Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman

Do you know your purpose? In this episode, we tackle this question along with the topic of rest as an entrepreneur. This week's guest, Shaunda Gary, reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience as we strive to accomplish our goals.  You'll hear about: redefining rest through a spiritual lens,  how to define purpose,  obedience,  patience vs anxiety,  walking in your purpose even when you don't want to, and  faith-based entreprenuership. Connect with Us! @saltandlightrva mysaltedfaith.com saltlightagency.com @lauren.e.will @ipwomanpodcast imperfectlyphenom.com

Do you feel like you're going into a new season in life? In this solo episode, Lauren shares about how it's time for something new. The last 10 years between the ages of 24 and 34 have laid a strong foundation for who she is today, but now it's time to build upon it and move into what's next. She shares about: naming the chapters of your life,  letting the path unfold,  not forcing what's next,  new creative ideas, and  how it feels to be at the beginning of something new and unknown. Let's Connect! @lauren.e.will @ipwomanpodcast imperfectlyphenom.com

1 in 6 women experience infertility according to the World Health Organization. After 5 years of trying to concieve, Angela Gaston decided to try in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this episode, she shares the long, and at times disappointing, journey of creating the family she's always wanted. Angela's story is a reminder not to give up and that there are multiple ways to start a family. The process may have felt imperfect, but as a phenomenal woman, she persevered through hard times. Now, she gets to experience the joys of motherhood.  In this episode you'll hear about: trying to concieve while battling PCOS,  symptoms of PCOS,  feeling defeated while trying to concieve,  feeling like a failure as a wife,  exploring fertility and alternative family options like medication,  intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and  surrogacy,  the importance of mindset during periods of infertility,  having a long distance partner while pregnant,  managing anxiety,  giving yourself grace,  hearing a heartbeat for the first time, and  things she wish she knew before trying to concieve.  At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't get pregnant" to fit more within Angela's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect With Us! Angela Gaston @ajlgaston2 @lauren.e.will @ipwomanpodcast imperfectlyphenom.com

Taking care of family members can be mentally and physically demanding. But while taking care of others, how do you take care of yourself? Dr. Tamara Dias became a caregiver after her father experienced multiple strokes. She talks about relatable experiences as she shares her time and energy with her loved one. This episode is a reminder that you can do great things in the midst of hard times. Don't forget that you have to be mindful of your own well-being while being supportive to others. Embrace the fact that life can be both imperfect and phenomenal at the same time. In this episode you'll hear about: what life looks like as a caregiver,  building a routine that incorporates rest,  living in fight or flight mode,  waking up each day and not knowing what to expect,  the mental and administrative demands of caretaking,  how seasons change in life,  writing a book during hard times,  balancing your wants with what others need,  postponing joy,  getting out of survival mode,  the importance of therapy while you're a caretaker,  letting go of control when there is no playbook, and  ask for help At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't enjoy life during hard times" to fit more within Tamara's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect with Us! Tamara's Book: Leading for Good tamaradias.com imperfectlyphenom.com @drtamarawdias @lauren.e.will @ipwomanpodcast

In this solo episode Lauren shares about a new limiting belief that she recently realized she holds. She also discusses the many limiting beliefs that guests have shared in interviews. The stories we tell ourselves can be powerful. It's time to acknowledge the negative stories you tell yourself and reframe them so that you can live life fully.  Let's Connect! IG: @lauren.e.will IG: @ipwomanpodcast

Student debt is annoying and I want it to go away. We're sharing a throwback episode from 2021 as we take this month to reflect on the last few years. Bola Sokunbi of Clever Girl Finance joins the pod in this Tips From an Expert episode to inspire us to take control of our finances. Bola talks about steps to take control of your debt including the snowball and avalanche methods, creative ways to make money, and the importance of making a plan. After you listen to the episode, make a plan to pay off your credit card debt, student loans, car payments and other debts. You got this! @clevergirlfinance @ipwomanpodcast Get financial tips at https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/

The last five years have been a wild ride. Have you looked back to see how far you've come? Alia Rehana joins Lauren on this episode to discuss what they would tell themselves if they could go back to 2019.  In this episode we talk about: a different perspective on life's timeline,   letting go of control,  navigating life's unknowns,  our non-linear journeys that landed us where we are,  moving back home with parents,  letting go of relationships and what's not serving you,  amazing new things that appear that you wouldn't expect,  ambition and priorities,  healing from disappointment, and  trusting yourself. Connect with Us IG: @aliarehana IG: @lauren.e.will IG: @ipwomanpodcast aliarehana.com imperfectlyphenom.com  

Do you know what peace feels like? Dedicate some time this week to experiencing it. Honestly, it's not always easy to experience states of peace, especially with everything going on in the world. But don't give up on making room for it because it is definitely possible to feel. In this solo episode Lauren was inspired by a song sung by Susan Carol (@_susancarol on insta). Lauren shares: what peace feels like to her, embracing imperfection,  how your expectations impact your peace,  getting to know what brings you peace,  creating environments that calm you, and  meditation. Let's connect! @lauren.e.will on IG  

Humans are just complicated plants. Shyanne Johnson realized that the way we nurture our plants can be similar to the way we nurture our relationships.  You're imperfect and you may have had a hard time keeping plants alive before, but that doesn't mean that's how it always has to be, and the same goes for your relationships. As a phenomenal woman you have the ability to  In this episode you'll hear about: speaking life into the things you love,  affirming your romantic partner,  pouring into others with a full cup,  being grounded and fully rooted in your values,  repotting plants,  outgrowing your environment,  loneliness vs peace,  getting to the root of problems,   Paying close attention to the needs of those around you, At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't keep plants alive" to fit more within Shyanne's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect With Us! Shyanne's IG: @_sociallyshy_ Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: imperfectlyphenom.com  

What is love and what does it look like as you grow? Charli Williams is exploring new forms of love with her family, romantic relationships, and with herself.  Love is complex. Since we're imperfect we don't always know how to express or receive it. This episode is a reminder that as you learn new things, experience new stages of life, and become more courageous, the love you give and receive may transform, and that's ok. You are loved and you are a phenomenal woman. In this episode you'll hear about: not being seen for who you are,  definitions of love,  feeling emotionless,  emotional intelligence,  doing things even when you don't want to,  the impact of therapy,  implications of the stereotype of the strong black woman,  emotions vs logic,  expressing love as a parent during the transition from child to teen,  God's love,  giving and receiving love,  grace, and  staying true to your values.  At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "your love can't evolve over time" to fit more within Charli's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect With Us! Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: imperfectlyphenom.com

Solo episode! Feeling like it's time for a change? Lauren shares about knowing that it's time to take a leap of faith into whatever is next in her life. It can feel scary to try new things, but through the process, we'll embrace imperfection while remembering that as phenomenal women, we're fully capable of taking on the task.  In this episode you'll hear about: getting out of your comfort zone,  moving into the unknown,  feeling like you aren't good enough,  taking a leap of faith,  giving yourself grace, and  trusting the process.  Connect With Me! Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: imperfectlyphenom.com

You never know what tomorrow may bring, and for many people that leads to anxiety. Karina Winn was 38 weeks pregnant, which comes with unknowns big and small, ranging from wondering if her shoes will fit again after pregnancy to who her child will become. With that much uncertainty, how do you move into the unknown confidently? This episode is a reminder that your journey has equipped you for what's next. It's also a reminder that people want to help you. You just have to be willing to ask for it and accept it.  In this episode you'll hear about: the identity changes that come with pregnancy,  tips to deal with stress and uncertainty,  balancing control and surrender through uncertainty,  having loose plans for your life,  writing your story from the perspective of joy,  asking for and accepting help as an independent woman,  self-awareness, and  trusting divine timing during transitions. At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't feel secure in uncertainty" to fit more within Karina's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect With Us! Karina's IG: @misswinn Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: imperfectlyphenom.com  

Speaking up for yourself and expressing how you feel can be difficult for some people. It wasn't until Jaquesha Moore's grandmother passed away that she felt like she could really share how she felt with others. If you're working on how to better communicate with the people around you, tune in as we discuss communication in the worksplace, friendships, romantic relationships, family, and more.  This episode is a reminder that you don't have to shrink yourself. It's ok to epxress your truth during uncomfortable conversations. Even though it may go imperfectly as you grow in using your voice, you are phenomenal and capable of developing this new skill.  In this episode you'll hear about: masking who you are and how you feel,  prioritizing other people's comfort over your own,  evaluating friendships in your thirties,  addressing issues with your partner,  burying your feelings,  getting to the root of issues that need to be communicated,  no longer sugarcoating your feelings and being blunt, and  teaching your children communication skills. At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't speak your mind" to fit more within Quesha's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect With Us! Quesha's IG: @missque_09 Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: imperfectlyphenom.com

What does the word "wife" mean to you? As Toria Edmonds-Howell was entering marriage she realized that many people had opinions on what being a wife should mean to her. She decided that instead of accepting other people's definitions and expectations for the term, she would define it for herself. Becoming a wife is an experience that can't be solely determined by what your family, friends, society, or even your partner think of you. Your definition may not fit the mold, but that's ok. How you show up as a wife may seem imperfect to others but you have to do what is best for you and your relationship. And don't forget, you can be imperfect and phenomenal at the same time. In this episode you'll learn about: intentionally not having a wedding,  managing people's opinions, carving a lane for yourself as a wife,  being complete and an individual in a marriage and partnership dating tips,  compromise in marriage, and  dealing with criticism and critique. At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't define wife for yourself" to fit more within Toria's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect with us  Toria's IG: @toriamalia Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Toria's Strategy Business and Podcast: hernewfangled.com Toria's Cleaning Products: north24home.com Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: ipwomanpodcast.com      

Want to feel better than you've been feeling lately? Disconnecting from the distractions around you just might help. In January of 2024, Lauren was grieving the loss of her grandparents while pushing through to finish a big project. After a wild year, by January 2025 she feels better than she has ever felt in her life.  This episode is a reminder that although your journey may be bumpy and full of imperfection, the impefect path can lead you to a phenomenal destination. And if you're in the midst of what feels like a rough patch, there's still hope. In this episode you'll learn about: what Lauren's personal distraction fast looked like,  burnout from being a caretaker,  disconnecting from social media and streaming platforms,  feeling nourished,  grief after loss,  the beauty of silence,  getting to know the difference between your voice and Holy Spirit's voice, and  connecting with God. At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief, "you can't feel better", to fit more within Lauren's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset.

Do you miss parts of who you used to be? In a short period of time Ryan Bridges became a mother, wife, and moved 15 hours away from everyone she new. She said, "I couldn't recognize the person I was becoming because I kept trying to hold onto the person I used to be." Through all of the transitioning, she realized she had to get out of this rut, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to show up for her children, husband, or herself. And now, she's on the other side of it all! No one talks about how painful it can feel to miss your past self. But this episode is a reminder that it's ok grieve the old you as you imperfectly transition into the phenomenal woman you're called to be. There is beauty in who you are becoming.  In this episode you'll learn about: giving yourself grace as you grow,  trusting God's process and timing for your life,  "I release" statements and the power of our words,  feeling like life revolves around your husband and children,  not recognizing your body during and after pregnancy,  releasing relationships that are no longer serving you,  recognizing your worth,  experience with breathwork,  fear of success, and  transitioning into motherhood and becoming a wife. At the end of the episode, we reframe her limiting belief "you can't mourn the old you" to fit more within Ryan's desired reality. Stay tuned until the end to shift your mindset. Connect With Us! Ryan's IG: @shes_ryanelle Lauren's IG: @lauren.e.will Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman: imperfectlyphenom.com

Feeling drained by the end of the day with too much on your to do list? Let's chat about being mindful of your energy. In this solo episode Lauren talks about how she has been managing her energy while making a new show. She also shares:  one major part of her morning routing - the 4 minute meditation,  thoughts on the concept of balance vs prioritization, finding efficiencies and asking for help,   what to do if you feel depleted, and  the importance of knowing what recharges you.    Contribute to New Growth!  https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/new-growth-video-series    Connect with Lauren!  @lauren.e.will  @ipwomanpodcast  ipwomanpodcast.com

Letting go is NOT EASY for many people, especially when what you're letting go of meant so much to you at some moment in time. Lauren LoGrasso joins the pod to chat about:  letting go of one dream so you can dream even bigger,  conversations with your inner child,  knowing when it's time to let go,  trusting the path to your dreams,  the space between knowing and readiness,  the ego and shame,  slowly transitioning into what's next, and  releasing the gifts that are burning inside of you.  The Reframe  We reframed the limiting belief "You can't let go of one dream and embrace what's next" to "letting go is an act of love which will allow you to dream bigger."  Connect with Us!   @LaurenLoGrasso  @unleashyourinnercreative Unleash Your Inner Creative Podcast  Lauren Lograsso music on Spotify  @ipwomanpodcast  ipwomanpodcast.com 

Around 90% of your decision-making is unconscious, so how do we manage our thoughts? Dr. Maiysha Clairborne joins the pod to chat about:  awareness of our trauma responses,  how to confront thoughts that aren't empowering you,  bringing the unconscious to conscious,  the phrase "I'm not good enough",  personal blind spots,  how our internal filters impact our communication and responses, discovering the original wound and healing, and  tools to anchor yourself when a trauma response is activated.     Reframe  We reframed the limiting belief "I can't shift my reality" to "How can I shift my reality? Because I can."    Connect with us!  mindremappingacademy.com  Tedx Talk: The Perspective You May Be Missing  The Black Mind Garden Podcast Dr. Maiysha on Facebook  ipwomanpodcast.com  @ipwomanpodcast on Instagram     

The journey of creating anything takes time, whether it's nine months creating a child or years building a business. Taya Marquis joins this episode to discuss:   how baby steps add up over time,  the shock, divine nature, & responsibility that comes with being a new mom,  balancing priorities,  time management,  anxiety & PTSD,  how her son inspired her to start the company Mama Juice, and  being kind to yourself while starting a business.  Reframe  We reframed the limiting belief "I can't find time for myself to create" to "I can take baby steps that add up over time." Connect with us  Mama Juice on Amazon  @mamajuicestore  @tayamarquis  @ipwomanpodcast  ipwomanpodcast.com     

What does it mean to be a wife? Carolyn Fox Darville recently got marrried and reflects on what being a wife means to her in this episode. We discuss:  balancing independence and unity in relationships,  long distance relationships,  views on personal identity and maintaining your sense of self after marriage,  relationship styles,  communication in relationships, and  creating as a couple.  Reframe  We reframed the limiting belief "I can't define wife for myself." to "I can and should define wife for myself. I will choose what's best for me, let go of other people's opinions, and maintain my sense of identity.  Connect with us  carolynfoxdarville.com @ipwomanpodcast  ipwomanpodcast.com   

In this solo episode Lauren shares about her recent experience being stuck in a rut. She shares: how the negative feelings felt in her body,  acknowledging your feelings rather than pushing them down,  building a toolkit of things that bring you peace and joy, a journaling exercise to analyze your current state, and  a goal setting exercise that may help you take steps to feel a little better.   Let's Connect!  ipwomanpodcast.com  @ipwomanpodcast 

There is nothing wrong with not desiring sex. Some people, like today's guest Kara Brady, are asexual—meaning they have little or no interest in sexual contact with others. We discuss,  how being on the ace spectrum impacted her relationships,  feeling like something was wrong with her for not enjoying sex,  choosing to come out to family and friends,  feeling empowered by labels and micro-labels,  the theory that Wednesday Adams may be asexual,  fear of being different, and  her belief that it is possible to still build meaningful relationships without sex.  The Reframe  We reframed the limiting belief "I can't go without sexual attraction" to "I can build and experience very meaningful relationships, even without sex, because sex is not essential for everyone." Connect with Us @karabrady  @ipwomanpodcast   ipwomanpodcast.com 

Your relationship with time shifts based on the chapter of life you're in. As a working mom and mother of two Moriah Garcia Nelson is trying her best to slow down. In this episode we chat about: multitasking vs saying no,  adjusting expectations of what life looks like with kids,  giving yourself grace,  commiting to asking for help,   losing your identity as a mom, and  prioritizing "me time."  Reframe  We reframed the limiting belief "I can't slow down." to "I need to slow down and I am worthy even when I am simply being."  Resource  What Giving Yourself Grace at Work—and in Life—Really Means - wellandgood.com/give-yourself-grace-meaning/  Connect with us!  @Moriah.Zoe  ipwomanpodcast.com  @ipwomanpodcast

Sex is often off limits as a topic of discussion, however, as guest Saadia Khan shares: "sex is such an intrinsic part of our existence as humans." In this Valentine's Day episode we discuss: sex beyond the typical conversations of procreation and the male gaze, discovering and building a relationship with your body,  differences between dating norms in the U.S. and Pakistan,  exploring sexuality and what makes you happy, the body as vessel of sexual emancipation, shifting the focus from only pleasing your partner to also pleasing yourself, embracing the agency you have over your body, and a lightning round of responses to "taboo" topics. Reframe We reframed the limiting belief "I can't talk about sex" to "I allow myself to talk about sex as an intrinsic part of my existence." Connect with us! immigrantlypod.com @immigrantlypod  @swkkhan ipwomanpodcast.com @ipwomanpodcast  @lauren.e.will 

Sometimes people associate their identity and value with their productivity. But productivity isn't a measure of your identity and as a human you are REQUIRED to rest. Kenya Bailey joins the pod to chat about: the need to do rather than to be,  her definition of success,  anxiety that occurs when she doesn't complete her to do list,  her initial belief that rest had to be earned,  the 4, 3, 2 breath meditation method,  the importance of focusing on what's really important, and what it feels like to just be. Reframe We reframed the limiting belief "You can't rest, there's always work to do." to the affirmation "Being is enoungh." Connect With Us! @yogawithkenya @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Lauren wraps up the Clarity Series with a solo episode. If you're seeking clarity, it's likely that you're feeling uncertain about something in your life. Let's talk about 5 ways to navigate uncertainty:  Go inward. Try listening to yourself before seeking answers elsewhere.  Follow peace, joy, and open doors.  Don't discount the value in the valleys.  Give yourself permission to not have all the answers, give yourself grace because you're trying your best, and give yourself time because the universe doesn't work on the same timeline as you do.   Remember, you'll figure it out.  Connect with Lauren! @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

It's ok if your path isn't linear and if you don't know what's next. This is the third episode of the Clarity series, which dives into people's experience with decision making. Emanda Thomas joins this episode to share: stepping away from the need to know everything,  finding comfort in uncertainty,  the importance of prayer,  patience,  establishing a foundation before taking the leap,  healing with love,  experiencing peaks and valleys along her journey, and  getting out of her own way.  Reframe We're reframing "you can't be unsure about your path" to "you can be sure about your path and find joy in the uncertainty." Connect with us! marenayurveda.com/ marenayurveda@gmail.com ipwomanpodcast.com @ipwomanpodcast

Do you know what you really want? If you don't you're not alone. Whether it's as simple as what to eat for dinner or as big as your next career move, this series of episodes - the Clarity series - dives into people's experience with decision making. Ashley J. Hobbs joins this episode to chat about: growing up in a strict religious tradition that dictated her choices,  ways she conformed and sought the approval of others,  her initial fear of God's consequences,  how focusing on health led her to realize her ability to make good decisions,  following peace as a guide,  how she gets clarity on what she wants and acts on it,  what she's learned about herself recently, and  the importance of being still.  Reframe We're reframing "I don't know what I want" to "I know what I want because I live in alignment with God's best for me" Connect with us! ashleyjh.com @ashleyjhobbs ipwomanpodcast.com @ipwomanpodcast

Let's welcome the New Year with a series on Clarity. We're talking about the limiting belief "I don't know what I want" in the next few episodes to give you a few things to consider as you walk into the new year. Steph George joins this episode of the pod to discuss:  people pleasing,  the role of trust in doing what's best for you,  the most memorable decisions she made that went against what she truly wanted,  the importance of listening to your inner voice,  what her inner voice sounds like, and  how she realized that wanting to do something is enough of a reason to act on it.  A clarity exercise you can do if it resonates with you:  Goal - To acquaint yourself with your inner voice.  write out 1-3 personal questions you want clarity on,  go somewhere quiet and ask yourself one question at a time,  listen to the answer originating from the most honest part of yourself and DON'T IGNORE IT! Note - it may appear very subtly. If nothing comes up, that's OK! We're human and don't have all the answers, but continue to make an effort to listen to yourself in every area of life. You can also try talking through the answer to your question outloud with a friend. Feel free to DM me if you want to talk through it. This is a no pressure excercise :) Reframe We're reframing "I don't know what I want" to "I have the ability to know what I want and I also know what is right for me" Connect with us! stephaniageorge.com @kyriafemme @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com @lauren.e.will

IT'S OK TO NEED AND ASK FOR HELP!!! You are worthy of help and it is available to you. In this episode, Lashaunda Watson joins the pod to chat about: the strength of our grandmothers,  the help she recieved after having a kid at 15 years old,  what independence looked like as the oldest sibling,  living up to labels like "the good girl" and "the smart girl",  how allowing herself to feel was paralyzing,  taking the time to grieve your past self,  shame,  overcoming the hesitency of asking for help,   leaning into being vulnerable and open,  how asking for help is a gift to others,  her appreciation for mentors, and  that she always knew things were going to work out...and they always did.  Connect with us! @lashaunda.watson.5 lashaunda.watson5741@gmail.com @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Sometimes you might get in your own way. But when you realize you don't have to do everything on your own and that you have Holy Spirit to lean on, the path starts to reveal itself. Brenda Gonzales joins the pod to discuss:  her experience taking a leap of faith and quitting her job,  excercising trust and patience with Holy Spirit,  making choices and focusing on them,  living your purpose, and  how God manages our timeline.   Connect with us! @rainbogrl_1782 @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Oreos are everything... just stating a fact. Loving your body can be quite a journey and cultivating positive thoughts towards your body takes work. In this episode, Deanna Mangum joins the pod to share aspects of her journey related to: shifting her relationship with food,  binge eating,  body dismorphia,  gluten intolerance,  how to pass down "generational health",  focusing on how you feel rather than the number on the scale,  nutrician and wellness,  her thoughts on whether there are actually "bad" foods, and  self exploration to rediscover who she is.  For some people, the idea that you can't eat certain foods is a limiting belief. If this resonates with you, take a moment to reframe the limiting belief to something that enhances your well-being. Connect with us! coupleyfit.com @deanna.mangum @coupleyfitt @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Trigger Warning. Will you pass down generational healing or generational trauma? Within many families there is a culture of silence in which people don't speak about certain issues. When issues remain unaddressed, they get passed down from generation to generation until someone decides to make an intentional change. Priscilla María joins the pod to discuss: the culture of familial silence,  the importance of self-validation,  how she informed her family about her trauma,  the choice she made to live for herself,  accountability,  what the journey of healing looks like for her, and  her internalized survival mentality toward school and Law school. You CAN break cycles of generational trauma! Note: This conversation includes references to sexual abuse, addiction, domestic violence, and various disorders. Connect with us! @cyclebreakercoach priscillamaria.com @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Welp, things didn't go as planned. Many women think they'll be married with kids by age 35, but that's not always the case. Avery Miles joins the pod to share what options she is considering related to starting a family. We discuss: the fantasy we have of our future self versus our reality,  the shifts in mindset that took place in her 30s,  the importance of having a flexible vision,  options for having a child like egg freezing and adoption,  dating during covid,  her search for an intentional community to support raising a child if she doesn't  find a partner, and  getting clear on future desires. Connect with us! @aviaree @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Time is the most important thing we have. Don't take it for granted when it comes to the people you love. In this epsiode, Quesha and I chat about the loss of our grandparents. We discuss:  feeling physically present but mentally and emotionally absent during hardship, fun stories about our grandparents,  taking care of kids while grieving,  attempting to move forward even through struggle,  not having the strength to make yourself a priority, and  that it's ok not to be ok.  Connect with us! @ipwomanpodcast @missque_09

In the last personal pep talk we covered four main points related to taking action, even when you don't feel like it: 1) make the choice to take action, 2) do a 4-meditatation, 3) let Holy Spirit be a Director on your team, and 4) let it rip. After the reccent passing of my grandpa, I have a few more points to add related to: boundaries, not trying so hard, enjoying the process,  and the value of your existence. Connect with me! @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Exercise, motherhood, marriage, and leadership - Jay Ell Alexander joined the pod to chat about a range of limiting beliefs, including the idea that Black girls don't run. She's the CEO and owner of Black Girls Run, which proves that limiting beliefs around Black women and exercise can be reframed. In this episode she shares about: how she got into running after learning she had her high blood pressure,  the life-changing impact running has made in every aspect of her life,  letting go of control,  asking for help as a mother,  making health a priority when you feel short on time, and   making marriage work. Connect with us! @jayellalexander blackgirlsrun.com @blackgirlsrun ipwomanpodcast.com @ipwomanpodcast

Sometimes we supress our thoughts and keep them inside rather than saying exactly what's on our mind. In this episode, Heather Green explains how the words you say and how you say them can be done in a thoughtful way. We discuss: her previous response to other people policing her tone,  why we shouldn't operate in absolutes when communicating with others,  Martin Luther King's tone and influence,  mastery of tone vs policing of tone,  a useful example of how she sets boundaries, and  the importance of being clear on your thoughts before you share them.  Connect with us! @academicmommy @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

A career change, a new unknown path, and self-worth are all parts of Safiya O'Connors current journey. In this episode we discuss: feeling like you're called to do something more,  uncertainty related to not knowing what's next,  where our coupling of worth and work come from,  what self-worth looks like when detached from work, and  that no one knows what they're doing. Connect with us! @sforsublime @elementaryinthecity @districteventsanddesign @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com  

Moving back in with parents in your 30's isn't a part of the typical societal timeline of expectations, but Alia Rehana and I did it anyways. In this episode we chat about: why we moved back home,  the complicated relationship we have with home,  how we've both moved at least 15 times,  the unrealistic expectations we had about moving to new big cities,  how we define home, and  writing your own narrative. Connect with us! @aliarehana ipwomanpodcast.com @ipwomanpodcast  

Don't let your feelings stop you from taking action, whether it's feelings of exhaustion or feelings of imposter syndrome. In this solo episode Lauren gives a pep talk and shares 4 steps she will take to push through feelings that hold her back: make the choice to take action,  do a 4-meditatation,  let Holy Spirit be a Director on your team, and  let it rip.  Don't get me wrong, give yourself grace and rest when you need to. But if you feel called to push through, this episode may be helpful for you. Take what you need. Connect with me! @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

Dating. Let's talk about it. Allason turned 30 and is going on 30 dates this year. She had a scarcity mindset when it came to dating which made her feel like she may not find the right person, but this journey is changing how she views her possibilities. We discuss: approaching the first date as simply meeting someone new,   thinking of change in dating and relationships as building a new muscle,  letting go of the need for dates to become more,  what she's learned through the process,  how her relationships previously felt like a whirlwind,  breaking dating cycles,  pushing past settling for what's familiar, and  our love of excel docs to think through our love lives.  Connect with us! @allasonleitz @ipwomanpodcast.com  ipwomanpodcast.com

It's time to say it. Speak up for yourself. Don't hold it in anymore, say what's on your mind and advocate for yourself in every area of your life. J.J. Savaunt joins the pod to chat about: pros and cons of embodying the "be polite" persona,  how not speaking up in a potentially dangerous situation made her realize the importance of using her voice,  how fear made her conflict avoidant,  the approach she takes when speaking up for herself with people she doesn't know, and  how she uses writing as a form of using her voice. Connect with us! @jj_savaunt @ipwomanpodcast ipwomanpodcast.com

You have the power to overcome what you're going through. You are loved and you are worthy. Tiffany Granell joins the pod to discuss: accepting her identity and coming out,  how she overcame suicidal thoughts,  how hard it can be to feel like you're letting others down,  her experience with the church, and  apologizing to yourself and others. Resource Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988 Connect with us! @tiffanyg31 ipwomanpodcast.com @ipwomanpodcast

You deserve peace of mind and to experience life's beauty. However, Black and brown people are often not represented in wellness and mindfulness communities. April Bennett joins the pod to talk about: Setting intentions before meditating,  what it means to be in dialogue with the universe,  types of meditation like visualization, guided imagery, and tea meditation,  creating mindful moments in everyday activities, and Black girls who love survival TV shows like Naked and Afraid. Connect with us! @moonlightco.va @ipwomanpodcast  ipwomanpodcast.com  

As a mama of 6 kids, Sakilé has traveled around the United States and the world with her family of 8. In this Tips From An Expert episode, she joins us to share: how loss revealed the importance of living life fully,  travel hacks for flights and hotels,  her experience traveling as a family of 8,  that achieving financial freedom is an ongoing process,  the secret behind the success of her 20+ year marriage,  what world-schooling means and why she chose it for her children, and travel budgeting. Resources www.embraceyourfree.com/guide Connect with us! @ipwomanpodcast / ipwomanpodcast.com embraceyourfree.com / fb: Sakilé Sakilé / Sakilé@embraceyourfree.com

Rediscovering and redefining who you are is a process. After having a child, many parents find themself asking "who am i now?" Michelle Jones Simms joins the pod to share: elements of her life that have changed postpartum like her finances, body, and her "why",  how important it was to ground herself during pregnancy rather than trying to check off all the boxes,  her experience with home birth,  fears she had prior to giving birth and postpartum,  her appreciation for her village and support system, and  steps she's taking to rediscover and redefine who she is. Connect with us! @emmjaay21 / @rootednsoul @ipwomanpodcast / ipwomanpodcast.com

Imposter syndrome makes you feel insecure and can manifest as stress and anxiety. Simultaneously, societal expectations and the pressure we put on ourselves to perform makes some people feel like their personal best isn't good enough. Kai Butler joins the pod to share: her experience with imposter syndrome in grad school,  defining your personal best,  the importance of feeling safe and like you belong,  code switching and communication, overthinking what to say in social settings,  the comparison trap,  fear of judgement, and  celebrating the journey. Connect with us! ipwomanpodcast.com  @ipwomanpodcast @kai.yvonne  

Therapist Morgan Graves shares tips on effective communication with your partner and others. In this Tips from an Expert episode we discuss:  the four communication styles and antidotes as described by Gottman's The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling,  how to respond if you shut down during conflict and why people are conflict avoidant,  the impact of assumptions,  boundaries,  the importance of self-awareness, individuality and authenticity in relationships, and  what communication issues appear with people outside of romantic relationships like family, friends, and coworkers. Connect with Us! Morgan - royalphoenixls.com Morgan - @royal_phoenixls Lauren - ipwomanpodcast.com Lauren - @ipwomanpodcast

Overcoming your internal negative self-talk can be difficult. The negative narratives in your mind may be holding you back from your purpose and the life you desire. In this three year anniversary solo episode (woohoo!), Lauren shares the three phase process of getting to the other side of fear, which includes: acknowledging your negative internalized narratives,  easing in or jumping into the action that you've been avoiding, and  leveling up.   DM me! @ipwomanpodcast on insta.