The Pretty Truth

Toni Jones served as a Life coach and Mental Health advocate for women and youth for 6 years. Now, as an Affirmation Musician, she promotes the message of conscious well-being through her music. She hopes to inspire others to become more conscious about their well-being in a culture that drowns people in entrepreneurship and empowerment with workaholism.https://www.iamtonijones.com/https://www.iamtonijones.com/listen

Rebecca Scolnick is an emotional witch, forever seeker, and queer human lady (she/her), who uses magic and storytelling to support unlearning work and inspire new meaning making. She hopes to provide spiritual and practical support for those looking to reclaim freedom from all of the ways in which our modern culture has taught us to hate ourselves, not know ourselves, and keep ourselves small. You can find her online at www.rebeccascolnick.com or @beescolnick on Instagram. Her first book, The Witch's Book of Numbers, is out in September of 2022 and her ongoing podcast project Swimming in the Soup (SITS) is on Substack.You can order The Witch's Book of Numbers at: https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Book-Numbers-Enhance-Numerology/dp/1950253279www.rebeccascolnick.com @beescolnick on IG rebeccascolnick.substack.com

We had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ameila Kelley for a second time. We discuss how to care for the highly sensitive people in our lives (especially if we fall into that category). https://www.ameliakelley.com/https://www.amazon.com/What-Wish-Knew-Surviving-Relationship/dp/1684898730https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/https://www.thehotline.org/https://lizgbailey.com/

We interview Sharon Brecher, author of Miserable Moms,  a book that  delivers a refreshing and unapologetic perspective to shine a light on the stream of consciousness we all internalize. In this episode, we talk about what it means to let go when our children grow up and move away and the emotional challenges that come with that. Thank goodness we can laugh at ourselves and  that Sharon provides illustrations of the dos and don'ts as a guide for us on this part of the parenting journey!https://miserablemoms.com/https://miserablemoms.com/blogs/all-posts

We interview Brandon Chadwick, host of the popular podcast Narcissist Apocalypse. His philosophy for the podcast was for it to be real, not clinical with the goal of helping survivors of abuse tell and validate their own stories, and also to validate and teach other survivors through those stories.  We talk about how the show came about and how guests are offered a safe space to share stories of pain and vulnerability. Then Brandon gets woo woo and shares some personal experiences that lead him to this calling. https://www.narcissistapocalypse.com/https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypse/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/penelope-the-sexually-coercive-physically-abusive/id1452117002?i=1000542665616https://lizgbailey.com/https://www.domesticshelters.org/https://www.safeaustin.org/https://www.thehotline.org/

Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist and co-author of What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship. In this episode, we talk about intimate partner violence, trauma healing, and what it means to be a highly sensitive person with these experiences. We loved having her on and can't wait to talk to her again! https://www.ameliakelley.com/https://www.amazon.com/What-Wish-Knew-Surviving-Relationship/dp/1684898730Resources:https://www.thehotline.org/https://lizgbailey.com/https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/

Jess and Liz kick off the new year with Rabbi Levy from Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, TX. They discuss the recent antisemitic acts hitting close to home, ways to offer support, and how to find community and presence during this time of collective trauma. In Hebrew, Tikkun Olam תיקון עולם means "repair the world" and using your Kavanah כַּוָּנָה or "intention" to help guide you daily will benefit your inner and outer world.https://www.bethisrael.org/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Liz Earnshaw, known on Instagram as Lizlistens,  about her new book, her work with couples, and how we are all human and change is hard! She is a wealth of knowledge and compassion and we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!https://www.elizabethearnshaw.com/https://instagram.com/lizlistensLink to Liz's book: HERE

We were so delighted to interview Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke from the podcast "Two Guys On Your Head" on Austin's NPR station, KUT!They describe habits as constellations of memory and we talk about how to  rewire neural pathways. We also discuss the difference and utility of guilt vs. shame. And do not miss out on the talk about raccoon fights...wait for it...https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-headhttps://www.kut.org/two-guys-on-your-head

Meds + Meditation This is a long overdue episode about taking meds for anxiety and depression. Jess opens up about her lifelong struggle with anxiety and tells us why she finally decided to try something different. Because sometimes all the yoga, meditation, therapy, healthy foods and supplements aren't enough to stop the anxiety attacks. 

We had the pleasure of interviewing  Jim Rigby,  the pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He is a progressive thinker in theology,  a social activist, and a brilliant writer.  We really enjoyed diving deep into ideas of religion, the ability to question the patriarchy and capitalism, and how to love and support one another as we travel through this life!https://www.staopen.org/https://lighterloadsatx.org/

We chat with Maya Lyons, Jess' pilates teacher, about her journey into pilates and how she felt there was something missing from basic classes. She has created one on one and group  virtual classes that not only get you into shape, they get you grounded into your body. With breath cues and her radiant positivity you can't help but feel better after a class with her!Maya is launching a set of new online classes at a lower price point so that more people can have access to a weekly practice. No matter what step of your fitness journey you are on, she's ready to help you heal and foster intentional movement. http://maipilates.com

Seriously, it's different. We talk about self care in terms of self compassion. In this episode, we talk with Jenny Remington about real-world self care and how it shifts often (sometimes hourly) and is definitely not a competition. Jenny Remington is a professionally trained coach and certified coach and has empowered hundreds of professionals, entrepreneurs, and parents to reignite their careers, discover their paths, or realign their life.https://jennyremington.com/https://jennyremington.com/2021selfcare/https://jennyremington.com/selfcarecircle/https://self-compassion.org/store/

We interview Jenn Trepeck, an Optimal Health Coach, Podcaster, andBusiness Consultant.  After the first episode, we had so much more to ask and talk about and we just had to do another! We discuss fads and myths and Liz gets a mini intervention!http://www.betterlifenowllc.com/https://www.instagram.com/jenntrepeck/https://www.instagram.com/saladwithasideoffriespod/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/salad-with-a-side-of-fries/id1476096152

We interview Jenn Trepeck,  an Optimal Health Coach, Podcaster, andBusiness Consultant.  Jenn learned the nutrition education we're all supposed to know but no one ever taught us. This completely changed her life and allowed her to say she “kicked her food issues.” From then, Jenn set out on a mission to pay it forward and help people help themselves. After over a decade of working with clients, Jenn started Salad with a Side of Fries podcast. Based on science, yet lighthearted, Jenn talks about living life while still making ourselves and our health a priority.http://www.betterlifenowllc.com/https://www.instagram.com/jenntrepeck/https://www.instagram.com/saladwithasideoffriespod/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/salad-with-a-side-of-fries/id1476096152

Everyone has felt heartache in one form or another. It's one of those annoying parts of life that help us grow but suck so so bad. Thank goodness for best friends, therapists, and yogis to help us during the shittiest of times when deep breathing feels like an impossibility. Liz is challenged to complete 40 days of the meditation/breathing exercise Gurudhan leads in this episode as he knows that balancing the heart and disciplining the mind are key right now. 

We interview (in person, so pardon our sound!) the amazing Sera Bonds! If you don't know this woman, you need to! She is Sera Bonds is a social justice activist committed to working towards balancing the scales of access, equity, and availability in sexual reproductive healthcare! She is the co-founder of Waking Giants and is doing a lot of good with her desire for a better world!In our interview, we talk global issues, feminism, health, and self-love and that is only a fraction of the talent and expertise Sera has to offer! https://www.serabonds.com/https://www.wakinggiants.me/https://www.instagram.com/serabonds/https://www.instagram.com/forthegoodfight/

After this past Independence Day, we thought it fitting to release one of our FAVORITE episodes all about freeing ourselves from abusive relationships of all kinds! We love Alex March and we love the message she spreads!The following links will get you to Alex March, information of domestic and sexual abuse, and how to help support indigenous women in America. Please consider donating to MMIWhttps://www.alexmarchenergy.com/@alxmrchenergyhttps://mmiwusa.org/https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/deborahdenton1https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotlinehttps://www.safeaustin.org/get-help/https://www.scarymommy.com/husband-choking-me-domestic-abuse/

We interview Janice, Ginger, and Keena as they tell us their coming out stories. These ladies trudged through the depths of judgment, isolation, and intense confusion before ending up on the other side truly loving themselves! We hope that these inspiring stories help anyone who needs understanding, community, and resources!  #loveislove #lovewinshttps://pflagaustin.org/https://pflagaustin.org/lgbtqia-resourceshttp://www.hopegeorgetown.org/

We interview therapists and fellow podcasters, Lauren Fractor and Ryanne Gatti. They are the dynamic duo behind Dope Sh*t My Therapist Says, a therapeutic wellness podcast with conversations that aim to cultivate self-growth, self-love, and self-reflection!https://www.instagram.com/dopeshttherapypod/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dope-sh-t-my-therapist-says/id1524840410

Today we talk with Gurudhan about healing our unhealed places and how supportive communication partners are key. We count our blessings while thinking about the VERY attentive, caring and nonjudgmental  listeners in our lives. Follow these links to take a Kundalini Yoga class with Gurudhan… https://flowyogatx.com/https://www.shuniyayogacollective.com/https://www.kundaliniuniversity.com/Instagram: @gurudhanyoga Facebook: Gurudhan Khalsa 

**Stories of sexual violence**We talk with Deepika Modali, a devoted activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for survivors. Currently, she is the Manager of Sexual Violence and Intake Services at the Asian Family Support Services of Austin, which provides cultural and language-specific direct services and advocacy to survivors of domestic, sexual, and trafficking violence in the Asian Pacific Islander and immigrant communities. She has been part of the social justice field for the past 10 years in Texas and is currently part of   TAASA's Survivor Advisory Board, a group of survivors working with the Governor's office to provide recommendations and support to sexual assault survivors across the state.https://www.afssaustin.org/www.instagram.com/afssaustinhttps://www.instagram.com/taasa_tx/https://www.safeaustin.org/https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.rainn.org/National Sexual Assault Hotline Hours: Available 24 hours 1-800-656-4673

We interview Carrie Contey, Ph.D., an internationally recognized coach, author, speaker, and educator. Her work offers a new perspective on human development, parenting, and family life. She guides, supports, and inspires her clients to live with wide-open and courageous hearts so they can approach family life with skill and spaciousness.The discussion is so impactful whether you are parenting tiny humans, baby adults, or reparenting yourself. email: hello@carriecontey.comhttps://www.carriecontey.com/https://www.facebook.com/carrieconteyphd/https://www.instagram.com/carrieconteyphd/

We interview ourselves and do a check-in to see how we're doing, what we've learned, and what new tools are being used. We love showing up for each other and for our listeners!Plus we are ridiculous and crack each other up! 

We talk to Gurudhan about breaking the cement of old habits and forging new ways of thinking as we take a jackhammer to the status quo!https://flowyogatx.com/https://www.shuniyayogacollective.com/https://www.kundaliniuniversity.com/Facebook: Gurudhan KhalsaInstagram: @gurudhanyoga

We interview Heather Hawk Feinberg,  a mother,  counselor, writer, music maker,  educator, and spiritual guide. She founded mindfulkidscommunity.org and has recently published a children's book called Crying Is Like The Rain. In our interview, we discuss what it means to feel feelings despite how it was taught in our own homes and ways to talk to our kids about feelings, too. https://www.mindfulkidscommunity.org/https://www.mindfulkidscommunity.org/who-we-arehttps://www.ebookwoman.com/search/site/crying%20is%20like%20the%20rain

To marry or not to marry: Is that the question?  We discuss why we marry and enter into such a sacred ritual when marriage isn't necessary for us to have meaningful relationships.  Do we marry for love? For society? For tradition? Whatever your answer, the pretty truth is that we grow in love when we gaze not only at each other but out at the world in the same direction. Sarah joined Central Ceremonies in 1997 and has owned it since 1999. So, with over twenty years of experience creating happy couples by handcrafting their ceremonies, you might say that this work is her calling. She is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy, The University of Texas, The LBJ School of Public Affairs, and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. It's also important to know that Sarah is a Ravenclaw who loves all sorts of mythology, historical fiction, collecting and connecting with people, hot tea, mountains, and spin class!https://centralceremonies.com/https://centralceremonies.com/blog/

Neasel Conner is a Licensed Professional Counselor that has created a new way to look at vision boards! Growing up she had dreams of becoming a lawyer but as she grew and headed to college her love for the human mind and empathetic spirit led her to the road of counseling. She received her Psych degree from Baylor University and Masters of Counseling degree at St. Edwards University.As a Therapist that goes to Therapy, one of Neasel's goals is to end the stigma of therapy in her community. We talk a bit about how you can have strong faith and therapy. It's not one or the other! We also chat about "Beyond The Happy" and what that means. This conversation was delightful. She radiates joy! We loved it so much that we asked Neasel to host a vision board party! Liz and Jess are no strangers to vision boards, but we have never done one like this. It's not only about the dreams and goals...she also goes into how to let go of limiting beliefs that are holding you back. We can't wait to do this with all of The Pretty Truth listeners! You can find Neasel at...https://beyondthehappy.comhttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthehappy/?igshid=16mrai95sgx8zYou can sign up and pay for the virtual vision board event by clicking here https://beyondthehappy.com/events

This interview is a must-listen! We communicate with everyone every day in many ways and the human race could bear to get an upgrade in how we relate to others and the world. Language is key to nurturing or breaking bonds and the more conscious we are with our communication as both a speaker and a listener, the more fulfilled our relationships will be. Alejandra Siroka M.A. is a transformative communication teacher and coach who’sdevoted her life to studying and teaching how language and communication shape ourlives and relationships. As a truth seeker, she integrates scientific approaches andholistic methods to access, express, and live our deepest truths skillfully andcompassionately.Her studies in socio-and psycholinguistics, yoga, and non-dualistic Eastern philosophies,mindfulness, Non-violent communication, neurobiology, Buddhist psychology andNeuro Linguistic Programming led her to found Language Alchemy.Language AlchemyTM is a transformative process that helps individuals, couples andgroups develop thriving conscious relationships by speaking their truth with clarity,confidence and compassion.https://www.languagealchemy.com/https://www.languagealchemy.com/5stepshttps://www.naturalresources-sf.com/products/language-matters-how-to-raise-confident-compassionate-children-through-conscious-communication?_pos=1&_sid=6bb986e62&_ss=r

We discuss connection, getting unstuck so we can write new life chapters, and then Jess and I shoot the shit for a little bit at the end! It's a good conversation and we hope you enjoy!

!!Warning!! We talk about death and grief and Jess gets deep as she unexpectedly goes on a journey with our guest about the sudden death of her younger sister. As a Compassionate Communication Coach, Trainer for The Grief Recovery Institute®, International Best Selling Author, Speaker, and Founder of The Compassion Code Academy, Laura provides in-depth training, both personally and professionally, for those who want to communicate compassionately while navigating challenging conversations and change or loss of any kind. https://www.laurajack.com/https://www.laurajack.com/compassion-code-academyhttps://www.laurajack.com/light-after-losshttps://www.amazon.com/Compassion-Code-Right-Thing-Happens/dp/0998777943/

We had the pleasure of interviewing  Jim Rigby,  the pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He is a progressive thinker in theology,  a social activist, and a brilliant writer.  We really enjoyed diving deep into ideas of religion, the ability to question the patriarchy and capitalism, and how to love and support one another as we travel through this life!https://www.staopen.org/https://lighterloadsatx.org/

We talk to Angel Lopez, who is literally an angel, all about being who you are and showing up as yourself as a beacon to others who need to know it's ok! He reads charts, produces movies, and loves oatmeal raisin cookies and we couldn't love him more!https://www.thespiritualgayz.com/https://www.thespiritualgayz.com/healings-and-readingshttps://www.thespiritualgayz.com/podcasthttps://www.thespiritualgayz.com/spirit-school

We interview Lindsey Means, a Manifesting Generator who knows all things Human Design! She talks about the Big 3: Type, Strategy, Authority and how this tool can help you find what lights you up, deepen your relationship with yourself and everyone else, and how to be ok with all that makes you who you are!** PROMO CODE: THE PRETTY TRUTH for 15% off a Human Design session with Lindsey!https://www.waisociety.com/https://www.instagram.com/waisociety/https://www.geneticmatrix.com/

We were so excited about this interview, we literally forgot to introduce her! Amber Soberon is a relaxation and energy integration specialist! Amber knows it all from Reiki and yoga to being a mom and a strong female making her way in the world! https://www.olesante.com/https://www.instagram.com/ambersoberon/https://www.shuniyayogacollective.com/https://www.nativewomenswilderness.org/mmiwhttps://www.instagram.com/kavitayogafitness/https://thatsugarmovement.com/

We interview Megan Johnson, a life coach and consultant for creatives, misfits, and holy outsiders! She discusses ways to pivot from the boxes we are put in and how to reclaim ourselves as the beautiful wonders that we are! https://megscolleen.com/https://www.instagram.com/megscolleen/https://www.madisonmorrigan.com/https://inquisitivehuman.com/

Forget about "forgive and forget"; how about "forgive and remember!" This brings more peace and compassion when we need it most. We do a short meditation with Gurudhan and talk about different definitions and experiences with forgiveness. Keep an eye out for a "how-to" for the breathing technique on our Instagram!

We learn about sun signs, moon signs, and rising signs and what they say about who we are and how we love!Plus get a little insight into what is coming with so much in Aquarius!!

Join us in this super fun conversation with Brandon Alter, an astrologer, tarot reader, and co-host of the podcast The Spiritual Gayz. We talk about cultivating spirituality, transformation of beliefs, and finding magic in your own history! https://brandonalterwellness.wordpress.com/https://www.thespiritualgayz.com/https://www.thespiritualgayz.com/podcasthttps://www.thespiritualgayz.com/spirit-schoolBooks:The Body of The Goddess: Sacred Wisdom in Myth, Landscape and Cultureby Rachel PollackSoul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Selfby Sandra Ingerman

This very important conversation with Michelle Kasey, a holistic sexuality and love luminary, is a must listen! We discuss releasing sexual trauma, ways to experience our sexual selves across our "seasons", and how to find safety while TAKING UP SPACE WITH OUR BODIES! Check out Michelle's information and offerings!https://michellekasey.com/https://www.instagram.com/_michellekasey_/https://www.facebook.com/THEMICHELLEKASEYhttps://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotlinehttps://www.safeaustin.org/our-services/face-to-face-support/sexual-assault-survivor-advocacy/

We interview Yogi Bryan, an awesome and hilarious yoga instructor, meme maker, and podcast host. We talk about everything from meditating about pizza to balancing masculine and feminine energy. Get ready for a fun and enlightening interview with lots of humor and F bombs!https://www.yogibryan.com/https://www.theyogishow.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relax-with-yogi-bryan-meditations/id1504510934https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8IwnRExv2AeC_ynu6uIG-ghttps://kenhonda.com/book/

Friends, we get a little heavy on this one as we believe silence is complicity. If we are to raise the consciousness of the planet, we have to slow down our response time, honor our boundaries, and really actually work on loving thy neighbor. Let's use Prayer to talk to the Universe and Meditation to let the Universe talk to us. Resources:https://www.rachelcargle.com/https://rachel-cargle.com/the-great-unlearn/https://www.facebook.com/gurudhan.khalsa

We interview Amy E. Smith, a certified confidence coach, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Founder of TheJoyJunkie.com, Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-love. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor.https://thejoyjunkie.com/Find your voice with the Workshophttps://www.thejoyjunkie.com/workshopGrab Amy's FREE eWorkbook, Stand up for Yourself without Being a Dickhttp://thejoyjunkie.com/freeJoin Amy's FREE Facebook Community with Bonus Trainings, Camaraderie, and Freebieshttp://thejoyjunkie.com/clubConnect with Amy on Insta where she mini-blogs every day!http://instagram.com/thejoyjunkie

Today, we discuss how our paths to our highest selves are paved with truths we must face in order to love more fully. Resources:New Year's Day workshophttps://www.kundaliniuniversity.com/online-studio-homehttps://karlamclaren.com/https://untamedbook.com/https://jenniferpastiloff.com/

We interview Dr. Meredith McNiel and discuss different way to confront trauma and begin a healing process. It begins with an idea for how you want your future to look and choice you can make to get there! www.essencetherapyatx.com@dr.meredith__Resources:The Official EMDR website and info page: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

We talk about the freedom to be human, which means accepting our vulnerabilities and allowing ourselves space to feel and breathe. It is an art to realize we are triggered, but not to panic, to act, not react. Enjoy a short 1 minute meditation and find more at:https://www.facebook.com/gurudhan.khalsahttps://www.facebook.com/gurudhan.khalsa/videos/10223329154754515/?d=n

Taylor Goodwin, CEO and founder of Lively Company and Lively Sisterhood chats with us about what inspired her to start her small businesss and how she wants to help others do the same. Her bath products are vegan, cruelty free and smell amazing! It's the perfect gift for someone this holiday season and you will be supporting a small business. www.lively-company.comFacebook group- Lively SisterhoodLively emerging leadership program

We interview Alex March, an empath, healer, martial arts instructor and black belt, and all around bad ass. This raw and amazing conversation touches on abuse, narcissism, self love and self protection, and how to use the power of anger to heal our past. We talk openly and honestly about our childhoods, what it's like to feel others feelings while ignoring our own, and how to hold our heads high while we embrace who we are!The following links will get you to Alex March, information of domestic and sexual abuse, and how to help support indigenous women in America. Please consider donating to MMIW this Thanksgiving. https://www.alexmarchenergy.com/@alxmrchenergyhttps://mmiwusa.org/https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/deborahdenton1https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotlinehttps://www.safeaustin.org/get-help/

We interview Amanda Nitschke, a yogi, shaman, and speech pathologist who specializes in communication on this plane and beyond! We discuss how to use energy, the land, and our inner wisdom to heal wounds and anchor in new beliefs. http://www.pachayoga.org www.leapswithlanguage.com@pacha_yogaBooks: Masters of the Living Energy by Joan Parisi WilcoxSan Pedro Huachuma Opening the Pathways of the Heart by Javier Regueiro

We interview mini mogul, Bex Irvine! This boss babe extraordinaire talks with us about her manifestation mindset and how good feelings yield good things!https://www.bexandcosalon.com/Instagram:@alsoknownasbex @starcyclecedarpark

We talk again with Gurudhan and discuss different types of breathing meditations, how it filters your air, as well as unprocessed emotions. He leads a 3 minute meditation where you inhale through a curled tongue and exhale from your nostrils. We also discuss choices we have while we are here on earth and how we can choose to be bitter about our shit or get better!