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What if your biggest struggle could become your greatest source of impact?In this powerful conversation, Ruth sits down with Brandice Lardner, founder of Grace Filled Plate, to talk about her journey from decades of disordered eating to a thriving faith-based coaching business—and now, a brand new book.Brandice opens up about the modeling moment that shattered her body image, the years she spent stuck in binge eating and food obsession, and the slow, grace-filled process of rebuilding her health from the inside out. Together, they explore the mental and spiritual shifts that lead to true transformation—not just in food, but in business and life.What You'll Learn:Why "just eat healthy" never works when your mindset is stuckThe connection between negative body image and spiritual disconnectionHow faith, gratitude, and renewing your mind can transform your healthThe parallels between food freedom and building a businessHow to trade all-or-nothing thinking for sustainable changeWhat it really takes to write a book that deeply connectsHow Brandice is shifting her business strategy in the new trust economyKey Quotes:“Nothing is wasted. Your history is going to be used to form you into the person God has called you to be.”“You can't undo what you already did by continuing to eat.”“When we just try to change the outside without changing the inside, we revert back.”“Self-kindness is the starting point for every real transformation.”----------Brandice's book, Fully Nourished - https://gracefilledplate.com/book/Apply to Powerhouse - https://www.rsbcourses.com/applynowFind Us: Website: ruthsoukup.comInstagram: @ruthsoukup
You're going to enjoy this. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/Cx1YPXoq6aQ LEARN about Sean McCormick - seanmccormick.com Evolution of memes, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity in communication. They discuss the challenges of censorship, the role of AI in content creation, and the significance of self-examination and personal growth 02:55 The Power of Memes 06:14 Censorship and Cultural Trends 08:54 Navigating AI and Content Creation 11:47 The Role of Honesty in Content 14:55 Personal Experiences with Vaccines and Weed 17:50 The Nature of Addiction and Escapism 20:56 The Pursuit of Truth and Awareness 23:51 Cultural Reflections and Personal Growth 26:46 Conclusion and Future Directions 35:57 The Hero's Journey and Self-Examination 37:01 Awakening and Consciousness 38:28 Tools for Self-Discovery 40:43 The Power of Float Tanks 43:46 Do It for the Plot 48:55 The Importance of Novelty 52:15 Curiosity and Risk-Taking 56:34 Navigating Truth in a Polarized World 01:07:32 The Evolution of Podcasting and Influencers 01:11:36 The Impact of Joe Rogan on the Float Industry 01:15:32 The Need for Authenticity in Media 01:16:01 The Dangers of Pornography and Its Cultural Impact 01:24:52 Detoxification and the Importance of Inner Work 01:32:53 The Journey Within: Finding Your Inner Self LEARN about Sean McCormick - seanmccormick.com I've
Recent data shows that more than half of all nonprofit leaders in the US are women. Unfortunately, we also know that many nonprofit leaders are on the brink of burnout.This calls into question what we are doing to support these female leaders and prompts us to consider how we can give them the support they truly need.In this episode, I'm joined by Marisa Ciesluk, a women's leadership development facilitator and coach, to help us figure out how to do that at a time when women's leadership development is under scrutiny. You'll learn practical strategies at the organizational and individual levels to make a difference.▶️ How Most Nonprofits Approach Women's Leadership Development (and What You Should Do Instead) with Marisa Ciesluk ▶️ Key Points:0:00:00 From burnout to women's leadership coaching0:09:33 Beyond skills: do the inner work, build capacity0:18:35 How nonprofits are supporting female leaders0:20:42 Organizational shifts to better support women0:24:59 Ways nonprofit L&D pros can help women0:29:19 A conversation that must continue to happenResources from this episode:Check out the book Marisa recommends: Playing Big by Tara Mohr.Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 152 - Preparing Next Gen Family Leaders for 2030 and Beyond with Amit Egan Datwani In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker introduces Amit Egan Datwani, an advisor and consultant in the ultra high net worth space. They discuss the transformative changes affecting the commercial real estate industry, particularly influenced by the pandemic. Datwani shares insights on the importance of deep personal work, spiritual and emotional development for the next generation, and how these factors contribute to innovation and family business continuity. They also touch on the roles of creative intelligence and adaptability in navigating the evolving real estate market. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for families to address inner dysfunction to ensure sustainable business success. · 00:54 The Changing Landscape of Commercial Real Estate · 01:25 Meet Amit Egan Datwani: A Journey in Family Business and Real Estate · 04:22 Amit's Personal and Professional Evolution · 09:47 The Direction Amit's Work is Evolving · 12:38 Helping Families Find Alignment · 16:37 The Importance of Inner Work and Innovation in Family Businesses · 19:04 How to Know if Your Business Needs to Make a Change · 27:03 The Importance of Personal Development for Next-Gen Leaders · 44:22 The Future of Real Estate and Family Business Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · globalconsultingorganization.com · linkedin: @aedgco Amit's Bio: Amit is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Global Consulting Organization (GCO). GCO is an internationally positioned Project-Starting Firm that's Visioning, Branding, and Marketing the Neighborhoods, Communities, and Cities of the Future—with particular expertise in Office Building TRANSFORMATION to SUPERCHARGE today's unsustainable Central Business Districts into Profitable and Purposeful Places of the Future. GCO is leading the movement for Real Estate's first TRULY-INTEGRATED Project Development Model: DESIGN|BRAND|BUILD. Amit showcases this innovation and keen mindset for Transformational Development as the engaging host of GCO FutureCast Episodes and as a headlining speaker or guest collaborator at Premier Experiences nationwide. With these credits, he is an influential C-Suite Advisor on the Future of Office Buildings, offering evolutionary perspectives about the vital power of Branding & Marketing in Commercial Real Estate, as well as how the concept of "Central Living Districts" will RE-imagine the Industry for 2030 and Beyond. As the leader of the GCO Collective, Amit ACTIVATES Best-in-Class creative talent from inside and outside the Real Estate Industry to LAUNCH Development Projects with a Unified Creative Vision. Using this VISION as a Project's lead facilitator, he's the driving force behind the movement to ELEVATE "The Human Experience" through the Built Environment, an essential commitment of the DESIGN|BRAND|BUILD Model. With two decades of experience working in & with Family Businesses in Real Estate (and previously the Apparel Industry), Amit also advises Multigenerational and Family Office Clients on how to integrate diverse perspectives into a cohesive, purposeful VISION that delivers superior outcomes. Amit is trilingual, proficient in English, Spanish, and Hindi. Leading with his Visionary Spirit, he mentors NEXT-GENERATION talent, including work with students at George Washington University's Center for Real Estate & Urban Analysis and at the Dwight-Englewood School. Amit enjoys spending time with his wife (a Writer and longtime Yoga Teacher), 27-year-old stepson (a New Jersey State Trooper and Personal Trainer), and 15-year-old son (who dreams of playing in the NBA). They love playing pickleball, boating, and exploring everything that South Florida has to offer. For inspiration, Amit LOVES reading, practicing yoga, and taking long walks around cities, ALWAYS thinking about TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY.
It can be challenging in our modern world to stay anchored in Divine truth, light, peace, and abundance. There are so many distractions that can pull us away from our path. There's collective fear, confusion, and chaos that can lower our vibration & frequency... IF we allow it. In this re-release and updated version of a very popular INNER WORK episode, I'll give you 9 spiritual reminders that can help you stay aligned with Higher Truth and sustain a high-level vibration in your daily life. Regardless of what's going on around you or in the world! Watch this as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GC3C_EpXAlU Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! **** Get the FREE Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Contact: me@josephinehardman.com **** Music & editing by G. Demers Inner Work 2026 All Rights Reserved.
Hello, dear listener and fellow traveler on the spiritual path! Thank you for tuning in to Inner Work. Whether this is your first time here or whether you've been with me for a while... your presence is infinitely valued and means SO much. In addition to this audio podcast, I now also have an active YouTube channel with new videos every week. Content includes Akashic Records, spiritual healing, psychospiritual development, guided meditations, and more. Please join me over on YouTube if you feel called: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Let me know if you have questions or topics you'd like me to cover here or in a video. I want to continue offering content that TRULY serves you... from my Soul to yours. xoxoxo, Josephine
Are you filling a hole in the soul with habits or substances that promise comfort—but never truly deliver? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Judy Rosenberg breaks down why smoking and other addictions are often not about the substance itself, but about control, confidence, performance, and the ego's need for validation. She explains how these behaviors become defense mechanisms—temporary fixes that ultimately keep us stuck instead of helping us grow. Dr. Judy dives deep into the concept of alignment and resonance, revealing how true transformation begins when we step away from ego-driven patterns and start building what she calls the “Big I”—the highest, most evolved version of ourselves. Whether you're considering quitting smoking, breaking an unhealthy habit, or simply wanting to understand why change feels so difficult, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and real tools for becoming the cause of better outcomes in your life. Cold turkey or gradual withdrawal—the choice is yours.But growth begins the moment awareness enters the room. Dr. Judy Rosenberg is the author of Be the Cause: Healing Human Disconnect and is available on Amazon.#DrJudyRosenberg #StopSmoking #AddictionRecovery #HealingTheSoul #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheHabit #EmotionalHealing #InnerWork #EgoVsHigherSelf #Alignment #Resonance #PersonalGrowth #ConsciousLiving #HealingJourney #BeTheCause #SelfAwareness #Transformation #MindBodySoul
Send us a textIn this powerful episode of the Spiritual Spotlight Series, Rachel Garrett sits down with Stephanie James — psychotherapist, filmmaker, author, and transformational guide — for a deeply honest conversation about healing, personal responsibility, and reclaiming your authentic power.Stephanie shares her personal journey from a seemingly “perfect” childhood to profound loss, emotional rupture, and ultimately, deep inner transformation. Together, Rachel and Stephanie explore why true healing doesn't come from bypassing pain — but from meeting it with presence, compassion, and courage.This episode dives into:The dangers of spiritual bypassing and why positivity alone doesn't heal traumaHow dreams act as a direct line to the subconscious and soul wisdomReclaiming personal power through inner work, self-care, and emotional responsibilityHealing trauma without abandoning yourselfWhy authenticity is the gateway to fulfillment, purpose, and aligned relationshipsHow your healing ripples outward and impacts the collectiveStephanie brings grounded psychological insight together with spiritual depth, reminding us that healing isn't about fixing yourself — it's about remembering who you are beneath the conditioning.If you're on a spiritual path and craving real integration, emotional truth, and embodied healing (not spiritual fluff), this conversation will meet you right where you are — and gently call you forward.✨ Tune in and let this episode support you in reclaiming your inner authority, honoring your truth, and allowing your healing to become a light for others. Support the show
What if manifestation doesn't fail because you're doing it wrong, but because your nervous system is stuck in survival mode? In this episode of The Skeptic Metaphysicians, Will and Karen sit down with Christy Whitman, two-time New York Times bestselling author and transformational teacher, for a grounded, practical conversation about flow, energy mastery, and why so many well-intentioned spiritual practices backfire. Rather than relying on affirmations, vision boards, or spiritual bypassing, Christy explains how true manifestation begins by regulating the nervous system, releasing stored energetic blocks, and shifting from survival consciousness into creator consciousness. This conversation bridges modern spirituality, energy healing, and consciousness work with real-world application, especially for listeners who feel exhausted, stuck, or emotionally reactive despite “doing the work.” In this episode, you'll explore:Why manifestation feels exhausting when practiced from stress instead of flowHow fight-flight-freeze responses sabotage spiritual growth and intuition developmentThe connection between stored trauma, energy blocks, and physical symptomsWhy compassion is the fastest way to regulate the nervous systemHow to stop forcing outcomes and let life actually cooperateWhat a true flow state feels like, without collapsing into vague positivityThe difference between survival consciousness and creator consciousnessHow intuition becomes clearer when energy is alignedWhy detachment is essential to manifestation and soul purpose alignmentChristy also shares deeply personal insights from her decades of work as a spiritual teacher, including her experience channeling the Council of Light, and how energy mastery can support spiritual awakening, emotional regulation, and long-term spiritual growth. This episode is especially powerful for anyone navigating:Burnout during awakeningEmotional reactivityConfusion around manifestationNervous system dysregulationA desire for practical, grounded spiritual toolsIf you've ever wondered why manifestation techniques haven't delivered the peace, clarity, or abundance they promise, this conversation reframes everything.The Skeptic Metaphysicians is a pragmatic spirituality podcast for curious minds exploring the unknown without abandoning critical thinking. Each episode breaks down metaphysics explained through grounded conversation, examining hidden truths behind spiritual awakening, consciousness expansion, and expanded consciousness. We explore intuition, mediumship, spirit guides, and the mechanics of healing and personal transformation—bridging skeptical inquiry with meaningful spiritual experience. If you're navigating your own awakening or questioning reality while staying intellectually honest, this podcast is for seekers and skeptics alike.Subscribe, Rate & Review!If you found this episode enlightening, mind-expanding, or even just thought-provoking (see what we did there?), please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us bring more transformative guests and topics your way!Connect with Us:
Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/inner-work-reset/ Are You Mistaking Inner Work for Inner Performance? Have you ever felt more exhausted after meditating or journaling? Like your healing journey has become another task on your to-do list? For highly sensitive people (HSPs), personal growth tools—like reflection, meditation, or emotional processing—can slowly shift from healing practices to hidden stressors. In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, you'll uncover the subtle ways your inner work might be draining you instead of supporting you—and how to shift back into a space of nourishment, softness, and real self-compassion. Here's what you'll gain from this episode: Discover why HSPs are more vulnerable to "spiritual burnout" and what signs to watch for. Learn the difference between nourishing and performative inner work—and how to reset when healing becomes pressure. Explore a five-step ritual that helps you return to presence, softness, and self-trust in your personal growth journey. Listen now and learn how to make your inner work feel like home again—gentle, energizing, and aligned with your sensitive nervous system. Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.
What if the most transformative thing you can do for your writing craft and author business is to face what you fear? How can you can find gold in your Shadow in the year ahead? In this episode, I share chapters from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words. In the intro, curated book boxes from Bridgerton's Julia Quinn; Google's agentic shopping, and powering Apple's Siri; ChatGPT Ads; and Claude CoWork. Balancing Certainty and Uncertainty [MoonShots with Tony Robbins]; and three trends for authors with me and Orna Ross [Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast]; plus, Bones of the Deep, Business for Authors, and Indie Author Lab. This show is supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and memoir as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. What is the Shadow? The ‘creative wound' and the Shadow in writing The Shadow in traditional publishing The Shadow in self-publishing or being an indie author The Shadow in work The Shadow in money You can find Writing the Shadow in all formats on all stores, as well as special edition, workbook and bundles at www.TheCreativePenn.com/shadowbook Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words The following chapters are excerpted from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn. Introduction. What is the Shadow? “How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also if I am to be whole.” —C.G. Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul We all have a Shadow side and it is the work of a lifetime to recognise what lies within and spin that base material into gold. Think of it as a seedling in a little pot that you're given when you're young. It's a bit misshapen and weird, not something you would display in your living room, so you place it in a dark corner of the basement. You don't look at it for years. You almost forget about it. Then one day you notice tendrils of something wild poking up through the floorboards. They're ugly and don't fit with your Scandi-minimalist interior design. You chop the tendrils away and pour weedkiller on what's left, trying to hide the fact that they were ever there. But the creeping stems keep coming. At some point, you know you have to go down there and face the wild thing your seedling has become. When you eventually pluck up enough courage to go down into the basement, you discover that the plant has wound its roots deep into the foundations of your home. Its vines weave in and out of the cracks in the walls, and it has beautiful flowers and strange fruit. It holds your world together. Perhaps you don't need to destroy the wild tendrils. Perhaps you can let them wind up into the light and allow their rich beauty to weave through your home. It will change the look you have so carefully cultivated, but maybe that's just what the place needs. The Shadow in psychology Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychologist and the founder of analytical psychology. He described the Shadow as an unconscious aspect of the human personality, those parts of us that don't match up to what is expected of us by family and society, or to our own ideals. The Shadow is not necessarily evil or illegal or immoral, although of course it can be. It's also not necessarily caused by trauma, abuse, or any other severely damaging event, although again, it can be. It depends on the individual. What is in your Shadow is based on your life and your experiences, as well as your culture and society, so it will be different for everyone. Psychologist Connie Zweig, in The Inner Work of Age, explains, “The Shadow is that part of us that lies beneath or behind the light of awareness. It contains our rejected, unacceptable traits and feelings. It contains our hidden gifts and talents that have remained unexpressed or unlived. As Jung put it, the essence of the Shadow is pure gold.” To further illustrate the concept, Robert Bly, in A Little Book on the Human Shadow,uses the following metaphor: “When we are young, we carry behind us an invisible bag, into which we stuff any feelings, thoughts, or behaviours that bring disapproval or loss of love—anger, tears, neediness, laziness. By the time we go to school, our bags are already a mile long. In high school, our peer groups pressure us to stuff the bags with even more—individuality, sexuality, spontaneity, different opinions. We spend our life until we're twenty deciding which parts of ourselves to put into the bag and we spend the rest of our lives trying to get them out again.” As authors, we can use what's in the ‘bag' to enrich our writing — but only if we can access it. My intention with this book is to help you venture into your Shadow and bring some of what's hidden into the light and into your words. I'll reveal aspects of my Shadow in these pages but ultimately, this book is about you. Your Shadow is unique. There may be elements we share, but much will be different. Each chapter has questions for you to consider that may help you explore at least the edges of your Shadow, but it's not easy. As Jung said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular.” But take heart, Creative. You don't need courage when things are easy. You need it when you know what you face will be difficult, but you do it anyway. We are authors. We know how to do hard things. We turn ideas into books. We manifest thoughts into ink on paper. We change lives with our writing. First, our own, then other people's. It's worth the effort to delve into Shadow, so I hope you will join me on the journey. The creative wound and the Shadow in writing “Whatever pain you can't get rid of, make it your creative offering.” —Susan Cain, Bittersweet The more we long for something, the more extreme our desire, the more likely it is to have a Shadow side. For those of us who love books, the author life may well be a long-held dream and thus, it is filled with Shadow. Books have long been objects of desire, power, and authority. They hold a mythic status in our lives. We escaped into stories as children; we studied books at school and college; we read them now for escape and entertainment, education and inspiration. We collect beautiful books to put on our shelves. We go to them for solace and answers to the deepest questions of life. Writers are similarly held in high esteem. They shape culture, win literary prizes, give important speeches, and are quoted in the mainstream media. Their books are on the shelves in libraries and bookstores. Writers are revered, held up as rare, talented creatures made separate from us by their brilliance and insight. For bibliophile children, books were everything and to write one was a cherished dream. To become an author? Well, that would mean we might be someone special, someone worthy. Perhaps when you were young, you thought the dream of being a writer was possible — then you told someone about it. That's probably when you heard the first criticism of such a ridiculous idea, the first laughter, the first dismissal. So you abandoned the dream, pushed the idea of being a writer into the Shadow, and got on with your life. Or if it wasn't then, it came later, when you actually put pen to paper and someone — a parent, teacher, partner, or friend, perhaps even a literary agent or publisher, someone whose opinion you valued — told you it was worthless. Here are some things you might have heard: Writing is a hobby. Get a real job. You're not good enough. You don't have any writing talent. You don't have enough education. You don't know what you're doing. Your writing is derivative / unoriginal / boring / useless / doesn't make sense. The genre you write in is dead / worthless / unacceptable / morally wrong / frivolous / useless. Who do you think you are? No one would want to read what you write. You can't even use proper grammar, so how could you write a whole book? You're wasting your time. You'll never make it as a writer. You shouldn't write those things (or even think about those things). Why don't you write something nice? Insert other derogatory comment here! Mark Pierce describes the effect of this experience in his book The Creative Wound, which “occurs when an event, or someone's actions or words, pierce you, causing a kind of rift in your soul. A comment—even offhand and unintentional—is enough to cause one.” He goes on to say that such words can inflict “damage to the core of who we are as creators. It is an attack on our artistic identity, resulting in us believing that whatever we make is somehow tainted or invalid, because shame has convinced us there is something intrinsically tainted or invalid about ourselves.” As adults, we might brush off such wounds, belittling them as unimportant in the grand scheme of things. We might even find ourselves saying the same words to other people. After all, it's easier to criticise than to create. But if you picture your younger self, bright eyed as you lose yourself in your favourite book, perhaps you might catch a glimpse of what you longed for before your dreams were dashed on the rocks of other people's reality. As Mark Pierce goes on to say, “A Creative Wound has the power to delay our pursuits—sometimes for years—and it can even derail our lives completely… Anything that makes us feel ashamed of ourselves or our work can render us incapable of the self-expression we yearn for.” This is certainly what happened to me, and it took decades to unwind. Your creative wounds will differ to mine but perhaps my experience will help you explore your own. To be clear, your Shadow may not reside in elements of horror as mine do, but hopefully you can use my example to consider where your creative wounds might lie. “You shouldn't write things like that.” It happened at secondary school around 1986 or 1987, so I would have been around eleven or twelve years old. English was one of my favourite subjects and the room we had our lessons in looked out onto a vibrant garden. I loved going to that class because it was all about books, and they were always my favourite things. One day, we were asked to write a story. I can't remember the specifics of what the teacher asked us to write, but I fictionalised a recurring nightmare. I stood in a dark room. On one side, my mum and my brother, Rod, were tied up next to a cauldron of boiling oil, ready to be thrown in. On the other side, my dad and my little sister, Lucy, were threatened with decapitation by men with machetes. I had to choose who would die. I always woke up, my heart pounding, before I had to choose. Looking back now, it clearly represented an internal conflict about having to pick sides between the two halves of my family. Not an unexpected issue from a child of divorce. Perhaps these days, I might have been sent to the school counsellor, but it was the eighties and I don't think we even had such a thing. Even so, the meaning of the story isn't the point. It was the reaction to it that left scars. “You shouldn't write things like that,” my teacher said, and I still remember her look of disappointment, even disgust. Certainly judgment. She said my writing was too dark. It wasn't a proper story. It wasn't appropriate for the class. As if horrible things never happened in stories — or in life. As if literature could not include dark tales. As if the only acceptable writing was the kind she approved of. We were taught The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that year, which says a lot about the type of writing considered appropriate. Or perhaps the issue stemmed from the school motto, “So hateth she derknesse,” from Chaucer's The Legend of Good Women: “For fear of night, so she hates the darkness.” I had won a scholarship to a private girls' school, and their mission was to turn us all into proper young ladies. Horror was never on the curriculum. Perhaps if my teacher had encouraged me to write my darkness back then, my nightmares would have dissolved on the page. Perhaps if we had studied Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or H.P. Lovecraft stories, or Bram Stoker's Dracula, I could have embraced the darker side of literature earlier in my life. My need to push darker thoughts into my Shadow was compounded by my (wonderful) mum's best intentions. We were brought up on the principles of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and she tried to shield me and my brother from anything harmful or horrible. We weren't allowed to watch TV much, and even the British school drama Grange Hill was deemed inappropriate. So much of what I've achieved is because my mum instilled in me a “can do” attitude that anything is possible. I'm so grateful to her for that. (I love you, Mum!) But all that happy positivity, my desire to please her, to be a good girl, to make my teachers proud, and to be acceptable to society, meant that I pushed my darker thoughts into Shadow. They were inappropriate. They were taboo. They must be repressed, kept secret, and I must be outwardly happy and positive at all times. You cannot hold back the darkness “The night is dark and full of terrors.” —George R.R. Martin, A Storm of Swords It turned out that horror was on the curriculum, much of it in the form of educational films we watched during lessons. In English Literature, we watched Romeo drink poison and Juliet stab herself in Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. In Religious Studies, we watched Jesus beaten, tortured, and crucified in The Greatest Story Ever Told, and learned of the variety of gruesome ways that Christian saints were martyred. In Classical Civilisation, we watched gladiators slaughter each other in Spartacus. In Sex Education at the peak of the AIDS crisis in the mid-'80s, we were told of the many ways we could get infected and die. In History, we studied the Holocaust with images of skeletal bodies thrown into mass graves, medical experiments on humans, and grainy videos of marching soldiers giving the Nazi salute. One of my first overseas school field trips was to the World War I battlegrounds of Flanders Fields in Belgium, where we studied the inhuman conditions of the trenches, walked through mass graves, and read war poetry by candlelight. As John McCrae wrote: We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Did the teachers not realise how deeply a sensitive teenager might feel the darkness of that place? Or have I always been unusual in that places of blood echo deep inside me? And the horrors kept coming. We lived in Bristol, England back then and I learned at school how the city had been part of the slave trade, its wealth built on the backs of people stolen from their homes, sold, and worked to death in the colonies. I had been at school for a year in Malawi, Africa and imagined the Black people I knew drowning, being beaten, and dying on those ships. In my teenage years, the news was filled with ethnic cleansing, mass rape, and massacres during the Balkan wars, and images of bodies hacked apart during the Rwandan genocide. Evil committed by humans against other humans was not a historical aberration. I'm lucky and I certainly acknowledge my privilege. Nothing terrible or horrifying has happened to me — but bad things certainly happen to others. I wasn't bullied or abused. I wasn't raped or beaten or tortured. But you don't have to go through things to be afraid of them, and for your imagination to conjure the possibility of them. My mum doesn't read my fiction now as it gives her nightmares (Sorry, Mum!). I know she worries that somehow she's responsible for my darkness, but I've had a safe and (mostly) happy life, for which I'm truly grateful. But the world is not an entirely safe and happy place, and for a sensitive child with a vivid imagination, the world is dark and scary. It can be brutal and violent, and bad things happen, even to good people. No parent can shield their child from the reality of the world. They can only help them do their best to live in it, develop resilience, and find ways to deal with whatever comes. Story has always been a way that humans have used to learn how to live and deal with difficult times. The best authors, the ones that readers adore and can't get enough of, write their darkness into story to channel their experience, and help others who fear the same. In an interview on writing the Shadow on The Creative Penn Podcast, Michaelbrent Collings shared how he incorporated a personally devastating experience into his writing: “My wife and I lost a child years back, and that became the root of one of my most terrifying books, Apparition. It's not terrifying because it's the greatest book of all time, but just the concept that there's this thing out there… like a demon, and it consumes the blood and fear of the children, and then it withdraws and consumes the madness of the parents… I wrote that in large measure as a way of working through what I was experiencing.” I've learned much from Michaelbrent. I've read many of his (excellent) books and he's been on my podcast multiple times talking about his depression and mental health issues, as well as difficulties in his author career. Writing darkness is not in Michaelbrent's Shadow and only he can say what lies there for him. But from his example, and from that of other authors, I too learned how to write my Shadow into my books. Twenty-three years after that English lesson, in November 2009, I did NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, and wrote five thousand words of what eventually became Stone of Fire, my first novel. In the initial chapter, I burned a nun alive on the ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. I had watched the bodies burn by night on pyres from a boat bobbing in the current a few years before, and the image was still crystal clear in my mind. The only way to deal with how it made me feel about death was to write about it — and since then, I've never stopped writing. Returning to the nightmare from my school days, I've never had to choose between the two halves of my family, but the threat of losing them remains a theme in my fiction. In my ARKANE thriller series, Morgan Sierra will do anything to save her sister and her niece. Their safety drives her to continue to fight against evil. Our deepest fears emerge in our writing, and that's the safest place for them. I wish I'd been taught how to turn my nightmares into words back at school, but at least now I've learned to write my Shadow onto the page. I wish the same for you. The Shadow in traditional publishing If becoming an author is your dream, then publishing a book is deeply entwined with that. But as Mark Pierce says in The Creative Wound, “We feel pain the most where it matters the most… Desire highlights whatever we consider to be truly significant.” There is a lot of desire around publishing for those of us who love books! It can give you: Validation that your writing is good enough Status and credibility Acceptance by an industry held in esteem The potential of financial reward and critical acclaim Support from a team of professionals who know how to make fantastic books A sense of belonging to an elite community Pride in achieving a long-held goal, resulting in a confidence boost and self-esteem Although not guaranteed, traditional publishing can give you all these things and more, but as with everything, there is a potential Shadow side. Denying it risks the potential of being disillusioned, disappointed, and even damaged. But remember, forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. Preparation can help you avoid potential issues and help you feel less alone if you encounter them. The myth of success… and the reality of experience There is a pervasive myth of success in the traditional publishing industry, perpetuated by media reporting on brand name and breakout authors, those few outliers whose experience is almost impossible to replicate. Because of such examples, many new traditionally published authors think that their first book will hit the top of the bestseller charts or win an award, as well as make them a million dollars — or at least a big chunk of cash. They will be able to leave their job, write in a beautiful house overlooking the ocean, and swan around the world attending conferences, while writing more bestselling books. It will be a charmed life. But that is not the reality. Perhaps it never was. Even so, the life of a traditionally published author represents a mythic career with the truth hidden behind a veil of obscurity. In April 2023, The Bookseller in the UK reported that “more than half of authors (54%) responding to a survey on their experiences of publishing their debut book have said the process negatively affected their mental health. Though views were mixed, just 22%… described a positive experience overall… Among the majority who said they had a negative experience of debut publication, anxiety, stress, depression and ‘lowered' self-esteem were cited, with lack of support, guidance or clear and professional communication from their publisher among the factors that contributed.” Many authors who have negative experiences around publishing will push them into the Shadow with denial or self-blame, preferring to keep the dream alive. They won't talk about things in public as this may negatively affect their careers, but private discussions are often held in the corners of writing conferences or social media groups online. Some of the issues are as follows: Repeated rejection by agents and publishers may lead to the author thinking they are not good enough as a writer, which can lead to feeling unworthy as a person. If an author gets a deal, the amount of advance and the name and status of the publisher compared to others create a hierarchy that impacts self-esteem. A deal for a book may be much lower than an author might have been expecting, with low or no advance, and the resulting experience with the publisher beneath expectations. The launch process may be disappointing, and the book may appear without fanfare, with few sales and no bestseller chart position. In The Bookseller report, one author described her launch day as “a total wasteland… You have expectations about what publication day will be like, but in reality, nothing really happens.” The book may receive negative reviews by critics or readers or more publicly on social media, which can make an author feel attacked. The book might not sell as well as expected, and the author may feel like it's their fault. Commercial success can sometimes feel tied to self-worth and an author can't help but compare their sales to others, with resulting embarrassment or shame. The communication from the publisher may be less than expected. One author in The Bookseller report said, “I was shocked by the lack of clarity and shared information and the cynicism that underlies the superficial charm of this industry.” There is often more of a focus on debut authors in publishing houses, so those who have been writing and publishing in the midlist for years can feel ignored and undervalued. In The Bookseller report, 48 percent of authors reported “their publisher supported them for less than a year,” with one saying, “I got no support and felt like a commodity, like the team had moved on completely to the next book.” If an author is not successful enough, the next deal may be lower than the last, less effort is made with marketing, and they may be let go. In The Bookseller report, “six authors—debut and otherwise—cited being dropped by their publisher, some with no explanation.” Even if everything goes well and an author is considered successful by others, they may experience imposter syndrome, feeling like a fraud when speaking at conferences or doing book signings. And the list goes on … All these things can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and embarrassment; loss of status in the eyes of peers; and a sense of failure if a publishing career is not successful enough. The author feels like it's their fault, like they weren't good enough — although, of course, the reality is that the conditions were not right at the time. A failure of a book is not a failure of the person, but it can certainly feel like it! When you acknowledge the Shadow, it loses its power Despite all the potential negatives of traditional publishing, if you know what could happen, you can mitigate them. You can prepare yourself for various scenarios and protect yourself from potential fall-out. It's clear from The Bookseller report that too many authors have unrealistic expectations of the industry. But publishers are businesses, not charities. It's not their job to make you feel good as an author. It's their job to sell books and pay you. The best thing they can do is to continue to be a viable business so they can keep putting books on the shelves and keep paying authors, staff, and company shareholders. When you license your creative work to a publisher, you're giving up control of your intellectual property in exchange for money and status. Bring your fears and issues out of the Shadow, acknowledge them, and deal with them early, so they do not get pushed down and re-emerge later in blame and bitterness. Educate yourself on the business of publishing. Be clear on what you want to achieve with any deal. Empower yourself as an author, take responsibility for your career, and you will have a much better experience. The Shadow in self-publishing or being an indie author Self-publishing, or being an independent (indie) author, can be a fantastic, pro-active choice for getting your book into the world. Holding your first book in your hand and saying “I made this” is pretty exciting, and even after more than forty books, I still get excited about seeing ideas in my head turn into a physical product in the world. Self-publishing can give an author: Creative control over what to write, editorial and cover design choices, when and how often to publish, and how to market Empowerment over your author career and the ability to make choices that impact success without asking for permission Ownership and control of intellectual property assets, resulting in increased opportunity around licensing and new markets Independence and the potential for recurring income for the long term Autonomy and flexibility around timelines, publishing options, and the ability to easily pivot into new genres and business models Validation based on positive reader reviews and money earned Personal growth and learning through the acquisition of new skills, resulting in a boost in confidence and self-esteem A sense of belonging to an active and vibrant community of indie authors around the world Being an indie author can give you all this and more, but once again, there is a Shadow side and preparation can help you navigate potential issues. The myth of success… and the reality of experience As with traditional publishing, the indie author world has perpetuated a myth of success in the example of the breakout indie author like E.L. James with Fifty Shades of Grey, Hugh Howey with Wool, or Andy Weir with The Martian. The emphasis on financial success is also fuelled online by authors who share screenshots showing six-figure months or seven-figure years, without sharing marketing costs and other outgoings, or the amount of time spent on the business. Yes, these can inspire some, but it can also make others feel inadequate and potentially lead to bad choices about how to publish and market based on comparison. The indie author world is full of just as much ego and a desire for status and money as traditional publishing. This is not a surprise! Most authors, regardless of publishing choices, are a mix of massive ego and chronic self-doubt. We are human, so the same issues will re-occur. A different publishing method doesn't cure all ills. Some of the issues are as follows: You learn everything you need to know about writing and editing, only to find that you need to learn a whole new set of skills in order to self-publish and market your book. This can take a lot of time and effort you did not expect, and things change all the time so you have to keep learning. Being in control of every aspect of the publishing process, from writing to cover design to marketing, can be overwhelming, leading to indecision, perfectionism, stress, and even burnout as you try to do all the things. You try to find people to help, but building your team is a challenge, and working with others has its own difficulties. People say negative things about self-publishing that may arouse feelings of embarrassment or shame. These might be little niggles, but they needle you, nonetheless. You wonder whether you made the right choice. You struggle with self-doubt and if you go to an event with traditional published authors, you compare yourself to them and feel like an imposter. Are you good enough to be an author if a traditional publisher hasn't chosen you? Is it just vanity to self-publish? Are your books unworthy? Even though you worked with a professional editor, you still get one-star reviews and you hate criticism from readers. You wonder whether you're wasting your time. You might be ripped off by an author services company who promise the world, only to leave you with a pile of printed books in your garage and no way to sell them. When you finally publish your book, it languishes at the bottom of the charts while other authors hit the top of the list over and over, raking in the cash while you are left out of pocket. You don't admit to over-spending on marketing as it makes you ashamed. You resist book marketing and make critical comments about writers who embrace it. You believe that quality rises to the top and if a book is good enough, people will buy it anyway. This can lead to disappointment and disillusionment when you launch your book and it doesn't sell many copies because nobody knows about it. You try to do what everyone advises, but you still can't make decent money as an author. You're jealous of other authors' success and put it down to them ‘selling out' or writing things you can't or ‘using AI' or ‘using a ghostwriter' or having a specific business model you consider impossible to replicate. And the list goes on… When you acknowledge the Shadow, it loses its power Being in control of your books and your author career is a double-edged sword. Traditionally published authors can criticise their publishers or agents or the marketing team or the bookstores or the media, but indie authors have to take responsibility for it all. Sure, we can blame ‘the algorithms' or social media platforms, or criticise other authors for having more experience or more money to invest in marketing, or attribute their success to writing in a more popular genre — but we also know there are always people who do well regardless of the challenges. Once more, we're back to acknowledging and integrating the Shadow side of our choices. We are flawed humans. There will always be good times and bad, and difficulties to offset the high points. This too shall pass, as the old saying goes. I know that being an indie author has plenty of Shadow. I've been doing this since 2008 and despite the hard times, I'm still here. I'm still writing. I'm still publishing. This life is not for everyone, but it's my choice. You must make yours. The Shadow in work You work hard. You make a living. Nothing wrong with that attitude, right? It's what we're taught from an early age and, like so much of life, it's not a problem until it goes to extremes. Not achieving what you want to? Work harder. Can't get ahead? Work harder. Not making a good enough living? Work harder. People who don't work hard are lazy. They don't deserve handouts or benefits. People who don't work hard aren't useful, so they are not valued members of our culture and community. But what about the old or the sick, the mentally ill, or those with disabilities? What about children? What about the unemployed? The under-employed? What about those who are — or will be — displaced by technology, those called “the useless class” by historian Yuval Noah Harari in his book Homo Deus? What if we become one of these in the future? Who am I if I cannot work? The Shadow side of my attitude to work became clear when I caught COVID in the summer of 2021. I was the sickest I'd ever been. I spent two weeks in bed unable to even think properly, and six weeks after that, I was barely able to work more than an hour a day before lying in the dark and waiting for my energy to return. I was limited in what I could do for another six months after that. At times, I wondered if I would ever get better. Jonathan kept urging me to be patient and rest. But I don't know how to rest. I know how to work and how to sleep. I can do ‘active rest,' which usually involves walking a long way or traveling somewhere interesting, but those require a stronger mind and body than I had during those months. It struck me that even if I recovered from the virus, I had glimpsed my future self. One day, I will be weak in body and mind. If I'm lucky, that will be many years away and hopefully for a short time before I die — but it will happen. I am an animal. I will die. My body and mind will pass on and I will be no more. Before then I will be weak. Before then, I will be useless. Before then, I will be a burden. I will not be able to work… But who am I if I cannot work? What is the point of me? I can't answer these questions right now, because although I recognise them as part of my Shadow, I've not progressed far enough to have dealt with them entirely. My months of COVID gave me some much-needed empathy for those who cannot work, even if they want to. We need to reframe what work is as a society, and value humans for different things, especially as technology changes what work even means. That starts with each of us. “Illness, affliction of body and soul, can be life-altering. It has the potential to reveal the most fundamental conflict of the human condition: the tension between our infinite, glorious dreams and desires and our limited, vulnerable, decaying physicality.” —Connie Zweig, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul The Shadow in money In the Greek myth, King Midas was a wealthy ruler who loved gold above all else. His palace was adorned with golden sculptures and furniture, and he took immense pleasure in his riches. Yet, despite his vast wealth, he yearned for more. After doing a favour for Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, Midas was granted a single wish. Intoxicated by greed, he wished that everything he touched would turn to gold — and it was so. At first, it was a lot of fun. Midas turned everything else in his palace to gold, even the trees and stones of his estate. After a morning of turning things to gold, he fancied a spot of lunch. But when he tried to eat, the food and drink turned to gold in his mouth. He became thirsty and hungry — and increasingly desperate. As he sat in despair on his golden throne, his beloved young daughter ran to comfort him. For a moment, he forgot his wish — and as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek, she turned into a golden statue, frozen in precious metal. King Midas cried out to the gods to forgive him, to reverse the wish. He renounced his greed and gave away all his wealth, and his daughter was returned to life. The moral of the story: Wealth and greed are bad. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is described as a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner.” He's wealthy but does not share, considering Christmas spending to be frivolous and giving to charity to be worthless. He's saved by a confrontation with his lonely future and becomes a generous man and benefactor of the poor. Wealth is good if you share it with others. The gospel of Matthew, chapter 25: 14-30, tells the parable of the bags of gold, in which a rich man goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with varying amounts of gold. On his return, the servants who multiplied the gold through their efforts and investments are rewarded, while the one who merely returned the gold with no interest is punished: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Making money is good, making more money is even better. If you can't make any money, you don't deserve to have any. Within the same gospel, in Matthew 19:24, Jesus encounters a wealthy man and tells him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, which the man is unable to do. Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Wealth is bad. Give it all away and you'll go to heaven. With all these contradictory messages, no wonder we're so conflicted about money! How do you think and feel about money? While money is mostly tied to our work, it's far more than just a transactional object for most people. It's loaded with complex symbolism and judgment handed down by family, religion, and culture. You are likely to find elements of Shadow by examining your attitudes around money. Consider which of the following statements resonate with you or write your own. Money stresses me out. I don't want to talk about it or think about it. Some people hoard money, so there is inequality. Rich people are bad and we should take away their wealth and give it to the poor. I can never make enough money to pay the bills, or to give my family what I want to provide. Money doesn't grow on trees. It's wasteful to spend money as you might need it later, so I'm frugal and don't spend money unless absolutely necessary. It is better and more ethical to be poor than to be rich. I want more money. I read books and watch TV shows about rich people because I want to live like that. Sometimes I spend too much on things for a glimpse of what that might be like. I buy lottery tickets and dream of winning all that money. I'm jealous of people who have money. I want more of it and I resent those who have it. I'm no good with money. I don't like to look at my bank statement or credit card statement. I live off my overdraft and I'm in debt. I will never earn enough to get out of debt and start saving, so I don't think too much about it. I don't know enough about money. Talking about it makes me feel stupid, so I just ignore it. People like me aren't educated about money. I need to make more money. If I can make lots of money, then people will look up to me. If I make lots of money, I will be secure, nothing can touch me, I will be safe. I never want to be poor. I would be ashamed to be poor. I will never go on benefits. My net worth is my self worth. Money is good. We have the best standard of living in history because of the increase in wealth over time. Even the richest kings of the past didn't have what many middle-class people have today in terms of access to food, water, technology, healthcare, education, and more. The richest people give the most money to the poor through taxation and charity, as well as through building companies that employ people and invent new things. The very richest give away much of their fortunes. They provide far more benefit to the world than the poor. I love money. Money loves me. Money comes easily and quickly to me. I attract money in multiple streams of income. It flows to me in so many ways. I spend money. I invest money. I give money. I'm happy and grateful for all that I receive. The Shadow around money for authors in particular Many writers and other creatives have issues around money and wealth. How often have you heard the following, and which do you agree with? You can't make money with your writing. You'll be a poor author in a garret, a starving artist. You can't write ‘good quality' books and make money. If you make money writing, you're a hack, you're selling out. You are less worthy than someone who writes only for the Muse. Your books are commercial, not artistic. If you spend money on marketing, then your books are clearly not good enough to sell on their own. My agent / publisher / accountant / partner deals with the money side. I like to focus on the creative side of things. My money story Note: This is not financial or investment advice. Please talk to a professional about your situation. I've had money issues over the years — haven't we all! But I have been through a (long) process to bring money out of my Shadow and into the light. There will always be more to discover, but hopefully my money story will help you, or at least give you an opportunity to reflect. Like most people, I didn't grow up with a lot of money. My parents started out as teachers, but later my mum — who I lived with, along with my brother — became a change management consultant, moving to the USA and earning a lot more. I'm grateful that she moved into business because her example changed the way I saw money and provided some valuable lessons. (1) You can change your circumstances by learning more and then applying that to leverage opportunity into a new job or career Mum taught English at a school in Bristol when we moved back from Malawi, Africa, in the mid '80s but I remember how stressful it was for her, and how little money she made. She wanted a better future for us all, so she took a year out to do a master's degree in management. In the same way, when I wanted to change careers and leave consulting to become an author, I spent time and money learning about the writing craft and the business of publishing. I still invest a considerable chunk on continuous learning, as this industry changes all the time. (2) You might have to downsize in order to leap forward The year my mum did her degree, we lived in the attic of another family's house; we ate a lot of one-pot casserole and our treat was having a Yorkie bar on the walk back from the museum. We wore hand-me-down clothes, and I remember one day at school when another girl said I was wearing her dress. I denied it, of course, but there in back of the dress was her name tag. I still remember her name and I can still feel that flush of shame and embarrassment. I was determined to never feel like that again. But what I didn't realize at the time was that I was also learning the power of downsizing. Mum got her degree and then a new job in management in Bristol. She bought a house, and we settled for a few years. I had lots of different jobs as a teenager. My favourite was working in the delicatessen because we got a free lunch made from delicious produce. After I finished A-levels, I went to the University of Oxford, and my mum and brother moved to the USA for further opportunities. I've downsized multiple times over the years, taking a step back in order to take a step forward. The biggest was in 2010 when I decided to leave consulting. Jonathan and I sold our three-bedroom house and investments in Brisbane, Australia, and rented a one-bedroom flat in London, so we could be debt-free and live on less while I built up a new career. It was a decade before we bought another house. (3) Comparison can be deadly: there will always be people with more money than you Oxford was an education in many ways and relevant to this chapter is how much I didn't know about things people with money took for granted. I learned about formal hall and wine pairings, and how to make a perfect gin and tonic. I ate smoked salmon for the first time. I learned how to fit in with people who had a lot more money than I did, and I definitely wanted to have money of my own to play with. (4) Income is not wealth You can earn lots but have nothing to show for it after years of working. I learned this in my first few years of IT consulting after university. I earned a great salary and then went contracting, earning even more money at a daily rate. I had a wonderful time. I traveled, ate and drank and generally made merry, but I always had to go back to the day job when the money ran out. I couldn't work out how I could ever stop this cycle. Then I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, a book I still recommend, especially if you're from a family that values academic over financial education. I learned how to escape the rat race by building and/or accumulating assets that pay even when you're not working. It was a revelation! The ‘poor dad' in the book is a university professor. He knows so much about so many things, but he ends up poor as he did not educate himself about money. The ‘rich dad' has little formal education, but he knows about money and wealth because he learned about it, as we can do at any stage in our lives. (5) Not all investments suit every person, so find the right one for you Once I discovered the world of investing, I read all the books and did courses and in-person events. I joined communities and I up-skilled big time. Of course, I made mistakes and learned lots along the way. I tried property investing and renovated a couple of houses for rental (with more practical partners and skilled contractors). But while I could see that property investing might work for some people, I did not care enough about the details to make it work for me, and it was certainly not passive income. I tried other things. My first husband was a boat skipper and scuba diving instructor, so we started a charter. With the variable costs of fuel, the vagaries of New Zealand weather — and our divorce — it didn't last long! From all these experiments, I learned I wanted to run a business, but it needed to be online and not based on a physical location, physical premises, or other people. That was 2006, around the time that blogging started taking off and it became possible to make a living online. I could see the potential and a year later, the iPhone and the Amazon Kindle launched, which became the basis of my business as an author. (6) Boring, automatic saving and investing works best Between 2007 and 2011, I contracted in Australia, where they have compulsory superannuation contributions, meaning you have to save and invest a percentage of your salary or self-employed income. I'd never done that before, because I didn't understand it. I'd ploughed all my excess income into property or the business instead. But in Australia I didn't notice the money going out because it was automatic. I chose a particular fund and it auto-invested every month. The pot grew pretty fast since I didn't touch it, and years later, it's still growing. I discovered the power of compound interest and time in the market, both of which are super boring. This type of investing is not a get rich quick scheme. It's a slow process of automatically putting money into boring investments and doing that month in, month out, year in, year out, automatically for decades while you get on with your life. I still do this. I earn money as an author entrepreneur and I put a percentage of that into boring investments automatically every month. I also have a small amount which is for fun and higher risk investments, but mostly I'm a conservative, risk-averse investor planning ahead for the future. This is not financial advice, so I'm not giving any specifics. I have a list of recommended money books at www.TheCreativePenn.com/moneybooks if you want to learn more. Learning from the Shadow When I look back, my Shadow side around money eventually drove me to learn more and resulted in a better outcome (so far!). I was ashamed of being poor when I had to wear hand-me-down clothes at school. That drove a fear of not having any money, which partially explains my workaholism. I was embarrassed at Oxford because I didn't know how to behave in certain settings, and I wanted to be like the rich people I saw there. I spent too much money in my early years as a consultant because I wanted to experience a “rich” life and didn't understand saving and investing would lead to better things in the future. I invested too much in the wrong things because I didn't know myself well enough and I was trying to get rich quick so I could leave my job and ‘be happy.' But eventually, I discovered that I could grow my net worth with boring, long-term investments while doing a job I loved as an author entrepreneur. My only regret is that I didn't discover this earlier and put a percentage of my income into investments as soon as I started work. It took several decades to get started, but at least I did (eventually) start. My money story isn't over yet, and I keep learning new things, but hopefully my experience will help you reflect on your own and avoid the issue if it's still in Shadow. These chapters are excerpted from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn The post Writing The Shadow: The Creative Wound, Publishing, And Money, With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.
Pressure is often treated like something to escape—but in leadership, pressure is rarely a sign that something is wrong. More often, it's a sign that something matters.In this episode, we're reframing pressure through the lens of mindset, leadership, and research-backed psychology. You'll hear why pressure isn't the enemy, how your interpretation of stress directly affects performance and health, and why mindset isn't motivational fluff—it's the filter through which leaders experience responsibility, decision-making, and growth.Drawing from leadership experience, neuroscience, and well-known studies on stress and mindset, this conversation breaks down:Why pressure shows up when you're trusted with responsibilityHow mindset shapes your nervous system's response to stressThe difference between pressure that refines and pressure that burns people outPractical mindset shifts leaders can use to stay grounded under demandIn a world where being perfect seems to be the goal- - it's important that we know who's we are & who we are. We aren't called to be perfect - we are called to be better today than yesterday! - that's it. It doesn't have to be quantum leaps, in fact I believe that in the day to day -our little steps in the right directions! I am on a mission to help women become more of who they were created to be and less of who they were told to be. And, that takes intention, that takes action : My goal is to drop some wisdom, bring you resources and that takes community. The real unlock is the Inner Work, and that's what we do here! If you enjoyed today's episode, please: • Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @thejenkeller or @projectyou so we can repost you. • Leave a positive review or rating For more ways to do the inner work you can find me on @thejenkeller on instagram and Jennifer Keller on Facebook and to join our exclusive Facebook community Project YOU To do the inner work visit jenkeller.net
People pleasing is not a weakness, its a survival mechanism.This podcast clip is straight from the newest self empowerment program: WORTHY on embodying and strengthening self worth, self acceptance, and self love. Checkout all of the details to enroll here: The WORTHY Program
Host Joy Dunning sits down with Dr. Paul Spradley—educator, executive leader, and justice advocate—to explore how inner healing fuels meaningful leadership and lasting change. Paul shares his Crucible story, the power of emotional honesty and brotherhood, and why doing the hard internal work is essential for pursuing justice, wholeness, and healthier communities.Here are some of the topics we cover in our podcast episodes: Radical honesty and grace Spiritual growth Discipleship Mentorship Personal development Life transformation Christian men's ministry Christian women's ministry Faith-based retreat Discover our other resources: Our Main Website Our Blog Online Life Coaching Christian Men's Retreats Christian Women's Retreats All content © 2024 The Crucible Project Podcast.
This episode is a deep, grounded exploration of self-governance, natural law, and personal responsibility with Michael Joseph, founding director of Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship and a longtime educator on the invisible contracts shaping modern life. Drawing from decades of study and lived experience, Michael breaks down the distinction between lawful authority and corporate control, how consent quietly operates beneath the surface of everyday systems, and why true freedom cannot be reclaimed through anger, rebellion, or ideology—but only through awareness, integrity, and inner coherence. Rather than promoting shortcuts or performative “sovereignty,” this conversation emphasizes emotional maturity, discernment, and self-responsibility as the real foundations of power. If you've ever sensed that something about the way society operates feels off—but also felt overwhelmed, confused, or turned off by the noise surrounding these topics—this episode offers a clear, calm, and principled lens for understanding what self-governance actually means, and why the path forward begins within.Time Stamps(00:00) Teaser(00:40) Opening Conversation(04:43) Introducing Michael(05:40) Michael Joseph's Personal Journey(06:38) The System and Self-Governance(14:10) Historical Context and the Republic(24:33) Thoughts on The Founding of America(31:49) Why The West Hates Itself(42:28) The Power of Self-ponsibility and Discernment(53:01) The Power of Creation and Thought(01:00:18) Mission of Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship(01:02:04) Changing Political Status and Its Benefits(01:11:31) Building Wealth in the Private Ledger(01:18:22) Understanding Land PatentsGuest Linkshttps://www.sacredhonoref.com/ Connect with UsJoin our membership Friends of the TruthRise Above The Herd Take the Real AF Test NowDiscover Your Truth Seeker ArchetypeWatch all our episodesConnect with us on TelegramFollow us on InstagramAccess all our links
Send Jay comments via textAre you ready to trade overwhelm for clarity and turn the empty nest into a launchpad for a richer life? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with writer, simplicity advocate, and author of Beyond Decluttering, Suzanne Searcy Johnson, who shares how moving into a 399-square-foot tiny home opened the door to deeper friendships, steadier purpose, and clearer decision-making.Suzanne's inspiring journey spans nine years of small steps that built her courage—from decluttering a three-bedroom townhouse to testing out a smaller apartment, and finally settling in an Austin agrihood centered around an organic farm. She reveals a practical framework that makes minimalism meaningful by highlighting four key connections: nature, relationships, spirit, and self.Our discussion redefines "right-sizing" your living space, reminding us that the best home is the one that aligns with your current life stage—be it 2,500, 1,200 square feet or 399. Highlights & Key Takeaways:Redefine simplicity by removing what blocks the life you want.Understand the four pillars of connection: nature, relationships, spirit, and self.Build courage through small, incremental steps.Discover the concept of right-sizing your home to reflect your current stage of life.Suzanne Searcy Johnson Bio: Suzanne Searcy Johnson is a writer, poet, and simplicity advocate. She helps people simplify by honoring their internal, relational, spiritual, and environmental connections as outlined in her latest book, “Beyond Decluttering: 40 days to experiencing simplicity through connection.” An empty nester, Suzanne lives in Austin, TX in a tiny home with her cat. Contact her, explore her books, or sign up for her newsletter at her website below.Find Suzanne Online: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Website, Beyond Decluttering Book,Support the showBECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers Only Episode Shoutouts Thank You Emails Private Meet & Greets via Zoom + More ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly. LOVE THE SHOW?Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagCONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok
Send us a textSo much of birth preparation focuses on what to do — how to breathe, how to move, how to plan.But none of that works if a woman doesn't trust herself.In this episode, I'm sharing my Ten Commandments of Birth and explaining why I believe inner work is the missing piece in so much birth preparation. I talk honestly about what I've seen shift in women since creating Discover Your North Star, and why no breathing technique can undo years of self-doubt.This episode is about preparation that goes deeper than checklists and protocols — preparation that changes how a woman meets her birth, whatever path it takes.✨ The Ten Commandments of Birth (PDF) - Download here I've created this as a reflective, practical guide to support the inner work I talk about in this episode. It also includes a version for your birth partner. ✨ Discover Your North Star - Online Course If this episode resonates, this is where we go deeper. The course is designed to help you build trust in yourself, prepare emotionally and mentally, and arrive at birth feeling grounded and aligned.If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
▷ 本集精華你不是焦慮，是太久沒有被真正看見。焦慮不是恐懼，而是神經系統在尋求連結。當你開始與自己對應（attuned to yourself），焦慮會自然鬆動。▷ 在本集你會聽到為什麼焦慮其實是一種隱形孤獨什麼是 attunement（被對應），以及它為何如此關鍵為什麼女性特別需要關係中的安全感焦慮如何與神經系統失調有關一個讓身體感覺「被看見」的練習▷ 深度版內容很多女性以為自己有焦慮問題，但其實問題從來不是情緒，而是——沒有人真的看見你。這一集不是要你「克服焦慮」，而是帶你理解：當身體重新感受到連結與理解，焦慮就不再需要存在。▷ 在本集中，你會開始理解為什麼焦慮不是你想太多為什麼安全感是神經系統的基礎以及，自我對應如何成為真正的內在穩定▷ Work with Lola Lin Apply for The Lola System™ 90 Nervous System Reset https://lolalinocean.com/apply▷ Connect with Lola LinkedIn｜https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolalinIG｜https://www.instagram.com/lolalolalinWebsite｜https://lolalinocean.com
Understanding how our ego selves operate (as opposed to what it feels like when we're aligned with our Higher Selves) is ESSENTIAL on the path of spiritual growth and evolution. This episode of INNER WORK breaks down 4 key differences between your ego self and Higher Self so you can learn how to tell them apart and shift from an egoic perspective or state of being to a much higher, clearer, wiser vibration whenever you need to. Key takeaways & topics covered: Ego is the MASK you wear to survive: concerned with survival, status, appearance, how others perceive you, maintaining SAFE social standing, avoiding rejection, and staying safe in your community through conforming and not rocking the boat. Your Higher Self guides you toward highest expansion, becoming your most authentic, self-realized, joyful, peaceful, purposeful Self: focused on evolution, purpose, alignment, Soul calling, personal & collective growth, and abundance. Ego is limited to linear time & space and this ONE lifetime; Higher Self exists beyond linear time & space, holds accumulated wisdom from prior lifetimes, and extends beyond this physical lifetime. Push-and-pull dynamic: Higher Self calls you toward expansion and forward momentum; ego pushes back with fear, self-doubt, overthinking, perfectionism, lack of trust (especially at breakthrough moments like quitting a career, investing in yourself, or bold steps) equating change with death and familiarity with safety. Ego is self-obsessed and myopic, whereas your Higher Self cares about the greater whole, collective well-being, and guides you with wisdom, clarity, respect of Self & others (even when in conflict) without harm, revenge, or violating boundaries. Watch to recognize common ego tactics, see beyond them, and follow your Higher Self toward your greatest evolution and alignment. Watch this as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bIZS1Ya7sdQ ******* Get the FREE Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! *** Music & editing by G. Demers Inner Work 2026 All Rights Reserved.
When the new year rolls around, many people are quick to set goals and make resolutions. Unfortunately, this is often a distraction from the deeper work that we all have to do. There's usually something that we're hiding behind, something that we don't want to look at, because we know that work will be hard… really hard. We'd rather focus on the shiny external work, rather than excavating the thing that's really keeping us stuck. But what if life forces us to look at it? Isn't it better to choose to do the work before it brings us to our knees? As we journey further into 2026, consider uncovering the thing that's really holding you back. Hold it up to the mirror and bravely start excavating. You're up to the task. What am I reading?The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillanhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780063422919Crafting the Wheel of the Year by Claire Gelder & Deb Bowen https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781800922372https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat's playing on repeat?Good Girls by Josie Edwards What's for dinner?Green Goddess Salad SandwichIngredients:Whole grain or sourdough breadFresh greens: spinach, arugula, and/or romaine lettuceCucumbersAvocadoTomatoDressing:Fresh herbs: parsley, basil, and/or dill Greek yogurt or mayo Salt and pepperInstructions: Choose thick hearty bread. Toast if desired.Wash and chop greens into bite sized pieces. Slice and dice cucumbers and tomatoes. Mash avocado and spread it into one side of the bread. Wash and chop fresh herbs, mix with yogurt or mayo to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Build sandwich. Enjoy! Blueberry Cottage Cheese Mousse Ingredients:2 cups cottage cheese1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries1/4 cup honey or maple syrup1 teaspoon lemon zestFresh blueberries and lemon zest for garnishInstructions:In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, blueberries, honey, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and creamy.Spoon the mousse into four serving glasses.Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.Garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon zest before serving.Support the show
There's a moment in your life when you realize that style isn't really about clothes at all. It's about identity. It's about energy. It's about the quiet imprint you leave on a room before you speak a single word. In this episode, Janet explores personal style as an extension of your inner evolution rather than a superficial aesthetic.If you've ever outgrown a version of yourself, or felt your outside no longer reflects who you are becoming, this conversation offers a thoughtful reset. Janet shares a grounded, story-rich look at how style becomes a form of personal leadership, a mirror of self-respect, and a powerful daily reminder of your future self.In this episode:✅ Why personal style is a form of communication to others and to yourself✅ What happens when your outer expression doesn't match your inner identity✅ Three reflection questions to begin redefining your personal style✅ The difference between inherited style and intentional style✅ A step-by-step framework to begin a personal style reset✅ Why emotional alignment matters just as much as wardrobe choices✅ How small shifts in your clothing can raise confidence, presence, and energyAbout Janet Ioli:Janet Ioli is a globally recognized executive advisor, coach, and leadership expert with over 25 years of experience developing leaders in Fortune 100 companies and global organizations.She created The Inner Edge—a framework, a movement, and a message that flips leadership from mere success performance to presence; from ego to soul. Through her keynotes, podcast, and programs, Janet helps high-achievers find the one thing that changes everything: the mastery within.Her approach redefines leadership presence—not as polish or tactics, but as the inner steadiness people feel from you and the positive imprint you leave on individuals and organizations.Chapters 00:00:00 Personal Style Identity 00:03:12 Style As Communication 00:10:21 Intentional Style ResetConnect with Janet Ioli:Website: janetioli.comLinkedin: Janet IoliInstagram: @leadershipcoachjanetIf you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days, check out Janet Ioli's book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think. Produced by Ideablossoms
We tell ourselves we're “just busy,” “just checking one thing,” or “just staying connected.” But what if our constant pull toward our phones isn't about productivity or distraction at all what if it's about avoiding ourselves? In this episode of Achieving Success with Olivia Atkin, Olivia sits down with Eddie Truong, founder of ERA Coaching, to unpack the hidden reasons high achievers struggle with stillness, rest, and presence even after reaching the success they once dreamed of. Eddie shares why phone and screen dependency is often a symptom, not the root problem, and how burnout, overworking, and overthinking are deeply tied to discomfort with being alone with our thoughts and emotions. Together, they reframe success beyond hustle and external achievement, explore why rest can be a competitive advantage, and challenge the belief that slowing down means falling behind. This conversation isn't about deleting apps or abandoning ambition it's about building a life where success doesn't require self-abandonment. If you've ever felt uneasy when things go quiet, this episode will change how you see your phone, your time, and yourself.Want to start your own podcast, grow your show, or get featured as a guest? Let's map it out together. Book a free clarity call with Olivia to explore the next best move for your podcast strategy whether you're building from scratch, ready to scale, or looking to use guesting to grow your brand. MeetwithOlivia.meNeed more inspiration or tools?Access Olivia's book, podcast growth resources, and done-for-you support at Achieving-Success.comGet the Podcast Growth Partner For Yourself: Want to cut your content time from 12–20 hours a week down to under 30 minutes without sacrificing strategy, voice, or quality? The Podcast Growth Partner is the customized AI system built from Olivia Atkin's proven frameworks, giving you titles, descriptions, SEO, and monetization support in minutes. Access it here: ACHIEVING SUCCESS LLCStay Connected With Us:LinkedIn: achieving-success-llcInstagram: @_achievingsuccessTwitter: @_achievesuccessFacebook: @Achieving SuccessYou Can Find Eddie Truong:Website: https://eddietruong.com/LinkedIn: Eddie TruongEmail: eracoaching@eddietruong.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/achieving-success-with-olivia-atkin--5743662/support.
In this episode, I'm introducing Steps Five (Embody) and Six (Satisfaction) of the Empress Method and sharing how this work was born through lived experience, embodiment, and real-life integration, not theory.We talk about:What it means to embody the version of you who already has what you desireWhy embodiment goes far beyond mindset or visualizationThe subtle shifts that create massive change (energy, presence, posture, choices)How I began embodying my Empress self while still behind the chairUsing symbols, tokens, and micro-changes to anchor identity shiftsWhy satisfaction is a practice, not a future achievementAn introduction to the Empress Sanctuary and the journey insideThis episode is for you if you're tired of thinking about change and ready to become the version of you who lives it._____________________________________________
Fresh starts feel exciting… until you hit resistance. In today's mindset coaching session, we're talking about the work most women avoid: the inner work—the belief system work that actually creates lasting transformation. If you keep starting over, it's not because the plan "stopped working." It's because you hit your belief system threshold—and without awareness, you'll keep repeating the same cycle with new excuses. In this episode we'll cover: Why perfectionism is often avoidance in disguise How your inner dialogue shapes your body, habits, and results Why resistance isn't the enemy—it's the doorway Simple daily practices to build a real relationship with yourself (mind, body, soul) Because transformation doesn't come from outside of you. It begins within you. You'll also hear about: The FREE Book Club inside the Fit Club The Aligned Challenge starting January 12 The Manifest Your Dream Body Workshop for building real strategy CODE: MANIFEST 40% OFF If you've "started over" a hundred times — you're not broken. You were just never taught how to stay. Links & Resources:
Storms don't always look dangerous from the outside — but inside, they can feel like survival.In this episode of The Jen Keller Show, Jen shares a deeply personal story of anxiety, vulnerability, and resilience through the lens of The Blue Jay After the Storm. From flight anxiety and panic to faith, endurance, and the quiet strength that comes after the storm passes, this episode is a reminder that you are not weak for struggling — you are strong for staying.If you've ever felt trapped in your own body, overwhelmed by worry, or unsure if you could make it through the moment you were in… this episode is for you.The storm will pass.And when it does, you'll still be standing.In a world where being perfect seems to be the goal- - it's important that we know who's we are & who we are. We aren't called to be perfect - we are called to be better today than yesterday! - that's it. It doesn't have to be quantum leaps, in fact I believe that in the day to day -our little steps in the right directions! I am on a mission to help women become more of who they were created to be and less of who they were told to be. And, that takes intention, that takes action : My goal is to drop some wisdom, bring you resources and that takes community. The real unlock is the Inner Work, and that's what we do here! If you enjoyed today's episode, please: • Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @thejenkeller or @projectyou so we can repost you. • Leave a positive review or rating For more ways to do the inner work you can find me on @thejenkeller on instagram and Jennifer Keller on Facebook and to join our exclusive Facebook community Project YOU To do the inner work visit jenkeller.net
The Akashic Records, also known as the "Book of Life", are a vast storehouse of information and Universal guidance. As their name implies, the Records "record" all of our deeds, actions, choices, etc across all dimensions of time and space. As a Divine tool, the Records give you access to higher consciousness, quantum healing, and powerful life-changing insights. And the best thing - EVERYONE has the Divine birthright to access and read the Akashic Records, under certain ethical guidelines and with a clean and pure intention. In this episode of INNER WORK, we'll explore: how the Akashic Records can help you shift your perspective and shed "human density" why we sometimes believe we won't be able to access the Records, or that we don't have the necessary gifts or intuition (including the false belief that we have to be "psychic" to read the Records) overcoming the negative conditioning & limiting beliefs that prevent you from tapping as FULLY as you can into the Akashic Field reclaiming your inherent worthiness, deep intuition, and ability to connect to Divine Source ANY time Watch this as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7vlEFG_ip7A ******* Get the FREE Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! Music & editing by G. Demers Inner Work 2026 All Rights Reserved.
▷ 本集精華你不是情緒化，而是高度感知。情緒不是失控，而是身體在傳遞方向。當你不再壓抑情緒，你會第一次真正聽懂身體要帶你去哪裡。▷ 在本集你會聽到為什麼情緒不是心理問題，而是神經系統反應為什麼女性特別容易被貼上「太情緒」的標籤情緒如何成為身體最準確的導航系統不同情緒在身體中的位置與意義一個溫柔的情緒導航練習，幫助你與情緒合作而不是對抗▷ 深度版內容我們從小被教導要冷靜、要理性、要控制情緒。但很少有人告訴女性：情緒不是問題，情緒是訊息。當你學會聽懂情緒，你會發現你的人生方向，其實一直都在身體裡。這一集不是教你「變得不情緒」，而是讓你理解：情緒，是你身體最誠實的語言。（真正的情緒地圖與身體引導，都在聲音裡。）▷ 在本集中，你會開始理解為什麼你不是情緒化，而是高感知為什麼壓抑情緒，反而會讓身體更疲憊以及，情緒如何成為女性領導力的核心資源▷ Work with Lola Lin Apply for The Lola System™ 90 Nervous System Reset https://lolalinocean.com/apply▷ Connect with Lola LinkedIn｜https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolalinIG｜https://www.instagram.com/lolalolalinWebsite｜https://lolalinocean.com
I was just trying to survive…This episode explores childhood trauma, survival mode, emotional resilience, and the hidden cost of high achievement. Matt Gerlach shares his healing journey, identity struggles, and the loneliness many high performers experience behind closed doors. If you've ever felt successful on the outside but empty on the inside, this conversation will help you understand self-worth, authenticity, and what it truly means to break free from approval seeking and live with purpose.Bullets: • Growing up in survival mode* The emotional cost of high achievement* Choosing authenticity over approvalListen now and discover what it really means to break free from survival mode. EndoDNA: Where Genetic Science Meets Actionable Patient CareEndoDNA bridges the gap between complex genomics and patient wellness. Our patented DNA analysis platforms and AI technology provide genetic insights that support and enhance your clinical expertise.Click here to check out to take control over your Personal Health & Wellness Connect with EndoDNA on SOCIAL: IG | X | YOUTUBE | FBConnect with host, Len May, on IG Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Akashic Records Meditation to Melt Away Stress, Tension, and Anxiety As a tool of psychospiritual healing, the Akashic Records give us access to a dimension FAR beyond the 3D, ego-based reality we're currently living in. When we tap into the Records (or the "Akashic Field"), we're tapping into this higher dimension of Unconditional Love, Truth, Peace, and Divine Assistance. Many people report that connecting to the Records feels like "coming home." There's a sense of relief, of burdens being lifted, of being able to access a higher, broader, and wiser perspective & state of being. So, let's harness the healing power of the Akashic Records to melt away stress, tension, and anxiety. In this meditation, we'll open the Records together and do a guided practice to release tension & stress from your body and/or mind. Thank you for being here, and please share what you experience through this meditation! You can always connect by sending a note to me@josephinehardman.com ******* Join my email community and get access to my free Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Inner Work 2026 All Rights Reserved.
In this heart-led episode, Candace explores what becomes possible when we release expectations — of others and of life. Through personal reflection and a meaningful story shared by a friend about unexpected help, she shares how taking responsibility for your own inner work invites more authentic connection, collaboration, and community.
What if the stress, fear, and autopilot living so many of us experience isn't “just life”… but a kind of invisible matrix we've been conditioned to accept? In this episode of The Skeptic Metaphysicians, Will and Karen sit down with former attorney turned spiritual teacher Casey Berman, who walked away from a high-powered legal career after a profound awakening forced him to question success, identity, and what it actually means to live with consciousness and intention. Rather than preaching escape fantasies or spiritual bypassing, Casey delivers a grounded, pragmatic approach to spiritual awakening and spiritual growth; one rooted in awareness, personal responsibility, and small, actionable steps. He shares how fear, societal conditioning, and identity traps keep us disconnected from our true nature, and how reconnecting with presence can quietly transform everything from career choices to parenting. This conversation explores:How awakening often begins with subtle moments, not dramatic near-death experiencesWhy fear and anxiety are powerful signals, not personal failuresThe role of consciousness in dismantling stress, burnout, and misalignmentHow intuition development happens naturally when we unplug from constant noiseWhy soul purpose isn't found, it's rememberedThe difference between “escaping the matrix” and learning from itYou'll also hear why Casey believes modern spirituality must be practical to be sustainable, and how awareness alone can be a form of energy healing without ever calling it that. If you've felt disconnected, uninspired, or quietly questioning the life you're living, this episode offers a grounded reminder: awakening doesn't require abandoning your world...it begins by seeing it clearly. Key Topics DiscussedSpiritual awakening without spiritual theatricsConsciousness as a tool for everyday lifeFear, stress, and societal conditioningIntuition development through awarenessParenting after awakeningSoul purpose vs. external successLiving fully present in a distracted worldWhy This Episode Matters This is not a conversation about “escaping reality.” It's about waking up inside it, and learning how to live with clarity, intention, and agency in a world designed to keep you distracted. If you've been sensing there's more, without wanting to abandon logic, responsibility, or common sense, this episode meets you exactly where you are.Subscribe, Rate & Review! If you found this episode enlightening, mind-expanding, or even just thought-provoking (see what we did there?), please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us bring more transformative guests and topics your way! Subscribe to The Skeptic Metaphysicians on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube for more deep dives into spiritual awakening, consciousness, spirituality, metaphysical science, and mind-body evolution.Connect with Us:
In this episode, I'm sharing what's alive right now inside The Empress Sanctuary, introducing the foundation of the Empress Method, and previewing what comes next with Pivot and Rejuvenation.We go deep into why “the method” isn't just a mindset framework, it's an embodiment pathway. I talk about beliefs, unconscious thought patterns, and how so much of what we call “manifestation” is really about becoming aware of the thoughts we've been thinking on autopilot for years. We explore how beliefs form early (in the womb and through key childhood windows), how conditioning becomes generational, and why the body is the subconscious mind.______________________________________________
In this transformative episode, Dr. Ron Stotts — renowned executive coach, three-time best-selling author, and transformational guide — shares how leaders, CEOs and high-achievers often hit a glass ceiling that strategy and effort alone can't break. Instead, Ron shows that the answers they're searching for have always lived inside them — waiting to be accessed through inner awareness, emotional healing, and deep self-inquiry. Driven by decades of coaching experience and a unique blend of psychology, meditation, and leadership training, Ron helps ambitious leaders discover authentic confidence, creative genius, and sustainable success by shedding outdated internal "masks" and tapping into their inner wisdom.
If you're curious as to whether you have any stored emotions or trauma that might be causing your illness, preventing you from achieving your goals, or even just showing up as the best, authentic version of yourself, I invite you to take my free Stored Emotions and Trauma QuizPushing through stress works… until it doesn't.Chronic stress doesn't always show up as burnout right away. More often, it surfaces quietly through things like physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and a slow erosion of joy. This episode centers on how living out of alignment impacts the nervous system, the body, and long-term wellbeing, especially for high-functioning, purpose-driven people.A real world story illustrates how mental and emotional strain can accumulate beneath the surface, eventually manifesting as physical consequences that can no longer be ignored. The pattern is familiar: years of “shoulds,” pushing, and over-leveraging… followed by a moment when the body draws a hard line.This conversation is especially relevant for anyone interested in nervous system regulation, mind-body medicine, integrative health, or understanding how unresolved stress and trauma affect the body over time. Alignment isn't about perfection. It's about honesty, awareness, and choosing a path that supports both health and life.You'll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[04:52] The hidden cost of living by “shoulds” instead of what actually feels aligned[09:14] What happens when stress and misalignment start showing up in the body[12:01] The moment making money quietly replaces fulfillment without you noticing[17:08] What changes when you stop outsourcing your intuition to experts and templates[21:36] The slow erosion of confidence that comes from not trusting yourself[27:45] The role identity confusion plays in burnout, anxiety, and feeling stuck[34:12] What real self-honesty looks like before alignment can return[39:58] Why surface-level mindset work can't resolve deeper misalignment[46:41] The warning signs of unhealthy power dynamics with coaches or gurus[52:14] The skill of taking advice without giving away your authorityFind More From Dr. Stephanie Davis:Dr. Stephanie Davis | WebsiteQuantum Rx | InstagramQuantum Rx | Skool
Turn online alignment into an offline community — join us at TheWayFwrd.com to connect with like-minded people near you.If consciousness is moving forward, are you moving with it or resisting the invitation?In this episode, I sit down with Edmund Knighton for a grounded, uncompromising conversation on The Law of One, consciousness evolution, and why love isn't a feeling you wait for, it's something you practice.This discussion moves through the nature of density of consciousness, the accelerating forces of polarization, and why service to self vs service to others isn't a moral debate, but an evolutionary sorting process. Conflict, suffering, and global instability aren't framed as failures of the system here, they're revealed as catalysts for awakening, testing whether we respond with fear or clarity.We also address why spiritual bypassing keeps people stuck, how vulnerability functions as a stabilizing force rather than a weakness, and why embodiment — not dissociation — is required for real spiritual maturity.If you've felt unsure how to stay grounded, this episode offers clarity.You'll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[02:22] What vulnerability reveals about transformation in the present[08:44] Alec's dream about his grandfather revealed the movement from 3rd to 4th density consciousness[15:19] The Buddha in Red Face story[21:11] Integrating masculine and feminine energies increases the strength of both rather than diminishing either[32:52] When Edmund discovered The Law of One[42:53] The eight densities of consciousness [53:01] Practicing love during division without falling into spiritual bypassing[01:10:01] Why those in service to self are actually serving us by offering opportunities to choose love[01:20:05] How the veil of forgetting and free will allow us to remember our true nature as creators[01:43:58] Distinguishing your own essence from external noise through stillness and Steiner's practices[01:57:35] Why true forgiveness becomes unnecessary when we understand our projections[02:17:16] Why we cannot return to tribal ways and must move forward with new forms of conscious community[02:39:30] What the Germanic and Slavic epochs reveal about humanity's progression from individual thinking to soul-warmed communityRelated The Way Forward Episodes:Beyond Verbal Autists, Telepathy & The Nature Of Thought with Melissa Jolly Graves | YouTubeSoulstice Magic, 13 Holy Nights & Neurogenic Qigong featuring Lara Day | YouTubeMemoirs of a Child Sex Slave: Quest For Love featuring Anneke Lucas | YoutubeResources Mentioned:Law of One | WebsiteBe Here Farm + Nature | WebsiteBeing Human Event | WebsiteBuddha in Redface by Eduardo Duran | BookTranscendent Sex by Jenny Wade | BookThe Red Lion by Maria Szepes | BookMutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan | Book or AudiobookClick here to enroll in the 2026 season of Being Human. Mention that you found the Being Human program through The Way Forward and receive a $300 discount.Find more from Edmund:Edmund Knighton | EmailClick here for Dark Room RetreatsFind more from Alec:Alec Zeck | InstagramAlec Zeck | XThe Way Forward | InstagramThe Way Forward is Sponsored By:Paleovalley is 100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth Protein is a nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest source of collagen and essential amino acids. Sourced from grass-fed cows, this protein powder provides the building blocks for healthy joints, skin, and gut function—without fillers or artificial ingredients. Support the show and claim 15% off your PaleoValley order!Designed for deep focus and well-being. 100% blue light and flicker free. For $50 off your Daylight Computer, use discount code: TWF50New Biology Clinic: Redefine Health from the Ground UpExperience tailored terrain-based health services with consults, livestreams, movement classes, and more. Visit www.NewBiologyClinic.com and use code THEWAYFORWARD (case sensitive) for $50 off activation. Members get the $150 fee waived
Solo Podsnack: Host, Shanta Generally;The New Year is often treated like a reset button—but what if it's actually a threshold? In this episode, Crossing the Threshold: What You're Carrying Into 2026 (and What You're Meant to Set Down), we explore a gentler, more conscious way of entering the New Year—one rooted in discernment, awareness, and energetic maturity rather than pressure or resolutions. I share a personal reflection on how decluttering, cleaning with intention, and releasing what no longer served me became a powerful practice of preparation—one that couldn't be rushed and didn't need perfection. We also talk about:Why the New Year doesn't require a complete reinventionThe spiritual significance of thresholds and conscious crossingsSetting intentions instead of resolutionsCord cutting as a mindful practice of completion and releaseHow mindfulness supports real, everyday life—not just quiet momentsIf you're standing at the doorway of a new season, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and cross with intention. Featured Resource:Mindfulness: They Didn't Explain It Like This When We Were KidsBook 4 in the J.A.M.M. With Me: A Journey to Your Higher Self seriesNow available on AmazonStay authentic. Stay mindful. And keep taking care of you.Host:Instagram: @AuthenticTalks2.0 Email: AuthenticShanta@gmail.com Website: www.AuthenticTalks2.com Facebook: AuthenticTalks2Youtube: @authentictalkswithshanta7489 www.authenticyoumindset.com @Authenticyoumindset on IG Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/authentic-talks-2-0-with-shanta--4116672/support.
In our biggest kick-off of a new year yet, we introduce our listeners today to Russ Hudson, co-founder of The Enneagram Institute, best-selling author, and one of the world's most respected Enneagram teachers for over 30 years! Russ joins us for an hour-long, jam-packed conversation clarifying the three instincts: self-preservation, social, and sexual. This isn't surface-level learning, so get ready to transform with us while Russ explains what the instincts actually are at their core and why they're the engine of your relationships and marriage, not just an overlay to your type. Russ also dismantles common misunderstandings, and tells us about his deep diving course coming up! This conversation between Christa (Type 7) and Russ (Type 5) is full of joy, depth, and practical wisdom for you as you begin afresh this new year. Listen now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen or watch here on YouTube! In his riveting and personal deep-diving eight-week course coming up Feb 18, The Instincts and Inner Work: Building Practices for Transforming Our Life Patterns, Russ will walk you through these instincts in even far more depth in an 8-week live course "The Instincts and Inner Work". Join here to dive into personal and relational transformation together with Russ himself. Use the special E + M Code Marriage100 for $100 the course here! https://russhudson.com/the-instincts-and-inner-work-building-practices-for-transforming-our-life-patterns/ Find Russ Hudson's books here! https://russhudson.com/books/ For more about Russ, visit https://russhudson.com/ Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! www.EnneagramandMarriage.com Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too here! Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if revival isn't something you wait for—but something you participate in? In this episode of The Jen Keller Show, I'm sharing why REVIVAL is my word for 2026 and what it actually means to revive your life, your body, your faith, your purpose, and your joy—without burning everything down or becoming someone else.This is not about hustle.It's not about becoming “better.”It's about coming back to life. We'll talk about:What revival really means (beyond the hype)How burnout, survival mode, and over-functioning quietly drain usTactical, embodied ways to restore your energy, clarity, and alignmentHow to revive what feels tired—without forcing changeJournal prompts to ignite curiosity and self-trust If you've felt flat, disconnected, foggy, or like you've been running on fumes—this episode is your invitation to breathe again. Revival is here. And it starts within.JOURNAL PROMPTS TO IGNITE REVIVAL Grab a pen. Sit with these slowly.Where do I feel most drained right now—and why?Where do I feel a quiet stirring of life, even if it's small?What am I ready to let go of to create space for revival?What does “coming back to life” look like for me—not for others?If I trusted my body and intuition more, what would change? Let curiosity lead. Not judgment.In a world where being perfect seems to be the goal- - it's important that we know who's we are & who we are. We aren't called to be perfect - we are called to be better today than yesterday! - that's it. It doesn't have to be quantum leaps, in fact I believe that in the day to day -our little steps in the right directions! I am on a mission to help women become more of who they were created to be and less of who they were told to be. And, that takes intention, that takes action : My goal is to drop some wisdom, bring you resources and that takes community. The real unlock is the Inner Work, and that's what we do here! If you enjoyed today's episode, please: • Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @thejenkeller or @projectyou so we can repost you. • Leave a positive review or rating For more ways to do the inner work you can find me on @thejenkeller on instagram and Jennifer Keller on Facebook and to join our exclusive Facebook community Project YOU To do the inner work visit jenkeller.net
▷ 本集精華你不是不敢說 NO，是你的神經系統還不安全。界線不是意志力，界線是身體的狀態。當你的身體開始站在你這邊，界線會自然出現，而不是用力撐出來。▷ 在本集你會聽到為什麼你一想拒絕，身體就先緊繃為什麼界線不是性格，而是神經系統女性為何特別容易過度付出與取悅什麼是真正不傷身的界線一個身體練習，讓界線從身體裡長出來▷ 深度版內容很多女性以為自己「界線不好」，但事實是：你的身體一直在選擇生存。當拒絕等於失去連結，身體就會選擇配合、撐住、忍耐。這一集不是要你變硬、變狠、變冷，而是讓你第一次理解：真正的界線，來自安全，而不是勇氣。（真正的體感與界線練習，都在聲音裡。）▷ 在本集中，你會開始理解為什麼你不是沒有界線，而是沒有安全為什麼界線會隨著週期改變以及，界線如何成為女性領導力的起點▷ Work with Lola Lin Apply for The Lola System™ 90 Nervous System Reset https://lolalinocean.com/apply▷ Connect with Lola LinkedIn｜https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolalinIG｜https://www.instagram.com/lolalolalinWebsite｜https://lolalinocean.com
Akashic Records Forecast for January 2026 Happy New Year, dear listener and fellow Lightworker on the path! In the first episode of INNER WORK of 2026, we'll explore: guidance & key themes from the Akashic Records for January 2026 overview of 2026 as a whole, and new potentials opening up this year where the Records are suggesting we focus our intention, energy, and inner work in January 2026 understanding what's going on at the personal AND collective levels, from the Records' perspective key concepts and questions from the Records for this month Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! You can now watch this as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C8fwfgaFbbg Check out my previous video "What are the Akashic Records?": https://youtu.be/luWbkNre9xQ ******* Join my email community and get access to my free Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Inner Work 2026 All Rights Reserved.
If you are in a midlife transition and still finding yourself second guessing every step, you might be stuck waiting for the “right” answer before you move.In this personal reflection, I share what I have seen in my own journey and in the people I work with: how easy it is, once you have left the old structure, to start treating every decision in your new chapter like an exam you can pass or fail. We look at why that old way of deciding made sense in your previous career, and why it quietly keeps you frozen now, even though you have already done the brave thing and stepped into change.You will hear a simple mindset shift that turns decisions from pressure-filled tests into chances to build self trust.You will get three practical tools to help you treat your choices as experiments instead of life sentences.And you will start building your own evidence that you can handle what comes next, so you feel less afraid of “getting it wrong” and more grounded in who you are becoming.Press play to sit with me for a few minutes, and learn how to move from chasing certainty to trusting your ability to respond with clarity, courage, and self respect in this next chapter of your life and work.˚VALUABLE RESOURCES:Coaching with Agi: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/mentor˚Conversations and insights on career transition, career clarity, midlife career change and career pivots for midlife professionals, including second careers, new ventures, leaving a long-term career with confidence, better decision-making, and creating purposeful, meaningful work.˚Support the showCareer transition and career clarity podcast content for midlife professionals in career transition, navigating a midlife career change, career pivot or second career, starting a new venture or leaving a long-term career. Discover practical tools for career clarity, confident decision-making, rebuilding self belief and confidence, finding purpose and meaning in work, designing a purposeful, fulfilling next chapter, and creating meaningful work that fits who you are now. Episodes explore personal development and mindset for midlife professionals, including how to manage uncertainty and pressure, overcome fear and self-doubt, clarify your direction, plan your next steps, and turn your experience into a new role, business or vocation that feels aligned. To support the show, click here.
Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Dating, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Mindset, Happiness
Do you notice the same patterns repeating in your life?What if those patterns weren't random but part of your astrological blueprint, offering guidance for your healing journey? In this light, New Year episode, I sit down with Remy Ramirez—astrologer, mental health coach, and host of the Patrauma Party podcast—for a grounded and expansive conversation on using astrology as a tool for self-awareness, emotional healing, and inner work.We explore what's ahead in 2026 astrology, including the rare Saturn–Neptune conjunction, and how this potent alignment may signal both a collective energetic shift and a deeply personal invitation to change and do the inner work. Rather than predicting fate, we discuss how astrology can help you understand your nervous system patterns, emotional responses, and subconscious themes—so you can move forward with greater clarity and compassion.Remy also shares how receiving her own birth chart reading illuminated the roots of long-held wounds, softened her relationship with herself, and opened the door to lasting emotional healing. If you've been navigating self-love, energetic boundaries, or a season of transition, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and gentle encouragement.In this episode, you'll learn:What the 2026 Saturn–Neptune conjunction may bring collectively and personallyHow astrology mirrors nervous system responses and emotional patternsWhy somatic healing and subconscious work pair powerfully with astrologyHow astrology supports spiritual healing and growthThe connection between your moon sign and mental healthHow your birth chart reveals emotional patternsThe healing power of naming and understanding recurring patternsHow to work intentionally with full moon and new moon energyWhy astrology predictions are about awareness—not destinyThe role of self-respect in healing and relationshipsHow astrology can guide both your subconscious work and next steps with clarityWhether you're in a season of reflection, transition, or spiritual awakening, this conversation offers a reminder: healing doesn't happen all at once. As you learn to trust yourself—and the divine timing of your path, clarity unfolds naturally.Much love,LaurieLaurie's episode on Patrauma Party with Remy RamirezClick here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.
In this episode, we're joined by bestselling author, energetic alignment coach and intuitive transformation facilitator Kelsey Aida. This conversation felt like catching up with a good friend while also receiving so much wisdom, perspective, and inspiration around manifestation, inner work, and the entrepreneurial journey.Kelsey shares openly about her own dark night of the soul, her healing journey, and how those experiences shaped her approach to manifestation and self-love.In this episode, we talk about:Why “fake it till you make it” doesn't always work — and why embodiment mattersSelf-love as one of the most powerful manifestation toolsFeeling safe to receive Kelsey's grounded, soul-aligned take on manifestingAttracting ideal, aligned clients in businessThe realities of the entrepreneur's journeyThe importance of inner work and honouring your energyListening to your intuition & energy when making big decisionsKelsey's courses and offeringsConnect with Kelsey:https://www.instagram.com/kelseyaida/?hl=enwww.kelseyaida.comJoin us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/living.the.reiki.life/For more information about us & our offerings:Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/reiki_with_manda/Kristi: https://www.instagram.com/thebirchsoul/Sign Up for our Upcoming REIKI CIRCLE: Sunday January 18th @ 10:30 a.m. CSThttps://reikiwithmanda.as.me/schedule/775d158e/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=83736771
If you've been telling yourself you're stuck...stuck in your career, your relationships, your spiritual growth, or your sense of purpose...this New Year's Eve episode challenges that assumption head-on. In this powerful solo reflection, Will explores a truth many people encounter during spiritual awakening but rarely talk about: that feeling of being stuck often isn't confusion or lack of clarity, it's fear of becoming the next version of yourself. This episode dives into the quieter, more uncomfortable side of modern spirituality... the part that doesn't promise instant manifestation, constant alignment, or easy answers. Instead, it looks at how awakening expands consciousness before it brings peace, why insight without action creates anxiety, and how real transformation begins with release rather than effort. You'll hear a grounded, honest exploration of:Why awareness doesn't automatically lead to changeHow identity shifts affect intuition development and decision-makingThe hidden emotional cost of staying “almost ready”Why growth often feels destabilizing before it feels freeingHow to recognize when a chapter is truly completeRather than offering resolutions or surface-level inspiration, this episode invites deep self-inquiry, the kind that supports genuine spiritual growth, clearer intuition, and alignment with your evolving soul purpose. If you're navigating awakening, questioning old beliefs, or sensing that something in your life has quietly run its course, this conversation is designed to meet you exactly where you are...without bypassing, platitudes, or pressure to pretend. Listen with honesty. Sit with what surfaces. And allow space for what's ready to begin.KEY THEMES & TAKEAWAYSSpiritual awakening doesn't always feel peaceful, it often feels unsettlingWhy fear is a signal of expansion, not failureThe difference between insight and integrationHow intuition strengthens when you stop betraying what you already knowWhy release is often the missing piece in manifestationLetting go of outdated roles, identities, and expectationsReframing “stuck” as a threshold of consciousnessSubscribe, Rate & Review! If you found this episode enlightening, mind-expanding, or even just thought-provoking (see what we did there?), please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us bring more transformative guests and topics your way! Subscribe to The Skeptic Metaphysicians on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube for more deep dives into spiritual awakening, consciousness, spirituality, metaphysical science, and mind-body evolution.Connect with Us:
In this episode, I'm introducing the first two steps of the Empress Method: Expanding Love and The Mirror.I share how the Empress Method came through, why these two steps are the foundation of embodied sovereignty, and how expanding love is not about bypassing or positivity, but about increasing capacity, safety, and truth in the body.We explore how the mirror works in real life and relationships, why what triggers or inspires you is never random, and how these reflections are invitations into deeper self-trust and self-leadership.I also weave in personal stories, lived examples of expanding love, and insights around Line 5 energy in Human Design, including projection, leadership, and why Empresses are often seen as mirrors before they are fully understood.This episode is for you if you're ready to:Stop outsourcing your powerUnderstand your reflections instead of resisting themLead yourself with love, clarity, and embodied authorityStep more fully into your Empress Era_____________________________________________________________________I am calling in women who are ready to be deeply supported in 2026. The Year of the Empress isn't about doing more. It's about being held while you remember who you are.This year is for the woman who is done living in survival, done leading from tension, done earning rest, and ready to receive support, safety, and sovereignty as her new baseline.There are three doorways into the Year of the Empress:
If you're in your late 30s or early 40s and feel like you should be further ahead by now, this episode is for you.In this episode, I speak with John Broadbent about why life can feel disorienting in your late 30s and 40s. When the identities that once defined you stop working, certainty fades, and self-criticism creeps in, it's easy to assume you've failed.This conversation explores why that experience is more common than we admit, what's actually happening beneath the surface, and how to move through this phase without turning on yourself.If you've been feeling behind, stuck, or quietly worried you've missed your window, this episode offers a perspective that may help you see this stage of life very differently.John Broadbent has spent decades working with men navigating identity, purpose, and major life transitions.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction(01:21) Understanding the Midlife Crisis(03:26) John's Personal Story of Failure & Growth(05:28) The Importance of Men's Mental Health(09:48) Challenges in Modern Relationships(22:15) The Role of Technology and Society(32:22) Understanding Midlife Transformation(33:56) The Paradox of Clarity & Pressure(35:41) Internal Family Systems & Self-Dialogue(36:24) Parenthood and Selflessness(37:36) The Lens Through Which We See(38:10) Creating a Non-Judgmental Space(39:52) Reflecting on Life's Sliding Doors(43:41) The Cycle of Violence and Leadership(53:27) The Importance of Inner Work(59:39) Final Thoughts & ReflectionsGet the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmindAccess FREE Move Your Mind training here:https://go.moveyourmind.io/trainingConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with John:Website: https://realisepotential.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Being spiritual doesn't mean we have to be ZEN all the time. (Thank God!) You don't have to be a doormat - or an emotionless robot - to be a deeply spiritual, evolved, awakened human. At the end of the day, spirituality can look a LOT of different ways, and you have to find your own unique expression of spirituality that feels aligned and true to YOU. In this episode of INNER WORK, we'll explore: genuine spirituality as being connected to your authentic Self (which might be zen but might also be boisterous, playful, emotional, sarcastic, witty, loud, or many other things at times!) being spiritual doesn't mean you have to be a doormat or have NO reactions to anything ever how your Higher Self will sometimes guide you to be LOUDER, to speak up, to be firm, to tell someone to back off, to set stronger boundaries, etc. not putting undue pressure on yourself to meet some impossible "ideal" of spirituality that's disconnected from the day-to-day realities and emotions we experience as humans giving yourself grace to be human AND spiritual at the same time Watch this as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rd71GNTt83U ******* Join my email community and get access to my free Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! Music & editing by G. Demers Inner Work 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Smoke Wallin, CEO, entrepreneur, M&A expert, and investor, who helps mid market entrepreneurs create extraordinary exits for their companies by guiding them through high stakes transactions with strategics globally.Through his work with STS Capital Partners, Smoke has led billions in M&A deals, resolving complex disputes and family business challenges with a calm and conscious approach that brings people together for extraordinary outcomes.Now, Smoke's personal journey of raising his own consciousness and transcending challenges demonstrates how inner clarity and presence can transform both business and life.And while operating at what he calls a very high level, showing up fully present, open and awake, he continues to help others align their business success with meaning, purpose, and legacy.Here's where to find more:https://smokewallin.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/smokewallinhttps://www.youtube.com/@SmokeWallinOfficialhttps://smokewallin.substack.com https://www.facebook.com/smokewallinhttps://thesmoketrail.transistor.fmhttps://x.com/SmokeWallin________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself
Success gets a lot quieter at the top and that's exactly the point. In this episode, I sit down with business strategist and seven-figure CEO Kelly Roach to break down why so many driven entrepreneurs stay stuck, burned out, or second guessing themselves long after they've “done everything right.” We talk about the perception gap that keeps people grinding when they're actually growing, why building wealth requires rewriting beliefs most of us inherited without questioning, and how chasing outside approval quietly derails confidence. Kelly also shares what really happens on the road to scale, how to stop letting noise dictate your decisions, and why the deepest work is often the most profitable. Get ready to build a life and business aligned with who you actually are. In This Episode You Will Learn Why the PERCEPTION GAP is sabotaging more businesses than bad strategy. How to stop letting OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS run your decisions. Why “hard” doesn't mean you're doing it WRONG. The difference between PASSION and MARKET VIABILITY. How unresolved BELIEFS around money quietly cap your income. Why true growth requires slowing down and doing the INNER WORK. How to separate PHILANTHROPY from BUSINESS so both can thrive. Why highly successful people IGNORE NOISE and run their own race. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Listen to The Kelly Roach Show HERE Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553! Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/ Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Kelly on Instagram
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