather than making the problems feel and seem insurmountable." ~ MEGAN DOWD You guys....this episode hits me in all the feels and I don't say that lightly...at all. Each guest and episode is so special to me but this one is extra near and dear to my heart as we talk about depression and showing up as your rawest, most vulnerable, most mundane self. Megan Dowd calls herself a compassionate hardass and I can soooo relate. She's also master of funny faces, business therapist for neurodiverse run businesses, and all around delightful human being. Megan and I talk about the importance of sharing our stories with healthy boundaries, toxic positivity (listen in on one of Megan's spicy soapboxes on Insta), and ways we can tune into our bodies and give it exactly what it needs whether that's a rage walk or a calming, relaxing bath. This episode is incredibly relatable, down-to-earth, FUNNY, and full of amazing tips on learning to listen to your body and giving it what it needs during a depression cycle. I so hope you listen in and share with friends + family that could use some real, practical advice with a heaping of laughter and realness. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ MEGANDOWD is a business coach and brand therapist. She launched her business in 2017 to help purpose driven business owners rediscover their Core Values and reclaim their WHY. Prior to opening her business, Megan worked in theatre, even earning her PGDip from LAMDA in London. She believes in multi-sensory storytelling, trusting yourself, and being human first and always. When not helping you run your business seamlessly and coherently, you may find her hanging out with her mad-scientist husburrito, dismantling diet culture, or droppin’ it like it’s hot (living room dance party, anyone?). _____ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere59 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

So really…why bother? Why should I bother? Why should I risk it? Why should I be vulnerable? We tell ourselves… I'M TOO OLD. It's already been done before. No one's going to want to know that. WHAT'S THE POINT? Sound a bit familiar to what's rattling around in your head? Me too. My guest today is none other than self-development pioneer and author, Jen Louden, and in today's conversation we tackle the question – Why bother? – which is also the name of her new book. I'm honestly so excited about this book that I'm giving away a copy to a #goingtherewithjen listener. Why? Because, as Jen says, all too often we cut ourselves off from what we most want – connection, happiness, lightness – and I choose to believe in a world that's quite the opposite and the sooner we all get there, the better. This book helps with that. Listen in as Jen and I talk about her personal stories with why bother, how a failed book led to her latest book, identifying your minimum self-care list (especially important during this pandemic), how this question can show up in sneaky ways, and why leading with desire is the answer. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ JENNIFER LOUDEN is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the concept of self-care with her first bestseller, The Woman’s Comfort Book. Since then, she’s written seven additional books on well-being and whole living, including The Woman’ s Retreat Book and The Life Organizer, with close to a million copies of her books in print in nine languages. Jennifer has spoken around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has written a national magazine column for a Martha Stewart magazine. She’s been profiled or quoted in dozens of major magazines; two of Brené Brown’s books, Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead; and appeared on hundreds of TV, radio shows and podcasts—even on Oprah. Her newest and most personal book Why Bother? Discover the Desire for What’s Next will be published on May 5, 2020. Jennifer has been teaching workshops and retreats since 1992 and creating vibrant online learning experiences since 1999. She writes weekly to her email list of 20,000 and hosts an online community of over 600 members. She lives in Boulder County, Colorado. _____ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere58 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

Grief is an extension of love. ~ Megan Devine cw: grief, loss of a parent Life happens in the in-between. In-between sadness can be laughter. In-between heaviness, there can be light. And no one knows that more than my guest, Brandy Morris. Brandy set about on her Year of Contrast as she both mourned the loss of loved ones (her Nana and her best friend - her dad) AND developed a more beautiful, deeper, more vulnerable relationship with her now fiancé. She learned how to receive out of necessity...the need to be supported and loved on...a lesson we could ALL use a little help learning. Also? It's ok to be sad for however long you need to be. There is no time limit on grief or sadness or really, any emotion.  The lesson? We are complex creatures capable of navigating the spaces in-between and holding space for both. Listen in to hear Brandy's story of grief and her Year of Contrast and know that you are not alone. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ BRANDYMORRIS is a coach and consultant for business owners that love doing their work but kinda hate having to tell anyone about it. Brandy helps them identify the idiosyncrasies within their work that make it undeniably theirs (their Brilliance) so they can fine-tune their biz in a way that nurtures their best work and attracts and delights their perfect clients. _____ For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere57 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

I really believe that vulnerability creates connection...~ Doña Bumgarner Are you a mom and feel like a part of you is missing? That you're going through the motions and things look good but it all feels a bit empty? Then this episode is for you and I chose it SPECIFICALLY for my 50th birthday because I've been there and Doña Bumgarner has too. With so much love in our hearts for you... You can't quit motherhood (well - you technically can but that's not what we're going to focus on here) so when Doña found herself unexpectedly pregnant and with no clue what the hell she was doing...she trusted her gut and looked back on life realizing she'd been able to figure things out thus far so what's one more (admittedly HUGE) thing? Listen in as Doña and I talk about how hard (and rewarding!) it can be to be a mom in a culture that doesn't really support mothers...not really if we're being honest AND why it's so so SO important not to lose yourself along the way. Remember...our kids are watching! ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? ____ Doña Bumgarner is a life coach for frustrated moms who are exhausted living in a culture that doesn’t support them as moms or as women. She helps them get in control of all the parts of their lives, so they can feel like great moms AND whole humans.  Doña is also the host of Nurturing Habit podcast, about the ways we nurture ourselves as whole women so we can live more complete and vibrant lives. CONNECT Website | Instagram | Nurturing Habit Podcast For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere56 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible and it starts with #radicalhonesty. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

Join me on my 50th birthday (4/15/20) as I share my top 5 lessons learned in half a century. Lord I'm old lol.

Do you ever meet someone and right away feel like home? That's how I felt when I first met Jen Pavich and I'm thrilled to share some of her stories and wisdom with you today.  Like me, Jen became a mom before she was ready and like me, Jen had some fairly traumatic events in her life that molded and shaped her. Pile on top of that a bout of homelessness, societal and patriarchal expectations and you have one helluva story. Also? We all need a friend like Jen's Melissa – someone to give us a good kick in the pants and poke fun at our myriad quirks. Jen likes to say she's lived at least five lives from becoming a young single parent, homelessness, massively different career reinventions, and so much more. Jen shares with us her stories of trying to be the perfect mom, her journey through personal development and why she's a passionate feminist and life coach working to make paradigm shifts with the existing power structures at play in our society. And oh how we are fucked up as a society! We need more Jens! ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? ____ JEN PAVICH is a feminist life coach and creator of the Unquiet Sisterhood Podcast. Jen helps women overcome their internalized patriarchy so they can start addressing external barriers. She also not-so-secretly radicalizes women to become social justice warriors hellbent on upending the existing power structure. Jen is accredited as a coach through the International Coach Federation (ICF). She’s also a certified facilitator in The Daring WayTM method created by Dr. Brené Brown. CONNECT WITH JEN Website | Instagram For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere55 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible. You just gotta do the hard work. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

“I'm FINE means Feelings I'm Not Expressing…” ~ AUDREY HOLST I am talking with the QUEEN of burnout today, Audrey Holst. Audrey has traveled through a myriad of work environments including dog walker, yoga instructor, owned a yoga studio, corporate lackey, and it didn't matter what the job or environment was…there was the element of burnout – so much so that it started making her physically sick. Since then, Audrey has become absolutely passionate in advocating for our nervous systems and providing tools and support for helping us identify and move through burnout.  ALL of us have experienced burnout at one time or another but society has told us to keep going, produce more, be FINE when we are in fact, not very fine at all. In this episode, Audrey shares warning signs that burnout is either nipping at your heals or full on wreaking havoc on your nervous system AND ways to help you through the burnout. Don't think you have burnout? I dare you to listen in and learn how burnout may be showing up in your life in sneaky ways. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? ____ AUDREYHOLST helps really smart people not fall apart by helping them heal and transform their burnout. She combines over a decade of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness with extensive training and work as a Certified Professional Coach. She is the author of an upcoming book that teaches readers that there is nothing wrong with them, that what they experience as burnout and disconnection makes sense, and that reconnecting to their body and healing their nervous system is the pathway to tap into their innate brilliance and their sense of self. Each month she leads the Standing Still Collective, a virtual gathering for people that want to achieve their goals in a body-centered and intuitive way with the backing of a community that nurtures their positive actions and changes. Audrey believes that everyone is deserving of a life that nourishes them and small and doable changes over time will eventually change the world. CONNECT WITH AUDREY Website | Instagram Check out Audrey's special Standing Still offer for Going There listeners...one month FREE! For show notes head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere54 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible. You just gotta do the hard work. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

It was a random day in February 2014 and Amy Zellmer found herself doing something she does multiple times a day – taking her (so adorable!!!) pup, Pixxie, outside for a bio break. Only this day would change the rest of Amy's life including the work she does in the world. Amy slipped on a patch of black ice on her steep driveway and can still remember the exact sound of her skull hitting the pavement. All concussions are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and most concussions resolve themselves in under six weeks but Amy's took not just months and a number of different doctors, but years. When her neurologist finally told her – this is probably the best it's going to get – Amy said WTF and took matters into her own hands. Listen in as Amy shares her inspirational tale as a TBI survivor including the oh-so-important advocate work that takes her around the country. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ AMY ZELLMER is Editor-in-chief of The Brain Health Magazine. She is also an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and TBI survivor.  In 2014 she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a fall on the ice which began her journey into advocacy work. She travels the country with her Yorkie, Pixxie, for her #NOTINVISIBLE awareness campaign. She also produces a podcast series — Faces of TBI, and hosts TBI TV on YouTube. Additionally, she co-created The Brain Health Online Summit with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe. She is addicted to Starbucks coffee and loves all things glittery and pink! CONNECT WITH AMY Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn The Brain Health Magazine Instagram | Facebook | Twitter _____ For show notes including lots of resources for TBI survivors and their loved ones, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere53 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… Healing is possible. You just gotta do the hard work. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already. _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts/ Google Play and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/goingtherewithjen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

AN EPISODE WHERE WE TALK ABOUT BOOBS...A LOT. Michelle Ward is perhaps one of the most inspiring guests I've have ever had on the show--and this isn’t hyperbole. I mean...I have the coolest off-the-cuff conversations with people so you know this one is good! Michelle is a two-time breast cancer survivor, business coach, and badass parent who uses her emotional and physical struggles with both breast cancer and fertility issues to see what really matters in life. In today’s episode, you’ll learn how Michelle coped with cancer and fertility issues, adopted a child, and began a business coaching other creative and inspirational women to live their dreams! MY THOUGHTS Two-time cancer survivor.Ukulele performer. Judge Judy fanatic. Business coach. Michelle Ward is a true survivor having survived a breast cancer diagnosis not once, but twice! Plus, I worked with her, so I know how awesome she is! Michelle gave her former Nine to Five job notice in the middle of the recession in order to start her own business-- and she never looked back. Her experiences with breast cancer along with her struggles with fertility help her recognize the important stuff in life, which is a lesson we all can learn from.  ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ MICHELLEWARD, PCC, has been offering dream business guidance for creative women as The When I Grow Up Coach since 2008. You may have seen or heard her in New York Magazine, The Huffington Post, Etsy, Newsweek, Freelancers Union, USA Today, the Forbes Top 100 Websites for your Career List or 150+ other media outlets. She’s the co-author of The Declaration of You, which was published by North Light Books, and the teacher of Create Your Dream Career and Ditch Your Day Job, which were watched by tens of thousands of people live on CreativeLive. When she’s not coaching, teaching or speaking, she can be found building a fort for her little girl, sitcom-binging with her husband, or belting out show tunes.  CONNECT WITH MICHELLE Website |Instagram _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the delightful Michelle Ward, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere52 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

"You're not broken, you're evolving" ~ Christine Meyer Do you believe that you are the creator of your reality? Join me today in a conversation with esteemed life coach Christine Meyer as we delve into how our own perceptions influence our experiences in life. Christine helps successful, influential, and passionate people empower themselves as the creators of their own realities in life. Together we explore how Christine’s life hardships shaped and inspired her to become a life coach and help others evolve through lived experiences. MY THOUGHTS Freedom seeker. Life Coach. Inspirational Badass! Christine Meyer is a life coach focused on bringing out the inner power within her clients. After spending much of her childhood and young life trying to find perfection and living through others, she's learned from her own experiences that the only way to find true empowerment is to own your reality. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ CHRISTINE MEYER coaches leaders and influencers who are deeply interested in fearlessly creating their life through the masterful understanding of their own empowerment. Her clients are passionate, life-loving humans who already have a track record of success, who understand that coaching is not a luxury and that hiring her will exponentially affect their lives in powerful and positive ways. CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE Website |Instagram _____ For show notes including how to learn more about Christine Meyer, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere51 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

"Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm that changes directions: ~ Haruki Murakami For my fiftieth episode of Going There, I had the utmost pleasure of journeying with Rachel Allen, a word wizard who overcame many of life’s biggest challenges and discovered herself in all of her shining glory at the end of it all. We discuss how she navigates through the emotional labor, grief, and guilt caused by the loss of her long-term relationship, her family, and the life that she thought she knew. At the end of the episode, we celebrate what a badass bitch Rachel is through it all and what a gift these grueling experiences really are. Join us to hear the inspirational tale of how losing it all can help you find yourself! MY THOUGHTS Healer. Writer. Overall Badass. Rachel Allen is a writer, copyist, and coach who has really survived a lot of shit in life. She is a true survivor who left a fundamentalist household, an unhealthy long-term relationship, and her old identity behind in order to discover who she truly was– her authentic, badass self. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ RACHEL ALLEN is the founder of Bolt from the Blue Copywriting, a creative agency specializing in incredibly effective copy and content that gets right to the heart of who you are and makes your readers’ synapses sparkle. CONNECT WITH RACHEL Website |Instagram _____ For show notes including how to learn more about word wizard-ist Rachel Allen, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere50 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

Repeat after me - self-care is NOT selfish! Mary Ann once worked as the CEO of “AbleChild Africa” and has decades of experience in developing charities and programs meant to make a positive difference in lives all around the world. However, even with all of her great success, she found herself combating a common plague in the professional world: burnout. Join me today as we discuss how to maintain your fiery passion in the face of stress, time constraints, and professional burnout. Mary Ann shares her own personal experiences with burnout and explains why self care is important. You will leave this conversation with tangible tools to promote caring in your own life. This conversation will help you develop tools to care for yourself so that you can continue to care for others! MY THOUGHTS Healer. Former Charity CEO. Speaker. Self-care Coach. Mary Ann worked in the non-profit and charity world for many years because she wanted to help others and make a positive impact on the world. After many successful years, she felt herself dragging her feet in something that she used to be passionate about. Soon, Mary Ann realized that she had spent her entire life helping others while ignoring her own needs. This led Mary Ann to quit her high-energy job in order to figure out what she needed to do to feel passionate, compassionate, and alive again. Now, she spends her time making sure that other change-makers and change-oriented organizations do not fall into the trap of burnout. She coaches organizations and people on how to practice self-care so that they can continue to change the world and make a positive impact on society. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ MARY ANN CLEMENTS believes that World Changing Action + Collective Care is what will make us capable of crafting a new tomorrow. She is a Writer, Leader, & Consultant and is Director of Jijaze which supports NGO (non-profit) workers, healing professionals, and people who use their careers to answer callings, to connect the dots between Wellbeing and Impact. Mary Ann is also an Accredited Shadow Work Coach, Action Learning Facilitator + Nia Movement Practitioner. She has two decades of experience as a leader and practitioner in the international development sector. CONNECT WITH MARY ANN Website |Instagram |Change Making Women   For show notes including how to learn more about Mary Ann Clements, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere49 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

"That is some old lady shit right there!" ~ middle-aged ladies still discovering themselves Have you ever woken up and realized that you spent your entire life trying to fit into a label that you aren’t?  Do you feel guilt over not feeling close to somebody that you think you should?  Us too! Join me today as I talk with Liz Applegate, a kick-ass confidence coach for women over forty who also want to continue living their best lives throughout your midlife and beyond! Liz gets candid about her own childhood, her mother’s mental illness, and how trying to subscribe to the “Good Girl” narrative for most of her life ended up limiting it. We discuss how the past informs the present in both helpful and harmful ways, and how practicing self-awareness and accepting some responsibility can help you move forward to live your best mid-life! Healing is hard work, but is SO worth the challenge! MY THOUGHTS Perimenopause survivor and survivalist! Midlife Coach. So. Much. Girl. Power.   Liz learned a lot of lessons in her life-- the hard way. After going through perimenopause--without realizing it-- Liz found herself a single mom of three boys, divorced, and without her own personal identity. Who was she if not a mother? If not a wife? If not a PTA member? Liz began looking for those answers in her own life and developed a passion for helping other women find them as well. She is now a certified confidence coach for women over the age of forty, a survivor, and the host of the “Midlife, Schmidlife” podcast! _____ LIZAPPLEGATE is a confidence coach and podcaster who helps women rewrite the next chapter in their lives. Liz’s first-hand experience of transitioning through her 40’s included peri-menopause, divorce, remarriage with blending families, children who were flying the nest, an emergency hysterectomy and several career changes.Seeing a lack of resources or positive vibrant voices were the catalyst for Liz wanting to help other women experiencing the same changes. Liz is on a mission to redefine how women and society see themselves as they age. As the cornerstone of her work, Liz helps her clients identify and break the good girl rules that they learned growing up and the ones that are keeping them playing small in their careers, relationships, and life. She shows them how to work with the voices of self-doubt and turn their “maybe someday” dreams into a reality of today. CONNECT WITH LIZ Website |Instagram | Midlife Schmidlife For show notes including how to learn more about fellow "old lady", Liz Applegate, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere48 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

"It means nothing about me..." In today’s ridiculously deep, emotional episode, you will learn why it’s important to teach your children those words like a mantra. Listen in as I learn about ACE or Adverse Childhood Experiences with RN, Speaker, and fellow compassionate, Leslie Peters. Leslie Peters dives into her own personal childhood experiences and trauma in order to explain the origins of her own ACE and explains why it is important for everyone to know their own ACE score in order to build empathy, understanding, and self-compassion. MY THOUGHTS Kick Ass RN. ACE survivor. Compassion and empathy builder. Leslie struggled with a toxic family, father, and husband that often caused her to doubt herself. She overcame a childhood fraught with familial hardship in order to become the badass RN, speaker, and empathy builder she is today. She has a lot to say and considers the world to be her oyster-- and her family. _____ Almost 30 years ago, LESLIEPETER'S own experiences called her to the profession of Nursing. Her passion was her pain. She worked in-the-trenches helping low income pregnant women and their families understand and heal their stories with hopes of preventing the cycle of the story. Leslie says that “Every characteristic of mine that allows me to live life with honesty, empathy, acceptance, relatability and trust (H.E.A.R.T.) came from the adversity I endured. Through a person’s eyes I can see their soul. Without my story I wouldn’t be who I am today. What was once a curse“ Leslie turned her experiences into a positive tool for the transformation of others. She inspires and encourages women and men alike with her conversational, down-home style. Her talks are perfect for women’s events, seminars, training events, marriage conferences, church leadership conferences and workshops. CONNECT WITH LESLIE LinkedIn For show notes including how to learn more about the delightfully deep, Leslie Peters, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere47 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

You belong. BUT, you gotta own your weird! Today, I have an absolutely transcendent conversation with Instagram expert, Tyler J. McCall about the deep stuff: depression, authenticity, and finding belonging by owning who you are and your reaction(s) to the shit that happens in life. And, boy, there’s a lot of shit that happens. In this episode, Tyler explains how he dealt with ongoing, clinical depression and discovered his own responsibility in owning his identity, his depression, and his isolation. He also talks about the importance of finding belonging through holding yourself accountable for your actions. (

What's the fear in you? Today, I delve deep into the innermost caves of identity, womanhood, and loneliness with creativity “coach” and fellow kindred spirit, Becca Piastrelli. Seriously, get ready to explore what makes you uncomfortable– dealing with isolation, oppressive culture(s) and/or ancestral roots, and deep loneliness– in order to begin the work of positive, affirming self-exploration. You will leave this episode feeling light, liberated, and ready to spread self-love, sisterhood, acceptance, and belonging to yourself and your fellow sisters! MY THOUGHTS Kindred spirit. Fearless. Sugar lover. Becca Piatrelli is a creativity coach and sisterhood space-maker who discovered a spiritual loneliness despite being an extroverted sorority girl in college. Through exploration, time, and a little girl power, Becca began to find herself in her ancestral roots– the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now, she strives to help other women discover their innermost identities through self-exploration, community building, and ancestry in order to create an inclusive space for women in the Age of Loneliness. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ BECCA PIASTRELLI is a writer and womxn's coach who holds space for womxn to explore ancestral wisdom, connect with the earth, and find meaningful and inclusive sisterhood. In the age of loneliness, Becca shows us how to feel like we truly belong – to each other, to the earth, and to ourselves. CONNECT WITH BECCA Website |Instagram For show notes including how to learn more about the down-to-earth and sometimes lonely, Becca Piastrelli, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere45 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

"Certainty minus comparison equals confidence" - Cinamon Laughten, Badass Confidence Cultivator Join me today as I talk with the wonderful and brilliantly-named Cinamon Laughten, a phenomenal confidence coach and rapid transformational therapist (RTT)! Together, we discover the value of deep, powerful self-love and the healing power of your own mind. We delve deep into what matters: learning how to love yourself in the midst of life’s spiritual and emotional woes, such as depression, anxiety and family conflict. Cinamon also explains how anxiety and mental struggle can manifest physically-- and how you can use rapid transformational therapy to regain control over your own emotional well-being! ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ Meet Confidence cultivator. Anxiety wrestler.  INFJ. Ice Cream Enthusiast, CINAMONLAUGHTEN. Cinamon uses her own life experiences and professional expertise to help others gain confidence and learn how to take control of their lives and emotional well-being. Using her training in Rapid Transformational Therapy and Hypnotherapy, Cinamon loves to help others learn the power of their own mind--and why it’s important to love yourself. Cinamon knows that confidence is everything, and it begins with YOU. CONNECT WITH CINAMON Emergence RTT The Global Confidence Collective For show notes including how to learn more about the magical unicorn, Cinamon Laughten, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere44 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

How does that saying go? Something about falling off a horse and getting right back on again? CUE SYMBOLISM!! Today, join me on horseback as I ride off into the “self-care sunset” with equine therapy heroine Dominique Rondeau! Life can be a bit bumpy, but when you experience emotional hardship, mental health issues, or traumatic life experiences, learn how to heal these emotional wounds with a horse by your side. Listen in as Dominique shares a few (anonymous yet 10000% heartfelt) stories of emotional healing with her clients as well as how equine therapy has helped Dominique deal with her own anxiety and life’s traumatic moments. MY THOUGHTS From a very young age, Dominique knew that she wanted to work with horses in a healing profession. I LOVE that!! How many of us wanted horses growing up?!?  Going to the barn relaxed her when she needed it most, but the horses also seemed to understand her anxiety and pain in a way that she knew was special. I have my own healing through the power of horses story that I share in this conversation. It happened three-ish years ago and was the catalyst in my own healing from childhood. I highly HIGHLY recommend finding an equine therapist close to you and giving it a try EVEN IF you're afraid of horse. They are such intuitive and empathic creatures and they will tell + give you exactly what you need to know in the moment. ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ DOMINIQUE RONDEAU grew up on a farm in New Hampshire in a large chaotic family and horses were her peace, passion, and healing.  From a young age she knew horses and healing was a wonderful modality and got her masters in psychology in 2014. This opened up doors to research and the practice of horse assisted healing.  After a recent magically manifested move to Salt Lake City area, she’s now living out her dream working as horse assisted mental health specialist and has recently started her own program called Healing Wings. She facilitates people healing from everything from anxiety to marriage problems and PTSD through the magical experience of working with horses.  CONNECT WITH DOMINIQUE Instagram For show notes including how to learn more about the adventurous and heart-led cowgirl, Dominique Rondeau, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere43 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

We all know that diets don't work long-term, or do we? Today, I have the honor and privilege of speaking with holistic nutritionist and integrated health coach, Ali Shapiro (MSOD, HCCH), who survived childhood cancer, health, and weight issues and now spends her life helping others forget diets, labels, and self-criticism in order to call a truce with food. Listen in to learn more about how this inspiring woman uses her own experiences with health trauma and weight issues, along with training and education, in order to craft a totally badass, totally unique, and fully integrated health program that transcends that temporary diet and your critical voice in order to help you build a meaningful, healthy lifestyle. MY THOUGHTS First, she rebelled against cancer. Then, she rebelled against the capitalist, sexist system that creates unhealthy bodies and minds filled with doubt. Wow, that was a mouthful, but what Ali is serving is delicious! Ali is a holistic nutritionist who became a badass bitch early in life after beating cancer at a young age. After struggling with her weight, health, and self-image, she created an integrated health management system that helps ensure long-term success without constantly needing to return to her with your wallets year after year. She cares about teaching you how to care for yourself with research-based, proven methods and tangible steps. How amazing is that?!? ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ ALISHAPIRO is the founder of Truce with Food®, host of the top-ranked podcast Insatiable, a holistic nutritionist, integrated health coach and rebel with a serious cause. She’s academically, practically, and empathetically aware of how the medical system, diet culture and body positivity movements all have their own flavor of crazy. She created her Truce with Food method while in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Masters in Organizational Dynamics, which is like getting an MBA in the change process, where she drew from her decade plus of working with real life clients and her own personal healing journey from having cancer as a teenager. CONNECT WITH ALI Website | Podcast RESOURCES MENTIONED Ali's Comfort Eating Style Quiz (TAKE IT!!!) For show notes including how to learn more about the hilarious, tell it like it is, Ali Shapiro, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere42 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

Do you feel like you're in a place in your life where you need a good, honest bitch slap for your soul? How many times do you ask yourself, “Why? Why am I here?” Listen in and hear the marvelous sound of a bitch-slap to your ego with Gwynne Montgomery, author of Bitchslap Journaling: 100 Prompts to Kick Your Spiritual Ass. This woman fearlessly tackles the hard stuff: toxic behavioral patterns, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), hyper-vigilance, and how you can use honesty and hard work to transform your spirit and begin to heal. Though it might sound like this episode may leave your face a little red and sore, it will help you begin to work on yourself in order to transform how you think, feel, and live while laughing along the way! MY THOUGHTS I have so much respect for how Gwynne shows up online and just tells it like it is. From smashing the patriarchy to witchery to politics to inspired action sprints to truths about how she chooses to live her life – Gwynne is the epitome of wysiwyg and I so wish more of us could be like that. I'm working on it! ARE YOU READY TO GO THERE? _____ Seer. Sorcerer. Spiritual Masochist. GWYNNE MONTGOMERY is the creative force behind Bitchslap Journaling, The Bitchslap Method, and the webmistress of Her Wicked Ways. A Devotee of Holle and Paradox, Gwynne has been a witch for 27 years, and a rebel for 40. Ever determined to show people alternative ways of thinking and perceiving the world, Gwynne can be found at HerWickedWays.com and also on Facebook where she rants about politics, spiritual bypassing, and shares daily pictures of her adventures as a city hermit with too many cats. Connect with Gwynne Website | Twitter | Medium Support Gwynne's work on Patreon I highly recommend Gwynne's Bitchslap Journal! Resources Mentioned Gwynne's fave tarot deck and mine (at the moment) For show notes including how to learn more about the hilarious, tell it like it is, Gwynne Montgomery, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere41 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

Do you ever wonder what your pet is thinking or want to tell a fly to eff off? ME TOO!! Today I had an absolutely mind-boggling and eye-opening conversation with Bridget Pilloud, Pet Psychic and practicing human. This is possibly one of the most interesting conversations I’ve had about expressing emotion, feeling deep connection, and practicing empathy – with your pets! Join me as I learn the value of communicating with your beloved animals, tips on how to do it, and why it is important to have a conversation with your pets. P.S. (Aren’t we all practicing humans? I love it! Like really, really love it.) MY THOUGHTS I mean…c'mon! Bridget is the real deal you guys. I never believed in this stuff until our first newf – Guinness – was almost sent to the rescue organization when our daughter (now 14!) was first toddling around. Guinness was not a fan and we did NOT trust her at all so were quickly filling out the application to get the ball rolling. The woman at MN Newf Rescue had just lost a golden and prayed asking her golden to whisper in Guinness' ear to BEHAVE or she as going to another family. And I kid you not. From the next day on we never – and I mean NEVER – had an issue with Guinness and our daughter. In fact, they became the very best of friends. This. Stuff. Is. Real. With that… Are you ready to go there?!? _____ BRIDGET PILLOUD is a professional pet psychic and a practicing human. For the past 10 years, Bridget has been talking with animals and working with pet owners to alleviate pet anxiety, help with transitions and traumas and resolve behavioral problems. When not pet talking, Bridget can be found on her red sailboat or remodeling her 60's ranch. Connect with Bridget Website _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the hilarious, tell it like it is, Bridget Pilloud, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere40 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

If your therapist isn't working for you, ditch 'em and find a better one! Today I had the pleasure of discussing the importance of finding the right therapist to deal with life’s crazy moments with licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), sensitive soul, and healer, Maureen Clancy. Join us as we delve into how Maureen’s job as a newspaper reporter led her to discover her true passion: healing women who have experienced trauma and hearing their stories. Through personal experience, Maureen discusses how she used to hate being both highly sensitive and extremely empathetic, but eventually learned to use these same qualities to help heal women who are going through life’s emotional “gate passages,” including divorce, domestic violence, childhood trauma, and other areas of emotional turbulence. I love Maureen's message to inspire yourself to take the first steps towards healing your emotional wounds and finding the right therapist for your personal conflicts so that you can strap on those boots and storm through life’s emotional gates! My Thoughts I mean…I've sought therapy here and there throughout the years and it was either too churchy or too woo or too…nothing – no chemistry, no connection….nothing. So I gave up. And truth be told, I desperately needed therapy…lots and lots to deal with my childhood traumas. And I didn't get it so I stumbled and fumbled far longer than if I'd relentlessly pursued the right therapist for me. I've been pretty open about that on Going There – DO NOT GIVE UP like I did. Keep searching. Do not allow yourself to suffer far longer than necessary. There are so many wonderful therapists (Like Maureen!) out there and I feel a bit jealous when I hear friends and colleagues share their wonderful experiences and how much it helped move them forward. It makes me happysad. Happy for them; sad for me. With that… Are you ready to GO THERE? _____ A self-proclaimed introvert and licensed clinical therapist, MAUREEN CLANCY is a total badass healer who loves to listen to the stories of women riding the emotional waves of their lives in order to help them heal and become the best version of themselves. She loves to help empower women going through the gate way of divorce, domestic abuse, and other emotional traumas by listening and providing personalized therapy sessions and services like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Trauma-focused CBT,  Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, or EMDR, and more. She also loves the outdoors, all animals, and learning all the things! Connect with Maureen Website | Instagram _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the incredibly wise and lovely, Maureen Clancy, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere39 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

What if discovering your past could help you and your family heal together? Spiritual worker, ancestral activist, and coach of the Sacred Domestic Arts complete with an MA in Intercultural Communication, Darla Antoine answers this deep spiritual question and more in this wonderfully open and spiritually enlightening conversation! Darla grew up as an "other' and through her own lived experiences as a mixed race woman faced with generational oppression by dominant culture and society, Darla yearned to understand the depth of her ancestral wounds created by conflict, shame, and cultural oppression in order to better understand and heal herself. She is basically a spiritual healing badass who wants to help people of all different backgrounds connect with their ancestors in safe and healing ways that will help to heal your spiritual conflicts, those of your family, and even those of your ancestors in order to restore pride in the beauty of being who you truly are. AND SHE DOES IT THROUGH FOOD, YOU GUYS! Grab your snacks and buckle up, sister! My Thoughts Just like I have my stories from childhood, my mom has her own (not for me to tell, though) and her mother and her mother and so on and so on. It just makes so much sense that the wounds of the past are carried down through the generations...though we don't really talk about it or even think about it too much because we're stuck in our own heads...tired from battling our own demons let alone those who've come before us. I always wonder what my daughter will carry from me and what will remain unhealed? How much untangling will I be able to do in my lifetime? The work is never done...that's for sure. Are you ready to go there? _____ DARLA ANTOINE is a spiritual worker, ancestral activist, coach, practitioner of the sacred domestic arts, mother and accidental homesteader in the high mountains of Costa Rica. Darla helps mixed-race and mixed-culture seekers discover the medicine, blessings and power in their ancestral spiritual lineages. She does this by combining her spiritual work with her experience as a mixed-race woman and expat and her master's degree in Intercultural Communication. Connect with Darla Website | Instagram _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the delightful, Darla Antoine, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere38 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

Do you suffer from “tightly-wound woman syndrome?” If so - hell yeah! - and you are in great company! Listen in on my conversation with the amazing Jo Casey. Jo is a fierce, feminist business coach determined to live her best life despite - or perhaps, inspired by - her own personal struggle with anxiety and depression. We delve into the deep stuff: being somebody with anxiety and depression while trying to help others, how society creates a fucked up, false image of how people live their lives, and why being broken is beautiful and not something you should run away from. On top of tackling mental health in society, Jo shares some tips on how she deals with her anxiety and depression that might help make this messy experience we call life a little bit easier. Join your fellow “tightly wound” women as we express emotional vulnerability and laugh with each other over growing up in this unpredictable world! Are You Ready to go there? _____ JO CASEY is a business coach focused on helping women build meaningful and successful coaching and healing businesses that foster good within our society. She was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in her 20’s, but has learned--and is continuing to learn--to kick ass and live her best life while helping others. She loves Leslie Knope of “Parks & Recreation,” feminism, watching her husband get handy around the house, and podcasting! Connect with Jo Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the terrifically tightly-wound and fellow broken human, Jo Casey, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere37 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the sorts of fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? It would mean the WORLD if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

On this week's #goingtherewithjen, I have a fly-on-the-wall conversation with fellow podcaster and super cool human being, Olivia James. Listen in as I very awkwardly and Olivia very graciously talk about languaging around autism and asexuality, her path to an autistic diagnosis as an adult and how things finally clicked into place, the support she gets from her husband to say - hey - I think that's the autism speaking and why she can still irritate him (er...I mean...don't  we ALL irritate our spouses?!?), and lots lots more. Depression, anxiety, mental health, eating disorders, autism, asexuality, therapy, bouncing, pure joy, octopuses....we cover a ton of ground in 45 short minutes and you're going to love the incredibly relatable and very real conversation (there's even a fart story thrown in for good measure). Are you ready to go there? _____ OLIVIA JAMES is an autistic, asexual goofball who loves octopuses, cats, and rock climbing. Born and raised in the great Midwest, she went to school at a small liberal arts college and in the process discovered that too much philosophy makes her depressed. She kicked the ass of an eating disorder, adopted some kittens, and found her true calling as a marketer in a local nonprofit (while writing, podcasting, and doing advocacy on the side). When not working too much, Olivia can be found on bullet journal websites, listening to far too many podcasts, or playing a great deal of Dungeons and Dragons. Connect with Olivia Super Serious Social Justice Website, Facebook, + Twitter Aut of Spoons Website + Facebook _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the octopus loving narwhal wearing, Olivia James, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere36 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? Yeah? I could use your help... It would mean the WORLD to me if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: https://www.jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)  

You know what I love? Unicorns (listen to the episode to hear why this is relevant). Know what else I love? Anna Holden. Anna is magical, highly sensitive, clairvoyant, and her filters are about as good as mine which means non-existent. You'll love her too, lol. Anna and I talk about the realities of motherhood (er...ego shattering I believe is the word Anna uses), the dangers of drinking the law of attraction kool-aid fuckery, how fun it is to stew in the messy middle, finding your creative stride, and the work Anna and I are doing to minimize our harm as Spiritual White Women (Rachael Rice's Going There episode is another great conversation around this). Listen in for real talk (especially for moms), laughter, commiseration, and minimal filters.  You ready to go there? _____ ANNA HOLDEN is a professional intuitive, energy healer and spiritual teacher. She mentors burgeoning psychics and healers in her professional training program, The School for Sacred Rebellion. She also runs The Refuge for Sacred Rebellion, a spiritual enlivenment platform for highly sensitive people, and she hosts The Soul of Sensitivity podcast, a show that explores the intersection of sensitivity and spirituality. Connect with Anna Website | The Refuge | The Soul of Sensitivity Podcast | The School For Sacred Rebellion _____ For show notes including how to learn more about the amazingly awesome, Anna Holden, head over to jenvertanen.com/goingthere35 and if there’s one thing I want you to remember ever it’s this… You were born to raise hell, not live in it. I believe in you so effing much and I’m here if you ever need an emotional sidekick to help you through tough times. Until next time…love you already, _____ Love the fly-on-the-wall intimate conversations I’m hosting on Going There? Yeah? I could use your help... It would mean the WORLD to me if you leave a rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and share with folks most needing these messages of hope, resilience, healing, and yes…laughter at some of the darker sides to life. Website: www.jenvertanen.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenvertanen My Fave Really Hard Questions: https://www.jenvertanen.com/really-hard-questions/ (because you guys know how much I love digging deeper!)

MEET SHANDA Shanda Catrice is a fiercely compassionate healer and spiritual mentor who combines practical wisdom with sacred healing arts to guide women through inner transformation. Her work is centered around the integration of the whole self, through radical love and raw authenticity. Shanda encourages women to embrace the love and light, as well as the shadowy parts of their soul. She has over 10 years of experience learning from various cultures and spiritual traditions from around the world and has facilitated workshops, healing circles, guided meditations, and sacred ceremonial retreats that help women align with the deepest parts of themselves and liberate the truth of who they really are. MY THOUGHTS I can’t even. First, go follow Shanda on Facebook because her lives are phenomenal. You will learn so much about yourself…I promise. My heart. This episode is everything that Going There is about. Resilience, surviving and thriving, rebuilding yourself and your entire life, finding your purpose and meaning, laughter, joy, heartache and heartbreak, setting new boundaries, learning to love how you need to be loved… The sheer humanness is off the charts with this one and I cannot WAIT to have Shanda back to share her family of origin stories with us. In the meantime… IN SHANDA’S WORDS almost dying and having no one help other than her sister “None of the people that I loved showed up in the way that I wanted them to. So from my perspective, that means there were no friends. For me, it was such a painful experience that I felt – here I am – this is the culmination of my life. This is the value and the worth that I have in this world and this planet, that the culmination of 40 years is that when you are going to die, no one cares.” facing her deepest fears “I was essentially forced to face my most deepest fear in the entire world, which is fear of being alone because now I was alone and it had come true.” learning how to receive love and the hard realization that not everyone has the capacity to love in the way you need to be loved “You have to take the love where you get it. You have to receive it where it’s given and you may not get it because some people don’t have it to give. Some people don’t have the capacity to love you at the level that you need to be loved.”  painful realizations “The most painful part of this entire journey has been that I had such low self-worth and value for myself that I had put myself in these relationships.” the danger of numbing “It’s a defense mechanism to dealing with trauma and it’s literally killing us!” a quote from Adyashanti  about our origin stories “Could you change your story…could it be possible that you so love the world so much that you came here because you knew that who you were would be the healing balm to the unhealed? That you would be the medicine. And let that be your origin story instead of all the other things you’re telling yourself?” feeling your feelings “You have to feel. Like you have to feel and you have to start to feel your feelings. And I said, okay, how do I feel my feelings? And once again I found the information. I found this tool within psychology to use, which is called the feelings wheel. And you start to practice…” And my very fave… “If you start now, you can make new relationships for 20 more years that now can be with people that can love you the way you need to be loved and the way you want to be loved. And now you’re different. Now you will have the capacity to actually express those needs and communicate those needs and set proper boundaries Because I was so afraid of being alone that I would never set any boundaries with people that I love because I was just afraid they would leave and I didn’t want to be alone.” CONNECT WITH SHANDA Website | Facebook | Instagram | Find Your Love Style | Free Guided Meditation

Meet Heather Heather Thorkelson is a coach who works with entrepreneurs to grow their impact and visibility while growing their bottom line. She has been location independent for 7 years and runs her businesses from all over the world, including, on occasion, Antarctica. Heather is also the owner of Twin Tracks Expeditions, a polar expedition company. BUT THIS CONVERSATION, YOU GUYS. THIS CONVERSATION! TWO VICTORS HAVING COME THROUGH ABUSIVE CHILDHOODS THE BETTER FOR IT. Resilience, determination, a fuck-you attitude to the stuff that just doesn’t matter, learning to survive from an early age, the sweet relief that comes when you realize you’ve healed enough to allow someone else to have your back, and the amazing qualities we inherited from our abusers. Heather has an absolutely heartbreaking and fascinating backstory and I know so many of us can relate to having to literally raise ourselves because of our screwed up parents. So, so good. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! IN HEATHER’S WORDS on people pleasing “So I, I’ve never been that way. I’m still very much not that way. I am unable to understand. I’m unable to actually properly empathize with people who, who people please, and especially the extreme ones that compromise themselves so much. I don’t get it because for me, life has always been about survival, so I have to put myself first. Sorry for everyone else, but like I have to put myself first because there’s no safety net, you know, there has never been a safety net.” and even more on people pleasing “…it’s not going to be a popular opinion, but whatever. I think we tend to look at people pleasers as sort of a little bit weak and the extreme people pleasers, we look at as a little bit pathetic because it feels like there’s something missing in them. Why do you have to run around making sure that everybody’s better before you are? That’s fucked up! You’ve got to change that narrative.” on putting yourself first for survival “…when you’re in that kind of fight or flight environment from as long as you can possibly remember, quite frankly, you don’t really give that much of a shit about anyone else, you know? I don’t mean to sound really harsh and nasty like I’m not, I’m, you know, I’m capable of nurturing. I have good relationships…” a recent conversation with her mom “I’m not going to say what you want to hear to make you feel better about the choices that you made. And some people might think that that’s really harsh, but I don’t think it’s harsh. My whole life got massively fucked because of the decisions that she made.” finding the silver linings “Most people don’t ever want to give any credit to their abusive parent. I’m totally happy to give him the credit for this. I got his brains and I got his sense of humor and like what the hell would I do without my brains?” And my very fave… The way that you become the victor of your own story is you write that story. It doesn’t matter what happened before. Everyday that you wake up, you are writing your story. It’s a work in progress. It’s not a done deal. You are not a victim.  You are not that person. You’re not! Whatever thing that happened to you, you are who you choose to be. When you wake up today and tomorrow and the next day and a year from now, you might look back on the first 30 years and go – well –  that was a giant cluster fuck but for the past year, God dammit, I have been doing an amazing job and I am super proud of who I am becoming. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twin Tracks Expeditions

Meet Matt Stillman Matt is probably the most fascinating person I know and I don’t say that lightly because…as you’re well aware…ALL of my guests are pretty damn fascinating. But Matt? He’s extra super-duper rare.  In a very tidy nutshell which is hard to do with Matt, he… Spent years studying and practicing aspects of Easter and Western spiritual practices and disciplines along with long-form improv. Does tantric bodywork which fascinates the ever-loving hell out of me. Started his creative approaches service and consultancy on the streets of New York offering strangers ‘creative approaches’ to what they had been struggling with – big or small, personal or professional, mundane or profoundly esoteric. Basically, Matt helps people look at whatever is burdening them in new ways. Not to solve the problems but to court new relationships with them. Writes biblical erotica written in Elizabethan English looking at how we might heal the fracture between sex and spirit (I mean…if that right there doesn’t intrigue the hell out of you, why are you even here?!?!). Conceived and produced “The End of Poverty?” – a feature-length documentary about the origins of poverty and why it persists in a world with so much wealth. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Directors Choice commendation. He has spoken at the UN four times about his film. Started a skin care company, Primal Derma, where he attempts to reclaim some older forgotten trails of how people made a deep connection between health of place, animals and humans to making a spot in the world that you belong to a bit more deeply. (Get thee some Primal Derma STAT! It takes away my weird old-lady dry spots between my fingers when I remember to use it. ) Is a former Food Network executive and brought groundbreaking shows such as Iron Chef and Good Eats (and many others) to American audiences. Matthew is a life-long New Yorker, a lover of language, culture, and is a practitioner of bigger questions and wondering aloud and sitting in mystery. He is currently a student of The Orphan Wisdom School. NOW THAT THE FORMAL STUFF IS OUT OF THE WAY, I WANT TO SHARE SPECIFICALLY WHAT MATT MEANS TO ME. Matt, out of the blue and with zero expectations other than for me to be a kind and loving person to myself and others, offered to lend an objective ear about a number of things I was going through (this was all before my ‘coming of middle agedom’) at the time – divorce, intimacy and sexuality issues, loneliness, etc. I was just starting to get comfortable opening up to others in more vulnerable and tender ways and he gave me this incredibly safe space (I HATE that phrase – let me know if you have a better one) to explore my thoughts and feelings…no judgment – just objectivity and curiosity and non-boundary pushing insights. I was platonically smitten and I think you will be too. CONNECT WITH MATT Website | Twitter

Meet Kristen Kristen Kalp helps creative humans connect to their truest selves through writing, breathwork, books, and business coaching. Join the free F*ck Yah club for free books, chapters, classes, and goodies here. Listen in as we talk about: Kristen's stories of living with depression including the silver linings The reasons behind her pink hair and why it's here to stay The importance of breathwork to her overall wellbeing and our mission to have a 'pink lotus' during a session How Kristen decides when she feels comfortable sharing something as vulnerable as her ongoing battles with depression People + Resources Mentioned Kristen was first introduced to breathwork by Erin Telford Steer Your Ship, Kristen's program she's super excited about (I've heard such great things about this!!) Kelly Rae Roberts and the print that was my version of Kristen's pink hair Kristen's breathwork classes (she'll even send you a free one!) Connect with Kristen Website | Instagram

Life has been SO GOOD in so many and SO SHITTY in a few others. But that's how I love my life...living in the paradoxes and in-betweens. Listen in as I share what's been going on (super sick mom, super suicidal dad, family members I haven't heard from in 20+years, and super fun adventures with family + friends) and why I'm really proud of myself for not going down the rabbit hole and instead, seeking therapy for a specific issue from my childhood that I CLEARLY have not healed. Anyoo..this is me - unscripted, off the cuff, in the buff, raw, sniffs, ums, and all. Enjoy

Meet Tanya “I am a child of extremes, raised with poison, steeped in possibility between an orchard and giant maple trees, drawn to flowers, and re-birthed by a frigid, roaring sea.” —Thug Unicorn Tanya Markul’s path is one of the poetess, intuitive and wounded healer. An unwanted child, she was raised on barren soil of shame, guilt and overwhelming self-hatred. From the womb, her inner navigation was tainted by an ancestry of addiction, instability, abuse and fear. Her journey to self-heal and to become ready to guide others has taken many arduous paths, risks, and harrowing rebirths. She is a guide to the other side of pain. A key and wisdom keeper. A creative midwife. An enchanting storyteller and quirky rule-breaker. She is a tree lover and fairy spirit. Imagination is her wand, the dreamworld her guide and Nature her map. Tanya is dedicated to helping others heal by holding sacred space for their stories, and by unlocking the impossibility of shape-shifting their pain into creative, soul-led, healing purpose. Her medicine beckons the brave curiosity to look within, brings a sense of humour to cracked surfaces, unveils the beauty of hidden authenticity, and conjures the revolutionary courage to love, accept, and empower oneself in this lifetime. Tanya heals with words, the unseen world, sensitivity and vulnerability. May we all live a beautiful life of magic, mystery, inner peace and freedom. The Alchemy is in the Conversation Look, boo. Healing is f*cking messy. It’s alienation. It’s detachment. It’s bat shit crazy. It’s jet black darkness. It makes you ache for the void and mundane. You want to quit everything, but you can’t. You won’t. Not now. No baby, not ever. Because even though it aches the mother of all aches, you’ve changed. Underneath all that bullshit, there you are. Brand new. Born again. An angel who’s woken up to their cosmic mission. And you ain’t ever going back. And, there’s more like you out there. We’re waking up right next to you in the dark, wild one. So don’t worry about fixing any part of you and let your wicked shambles raise the goddamn roof on this whole things. ~ THUG UNICORN by TANYA MARKUL I just…how can you read that and not feel empowered? Tanya and I (and so many others) are testaments to how we can be empowered by the healing work EVEN WHEN it’s grotesque and messy and you’re dying a million deaths and it’s lonely and isolating. Because when you have the courage to look at your circumstances – /no matter how shitty or painful or whatever/ – and not try to force it away? POWERFUL. MAGICAL. LIKE, WHOA. I’ve known of Thug Unicorn for a few years. A) How can you not love and follow a name like Thug Unicorn? and B) the words are always exactly the ones you need to hear. But I never thought of the person behind the name…not until a few pages into THE SHE BOOK and I knew this was a kindred, wounded, soulful, healing spirit. I knew there were layers and layers upon stories and stories behind the healing words. I could feel the pain seeping through the pages…and I wanted to know this person. The person behind the very cool name, Thug Unicorn. On a whim, I sent an email…call it a moment of bravery because…who am I? I sent the email into the ether with no expectations because I don’t do disappointment well. And to my surprise and utter delight (seriously – the happy dance was #offthecharts) I received an email the next morning…yes. OUR CONVERSATION WAS MAGICAL. Two wounded spirits in the midst of their own messy healings (because always healing) coming together to share an intimate conversation. Listen in as we talk about: The story behind calling herself an unwanted child. Maybe not every aspect of ourselves needs to be healed….take a deep breath with me…how freeing is that?!? Why do we give people the power to place us into a category? Oh – look at her…she must be so happy because she smiles all the time. Ways we can we creatively express our pain. And screw happiness! How ‘bout we go for empowered instead? How motherhood (and not necessarily wanting to be a mom because hello – shitty childhoods) re-opens some mama wounds BUT helps move us forward in our healing. PEOPLE + RESOURCES MENTIONED Tanya’s book, THE SHE BOOK (

Veronica Grant is a Love-Life Coach for smart, successful women who feel like they have it all except love, find it. She believes finding real love isn’t about a great profile, a snazzy text, or pleasing men. It’s about stepping into the fullest, most authentic, empowered version of yourself, even in a world where it feels like the cards are stacked against you. Through her binge-worthy podcast, free challenges, and coaching, she’s here to shake up how you find love, even in our swipe right, swipe left world. A few of her guilty pleasures (a must-have for recovering perfectionists!) include binge-watching HGTV, hiking with her husband and pup, and sushi everything. Meet Veronica and get ready to finally throw out everything you’ve ever learned about love and relationships through her popular DATE YOURSELF CHALLENGE. MY FAVE MOMENTS… Before we truly begin…can we all admit that Veronica Grant is just about the greatest superhero name EVER? Yeah? So much of Veronica’s stories remind me of my unmarried and uncoupled days of looking for love in allll the wrong places. I mean…I was just looking for love any old way I could get it…like Veronica. It got a little awkward when I asked her about the cleanliness of her bathroom floor (you know…when she was having her ‘bathroom floor moment’) and thankfully…she just rolled with it, lol. Listen in as we talk about: The importance of building strong emotional foundations in childhood and what happens when you don’t…no matter if your childhood was traumatic or “idyllic”. What happens when the facades of perfection come tumbling down? Then what? We’ll always have our days where we question, “Who the hell am I?” but hopefully we gather tools along the way to help ourselves through those times. Veronica’s mortifying lesson learned: Never ask a woman if she’s pregnant. Sadly, SUSAN from Season 1 can relate. PEOPLE + RESOURCES MENTIONED Veronica’s fave coaches – BECCA PIASTRELLI and HILLARY RUBIN Love Life Connection, Veronica’s podcast (check-out my EPISODE on healing from childhood trauma) CONNECT WITH VERONICA WEBSITE | PODCAST | INSTAGRAM

"Like - this is my life and I got shit to do...like good shit to do. Good, awesome, amazing things that I'm excited to do and I'm doing them and that's that." ~ Kate Courageous Meet Kate Kate Swoboda is creator of YourCourageousLife.com, Director of the Courageous Living Coach Certification at TribeCLCC.com and author of The Courage Habit: How to Accept Your Fears, Release the Past, and Live Your Courageous Life. She helps individuals, teams, and companies see where old, fear-based habits have kept people stuck or started to limit what’s possible for an organization, and then start creating more courageous lives by getting into “the courage habit,” a four-part process for behavioral and organizational change. Kate has appeared in MindBodyGreen, Entrepreneur, USA Today, Forbes, Lifetime Moms, The Intelligent Optimist, Business Insider, and more, and her website Your Courageous Life was named a top-50 blog for happiness by Greatist. She’s spoken at conferences and seminars on the topic of courage as it relates to personal development, releasing overwhelm, business and marketing, money mindset, wellness, increasing emotional resilience, and healthy goal-setting using habit-formation techniques. My fave moments from this conversation: I mean...first of all, Kate Courageous was my very first life coach EVER and she taught me a personal growth lesson having to do with tight pants and I've got to tell you...I've carried that lesson with me years later still! And I am SO STINKING EXCITED + PROUD of her on the release of her very first book, The Courage Habit. How fear-based behaviors become fear-based habits and what we can stop that shit and practice courage-based habits instead. Kate's journey through an auto-immune diagnosis all while thinking...I'm doing the right things SO WHY AM I SICK? The hard-won courage and knowing when you're able to say - it's ok - I'll get to the other side. How the shadow side of working on our 'stuff' can show up in relationships and boundaries. The four predominant ways fear shows up for us. I especially love that Kate takes us through a super practical and relatable example of how to practice The Courage Habit when needing to have an uncomfortable conversation with a close friend. How short-term "rewards" like a decrease in stress is a fear-based way of how we can self-sabotage our long-term goals and desires. (

Meet Brodie Brodie Welch is a Licensed Acupuncturist, board-certified herbalist, Chinese Medicine expert, group coach, and self-care strategist. She’s the founder of Life in Balance Acupuncture in Corvallis, Oregon, where she has been treating patients since 2003. In addition to her clinical practice, Brodie helps caring, high-achieving, women put themselves on their own to-do lists so they can trade stress and burnout for energy, joy, and vibrant health. She has helped thousands of clients improve their digestion, sleep, and mood; dial in a regular bodymind practice, and step into the next version of themselves. She’s also the creator and host of A Healthy Curiosity: the podcast that explores what it takes to be well in a busy world. My fave moments from this conversation: Brodie and I share the whole cobbler's children have no shoes syndrome...Brodie in the form of her own self-care and me (not) being able to strategize and plan for me (but a whiz-bang doing it for others!). The messages you receive early on when your dad is a functioning alcoholic (and fairly absent) and your mom is basically Superwoman. How being around kids (Brodie became a step-mom to two children who'd lost their mom) tends to bring up all the not so great stuff about our childhoods (Can I get an AMEN!). Asking why we put such unnecessary pressure on ourselves? Just...why? The shame of being a healer and not being able to cure yourself. How to be a good step-parent when you haven't had the best of role models and not wanting to carry forward traumas and wounds from your own childhood. And so much more including lessons from step-parenting, being an overachieving altruist, and healing through work with the Chinese elements. People + Resources Mentioned Emelia Symington Fedy's thoughts on radical inconvenience as it relates to self-care (check out Emelia's episode on Going There) Tara Gentile, CEO of CoCommercial (where Brodie and I first met) What's Your Chinese Element - Brodie's amazing resource for learning more about your Chinese element Connect with Brodie Website |Facebook | A Healthy Curiosity Podcast (check out my episode!)

My fave moments from this conversation: Understanding our worthiness is there all along...it doesn't grow bigger or diminish and we don't need to try harder. In healing ourselves, we are able to help others heal. When Kelly felt that failing at being a mother felt like failing at being a women and how motherhood felt like just another thing to get an A+ on. The realization that Kelly couldn't change her autistic child but instead, she had to trust and love herself as fully as possible. Knowing when to pick your fights as a parent and perhaps wearing underwear isn't the most important fight to pick! Learning the lesson that when things are not as we expect them to be...is not necessarily a bad thing. And that's just the first 16 minutes or so... Meet Kelly Kelly Covert is an inner voice coach with a passion for helping visionary women believe and achieve their big vision by connecting deeply with the wisdom that is inside of them all while owning their worthiness each and every day. Through her intuitive, heart-centered approach she helps women awaken to their true power as creators and world-changers. She is the creator and host of the In Her Voice, a podcast that empowers women to listen and live by their inner voice so they can change the world. Her work has been featured on The Huffington Post, The Elephant Journal, YourTango.com, and she has been a featured guest on many podcasts. Kelly is also a professional flutist with Symphoria, a wife and the mother of 2 boys, 14 and 11, and 1 baby girl beagle named Piper. You can learn more and connect with Kelly at www.kellycovert.com. Kelly's Mission My mission here on earth is to empower women to understand that their inner voice, their inner wisdom is always there for them, will always have the answers and will always, always tell them that they are worthy. People + Resources Mentioned Kelly's upcoming Journaling Challenge (join me!) In Her Voice, Kelly's gorgeous podcast (check out my episode on loneliness) Connect with Kelly Website | Instagram

Meet Joanna Hi. I'm Joanna. I'm so glad you're here. Those closest to me call me Jo. I'm a supportive coach and change doula, living and working in Charlottesville, Virginia. I love this special town and feel fortunate to call it home. The Jersey girl in me misses pizza and Wawa sometimes though ;) I'm an empath, INFP, HSP, and Enneagram 4. I thrive on real conversations and the places reached beyond small talk. How are you... really? The tender spaces of genuine connection. The powerful alchemy of brave truth. I never set out to be a "weight loss success story," though I spent most of my life wishing I was in a different, usually smaller, body. It took me years of therapy to understand the connection between my personal traumas and my body. How trauma separates us from ourselves. Stranger in a strange land... finally becoming connected again allowed everything to shift. It took even me by surprise and I learned a great deal. However, when weight loss is the only lens it is a disservice to us all. What I firmly believe is that health is possible at any size, and I support the HAES philosophy. I also believe you can love your body and want to change it. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, no magic pill, no miracle remedy, as diet culture would be so glad for us to believe. The weight, for me, was subconsciously about staying hidden. About creating a buffer of safety in a world that felt terrifying. Compounded by messages about my unworthiness from diet culture, I found a place of deep self-hatred. To feel safe enough to be seen, as well as deeply worthy of existing despite the shape of my body, transformed everything. The internal shifts took place before the practical actions, like a key turning in a lock. I am here to amplify the message that recovery from trauma is possible, even when it seems utterly hopeless. A life of connection and safety is possible. Things can get better. You can reconnect with your body. It may change, it may not. Either is okay. True wellness is holistic, system-informed, and based in sustainable practices that feel good. How do you feel in your life and your body? How do you want to feel? I am part professional encourager, part tender confidant, part intuitive guide. I am a perception shifter and the best wing woman. I love working with a wide variety of people, but especially resonate with creative folk, introverted feeling types, and HSP's. Are you working to make change in your life or in your work? I'm here to support you, brave one. People + Resources Mentioned Mara Glatzel (Joanna and I first met in one of Mara's offerings...highly recommend!!!!) Liz Lamoreux and her pocket talismans which helped Joanna find her voice and tell her story The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller, a book Joanna finds instrumental in her healing Connect with Joanna Website | Instagram

Meet Keira I am Keira Poulsen. First and foremost I am a mother to 5 beautiful kids; 4 boys and 1 girl. I am a life coach for women. I help women bring to life their passions and accomplish their goals and dreams. I support them as they hit their walls, walk through resistance and step into the greatness that has been hiding inside of them. I’m a writer on MEDIUM.COM. I write articles to help wake up the parts inside of us that are asleep are dormant. The parts that want to run away from pain by numbing up or hiding our light. I am also an author. I am writing a book that will be coming out June 2018. This book is to help victims of sexual abuse see the hope and healing that is available when they address the trauma that they have gone through. I have worked as a Muscle Testing facilitator for 6 years. This is a form of kinesiology that helps release emotional patterns. I also do a form of light work and energy work to help with healing of the body as well as emotional healing. I have a drive inside of me to help others to wake up to their light. I have learned that it is when we finally face the pain we have run from, we get to step into the light that is within us. PEOPLE + RESOURCES MENTIONED EMDR (therapy treatment Keira found especially helpful) The book I recommend over and over and over – THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kelk Keira’s upcoming book – THE HIDDEN GIFTS WITHIN THE TRAUMA OF SEXUAL ABUSE BENJAMIN HARDY – the points of no return CONNECT WITH KEIRA WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | PROJECT BREAK THE SILENCE

in Melanie's own words... The best conversations often happen over coffee. Melanie Scroggins is the host and producer of the Over Coffee podcast where she digs deep to uncover helpful insights for living life more intentionally. Each episode, Melanie invites inspiring people with genuine stories, in-depth knowledge, and first-hand experience on a variety of topics in a way that is easy to follow and understand - like chatting with a friend at your favorite cafe. Never found without coffee in hand, Melanie is passionate about advocacy, minimalism, and general simple living. Whether it’s writing or podcasting, she’s a firm believer that your story should be told. If you’re ever in Austin, TX, give her a buzz! People + Resources Mentioned EMDR (therapy treatment Melanie found especially helpful) The book I recommend over and over and over - The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kelk Melanie is super inspired by the RadioLab podcast If you ever want to die laughing, check out My Mortified Life. You're welcome! Over Coffee - Melanie's Podcast (check out my episode on motivation) Connect with Melanie Website | Instagram 

In Sarah's Own Words... Sarah is a wife, mama, and podcaster who loves stories. The kind of stories that you share over a cup of coffee, on a comfy couch, or with a box of tissues. She is the host of the Messy Roads to Motherhood podcast which is a safe place where women come to share their difficult journeys to becoming moms. Her hope for the podcast is that every woman would believe their story is worthy of being told. When she’s not busy spending time with family or working, you can probably find her enjoying a good Netflix binge with some Andy’s Frozen Custard. People + Resources Mentioned The Birth Hour Podcast Messy Roads of Motherhood - Sarah's Podcast (check out my episode!) Connect with Sarah + Messy Roads Of Motherhood Website | Instagram | Facebook |Facebook Group

in Tiana’s own words… Tiana Dodson is a fat activist and health coach who runs One Beautiful Yes, where she helps people in big bodies find their healthy. (Body shaming, intentional weight loss, and self-hatred not included.) If she could only ever tell the world one thing, it would be that health isn’t about the size of your body: it’s about how you function in that body, how you fuel that body, and how you feel about that body. And that process always starts with one precious, beautiful yes. PEOPLE + RESOURCES MENTIONED Tiana’s MANIFESTO and ONE BEAUTIFUL YES! INSTITUTE FOR INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION RITA CHAND (Going There Season 1 Guest) Putting the Diet Industry out of Business CONNECT WITH TIANA WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

IN TASHA'S OWN WORDS I am a compassionate woman with a passion for wisdom, creativity and unconditional love.  My past has been dark, I lived through eight years of debilitating child sexual abuse, violence and carried around a deeply wounded heart. My faith has been strong. It was a deep belief in unconditional LOVE that I held on to, that kept me living with my heart on my sleeve. Open always with hope and full of love to give. My determination and deep knowing that there is goodness to be experienced in life has brought me to where I am today. IN THIS EPISODE Tasha opens up beautifully and vulnerably about healing from childhood sexual abuse and we share how we both saw ourselves as the protectors…and failed. It never ceases to amaze me the connection we can find in others’ stories…even when they are so different from our own. PEOPLE + RESOURCES MENTIONED Alana Helbig, PODCAST MENTOR + creator of Ignite (a podcasting course) THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes Tasha’s AFFIRMATION CARD DECK CONNECT WITH TASHA WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Sometimes you just need a winding conversation…one with really no start and end (other than we only had an hour scheduled). Throw in Rachael Rice and you have one magical, radical, whimsical, intriguing, inspiring, and challenging conversation WE COVER THE GAMUT…LITERALLY…LIKE CRADLE TO GRAVE. We start off talking about art and snowflakes and how BAD I am at art and we throw in some exotic marshmallow making and then Rachael agrees to be my surrogate crafty mom…WHA?!?!?!?!?! (Little does she know I fully plan on taking her up on this when I’m trying to think of a crafty project with my daughter). We end up talking about our abusive dads and how it impacts our parenting (and truthfully, scares us), why we think people should be judged, cultural appropriation and how it relates to/impacts Rachael’s artwork, disability advocacy and the importance of evolving our language, sitting in the uncomfortable, her work as a death doula (this stuff is f a s c i n a t i n g), and our anesthetized culture which OF COURSE has people eating Tide Pods. Listen in, take notes, ask yourself (and others) some hard questions and come say HI to RACHAEL and ME on Insta to continue the conversation. FAVORITE MOMENTS To see boho-laced dreamcatchers manufactured overseas so that I can make money…? Fuck that. No way…that’s not why I’m on this planet. Can white people just unplug from the internet for a minute and let the non-dominant folks have the floor….throw them some money and just say, “Thanks.”? I’m trying to direct my rage….I’ve appropriated the anger of oppressed folks and I need to remember…what’s mine? There’s ableism in demanding everyone to memorize and learn concepts our culture doesn’t actually educate us on…at all! It’s staggering the amount of care taken to protect children from the reality of the world…the way that life is. Death for me, crosses the level of comfortability in the uncomfortable and I think it’s because I’ve wanted my dad dead for most of my life and that makes me feel like a shitty person. Parts of us are meant to be broken – that brokenness is part of how we know ourselves to be human. PEOPLE + RESOURCES MENTIONED Illana Burk of YOUR LIFE’S WORKSHOP The END of Rachael’s DreamCatcher career Rachael’s conversation with Carmen Spagnola of NUMINOUS PODCAST Rachael’s writings about the WHITE LADY FINDING HERSELF (NOTE: Rachael and I both identify as WHILFTS). MEET RACHAEL I am a full-time artist, writer, and educator. My work lies at the crossroads of creative expression, community, justice, teaching, healing and magic. My background is in critical pedagogy + constructivist theory where I specialized in differentiated instruction and educating for democracy with concentrations in Art and English. I have spent over 20 years in the classroom as a certified, licensed public school art teacher, as well as in after-school and out-of-school community-based arts programs that serve primarily at-risk youth, folks with disabilities and low-income communities. In a subsequent professional iteration, I spent some years in the social enterprise non-profit startup world where I worked to implement systems to support communities where our current systems have failed. This included things like innovative repurposing of industrial surplus, outreach, development + fundraising, and starting alternative + complementary currency supported approaches to health care. Learn more about Rachael at WWW.RACHAELRICE.COM. WEBSITE ∆ INSTAGRAM ∆ PATREON ∆ FACEBOOK ∆ ETSY

Mason didn’t think they’d live to their late 20s and is now 32 with a wife, baby, and super important work helping organizations be more LGBTQ friendly. We want…scratch that…NEED Mason here on this planet at this critical time as we all learn how to better navigate how society is changing. Listen in as Mason and I talk about self-harming (they were hospitalized 7 times), having to adopt your own daughter because of the fucked up conventions in our society, the support of amazing parents, being excommunicated from church (YAY Conservative Christians!!), and the wholesomeness of skipping rocks when ragey angry (as opposed to throwing milk crates which is what I was want to do in my younger days…). This episode is absolutely PACKED and has me laughing, tearing up, getting mad, feeling hopeful, intrigued…and everything in between. Have a listen and then come say Hi on Insta and let Mason (@masonaid) know how much you loved their stories and any takeaways you have from the conversation. (We even weave in talk of erotica because how can you not?????) People + Resources Mentioned Mason’s website: Mason Aid Mason’s MUST WATCH video What Do You Need to Come Out About Christian ska band Five Iron Frenzy Bari Tessler Linden’s Art of Money YNAB Meet Mason Mason Aid is an LGBTQ educator and advocate focused on helping business owners be LGBTQ inclusive in their language and processes. They grew up on a small farm in rural Northeast Missouri and have since moved to the teeming metropolis of Columbia, Missouri. They got their start working with LGBTQ teens and found passion through this work. Seeing the experiences and lives of these amazing youth had a profound impact on Mason, and through their volunteer work they found opportunities training educators and social service providers. They have since grown those opportunities into a business working with HR departments and creative entrepreneurs to help others avoid the “accidental asshole” moment. Mason loves spending time with their wife and baby, going on walks, cooking good food, and being a pretentious coffee snob. Website ∆ Instagram ∆ Twitter

GAH. Life’s a journey…yeah? Firstly…YEAH, IT’S SEASON 2, BABY!!!!! GOING THERE is an absolute labor of love and I pinch myself daily over the interesting people I meet and the deep conversations we have. A GINORMOUS Thank You for joining along on this ride. Now…onto the episode… WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODE Today, the tables have turned and the interviewer has become the interviewee. My friend and former guest, Dyana, asks me the hard questions that demand hard answers. What I had assumed was going to be a discussion about my childhood turned into something so much more. I’ve never been one for commitment and monogamy and kids and…and…and…yet here I am happily (and monogamously) married with three lovely children. Only…I wasn’t always so happily married to my husband. In fact, 3 years ago I told him I wanted a divorce and even got my own apartment and started furnishing it. I loved him, deeply and tremendously, but I was done being in a relationship that neither of us was choosing to nurture. But now? After 16 years I think we’ve finally figured it out which looks a whole lot like me listening to my heart rather than my ego, both of us putting in the hard emotional labor to better communicate and articulate our needs, and having an ongoing list of things to discuss with our amazing marriage therapist. And oh yeah…a new house…but more on that in the episode. I don’t want to spill everything but this is a really raw + vulnerable conversation about a woman (me) growing up and learning how to set aside her enormous ego, compromise, grow into a nurturing woman, and learn how to be a better person. Listen in as Dyana Valentine (SEASON ONE GUEST) turns the tables on me and asks me the hard questions. Oooh boy…this stuff can be hard, yo! SOME OF MY FAVE MOMENTS IN THIS CONVERSATION INCLUDE: My optimism that maybe we could remarry when we’re 70. Yeah…hubby didn’t go for that idea. How I went from never feeling like anyone had my back to the realization that my husband’s had my back all along…I just wasn’t ready to allow for it. (Side-note: this man is a saint for sticking by my side after all I’ve put him through.) How a home saved our marriage (I’m not being funny…I mean this quite sincerely) and why creaky wood floors help me feel safe and loved. How this same home and my marriage has given me roots…roots I never wanted but help me feel more independent and free…two feelings I never thought I could find within a marriage and a family. The guilt I have that my older kids – my boys – didn’t have a happy and fulfilled mom and that my daughter now mostly does. They were robbed and I feel bad about that. Giving birth to my daughter and asking myself if I was the type of woman I’d want raising her and the answer was no…and that was hard to hear. I mean..SHIT. Now what? Questioning if I can trust my gut when that’s been my stalwart and lifeline all these years…talk about shaking your ego to its core! A HUGE thank you to Dyana for turning the tables on me and hats off to all MY GUESTS that show up and spill the beans on their own personal stories ∆ Jen