Self-love sounds beautiful in theory—but how do you actually practice it when life feels heavy and your body feels like a stranger?
In this heartfelt episode we are joined by transformational coach, yoga teacher, and global retreat leader Nadine McNeil—also known as Universal Empress. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to practice self-love.
Far beyond affirmations and bath rituals, self-love is about rebuilding trust with the body, accepting imperfections, and creating safety within yourself. Nomi and Nadine share stories from their own journeys, explore why we lose connection with our bodies in the first place, and offer practical ways to return home to yourself—no matter where you’re starting from.
From mirror work and breathwork to dancing in your room and hugging yourself like you would a child, this episode offers a powerful reminder: self-love isn’t something you wait to feel—it’s something you do.
In this episode:
About Nadine McNeil:
Nadine McNeil, known as the Universal Empress, is a transformational coach, yoga teacher, and retreat facilitator helping women around the world step into healing, power, and purpose. Through her workshops, global retreats, and moon circles, she guides others to come home to themselves with grace and truth. https://www.instagram.com/universalempress/?hl=en
What if a statue of your vulva could change how you see your body—and help rewrite a generation's relationship with pleasure, shame, and power?
In this boundary-breaking episode, we welcome the incredible artist and founder of Vulva Casting, Viktoria Krug. Known for her empowering vulva sculptures, Viktoria uses art to help women and vulva-havers around the world reclaim body confidence, dismantle shame, and celebrate the diversity of our bodies.
Viktoria shares how a single discovery in her twenties led to a global mission to normalize vulva diversity and empower people through casting sessions. Together, we discuss identity, self-expression, sexuality, and what it means to honor the parts of ourselves that have been hidden, judged, or misunderstood.
From boudoir photography to vulva art, this conversation explores how personal liberation can be a political act—and how simply saying yes to seeing yourself can be revolutionary.
In this episode:
01:45 Discovering the Diversity of Vulvas
02:37 The Emotional Journey of Vulva Casting
04:27 Global Impact and Educational Outreach
07:40 Boudoir Photography and Body Positivity
12:13 The Healing Power of Vulva Casting
12:44 The Casting Process Explained
17:09 Empowerment Through Art and Conversation
About Viktoria Krug & Vulva Casting:
Viktoria Krug is a biologist-turned-artist based in Austria, and the founder of Vulva Casting. Her mission is to challenge shame and celebrate individuality by casting real vulvas from real people around the world. Each statue is a piece of art—and a symbol of liberation, pride, and visibility.
Book Your Vulva Casting in NYC:
Viktoria will be offering limited sessions in New York City from July 21–28, 2025, hosted by Nomi at Boudoir by Nomi’s studio.
Connect with Viktoria:
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: https://boudoirbynomi.com
Schedule a consult: https://boudoirbynomi.com/contact
What if the path to deeper self-awareness and healing wasn’t in doing more, but in slowing down?
Cassanie Mckenzie is a yoga teacher, wellness coach, sound healer and my dear friend based in Jamaica. In this episode, we explore Cassanie's journey from discovering yoga in her "party girl phase" to becoming a renowned teacher who integrates movement, sound, and spiritual practices into her offerings.
Cassanie shares how her personal evolution led her from intense cardio workouts to a deeper connection with her body, mind, and spirit through yoga and wellness - because movement is not about weight loss. They we chat into the importance of nourishing practices, the role of the womb as a creative and energetic center, and how retreats and cleanses can transform lives.
02:35 Cassanie's Journey into Yoga
06:40 First Yoga Class Experience
11:05 Transition to Professional Yoga
15:50 First Teaching Experience
23:09 The Spiritual Connection of Music and Life Experiences
24:13 The Deeper Purpose of Movement and Cleansing
25:58 Understanding the Womb Cleanse
26:44 The Role of Yoga and Physical Practices
32:37 Embracing Plant Medicine and Holistic Healing
34:21 Starting Your Journey with Movement and Yoga
37:31 Connecting with Cassanie and Upcoming Retreats
41:59 The Importance of Nourishment and Personal Growth
Connect with Cassanie:
Website: https://www.cassaniemckenzie.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassanisun/
Retreats: https://www.cassaniemckenzie.com/curated-retreats-1
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: https://boudoirbynomi.com
Schedule a consult: https://boudoirbynomi.com/contact
How do we connect with our divine feminine and honor the balance between creation, nurturing, and healing in our lives?
Welcome to Season 2 of Because I Love My Body! In this episode, host Nomi sits down with Empress Thandi, founder of the Wise Wellness Center in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Empress Thandi shares her incredible journey of self-healing and how it led her to become a wellness practitioner and healer.
Together, they explore the powerful concepts of divine femininity, balance, and creation, offering practical ways to connect with your divine feminine energy—even in urban environments. The cover the ancient practice of Yoni steaming, the importance of honoring the womb as a center of creation (beyond childbirth), and how we can embrace the different phases of womanhood.
Connect with Empress Tandi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empressthandi/
Website: https://wisewellnessja.com/about-us/the-team/
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: https://boudoirbynomi.com
Schedule a consult: https://boudoirbynomi.com/contact
You’ve heard about body positivity before, but it’s not realistic to always feel positive about your body.
In today’s episode, Nomi discusses the concepts of body positivity, body neutrality, and body liberation.
She explains the differences between each, how they intersect, and why they’re all essential tools for building a healthy relationship with our bodies.
Nomi also discusses how boudoir photography aligns with these philosophies by offering a space to celebrate and embrace bodies of all shapes and sizes.
Nomi then chats with a recent boudoir client, Wani, who shares how her photoshoot was a transformative experience in embracing her authentic self and how she could see both feminine and masculine energy come through in the shoot.
The episode finishes with the “Ask Nomi” segment, where Nomi breaks down the concepts of masculine and feminine energy and how these energies play a role in daily life.
Timestamps:
Thank you so much for listening! Don’t forget to rate the show, subscribe and share it on Instagram! See you next week.
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
In this special season finale of Because I Love My Body, Nomi shares a beautiful guided meditation designed to help you connect with your body, release tension, and embrace self-love.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to meditation or have a regular practice; there is no right or wrong way to meditate. Just taking this time to be with yourself is enough!
This meditation is your opportunity to reconnect with yourself and step into the next chapter with calm and confidence.
Thank you for joining Nomi for this first season of Because I Love My Body. Every kind word, share, and rating is so appreciated!
See you in the new year for Season Two!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Nomi opens up today about her experience of having a miscarriage and how she has navigated the emotional and physical challenges that came with it.
She shares how she is learning to trust and love her body, even when it doesn’t do ‘what it’s supposed to do,’ and the importance of honoring where she is emotionally and physically each day as part of her healing journey.
Later in the episode, Nomi speaks with her SoulCycle instructor and boudoir client, Chanel. Chanel shares her journey from professional dance to fitness, the transformative power of music and movement, and her experience during her boudoir session with Nomi.
Together, they reflect on the profound connection between movement, self-expression, and body empowerment.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Healing from miscarriage
15:30 – Client chat with Chanel about how to connect with your body
Connect with Chanel:
Instagram: chanelnicoleofficial
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Thank you so much for listening to this episode of ‘Because I Love My Body’. Make sure to rate it 5 stars and share it with a friend if you enjoyed!
Today Nomi is going to chat about the history and flaws of the Body Mass Index (BMI). She discusses how the BMI is an outdated, oversimplified, and biased metric that fails to account for the diversity of human bodies. From its origins 200 years ago by a Belgian mathematician to its problematic application in modern health metrics, Nomi challenges its relevance and gives you permission to throw it out the window!
In the Ask Nomi segment, she shares the most rewarding aspects of being a boudoir photographer.
And to finish up, Nomi has an inspiring chat with her client Nicole, a bodybuilder who shares how boudoir photography has helped her celebrate her body at different stages of her life. Nicole opens up about her journey to self-love, overcoming body image struggles, and finding joy in her 40s and 50s.
Timestamps:
00:00 The Truth About BMI
05:16 Ask Nomi: The Rewards of Boudoir Photography
06:50 Client Interview: Nicole's Boudoir Experience
NY Times article on BRI mentioned: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/06/health/body-roundness-index-bmi.html
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Embracing this mindset of main character energy will transform how you show up in your life!
Nomi chats about becoming the hero of your own story and stepping into your main character energy so you can live a life filled with confidence and self-love.
In the Ask Nomi segment, she shares who you should do a boudoir shoot for, and the answer is simple—YOURSELF! Specifically, the three versions of yourself: past, present, and future.
To end the episode, Nomi chats with Shaina and Kate, who share the impact their boudoir sessions have had on their lives and their experience of doing a shoot in Jamaica.
Timestamps:
If this episode inspired you, make sure to rate the show, subscribe, and share it with a friend!
Thanks for listening—see you next week!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
In this episode of Because I Love My Body, Nomi opens up about the power of boudoir photography and why it’s about so much more than just photos.
She talks about her journey as a boudoir photographer, the care she puts into creating a safe and supportive space, and how the experience helps clients connect with their bodies.
Nomi is joined by her client Kristen, who shares her story of doing four boudoir sessions, each at a different point in her life. Kristen talks about how these sessions have helped her embrace her body, feel confident, and celebrate her beauty.
Finally, in the "Ask Nomi" segment, Nomi answers a listener's question about how she makes sure her clients feel comfortable during their shoot, which is so essential for getting the most out of each session.
Timestamps:
Thank you so much for listening to another episode of Because I Love My Body. Make sure to rate the show and subscribe if you enjoyed today’s episode. See you next week!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Nomi often gets asked how she got into boudoir photography, so she thought she'd share her story with you today!
Nomi discusses the challenges she faced juggling multiple jobs and navigating difficult work environments, and how these experiences ultimately pushed her toward a path focused on empowering women.
She then talks about her commitment to creating a safe space for women to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin, as well as the positive impact boudoir sessions have on clients' self-image.
Nomi speaks with her client Brenda, who shares her transformative experience with boudoir photography, celebrating her journey of self-love and body confidence.
In the “Ask Nomi” segment, Nomi answers a listener’s question about what “sexy” means to her!
Timestamps:
00:00 My Story of Becoming a Boudoir Photographer
14:49 Client Chat: Brenda's Boudoir Experience
30:57 Ask Nomi: What Does Sexy Mean?
Thank you so much for listening to another episode of ‘Because I Love My Body’! If you have any feedback, please share it with Nomi on Instagram. See you next week!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Nomi uses the example of Adam and Eve and modern media to show why so many women feel shame and guilt about their bodies.
Stories like Adam and Eve have painted women as sources of temptation and blame, reinforcing body shame.
Nomi connects these themes to current societal pressures, exploring how they shape women’s self-image and what steps can be taken to change this.
Nomi then speaks with her client Makeda, who celebrated her 60th birthday with a boudoir session. They discuss how embracing one’s body and sensuality at any age can be a powerful act of self-acceptance.
Makeda shares her journey of challenging stereotypes on aging and femininity and feeling empowered in her own skin.
In the "Ask Nomi" segment, Nomi explains how she protects the privacy of her clients' boudoir images to keep these special photos secure.
Timestamps:
00:00 Modern Day Shame and Sexuality06:15 Client Interview: Makeda's Boudoir Experience21:57 Ask Nomi: Ensuring Photo Privacy
Thank you so much for listening! Don’t forget to rate the show and subscribe if you enjoyed it!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Let’s talk about Orgasms!
This isn’t something that is discussed openly, but Nomi shares her insights on the importance of pleasure in feeling empowered and connected with your body.
She talks about the different types of orgasms—clitoral, G-spot, and cervical—and how women can cultivate a deeper connection with their bodies through self-pleasure.
In the second half of this episode, Nomi is joined by her client Rachel, who shares her journey of undergoing a preventative double mastectomy and how the boudoir session helped her memorialize her body before surgery and celebrate her choice to take control of her health.
In the "Ask Nomi" segment, Nomi answers a listener’s question about what clients typically do with their boudoir photos after a session!
Timestamps:
Link to yoni egg: https://amzn.to/40o8C9F
Thank you so much for listening! Don’t forget to rate the show and subscribe if you enjoyed it!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Welcome to the very first episode of 'Because I Love My Body’!
Nomi is so excited to have you here and kicks off the episode by taking a mindful moment to pause and be with yourself.
Nomi shares where she is in her life at the moment and the significant changes that have taken place.
She then chats with her incredible client Irene, who at 74 years old, decided to book a boudoir session as a gift to herself.
Irene talks about her journey with her body, recovering from an eating disorder, and how she is embracing her body as it ages.
Finally, in the ‘Ask Nomi’ segment, Nomi answers listeners' questions about her retouching policy in boudoir photography.
Timestamps:
Thank you so much for listening to the very first episode of ‘Because I Love My Body’! If you have any feedback, please share it with Nomi on Instagram. See you next week!
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: @boudoirbynomi
Website: boudoirbynomi
Schedule a consult: here
Welcome to ‘Because I Love My Body’, the podcast where we explore the world of boudoir photography, body awareness, self-empowerment, and much more.
Nomi is here to have open, casual conversations about topics that aren't widely discussed, empowering women to embrace their authenticity and feel more confident in their own skin.
Join Nomi every Monday morning to celebrate womanhood, beauty, and empowerment in all its forms.
Connect with Nomi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirbynomi/
Website: https://boudoirbynomi.com/
Schedule a consult: https://calendly.com/boudoirbynomi/boudoir-envisioning-call?month=2024-05
