Podcasts about sandwiched a memoir

What if the exhaustion you've been carrying isn't a sign that you need to do more — but your body's way of telling you something needs to shift?You can be a founder, a mother, a partner, a caregiver for aging parents, or a woman in midlife building something meaningful — and still find yourself running on fumes. The women I work with love their lives and the people in them. And they still feel their bodies quietly asking for something they haven't been giving themselves.Burnout signs in midlife don't always announce themselves loudly.. You're still showing up. Still dependable. And underneath that, you feel flat, disconnected, and unsure why a life that looks full on the outside feels so heavy from the inside. For those navigating caregiver burnout — years of holding everyone else together — that heaviness can be especially hard to name.This isn't weakness or a lack of gratitude. A nervous system that has been overriding its own signals for years is doing exactly what it was designed to do. The exhaustion makes sense. And there's a deeper pattern underneath it worth understanding.As a somatic experiencing practitioner, life coach, author, this solo mid-year episode offers a body-based reset through the lens of somatic experiencing and nervous system regulation. I share a piece of my own burnout story, explain what's happening biologically when meaningful work quietly becomes depleting, I walk you through simple somatic practices you can use today, and offer journal prompts to help you listen to your nervous system before it forces you to stop.In this episode, I'll share:Why burnout takes hold even when your life is full of things you genuinely love — and what's happening in your nervous system when it does.How your body communicates through chronic tension, fatigue, emotional flatness, and low-grade dread long before it shouts.Why pushing through disconnects you from your purpose, your values, and your own clarity.What somatic experiencing is, why it works, and how it's different from every other approach to stress and burnout you've tried.Three simple somatic practices to bring you back to the present moment through the felt sense.Three journal prompts to help you honor your first half and set a soulful intention for the next six months.Burnout recovery doesn't begin with doing more. It begins with slowing down, coming home to your body, and choosing the second half of this year from a more grounded and stable place.Much love and freedom,LaurieConnect with me:Click here to download your FREE Mid-Year Check-inClick here to purchase my “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” it's $29.99Click 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 ExerciseWebsiteInstagramRESOURCES MENTIONED:Midyear Reflection Journal Prompts: A set of questions to honor what you've carried in the first half of the year, name what feels out of alignment, and choose one soulful intention for the months ahead.Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: A body-based approach to working with the nervous system, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, that supports releasing stored stress so you can move through life with more regulation, presence, and ease. 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.

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to step away from your phone… even when your  mind and body is asking for a break?The texts, notifications, social media scrolling, and constant pressure to respond to that email can leave you  feeling wired, distracted, and disconnected from yourself. Your mind may say, “Just one more thing,” while your body is quietly tightening, bracing, or whispering that it needs space.And if you've been pushing through for years — caring for everyone else, managing work, family, caregiving, and the invisible weight of modern life — you are not broken. Your body may simply be responding to a world that rarely rewards you how to pause.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary Donohue, founder and CEO of the Digital Wellness Center, whose work blends neuroscience, behavior, and technology. After living with chronic leukemia, caregiving stress, and surviving a heart attack, Mary began looking more closely at digital wellness and how constant connection affects the brain, body, and our ability to pause.Together, we talk about digital overload, micro breaks, nervous system regulation, social media anxiety, and stress-related illness. Mary shares why even a small pause can help your body settle and give you more space before you respond.In this episode, you'll learn:Why midlife women may be especially vulnerable to chronic stress How women over 50 can begin noticing the subtle body cues they've learned to overrideWhat micro breaks can offer when your mind and body feel overstimulatedHow social media anxiety can quietly shape your mood, focus, and sense of calmHow a simple 3 minute micro break can help you regulate you emotional well-being.The connection between technology and mental health in our everyday choicesHow your nervous system staying in a low-grade activation (fight or flight response) can show up without you even knowing it. IWhy giving back, connecting with others, and creating more joy can help you feel more groundedHow technology can become part of the solution when it is designed with human well-being in mindThis conversation is a gentle reminder that the pace of your life may be asking more of your body than it was ever meant to hold.You don't have to wait until you're exhausted, anxious, or completely overwhelmed to give yourself a pause. Sometimes one small moment of space is enough to help you start hearing what your body and brain have been trying to tell you all along.With love and freedom, LaurieClick here to purchase my “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” it's $29.99Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoClick here to watch the Barbie clip referenced in this podcastFree 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 with Dr. Mary Donohue: Victoria on LinkedIn: Dr. Mary DonohueVictoria's email: drmaryedonahue@gmail.com RESOURCES MENTIONED:Digital Wellness Center: Founded by Dr. Mary Donohue, this science-backed platform helps people manage digital stress, take healthier microbreaks, and build more balanced technology habits. Message Received: A book written by Dr. Mary E. Donohue, offering a practical seven-step framework for breaking down communication barriers at work, especially across email, digital tools, video calls, remote teams, and generational communication styles. The Happiness Lab: A podcast hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos that shares science-backed insights for improving well-being. How to Win Friends and Influence People:  A classic book by Dale Carnegie that shares practical principles for building stronger relationships, improving communication, and positively influencing others. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living: A book by Dale Carnegie that shares practical lessons and real-life stories for managing worry, finding purpose, and living with more peace. 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.

Heart disease in women is their number one killer — and most of us still don't know the signs.We've spent years worrying about the right things: the screenings, the genetics, the family history we carry quietly into every doctor's appointment. But women's heart health looks different than we've been taught. The symptoms are more subtle. The risk factors include ones nobody warned us about — like menopause, estrogen loss, and the emotional suppression when we carry our loved one's pain..My guest today, Victoria Gustafson — certified heart-centered life coach and speaker — knows this firsthand. In 2024, Victoria suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on a pickleball court. A bystander performed CPR and kept her alive until paramedics arrived. She is among the 1% of cardiac arrest survivors who walk away without brain damage. And she is here, sharing the wisdom that could genuinely change — or save — your life.This is not a scary episode. It's an empowering one.Why a healthy, active woman's heart stopped without warning — and how the split-second decisions by bystanders brought Victoria backThe difference between cardiac arrest vs. heart attack — and why understanding it is essential to how you advocate for yourself as a womanWhy heart disease in women so often goes undetected, and how women's symptoms can be more subtle and often get dismissed by the medical systemThe connection between menopause and heart health, and the critical role estrogen plays in protecting your cardiovascular systemWhy it's important to get a baseline heart testing work up — and the benefits of asking for a Holter monitor, an advanced lipid panel, or a coronary artery calcium scanHow body awareness and somatic healing connect to heart health — and what the body's whispers and nudges might be telling youThe link between people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and the physical body — and why the caretaking and peacekeeping so many of us do lives somewhere we can't seeWhat nervous system regulation has to do with how we protect ourselves — physically, emotionally, and spirituallyThe biggest takeaway from our conversation. Warning: it might make you feel lighter when you learn what it is.Your heart has been carrying so much. It's time to listen to the flutter, the fatigue, or the sense that something might be off.With love and freedom, LaurieLinks to heart related episodes mentioned:How Safe Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Health can Close the Bedroom Gap with Dr. Maria SophoclesIs Hormone Therapy Safe? The Science Behind HRT and Breast Cancer Risk with Dr. Maria Sophocles.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 with Victoria Gustafson:Victoria's website: heartcenteredlifecoach.com Victoria on Instagram/Facebook: @alittlelucyloveVictoria on LinkedIn: Victoria GustafsonVictoria's email: victorialg@icloud.com Episodes mentioned:Dr. Maria Sophocles Episode 1 — Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe? The Science: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-hormone-replacement-therapy-safe-the-science/id1694026063?i=1000709404025Dr. Maria Sophocles Episode 2 — How Safe Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Health Can Close the Bedroom Gap: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-safe-hormone-therapy-and-vaginal-health-can-close/id1694026063?i=1000749413636Please 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.

Have you ever found yourself reacting in a way that feels bigger than the situation in front of you… and then thought, “Why did I respond like that?”You're not alone — and it's not random.That disconnect — between what your mind wants to do and what your body actually does — is often where deeper emotional patterns, trauma responses, and nervous system reactions live.In this episode, I sit down with Annmarie Chereso, conscious relationship coach, to unpack what's really happening beneath emotional triggers, relationship conflict patterns, and those moments when you feel like you “lose control” emotionally.We explore how awareness — not force — becomes the first step toward emotional regulation and lasting change. And Annmarie shares a fresh perspective on somatic healing practices and emotional regulationIn this episode, we dive into:Why emotional triggers are often linked to deeper trauma responses and nervous system activationA new approach to relationship healing that doesn't rely on forcing yourself to “be different”What somatic healing and emotional regulation actually look like in real lifeHow to begin building self-regulation skills when emotions feel overwhelming or intenseWhy noticing your patterns is more powerful than trying to fix themThis conversation reframes healing entirely — not as something you “achieve,” but as something you become aware of over time. Through that awareness, your relationship with yourself and others begins to shift.This isn't about becoming someone new.It's about finally understanding what's been happening beneath the surface all along.You don't need to have it all figured out — you just need to start noticing.With love and freedom,LaurieClick 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 with Annmarie CheresoWebsiteInstagramFacebookRESOURCES MENTIONED:The Perfectly Imperfect Family: A book co-authored by Annmarie Chereso that shares personal stories and insights on navigating family dynamics and shifting internal states. Martha Beck Wayfinder Coaching Program: The professional coaching training program where both the host and the guest completed their training. 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.

What if your motherhood guilt isn't proof you failed, but a sign you've been carrying too much for too long? You can give everything to your children and still hear that relentless inner critic whispering it wasn't enough — and over time, that pressure can become maternal stress, emotional exhaustion, and even maternal burnout carried quietly beneath the surface.But what if that voice and the sensations associated with them aren't telling you the truth?So much of what we believe about being a “good mother” is shaped by cultural beliefs and unexamined parenting beliefs — expectations that were never designed to be humanly sustainable. The pressure, the second-guessing, the ache of regret…it's not random. And these thoughts can cause dis-ease in your body.In this solo episode, I'm talking about parenting guilt and shame, the stories so many mothers carry, and why they can be stored in the body.  We'll look at motherhood through a compassionate somatic lens and make space for a gentler relationship with your maternal identity.In this episode, you'll learn:Why old emotional patterns can feel so persistentHow the nervous system reinforces self-critismWhat having impossible standards can do to a mother's body and sense of selfWhy exhaustion is often a sign that needs attention. It's not a personal failureHow inherited messages shape the way you measure yourselfHow to stop mom guilt A body-based approach to without relying on willpowerWhy self compassion for moms is not indulgent, but essentialHow repair can create more honesty, connection, and healingIf you've been carrying the quiet belief that you should have done it differently… or that somehow you weren't enough… You don't have to keep relating to yourself through criticism and pressure. There is another way to meet yourself — one that includes more understanding, more space, and a different kind of strength.Cheers to finding your freedom,LaurieClick here to purchase my “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” it's ON SALE for $19.99Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoClick here to watch the Barbie clip referenced in this podcastFree 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 ExerciseWebsiteRESOURCES MENTIONED:Sandwiched: A book written by Laurie James, detailing her experiences with the "sandwich generation" (raising children while caring for aging parents).The Voo Exercise: A vocalization technique used to tone the vagus nerve and discharge nervous system tension.Barbie the movie clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBqlDWHkdHkPlease 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.

When your kids leave the nest and the caregiving finally stops — who are you?That question can stop you cold. And if you've been living it, you already know how disorienting that silence can be. This honest, heartfelt conversation is for every person standing in that in-between space, wondering who they are. My guest today is Jay Ramsden — podcaster, empty nest coach, and someone who has lived this reckoning from the inside out. After a 30-year career in education and years as a primary caregiver, Jay didn't just adjust to the empty nest. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. He walked the Camino de Santiago. And somewhere between the altitude and the miles, he found a philosophy that changed everything: Mpole, Mpole — Swahili for slowly, slowly. One intentional step at a time.In this episode, Jay and I go deep on what it really takes to rebuild your identity, shed the roles that no longer fit, and step into a second act that finally feels like yours.In this episode you'll learn:Why pivoting your career can feel unsettling even when every part of you knows it's timeHow to rebuild your self-identity and what intentional living looks like day in and day out — not just in theoryHow to use "what's in the way" as your map toward more freedom and self-discoveryWhat Jay learned from getting comfortable with going slow — and why lasting personal reinvention requires exactly thatHow to recognize when caregiving has quietly become your whole identity, and what it takes to reclaim yourself from the inside outWhat JOMO is and how shifting your FOMO opens the door to truly liberated livingHow to start trusting yourself again to create a more meaningful, purpose-driven second actIf you've been feeling stretched between who you were and who you're becoming — this episode is your reminder that there is still so much of you left to discover.This chapter gets to belong to you too. Cheers to more love and freedom,LaurieClick 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 with Jay RamsdenWebsiteInstagramTiktokRESOURCES MENTIONED:Strength to Strength: A book by Arthur C. Brooks mentioned for its insights on managing life transitions and shifting focus from external achievementsThe Obstacle Is the Way: A book by Ryan Holiday that explores using challenges as opportunities for growthPlease 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.

What does it look like to wake up at fifty and finally ask, "What do I actually want?" For Debbie Weiss — bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Maybe I Can podcast — that question became the turning point that changed everything.In this deeply honest and vulnerable conversation, Debbie shares the emotional arc of her transformation: from decades of family caregiving that left her financially stressed, emotionally depleted, and disconnected from herself, to building an entirely new life through what she calls "sprinkles" — small, intentional shifts that slowly and powerfully rewrote her story. Her journey from identity loss to empowered living, including losing over 80 pounds, writing a bestselling memoir, and discovering that personal growth doesn't require a giant leap. It just requires one tiny step, taken consistently.In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Weiss, an author, speaker, and podcaster who spent thirty years navigating the intense caregiving burden of looking after her disabled father, a son with special needs, and a husband struggling with chronic illness. Debbie's story is a powerful example of how midlife women can reclaim their lives, moving from a place of deep identity loss to one of purposeful, empowered living.In this episode you'll learn:How to recognize when you've slipped into victim mentality — and the first small step toward reclaiming your personal agencyHow to manage the physical and emotional toll of being the family caregiver without losing your spirit or your sense of selfWhy self-care is not a selfish luxury but the necessary foundation for showing up as your best self for the people you loveHow to approach a midlife career change or a new passion project by making "maybe I can" your new daily mantraThe role resilience building plays in moving through the stages of grief recovery after profound lossWhy sandwich generation women need to release the pressure of perfection and embrace the "1% more" rule for sustainable, lasting changeHow to begin your own personal growth journey by committing to just one doable, body-led goal at a timeThis episode is for every woman in the sandwich generation who has quietly wondered whether there is anything left for her on the other side of all that giving. There is. And Debbie is proof.A note from Laurie:The power to change your life has been within you all along — even when it feels completely buried. You are not alone in this journey. And it is never, ever too late to start choosing yourself.If this episode speaks to something you've been carrying quietly, share it with a woman in your life who needs to hear it. And if Debbie's story moves you, leave a review — it helps more women find this conversation when they need it most..Much love,LaurieClick 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 iPlease 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.

Why does happiness sometimes feel out of reach even when you think you are doing everything right? You take steps forward, check the boxes, show up for the people you love, but underneath it all, something still feels unsettled. Life can start to feel rushed, full, or emotionally heavy, yet you can't quite put your finger on it.This is what happens when you're not prioritizing the foundational keys to happiness and, in turn, living with a dysregulated nervous system. When your body stays in a constant threat response—do more, earn more, and achieve more is when your nervous system becomes overwhelmed. Sleep becomes harder, and when you do wake up, you feel exhausted.In this solo episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I reflect on the work of Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor, host of The Happiness Lab, and one of the leading voices in positive psychology. Her research offers a grounded look at how to feel happier, and I add a somatic lens to the conversation, because happiness is not only a mindset issue–it happens when you have a regulated nervous system.In this episode, you'll learn:Why chasing success before happiness has it backwards — and what the science actually showsThe Somatic Experiencing perspective on each principle and why the body is the missing piece of the happiness conversationWhy your nervous system state and learning nervous system regulation matter more than your mindsetHow self-compassion and emotional agility help feelings move through you with less shame and fearThe 10 principles Dr. Santo says genuinely move the needle on human happiness, which include more human connection and social connection.What prosocial behavior does to your mood, and why the helper high matters more than you might thinkHow to implement each principle with specific, research-backed practices.This episode is for you if you've ever felt like you were doing everything right and still not feeling the way you thought you would. You are allowed to slow down, listen inward, and find your way back to what helps you feel more alive.Much love,LaurieClick 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 ExerciseWebsiteRESOURCES MENTIONEDDr. Laurie Santos: Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcastThe Happiness Lab Podcast: Available wherever you listen to podcastsSomatic Experiencing: Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, PhD — a body-based approach to healing trauma and nervous system dysregulationResearcher Sonja Lyubomirsky: Positive psychology research on happiness and successThe Harvard SPlease 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.

Have You Ever Asked Yourself, "What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?"I've asked myself that question more times than I can count — and especially after my kids left the nest and I felt that undeniable pull to reinvent myself once I became a freebird and left my marriage.If you're feeling that same pull right now, you are not alone.This week, I'm joined by Patricia Noel Drain, a business mentor, author, and podcaster who has made it her mission to support midlife women who are ready for a career pivot or a bold new chapter. Patricia helps women over 50 discover their gifts, reconnect with what matters most, and create work that feels both aligned and profitable.Her own midlife career change led her into this work — and the conversation we have is one I know so many of you need to hear. In this episode, we cover:The 7 key ingredients you need to navigate midlife reinvention or second career to find more happiness in your next chapterHow to recognize when you need a career change at 50 — and what that moment can actually feel like in your nervous systemThe emotional signs to watch for when you sense something needs to shift in your career or lifeHow Patricia's framework can bring more clarity and confidence to your season of career reinventionWhat it really looks like to build a meaningful midlife career that fits who you are now — not who you used to beHow to approach starting over at 50 in a way that feels manageable, realistic, and even excitingWhy this work matters deeply for women changing careers in midlifeHow to think about careers after 50 in a way that feels expansive and fully aligned with the life you want to createWhether you're seriously considering a second act career or simply listening to the whispers telling you something needs to change — there is still so much room for you to grow, evolve, and create the life you truly desire.This one is for every woman who has ever wondered if it's too late to start again.Spoiler: it's not.Cheers to finding your freedom,LaurieClick 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 with Patricia Noel Drain:WebsiteFacebookEmail: patricia@patriciadrain.comWhen Passion Meets Profit PodcastPlease 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.

You can command a boardroom, lead a team, and hold your own in the world — yet the moment you step back into your family home, something shifts. Old wounds resurface. You shrink. You react. You become a version of yourself you thought you'd outgrown. This regression is a sign that your internal conflicts are tethered to a hidden social architecture designed long ago.And…you're not broken. You're responding to a blueprint that was written long before you had any say in it.In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I sit down with therapist, author, and mental health advocate Minaa B. to unpack the hidden sibling relationship dynamics that quietly run our adult relationships. If you've ever wondered why sibling rivalry and parental favoritism  doesn't just disappear in adulthood — or why certain sibling conflicts still leave your nervous system dysregulated days later — this conversation is for you.In this episode, we talk about:Why family systems are the primary containers that shape our lifelong attachment patterns.How to foster emotional attunement to understand your needs within difficult relationships.How parental favoritism and triangulation fuel chronic sibling conflict — and what to do about itThe role of emotionally immature parents in fracturing sibling bonds and your sense of belongingHow to decode your personal sibling blueprint and create relational safety — even with difficult family membersThe ways an emotionally immature parent can fuel sibling rivalry through triangulation.Improving your social skills by joining supportive community groups to practice active listening.The power of culture shifters who are willing to break generational dysfunctionWhy understanding the narcissistic spectrum can help you depersonalize a sibling's harmful behavior.How emotional reciprocity and horizontal relationships build the secure, balanced connections we all deserveWhether you're healing from sibling parentification, working through emotional neglect, navigating blended family dynamics, or doing deeper generational trauma work — Minaa offers a compassionate, practical roadmap toward secure attachment in adulthood.Much love,LaurieClick 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 with Mina B:InstagramWebsitePlease 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.

When midlife hits and your body changes and getting dressed can suddenly feel frustrating. Waistlines shift. Fabrics fit differently. Pieces that once felt effortless now feel off.But here's the truth: style in midlife doesn't have to feel confusing and it definitely doesn't have to feel defeating.In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I'm joined by personal stylist and conscious fashion expert Renée Lara, who has over 20 years of experience helping women align their wardrobe with their values, lifestyle, and evolving bodies.Renée's path is anything but ordinary, from studying nursing to psychology, to a life-changing encounter with Mother Teresa, to ultimately following her calling into sustainable, soulful fashion. Her approach blends practicality, emotional well-being, and conscious consumption, especially for women navigating menopause and midlife transitions.We talk about why fashion for women over 50 isn't just about looking good, it's about feeling supported, expressing who you are now, and choosing clothing that honors both your body and the planet. In this episode, we explore:Why midlife style is less about trends and more about personal alignmentWhat to do when menopause body changes make it feel like nothing fitsHow you can embrace your shifting shape with confidenceMindset shifts to feel more at home in your clothesWhy fabric, texture, and comfort matter more than ever, especial for gen x styleHow to build real-life Gen X outfits that work for casual or virtual daysCompassionate style practices that support body changes without self-criticismThe must-have pieces for a simple capsule wardrobe worth investing in for generation x fashionHow accessories can instantly elevate your look and confidenceIf you've been searching for fashion for women over 50, menopause fashion tips, Gen X style inspiration and a simple capsule wardrobe for midlife then this episode is your invitation to accept who you are now — and to get dressed with more ease, clarity, and confidence.Much love,LaurieClick 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 with Renee:https://www.reneelarastyle.com/https://www.instagram.com/reneelarastyle/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.

Do you get a pit in your stomach when you listen to the news? Maybe your body tightens, as each headline adds to the heaviness of the collective trauma we're living through right now?When institutions protect powerful people instead of holding them accountable, survivors can experience secondary victimization, as the harm continues instead of being addressed. If this is something you can  relate to you, support exists and emotional safety can be rebuilt.In this episode, I'm covering:The visceral impact of the Epstein files and the patriarchy of protection.Startling statistics on the epidemic of childhood abuse and its link to trauma recovery.My personal healing journey and breaking the silence around family secrets.How to use somatic healing to discharge trapped energy that may be stored in your body.Four specific somatic practices to restore nervous system regulation.Why finding a community of survivor support is a vital lifeline when systems fail to protect us.This conversation is a bridge to help you move from a state of freeze into a place of empowerment. By practicing these tools and increasing your body awareness, you can signal to your nervous system that you are safe in the here and now.You are worthy of protection, LaurieCall the DOJ ScriptClick here to listen to my podcast on Overwhelm 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 ExerciseWebsitePlease 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.

Do you feel like the gap between you and your partner's sexual desire is widening?Has managing a home, raising kids, and building a career left you feeling disconnected from your body and from sexual pleasure?You are not broken. And you are not alone.In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles, board-certified OB/GYN, founder of Women's Healthcare of Princeton, nationally recognized menopause expert, and author of The Bedroom Gap. With over 1.2 million views on her viral TED Talk, “What Happens to Sex in Midlife,” Dr. Sophocles is leading the conversation on female sexual health, perimenopause, and closing the intimacy gap in long-term and short-term relationships.Together, we pull back the curtain on sexual health, menopause wellness, hormone therapy, vaginal health, and the cultural silence that has left so many women believing they've simply “outgrown” desire. You haven't. Midlife intimacy is possible when you understand what your body actually needs.When you realize that menopause wellness is about restoring what your body is missing (not pushing through discomfort), you can release the guilt and choose real support.In this episode, we explore:Vaginal health and vaginal estrogen: how targeted treatments restore comfort, and support long and short-term relationship intimacyThe truth about perimenopause and heart health and how estrogen therapy may help in early menopauseWhy Viagra widened the “bedroom gap” and what couples can do about itBioidentical hormone therapy and menopause relief: what's evidence-based, what's marketing, and what actually works3 practical ways to reduce painful intercourseSexual dysfunction in women: causes, solutions, and when to seek supportWhat current science says about hormone therapy so you can make informed decisionsThe connection between intimacy, longevity, and overall post menopausal healthYou were never meant to outgrow sexual desire, you were taught to deprioritize it.Your physical comfort matters. Your pleasure matters. And this next chapter of life can include confidence, connection, and vibrant intimacy.If you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, low libido, painful sex, or relationship disconnection, this conversation will give you clarity, science-backed guidance, and hope.Tune in to reclaim your anatomy, close the bedroom gap, and embrace midlife with confidence and heart.Much love,LaurieClick here to listen to Dr. Maria Sophocles first podcast interveiwClick 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 ExercisePlease 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.

Do your children really know who you are?Not just the mother who managed schedules, emotions, and daily life—but the woman underneath it all?Motherhood shifts in midlife—so do we. Maybe you're navigating an empty nest, single motherhood, or a quieter new chapter—you may find yourself asking deeper questions about identity, inner peace, and how to stay meaningfully connected to the people you love most.In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I sit down with Bernadette Catalana, author of Daughter Lessons and mother of two, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about mother–daughter relationships, generational healing, and leading by example.Together, we explore what it means to love our children with intention while staying true to ourselves. Bernadette opens up about the weight of people-pleasing, the emotional realities of single motherhood, and how she carried her own mother's sorrow before consciously choosing to break that cycle. We talk about family dynamics and how generational healing often happens in the most ordinary moments—and why finding happiness isn't something we arrive at, but something we practice along the way.This conversation is for any woman in midlife who is learning how to release old roles, speak her truth, and model emotional freedom for the next generation.In this episode, you'll hear us explore:Why truth-telling is a radical act for women raised to keep the peaceHow personal growth and identity shift in midlife—especially after children grow upWhat it really means to lead by example as a motherHow emotional healing in parents breaks generational trauma from being passed down. The unseen weight of single motherhood—and why it deserves more compassionHow family dynamics and generational patterns show up in everyday lifeWhy choosing contentment over performance can deepen your relationship with your childrenYou are still deeply needed. Your presence still matters. And this season of life holds more meaning, connection, and love than you may realize.If you're ready to embrace this next chapter with honesty and heart, I invite you to listen in and join us for this rich, reflective conversation.Much love,LaurieClick here  to sign up for my FREE Somatic class on Wednesday, February 4th at 4pm PSTClick 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 ExercisePlease 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.

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything “right” on your healing journey—only to find yourself right back in your old pain on your personal growth journey?Maybe you finally found a healing modality that worked. You felt grounded, regulated, even hopeful. And then one comment, one moment of disconnection, or one unexpected ending stirred something much deeper—bringing old wounds, loneliness, or abandonment back to the surface.In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm reintroducing myself—not just as your host, but as a woman actively in the midst of her own healing.I share openly about my recent breakup after a 3.5-year relationship, and how it activated an abandonment wound I've carried since childhood. Despite years of personal growth and trauma-informed work, I realized something important: healing isn't about finding the right tool—it's about going deeper into the body when old patterns resurface.That realization led me back to Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—two practices that helped me slow down, reconnect with my body, meet my protective parts with compassion, and begin rebuilding self-trust from the inside out and tend to an old abandonment wound that I've carried since childhood.Because the truth is: the only way to find joy again… is to go through the pain.In this episode, I share how nervous system regulation became the foundation for real trauma healing and helped me shift lifelong relationship patterns—how physical symptoms pointed the way forward, and how learning to stay with sensations (instead of avoiding it) expanded my capacity to feel, grieve, and eventually experience joy again.In this episode, you'll learn:What  somatic healing looks like in everyday lifeWhy nervous system regulation is the gateway to deeper emotional healingHow Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work helped me relate differently to the parts that once helped me surviveHow healing childhood trauma can restore your capacity for joy.Why building tolerance for physical sensations is essential to trauma recoveryHow healing after divorce laid the foundation for healing after this breakup.What it means to fully grieve, feel, and slowly reconnect with yourselfIf you're navigating heartbreak, grief, or the confusion of feeling “set back” on your healing journey, this episode is a gentle reminder: nothing is wrong with you. Healing is not linear. Your body remembers. And your pace matters.Much love,LaurieClick 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”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.

What if the patterns you keep repeating aren't flaws or bad habits, but survival strategies your body learned long ago?In this episode, I sit down with Riana Malia, a certified Neuro-Somatic practitioner whose work focuses on healing generational trauma through the unconscious mind, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed care.Riana shares her powerful personal story of betrayal, loss, and the promise she made to her daughter, that the cycle of trauma would end with her. Together, we explore how the body holds experiences the mind can't always explain, and how unhealed childhood wounds can quietly shape our relationships, choices, and sense of self well into adulthood.We talk about why emotional regulation is the foundation of real change, how trauma responses often disguise themselves as personality traits or self-sabotage, and how Riana used quantum healing to shift lifelong pain, without having to relive every traumatic moment.You'll learn:Why certain relationship patterns keep repeating, even when you “know better”How trauma responses can disguise themselves as personality traits or self-sabotage What somatic tools actually look like in everyday life, especially when things feel overwhelmingThe difference between emotional awareness and true embodied healingWhy forgiveness is about reclaiming yourself, not excusing harm.What a practical, sustainable healing journey can look like after decades of stored trauma.How trauma-informed personal growth gives your nervous system a new story to followHow understanding your body creates emotional safety and resilienceIf you're carrying pain you can't quite name, or if healing has felt confusing or out of reach, this episode offers a gentler, more embodied way forward.Your body already knows the way. It just needs your attention, patience, and care.Much love,LaurieClick 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 with Riana Maliahttps://rianamalia.com/Click here to take Riana's E.L.I. AssessmentInstagramLinkedinYoutubePlease 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.

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.

Do you ever feel like your body is reacting for you—especially in moments of stress or around certain people?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jessica Bishop, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, to dive into her personal journey of healing anxiety, nervous system regulation, and living with essential tremors. Jess shares her experience of relying on medication for years, and how somatic healing and learning to regulate her nervous system not only transformed her physical symptoms, it changed the way she relates and shows up with others.We explore how Jess's essential tremors, panic attacks, and chronic anxiety once controlled her life—and how somatic practices, emotional regulation, and embodiment  brought real, lasting anxiety relief. She talks about how she reduced her need for medication, left an unhealthy marriage, and learned about secure attachment, leading to a healthier relationship and a deeper sense of emotional safety in her body.This conversation gently unveils how body-based therapy and somatic practices can heal trauma, transform anxiety, and reshape the relationships you attract—starting with the relationship you have with your own body.In this episode, you'll learn:Simple somatic tools for healing anxiety and stressThe power of emotional safety in trauma recoveryHow somatic practices help regulate your nervous system and stress response.What it feels like to experience secure attachment in your bodyHow nervous system regulation can support healthier relationshipsThe difference between intellectual awareness and embodied awareness. Why yoga is often the gateway practice into somatic experiencing. How to tell the difference between a "threat response" and the feeling of "butterflies"If you're on a journey to trust your body again or notice how your relationships impact your nervous system, you're not alone. Your body has wisdom, and as you create more safety, it has the potential to change.Much love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Jessica BishopPlease 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.

Have you ever felt lost after putting all your effort into pleasing others? Maybe you've spent years being the responsible one, the strong one, the helper, the one who “just handles it”… until one day you wake up and feel hollow. Exhausted.  Disconnected from the person you used to be.Maybe you've spent years trying to “doing it all”,  only to wake up one day and wonder where you lost yourself along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Kati Morton, licensed therapist, author, and one of the most trusted mental health voices online. Her new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, dives into the emotional and nervous system patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of people-pleasing, low self-esteem, overgiving, perfectionism, and self-abandonment.Together, we explore how unresolved trauma responses shape our beliefs about love, worth, confidence, and why so many of us feel like we need to be “good” or “please others” to feel safe. Together Kati and I discuss what a fawn response is,  the deeper reasons why we fawn or people-please and the emotional cost it takes on us.You'll learn:Why people pleasing begins as a survival strategyWhy rebuilding self worth is about changing patternsWhat your inner critic is trying to protect you fromHow to spot patterns that lead to burnout and resentmentWhy confidence grows through small acts of self trustThe difference between guilt and false guilt in boundary settingHow somatic practices support healing and resiliencePractical tools to regulate stress and shift old patternsIf you're in a season of personal growth, or if you're tired of feeling exhausted, overlooked, or in cycles of self-doubt, this episode will offer compassion, clarity, and a path home to yourself.Tune in. This conversation is a breath of fresh air for anyone ready to reclaim the parts of themselves they had to hide to survive.Much love,LaurieClick here to sign up for my "FREE Online Somatic Workshop - Find Your Calm During the Holidays" on Thursday, Dec 4th at 4 PST Click here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsitePlease 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.

Does your heart feel heavier this time of year? Maybe you're missing someone who's no longer here…or carrying a quiet ache that's lingering and hard to name. When the world is celebrating, it can feel lonely to carry sadness that doesn't have a clear place to land.In this episode, I'm joined by Barri Grant, certified grief coach and founder of The Memory Circle—a woman who has turned her own profound losses into a compassionate, grounded space for others to heal. After losing her mother at 27 and later her father to Alzheimer's, Barri has walked the kind of path that reshapes you from the inside out. Her work offers tender, tangible support for anyone navigating holiday grief and why nervous system regulation is such a powerful companion to grief work, especially during the holiday season when emotions tend to intensify.You'll hear reflections on being a grieving parent, remothering your inner child, and creating grief rituals that help you feel more connected.You'll learn:How to honor your grief without minimizing or explaining it to family membersWhat makes somatic healing helpful when you are experiencing emotional painWhy the 5 stages of grief often miss the mark when it comes to healingHow to create small grief rituals that help you feel more connected to loved ones who have passedHow expressive writing can be a safe place for releaseWhat grief coaching offers that therapy sometimes doesn'tNew holiday traditions that can support your emotional healingHowever your grief during the holidays shows up—loud, quiet, messy, or soft—there is room for it here. You're not alone.Much love,Laurie Click here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Barri GrantInstagramPlease 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.

Send Jay comments via textWhen the house gets quiet, your nervous system often gets loud. For many, the departure of children triggers deep questions about marriage, identity, and personal desire—questions long shelved but now impossible to ignore. In this heartfelt episode, author and somatic relationship coach Laurie James shares her journey through caregiving, betrayal, and loneliness, and how she found her way back to breath, presence, and choice.We explore how your body and nervous system work—covering the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states—and why understanding these is critical for making clear, courageous decisions. Whether facing betrayal, burnout, the empty nest or all three—this episode offers a compassionate, trauma-informed guide with simple, immediate practices to regulate your nervous system, build vulnerability, and choose your next chapter with intention.Highlights & Key Takeaways:The collision of caregiving stress and marital betrayal often amplifies overwhelm.Choosing to leave isn't giving up—it's reclaiming your right to breathe again.Panic, overload, and emotional buildup are stored in the body; releasing them requires somatic safety practices.Building vulnerability and repairing relationships are skills you can relearn, deepening your courage.Laurie James BioA mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver, author, and somatic relationship coach Laurie's journey has been marked by personal growth, healing, and self-discovery, as she transformed her life through therapy, yoga, and somatic practices. Her memoir, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, chronicles her path to embracing change and finding happiness beyond societal expectations. Now, she dedicates herself to guiding others in creating authentic, purpose-driven lives by integrating mind-body techniques and coaching. When not working with clients or writing, she loves skiing, sailing, hiking, and walking her husky, Lu, in Los Angeles.Find Laurie Online: Instagram, Website, Nervous System Regulation Starter KitSupport 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

Have you ever stopped to think about the relationship you have with money, not just your budget or bank balance, but the emotions that shape your financial choices?Even though money looks logical on paper, the truth is most of our financial decisions come from our emotional state—shaped by the families we grew up in, what we witnessed, and what we learned about having “enough.”In this powerful episode, I sit down with Shannon Ryan, Certified Financial Planner, TEDx speaker, and author of Your Money Has Feelings. With over 30 years of experience guiding people through financial change, Shannon brings warmth and compassion to a topic that often feels shame-filled or overwhelming. Her approach blends personal finance and emotional well-being in a way that might shift how you relate to money for good.We explore:How early family patterns create emotional “scar tissue” around money—and how that shows up nowWhy women often carry unhealed money fears during midlife transitionsHow your nervous system responds to money stress—and what helps calm itWhy financial security after divorce can feel like an emotional minefieldThe sneaky money beliefs that keep you stuck in scarcityWhat real financial empowerment looks like (hint: it's not just numbers)If you're rebuilding after a breakup, reentering the workforce, or just trying to feel safer and more confident with money, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and hopeful.You're not broken, you're just taking the next right step.Here's to trusting yourself, and trusting the next right step.LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Shannon RyanYour Money Has Feelings BookPlease 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.

Have you spent years doing everything “right”? Building your career, caring for others, keeping things together and still feel like something is off? Maybe it's a quiet ache you can't shake. That pull between might not be burnout at all. It might be a kind of betrayal you didn't know you were carrying.In this episode, I sit down with Lora Cheadle, author, speaker, and betrayal recovery coach. Lora's story began with infidelity but led her deeper into the world of nervous system regulation, and the rebuilding of her self-worth. Lora brings a lived understanding of how our bodies often speak the truth before we can put them into words.In this episode, you'll learn:How societal expectations and perfectionism can cause emotional exhaustion and disconnection, especially in high-achieving women.What happens to your nervous system when you live in survival mode for too long and how self-betrayal becomes a coping mechanism.How to tell when your burnout symptoms are signs of deeper misalignmentWhat your body is communicating through tension, fatigue, and restlessness.How expectation management can shift long-standing relationship dynamicsSimple somatic tools to support nervous system balance and recovery.Ways to rebuild trust with yourself through internal validation instead of outside approvalThis conversation is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and remember that you're not broken. You're human and you're learning, healing, and coming home to yourself, one sensation at a time.Here's to honoring what your body already knows,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Lora ChaedleWebsitePlease 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.

You might've grown up believing you weren't the “creative type.”Maybe someone told you your art wasn't good enough, or life pulled you toward what felt practical. After years of raising kids, caregiving, working, or just keeping things afloat, your creative side may have faded into the background.But creativity never left — it's simply waiting for you to notice it again.In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Murphy, master illustrator, portrait artist, and founder of Evolve Artist, whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Rolling Stone. From freezing construction jobs to stay-at-home dad life and a thriving art career, Kevin's self-discovery journey is both real and inspiring.What makes his story powerful isn't just his success — it's his belief that creativity isn't about talent. It's about process, attention, and learning to see differently.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the creative mindset is something you can build at any stageHow creativity myths keep us disconnected from our full selvesWhy painting for beginners is about trust, not talentA grounded way to move through creative blocksHow artistic confidence grows from structure, not pressureThe link between somatic healing and creative practiceHow to use art as hands-on learning and inner quietFirst steps to begin learning to draw, even if you never have beforeIf you've been craving stillness, a new outlet, or a way to reconnect with the part of you that used to love creating — this is your gentle reminder: you were always creative. You just forgot to call it that.Here's to creating what calls to you,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free Resources:Schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Kevin MurphyClick here to watch This or That: How to See Like an ArPlease 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.

Dating in midlife isn't for the faint of heart. Maybe your marriage or a long-term relationship ended, you've healed, and now you're ready to date again—only to ride a rollercoaster of hope, disappointment, or those “fetal position on your bed” moments we don't always admit. But what if dating wasn't about forcing it or giving up—what if it was about trusting yourself, slowing down, and staying rooted in your worth? In this episode, I'm joined by Heidi Friedman—an accomplished attorney, writer, and debut author of Love Lessons. After surviving 104 dates (yes, you read that right), Heidi found her “do-over”—a healthy relationship built on mutual respect, care, and real connection. Her journey from single mom to thriving in love is both relatable and inspiring.We dive into the emotional reality of dating in midlife—what it takes to stay intentional, hold clear relationship expectations, why “don't settle” isn't just a slogan, and how to hold onto hope when you're a single mom dating. You'll learn:If the 104 dates were worth itWhy “don't settle” isn't just a catchphrase and how to embody itHow to approach dating as a path to growth, not just a goalThe mindset shift that kept Heidi open to loveWhat intentional dating looks like in practiceThe emotional toll dating can have and how to return to yourselfWhat emotional self-care looks like when dating feels discouragingHow self-work strengthens you for your future partnerIf you've ever wondered whether love is still possible for you, this conversation proves that it is—and that it can feel better, deeper, and more aligned than ever. Whether you're hopeful, healing, or exhausted by dating, this episode will remind you: you deserve love that feels like home. Cheers to finding love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to receive my FREE “Girlfriends Guide to Online Dating”Click 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Heidi FriedmanPlease 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.

Nervous System Regulation After Betrayal: Somatic Tools to Calm Panic, Stop Shutdown, and Reclaim Your Power “Sensations are the language of the nervous system. When you notice—and stay with—the feeling, the cycle completes and your system comes back to safety.”  -- Laurie James When betrayal scrambles your nervous system, healing isn't just “mindset”—it's body-based. In this episode, we unpack somatic, practical ways to calm panic, prevent shutdown, and rebuild your capacity so you can make clear decisions and feel safe again. Betrayal shocks the body as much as the mind. Lora talks with somatic practitioner and coach Laurie James about nervous system regulation after infidelity—what “somatic” really means, how polyvagal states show up (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal), and simple practices that help you come out of anxiety, numbness, or overwhelm. You'll learn how to complete the stress cycle, set body boundaries, and create five-minute rituals that expand your capacity without adding more to your plate. Whether you're staying, leaving, or still deciding, these tools help you feel safer now—so you can choose your next step from clarity, not crisis. Top 3 Takeaways Know your state to change your state. Learn the cues of ventral (present/connected), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal (shutdown). Naming your state reduces shame and gives you a map back to safety. Small pockets > big pushes. Micro-practices (5 minutes to ground, orient, breathe, feel sensations) complete the stress cycle and build capacity—so you can handle life with more ease and fewer blowups. Somatic ≠ “just think positive.” 80% of information travels from body to brain; regulation starts in the body. Gentle, titrated work prevents re-traumatization and supports wiser decisions during hard conversations, mediation, or reconciliation. About Laurie James — Somatic Practitioner & Life Coach Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble. Now Laurie helps women divorce, heal, and date differently in midlife. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. Doing so allows them to find the inner freedom to experience more happiness, joy and create the life they desire. When she is not coaching clients or podcasting, she can be found nurturing her free spirit by walking her dog, skiing, sailing, hiking, spending time with close friends or planning her next adventure. Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/ Podcast (site page): https://www.laurieejames.com/podcast2 Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-freebird-midlife-divorce-heal/id1694026063 Free download – Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: https://notable-apricot-657.myflodesk.com Subscribe, rate, and review FLAUNT! to help others uncover the power of radical self-worth and post-betrayal joy. Join Sanctuary of the Soul — Just $47/month Your safe haven for healing after betrayal. Each month, you'll receive: ·         2-hour live group coaching call on the 13th ·         Channeled message from The Librarians ·         Somatic processing and spiritual rituals ·         Legal insight to protect your peace ·         Sisterhood support from women who truly get it You don't have to walk this road alone. Step into a community that integrates mind, body, spirit, and safety — so you rise whole, sovereign, and free. Join now www.SparkleAllSeason.com LOVE THE SHOW? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Don't just listen—start healing. Get your free downloadable guide on the “The Top Three Ways You Betray Yourself Every Day, and How to Stop” at www.burnoutorbetrayal.com. https://workplace-burnout.com/the-top-3-ways-you-betray-yourself-every-day-and-how-to-stop/ If you're ready to Rise Up & Reign as the creator and queen of your life, let's talk. I will walk by your side and give you the perspective, permission, and wisdom needed to turn your betrayal experience into something constructive, empowering, and transformative in all the right ways.  Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. About Lora: Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt is a betrayal recovery coach, attorney, TEDx speaker, and author of FLAUNT! and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal. After uncovering her husband's 15-year affair, she turned her own pain into purpose—helping high-achieving women reclaim their identity, power, and joy. A trauma-aware coach, somatic therapist, and former attorney, Lora blends legal insight with emotional and spiritual healing for full-spectrum recovery. She is the author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self (an International Book Awards Finalist and Tattered Cover Bestseller) and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. She also hosts the podcast FLAUNT! Create a Life You Love After Infidelity and Betrayal. Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT READY TO START A BETTER CHAPTER? Step into the future you've always dreamed of with the power of transformative rituals with the Mindful Subscription Box. Get a monthly box full of crystals, aromatherapy, and other spiritual tools worth $120. You deserve high-quality gems, crystals, oils, and mindfulness tools for self-care that truly work. It's a monthly dose of self-love delivered right to your door! Go to www.Mindfulsouls.com  and use Discount Code LORA25 for 25% off your order!

“Sensations are the language of the nervous system. When you notice—and stay with—the feeling, the cycle completes and your system comes back to safety.”  -- Laurie James When betrayal scrambles your nervous system, healing isn't just “mindset”—it's body-based. In this episode, we unpack somatic, practical ways to calm panic, prevent shutdown, and rebuild your capacity so you can make clear decisions and feel safe again. Betrayal shocks the body as much as the mind. Lora talks with somatic practitioner and coach Laurie James about nervous system regulation after infidelity—what “somatic” really means, how polyvagal states show up (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal), and simple practices that help you come out of anxiety, numbness, or overwhelm. You'll learn how to complete the stress cycle, set body boundaries, and create five-minute rituals that expand your capacity without adding more to your plate. Whether you're staying, leaving, or still deciding, these tools help you feel safer now—so you can choose your next step from clarity, not crisis. Top 3 Takeaways Know your state to change your state. Learn the cues of ventral (present/connected), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal (shutdown). Naming your state reduces shame and gives you a map back to safety. Small pockets > big pushes. Micro-practices (5 minutes to ground, orient, breathe, feel sensations) complete the stress cycle and build capacity—so you can handle life with more ease and fewer blowups. Somatic ≠ “just think positive.” 80% of information travels from body to brain; regulation starts in the body. Gentle, titrated work prevents re-traumatization and supports wiser decisions during hard conversations, mediation, or reconciliation. About Laurie James — Somatic Practitioner & Life Coach Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble. Now Laurie helps women divorce, heal, and date differently in midlife. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. Doing so allows them to find the inner freedom to experience more happiness, joy and create the life they desire. When she is not coaching clients or podcasting, she can be found nurturing her free spirit by walking her dog, skiing, sailing, hiking, spending time with close friends or planning her next adventure. Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/ Podcast (site page): https://www.laurieejames.com/podcast2 Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-freebird-midlife-divorce-heal/id1694026063 Free download – Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: https://notable-apricot-657.myflodesk.com   About Lora Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt, helps high-achieving women turn betrayal into embodied wisdom using her clinically-backed FLAUNT!® Framework—addressing legal clarity, emotional and somatic release, spiritual/ancestral healing, and identity reclamation. Website: www.loracheadle.com Work with Lora: www.affairrecoveryforwomen.com Download your FREE Betrayal Recovery Guide: www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com Hashtags #BetrayalRecovery #InfidelityHealing #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #PolyvagalTheory #TraumaRecovery #VentralVagal #DorsalShutdown #SomaticExperiencing #WomenHealing  

Have you ever sent a text to your teen or college-aged kid and immediately wondered if they rolled their eyes when they read it? Maybe you're trying to stay connected as they move across the country—or even just across the house. If you've ever longed for a deeper bond with your child, this episode is for you.I'm joined by Tammy Cohen—speaker, author, founder of Women Beyond the Table, and mom of three sons. Tammy is also the author of Text Messages to My Sons, a heartfelt book born from her own journey of healing, reconnection, and reimagining what parenting looks like in the digital age.Tammy shares how she transformed her phone habits—from quick reminders and reprimands into intentional messages of love, gratitude, and presence. What began as a one-way practice during the pandemic grew into something much bigger: a pathway to emotional growth, mutual respect, and meaningful family communication.What you'll learn in this episode:Three simple parenting strategies to build daily digital connection with your kids—at any ageHow intentional texting fosters emotional intelligence parenting and deeper family communicationWhy parenting with empathy and vulnerability can support generational healing and transform the mother and son relationshipHow your own personal growth can shift your family dynamic, even if you weren't a perfect parentThis episode is a reminder that every message is more than just words on a screen when it comes to connecting with teens or older children in today's digital world. Cheers to a deeper connection with your loved ones,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Tammy Cohen WebsiteInstagramClick here for a FREE Preview of Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your KidsPlease 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.

Ever feel like you're drawn to the wrong people—repeatedly? That pull isn't random. It's often old patterns and unhealed wounds running the show, not true safety or connection.If dating has left you feeling confused, overwhelmed, or ready to give up, you're not imagining it—and you're not alone.In this episode, I sit down with Bernardo Mendez, relationship coach and creator of one of YouTube's top dating advice channels, for a grounded look at what's really happening beneath the surface—especially in dating in midlife. Using a neuroscience-based approach, Bern has helped hundreds of women move past subconscious patterns into healthier, more conscious connections.We talk about how unhealed wounds and nervous system triggers shape your choices in love. Bern shares what he's learned from guiding women through heartbreak, healing, and aligned relationships. If you've ever felt like you're “too much,” “not enough,” or just tired of the same dating challenges, this one's for you.You'll learn:Why nervous system regulation is key to attraction and lasting emotional connectionThe difference between chemistry, fireworks, and trauma bondsWhy giving someone three dates can shift everythingWhat grounded dating expectations really look likeHow to spot aligned relationship dynamics earlyWhy curiosity builds more safety than checklist energyHow to shift from surface traits to values that support personal growthDating doesn't have to feel like a loop of disappointment. If you're ready to show up differently—and choose differently—this episode offers insight, tools, and hope for what's ahead.Cheers to finding love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Bernardo Mendez: Website | 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.

When a relationship ends, how do you really move through the grief—body, mind, and heart?In this solo episode, I share my own recent breakup story and how I used somatic practices to walk through the grief process. Because here's the thing: heartbreak isn't just emotional—it's physical too. Our bodies feel the loss, and somatic healing tools can help us soften, ground, and gently move through it.As a somatic practitioner, I walk you through seven intentional steps that helped me stay present with my feelings and sensations using somatic healing practices and nervous system regulation, so I could process the loss with more awareness, compassion, and even a little ease.In this conversation, you'll learn:Why feeling your emotions in small, digestible doses makes heartbreak healing manageable.Simple ways to create a safe environment that soothes both body and mind during relationship healing.The choices that helped me build emotional resilience through somatic awarenessHow a steady routine helps regulate the nervous system.The value of working with a trusted somatic practitioner to ease rumination.How to protect your energy and set boundaries as you begin dating after a breakup.Finding the sweet spot between solitude and connection so you don't spiral into isolation.The secure attachment signs to notice when forming new relationships.What it looks like to truly process grief so you can welcome healthier connections.If you're moving through the end of a relationship—or still carrying the echoes of one—this episode is your reminder: healing is not only possible, it can feel lighter and more embodied with the right tools and support.Much love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsitePlease 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.

I'm joined once again by Laurie James for a conversation that bridges nervous system healing, somatic experiencing, and attachment work. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or disconnected in relationships, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. Laurie isn't just a coach and author, she's someone who's done the deep work to regulate her nervous system after divorce and heartbreak. In this episode, she shares how her body responded completely differently to a recent breakup, not with panic, but with presence. That's what nervous system healing looks like in real time. We also dig into attachment styles: how to identify your own, how they show up in anxious or avoidant behaviors, and how somatic work can support real change. Most importantly, we talk about how to stop trying to fix or override your system and start building safety within it. This is about meeting yourself where you are and knowing that real healing is possible. Here's what else we discuss in this episode: What somatic experiencing actually is and how it supports healing (7:31) How your autonomic nervous system operates and what shifts when you engage it intentionally (9:42) The connection between nervous system regulation, somatic work, and attachment styles (16:52) How Laurie's recent breakup differed from her divorce (and why it matters) (40:44) Practical strategies for working with an avoidant or anxious attachment style (46:45) Learn more about Laurie James: Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble. Now Laurie helps women divorce, heal, and date differently in midlife. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. Doing so allows them to find the inner freedom to experience more happiness, joy and create the life they desire. Resources & Links: The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate Laurie's websiteLaurie on Instagram Laurie's podcast Laurie's Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing =================== DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-330-attachment-styles-amp-somatic-healing-with-laurie-james/

Have you ever felt as though the ground has suddenly dropped out from under you after someone you trusted deeply betrayed you?Betrayal can manifest physically and emotionally, preventing you from achieving what you truly desire.In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Debi Silber, PhD, the founder of The Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and an international bestselling author. She shares three key insights from her personal experiences with betrayal trauma, as well as her research findings.Debi explains why betrayal trauma is uniquely different and requires a different healing approach. She also describes what relationship recovery entails and walks you through the five stages of healing from betrayal. In this episode, you'll learn:How trauma responses can create discomfort and physical issues in the body, manifesting as exhaustion, gut problems, chest tightness, disrupted sleep, and difficulty loving again.The three discoveries Debi made while researching betrayal trauma, and why it differs from other types of emotional trauma.The importance of nervous system regulation and somatic healing in overcoming betrayal trauma. The five stages you need to navigate in order to heal from betrayal.Why stage three is often referred to as the "muddy middle" and is the most challenging phase to get through.The crucial role of emotional resilience in progressing through all five stages. How trauma responses like people-pleasing, emotional eating, or emotional shutdown may indicate a need for further healing from your betrayal trauma.Why forgiveness is more about your personal journey than the actions of the other person.How setting emotional boundaries can help you move forward with clarity and self-trust. The #1 indicator that will determine your ability to recover from your betrayal. If you're still holding on to a past betrayal and are ready to rebuild your self-trust, this conversation is for you! Remember, you don't have to go through this process alone.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Dr. Debi SilberWebsite: https://thepbtinstitPlease 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.

Is your body changing in ways that feel unfamiliar or unexpected? Perhaps your midlife body has gained a few pounds without any changes to your eating habits. Or maybe you've always struggled with body image and are searching for ways to accept yourself with more ease.This week, I'm joined by Elizabeth Dall, a certified women's wellness coach who focuses on nutrition for women, behavior change, and body acceptance. Elizabeth brings a grounded and thoughtful approach to midlife wellness, shaped by both her expertise and personal experiences.We explore how food freedom, self-compassion, and nervous system regulation work together to support lasting change. And what does it really mean to develop health habits that are sustainable through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond? This conversation isn't about rigid plans or strict routines that often lead to disappointment. Instead, it's about listening to your body, acknowledging your needs, and redefining what lifestyle changes can look like as you age. Aging gracefully doesn't mean shrinking yourself; it means coming home to who you truly are.You'll learn:Why comparing yourself to others is the worst thing you can do. What sustainable nutrition habits can look like during perimenopause and menopause.The importance of hormonal balance for midlife wellness, emotional health, and body image issues.How to stop chasing perfection so you can build supportive health habits.The role of strength training for women in preventing muscle loss as you age and how it can enhance body confidence.How functional movement supports energy, ease and can help you maintain a connection to your body in midlife and beyond.Your body is changing, and it deserves support that meets you where you are and encourages you to move forward with compassion.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Elizabeth DallInstagram: @awomanofwellnessWebsite: www.awomanofwellness.comPodcast: The Woman of Wellness PodcastPlease 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.

When we are healing, do we only focus on the emotional aspect, or do we look at healing our lives holistically? Addressing different aspects of our lives is essential for feeling our best and ultimately creating space for what many desire the most—a secure and healthy intimate relationship. In this conversation, I reconnect with Kate Anthony, a coach, author, and host of The Divorce Survival Guide podcast, who is a listener favorite. Kate shares her difficult, raw, and unfiltered truth about how her past trauma resurfaced and what steps she took on her healing journey. After facing years of environmental challenges, a broken ankle, burnout recovery, menopause, and mental health shifts, Kate was determined to reclaim her physical and mental health. Then something wonderful happened: she decided to give dating another chance and found her “needle in the haystack.” Now, she is in a securely attached relationship that feels profoundly different, and she's here to share what it took to get there.Takeaways:How somatic healing creates the foundation for secure relationships.Why nervous system regulation is a crucial part of trauma recovery and dating readiness.How to seek the help you need when you become retraumatized by something from your past.What emotional safety feels like in your body and how to recognize it. The link between menopause, mental health, and your capacity for connection.How to identify healthy dating boundaries when reentering the dating world after divorceWhy mind-body connection is central to real personal transformation and growth.If you're walking your own healing journey, this episode serves as a reminder that it's never too late and you are not broken.  You're exactly where you need to be.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick 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 ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Kate Anthonyhttps://kateanthony.comInstagramJenny Young - Burned Haystack Dating MethodThe Meadows Treatment CenterPlease 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.

Today's episode is for the woman who's doing everything right—and still feels like she's falling apart.   Colleen sits down with Laurie James, somatic coach and author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go to talk about what happens when your nervous system hits a breaking point. Laurie ended up in the hospital—twice—after leaving a toxic marriage, raising four daughters, dating again, writing a book, and trying to heal.   This is a raw, honest conversation about how success can hide trauma, why “pushing through” is often dissociation in disguise, and how to regulate your nervous system before your body takes matters into its own hands.  

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailAre you feeling uncertain about what's happening to your body during perimenopause and menopause? Are you unsure of whom to trust regarding hormone therapy?In this episode, I talk with Dr. Maria Sophocles, a nationally recognized menopause specialist, OBGYN, and founder of Women's Healthcare of Princeton. With nearly 30 years of experience and a deep passion for women's health in midlife, Dr. Sophocles helps clarify the confusion surrounding the latest in menopause research. We discuss why many women miss out on the powerful benefits of hormone replacement therapy due to outdated information. You'll learn about the latest science and treatments for menopause and perimenopause, along with the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).You'll learn:How the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study misinformed the public and created widespread fear, and how recent research has dispelled these misconceptions.Why many women are being told by their doctors to “tough it out”.What the research indicates about HRT and breast cancer risk.How estrogen therapy supports your brain, heart, and bonesThe role of vaginal estrogen minimizing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and enhancing sexual comfort.Why it's not too late to start the treatment of menopause, even if you're in your 60s or 70s.Tips on finding a trained menopause specialist, including options for virtual care.How HRTs can improve sexual wellness in midlife and beyond, helping to close the bedroom gap.If you're in perimenopause or menopause, this conversation is essential for providing the support, insight, and clarity you need. Grab your earbuds and tune in to make your second act more intimate and pleasurable!  Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to fill out my questionnaireClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteDr. Maria SophoclesTED Talk: What happens to sex in midlife? A look at the "bedroom gap"Instagram: @mariasophoclesmdWebsite: mariasophoclesmd.comOther menopause***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailHave you ever experienced a loss so deep it changed everything?What if healing isn't about moving on, but about learning to live differently with your grief?In this episode, I talk with Melissa Saleh, a trauma advocate, storyteller, and mother who shares her powerful journey through stillbirth grief and how she found her way back to life after everything crumbled beneath her. Following the loss of her daughter during labor, Melissa's world fell apart. What followed was a raw, authentic, and deeply human path through grief and loss, identity, and eventual emotional healing.We explore how she used alternative healing methods, somatic practices, and nervous system regulation to begin rebuilding her life. We also discuss why PTSD recovery isn't one-size-fits-all, and how true emotional resilience often begins in the quiet moments of surrender and self-care.You'll learn:Why stillbirth grief is so often misunderstood and minimizedHow grief and loss impact the body, mind, and spiritWays to support emotional healing using somatic practices and daily ritualsWhat Melissa discovered about the limits of traditional PTSD recovery and the power of alternative healingHow to reclaim identity, purpose, and joy in life after lossIf you've experienced deep loss or love someone who has, this episode offers comfort, insight, and hope.You're not alone in your healing.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to fill out my questionnaireClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteMelissa SalehWatch out for her upcoming book: A Story of Transcendence Over Unspeakable TraumaWebsite***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailIs the story you've been telling yourself keeping you stuck?Maybe it's not the circumstances that need to shift, but your perspective on them and how you feel inside. In this episode, I talk with Karen Fabian, a yoga teacher, podcast host, and founder of Bare Bones Yoga. She left her high-level corporate job to pursue a more meaningful path. We discuss what it looks like to make a midlife career change, especially when self-doubt arises and old narratives resurface.Karen shares how healing with yoga and somatic healing helped her release grief, rebuild her life, and create a business that supports other women. We also discuss the importance of mindset shifts and how practices such as movement, meditation, and visualization can foster personal growth for women.You'll learn:How to overcome self-doubt in midlifeThe benefits of somatic practices for emotional healing and resilienceHow to create lasting change through small, consistent stepsThe six pillars for confronting self-doubt and embracing new opportunities at any age.If you're navigating change, questioning what comes next, or working through old beliefs that no longer serve you, this conversation is for you. Listen now and share this with a friend who could use some support on their journey.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to fill out my questionnaireClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteKaren Fabian5-Day Confidence ChallengeBare Bones YogaConversations for Yoga TeachersInstagramYouTube***************************************************************************************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.

Have you ever had a physical reaction to an emotion you feel? What about as a yoga teacher.. have you ever asked your students to “notice how you feel?”   Noticing how we feel and managing our emotions and the reactions to them in our physical body is part of the study of somatics.    This is part of what you'll learn about when you listen to my conversation with coach, author and podcast host, Laurie James.    Laurie shares her story as well as the work she does with clients, helping them to find more freedom, peace and joy in their lives.    We take time to relate the topic to teaching yoga too so if you're a teacher, you'll find quite a bit in this episode for you.    Here is more about Laurie:   Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go.   Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble.   Now Laurie coaches' women in midlife. Through blending her somatic training into her coaching she helps women divorce, heal, and date differently so they can find the inner freedom to experience more happiness and joy and create the life they desire.   She primarily works with women who are going through a divorce and supports them through dating and beyond. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. And to work through their unresolved past so they can find more freedom and love in all their relationships.   When she is not coaching clients or podcasting, she can be found nurturing her free spirit by walking her dog, skiing, sailing, hiking, spending time with close friends and partner or planning her next adventure.  Laurie has a free download you can get right now that will help you learn more about somatic healing techniques:   https://laurieejames.myflodesk.com/bgtsh   One more thing:   At the start of the episode, I shared a little bit with you about my new program, The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator.    You can watch a preview and if it's a good fit for you, enroll here:     https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator  

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailMany people say that your life begins at birth, but what if your emotional imprint starts to take shape long before that? What if your emotions, behavioral patterns, and adaptability are formed in the womb?This is the conversation Cynthia Marks, host of the And Now, Love Podcast, and I explore. We delve into the transformative work of her late husband, Dr. Bernard Bail, who developed the “Love, Dreams, Imprint” paradigm. This groundbreaking approach helps uncover and understand the unconscious emotional imprints formed early in life. We also discuss the importance of emotional healing and how our earliest life experiences, yes, in utero trauma, can shape how we engage with the world. In this episode, you will learn:What is imprinting in psychology and how it develops before birth.How the Freud theory of psychoanalysis laid the groundwork for understanding the unconscious mind. The ways trauma is stored in the body and passed down through generations.How dream analysis can help uncover the wounds that need healing.The difference between living authentically vs. patterns of survival.Practical ways to connect with your inner self to develop deeper self-awareness.The surprising connection between your nervous system and emotional patterns that may have persisted throughout your life.It's a unique conversation you won't want to miss! So grab your AirPods and join us as we discuss this innovative healing modality.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to fill out my questionnaireClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteCynthia MarksAnd Now, Love PodcastAnd Now, Love The Movie***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailWhat does it mean to be ‘the good daughter'?Being ‘the good daughter' is a role many people step into without even realizing it. If you find yourself constantly maintaining peace, prioritizing others' feelings over your own, and seeking your mother's approval, you may be experiencing ‘the good daughter syndrome.' Over time, this role can quietly wear you down, erode your mental well-being, sense of self, and energy to the point where you no longer recognize yourself.In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist, author, daughter, and mother, Katherine Fabrizio, who coined the term "The Good Daughter Syndrome" and wrote an insightful book on the topic. In our conversation, she shares her experiences with her narcissistic mother and reflects on the moment she realized it was time to leave home and spread her wings. She also recounts stories of patients who have dealt with similar mothers with some exhibiting borderline personality disorder or an emotional immature parent. Together, we delve into the profound emotional impact of toxic mother-daughter relationships and explore what it means to be a daughter who feels compelled to "appease her mother," even at the cost of her own happiness.What you'll learn:The definition of “The Good Daughter Syndrome”Common signs that your mother may be narcissistic or have a borderline personality disorder.Signs that you may be experiencing “The Good Daughter Syndrome,” including people-pleasing behavior and childhood emotional neglect.How to set boundaries with a narcissistic mother.Why you might feel guilty about caring for a difficult or aging parent.The importance of repair in all relationships, including those with your children.How to begin healing from childhood trauma.This rich and compassionate conversation about mother-daughter dynamics, self-awareness, and finding freedom is a must-listen!!  So, grab your AirPods and take some time to listen to this important episode.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to fill out my questionnaireClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteKatherine Fabrizio Website***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailHave you ever wondered, “Why isn't anyone fixing this problem?” Maybe it's something in your community, your workplace, your government, or in your own life. You see a problem, but there's no solution. When that happens what do you do? Assume someone smarter and more experienced is already solving the problem. Or maybe your fear steps in and says, “Who am I to solve this problem?”But what if you are?In this episode, I have the pleasure to chat with Marie Newman, a former Congresswoman, activist, and author, who has built solutions from scratch time and time again. Whether it was advocating for bullying prevention, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, or stepping into a midlife career change, Marie has never waited for someone else to create the change—she's built it from scratch! If you've ever wanted to make a difference, start a movement, or even go through a personal transformation, this episode is for you.Your takeaways from this episode:Why it's important to connect with the little voice inside that says, “Yes, this or no not that.”How to start a social movement when no one else is taking action.Overcoming imposter syndrome and how to take your first step.Why waiting for the “perfect” time to make a change might be holding you back.How Marie built a comprehensive bullying prevention program when no solutions existed.How the power of storytelling in advocacy can create real change NOW! How to embrace self-discovery and trust yourself when stepping into something new.Why fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion is more important than ever.How to take action in politics and activism, no matter what side of the aisle you are on.Marie's journey is proof that you don't need permission to build something that matters. Listen now and get ready to build something amazing!Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Website Marie Newman https://www.marienewmanstudio.com/ Marie's Upcoming Book: A Life Made from Scratch: Lessons from a Controversial Congresswoman, Mom, Philanthropist, and Activist (Releasing March 18, 2025)***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailIf you've been feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed lately, you're not alone. I don't know about you, but it feels like I've lived through three years' worth of challenges in just the first two months of this year. Even with ten years of energy work, coaching, therapy and somatic healing, overwhelm can still creep in. The good news is that I've developed a strong relationship with my body; I can recognize when I'm feeling off-kilter, and use the tools in my regulation toolbox to keep my nervous system in check.In today's solo episode, I explore somatic healing and its connection to nervous system regulation. Understanding this relationship will help you manage feelings of overwhelm, allowing you to reconnect with your sense of self and experience more freedom within your body. I also share practical tools to calm your mind, release tension, and strengthen the mind-body connection, making your nervous system more flexible.Here's what you'll learn:The science of overwhelm and it affects your nervous system.How to identify the physical, emotional, and mental signs of stress before burnout occurs.Somatic healing techniques to gently release tension and reconnect with your body, especially in response to the sensations that accompany overwhelm and stress.A simple mindset shift to prevent anxious thoughts from spiraling.The role of trauma healing methods and their relationship to nervous system regulation.How to build your own regulating toolbox for daily nervous system support.Seven powerful tips to enhance your mind-body connection and bring more peace into your life.If you've been wondering how to alleviate feelings of overwhelm, pop in those earbuds and listen to the practical tips that will help you regulate your nervous system so you can navigate life with more ease and confidence.Cheers to finding more freedom in your mind, body, and spirit!LaurieFree GuidesClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!WebsiteReferenced podcast: “We Can Do Hard Things” ***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailNavigating the complexities of divorce can take a toll on our well-being, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.In this episode, Karen McMahon and I delve into these themes. Karen is a high-conflict divorce coach and strategist who shares her personal and raw divorce story, along with the powerful mindset shifts she has learned over the past 15 years. We discuss how to move through pain, heal from the past, and continue to refine your character to create a future you love.What You'll Learn:How to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of divorce and change your interactions with your exThree neutral statements that will help you communicate more effectively with your difficult ex without giving in to them.  The importance of self-compassion and how to avoid judging yourself for your choices.Why boundaries are essential in a high-conflict divorce and how to set them effectively.Strategies for co-parenting with a difficult ex without becoming emotionally drained.Tips for healing your triggers to avoid repeating toxic patterns in future relationships.How to use her 3 A's an opportunity to create a life that aligns with your true selfIf you're struggling with divorce, co-parenting, or healing from a toxic relationship, this conversation will provide you the tools and confidence to start moving forward.Cheers to finding more freedom and joy! LaurieFree GuidesClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here to sign up for Somatic Experiencing for Coaches and Healers.Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!WebsiteConnect with Karen:WebsiteFree 1 Hour Rapid Relief CallInstagram***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailFloating down a river serves as a beautiful metaphor for life. There are times when you need to be 'wild' and playful, willing to paddle when necessary, and wise when the river is calm, taking the time to listen to the messages that come your way. So, how do you learn to go with the flow of life when it feels uncertain and scary?In this episode, I'm joined by a beloved-guide Heather Ash, best-selling author. We talk about her new book, Wild, Willing, and Wise: An Interactive Guide for When to Paddle, When to Rest, and When to Jump Naked into the River of Life. We have an insightful and heartfelt conversation about how to find balance in an often chaotic world and reconnect with your true self.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:How to reframe failure, so it doesn't keep you stuck. How to cultivate more self-compassion on your journey.What HeatherAsh learned on her three week river trip down the Grand Canyon.Why 90% of people are deficient in ‘Wild'.How connecting to your wild, willing, and wise energy can help you tap into your inner wisdom.How to tune into your intuition and wise self.The importance of finding balance with your wild, willing, and wise. Stay with me until the end to hear Heather's confession about how she navigates between her wild, willing, and wise self, which has given her the freedom to be true to herself!Love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here to sign up for Somatic Experiencing for Coaches and Healers.Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to give podcast feedbackClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Website***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailCan I be real with you for a second? Healing isn't always pretty. It's messy, confusing, and sometimes it feels like you're completely lost. I've been there, sobbing on my guest bed, wondering if I would ever find myself again after my marriage ended. And then you take one small step forward, then another. Sometimes you take two steps backward before you can take another step forward. This episode is all about healing, growth, and discovering who you really are so you can reclaim yourself one step at a time. One of those important steps is to stop abandoning yourself for others. My conversation with fellow adoptee, coach, therapist, Julie Brumley is rich and heartfelt. She shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma, healing from a painful divorce, and learning to truly belong to herself.What you'll learn:How paying attention to your body can help you stop abandoning yourself and feel more connected.The signs of self-abandonment and how to connect them with the sensations in your body. The difference between ego and intuition, and how to trust your inner voice.How big life changes, like divorce, can open the door to new purpose and freedom.The importance of slowing down and how to feel more grounded. If you're looking for inspiration or practical ways to heal and grow in the new year, this episode is for you. Tune in and let's grow together! Love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to give podcast feedbackClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!WebsiteConnect with Julie Brumley:https://cominghometoself.co/https://www.instagram.com/juliebrumleyhttps://www.facebook.com/julierasbrumLA Fire ResourcesWays to help through Donations:American Red CrossCalifornia Fire FoundationCenter for Disaster Phil***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailWelcome to the first episode of 2025, Freebirds! This episode is a MUST-listen for every woman! I'm joined by Ali Brady, a Functional Nutritionist and the founder of Project Menopause. Together, we dive deep into what it means to thrive during perimenopause and the menopause transition. Our candid conversation is a game-changer, designed to educate and empower you as you navigate this important stage of life.You'll learn:The surprising connection between menopause and your rising cholesterol levels.  How functional lab testing can be a better predictor of your overall health.The truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopause replacement therapy (MRT).The gaslighting in women's health and why a one-size-fits-all solution doesn't work.Why every woman over 50 MUST get a cardiovascular work-up at 50.The sneaky symptoms of menopause that you might be missing.Common misconceptions about perimenopause and menopause.The protective role estrogen plays in our bodies.Essential dietary changes to boost your energy, support your muscles, and manage stubborn weight as we age.The role progesterone plays in our mental health.Join me to empower yourself, take charge of your health, and start the year off right!Love,LaurieThese guides will help you take the next step in life. Click here to sign up for my “Tune Into Your 2025 Vision” on January 18th.Click here for my FREE “Somatic Healing for Beginners Guide”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to give podcast feedbackClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!WebsiteConnect with Ali Brady:WebsiteInstagramFacebook***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailThis time of year, the media feeds us the message that we should be relaxed, feel connected to others, and experience joy, but our relationships are complex. Trying to “do it all,” that can leave us feeling exhausted, angry, and resentful. When we take on the roles of planning, shopping, hosting, and managing everyone's emotions, it's so easy to put yourself last. I've experienced this many times, and it's not always pretty. In this episode, I'll share a recent “aha” moment that reminded me why taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential. You'll learn:A simple mindset shift that can change how you show up for yourself and others.The sneaky ways stress may manifest in your body (and how to recognize it before it overwhelms you).A 4-step process to manage those overwhelming emotions so you can acknowledge them—without letting them take control.If you've been feeling the pressure of holiday overwhelm, this short episode invites you to slow down, even if it's just for five minutes to turn inward and process what you might be experiencing in order to manage the holidays and find a little joy in them. I'm keeping it real, and simple, and sharing practical somatic tools you can use right now. Trust me Freebirds-taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to the people you love.Love,LaurieThese guides will help you take the next step in life. Click here to sign up for my “Tune Into Your 2025 Vision” on January 18th.Click here to learn about my December's “Somatic Healing” class - RECOVERClick here for my FREE “Somatic Healing for Beginners Guide”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to give podcast feedbackClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Website***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailI recently celebrated my big 60th and have been reflecting on the past decade. I've experienced significant growth in the last ten years, made a few big life transitions and I've learned a few life lessons along the way that I'll share with you. My 50s were filled with raising four teenagers, caring for my elderly parents, navigating a divorce, writing a book, becoming a certified coach and somatic healer, and starting this podcast. I experienced so much personal growth and transformation that I never imagined was possible when I turned 50.Today, I want to share three powerful lessons that helped me grow, embrace authenticity, and find more joy, freedom in life and I think they can help you too.Here's what you'll learn:How to stop compromising who you are to fit in, so you can start living a more authentic life.How to tend and regulate your nervous system daily in today's fast-paced, overstimulating world.Why yoga, meditation, and breathwork are the gateway practices to somatic practices and more embodiment.Three somatic practices that you can incorporate into your daily life to regulate your nervous system. How not giving my loved ones unsolicited advice has changed my relationship with them and what an alternative suggestion is instead.I'll also touch on the importance of nurturing creativity, finding joy in the little things, and letting go of what's out of your control. No matter where you are in life this episode is full of practical tips and inspiration to help you grow and thrive.Cheers to finding more freedom and joy, LaurieThese guides will help you take the next step in life. Click here to sign up for my “Tune Into Your 2025 Vision” on January 18th.Click here to learn about my December's “Somatic Healing” class - RECOVERClick here for my FREE “Somatic Healing for Beginners Guide”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to give podcast feedbackClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Website***************************************************************************************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.

Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your emailNavigating life's twists and turns can be challenging, but one constant remains: our internal guidance or intuition. That inner voice nudges us during quiet moments and has the power to transform our lives if we are willing to listen.In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Julie Reisler, master coach, intuitive guide, and founder of the Intuitive Life Designer Coach Academy. Julie is one of my mentors and has played a significant role in helping me become the coach I am today.Here's what you'll learn:How to distinguish the difference between intuition and fear (and how to know the difference.)  Practical tools for connecting with your inner guidance, such as pendulums and body awareness.What spiritual bypassing is and how to identify when you are engaging in it.How to change your level of consciousness and develop a different way of being. Ways to cultivate more loving kindness towards ourselves when we start comparing ourselves to others.Strategies for managing uncertainty and not questioning what's next when everything feels unclear. A tip to help you navigate the holidays with more love and less stress.If you are ready to tune into your spiritual messages so you can embrace your next chapter or simply feel more connected to yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.And don't forget to wait for Julie's confession at the end - It brings us full circle!With love,LaurieThese guides will help you take the next step in life. Click here to sign-up for my local in-person vision board workshop. Click here to fill out my podcast feedback formClick here for my FREE “Somatic Healing for Beginners Guide”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoSign up for my newsletter here to stay current on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!WebsiteAbout Julie:Julie's websiteJulie's upcoming Intuitive Life Designer Coach Academy CertificationInstagram***************************************************************************************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.