Podcasts about self acceptance

For so long, I shaped my life around who I thought I needed to be—checking the boxes, playing the roles, staying safe in the familiar. But deep down, something was always stirring: a quiet knowing that I was meant for more. In this episode, I'm inviting you into the sacred space between who you've been… and who you're becoming. We'll explore what it really means to step out of your Inner Critic's identity—the one built on perfection, control, and people-pleasing—and into the version of you who's wise, whole, and wildly free. ✨ If you've been feeling restless, like you're outgrowing the life you once worked so hard to build—this conversation is your invitation to stop performing and start returning to your truth. Listen now and begin the next chapter of your life rooted in power, presence, and your Authentic Self.   Your weekly reflection questions: What version of me have I been performing—and what truth have I been hiding underneath that role? Where in my life am I still letting my Inner Critic make the decisions—and what would shift if I chose from my Authentic Self instead? If I stopped waiting for permission, recognition, or certainty… what bold step would I take next?  

Be guided with a calming breathing technique to cultivate deep acceptance of your current experience. This meditation teaches you to breathe through discomfort and uncertainty, finding a steady rhythm that supports inner peace regardless of external circumstances. WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Some Challenges in Neurodivergent Communication Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses the challenges faced by AuDHDers and other neurodivergent individuals in communication, particularly regarding lack of responding to messages. She explores the concept of internalized ableism and how it affects self-perception and interactions. Patricia shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of flexibility in relationships and the need for authenticity in communication. The conversation emphasizes the struggles of neurodivergent individuals, including executive functioning challenges, and the significance of self-acceptance and understanding in navigating social situations.   HIGHLIGHTS It's not uncommon for neurodivergent individuals to struggle with responding to messages. ·       Internalized ableism can affect how we perceive our struggles. ·       Flexibility in relationships is helpful for understanding each other's challenges. ·       People often have their own timeframes for communication. ·       It's important to give ourselves permission to not always follow plans. ·       Authenticity in communication can foster better relationships. ·       Neurodivergent individuals often attract other neurodivergent friends and partners with similar experiences. ·       Comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy among neurodivergent individuals. ·       Being open about our struggles can help others feel validated. ·       Sensitivity is a natural part of being neurodivergent and should be embraced.  SOUND BITES "I have so much room for that." "We have a hard time taking breaks." "It's hard for me to not compare." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED ·      You have a right to be joyful, forgetful, ableist, non-ableist, stimmy, non-stimmy.  ·      You're not for everyone. Everyone's not for you.   ·      It's okay to push through.  ·      It's okay to rest.      It's okay to compare.  ·      It's okay to trust that how you show up in the world is fine and all you have to do is be you and who is meant to be in your life will be there and the people that aren't, will drop away.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Navigating Communication Challenges 06:35 Understanding Internalized Ableism 11:39 The Struggles of Neurodivergence 17:24 The Importance of Authenticity in Relationships PODCAST HOST Patricia Young, she/her was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive, and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you LINKS Neurodivergent Online Course-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/neurodivergent-online-courses/ Receive the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast-- https://www.subscribepage.com/e6z6e6 Sign up for the Newsletter-- https://www.subscribepage.com/y0l7d4 To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review” Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

In this empowering episode of the Manifesting Latina podcast, Dr. Norma Reyes delves into the layers of subconscious beliefs and generational conditioning that often hold us back from shining our true light. Discover why it's safe to be seen and how subliminals and affirmations can help rewire your mind to embrace your voice and step into your greatness. Join us as we explore the journey of self-acceptance and the power of speaking your truth. Takeaways:The Importance of Being Seen: Understand why allowing yourself to be seen is crucial for authenticity and transformation.Subliminals and Affirmations: Learn how these tools can help rewire your subconscious to support your true self.Reclaiming Your Space: Discover the power of standing tall in your truth and setting energetic boundaries. Schedule a Discovery Call Start Your Spiritual & Manifestation Journey Click Here to Join the Manifesting Latina Email List

In this powerful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt bravely confronts the often misunderstood emotion of shame. With her characteristic blend of authenticity and humor, Brianne delves into the four distinct types of shame: existential, situational, class, and narcissistic, revealing how each can profoundly affect our self-worth and relationships.Throughout the episode, Brianne shares her personal experiences and insights, illustrating how shame manifests in our lives and the detrimental impact it can have on our mental health. She emphasizes the difference between shame and guilt, providing clarity on how these emotions shape our identities and behaviors. Listeners will resonate with her anecdotes of feeling unworthy and inadequate, as she encourages a journey of self-discovery and healing.Brianne also offers practical strategies for recognizing and addressing toxic shame, urging listeners to cultivate self-acceptance, challenge negative beliefs, and seek healthy relationships. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that while shame can feel isolating, it is a shared human experience that can be transformed through awareness and action. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that invites you to face your shame and reclaim your worth.

In this episode of 'Don't Cut Your Own Bangs,' host Danielle Ireland introduces John Kippen, a resilience and empowerment coach, magician, and motivational speaker. John shares his incredible journey of overcoming a life-threatening brain tumor and how it transformed his life and career.  Throughout the episode, John discusses his healing journey, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of facing one's limiting beliefs. He also reveals the origins of his unique phrase 'impossible really means I am possible' and offers a special gift to listeners. Tune in to uncover valuable wisdom nuggets and be inspired by John's story of triumph over adversity.   00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:40 Meet John Kippen: A Multihyphenate Talent 01:23 John's Life-Altering Diagnosis 05:46 The Surgery and Its Aftermath 08:04 The Road to Recovery 13:30 Embracing the New Normal 17:29 The Power of Truth and Magic 29:14 The Power of Magic and Connection 29:31 Introducing Treasured: A Journal for Self-Discovery 30:44 The Magic of Personal Connection 32:59 Overcoming Personal Struggles Through Magic 34:38 The Journey to Self-Acceptance 35:42 The Importance of Asking and Vulnerability 50:24 The TED Talk Experience 54:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE TO “DON'T CUT YOUR OWN BANGS”  Like your favorite recipe or song, the best things in life are shared. When you rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, your engagement helps me connect  with other listeners just like you. Plus, subscriptions just make life easier for everybody. It's one less thing for you to think about and you can easily keep up to date on everything that's new. So, please rate, review, and subscribe today.    DANIELLE IRELAND, LCSW I greatly appreciate your support and engagement as part of the Don't Cut Your Own Bangs community. Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or anything you'd like to share. You can connect with me at any of the links below.   JOHN KIPPEN: https://www.ted.com/talks/john_kippen_being_different_is_my_super_power_magic_saved_my_life   https://www.johnkippen.com   DANIELLE IRELAND, LCSW Website: https://danielleireland.com/ The Treasured Journal: https://danielleireland.com/journal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleireland_lcsw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dontcutyourownbangspod?_t=ZP-8yFHmVNPKtq&_r=1 Transcript:   John Kippen Edited Interview [00:00:00] [00:00:07] Hello. Hello, this is Danielle Ireland and you are catching an episode of Don't Cut Your Own Bangs. And today I have the great pleasure of introducing you to someone I can now call a new friend John Kippen. John is a multihyphenate. He has had quite a life and he's an excellent storyteller. So this episode you're gonna wanna buckle up. [00:00:31] It is so good. Get those AirPods in, go on your walk, get safely in your car, get ready to listen because this is just an absolutely beautiful episode. But let me tell you a little bit about John. John is a resilience and empowerment coach. He was and is the CEO of a very successful IT company. [00:00:49] He was a main stage performer at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, so if that just gives you a little insight, is the level of his magic. He is a motivational speaker. He's a life coach, and. He has a TED talk that has received over a million views. And the heartbeat of this TED talk is how he triumphs over tragedy with a diagnosis of a tumor the size of a golf ball that is separating his brainstem and the procedure he needed to save his life, changed his life forever. [00:01:23] Doing the work of healing does not come easily to anyone, but as John so beautifully puts in this episode, if John can do it, you can do it. He's using his stories, his vulnerable and raw experiences, and talking about not only what happened to him, but how he moved through the impossible. [00:01:45] He actually coins a phrase that I love and I'm going to keep. Which is that impossible really means I am possible. So the ultimate magic trick, the ultimate illusion is what your limiting beliefs are about yourself, and how do you use facing those fears and those limiting beliefs to transform your life. [00:02:08] And in John's case, he takes that healing and offers it as a gift to us. As listeners to his clients and his coaching practice to the readers of his book, he has authored a book The Forward by None other than the Jamie Lee Curtis from all of the places. You know her most recently. The Bear where she won an Emmy, but everything everywhere, all at once. [00:02:32] She and John are buds, and she believes in him and believes in his work, and as a champion of that work, it just adds a little extra sparkle and fairy dust to the beautiful work that he's already doing to say that he's been vetted by someone who is so sparkly and magnetic and also deeply entrenched in holding space for the truth and honoring the truth. [00:02:52] This is a heartfelt episode, so what I would recommend. If you're in a place to do so is you might wanna jot some notes down because John drops some beautiful wisdom nuggets in this episode. And the book that he authored is playing The Hand You're Dealt. And what I wanna share too, we talk about it in the episode, but I wanna highlight this 'cause it's really important. [00:03:12] John is giving everyone who listens to the episode a free gift, but it is not linked in the show notes. It is only available to those of you who listen. It's a special little surprise embedded in the episode that you have to listen to find, but it is a free gift from him to you. So without further ado, get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful wisdom of John Kippen. [00:03:35] ​ [00:03:36] Kippen, multihyphenate resilience and empowerment, coach magician, keynote speaker, author, and all around. Nice guy. Thank you for joining me today on the Don't Cut Your Own Bangs podcast. [00:03:47] Danielle: Hollywood legend wrote the forward of his beautiful book, playing the Hand You're Dealt Forward by the one and Only Take It Away, John, Jamie [00:03:58] John: Lee Curtis. [00:03:59] Danielle: Jamie Lee Curtis. Yes. So you have to stay and listen to the entire episode because he's going to tease out a special little giveaway that will only be revealed in the audio. [00:04:10] So you gotta listen. It's not gonna be linked in the show notes, folks. So buckle up, sit down. This is gonna be a great episode with a fun gift for you, a special little dose of magic hidden inside. So, John, you, I mean, all the different fun things that we listed about what you do. You're a magician, you're a motivational speaker, you're a coach. [00:04:30] What I know doing the work I do as a therapist is the skills and trade that you're building your life on. Those were skills that they were. Hard one, like nobody chooses, in my opinion and in my experience, no one chooses to go into a helping profession that hasn't needed help in their life. It's like the, our healing becomes our medicine. [00:04:54] And I really wanna learn about not just what you offer, but your healing journey that put you in the unique position you're in to do the work you do. So, welcome and I'd love to hear from you. [00:05:05] John: So just quickly, the Reader's Digest version of my backstory. Grew up Los Angeles, middle class family, two great parents loving, no sisters or brothers, had everything I needed. [00:05:18] They sent me to a nice school and, I got into theater, started doing theater, in college. I studied theater and became the big man on campus because pretty much I grabbed every opportunity that presented itself. Started a computer company out of college. 'cause I'm a creative problem solver. [00:05:38] That's the thread that goes through everything I do in my life. [00:05:42] Mm-hmm. [00:05:42] John: I look at a problem, I say, how am I gonna solve that? [00:05:45] Mm-hmm. [00:05:46] John: And then in June of July of 2002, I was diagnosed with a four half centimeter brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma. [00:05:55] Danielle: Yes. And this was, so it was slowly severing your brainstem? Correct. [00:05:59] John: It was displacing the brainstem. Causing not only hearing issues, but dizziness upon standing or walking. [00:06:07] Mm-hmm. [00:06:08] John: I had to have something done with it. I would not have survived. [00:06:12] Mm-hmm. [00:06:14] John: And. It was a whirlwind , I went and saw the doctor who finally diagnosed it after seeing him the MRI films, and he, he had no bedside manner. [00:06:25] I remember sitting on the examining room table, right. And the, the tissue paper is crinkling under my butt. Mm-hmm. I could feel the, I could sense the temperature. I'm heightened sensitivity. [00:06:37] And he looks up at the MRI after talking to a neurosurgeon, and he turns around and says, John, you have a four and a half centimeter brain tumor. [00:06:46] It's killing you. We're operating you on Friday. You're gonna go deaf in your left ear, and there's a possibility for some facial weakness. We're gonna do everything we can to prevent that. And he left [00:07:01] Danielle: the room. So he knew, and in his own. Brash in abrupt way, essentially prepared you for the outcome and challenges that would come assuming the surgery was a success? [00:07:17] John: Yeah. He is a world renowned acoustic neuroma surgeon. He's one of the guys you go to, when you have this kind of tumor and that's all he does. Wow. But he literally left the room and I'm sitting there and I didn't bring anybody in and [00:07:31] yeah. [00:07:32] John: A tip to anyone who's potentially going in for a serious diagnosis. [00:07:36] Yeah. [00:07:37] John: Bring a friend or a family member. [00:07:39] Because it goes in one ear and out the other, you're in shock. Right. Right. When you get home and you say, wait a minute, he said that surgery gonna be four hours or 14 hours or 20. How, how long ago and you have all these questions. Yeah. And you know, getting ahold of the doctor to ask them again is just not the way our medical system works. [00:08:01] He's back to back, to back to back patients. [00:08:04] So, I checked in the night before, they did blood tests and I tried to get an hour or two sleep, 6:00 AM my clockwork the orderly came in and said, okay, get naked, get on this cold gurney. What a sheet over you and we're going take you to the operating room. [00:08:21] Danielle: I wanna pause your story for a moment. 'cause there's a couple things that I, I wanna tease out a little. So one is you, the way that you tell your story, so well probably because you've told it on stages, you've shared it with others, you've written about it. There is something about a trauma. [00:08:37] That really marks the sort of BCAD of life. And the way you shared, I felt like I was in the room with you when you were getting this bomb of news dropped on you so you were theater trained, theater kid, a creative person, a creative problem solver, and a business owner. [00:08:57] Like I, I think about that often when people are experiencing trauma. What, what was life sort of the, the illusion of normalcy. The, the, you know, the predictability of this is my life and this is my to-do list and this is my calendar. So before that moment, you were just a guy on the west coast running a business. [00:09:17] Is that right? [00:09:18] John: Very successful business. [00:09:19] Danielle: And I, I just wanna share briefly too, I haven't met too many other only children. Theater background 'cause that's me too. [00:09:30] John: Oh, really? [00:09:31] Danielle: I'm an only child and I was a theater major and started acting when I was 13, so before. But, the creative problem solver, God, my theater background has paid dividends in ways I didn't know at the time. [00:09:42] I didn't know that when I was preparing for this interview, but now that you've said that, it's like that thing that I couldn't put my finger on has clicked into place. [00:09:49] John: I love doing improv. [00:09:51] Improv is the, you know, everybody talks about being in the moment. [00:09:57] Yeah. [00:09:57] John: What does that really mean, being in the moment? [00:10:00] When you do improv, you have to be in the moment. Otherwise you fall flat. And everybody, you're doing improv looks at you going. Well, it's your turn. [00:10:10] Danielle: You've tapped in. Now you've gotta say something. How are you gonna move the story forward? [00:10:14] Exactly. I feel most alive when I'm engaged in moments like that. And I, it's, I'm not a, a adrenaline junkie, but I would say that's my high, it's the, rush of connecting with somebody like that. So you were running a very successful business. This bomb has dropped. [00:10:32] You can barely remember what you were told and what your life is likely going to be. Assuming everything goes well, what is going to happen when you wake up off your op? And how long was your operation? [00:10:46] John: 15 hours. [00:10:48] Danielle: And the surgery was a success. They were able to remove the golf ice tumor. [00:10:52] Yeah. So they removed the fall sized tumor. [00:10:54] John: I didn't have time to think, you know, I got one of my guys who worked for me told him that he was gonna be running the company for a month or two. He agreed. [00:11:05] Mm-hmm. [00:11:05] John: Had to shovel up some more money to get him to do it, but, you know, it is what it is. You do what you have to do. [00:11:11] Yeah. And then,, I just tried to think positively, hope for the best. Plan for the worst. You know, I had someone gonna stay with me the first week, make food because I just wanted to recover and I didn't know what it was gonna be like. [00:11:27] Danielle: Yeah. You're like, I just need a week to recover, and then I'm just gonna hop back into life, hopefully. [00:11:31] John: Rolling the gurney into the surgical, prep area. [00:11:35] The nurse saying, Hey John, you know, we know we have to shape after your head. You want me to do it now or after you're under. [00:11:42] Danielle: So you didn't even know that they were gonna shave your head. Well, I didn't think about it. [00:11:48] John: I mean, if I had thought about it, I got a shaved part of my head. [00:11:51] Danielle: Right. [00:11:52] John: I said to her, please. [00:11:56] Danielle: Yeah. [00:11:58] John: And so, they roll me into the operating room. You got these really bright lights, , blinding you, and you're laying there and they're like, okay, you're gonna count back toward five. [00:12:09] The next thing I know, I hear faint voices and it was like I was 30 meters deep in a pool. Struggling to get to the surface. And I remember this like it was yesterday, literally trying to swim to the service to regain consciousness. [00:12:26] And finally when I got enough, I realized that my dad was sitting on the edge of my bed holding my hand, [00:12:34] and [00:12:34] John: he was smiling at me, but I didn't see my mom. [00:12:40] So I asked my dad for my glasses and he handed me the glasses. And I remember trying to put the, and then I realized my head's bandage. [00:12:48] Danielle: Oh, right. [00:12:50] John: So I had to figure out how to get the glasses in Cockeye to get 'em on my face, right? [00:12:55] And the look on her face was one of horror. What did these butchers do to my son's face? And at that point, I didn't know my face was paralyzed. Because I have full feeling, I just can't move it. [00:13:10] Danielle: So you currently, you still have full feeling in your face. You just lost mobility, [00:13:14] John: so I didn't really understand what that look was. [00:13:18] Danielle: Right. How could you? [00:13:19] John: And then my mom handed me her compact makeup. [00:13:22] And I opened it up and I'm like, holy crap. And then, I'm still getting [00:13:30] accustomed to, the one thing I noticed is leading into surgery, I was constantly dizzy and that dizziness was gone. [00:13:38] Danielle: Wow. [00:13:39] John: And that was like, oh my God, what a relief. [00:13:42] Mm-hmm. [00:13:43] John: So the doctor finally made his way in and I was like, so when's my face gonna move? And he said, John, we were, successful. [00:13:50] The tumors removed. Right when we were close the incision, your face stopped moving. But we think it's just to do the swelling, and once the swelling goes down, your face should start moving again. So I'm like, okay. I can handle that. That's a, it's not a permanent thing. I can deal with it. [00:14:05] So I'm in the hospital a week and, they're like, when you can do three laps around the hospital floor, without a walker, we'll send you home. [00:14:16] So that became my goal. I remember getting outta bed and then they said, no, no, no. Wait for the, I said, no. The doctor said that I need to rock three laps around. [00:14:26] I want to get the hell out of here [00:14:28] Five days I got home. My dad drove me home and I sat on my couch and now I'm like, okay, I can start healing and check email here and there. And I was taking lots of naps. And then I coughed and I touched the back of my neck and it was wet. [00:14:45] Mm. [00:14:47] John: Oh, it was a spinal fluid leak on the base of the incision. [00:14:51] Whew. [00:14:53] John: So immediately I called the doctor's office and the said, oh, get your ass back here. And I went back to the hospital three times with them to redo the bandaging to try to prevent the leak. [00:15:05] Danielle: Wait, you call the hospital. Hey, their spinal fluid leaking out of my surgical incision. And they're like, yeah, you should get in a car and drive yourself to the hospital. [00:15:16] John: They didn't say how I should get to the hospital. [00:15:19] Danielle: Okay. Fair, fair. But that, [00:15:22] okay. Wow. ' [00:15:24] John: cause that's not good. [00:15:25] And there was potential for getting, spinal meningitis in that. From what I understand is one of the most extreme pains out there. [00:15:35] Okay. [00:15:35] John: I went back and forth three different times over that week. [00:15:39] They tried to, it was just as right behind my ear, right at the base of the incision. So, there was no way that they were going to be able to, put a pressure manage to keep that and so it could start healing. [00:15:51] Danielle: Mm-hmm. [00:15:52] John: So they finally said, all right, tomorrow you're gonna come in and we're gonna, redo the incision and pull more belly fat outta your belly to fill the hole. [00:16:01] And Yeah. This time they used staples, man, thick Frankenstein. [00:16:07] All the way up. [00:16:08] But then I'm like, I was only in the hospital for a day. And then, and I'm like, okay, I can relax. I remember getting up and brushing my teeth, you know, and I'm looking at the mirror and God, , I don't recognize that guy. [00:16:24] Yeah. And I got rid of all the mirrors in my house. [00:16:30] I didn't want a constant reminder. [00:16:33] My face was screwed up. [00:16:34] Danielle: I, there's so much specificity to what is uniquely your story. [00:16:46] Mm-hmm. [00:16:47] Danielle: But what I have found is when people. Are able to share elements of their experience. It's when you go into the specificity of what you experienced. I can see myself in so many elements of your story in my own, like when we get in deeper, it becomes somehow more accessible and universal. [00:17:16] And in that way, you're not alone, even though it happened to you and that detail about your removing the mirrors from your home. It, it brings me to something I really wanted to ask you about. You share by saying, and then also , by, actually demonstrating in your TED talk that, once you began the healing process of really addressing your depression after your operation, that, the story, it led you to magic, literally. And I also think in a more magical way, beyond performing an illusion. And I know not to call it a trick, I learned that from arrested development. [00:18:03] But, there's something you said that I wanted to quote that it's amazing how accepting kids are of the truth. You open up your TED talk, which I will link in the show notes so people can see. But that you mentioned that this in a way that your permission and your humor and your honesty, it created levity and lightness. [00:18:27] For something that would be considered maybe so precious and heavy. And what I wanna speak to, and open up a question if that's okay, is, I'm curious what your relationship with the truth is because I think humor in its highest expression is allowing us to laugh at something that we see the truth in. [00:18:49] And yet it's this razor's edge between laughing at someone or laughing at something versus inviting us to laugh at the, the human experience that we maybe don't know how to name or express in another way. But I wanna know personally for you, what your relationship is with the truth and the value of embracing it. [00:19:13] And then in your line of work as a coach, where do you see people struggle with it? [00:19:19] John: Truth is an illusion. [00:19:21] Danielle: Ooh, tell me more. That just, that was a zingy response that you popped right out. Please tell me more. [00:19:28] John: Yeah. Truth. Everybody has their own truth. [00:19:31] Danielle: Oh, well there you go. [00:19:32] John: Their own perspective, [00:19:34] Danielle: uhhuh, [00:19:35] John: And the truth is formed out of your limiting beliefs. [00:19:41] Danielle: So the truth is formed out of your limited beliefs, [00:19:44] John: your limiting beliefs. [00:19:45] Danielle: Limiting beliefs. Okay. [00:19:47] John: Yeah. [00:19:48] I just wanted to take a slight step back. [00:19:50] Danielle: Mm-hmm. [00:19:51] John: I told you this was gonna be the Reader's Digest version. [00:19:54] Danielle: Yes. [00:19:54] John: But it took me 12 years [00:19:57] To come out of that hiding. Wow. 12 years. [00:20:02] Danielle: How old were you when you had your operation? [00:20:05] John: 33. [00:20:06] Danielle: 33. Okay. [00:20:08] John: And fortunately for me, I could work from home. But I miss so many celebrations with friends and family. 'cause I just didn't want to have to explain it. I didn't want to have to deal with the looks, , and I tell this story on my TED Talk and in my book. You know, at a restaurant I wanted to get a burger at Tony Aroma's. And I'm sitting there by myself and in a booth, and there's a booth right in front of me and there's a family with a kid, two parents and a kid. And the kid's squirming and gets up and turns around and is now on his knees on the bench and looking at me. [00:20:44] And he gets up and he comes over and he says, Mr, what's wrong with your face? And in that moment, I didn't want to have a five or 6-year-old come over and Right. And I'm like, okay, I had the strength to come out and go to a restaurant. I have to deal with this. So I started talking to this little boy [00:21:06] Danielle: Mm. [00:21:07] John: And saying, I had a medical procedure that caused me not to with my face before I could continue his mom grabbing him [00:21:16] mm-hmm. [00:21:17] John: The arm and drug him back and said, don't bother him. The nice man, he has enough troubles already. And I couldn't leave it there. [00:21:25] Mm-hmm. [00:21:27] John: So I had to go to the little boy and I knelt down and I got eye level and I said, I love my new face because it's different. [00:21:34] It's different just like yours. And I remember it like it was yesterday, he took his fingers and he tried to distort his face to be crooked like mine. And he turned to his mom and said, look, mom, I could do that too. And then he went back to eating his meal. His question was answered. [00:21:56] He had no judgment. And his parents were like, holy crap, did we just learn a lesson? How to raise our child? [00:22:03] They whispered, thank you on their way out. [00:22:07] Danielle: But there is something I, there, there's something to that woman's response to you that really resonated with me. [00:22:14] And it also, highlights the point you made so well about the, essentially the truth being relative. Because she projected onto you what her perception of your life was. Don't bother the nice man one, she didn't know you were nice, though. You are. But she didn't know that. Right. And she also didn't know what your troubles were or weren't, and she assumed that. [00:22:39] John: But I always wonder what her motives were. [00:22:41] Danielle: Right. [00:22:42] John: was it to make me comfortable or was it to make her and her son comfortable [00:22:48] Danielle: it for her? I think so. [00:22:50] John: And that's how I took it. [00:22:51] Danielle: I remember. So I have two children and I was pregnant once before and lost that pregnancy. [00:22:57] 12 weeks in. And I haven't thought about this in a very long time, but I remember going into, a annual doctor's appointment and she saw on the chart that I was listed as pregnant and clearly now was not. And it was in her own discomfort of not, she was asking me about the baby thinking, 'cause she was not my ob, GYN it was a different type of doctor. [00:23:20] And, she caught. Oh, and then I had sort of explained to her what that meant, and then she said, well, I'm sure, you blame yourself and I want you to know it's not your fault. Like she took her discomfort and tried to turn it into, she positioned herself above as someone who knew what he was experiencing and wanted to offer me this sympathy that was, one, she was wrong. [00:23:45] I totally misplaced. Yeah. I didn't blame myself. And it, that, that moment was such an extension of her own inability to hold the moment and the discomfort of the moment, and, tried to offer it up as a gift for me, which that's, yeah. [00:24:03] John: It's your perception of how you deal with that. [00:24:06] Danielle: Mm-hmm. [00:24:07] John: Losing a child can be. Empowering because you know that you can try again and get a child that is not gonna have any kind of defects and is gonna have a good life. And you know whether or not you believe in God or not. [00:24:24] Danielle: Yeah. [00:24:25] John: Things happen for a reason and we don't always understand the reason for them. [00:24:30] Danielle: I don't know if it, what the reason was, but I can say a gift from that was that somebody who lived with a very active monkey mind and a lot of head trash and some anxiety in the experience of the early grief, not for very long, but there was a moment in time where my mind was quiet, not numb, but quiet. [00:24:55] And it helped me realize, oh, there's the observer within me. Then there are the different conversations that are happening in my head that aren't me, which are maybe the perceptions that I call truth sometimes I wanna bring that same question of truth, which you had an answer I was not expecting, which I love when I never see it coming, so thank you. [00:25:18] Where do you see your clients? Because you're a coach, right? You are taking your healing and offering it as medicine to people that are trying to make a connection in their own life. So where do you see people that you work with? Struggle with the truth? [00:25:36] John: Everybody's hiding from someone something in their life. [00:25:40] They have buried something so deep and it keeps them from moving forward in their lives. 'cause it erodes their self-confidence. [00:25:50] That's what I learned through my love for performing magic. [00:25:58] Going to the magic castle, sitting at a table with a paralyzed face. [00:26:03] Yeah. I'm this overweight guy with balding, balding with a paralyzed face. And I could sit at a table and have people come to me. I tell this story sometimes, that the Magic Castle is a place where you have to get dressed up to the nines, you know? And women love to get dressed up [00:26:22] Danielle: That's true. [00:26:23] John: They're wearing their best outfits, right? And all of a sudden I'd have five or six women sitting at the table, and their reactions are very guarded. [00:26:34] Hmm. [00:26:36] John: You know, they're sitting there with their legs and arms crossed. [00:26:39] Hmm [00:26:40] John: they're leaning back. They have a smile that's just more of a grin. [00:26:45] Mm-hmm. ' [00:26:47] John: cause I don't know what I'm about. Sure. They don't know if I'm gonna be inappropriate, if I'm gonna come onto them, if I'm what it is. So they have no expectations other than they're gonna see some magic. [00:26:58] Mm-hmm. [00:26:59] John: So I start my act saying, hi guys. My name is John and I'm doing magic all my life. [00:27:05] But in 2 0 2 I had a brain tumor. And when they cut over my head, they traumatized medication, nerve offense, a paralyzed face. But something happened to me on that talk table that day, Danielle. [00:27:16] Mm-hmm. [00:27:17] John: I'm not sure what it was because I was unconscious. All I know is I recovered. I realized I had acquired some new skills and I pause. [00:27:29] Yeah. And I wait for everybody to get on the edge of their seat. Like, what happened, John, what? Skills. Skills I could acquire. I'm having brain surgery. [00:27:40] Mm-hmm. I [00:27:41] John: looked to my right and I looked to my left like it's the biggest secret. [00:27:45] Lean in and I whisper in a loud voice as I am able to visualize people's thoughts. And then I do some mental magic mentalism. Love it. And what I just did was I turned my biggest challenge into a superpower. [00:28:07] Danielle: Yes, you did. And I wanna pause you because when you said that in your talk, have, have you read Elizabeth Gilbert's book, big Magic? [00:28:15] Yes. [00:28:15] Danielle: When she talks about trickster energy, I was like, John Kippen is a freaking trickster. [00:28:22] That is trickster energy that you can shift. Before someone's very eyes. It's like you are performing magic and you are performing magic. You shifted before them and you invited them, your audience to see beyond their own limiting beliefs, their own projected truth. [00:28:47] John: They were distracted. They wanted to know why it was paralyzed, but they couldn't ask, did he have a stroke? Did he have be palsy? What was the reason? So I found them being distracted when I was performing. So I got that outta way in the first two minutes. [00:29:00] Mm-hmm. [00:29:01] John: I explained why my face is paralyzed. [00:29:03] And now I treat it as the experience is now I'm able to do superhuman things. [00:29:10] And now they're like, okay, cool. So as I perform [00:29:16] I focus on the spectator. Magic happens in your mind as a spectator. [00:29:22] Danielle: Oh, I love that magic happens in your mind [00:29:26] ​ [00:29:31] If you've ever wanted to start a journaling practice but didn't know where to start, or if you've been journaling off and on your whole life, but you're like, I wanna take this work deeper, I've got you covered. I've written a journal called Treasured, a Journal for unearthing you. It's broken down into seven key areas of your life, filled with stories, sentence stems, prompts, questions, and exercises. [00:29:51] All rooted in the work that I do with actual clients in my therapy sessions. I have given these examples to clients in sessions as homework, and they come back with insights that allow us to do such incredible work. This is something you can do in the privacy of your own home, whether you're in therapy or not. [00:30:10] It has context, it has guides. And hopefully some safety bumpers to help digging a little deeper feel possible, accessible and safe. You don't have to do this alone. And there's also a guided treasured meditation series that accompanies each section in the journal to help ease you into the processing state. [00:30:29] So my hope is to help guide you into feeling more secure with the most important relationship in your life, the one between you and you. Hop on over to the show notes and grab your copy today. And now back to the episode.​ [00:30:44] John: Magic is what you see in your mind or someone else sees in their mind. [00:30:49] Magic is that thing that immediately makes you present. [00:30:56] Danielle: Yeah. [00:30:57] John: And your, all of your sensors are now in a heightened state , whether it's a sunset or a beautiful beach or a beautiful woman or a magic trick or whatever it is, there's that sense of awe and wonder. [00:31:15] So as I would start to take each spectator, I would learn their names. [00:31:19] And I would use their names throughout the show. [00:31:22] Danielle: People love that. [00:31:23] John: People, I ask them, the one word in everybody's language that they love to hear the most is their own name . and so I use that as a way of engaging the audience. [00:31:33] They start leaning in and now they've got real smiles on their face [00:31:37] and I can literally see this wall that women in today's society are forced to put up as a self-protection mechanism. [00:31:45] Yeah. [00:31:46] John: I see this wall start to grow as they start to identify with me and they're like, I'm okay being myself. [00:31:54] And then the end of this [00:31:56] they're asking permission to hug me. [00:31:58] And , having a creative mind, I wanted to understand. What that is. What that, what was going on. [00:32:06] Danielle: You also, not only through performing magic, inviting the curiosity you could see in other people's faces into your opening act essentially, or your sleight of hand. [00:32:17] I'm gonna show you this over here so that you can not see what's coming here. Vulnerability in its purest form is magic because it's the one thing sharing the story you feel like you couldn't share. Letting somebody see the one part of you that you would never let anybody see 'cause you were so utterly convinced you would be outed or you would be cast out by exposing that vulnerability is the birthplace of true connection. [00:32:47] Yeah. Which is the ultimate magic trick. It's, it's like what they say in nightmares, if you stop and face the thing that's chasing you, it, it can't chase you anymore in the dream. And so you spent a decade, did I remember that correctly, you wanted to be a main stage performer at the Magic Castle? [00:33:06] It took you about 10 years and you did it. [00:33:08] John: I did. [00:33:09] Yeah. [00:33:09] Danielle: 10 years. [00:33:11] John: Yeah. [00:33:12] Danielle: 10 years. [00:33:13] John: It was my creative coping mechanism. I had hit rock bottom, was I suicidal? No, not really. But I was unhappy. [00:33:25] Danielle: Yeah. [00:33:26] John: I was, my girlfriend left me, and, fortunately I had a job that I could focus on. But I needed something more. And through sharing something so personal and tying magic into it and making it a positive instead of a negative [00:33:45] people are attracted to it. [00:33:49] Danielle: Yeah. Well, because you're holding fire in your hand. Yeah. You're not just saying it's possible, but you're living. You're turning it into a performance, which I think for an artist is one of the most selfless, beautiful acts. [00:34:11] John: It's what separates great artists from mediocre artists. What is he giving me to care about? [00:34:18] Danielle: I never thought about that with magic. What are they giving me to care about? [00:34:22] John: Yeah. What do I want them to think when they leave the theater? [00:34:27] Ability to put your own life in perspective. If John can, so can I. [00:34:33] That's my true message. [00:34:36] Any different is your superpower. [00:34:38] Now, my facial paralysis does not have to define me if I don't let it. [00:34:44] You know, Danielle I live my life that it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. [00:34:51] And that's bit me in the butt numerous times. [00:34:54] Danielle: I can also say the opposite, can bite you in the butt. I think I waited probably too long, many times for permission that wasn't really coming because no one can ultimately grant it. Right? Like, if there's a path you wanna carve, like the job that you built, all of the different things that you've done, there's no resume posted on LinkedIn. [00:35:15] No one's hot. Like that's an empowerment coach slash magician slash keynote speaker, slash documentarian like that. You have to get curious and still, and listen to that little voice inside and follow that curiosity to a path that may not make sense for anyone for a really long time. And I didn't do that. [00:35:40] And that can bite you in the butt too. 'cause regret's hard to hold. [00:35:42] John: Alex SBE came out on national television [00:35:45] to his fans, to the world and said, I'm scared. I am fighting the battle of my life and I'm gonna ask for everyone's good thoughts and prayers . of what I'm going through. I reached out to Nikki Trebek, Alex's daughter and I said, Nikki, I need to perform for your dad . we're having a 75th birthday party and we don't have any entertainment. [00:36:13] So if you wanna be the entertainment, and I was like. Damn. Yes. [00:36:18] Danielle: Well, yeah. I will go to his house and perform magic for him. a [00:36:22] John: restaurant, but [00:36:23] Danielle: Oh, a restaurant. Okay. [00:36:23] John: Wrote a unique magic show [00:36:25] With Jeopardy themes and the whole nine yards and he was actually at the table as one of my assistants. [00:36:33] Oh. Along with his daughter. so he was this, he needed to understand how things worked. [00:36:39] Was a genius. And so he was constantly looking at me like, wait a minute. That's not possible. Just embrace it, Alex. You're not gonna figure it out. Just enjoy it. [00:36:52] Danielle: That's awesome. [00:36:54] John: And there's, on my website, john kipp.com. There are some magic videos and there are two videos of me performing for Alex , sat with him, and I said, Alex, I need to share something with you that, when you came out so publicly about your diagnosis [00:37:10] I asked for everybody's support and love and prayers that resonated with me. I am here to give to you. You've been a part of my life and the lives of millions of people. [00:37:27] And your life's work is meaningful. [00:37:30] I just wanted to tell you that, 'cause I had a feeling that no one ever takes the time to say thank you for your life's work. [00:37:37] And he immediately started welling up. [00:37:39] Danielle: Well, anybody who makes something look easy that we do take for granted. [00:37:45] And I think that, like I appreciate so much in the telling of your story, you share not just the struggles, but the time you had a vision of yourself. On the main stage performing at the Magic Castle, like the most elusive place where magic is. And you didn't just wanna get in, you didn't just wanna get an audition, you didn't wanna just like get to per perform an illusion, like main stage. [00:38:23] You didn't just have a goal. You had the goal and you did it, but you also say that it took you 10 years. And there's usually themes that run with anxiety, about not enoughness and the crunchiness of time. There's never enough time. I'm not enough and there's not enough time. And not being worthy. [00:38:42] Yes, yes, yes. One of my main motivations when I started this podcast originally several years ago, was I was. Starting to increasingly feel, trapped in this sort of, world of before and after story. And it was no longer feeling inspirational. It was just another measuring stick for how not enough. [00:39:03] Yeah. 'Cause it, it's great to see where somebody was and where they are, but when I'm knee deep in my own struggle when I'm the caterpillar goo and the chrysalis, and I'm not the shiny butterfly, but I'm also not the caterpillar anymore. What do I do when my life is literally a shitty pile of goo this is something that most clients don't come right out and ask me like in sessions one, two, and three. But it inevitably comes well, I've been doing this for, so many months. How much longer is it gonna take? How long is it gonna take? And I just always, I appreciate when people can acknowledge. [00:39:41] The time and consistency that goes into healing [00:39:47] John: joy is in the journey. [00:39:48] Danielle: Mm. [00:39:49] John: Not in the destination. [00:39:51] And that's the thing I really focus with my clients. [00:39:55] I have clients come to me because they're holding themselves back in their life. [00:39:59] And it's my job to get that out of them by asking open-ended questions, by building a rapport, I can trust this guy. [00:40:08] Danielle: Yeah. Would you say that's your superpower as a coach? [00:40:11] John: Through my journey of reverse engineering who I am and who I wanted to become. Coming out the other side immediately understood that it's not about me. [00:40:24] Danielle: Yes. It's only true every single time. [00:40:27] John: The joy comes from helping others get that realization, [00:40:32] That they understand they are truly powerful and have a chance to shape their destiny. [00:40:40] That's why I talk about limiting beliefs. [00:40:43] And we grow up with our parents or whoever raised us, those are our belief systems. [00:40:49] And so that's what forms who you are. You stop dreaming. [00:40:54] That's what midlife crisis is all about. [00:40:58] Danielle: Yeah. [00:40:59] John: We got educated, we got a job, we built a career. We have a family. [00:41:06] Danielle: It's, I think the version of that I hear in my sessions is essentially I did everything right. Shouldn't I be feeling better than I am? Yeah. Like, I followed all the rules. I'm winning. Why does it not feel like I'm winning? Yeah. And finding our way back to that. [00:41:29] The unlearning and the unraveling. That is a, it's a process. [00:41:34] John: I'll talk to a friend. How you doing? And so many people respond automatically living the dream. But is it your dream? You're living? [00:41:46] Whose dream are you living? Because you're wasting your life by living someone else's dream. And that's why you get to that point in life where it's not enough. [00:41:58] Cause it's not your dream. You just finished the last 30 years building. [00:42:03] Danielle: Yeah. And the joy really is in the process and there's no way to enjoy the process of fulfilling the wishes of somebody else because you, what you're constantly chasing is when I get there, then the relief will come and then you're there and you're like, well, where's my pot of gold? [00:42:22] John: Yeah. I had, I spent 20 years learning how not to hide my face. [00:42:28] And what happened in March in 2020? The pandemic hit [00:42:33] now covering your face with a mask, became not only politically correct. [00:42:41] But government mandated and I'm like sitting there thinking to myself, what do I do? So I found a company who prints things on masks and I sent them a picture of my face and a picture of the lower part of my job. [00:43:01] Danielle: Trickster energy, John Kippen trickster. That's the new hyphen to your list of all of your accomplishments. [00:43:08] John: I would walk around and strangers would look at it and not understand. [00:43:12] Danielle: Right, right. But people who knew me [00:43:15] John: would do a double take. [00:43:17] Danielle: I will not hide. [00:43:19] John: Refuses to hide. [00:43:20] Even through a global pandemic. [00:43:23] Yeah. [00:43:23] John: I'm gonna live my life [00:43:25] Danielle: mm-hmm. On [00:43:26] John: my own terms. [00:43:28] Danielle: Yeah. I work too hard, too long to get free and I will not hide for you. Wow. Wow. And [00:43:37] John: when I share that story, people like, wow, John's done some soul searching. [00:43:44] Danielle: Which is why your clients come to you. [00:43:46] John: Yeah. [00:43:46] Danielle: Yeah. I unfortunately have come across many. People in the helping profession that haven't started with their first client, which is themselves. I put myself in that camp. I've talked about it on the podcast before, but I didn't start seeing a therapist until I became one, which is probably not the right order, but I didn't realize until I was sitting there trying to help people. [00:44:09] And then my own stuff was getting activated in the session. It's called Counter Transference. And, yeah, I was like, oh shit, I gotta look at the mirror. I gotta do a little more digging. But I think a, what leads a lot of people into helping professions is its desire to heal. And it sounds like in your case you did the herculean task of lifting your own self up before you said, now what can I offer you? [00:44:39] I wanna ask, just a purely curious, selfish question before we get to the very end I wanna ask. In your book playing the Hand you're Dealt how did you connect with Jamie Lee Curtis? The same way you did Alex Trebek? Did you just find someone and you DMed them and [00:44:55] John: you're like, her assistant worked for a production company [00:45:00] in a previous job. [00:45:02] Danielle: Gotcha. [00:45:02] John: That I knew. [00:45:03] When Jamie was like, I need it. So help with my computer. Her assistant said, I've got the guy for you. And I remember being at Jamie's house. [00:45:15] She knew me before my facial surgery, and after. [00:45:18] Danielle: So you have a history then? [00:45:19] John: Oh yeah. We met in 2000. [00:45:21] Danielle: Oh, okay. [00:45:22] John: So she saw me before. [00:45:24] She saw the struggle. Sure, she has two. Great kids. [00:45:29] And she adopted me as her third child. Wow. She saw the ability to help me. And so I had a filmmaker friend of mine reach out and said, John, I'd love your story. [00:45:45] I want to film a documentary on you. And I'm like, cool. So I realized I'm paying for the damn documentary. [00:45:51] Danielle: Oh. So I wanna offer you this gift, and by the way, here's the bill. [00:45:55] John: Yes, exactly. But at that point, I'm all in and I'm like, what do I have to lose? I'm a risk taker. I can afford it. [00:46:01] I've got money in the bank. [00:46:03] Let's make sure we stay on budget or close to budget, so there I am working on Jamie's computer and I'm staring at the screen and I'm summoning the courage. Ask Jamie. So I'm telling her the story. My friend Ryan's gonna direct this documentary about my life and my journey, and then I pause and I'm just staring at the screen. [00:46:23] I feel these eyes burning into the side of my head. [00:46:26] Mm-hmm. [00:46:28] John: And Jamie says, and [00:46:32] Danielle: I love that she didn't do it for you, but she made you do it. [00:46:36] John: And then at that point, I realized what the question was. I said, Jamie, will you be in my documentary? [00:46:44] And she goes, fuck yes, I will. [00:46:48] Danielle: Yeah. [00:46:49] John: She gets it. [00:46:50] Yeah. [00:46:51] John: Going through her sobriety, she wears her sobriety on her. Shoulder as a badge of honor. [00:47:00] And that is her message. [00:47:02] Yeah. [00:47:03] John: If she can get people to stop drinking by showing up for people. That's her ultimate goal in life. And so, she saw in me what I didn't see, [00:47:18] Danielle: and you asked the question. I think it's a lesson that I feel like I'm eternally playing a game of peekaboo with where I forget, and then I remember and then I forget and then I remember. But like the opportunities that you're asking for, you have to ask. [00:47:39] Yes. You have to say the thing. Right. Which is so brave and so vulnerable. But then the magic is sometimes when you ask, someone will say Yes. Now, in your case, she was essentially lovingly poking you until you, [00:47:55] John: asked. There was a point where I was debating plastic surgery. [00:48:00] Did I want to try to fix my face? Because at the end of the day, I wanted symmetry at rest. I wanted to be able to get rid of the droopiness and just, have a symmetrical base. That's all I really wanted. Sure. And because I would say, I hit my smile. And I've had friends come up and say, John, your first smile, we love your smile. [00:48:23] But I didn't love my smile. And until I, not up here, not in my head, but in my heart, accepted my smile. I couldn't move forward. I couldn't heal. And once I accepted my new smile, I found joy. I found that I could love myself. [00:48:46] And what's funny is when you get to that point, [00:48:49] yeah. [00:48:50] John: You overcome whatever that thing is that's holding you back. [00:48:53] Yeah. [00:48:54] John: And you want to share it with every person you come in contact with. [00:49:00] Danielle: Yeah. You are the love you're seeking. [00:49:02] John: Yes. Yes. And you are your acceptance. [00:49:05] Danielle: It reminds me of, something. He said in an interview, in, A New Earth, but author Eckert Tolle said that right before his essential death of the, he called it the death of his ego, but we could call it enlightenment or rebirth. [00:49:19] But he remembers the last thing he said before he went to sleep was, I can't live with myself anymore. And it wasn't about in the interpretation , of , taking one's own life . but what he realized is that he couldn't live with the self that was hating him. He couldn't live with that self. [00:49:40] And that self never woke up. But he did. [00:49:45] John: Through my journey [00:49:46] Of coming to accept myself for who I am. I immediately see others. [00:49:53] Yeah. [00:49:53] John: How they're hiding. [00:49:54] Before they recognize it. And so my coaching is all about not saying, this is why you're hiding. [00:50:03] That's what's holding you back. [00:50:06] Danielle: What you said about once you, you see somebody's wall so clearly because you understand your own so well. My less eloquent way of saying that to clients, it's once you smell bullshit, you can't unm it. It's the scent in the air and you're like, huh, what am I smelling? [00:50:23] Oh, it's bullshit. Well, John, I would love to know your, don't cut your own bang moment. [00:50:30] John: I'm backstage. There are a thousand people in the audience and I had theatrical training I had a talk memorized. It had to be 12 minutes long. [00:50:39] I'm doing a magic trick with other people that are coming up stage. I needed to control that. I got there early the morning of the TED Talk and helped the guys focus the lights so that it looked better. I'm all in. I want to shine in this TED Talk. , I remember I'm going up on stage and I'm saying, to the cherry picker operator, can I give you a hand? Because I have lighting experience. And I expected the presenter come and say, no, John, you're the actor. Go in your, the green room and there's some donuts and coffee , and we'll call you already, but you didn't. She knew that I was there to make the entire event better. And she let me do it, [00:51:18] That's awesome. [00:51:19] John: This is my first real speech. Okay, in front of a thousand people. And I knew that I had a limited time to get the audience on my side. [00:51:30] Get the audience engaged. How was I gonna be able to break their, going through their phone, talking to a neighbor, drinking, eating, snacking in a full day of speech? [00:51:41] Yeah. [00:51:43] John: So I said, I wanna go first. And everybody has said, great, but we don't, you can go first. And right before the mc went on stage to introduce me. I did a magic trick war. I turned Monopoly money into real money and then back again. [00:52:00] So as a magician, everything was possible. I turned monopoly into real money, but then I realized that's actually called counterfeiting he stays out for like seven seconds. I did that to the mc and now he just saw a miracle happen. [00:52:16] So he turns around and walks on stage beaming, and he told that story to the audience and said, Hey guys, your next speaker just did a miracle. He turned monopoly money into real money in front of my eyes. Pay attention to this cat. [00:52:37] Yeah. [00:52:38] John: So I walked on that stage. I had the love of everybody in the audience that everybody wanted to see what I was gonna do. [00:52:46] Everybody wanted to hear what I was gonna say, so I didn't have to warm up the audience. I got the mc to do it for me. Genius. And I do that every time I speak because it works but anyway, three quarters of the speech, I'm standing on my red circle and I'm delivering my talk. [00:53:08] And the front lights go out. [00:53:10] Danielle: Wait, you were three fours of the way done when they went out. [00:53:13] John: I'm standing in shadows. And my first reaction was, whoa. That Whoa. Got the lighting guy to realize, holy shit, I hit the wrong button, and he brought the lights slowly back up. [00:53:27] As the lights went back up, I went magic [00:53:32] and so I got an amazing laugh from the audience. [00:53:36] Because I cut the tension, I was doing improv. [00:53:38] I remember walking off stage and the producer of the event said, John, don't worry about, we'll edit that part out. And I said, don't you dare. That was my finest moment. Don't you dare edit that out. [00:53:54] I want that in the video. [00:53:57] She just smiled as I went back to the dressing room and sat down and then the adrenaline was like, whew. Walking out into the audience after the event and having strangers just come up to me and wanna hug me and say, holy cow, I resonate with your message. [00:54:18] And my message on the TED Talk was, treat people are different with respect to compassion. [00:54:23] That's what TED talks are all about. You want one key message and that was my message. [00:54:27] You never know, you might be in their shoes in an instant. [00:54:34] Danielle: I wanna add to that, another way to speak to the value of doing some self investigation, whether that's through journaling, through therapy, or seeking out a coach from someone like yourself is, because that expression of, treat other people the way you would wanna be treated. [00:54:53] What I know is that we don't treat ourselves all that well. A lot of us, many of us don't treat ourselves well, which is why accessing the compassion. Of treating others kindly is sometimes harder for us to find, jumping to criticism or judgment, because there's something we are rejecting in us. [00:55:13] So I think a way to do the thing you're saying , that beautiful treat others with kindness and compassion. The best way to do that is to look within. And I invite anybody listening to go to the show notes, visit John's website, seek out a coaching call, grab a copy of his book. There are resources that can help you be kinder to yourself, to lowering the walls, to lifting the veil, to seeing yourself in a new way, to performing the ultimate illusion, which is [00:55:52] to love yourself more fully exactly as you are so that we can be kinder to each other. 'cause we need that, we need a lot more kindness. [00:56:00] Thank you, John. Do we have the information we need for our listeners to get the special code? [00:56:06] John: John kipping.com. [00:56:08] Slash free gift. [00:56:11] Danielle: Ooh, you heard it here. John kipping.com/free gift. And this is only the gift for those of you who have listened this far. [00:56:20] So if you listen to the beginning and you just try to skip to the show notes, sorry. You ain't getting a gift. Thank you, John. [00:56:28] Thank you so much for joining me on this incredible episode of Don't Cut Your Own Bangs. I hope that you love listening because I thoroughly enjoyed making it. My favorite episodes are the ones where I get to learn something too. I'm also a listener. And benefiting from the wisdom and insights of all of the experts, creatives, performers, adventurers seekers that I get an opportunity to meet in this podcast format. [00:56:56] Don't forget to check out the show notes and please before you sign off , always remember rate, review, subscribe to the podcast when you interact with the podcast. It just helps send it out like a rocket ship to other people that are looking for the same value that you are. And it also helps create a conversation where I can continue to develop and cultivate something that benefits you more and is more fun for you to listen to. Feedback is great, and also if you just wanna throw a compliment, that's sweet too. But thank you so much for being here. [00:57:26] Your intention, your time mean the absolute world to me, and I hope you continue to have an incredible day. [00:57:32] ​

Send us a textIn this conversation, Teal Riege shares her journey of embracing authenticity, especially after becoming a mother of two. She discusses the importance of feeling safe to be one's true self, the impact of childhood experiences on self-acceptance, and the power of forgiveness in moving forward. Teal emphasizes the need to create a supportive environment and to attract positive relationships that honor one's authenticity. She invites listeners to explore their potential and live a life filled with magic and possibilities.TakeawaysIt's important to feel safe being our authentic selves.Childhood experiences can significantly impact our self-acceptance.We have the power to rewrite our past and heal.Forgiveness is essential for moving forward.Creating a safe environment is crucial for personal growth.We should be discerning about the people we allow into our lives.Attracting positive energy can transform our experiences.Living authentically leads to a more fulfilling life.Fear is an illusion that can be overcome.Surrounding ourselves with supportive people enhances our journey.Follow Teal on Insta Here:https://www.instagram.com/tealelisabeth_/Download Teal's Relax into Love Guided Meditations here: https://www.tealelisabeth.com/meditationsJump into the Love Life Accelerator Here:https://www.tealelisabeth.com/accelerator Learn more about her Soul Rebirth Course here: https://www.tealelisabeth.com/soul-rebirthLearn more about her Sacred Union Course here:https://www.tealelisabeth.com/sacred-unionEmail Teal anytime here: teal@relax-into-love.comSupport the show

Our favorite part of the Sissy Pageant is where we get to read your answers to various questions. This episode includes your answers to questions like: “What are some of the greatest challenges of your feminization?” “How does a Femdom Mistress, Goddess or caring, Dominant woman help with your feminization?”“What does sissy play bring to your life?”Many people answered that self-acceptance can be a challenge and that having a Mistress and a supportive community has made all the difference in the world.Other comments touch on:Motivation for consistent sissy training or being femmeFeminine style and who gets to decide how someone should lookBody hair while crossdressing or dressing en femmeMasculine and feminine sides co-existingHumiliation as part of sissy playSubmission to Mistress or Goddess as part of feminization training.Of course, you'll hear personal stories, our comments on your quotes and even a couple festive trips on safari including:Ms Erika's favorite body partMs Olivia's offer of 5 free minutes on your Discord session if you do a specific something.Our free adult social networking site: Enchantrix EmpireMistress Olivia's blog: Experienced MistressMistress Erika's blog: Intelligent Phone Fantasy

In this quick video, I discuss what most refuse to admit about themselves. I can't say there is anyone to blame but ourselves. It has always been our own responsiblity to seek the truth and then accept it with grace.

This episode is part of Body Relationship Month — our special July series revisiting some of our most-loved episodes to help you heal your relationship with your body and yourself. What most of us don't realize is that all we're really trying to do in life is get back to a state of wholeness — where our true, full life experience can actually begin. The real solution isn't endlessly pursuing external goals or chasing perfection. It's learning to let go of the baggage that keeps us from living as our whole selves, where our unlimited potential exists. In this solo episode, Tony shows you what's really standing between you and who you want to be, so you can stop wasting time on trivial pursuits and finally start living more fully and authentically. Ready to go deeper? Sign up for our free Body Relationship Month this July at builtdaily.com/body-relationship-month and get weekly trainings, tools, and support to start healing your relationship with your body for good. When you're ready, here are more ways we can help you… Read Tony's Book for Free The Ideal Body Formula: How to Ditch Diet Culture and Achieve the NEW Ideal Body is available 100% free. Click here to read it. Join Our Free Facebook Group Get strategies and support to heal your relationship with food and your body. Click here to join. Schedule Your Free Breakthrough Call A powerful 1-on-1 call designed to help you end food and body obsession for good. Book your call here.

In this episode, Matt O'Neill reveals how to achieve "conscious happiness" even when life feels chaotic. He explains that the common belief of "I'll be happy when..." is a deceptive trap that keeps us constantly striving but never satisfied. Matt reframes negative moods not as personal flaws, but as predictable functions of our "survival brain" that can be overcome. His solution is a set of simple, powerful habits—like gratitude and affirmations—that can be woven into your busiest days without taking extra time. This episode teaches you the skills to stop waiting for perfection and start being happy while life is messy. Matt's Linkedin Matt's Website  

In this microdose episode, Jon sits down to be interviewed by Jay Fields - one of our previous guests - on HER show, the Hey Wait podcast. They explore themes of authenticity, emotional vulnerability, and the societal conditioning that affects men's emotional expression. Jon shares his journey from the Navy SEAL Teams to mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of feeling emotions and the challenges posed by the 'nice guy' persona. The discussion also touches on the differences between being nice and being kind, the impact of people-pleasing in relationships, and the need for men to embrace their confidence and vulnerability. Listen to the full episode hereApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-wait/id1810486310Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ggpeSHBZ1358MoNXt6tdEtakeawaysAuthenticity is crucial for meaningful relationships.Societal conditioning affects emotional expression differently by gender.Mindfulness can help individuals connect with their emotions.The 'nice guy' persona can hinder personal growth and relationships.Being kind is different from being nice; kindness is rooted in authenticity.Men often seek validation through people-pleasing behaviors.Healthy masculinity exists and is essential for emotional well-being.Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.Emotional experiences on the battlefield can enhance self-awareness.Practicing mindfulness can lead to greater self-acceptance.Chapters00:00 John McCaskill's Journey: From Navy SEAL to Mindfulness Teacher00:56 The Importance of Feeling Emotions03:20 Overcoming Military Training: Embracing Vulnerability07:36 The Role of Mindfulness in Personal Growth11:16 Integrating Different Life Chapters13:29 Microdose OutroHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the key to healing, fulfillment, and inner peace isn't found in choosing between science or spirituality, but in weaving the two together? In this conversation, Dr. K bridges the timeless wisdom of the East with the empirical insights of the West, exploring everything from attention and emotion to enlightenment, desire, and the true self. We dive into why so many feel lost in today's world, how modern distractions suppress the soul, and what ancient traditions already knew about the mind and healing. From shadow work and mystical experiences to the deeper meaning of dharma and the illusion of the personality, this episode invites you to see yourself through a more integrated lens.Own Your Health with Function Health. Here's $100 off your membership:https://www.functionhealth.com/knowthyselfTry Nourish with Up to 36% Off:https://mudwtr.com/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 2:01 What Eastern & Western Science Lacks7:32 Knowledge vs Wisdom & Making True Change14:17 Opening Ourself Up to Deeper Knowing 20:00 Examining Who We Are At Our Core26:57 Mystical Experiences that Transform You36:40 Problem of Modern Distractions42:10 Practices for Cultivating a Concentrated Mind45:13 Ad: Function Health47:00 Your Attention is Being Bought54:09 The Spiritual Cost of a Suppressed & Distracted Mind56:55 Why So Many Young Men Struggle1:02:06 You're Not Depressed, You're Unhappy1:05:53 Ad: Mudwtr - Nourish1:07:15 The Foundation: Healing Deeper Wounds with Shadow work1:18:08 Create a “safe” environment for someone to heal1:20:50 False Gurus & Spiritual Hijacking 1:32:50 Karma & How Thoughts Hold You Back 1:40:12 Discerning the Intention Behind Actions1:47:06 The Paradox of Striving on the Spiritual Path1:54:00 spiritual practices for accumulating good karma 1:58:17 Reality of Intuition & Cultivating It2:04:19 Beneficial vs harmful chakra practices2:07:55 What is Enlightenment 2:13:54 How Samadhi Changes the World2:19:28 The Purpose of Earth & Waking Up 2:28:48 Defining Who We Are At Our Essence 2:32:45 Past Lives & Reincarnation 2:38:15 How Personality Relates to Awakening 2:40:20 Self Improvement vs Self Acceptance 2:43:29 Discovering & Living Your Dharma 2:55:04 Conclusion ___________Episode Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@HealthyGamerGGDr. K's Meditation Guide https://bit.ly/4a90rPX https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Welcome back to The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, your cozy corner for high-vibe healing and soulful reflections.In today's solo share, Candace recounts her recent trip to Jasper, Alberta—a place that has always held deep meaning for her—and the unexpected lesson that came from seeing the land after a massive forest fire.In this episode, she explores:

What if our relentless drive to be better than others is quietly breaking us?Miroslav Volf unpacks the core themes of his 2025 book, The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse. In this book, Volf offers a penetrating critique of comparison culture, diagnosing the hidden moral and spiritual wounds caused by competition and superiority.Drawing on Scripture, theology, philosophy, literature, and our culture's obsession with competition and superiority, Volf challenges our assumptions about ambition and identity—and presents a deeply humanizing vision of life rooted not in being “the best,” but in receiving ourselves as creatures made and loved by God.From Milton's depiction of Satan to Jesus' descent in Philippians 2, from the architectural rivalry of ancient Byzantium to modern Olympic anxieties, Volf invites us to imagine a new foundation for personal and social flourishing: a life free from striving, rooted in love and grace.Highlights“The key here is for us to come to appreciate, affirm, and—importantly—love ourselves. Love ourselves unconditionally.”“Striving for superiority devalues everything we have, if it doesn't contribute to us being better than someone else.”“The inverse of striving for superiority is internal plague by inferiority.”“In Jesus, we see that God's glory is not to dominate but to lift up what is low.”“We constantly compare to feel good about ourselves, and end up unsure of who we are.”“We have been given to ourselves by God—our very existence is a gift, not a merit.”Helpful Links and ResourcesVisit faith.yale.edu/ambition to get a 40-page PDF Discussion Guide and Full Access to 7 videosThe Cost of Ambition by Miroslav Volf (Baker Academic, May 2025)Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV) – Christ's Humility and Exaltation – BibleGatewayRomans 12:10 – “Outdo one another in showing honor” – BibleHubParadise Lost by John Milton – Project GutenbergParadise Regained by John Milton – Project GutenbergShow NotesOpening Reflections on CompetitionThe conversation begins with Volf recalling a talk he gave at the Global Congress on Christianity & Sports.He uses athletic competition—highlighting Lionel Messi—as a lens for questioning the moral value of striving to be better than others.“Sure, competition pulls people up—but it also familiarizes us with inferiority.”“We compare ourselves to feel good… but end up feeling worse.”Introduces the story of Justinian and Hagia Sophia: “Oh Solomon, I have outdone you.”Rivalry, Power, and InsecurityShares the backstory of Juliana's competing church and the gold-ceiling arms race with Justinian.“Religious architecture became a battlefield of status.”Draws insight from these historic rivalries as examples of how ambition pervades religious life—not just secular.Modern Parallels: Yale Students's & the Rat RaceVolf notes how even Yale undergrads—once top of their class—feel insecure in comparison to peers.“They arrive and suddenly their worth plummets. That's insane.”The performance-driven culture makes stable identity nearly impossible.Biblical Illustration: Kierkegaard's LilyVolf recounts Kierkegaard's retelling of Jesus's lily parable.A bird whispers to the little lily that it's not beautiful enough, prompting the lily to uproot itself—and wither.“The lesson: we are destined to lose ourselves when our value depends on comparison.”Intrinsic Value and the Image of God“We need to discover the intrinsic value of who we are as creatures made in the image of God.”Kierkegaard and Jesus both show us the beauty of ‘mere humanity.'“You are more glorious in your humanity than Solomon in his robes.”Theological Anthropology and Grace“We have been given to ourselves by God—our lives are a gift.”“We owe so much to luck, to others, to God. So how can we boast?”Paul's challenge in 1 Corinthians: “What do you have that you have not received?”Milton and Satan's AmbitionShifts to Paradise Lost: Satan rebels because he can't bear not being top.“Even what is beautiful becomes devalued if it doesn't prove superiority.”In Paradise Regained, Satan tempts Jesus to be the greatest—but Jesus refuses.Christ's Humility and Downward GloryHighlights Philippians 2: Jesus “emptied himself… took the form of a servant.”“God's glory is not domination—it's lifting up the lowly.”“Salvation comes not through seizing status, but through relinquishing it.”Paul's Vision of Communal HonorRomans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”“True honor comes not from climbing over others, but from lifting them up.”Connects this ethic to Paul's vision of church as an egalitarian body.God's Care for Creation and HumanityLuther's observation: God calls Earth good but not Heaven—“God cares more for our home than his own.”“We are called to emulate God's loving attention to the least.”Striving vs. AcceptanceVolf contrasts ambition with love: “The inverse of striving for superiority is the plague of inferiority.”Encourages unconditional self-love as a reflection of God's love.Uses image of a parent greeting a newborn: “You've arrived.”A Vision for Healed Culture“We wreck others in our pursuit of superiority—and we leave them wounded in our wake.”The gospel reveals a better way: not performance, but grace.“Our salvation and our culture's healing lie in the humility of Jesus.”“We must rediscover the beauty of our mere humanity.”About Miroslav VolfMiroslav Volf is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. One of the leading public theologians of our time, he is the author of numerous books including Exclusion and Embrace, Flourishing, A Public Faith, Life Worth Living, and most recently, The Cost of Ambition. His work explores themes of identity, reconciliation, human dignity, and the role of faith in a pluralistic society. He is a frequent speaker around the world and has advised both religious and civic leaders on matters of peace and justice.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge and Taylor CraigA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

What if the greatest power you'll ever discover isn't magic or super strength, but the belief in yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Sensei Sarhn shares how her award-winning YA novel Osu martial arts, meditation, and storytelling to empower teens to rise above self-doubt, embrace their individuality, and unlock the resilience already within them. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Sensei Sarhn on her new book Osu: A Coming of Age Novel - An Empowering Book of Self-Acceptance and Resilience.   Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comRenowned and highly trusted in the 1990s and 2000s for her striking and distinctive flair as a professional photographer, Sensei Sarhn photographed four Australian Prime Ministers, immortalized numerous celebrities, and vividly captured a plethora of sporting legends through her lens. After retiring her camera, Sarhn followed her passion for martial arts into founding a karate dojo, channelling her desire into making a profound and positive impact on the lives of her students. Imparting invaluable life skills such as strength of character, compassion, respect, self-awareness, focus, courage, determination, discipline, and confidence. Her commitment to empowering the next generation is now vividly captured in her debut novel, ‘Osu,' where she continues her mission to inspire healthy self-image and resilience in young adults and teenagers.  https://sarhn.com.auOrder OSU on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fuskU0l For more show information visit: https://www.mariannepestana.com

Love Your Body | Morning Affirmations for Body Positivity & Self-Acceptance Thank you for tuning into "Daily Affirmations for Women." Your presence is truly valued as we embark on a journey of positivity. Remember, you have exceptional qualities and limitless potential! Your ratings and follow-ups are crucial for our growth and deeply appreciated. Thank you for your support! Your presence and engagement mean the world to me. If you feel inspired to support my work further, you can make a donation through the link provided below: https://buymeacoffee.com/womenaffirmations If you'd like to request an episode on a specific topic, feel free to reach out to us via email. We're here to create content that supports and uplifts you. Email us at: dailyaffirmationswomenpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, humans. I want to talk about something that so many of us struggle with, and that's the feeling of not being enough. This is a part three of a series called "What If". I highly recommend going back and listening to the previous two if you haven't heard them already. I know that shame spiral all too well; when my life shifted in a single moment almost ten years ago, I found myself in a very dark place, believing I was flawed and unworthy. And as Brené Brown's research shows, that's the difference between guilt—I did something bad—and shame, which is the belief that I am bad . Let me say that again: Guilt is 'I did something bad,' shame is 'I am bad'. So what if we could change that narrative? What if you truly believed, right now, that you are enough, because you already are? Your assignment this week is to find one moment, maybe even write it on your mirror like I do, and tell yourself, 'I am enough exactly as I am' . We have the power to control our own script, so let's start there. Stacie More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Menopause Is it hot in here, or is it… Menopause? In this powerful episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna and Amy crack open one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed life transitions: menopause. From brain fog to emotional turbulence, night sweats to shifting identities, they share their raw, personal experiences and invite you into a conversation that too often happens in whispers, or not at all. This isn't about medical jargon or “grin and bear it” advice. It's about real talk: how menopause shows up in our bodies, our moods, our relationships, and our work and why it's time we stop pretending it doesn't exist. If you've ever felt alone in your symptoms, invisible in the workplace, or unsure of what's “normal,” this episode is for you. Let's break the silence and make space for truth, humour, and healing.   Timestamps [00:02:11] Menopause experiences and challenges [00:07:10] Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause [00:09:10] Impact of menopause [00:14:15] Redefining identity in change [00:18:51] Sharing personal struggles [00:21:40] The journey of self-acceptance [00:27:06] Leadership and menopause [00:29:27] Authentic conversations   

Quote of the Day: "There is no business worth the gamble of me losing me" - Dry Creek DewayneAudio Source: https://youtu.be/YB8ma6fmb1A?si=R4xN-hRwpuplwQERIf you enjoyed today's episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support via Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check Out My Business Adventures Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Upcoming Newsletter

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Rebecca, a graduate of my Holistic Career Change group program, who shares her powerful transformation from people-pleasing perfectionist to someone who makes aligned decisions through her body's wisdom. Rebecca opens up about being a "serial class taker" with too many interests and no clarity, and how a vivid childhood memory shaped years of climbing the professional ladder solely for approval and validation.We explore Rebecca's journey of learning to tune into her "loud body" as an internal navigation system, discovering her identity as an emotional projector, and shattering limiting beliefs about being bad at decision-making and never finishing things. She shares practical insights about setting boundaries at work, asking for help, overcoming shiny object syndrome, and building self-awareness to course-correct when slipping into old patterns. Rebecca also discusses launching her beautiful multipotentialite business, moving through comparison mode, and learning to build an aligned venture in strategic phases while honoring how all her past experiences now weave together perfectly to support her new path.ABOUT REBECCARebecca is the Creator, Editor, and Curator of Compassionate Contrarian, a website and blog dedicated to cultivating knowledge and power in changemakers, wellness seekers, and curious souls. She helps individuals confidently navigate allopathic, alternative, and arcane practices with critical compassion. Her work centers on uncovering what's hidden and getting you unstuck through Editorial Consulting, Vibrational Medicine, and Practical Divination. Question Boldly. Care Deeply. Persist with Purpose.To follow Rebecca's journey and explore Compassionate Contrarian, check out the links below. Join the mailing list now for the first newsletter in August 2025, and look out for a Flower Essence quiz and new resources—available soon or already live, depending on when you are listening!Website: https://compassionatecontrarian.com/Instagram: @compassionatecontrarianEmail: hello@compassionatecontrarian.comEnjoying this episode? Send me a text & share what you're resonating with!———

Jennifer Pastiloff is a bestselling author and creator of the viral "On Being Human" movement. This conversation explores her journey from childhood trauma to radical self-acceptance, her concept of silencing the "inner asshole," and why your want is enough to change everything. We discuss her father's death at eight, living in "the land of fine," and the revolutionary idea that you are your proof of life. She demonstrates how our deepest wounds become our greatest superpowers for connection. Jennifer is a rare gem. This exchange is deeply nourishing. Enjoy! Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up   Today's Sponsors: Go Brewing: Use the code Rich Roll for 15% OFF

Two of my close friends, Nick Sweeney and Jack Moses, joined me for this special episode of the podcast.(00:00) - The Shared Mission for Service(12:20) - Authenticity and Self-Acceptance(16:11) - Navigating Input Overload and Self-Awareness(23:27) - Finding Self-Love and True Alignment(35:21) - Honoring the Writer Within(45:39) - Empowerment Through Choice and Freedom(55:55) - The Power of Choice and Commitment(01:02:43) - Embracing Balance and Personal Growth(01:16:10) - Connecting Through Gratitude and SharingSocial LinksNick's X: https://x.com/basedethosJack's X: https://x.com/jackmoses0To contact me: danny [at] dannymiranda [dot] comDownload the Coherence App: https://www.coherencebreath.com/Follow Coherence on IG: https://www.instagram.com/coherence_breath/Follow Coherence on X: https://x.com/coherencebreath

Send us a textWhat do you do when the meanest voice you hear is your own? For independent filmmaker and Pixar artist Masha Ellsworth, that question became the most important creative challenge of her life. After a decade of professional success, she found herself feeling stuck, fearful, and creatively paralyzed—until a message inside a fortune cookie gave her a new mission: "Silence the critic within."In this vulnerable and deeply relatable conversation, Masha takes host Lira Ndifon on her journey to understand and tame the inner bully that was holding her back. She reveals the psychological origins of the inner critic, how it can be a distorted echo of parents, teachers, and even our heroes, and why its ultimate goal is to keep us "safe" by keeping us small. This episode is a powerful exploration of how to reclaim your authentic self from the grip of self-doubt.This is a must-listen for any creative, perfectionist, or anyone who has ever felt like they weren't good enough. You will discover:The Fortune Cookie That Started It All: The simple, profound moment that sparked an entire film and a journey of self-healing.Taming Your Inner Bully: Why fighting your inner critic doesn't work, and how to build a new relationship with it through self-compassion and understanding.Practical Tools for a Quieter Mind: Masha shares the surprising, non-meditative techniques she uses to take a break from negative thought-loops—from simple puzzle games to doodling.The Inner Critic vs. The Inner Child: How nurturing your inner child's sense of play and wonder is the most powerful antidote to the critic's voice of perfectionism.This isn't just a conversation about filmmaking; it's a practical guide to making peace with the most difficult parts of yourself, so you can finally get on with the business of living a full, brave, and creative life.Support the showCall to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey. Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

This episode is part of Body Relationship Month — our special July series revisiting some of our most-loved episodes to help you heal your relationship with your body. One of the most common questions we hear is: Can I want to lose weight and still heal my relationship with food and my body? It's a nuanced and deeply personal question — one that many women in midlife wrestle with after years (or decades) of dieting, body shame, and conflicting messages about health. If you're trying to balance weight loss goals with a genuine desire for body acceptance and food freedom, this episode is for you. In this episode — “Can Weight Loss and Healing Your Relationships with Food and Body Coexist?” — you'll learn:

In this video, join host Khudania Ajay as he welcomes Abby Diamond, an artist and strong advocate of "Imperfectionism." Hailing from Seattle, USA, Abby shares valuable insights into creativity, habits, and behavior change. Discover the transformative power of embracing imperfection in your journey towards personal and professional success. Tune in for a compelling conversation that explores the art of imperfectionism and its profound impact on achieving your goals.

For most of my life, I believed that money came from hard work—hustling, grinding, proving my worth. But deep down, that belief was rooted in fear and lack. In this episode, I'm sharing the truth that changed everything for me: you don't attract money by doing more—you attract it by shifting who you are on the inside. We'll explore how your Inner Critic has shaped your money story, how to unhook from deeply ingrained scarcity patterns, and how to align with the version of you who already feels worthy, abundant, and free. If you've been chasing success and still feeling like it's never enough—this is your wake-up call to stop striving and start receiving. Listen now and begin creating wealth from within.   Your weekly reflection questions: What do I believe about money—and where did that belief come from? How would I think, feel, and act if I already trusted that abundance is who I am? In what ways is my Inner Critic still convincing me that I have to earn my worth? Looking for the Redesign Your Future: The Hidden Truth About Transformation Masterclass? >> You can find all the info here

"You deserve to be loved and to love yourself— flaws and all. And you can move powerfully from that." —Audra Bryant Perfection is a myth—real beauty begins the moment you dare to show your scars.We spend so much energy hiding our scars—physical or emotional—believing they make us less worthy. But what if embracing those imperfections is the key to real confidence, deeper relationships, and a life that feels truly free? If you've ever felt trapped by self-doubt or the pressure to be perfect, this episode is your permission slip to let go and start living boldly.Audra Bryant is a burn survivor who spent years unable to look at her own reflection, only finding the courage to face herself in the mirror at age 25. Now a certified life coach and author, she draws on her extraordinary journey to help others embrace their scars, rewrite their stories, and step boldly into self-acceptance.Join Heather and Audra as they explore the journey from self-criticism to self-acceptance, share practical ways to rediscover joy as an adult, and reveal why your story—scars and all—deserves to be seen and celebrated.Connect with Heather: WebsiteFacebook InstagramLinkedInEpisode Highlights:01:19 Audra's Journey— Creating Enjoyable Experiences 05:45 The Impact of Embracing Scars 11:05 Own Your Scars14:12 Pivotal Moment of Self-Acceptance 21:27 Bring More Ease Into Your Life 26:04 “I've Got Scars, Baby”Resources

Send us a textIn this tender and truth-filled conversation, Kris is joined by the grounded and wise spirit guide Elira, who shares how to stay with yourself through the storms of grief, overwhelm, and emotional unraveling.This episode is a balm for the soul if you're feeling stretched, shaken, or just deeply human right now.Elira reminds us that:You are not too much — your emotions are sacred dataDisconnection isn't failure — it's protection, and a doorwayKindness is the bridge — the one your nervous system will trustCrying in the rain is not weakness — it's ancient wisdom in motionWith somatic practices, soul-anchoring mantras, and poetic truth, this conversation offers real tools for staying kind, steady, and present in uncertain times.

In the third part of our series on caring for insecurity, we are reminded that the awareness of your insecurity feelings is a vital first step. Can you see the areas in your life where you most often feel insecure? When these feelings arise they often manifest as a general feeling of uneasiness and discontentment in our life. When you recognize this unwelcome feeling, look at what your response is to it. Do you see it as an uninvited guest? Do you treat it like a friend or foe? Robert helps us learn the importance of recognizing our own specific feelings of insecurity so we can learn to better respond to them.    To further explore the resources available to you at Awareness That Heals, visit: • Awareness That Heals Blog at AwarenessThatHeals.org: https://bit.ly/ATH-Blog • Awareness That Heals Podcast at Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ATH-Apple-Podcast • Awareness That Heals Podcast at AwarenessThatHeals.org: https://bit.ly/ATH-Podcast • Guided Meditation Series at AwarenessThatHeals.org: https://bit.ly/ATH-Guided-Meditations • The (free) Introspective Guides at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UXrsIypD95eGpY42FNIhu_HpD9x5gumT/view?usp=sharing

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3210: Vironika Tugaleva offers a transformative perspective on the relationship between self-discovery and self-respect, urging readers to embrace their whole selves, including the parts they've hidden or judged. Her reflections challenge the idea that self-improvement starts with shame, proposing instead that true change begins with unconditional self-acceptance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.vironika.org/self-discovery-self-respect/ Quotes to ponder: "Self-respect isn't something you earn by becoming a better person. It's something you discover when you realize you were worthy all along." "To reject who you are is to reject your own humanity." "You can't hate yourself into change. You can't reject yourself into growth. That's not how it works." Episode references: The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 The Mastery of Love: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Love-Practical-Relationship-Toltec/dp/1878424424 The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is part of Body Relationship Month — our special July series revisiting some of the most-loved episodes to help you heal your relationship with your body. If you want more self-worth or confidence, you have to give it to yourself. Stop making it contingent on a smaller body. The more we tie our self-worth to our body, the more uncomfortable we feel in our own skin. Instead of using food and exercise to meet our needs and help us feel our best, we end up using them as tools to control our body and our value. Any unwanted number on the scale can trigger a collapse in self-worth. To solve this, you have to separate your body from your body image — and start working on the latter. In this episode — “How to Handle Being Uncomfortable in Your Own Skin” — you'll learn:

In this episode, Dana Skaggs is joined by neurodiversity advocate Khushboo Chabria, who shares her journey to empowerment after a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. Khushboo explains why feeling misunderstood isn't a personal failure but often a sign of a workplace culture that lacks true acceptance. She introduces a powerful mindset shift: replacing judgment with "compassionate curiosity." Learn how to stop trying to “fix” yourself, advocate for your unique needs, and find the environment where you can truly thrive. Khushboo's Linkedin  

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3210: Vironika Tugaleva offers a transformative perspective on the relationship between self-discovery and self-respect, urging readers to embrace their whole selves, including the parts they've hidden or judged. Her reflections challenge the idea that self-improvement starts with shame, proposing instead that true change begins with unconditional self-acceptance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.vironika.org/self-discovery-self-respect/ Quotes to ponder: "Self-respect isn't something you earn by becoming a better person. It's something you discover when you realize you were worthy all along." "To reject who you are is to reject your own humanity." "You can't hate yourself into change. You can't reject yourself into growth. That's not how it works." Episode references: The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 The Mastery of Love: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Love-Practical-Relationship-Toltec/dp/1878424424 The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Start your day off on the right foot with Morning Affirmations – inspiring quotes and affirmations to help you make positive changes every day. Change your mindset, change your life.

Send us a textHave you ever felt that sinking feeling when he starts texting less, seems distant, or doesn't initiate plans like he used to?

Booking Link: Free 30-Minute Breakthrough ConsultationNew Website: Soul Revealed PsychologyDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not substitute individual psychological advice. *This is an affiliate link. Purchasing through affiliate links supports The Soul Horizon at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Welcome back to The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, your cozy corner for high-vibe healing and soulful self-expression.In today's solo episode, Candace invites you to explore what it truly means to be your own unique flavor — not the watered-down version that tries to keep everyone happy, but the real, bold, delicious truth of who you are.She shares:

Behind the fascination with augmented breasts is a complex truth that involves a number of experiences, such as trauma and the necessity for explants or breast implant removal. While breast implants have provided benefits for many women, they have also been connected with major complications and traumatic experiences. In today's episode, we are joined by Candice Barley, a breast implant illness patient advocate, and by Dr. Amanda Savage Brown, the author of Busting Free: How to Liberate Yourself from the Quest for Better Breasts Before, During, and Long After Explant. If you want to grab a copy of Dr. Brown's book, you can visit her website through this link: https://amandasavagebrown.com/ Website - https://amandasavagebrown.com/ (https://amandasavagebrown.com/) Show Highlights: Why Write "Busting Free"? (00:03:22) Dr. Brown explains her motivation for writing her book and the unmet psychosocial needs of women with breast implants. The Origin of the "Breast Rule Book" (00:06:56) Societal beliefs about breasts, how these beliefs form, and their impact on self-image Individual Breast Rule Books & Social Pressures (00:13:38) How each woman's experience is unique, and the role of peer and societal pressure in shaping self-worth Psychological Flexibility & Adaptation (00:22:01) Psychological flexibility as it relates to patients and surgeons, emphasizing adaptability in care Partner Considerations & Relationship Dynamics (00:26:42) Addressing the complexities of partner reactions to explant surgery and strategies for communication and support. The Importance of Advocacy & Support (00:29:48) The value of patient advocacy and having supportive professionals during the explant journey Will I Get Better? Addressing Patient Fears (00:37:48) Approach to treating inflammation and the holistic methods used in his practice Tipping Points: Stress, Trauma, and Illness (00:39:30) Life stressors, trauma, and environmental exposures in triggering breast implant illness symptoms The Real Challenge: Post-Surgical Recovery (00:44:17) Complexity of recovery after explant surgery and the need for ongoing support Medical Gaslighting & Patient Validation (00:48:03) Emotional impact of being dismissed by doctors and the relief of being believed Links and Resources Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breast-implant-illness/id1678143554 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SPDripbluZKYsC0rwrBdb?si=23ea2cd9f6734667 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobertwhitfield?t=8oQyjO25X5i&r=1 IG: https://www.instagram.com/breastimplantillnessexpert/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertWhitfield Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/ X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd Read this article - https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness Shop: https://drrobssolutions.com SHARP: https://www.harp.health NVISN Labs - https://nvisnlabs.com/ Get access to Dr. Rob's Favorite Products below: Danger Coffee - Use our link for mold free coffee - https://dangercoffee.com/pages/mold-free-coffee?ref=ztvhyjg JASPR Air Purifier - Use code DRROB for the Jaspr Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/ Echo Water - Get high quality water with our code DRROB10 - https://echowater.com/ BallancerPro - Use code DRROBVIP for the world's leader in lymphatic drainage technology - https://ballancerpro.com Ultrahuman - Use code WHITFIELD10 for the most accurate wearable - https://www.ultrahuman.com/ring/buy/us/?affiliateCode=drwhitfield

Send us a textIn this episode of LadyBoss Unplugged, Kaitlyn discusses the importance of self-love and confidence, sharing her personal journey of overcoming body image issues. She emphasizes that true worth is not defined by weight or appearance, and offers practical tools such as affirmations, dressing with intention, and finding joyful movement to help women embrace their bodies and cultivate self-acceptance.

From being jumped into a gang at age 12, to bodybuilding through emotional pain, to chasing escape through substances and NYC underground parties, Jamie's story is anything but ordinary. In this raw and unfiltered episode of Tami Talks: Unscripted Healing, we explore what it looks like to go from a life built on survival and ego to one rooted in emotional regulation, inner child healing, and radical self-awareness and acceptance. Together, we unpack how early trauma shaped Jamie's identity, the masks he wore to survive, why you can't out-lift, out-hustle, or out-numb your pain, and what finally cracked him open to a new way of being where vulnerability became strength and stillness became power. Whether you're a parent, a Projector in Human Design, a coach, or simply someone on a healing journey, this episode offers insight, validation, and a powerful reminder: You're not broken. You are "perfect, whole, and complete!" Resources Mentioned:  Connect with Jamie Facebook  Celebration Spiritual Center    Catherine Ponder: Open Yourself to Receive  Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and Connection 03:52 Personal Growth and Excavation 06:32 The Importance of Authenticity 09:08 Childhood Trauma and Memory Gaps 11:26 Navigating Emotional Intelligence 14:13 Surrendering to Life's Flow 16:43 Understanding Projector Energy 19:39 The Balance of Masculine and Feminine Energy 22:05 Embracing Emotional States 24:56 Parenting and Emotional Honesty 27:09 Breaking Generational Patterns 29:27 The Journey of Self-Discovery 32:15 Physical and Spiritual Growth 35:03 The Impact of Relationships on Growth 36:38 Embracing Identity and Parental Influence 39:46 Navigating Parenthood and Emotional Regulation 43:57 Inner Child Work and Self-Connection 47:32 The Importance of Needs and Emotional Awareness 50:55 Surrendering to Life's Flow 53:23 Facilitating Growth and Healing 57:10 The Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Change 01:12:02 Embracing the Inner Child and Personal Growth 01:14:02 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity 01:17:15 Intuitive Fitness and Listening to Your Body 01:18:59 The Tug of War: Balancing Ego and Authenticity 01:21:44 Life's Journey: From Trauma to Transformation 01:28:00 The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity 01:37:49 Embracing All Aspects of Self 01:42:12 Commitment to Healing and Growth

In this episode, Anna and Bracey dive into a topic of self-acceptance! They discuss how they define self-acceptance, in what ways they practice it, and of course, areas where they could use a little growth. Some episodes you may have missed….Here's some good ones from the archives!Learning to ‘Let Them'The Real Deal: Authenticity and Its AdversariesTravel talks: our time together in Portland, favorite trips, and future destinationsIf you've enjoyed any of our episodes, we'd appreciate it if you'd share with a friend. That's how podcasts grow - through connection - and we appreciate you helping us grow! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit likehearted.substack.com

This episode is part of Body Relationship Month — our special July series where we're revisiting some of our most-loved episodes to help you heal your relationship with your body. Many of us struggle to overcome society's message that you need to look a certain way to be valued. Adopting these messages (willingly or not) often creates debilitating battles with how we see our bodies. This negative body relationship can permeate nearly every aspect of life and diminish our entire experience. We end up living day after day with someone (ourselves) we don't accept, love, or appreciate unconditionally. And well… that sucks. But there are steps you can take to embrace your imperfections, accept yourself as-is, and still pursue your health and fitness goals. The result? Peace, freedom, and finally escaping a lifetime sentence in your food and body prison. In this episode — “Embracing Imperfection: How to Love Your Body at Every Stage” — you'll learn:

In this engaging conversation, Cher and Dr. Ravi Iyer explore the transformative power of intentional focus, the journey to delivering a TED talk, and the importance of embracing one's unique abilities, including ADHD. Dr. Iyer shares his personal experiences of overcoming rejection, finding self-worth, and the significance of mindfulness in achieving clarity and connection. The discussion emphasizes the potential within everyone to harness their strengths and inspire others, regardless of age or past struggles. Start your free Solution-Focused  3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge  You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link.  ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you.  TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en  Tip Jar:  Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher   Takeaways Intentional focus is crucial for personal growth. Rejections can lead to unexpected opportunities. Self-worth is a journey, not a destination. ADHD can be harnessed as a superpower. Mindfulness techniques can help manage racing thoughts. The power of connection enhances clarity and understanding. Storytelling is a process of external and internal discovery. Community support is vital in personal journeys. Embracing one's unique abilities can inspire others. Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ravi Iyer 01:31 Ravi's Journey to the TED Stage 04:46 The Process of TED Talk Preparation 07:14 Community Engagement and Impact 10:37 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 13:10 The Power of Connection and Future Talks 15:52 Harnessing ADHD as a Strength 21:02 Therapeutic Approaches to ADHD 24:18 ADHD as a Natural Predator Architecture 27:03 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Potential 30:08 The Journey to Medical School 35:35 The Power of Focus and Connection 42:02 The Journey to Self-Acceptance  

This is episode 9 of my other podcast: It's Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth---Doing nothing can feel uncomfortable, especially when you care deeply about your work, your goals, or the people you're showing up for. But sometimes, pushing through becomes too much.This short reflection is a reminder that rest isn't laziness.Taking a break isn't a failure.Pausing doesn't mean you've given up – it means you're listening to what you need.If you're feeling the weight of burnout, this is your permission slip to stop producing for a moment, to let things breathe, and to remember that stillness is its own kind of strength.Subscribe to It's Okay If... https://its-okay-if.captivate.fm/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Typology, I sit down with Chris Janssen, a USA Today best-selling author and board-certified coach, to explore the intersection of the Enneagram, recovery, and personal growth. Chris, an Enneagram 4, shares her journey of sobriety and the insights she gained from her experiences. Together, we discuss the unique challenges that Enneagram 4s face, particularly in relation to addiction and the feeling of being different. Chris opens up about her struggles with self-acceptance and the importance of grace in the recovery process. Tune in as we dive into: The role of the Enneagram in understanding addiction The significance of grace on the recovery journey How to navigate criticism and self-worth as a creative The power of community in recovery settings Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing your true self and finding healing. Don't forget to check out Chris's new book, "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want," available wherever books are sold. Subscribe to Typology for more episodes exploring the human personality through the lens of the Enneagram! May you have love, joy, peace, healing, and rest. Until next time!   Connect with Chris Janssen here: www.chrisjanssencoaching.com

For years, I was doing everything “right”—checking the boxes, building a life that looked good on the outside—yet deep down, something felt off. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was betraying my Authentic Self, letting old patterns and my Inner Critic run the show. In this episode, I'm sharing the deeper truth about what it really means to live your true calling—not by fixing your life, but by unhooking from the thoughts, roles, and beliefs that no longer serve you. If you've ever felt stuck, restless, or quietly wondered, “Is this really it?”—this is the conversation your soul has been waiting for. Watch now to reconnect with the version of you who's always been there, just waiting to be remembered.   Your weekly reflection questions: Where in your life are you saying “yes” when your Authentic Self is quietly saying “no”? What truth have you been avoiding that your body already knows? If you stopped trying to prove, fix, or strive—who would you allow yourself to become? Looking for the Redesign Your Future: The Hidden Truth About Transformation Masterclass? >> You can find all the info here

Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie: Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD and delivers engaging training sessions on neurodiversity in the workplace. Her work blends lived experience with professional insight, supporting clients to understand their unique strengths, navigate challenges like executive functioning and emotional regulation, and build strategies that work with their brains, not against them. Rosie also teaches architecture part-time at Nottingham Trent University, where her interest in social justice and inclusive design shapes both her teaching and advocacy. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she challenges outdated narratives around ADHD and champions a strengths-based, human-centered approach. Whether she's coaching, writing articles, or leading workshops, Rosie's mission is clear: to create environments where neurodivergent people are understood, empowered, and celebrated. Enjoy! [You are now safely here, feel free to breathe] Intro and Welcome Rosie Elvin!  01:10 - So, what is inclusive design? 02:57 - Coaching Strategies for Neurodivergent individuals 03:20 - We don't often consider design's role in neurodiversity or ADHD, similar to how the world is designed for right-handed people; it seems designed for "normal brains." 04:12 - When coaching, how do you incorporate design, and what key strategies work for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals? 04:30 - If someone comes to you feeling lost or stuck, how do you help them shift their perspective? 05:47 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact 08:06 - Much of the problem stems from being told we're "broken" or "not good enough" for so long. 08:39 - On the journey of Self-Acceptance and Advocacy 11:20 - It's difficult to un-ingrain lifelong beliefs. 11:43 - When you were growing up, neurodiversity "didn't exist"; it meant being disruptive. 12:33 - Many first-world countries still don't discuss it. 13:13 - You're so talented and good at what you do. 14:48 - This seems like a classic ADHD response: identifying a problem and immediately fixing it without overthinking. 15:00 - Rosie, where can everyone find you? 16:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Rosie Elvin: LinkedIn: ADHD Focus, Rosie Alvin Website: www.adhdfocus.co.uk Instagram: @rosie.adhdfocus (Less active, as mentioned in the interview, but her LinkedIn and website are preferred contact methods) Peter Shankman: Email: peter@shankman.com Podcast: Faster Than Normal Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Sarah went to Vail Pride and is getting very emotional about her LGBTQ journey, the self-doubt she's grappled with, and her goal of self-acceptance. We explore why we're often hardest on ourselves and more accepting of others. Sarah talks about a study on rule followers, and we speculate about why people follow rules even when no one would know if they broke it. We discuss why procrastination can be about avoiding feelings that make us uncomfortable rather than the task itself. Sarah's plant stealing lifestyle continues, and she is having guilt about some *leaves* she picked up off the ground. We debate whether private companies should be allowed to "own" celestial bodies.Our Favorite Bits19:26 - Recent study finds that people might be more honest than we thought30:33 - "Someone's having a good time". Sarah's weird interaction at Pride.34:57 - Sarah's story update on the plants41:54 - The moon might be worth TRILLIONS!!!42:35 - EDITOR's PICK - Literally, a lightning clip.46:06 - Moon treasure continued48:16 - Funny discussion about men and the inventions that killed them52:29 - Back to the moon thing again. What the heck are we supposed to do?!01:01:29 - Researchers in China developed a retinal prosthesis to help restore visionThank you for being a Brainiac! Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to https://nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BRAINCANDYThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off their first month at https://betterhelp.com/braincandyFor an extra 25% off your order and a special gift, head to https://pacagen.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.