Masks Off

If you're the default planner, reminder, emotional regulator, and peacekeeper in your relationship — this episode is for you.We're unpacking the invisible mental load and how it slowly turns into over-functioning, resentment, and the “guilt hangover” that follows boundary setting.Joined by therapist Dr. Gloria King, we explore how this pattern intensifies in neurodiverse relationships, where executive functioning differences may push one partner into the manager role — often without either person realizing how it happened.This conversation covers:• The unseen “second shift” many women carry• How people-pleasing and perfectionism fuel over-functioning• Childhood conditioning around being “good”• Religious messaging about self-sacrifice• Why guilt doesn't mean your boundary is wrong• How to expect (and handle) pushback• Building tolerance for discomfort like a muscle• When to pause conversations for safety• Why listening to your gut mattersDr. King works with adults 21+ in individual and couples therapy, including neurodiverse couples, people-pleasing, menopause transitions, infidelity recovery, and women's issues.The core message of this episode:You matter.Fear and guilt do not automatically mean you're wrong.And self-love includes valuing your needs without calling it selfish.If this resonates, share it with someone who needs permission to stop carrying it all.And remember:Caring doesn't require disappearing.That's the Masks Off Movement.About Dr. Gloria:I'm an extroverted introvert, lol and I love saying that as I used to be so shy. I'm originally from Puerto Rico and have lived in FL since I was 8 years old. I'm married and my husband and I are both huge dog lovers and have had dogs in the office with us for quite sometime now. I love time with friends and family, murder mystery shows, and laughing out loud. I'm fascinated by what makes people tick and love being a part of clients' life journeys. I''m dually licensed as a mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist and obtained my doctorate in 2005. I've been a therapist for almost 30 years and in private practice since 2008. My specialties include women's issues including people pleasing, couples work with infidelity and intimate betrayal trauma, and neurodiverse individual and couples counseling.Connect with Dr. Gloria: www.drgloriariveraking.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571809726617,Instagram: @ drgloria_

In this episode of Masks Off: Inner Freedom for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, Kim Gross explores how self-abandonment, over-adapting, shapeshifting, over-functioning, hyper-responsibility, and hypervigilance become survival strategies to stay connected.In dating, it can look like hiding your needs, chasing “being chosen,” or ignoring red flags.At work, it may show up as over-performing, struggling to say no, and tying your worth to productivity.In friendships, it often appears as being the strong one — the therapist friend who rarely shares her own struggles.Kim shares personal stories, including how presenting as “low maintenance” early in her marriage led to deeper insecurity and approval-seeking later, and how an autoimmune diagnosis exposed her attachment to productivity and worth.This episode reframes these behaviors not as flaws, but as nervous system strategies rooted in fear of rejection, abandonment, and being seen as “too much.”You'll walk away with reflection questions, a practical “take up 5% more space” weekly challenge, and an introduction to Kim's 5-Step Power Pathway for healing self-abandonment.The goal isn't to stop caring.It's to stop disappearing.

People-pleasing doesn't come from weakness—it comes from survival.In this deeply grounding solo episode of Masks Off: Inner Freedom for People-Pleasers & Perfectionists, Kim Gross unpacks why so many women struggle to speak up, rest, or set boundaries without guilt. Drawing from personal experience, nervous-system awareness, and years of inner work, Kim reveals how people-pleasing is often formed in childhood and reinforced by a culture that equates worth with productivity.This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and gently question the patterns that keep you overgiving, overfunctioning, and disconnected from yourself.You'll hear why:Saying “no” can feel threatening to your body—even when it's necessaryGuilt is often a sign of growth, not failureSelf-abandonment shows up in subtle, everyday waysBoundaries aren't about pushing people away—they're about coming home to yourselfKim also introduces her Five-Step Power Pathway, a practical framework designed to help you recognize patterns in real time and begin unhooking from them with compassion instead of shame.This episode is especially for women who:Feel responsible for other people's emotionsStruggle with rest, stillness, or self-careTie their value to productivity or achievementWant freedom without becoming hardened or disconnected✨ This isn't about fixing yourself.✨ It's about remembering who you are underneath the mask.00:00 The Right to Self-Care00:32 Welcome to Masks Off02:01 The Guilt of Speaking Up04:52 Childhood Conditioning & Survival Patterns09:37 Understanding & Interrupting Autopilot18:23 The Five-Step Power Pathway20:16 Reflective Questions24:16 Final Thoughts & InvitationIf this episode resonated, you're not alone—and you don't have to do this work by yourself.Connect with Kim, explore her teachings, or learn more about working together by visiting the links in the show notes.

In this solo episode of Masks Off: Inner Freedom for People-Pleasers & Perfectionists, host Kim Gross unpacks the deeply rooted pattern of approval addiction—the unconscious need for validation that often drives people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-abandonment.Kim shares personal reflections and excerpts from her memoir Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation, revealing how approval-seeking behaviors form in childhood as survival strategies tied to safety, belonging, and love. Rather than framing these patterns as weaknesses, Kim offers a compassionate reframe: approval addiction is learned—and therefore, it can be unlearned.Listeners are invited into a gentle process of self-awareness through journal prompts, reflection, and nervous-system-informed insight. The episode closes with a powerful reminder inspired by Melodie Beattie, reinforcing the truth that worthiness is not something we earn—it's something we remember.This episode is for anyone ready to:Stop chasing validationUnderstand the roots of people-pleasingHeal self-worth at the pattern levelReclaim inner peace and authenticity00:00 Introduction to Approval Addiction01:49 Welcome to Masks Off03:20 Personal Struggles with Approval Addiction03:37 The Roots of Approval Addiction06:13 Excerpt from Free to Be11:34 The Impact of External Validation15:58 The Need for Belonging26:01 Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection31:57 Final Thoughts & Integration⏱ Episode Chapters#PeoplePleasing #ApprovalAddiction #InnerFreedom#SelfWorthHealing #EmotionalAwareness #PersonalGrowth

Self-abandonment doesn't always look dramatic.Most of the time, it's quiet. Subtle. Almost invisible.In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, Kim Gross is joined by certified life coach Karen Garcia for a deeply honest conversation about micro yeses — the small moments where we override ourselves to avoid discomfort, conflict, or rejection.Karen shares her personal journey of reclaiming self-worth while navigating separation, co-parenting, and dating — all while unlearning people-pleasing patterns that once felt necessary for survival.Together, Kim and Karen explore:How micro yeses lead to burnout, resentment, and disconnectionWhy saying no can feel unsafe — even as an adultThe role of self-trust in boundary settingWhat it really means to choose yourself consistentlyWhy asking for help is a powerful act of self-respectThis episode is for anyone who's tired of over-giving, tired of explaining themselves, and ready to stop abandoning their own needs.

In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, Kim Gross introduces her 5-Step Power Pathway — a grounded, compassionate framework for breaking free from deeply rooted emotional and behavioral patterns.Drawing from her own lived experience, Kim explores how safety, childhood conditioning, and nervous system responses shape our habits around people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-worth, and control. She explains why real transformation isn't about fixing yourself — it's about becoming aware, taking ownership, and learning how to stay present with the parts of you that once kept you safe.This episode is especially for you if:• You feel stuck in cycles you can't seem to break• You intellectually understand your patterns but still repeat them• You're ready for deeper healing beyond surface-level toolsKim also shares how this work is expanded in her book, Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation, and invites listeners to continue the journey through coaching and community.✨ Healing begins when you stop fighting yourself — and start listening.#HealingJourney #SelfAwareness #InnerWork #PeoplePleaserHealing #PerfectionistRecovery #EmotionalFreedom #TraumaInformed #PersonalDevelopment #MasksOff

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “Why doesn't this feel like mine?”In this episode, Kim Gross explores the deep sense of disconnection that often comes from people pleasing and perfectionism—patterns that quietly pull us away from our true selves. Through personal reflection and lived experience, Kim unpacks how childhood conditioning leads to self-abandonment and why so many adults struggle to trust their own desires, needs, and intuition.This conversation invites you to slow down, get honest about your patterns, and begin reconnecting with yourself in small, grounded, and compassionate ways.In this episode, we cover:The hidden cost of people pleasing and perfectionismHow self-abandonment forms in childhoodRecognizing when your choices are driven by external expectationsReflective questions to increase self-awarenessGentle steps toward living a more aligned, authentic lifeResources:• Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation• Additional tools and offerings available on Kim's website.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction: Feeling Disconnected from Your Life02:05 Personal Story: Making Decisions for Others09:12 The Impact of People Pleasing and Perfectionism10:18 Understanding Childhood Conditioning11:56 Invitation to Deeper Work16:15 Recognizing and Breaking Patterns23:42 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth29:56 Conclusion: Taking Baby Steps Towards ChangeIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who's learning to take off their masks—and remember, awareness is the first step back to yourself.

January comes with a lot of pressure. New habits. New goals. A “new you.”But what if the work this year isn't about fixing yourself at all?In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, Kim Gross invites you to step off the self-improvement hamster wheel and into something far more powerful: self-awareness.If the start of the new year leaves you feeling heavy, behind, or already failing — this conversation is for you. Kim unpacks how hustle culture, vision boards, and endless goal-setting often carry a subtle message that who you are right now isn't enough. And for people pleasers and perfectionists, that message hits deep.Through personal stories and gentle truth-telling, Kim explores:Why January can feel emotionally overwhelmingThe difference between growth and self-fixingHow perfectionism disguises itself as “motivation”The masks we learned to wear to feel safe, loved, or acceptedWhy awareness — not improvement — creates real changeThis episode is an invitation to stop becoming someone else…and start waking up to who you already are.✨ New year. Same you. But this time, you're awake.00:00 Introduction & the January blues00:35 The pressure to reinvent yourself02:29 When self-improvement becomes self-rejection06:20 Growth vs. fixing yourself06:58 An invitation to radical self-honesty in 202610:07 Understanding the masks we wear13:02 Personal story: where people-pleasing began16:57 Reflecting on the cost of constant improvement23:39 Choosing awareness over achievement30:32 Closing reflection & invitation to connect

✨ Re-Released by Popular Demand — Our #1 Episode of 2025 ✨This episode was the most listened-to and shared episode of 2025, and for good reason. I'm bringing it back because the message is timeless — and so many of you said it shifted how you see yourself and your relationships.In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Charleanea Arellano as we explore how unresolved past trauma quietly shapes our current relationships — often without us realizing it.Together, we unpack the concepts of “prison” and “paradise” in relationships, and how unhealed wounds can keep us stuck in cycles of self-abandonment, people-pleasing, and emotional disconnection. Dr. Charleanea shares both her professional expertise and personal lived experience, offering deep insight into what it truly takes to move from victimhood into freedom.In this episode, we talk about:How past trauma shows up in adult relationshipsWhy ownership (not blame) is the gateway to healingThe role of self-compassion in building intimacyHow to stop recreating old patterns and start choosing differentlyPractical tools you can begin using today to unhook from the pastIf you've ever felt stuck between longing for connection and protecting yourself from pain, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Merry Christmas

Do you ever feel restless the moment life slows down? Like your mind and body just won't let you be still? You're not alone — and your restlessness is trying to tell you something.Welcome back to Masks Off! I'm Kim Gross, and today we're diving deep into a feeling so many perfectionists and people pleasers struggle with: restlessness.If you find yourself pacing, fidgeting, overthinking, or immediately reaching for your to-do list the second things get quiet… this episode is for you. Restlessness isn't random — it's a protective strategy, a signal from your nervous system that something deeper is asking to be felt.In this raw and honest conversation, I open up about my own battle with restlessness, including a recent injury that forced me to slow down and face the emotions I'd been avoiding. I explore how childhood conditioning, perfectionism, and fear of feeling all contribute to that uncomfortable inner buzz we're so quick to escape.Most importantly, I walk you through my 5-Step POWER Pathway — a practical, compassionate framework to help you move through restlessness instead of fighting it. You'll learn how to recognize the pattern, take ownership, feel what's underneath, support your inner child, and make grounded choices that honor your true needs.Restlessness is not a flaw. It's a messenger. And when you learn to listen, you reconnect to yourself in the most powerful way.✨ Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation — my book on breaking patterns and reclaiming your authentic self ✨ Real & Unfiltered Community for young women — a space to heal, connect, and grow together ✨ Online course for perfectionists & people pleasers — dive deeper into the POWER Pathway and inner liberation✨ Subscribe for more conversations on authenticity, healing, and inner liberation

In this deeply vulnerable episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross shares a raw, honest, behind-the-scenes look at what real healing looks like.If you've ever used staying busy, being productive, or constantly “doing” as a way to avoid your emotions — this episode will feel like a mirror.Kim opens up about:How she recognized productivity as a coping mechanismThe moment she realized she was distracting herself from deeper emotional needsThe discomfort of slowing down when perfectionism has been your identityHow healing can feel like losing your ambition — and why that's actually normalThe powerful framework she teaches: The Five Step POWER PathwayYou'll learn how to use the 5 Step POWER Pathway to break cycles of people-pleasing, overwhelm, self-criticism, and the pressure to be perfect:1️⃣ Pattern Awareness 2️⃣ Ownership 3️⃣ Willingness to Feel 4️⃣ Embrace Your Wounded Parts 5️⃣ Radical ResponsibilityWhether you're in your twenties trying to figure out who you are, or you've spent decades living behind masks of perfection and self-protection — this episode will guide you back home to yourself.✨ This is your permission to slow down, feel your feelings, ditch perfectionism, and start your journey to inner liberation.✨ Thank you for being here. If this episode resonated with you — especially the part about using productivity to avoid feeling your deeper emotions — know this:You're not alone, and nothing is wrong with you. This is part of the healing journey.If you're in your 20s and navigating people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling lost, join my Real & Unfiltered Community for Young Women. It's the safe space I wish I had at your age.

Are you stuck in the grind, pushing, striving, and hustling—yet still feeling out of alignment? In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, I sit down with Reuven Shelef to unpack the deeper layers of perfectionism, burnout, and what it really takes to build a life (and business) that feels aligned instead of overwhelming.Reuven gets real about his journey—from a high-stress childhood and military service to navigating business ownership and personal development. Together, we explore what so many perfectionists struggle with: the pressure to perform, the fear of disappointing others, and the belief that you must constantly “do more” to be worthy.If you're craving more balance, more peace, and more truth in how you live and work, this conversation will hit home.The hidden survival strategies behind perfectionismHow hustle culture disconnects us from purposeWhy alignment matters more than constant productivityThe difference between passion and responsibilityHow to break overwhelming goals into simple, actionable stepsWhat commitments really mean—and how to keep themThe power of undelivered communicationHow to navigate work, well-being, and expectations more gracefullyThis episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to grind your way to fulfillment. You can choose alignment, truth, and integrity with yourself instead.✨ Subscribe for more conversations on authenticity, healing, and inner liberation

Are you exhausted from constantly striving, pushing, and trying to be perfect? In this vulnerable and intimate episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers & Perfectionists, I'm sharing the truth about my complicated relationship with my inner perfectionist—who I lovingly call Perfectionistic Paula.For decades, Paula ran the show. She kept me hustling, grinding, striving, and pushing past my limits… all in the name of safety, approval, and control. But as I've moved deeper into my own healing, something surprising happened: I no longer wanted to push. I no longer felt that constant drive. I didn't even recognize myself without her.This episode is an honest look at what happens after you put the sword down, slow down, and start reclaiming the parts of you that perfectionism silenced. I talk about:✨ How perfectionism shows up as a survival strategy ✨ The emotional and physical costs of letting Paula run the show ✨ My struggles with chronic health symptoms and deep exhaustion ✨ The strange “void” that comes when you finally stop striving ✨ How to find the middle ground between burnout and balance ✨ Why your 20s can feel so overwhelming and confusing — and how perfectionism makes it worse ✨ How to soften, surrender, and listen to your inner wisdom instead of the pressure to "figure it all out"If you're a young woman in your twenties navigating identity, burnout, pressure, or perfectionism — this episode will speak directly to your soul.

Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and like you're running on fumes? You're not alone—and you're definitely not failing. In this powerful episode, Kim Gross breaks down the truth about burnout in your twenties and why it hits so hard for young women who are trying to do everything and be everything.Kim helps you understand the difference between normal tiredness and the deep, unhealthy drain of burnout—the kind that affects your body, mind, emotions, and identity. She walks you through the key warning signs most people miss, and the hidden beliefs that keep you pushing past your limits.You'll also learn simple but game-changing tools you can use today, like creating a Joy Jar to reconnect with what lights you up and writing Permission Slips that help you release unrealistic pressure and expectations.If you're craving balance, breathing room, and more joy in your life, this episode is your reset button.✨ Ready to unhook from burnout and step into freedom? Join Kim's Real & Unfiltered Community for Young Women for ongoing support, real conversations, and tools that actually help.

Do the holidays leave you stressed about food, body image, or saying no to that second helping (or that draining family event)? You're not alone.

Are you tired of feeling stuck, resentful, or like life keeps happening to you instead of for you? In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross, author of Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation, breaks down what it really means to take ownership and personal responsibility — and why it's the key to breaking free from the victim mindset.If you've ever caught yourself blaming your ex, your parents, your job, or your friends for how you feel, this episode will hit home. Kim shares her own journey from blaming others for her unhappiness to realizing that freedom begins when you stop giving your power away. You'll learn how to recognize when you're in victim mode, how to reclaim your agency, and how to take radical responsibility for your peace, joy, and growth.This episode is especially for women in their twenties who are learning to navigate adulthood, relationships, and self-discovery without losing themselves in perfectionism or people-pleasing.

Are you constantly saying yes when your heart is screaming no? Do you find yourself seeking approval, even at the cost of your own peace? And have you ever wondered what your life might look like if you finally took off the mask and started living for you?In this episode of Masks Off, host Kim Gross opens up about her personal struggle with people-pleasing and the fear of rejection that once controlled her choices. From the pressure to start a family to the quiet suffering of always putting others first, Kim shares her raw and honest journey toward finding freedom and authenticity.You'll learn:

Are you the strong one who's always there for everyone else—but secretly struggling inside? In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross gets real about what it costs to hide your own pain behind perfection, control, and endless giving.From her high school years to adulthood, Kim shares powerful personal stories about how suppressing emotions and striving to appear “put together” can lead to burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from your true self. Through raw honesty and compassion, she reveals how vulnerability becomes the bridge to freedom—and how learning to feel your feelings is the first step toward wholeness.You'll learn how to:

Are you tired of feeling burned out, overwhelmed, and never “good enough”? In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross dives deep into the mental prison of perfectionism — the exhausting cycle that keeps women, especially those in their 20s, chasing impossible standards.

Are you done living by everyone else's expectations?

In this heartfelt episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, Kim Gross, opens up about the realities of aging and how perfectionism can make this transition even harder.

Are you tired of feeling stuck in resistance and weighed down by the pressure to be perfect? In this heartfelt episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross gets real about her own struggles with unmet desires, perfectionism, and the frustration that comes when life doesn't go as planned.✨ What you'll learn in this episode:Why resistance shows up and how to move through itThe power of surrender, letting go, and aligning with the universeHow to balance inspired action without burning outInsights from spiritual teachers like Joe Dispenza and David BayerPractical steps to embrace imperfection and find inner freedomKim's raw, unfiltered storytelling will inspire you to release control, embrace your authentic self, and discover more peace, joy, and abundance in everyday life.⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Struggle for Dreams 01:04 Host Introduction and Personal Struggles 01:22 The Frustration of Resistance 02:28 The Wisdom of Letting Go 04:57 The Pity Party and Real Talk 06:01 The Importance of Inner Peace 08:38 Balancing Life and Energy 10:32 Returning to the Topic of Resistance 13:25 The Practice of Surrendering 24:15 The Miracle of Inner Freedom 27:07 Conclusion and Future Plans

"If you have IBS, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, or anxiety that won't go away - your doctor might be missing something huge. Your illness might not be just physical. It might be your body screaming what your mouth can't say: NO.In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross uncovers the powerful connection between chronic illness and patterns like people-pleasing and perfectionism. These behaviors, often rooted in childhood, can create chronic stress that worsens conditions like IBS, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, and anxiety.✨ Inside this episode, you'll learn:How people-pleasing and perfectionism contribute to chronic illnessKim's personal journey from diagnosis to deeper self-awarenessWhy emotional well-being is directly tied to physical healthAn introduction to the 5-Step POWER Pathway (Patterns, Ownership, Willingness, Embrace, Radical Responsibility)Actionable steps you can take today to set boundaries, honor your true self, and begin your healing journey

Breaking Free from People Pleasing: My Journey to Self-Care and HealingAre you always the “go-to person” for everyone else—yet secretly exhausted, burned out, and struggling with your health?

Why is it so hard to say “no”?

Are you a people pleaser? Always saying “yes” but feeling stressed, resentful, or even burned out?

 Are you tired of self-doubt holding you back? In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross dives deep into the hidden roots of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and people-pleasing.✨ You'll discover:How childhood experiences shape your confidence (and create limiting beliefs).Why perfectionists and people-pleasers often struggle with self-worth.Kim's personal story of feeling “not enough” and how it led to comparison and coping mechanisms.The Five-Step Power Pathway to finally break free from self-doubt and embrace your true self.If you've ever asked yourself, “Who am I to…?” — this episode will show you how to silence that inner critic and step fully into your power.

Are you tired of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and hiding who you really are?

Ever feel like you're only allowed to show up when you have it all together?

Are you afraid to take the leap? Paralyzed by perfectionism or terrified of what others will think? You're not alone — but you can break free. ✨In this inspiring episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross shares her personal journey of overcoming the fear of failure — including how she found the courage to launch this very podcast and release her book Free to Be.From people-pleasing to perfectionism, Kim explores the inner prisons we build to stay “safe” — and how they quietly rob us of joy, purpose, and authenticity. Through storytelling, reflection, and powerful tools like journaling and inner child healing, she gives you the roadmap to move through fear and take aligned risks in your life.Whether you're starting something new, ending something old, or finally choosing you, this episode will help you reconnect with your truth and take bold, imperfect action.

Is perfectionism keeping you from the love and connection you deeply crave?

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by limiting beliefs? In this inspiring episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross is joined by her boxing coach, Coach Yves, for a powerful conversation about how to shift your mindset, build resilience, and embrace a life of growth and freedom.

Self-Compassion for Overachievers: How to Let Go of Perfection & Embrace Rest | Kim GrossAre you always pushing, striving, and holding yourself to impossibly high standards? You're not alone. In this heartfelt episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross opens up about her own journey through burnout, perfectionism, and an autoimmune health crisis that became a wake-up call.If you're an overachiever or a recovering perfectionist, this guide to self-compassion is exactly what you need. Kim dives into: ✅ Why overachievers struggle to rest ✅ The difference between primal (fear-based) and powerful (flow-based) states ✅ How to give yourself permission to slow down ✅ Real, actionable steps to break the cycle of pushing too hardWhether you're stuck in a cycle of doing or simply need a reminder that you are enough as you are, this episode will help you breathe easier, soften the inner critic, and embrace your humanity.✨ Take off the mask. You don't have to be perfect to be worthy.

Do you constantly feel the need to fix yourself? Caught in a cycle of fear, control, and burnout?In this powerful episode of Masks Off, host Kim Gross sits down with Jenny Peterson, a former chronic "fixer" who opens up about her deeply personal journey from fear-based control to true inner freedom. Jenny reveals how high-achieving perfectionists—especially women—often fall into a fix-it mindset, using every tool under the sun (medical, holistic, spiritual) to escape feelings of unworthiness.Together, Kim and Jenny unpack the hidden cost of control, the connection between trauma and chronic illness, and how learning to set boundaries, listen to your intuition, and rewire your subconscious can bring deep and lasting transformation.✨ This episode is a must-watch for:Perfectionists battling burnoutOverthinkers and over-doersWellness seekers stuck in the healing hamster wheelAnyone ready to release fear and embrace ease

Are you stuck in a cycle of fear, anxiety, or scarcity? In this empowering episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, Kim Gross explores the impact of a dysregulated nervous system — and how it keeps us trapped in primal, fear-based states. Discover how to transition into powerful states of gratitude, joy, and ease by regulating your nervous system and trusting the path life lays before you.Drawing on insights from David Bear and her personal journey, Kim shares how embracing flow over force can open doors to unexpected abundance and deep inner peace.

In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross discusses the impact of micromanaging relationships and living in fear due to an overactive inner controller. She shares her personal journey of how this need to control affected her parenting, friendships, and marriage, leading to anxiety and a lack of intimacy. Kim emphasizes the importance of letting go, trusting oneself, and embracing vulnerability to cultivate meaningful connections and inner peace. She reflects on her struggles and progress, offering insights on how to shift from a state of fear and control to one of relaxation and trust, ultimately fostering deeper relationships and personal freedom.

In this compelling episode titled 'The Power of Vulnerability: Ditching Perfectionism for True Freedom,' host Kim Grosser delves into the transformative impact of embracing vulnerability over perfectionism. She shares powerful insights from her book 'Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation,' highlighting how the quest for perfection often masks our true selves and inhibits genuine connection. Drawing on personal stories and wisdom from figures like Bernard Baruch and Teddy Roosevelt, Kim illustrates that real strength lies in being authentic. She inspires listeners, especially people pleasers and perfectionists, to remove their masks and embark on a journey of inner healing for a more joyful, liberated life.

In this episode of 'Masks Off,' host Kim Gross addresses the strong correlation between autoimmune diseases and people-pleasing tendencies, especially among women. She cites Dr. Gabor Mate's observations about trauma being at the root of people-pleasing behaviors. Drawing from her own battle with Sjogren's syndrome, Kim shares her personal struggles of overextending herself to meet the needs of others at the expense of her own health and well-being. She recounts how her upbringing and family dynamics reinforced these tendencies and led to severe health issues. Kim eventually learned to prioritize self-care as a way to improve her condition and her relationships. She outlines practical steps and resources for listeners to start recognizing and transforming these harmful patterns, emphasizing the importance of awareness, ownership, and the arduous but rewarding journey of inner healing. The episode aims to inspire listeners to put themselves first and remove their people-pleaser masks in order to lead a more joyful and connected life.

In this episode of 'Masks Off For People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross tackles the pervasive issue of living in fear, anxiety, and the need for control. Introducing the quarter's focus on overcoming the fear of the unknown, Kim explains techniques to achieve inner peace, joy, and freedom. Drawing from Melody Beatty's book 'The Language of Letting Go,' she shares a poignant quote and reflects on her personal journey with worry, particularly concerning her daughter's cross-country move and the challenges it presented. Kim discusses the powerful impact of staying present, visualizing positive outcomes, and reframing difficult situations as opportunities for growth. She also illustrates how these methods helped her connect more deeply with her daughter and manage her own mental health. This episode serves as a roadmap for people pleasers and perfectionists to break free from anxiety, cultivate meaningful relationships, and live more fulfilling lives. Listeners are encouraged to practice these strategies and look forward to more insights on taming the 'inner controller' in future episodes.

In this episode, Kim delves into the critical concept of making amends from 12-step recovery programs. She explains that making amends goes beyond simply apologizing; it involves a commitment to change behavior and make different choices in the future. Kim shares her personal experience of making amends with her two children, discussing how her past patterns and emotional wounds impacted her ability to parent effectively. She highlights the importance of taking ownership of one's actions as part of her five-step power pathway to inner liberation. Kim also reviews topics covered in previous episodes, focusing on building meaningful relationships by addressing conflict, attachment styles, and the impact of trauma. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of moving from a primal state of fear and disconnection to a powerful state of connection, gratitude, and empowerment. Kim offers practical four-step guidelines for making amends and underscores the ongoing nature of personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace compassion and patience in their journeys. She concludes with an invitation to explore more resources on her website, including her book 'Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation.'

In this episode, Kim discusses the struggle of setting boundaries and the difficulty of saying 'no,' especially for those with people-pleasing tendencies. Drawing from her book, 'Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation,' she shares personal stories and practical tools to help listeners assert themselves and live authentically. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, small steps in boundary-setting, and the significance of using 'I' statements. The overarching message is to liberate oneself from guilt and societal conditioning, leading to more meaningful and joyful relationships.

In this episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' Kim and Dr. Charleanea Arellano discusses how past trauma impacts current relationships. They explore the idea of 'prison' and 'paradise' in the context of relationships, offering personal insights and professional expertise. Dr. Charleanea explains the role of ownership, self-compassion, and unpacking past traumas in achieving meaningful, intimate connections. She also shares her own experiences and provides practical tools for listeners to start their journey from victimhood to freedom.Website: www.drcharleanea.comwww.linkedin/com/drcharleaneaarellano/www.facebook.com/CharleaneaMArellanoPhDyoutube.com/@sheismotherpodcastcreators.spotify.com/pod/show/she-is-mothertiktok: @drcharleaneaConnect with Kim Gross