Ordinary To Badass

You made it.Day 12 of the 12 Days of Badassery....And today, we're ending with the truth you've proven over and over again…...you are a woman who overcomes adversity....In this final episode, Marie walks you through the deepest layer of your confidence: the hardships, losses, trauma, challenges, and long seasons of struggle that shaped who you are today. Adversity leaves a mark — not a weakness, but a ring of growth, like the rings of a tree that tell the story of every storm it survived. ...Inside this episode, you'll reflect on:✨ The life-altering challenges you've lived through✨ How you navigated long-term struggle and kept going✨ The setbacks you bounced back from — even when it didn't feel like strength in the moment✨ The moments where criticism, doubt, or failure pushed you to rise✨ The times you endured heartbreak, loss, or major transitions✨ The seasons where you surprised yourself with your resilience...Marie guides you through powerful journal prompts to help you identify the adversity you've already overcome: breakups, financial stress, health challenges, navigating grief, family struggles, friendship loss, heavy emotional seasons, and the difficult chapters that changed you....Because these aren't just memories — they're proof. Proof of your endurance. Proof of your courage. Proof of your badassery. ...As Marie says in the episode:...“You've been through some hard stuff. And here you are.”...Today, you bring it all together — the fear you faced, the resilience you built, the expectations you defied, the growth you earned, the boundaries you set, the kindness you gave, and now… the adversity you survived.

Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and today we're celebrating a strength most women massively underestimate:...Your ability to encourage, support, and lift other people up....You may not realize it, but your words, your belief in others, and your willingness to cheer someone on can change the entire direction of their life. And that is pure, undeniable badassery....In this episode, Marie explores the quiet, powerful ways you've already impacted people — from coworkers you've uplifted, to friends you've supported through hard times, to moments when you saw strength in someone before they saw it in themselves....She also shares her own story of becoming a detective sergeant only because others believed in her before she fully believed in herself. ...Inside today's reflection, you'll explore:✨ Moments you encouraged someone who doubted themselves✨ Times you reassured a friend, coworker, or family member✨ How your support created a ripple effect you may never fully see✨ When your belief in someone gave them the courage to rise✨ Why helping others is one of the fastest ways to get out of your own head...We also talk about the myth of competition among women — especially at work — and why lifting others up doesn't diminish you; it strengthens you, your community, and your confidence. Encouragement isn't small. It's leadership. It's connection. And it's one of the clearest proofs of your badassery....Today's journal prompt invites you to document every time you've encouraged someone, supported someone, or made life a little lighter for them. These moments matter. They reveal your character. They show your strength....They remind you that your presence in other people's lives matters.

Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Days of Badassery — and this one goes deep....Today, we're naming the hard things....Not to relive them… but to finally honor the strength they built in you....In this episode, Marie guides you through the challenging moments of your life — the seasons of stress, uncertainty, grief, financial pressure, breakups, parenting struggles, job loss, and the moments you didn't think you'd get through… but did....Because the truth is:if you're here listening today, you already survived things past-you didn't think were possible. Inside this episode, you'll explore:✨ The difficult chapters you downplayed or forgot✨ How struggle refined your grit, courage, and emotional strength✨ Why looking back at hard seasons gives you future confidence✨ The lessons each challenge taught you✨ The power of asking for help instead of muscling through✨ How breakthroughs often come after the breakdownMarie shares her own story of training for her first marathon — a challenge so overwhelming she cried during her long run, questioned everything, and almost quit. Yet pushing through that season taught her she was far stronger than she believed… and that asking for support is sometimes the bravest move you can make. ...That's the heart of today's work:Your hardest moments shaped you. Your pain taught you. Your challenges built you....It's time to acknowledge them — not with shame, but with pride....Use today's prompt inside the Proof of My Badassery journal to list the moments where life tested you… and you rose anyway....These are not “just stories.”...They are proof that you are resilient, powerful, and prepared for whatever comes next.

Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and today we're celebrating one of your most underrated strengths:your ability to navigate change....You might not think of yourself as someone who “handles change well,” but your life tells a different story. Every shift, every pivot, every unexpected plot twist you've made it through?...That's resilience. That's adaptability. That's badassery.In today's episode, Marie walks you through moments you've already lived—moments that prove just how powerful your ability to adjust, grow, and keep going really is....From living through a global pandemic to handling personal upheavals, breakups, job changes, and those “I didn't choose this, but here we go” seasons… you did it. And that counts. A lot. ...Inside this episode, you'll reflect on:✨ Times you embraced change even when it felt impossible✨ When you focused on what you could control and let the rest go✨ Moments you broke big problems into small, doable steps✨ Seasons where change was forced on you — and you still adapted✨ How taking action (even tiny action) moved you forward✨ The unexpected ways change shaped your confidence, flexibility, and strength...From navigating COVID (something even your grandparents never experienced) to stepping into new chapters in your personal and professional life, you've lived through a level of transformation most people never recognize in themselves....Today, you finally acknowledge it....Your Proof of My Badassery journal prompt will guide you to write down these moments so you can see the pattern:every time life shifted, you rose.

Welcome to Day 8 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we're diving into the one practice women put off the longest — and need the most:self-love....This episode is your reminder that self-love isn't indulgent, selfish, or soft....It's strength....It's fuel....And it's the foundation of every bold, confident move you make....Today, Marie explores the moments — big and tiny — where you've cared for yourself, honored yourself, invested in your healing, or simply given yourself a breath of grace. Whether it was therapy, a walk, setting a boundary, saying “I need a minute,” or whispering a kinder thought to yourself, these moments are proof of how deeply you're growing. ...Inside this episode, you'll reflect on:✨ The ways you've chosen yourself even when it felt uncomfortable✨ How a little self-love can completely shift your confidence✨ Why slowing down helps you lead stronger✨ The small acts of kindness that add up to massive internal change✨ Marie's personal stories—from Weight Watchers to hot yoga intentions to becoming the unexpected dog-mom with a stroller (all because… love changes you) You'll also hear how one intention — “I love myself” — transformed an entire yoga class and became a new rule for how Marie speaks to herself every day....Today's journal work inside the Proof of My Badassery companion guide invites you to document the moments where you've shown up for yourself, supported yourself, and chosen to treat yourself with compassion. Because self-love isn't just healing…...it's badass.

Welcome to Day 7 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we dig into one of the biggest sources of your confidence…the obstacles you've already overcome....And here's the thing:...Most women think obstacles have to be huge, dramatic, life-shattering events to “count.”...But the truth?...Your power was built in the micro-moments — the small, everyday challenges you pushed through even when they felt overwhelming....Today, we look at:✨ The obstacles you've faced at work, in relationships, and in your personal goals✨ The mindset shifts and strategies you used to get through them (even if you didn't realize it at the time)✨ How challenges reveal strengths you don't see until you're on the other side✨ Why “overwhelmed → action → clarity” is one of your signature badass cycles✨ How a single boundary-setting email Marie sent changed the course of her confidence forever From the moments that felt impossible…...to the ones that simply annoyed you into standing up for yourself (looking at you, condescending contractor

Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we shine a light on something you do far more often than you realize:...turning setbacks into comebacks....In this episode, we walk through the real moments—your moments—where things didn't go as planned… and you rose anyway. Whether it was a failed promotion attempt, a mistake you corrected, a confidence hit you worked through, or a season where you had to ask for help, these are the moments that built your resilience....And resilience? That's pure badassery....Based on the prompts inside your Proof of My Badassery journal, we explore:...

If stepping out of your comfort zone has ever felt more like panic than power… this episode is your permission slip to stop judging yourself and start celebrating yourself....On Day 5 of the 12 Days of Badassery, we're digging into the moments you stretched, cracked, reached, trembled, and DID IT ANYWAY. Even when it didn't look “bold.” Even when it didn't feel like success....Because that is the real badassery most women overlook. ...Inside the episode, we get into:✨ Why feeling scared doesn't cancel out being brave✨ How to stop measuring your worth by outcomes✨ The power of micro-stretches—your ‘toe over the edge' moments (thanks to Dr. Mike Bechtle's wisdom) ✨ Real-life examples of pushing past doubt—at work, at home, and in your growth...You'll also hear Marie share stories about applying for a chief position she didn't get, learning to ride a bike with bruised-up legs, and why staying in the “kiddie pool” of life keeps you from ever floating on your back in the deep end.....Every single one is a reminder: you don't have to feel fearless to be powerful. ...By the end, you'll see your own “I did it even though…” moments in a totally different light—because they count. They deserve to be written down. And you deserve to recognize the woman who took those risks, big or small.

Today is Day 4 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and we're turning the spotlight onto something most women skip right past:your achievements — the big ones AND the tiny, easy-to-dismiss ones....In this episode, we dig into why you consistently overlook your own progress, how small victories quietly shape who you become, and why celebrating yourself is a core part of claiming your badass identity. Because the truth is, your life is held together by hundreds of moments you don't give yourself credit for. And that's about to change....You'll learn how to:

What if being a badass isn't about doing something dramatic…...but about choosing yourself in small, everyday moments?Welcome to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we're talking about defying expectations—both the ones society puts on you and the ones you inherited without ever questioning....In this episode, we explore how often we live by scripts we didn't consciously choose:...how we're “supposed” to spend our time, what we're “supposed” to value, and who we're “supposed” to be—especially during the holidays.And here's the truth:...Every time you say no when something doesn't align…...every time you set a boundary…...every time you choose what feels right for you instead of what keeps others comfortable…...That counts....Those moments are proof of your badassery—even if they feel small.✨ Day 3 Theme: Defying ExpectationsYou'll hear:

Think resilience means being tough, unshaken, and emotionally unaffected?...Think again....Welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we're talking about one of the most misunderstood qualities of strength: resilience....In this episode, we explore what resilience actually looks like in real life. Not the highlight-reel version—but the kind built through loss, setbacks, heartbreak, and moments where it would've been easier to give up....Maybe you've:Lost a jobNavigated debt or financial stressGone through a breakup or divorceExperienced deep grief or loss...If you've been knocked down and found a way to keep going—even slowly—that counts....Resilience isn't about never falling apart. It's about getting back up, sometimes quietly, sometimes imperfectly, but always with courage.✨ Day 2 Theme: ResilienceYou'll hear:

Think being a badass means being fearless?...Think again....Welcome to Day 1 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we're kicking things off by busting one of the biggest myths out there: that confidence means never feeling afraid....In this episode, we're talking about embracing fear—not avoiding it. Because the truth is, being a badass isn't about the absence of fear. It's about feeling it… and taking action anyway....Maybe it was:Speaking up when your voice shookAsking for the raise or promotionHaving a hard conversation you wanted to avoidStepping outside your comfort zone when staying quiet felt safer...Those moments matter. Even if they didn't go perfectly. Especially if they didn't....This episode is an invitation to reflect on the times you faced fear head-on—and to recognize those moments for what they really are: proof of your badassery....✨ Day 1 Theme: Embracing FearYou'll hear:

What if the biggest injustice isn't what you've been through—but that no one ever taught you to recognize how strong you are?...In this remix episode, Marie kicks off the 12 Days of Badassery by breaking down one of the biggest lies women have been sold: that being a badass means being hard, aggressive, or unyielding....Spoiler alert—it doesn't....A true badass is built through resilience, confidence, mindset, and getting back up after life knocks you down. Sometimes immediately. Sometimes after a long pause. And yes—even if it took you longer than you wanted....In this episode, you'll hear:Why most women never learned to recognize their own badasseryHow confidence gets confused with toughness (and why that's wrong)Why being knocked down doesn't disqualify you—it proves you're still in the arenaA powerful reframe that shows your strength has been hiding in plain sight all along...This episode sets the foundation for the next 12 days—each one designed to help you uncover, acknowledge, and own the badass you already are....

Self-doubt isn't the villain you've been treating it like....It's the breadcrumb trail. The flashing neon arrow....The GPS system pointing straight toward your next-level identity.Today's remix episode pulls back the curtain on why doubt shows up the moment you're about to rise — and how to use it like rocket fuel instead of letting it derail you.This series is packed with fresh 12 Days of Badassery energy:the kind that leaves you standing just a little taller, breathing a little deeper, and whispering,“Yeah… I'm still a badass, even when I'm scared.”

Think burnout means you're weak?...Think again. Burnout doesn't come from fragility—it comes from being too strong for too long without rest....In this solo episode, Marie pulls back the curtain on a year where 100% of women in her audience reported feeling burned out—and why that wake-up call changed the way she now approaches leadership, self-care, and boundaries. From juggling a major course launch and intense demands at work to navigating grief, heartbreak, and healing, this is a raw, real conversation about what it actually takes to lead without losing yourself....✨ Theme: Ambition Without Burnout...We're talking guilt around rest, redefining success, and learning to advocate for your wellbeing without apology....

Some leaders walk into a room and dominate it with volume....Lisa walks in and changes it with one sentence....In this week's episode, we're breaking down the moment Lisa stopped a room full of men cold — not by yelling, not by matching the chaos, but by asking one calm, grounding question that completely flipped the power dynamic....If you've ever been told you need to be “louder,” “tougher,” or “more aggressive” to lead in a predominantly male workplace… consider this your permission slip to throw that old rulebook directly in the trash....Inside this Badass Debrief, you'll hear:✨ The mindset shift that lets you stop reacting to tone and start leading with intention✨ The grounding questions that instantly de-escalate a tense room✨ Why calm leadership isn't passive — it's strategic power✨ How to control the energy (and the outcome) without raising your voice✨ The Maya Angelou reminder every woman in leadership needs tattooed on her soul...And yes… we even get into the truly disturbing things in life — like people clipping their toenails on airplanes (why is this a thing?!)....If you're ready to lead with confidence, clarity, and quiet command — the way women naturally do when we stop performing and start owning our presence — this episode is your new favorite....Let's get into it....Quiet power is still power.

Think you need to be the loudest person in the room to lead?...Think again....In this episode, tech project leader Lisa Roberts shares what it really looks like to stay grounded, direct, and effective in workplaces where everyone else is losing their cool. From managing multimillion-dollar projects to handling rooms full of yelling executives, Lisa has mastered the art of quiet power — and today, she's teaching YOU how to do the same.Lisa also opens up about taking a seven-year career break to raise her kids, navigating divorce, and rebuilding her entire career from scratch. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and stepping back into the arena even when you're terrified....

This week's Badass Debrief dives into a truth most leaders never hear:...Happiness isn't a mood — it's a skill....And Carolina Ayala breaks it down in a way that will completely reset how you lead, think, and take up space. ...If you've been grinding, over-functioning, or feeling like you're doing everything right but still running on empty… this debrief is your wake-up call....You'll hear:✨ Why happiness has to be practiced, not waited for✨ How daily intention-setting becomes a secret leadership advantage✨ The real reason women wait to celebrate themselves — and how that holds you back at work✨ The grounded mindset shift Marie uses to walk into high-stakes conversations with clarity and confidenceAnd Marie shares the Taylor Swift–inspired visualization that helped her handle a tough conversation with her boss without spiraling or shrinking. (Yes — that energy is in her Power-Up Routine.)If you want to lead with more ease, confidence, and actual joy — not burnout masked with productivity — this episode is the reset you didn't know you needed.

Think happiness comes after achievement? Think again....In this remix episode, holistic life coach and healer Carolina Ayala shares powerful, practical techniques to help you cultivate happiness, confidence, and inner strength — starting right now, not someday....We dig into how shifting your energy, setting daily intentions, and celebrating yourself can transform the way you lead, the way you show up, and the way you feel in your own life....✨ Theme: Embodied confidence, energy leadership, and self-celebration...You'll learn:

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I just wanted to ask…” or “Maybe this is a silly question…”?...You're not alone — and those small phrases might be quietly shrinking your authority....In this Badass Debrief, Marie unpacks a powerful idea from her conversation with Rosie Zilinskas in Episode #405: “The language we use minimizes the value we bring to the table.”...You'll learn how to replace minimizing language with confident communication that builds credibility, clarity, and leadership presence — without sounding arrogant or aggressive....

Think your hard work will speak for itself? Think again....In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, career-confidence coach Rosie Zilinskas drops truth after truth about why women can't afford to leave their careers on autopilot. From surviving a contentious divorce and rebuilding from scratch to landing executive leadership roles and launching her own business, Rosie proves that intentional action + self-advocacy = career freedom.✨ Theme: Skill-Building Strategies & Confidence Without ApologyYou'll hear:

Ever wondered what 140 miles of blisters, coffee stops, and breathtaking views can teach you about confidence and leadership?...In this episode, Marie takes you behind the scenes of her solo trek on the Camino de Santiago—sharing ten raw, funny, and unexpected lessons about grit, self-trust, and the beauty of ordinary moments. ...From facing brutal hills to realizing that momentum is medicine, she reveals how the trail reshaped her view of work, balance, and what it really means to be a badass....You'll hear:

Think dropping hints is “kinder” than being direct? Think again....In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, Marie pulls back the curtain on a leadership habit that feels safe in the moment—but slowly destroys trust on your team: passive-aggressive leadership. From circling around the issue to making side comments, she shares how she broke the habit, the exact words she uses now, and how you can shift from irritation to influence....✨ Theme: Skill-Building Strategies + Mindset Breakthroughs...We're talking about leading with clarity, building trust that lasts, and ditching the behaviors that keep your team second-guessing you....You'll hear:

Think courage means being fearless? Think again....In this Badass Debrief, Marie unpacks the boldest lessons from Diane Gansauer's 3,100-mile solo hike at 61 years old—and shows how they translate into leadership moves you can use right now. From facing fear in grizzly country to realizing persistence beats speed, these are the truths that separate ordinary leaders from badass ones....✨ Theme: Resilience Stories + Mindset Breakthroughs...We're talking about leading with courage even when fear tags along, letting go of emotional baggage that weighs you down, and refusing to let anyone else write your story....You'll hear:

Think courage has an age limit? Think again....At 61 years old, Diane Gansauer set out to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail—3,100 miles of mountains, rivers, and grizzly country. Along the way, she didn't just prove her grit on the trail—she rewrote her story, discovered the power of persistence, and reminded us all what it means to carry only what truly matters.✨ Theme: Resilience Stories + Mindset Breakthroughs...We're talking about letting go of what weighs you down, finding courage in the messy middle, and realizing it's never too late to live boldly....You'll hear:

Think failure means you're not cut out for leadership? Think again.In this episode, Marie Sonneman—Lieutenant, coach, and host of Ordinary to Badass—shares how failing promotion boards more times than she passed didn't stop her from becoming the only female lieutenant in a department of nearly 700. From almost giving up before her first detective role to rising into leadership, Marie breaks down why failure isn't proof you're unqualified—it's proof you're in the arena.✨ Theme: Resilience Stories & Mindset BreakthroughsWe're talking about the grit it takes to stay in the game, reframing setbacks into stepping stones, and why perseverance matters more than perfection.You'll hear:

Think promotions automatically go to the hardest worker in the room? Think again....In this solo episode, Marie Sonneman—Lieutenant, coach, and host of Ordinary to Badass—shares why effort isn't the deciding factor in moving up the ladder. From her own missed opportunity with an undersheriff to earning three promotions in a predominantly male industry, Marie reveals the real reason some women get tapped for leadership while others get overlooked.✨ Theme: Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking about what it really takes to be seen, valued, and considered leadership material.You'll hear:

Think talking about your wins makes you arrogant? Think again.In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, I'm breaking down how ambitious women can make their work visible—without the cringe. Because here's the truth: promotions don't always go to the hardest worker in the room… they go to the most visible one .✨ Theme: Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking about how to stop shrinking, start sharing, and finally be seen for the badass leader you already are.You'll hear:

Think thriving after a promotion should feel like a victory lap? Think again.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the real reason so many women find themselves struggling once they've got the title. From being handed the keys to the kingdom with zero training to feeling like you're leading on an island without a support system—you're not alone, and it's not your fault.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Skill-Building StrategiesWe're talking about how to lead without a roadmap, build confidence in the unknown, and find allies (even when you think you don't have any).You'll hear:

Think chasing the title will finally make you feel fulfilled?Think again.In this episode, Marie unpacks the lessons from Pav's powerful career pivot—leaving a $300K CEO role to chase purpose on her own terms. From ticking off all the “success” boxes to realizing they weren't her boxes at all, this Badass Debrief is for anyone who's secretly stuck playing it safe.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Purpose-Driven LeadershipWe're talking soul-aligned ambition, breaking up with people-pleasing, and finally trusting yourself to want more.You'll hear:

Think financial security means staying safe in your 9–5 forever? Think again.In this episode, Pav—Corporate Climber turned Financial Coach and Freedom Advocate—shares how she traded corporate prestige for personal power. From burnout and rigid schedules to designing a life on her own terms, Pav gives us an inside look at what it really takes to own your freedom—financially, emotionally, and professionally.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Resilience StoriesWe're talking radical self-trust, money confidence, and designing a career that works for you.You'll hear:

Think you have to lead like “one of the guys” to be taken seriously? Think again.In this Badass Debrief, we break down the biggest takeaways from episode 392 with Tina Irwin—former Navy Commander turned metaphysical powerhouse—and what her story means for your leadership journey.Spoiler: You don't need louder opinions or more bravado to make waves.You need strategy. Clarity. And the audacity to lead like you.✨ Theme: Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking how to stop waiting for permission, adapt without shrinking, and lead with more impact and less burnout.You'll hear:

Think you need permission to lead boldly? Think again.In this episode, Tina Erwin—retired Navy Commander, metaphysicist, and ghost helper—shares how she went from being the first woman in the room to rewriting the rules for everyone who followed. From being told “women don't teach here” to teaching submarine captains when to launch a missile (no big deal), Tina gives us an unfiltered look at what it really takes to lead with courage, clarity, and zero apologies.✨ Theme: Leadership That Doesn't Sound Like a TED TalkWe're talking tactical confidence, spiritual strength, and bold moves that break invisible rules.You'll hear:

Think you need to check every box before going for the job or promotion? Think again.In this episode, Marie breaks down why not fitting the job description might be your biggest advantage. Drawing from Darlene Green's powerful story, this Badass Debrief is all about rewriting the rules, owning your worth, and leading in rooms that weren't built for you—even when no one hands you a map.✨ Theme: Resilience Stories / Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking confidence when you're underestimated, leadership that doesn't ask for permission, and becoming the disruptor they didn't see coming.You'll hear:

Think you need permission to lead? Think again.In this episode, Darlene Green—military trailblazer and health-tech innovator—shares how she went from being underestimated at every turn to commanding teams of over 1,200 people and launching a wellness revolution in her 60s.From being told women didn't belong in the military, to being rejected for a job she ultimately crushed, Darlene's story is a masterclass in leading with grit, growth, and guts.✨ Theme: Resilience Stories / Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking about owning your power, redefining what leadership looks like, and fighting for your health and voice when the system counts you out.You'll hear:

Think leadership comes with a rulebook? Think again.In this week's Badass Debrief, Marie Sonneman breaks down the hidden truths behind episode 388—and the gut-punch reality of what it actually feels like to lead in rooms that weren't built for you.From crying in your car to losing friendships you thought were solid, this isn't about being weak. It's about being real. And Marie's walking you through what to do when leadership feels more like emotional whiplash than celebration.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Resilience in LeadershipWe're talking:The identity shift no one prepares you forWhy emotional intelligence is your actual superpowerThe truth about loneliness at the top (and how to reframe it)You'll hear:

You think getting promoted means you've made it? Think again....The truth is, leadership doesn't come with a rulebook—it comes with curveballs. In this solo episode, Marie Sonneman cracks open the real truths about leading in rooms that weren't built for you....From crying in the car to calling out condescending vendors, this is the pep talk (and permission slip) every badass woman in leadership needs....✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Confidence Without Apology...We're talking:Letting go of popularity contestsLeading even when it's lonelySpeaking up for the promotion you deserve...You'll hear:

Quitter? Or Leader? Why Walking Away Might Be the Boldest Move You MakeThink quitting means failure? Think again.In this episode, Marie Sonneman flips the script on what it really means to walk away—from roles, relationships, or responsibilities that no longer serve you. Inspired by her conversation with Doris Jackson Shazier (Episode 386), Marie unpacks why sometimes quitters win—and how to know when it's time to move on.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Confidence Without ApologyWe're talking:Letting go of roles that no longer serve youLeading without shrinkingAnd training your inner voice to stop dragging you downYou'll hear:

Think quitting means failure? Think again.In this episode, Doris Jackson-Shazier—leadership coach, author, and the woman redefining resilience—shares why walking away isn't weakness… it's wisdom. From growing up in a neighborhood where no one graduated high school to leading 70,000 employees as a senior director, Doris rewrote every rule in the leadership playbook—and built her own damn table.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Confidence Without ApologyWe're talking:

Think you have to hide your awkward to be taken seriously? Think again.In this solo episode, Marie flips the script on awkwardness and shows you why owning your quirky, unscripted moments is a leadership flex—not a flaw. From stumbling over your words in meetings to overthinking every sentence, she'll help you stop editing and start leading out loud.✨ Theme: Mindset BreakthroughsWe're talking confidence in conversations, ditching perfection, and making bold career moves—even when your voice shakes.You'll hear:

Think Badass women never feel awkward? Think again.In this episode, Andy Vargo—speaker, author, and awkwardness advocate—joins Marie Sonneman for a joint conversation that's part real talk, part pep talk, and all about what it really means to own your story.From canceled podcast interviews to closet doors that slammed shut on confidence, Andy and Marie explore what it takes to lead louder in spaces that weren't built for you—awkward moments and all.✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Confidence Without Apology We're talking:Turning awkwardness into authenticityLeading through fear (not in spite of it)Redefining what makes you “badass” in the first placeYou'll hear:

Think you need to match the loudest voice in the room to lead? Think again.In this episode, host Marie Sonneman delivers a powerful follow-up to Episode 382 with a no-fluff reminder that shrinking yourself to fit a space doesn't earn you credibility—it robs you of your edge. From a story of holding silence for four months before making a leadership move, to calling out performative confidence, Marie shows us what it really means to lead with intention, not volume.✨ Theme: Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking:Trusting your intuition overreacting to pressureWhy authentic presence beats performative confidenceHow to stop contorting yourself for approval and start commanding respectYou'll hear:

Think leadership has to be loud to be effective? Think again.In this solo episode, Marie Sonneman gets real about leading in ways that don't fit the traditional mold—especially in male-dominated spaces. From calling off a podcast interview mid-recording to holding steady in a chaotic work unit for four months before making changes, Marie shares why quiet leadership isn't a weakness—it's a weapon.✨ Theme: Visibility & AdvocacyWe're talking:Trusting your intuition over performanceLeading without needing to match the roomFinding your voice (even if it isn't the loudest)You'll hear:

Rest Is Not a Weakness—It's Your Leadership SuperpowerThink hustling 24/7 is the only way to prove you belong? Think again.In this episode, Marie Sonneman—your no-BS leadership coach and host—dives into the hidden cost of hustle culture for women in leadership. From saying yes to everything (and burning out in the process) to finally setting boundaries and reclaiming peace of mind, Marie gets real about what it actually takes to thrive in rooms that weren't built for you.✨ Theme: Mindset BreakthroughsWe're talking powerful reframes, unapologetic boundary-setting, and the kind of self-care that actually makes you a better leader.You'll hear:

Think you need to hustle harder to prove you're a leader? Think again.In this episode, Jenny Lytle—former nurse turned life coach—shares how she went from burnout to bold by leading from a place of alignment, not adrenaline. From caregiving overload to discovering her true identity, Jenny breaks down what it really takes to lead without apology—even when your style doesn't match the loudest voice in the room.✨ Theme: Confidence Without ApologyWe're talking breaking the hustle myth, regulating your nervous system, and redefining what self-care really means.You'll hear:

Think confident leadership means being the loudest voice in the room? Think again.In this Badass Debrief, Marie Sonneman breaks down what it really looks like to lead boldly without being loud. Inspired by her interview with executive coach Alison Wilson, Marie explores the quiet power of nuance, intuition, and trusting your inner voice in environments that often undervalue those very strengths.✨ Theme: Confidence Without ApologyWe're talking about reclaiming your leadership voice, rewriting your relationship with self-doubt, and recognizing that your subtle brilliance is enough.You'll hear:

Think resilience is just about bouncing back? Think again.In this episode, educator and leader Alison Wilson shares how she went from being overlooked and underestimated to fully owning her leadership—even before anyone gave her the title. From silent setbacks to quiet comebacks, Alison walks us through what it looks like to rise without the applause and keep showing up anyway.✨ Theme: Resilience Stories We're talking comebacks, perseverance, and the kind of leadership growth that doesn't happen in the spotlight—but builds unstoppable strength behind the scenes.You'll hear:

Ever feel like you're trying to lead in a room that just wasn't built for you? Like you have to shrink, dim your light, or ditch the very things that make you you just to be taken seriously?Been there. Done with that.In this Badass Debrief, Marie Sonneman gets real about the trap of conformity—especially for women in male-dominated industries—and why it's time to ditch the old rules and build your own damn table.

Think leadership only looks one way? Think again.In this episode, leadership strategist and executive coach Kisha Wynter shares how she went from doubting her place at the table to confidently owning the damn table. From navigating imposter syndrome to leading as an introvert, Kisha breaks down what it really means to lead like you—no masks, no mold, just unapologetic power.✨ Theme: Mindset BreakthroughsWe're talking confidence shifts, ditching doubt, and finally seeing your authenticity as an asset—not a liability.You'll hear:How Kisha reframed fear into fuelA game-changing exercise to discover your leadership superpowersWhat to do when you're the only woman in the room

After almost a year off the mic, I'm back—and I'm not easing in quietly. In this comeback episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on where I've been, why I hit pause, and what it really looks like to lead yourself when the clarity doesn't come right away.This isn't a highlight reel—it's a real reel.We're talking love, loss, meditation retreats, confidence that doesn't always feel confident, and what's next for Ordinary to Badass. Plus, I'm introducing a brand-new segment: The Badass Debrief—your space for honest takeaways and actionable leadership lessons.If you've ever felt like you needed to step back before stepping up, this one's for you.