Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussions about suicide, trauma, abuse, and assault. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources listed below. You are not alone.

Description:

In this deeply powerful and compassionate episode, Melissa is joined by Karen Robinson, the inspiring host of the Heal, Thrive, Dream Podcast. Karen is a trauma recovery coach, therapist, and advocate dedicated to helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives with hope, self-awareness, and healing.

Karen shares her personal and professional insights into the deep connection between the mind, body, and soul, exploring how unprocessed emotions can manifest as physical pain or illness. Through behavioral therapy and self-awareness, Karen teaches how to track and categorize negative thoughts, separate core beliefs from inner lies, and reclaim your emotional balance.

She reveals an eye-opening truth: emotions can move through our bodies in just nine seconds, yet many of us spend years avoiding them. Instead of numbing or suppressing emotions through unhealthy coping mechanisms, Karen encourages embracing them with curiosity, compassion, and mindfulness.

Together, Melissa and Karen explore:

• The powerful connection between trauma and the body

• How emotional avoidance impacts physical health

• The role of behavioral therapy in trauma recovery

• Why self-compassion is key to healing

• Ways to identify and rewrite negative thought patterns

• The importance of seeking help, therapy, and community

Karen’s journey is a testament to resilience, healing, and the transformative power of facing your truth. Whether you’re healing from trauma or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that healing is not linear, but it is possible.

💬 Ways to Engage:

Try journaling your thoughts and separating your truths from the lies your mind tells you. Identify your core beliefs and release negative self-talk that no longer serves you.

💚 Resources Mentioned:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 | Text BEGIN to 88788

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-4673 | Text HOPE to 64673

CTRI – Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute

🔥Hashtags

#TraumaHealing

#MentalHealthAwareness

#HealingJourney

#MindBodySoul

#TraumaRecovery

#EmotionalHealing

#TherapyWorks

#SurvivorStrong

#PostTraumaticGrowth

#SelfCompassion

#BehavioralTherapy

#WellnessPodcast

#MentalWellness

#HealingAfterAbuse

#AnxietyRelief

#EmotionalResilience

#WomenEmpowerment

#HealingCommunity

#MindfulLiving

#SelfLoveJourney

💎 Keywords

Trauma recovery and healing

Mind body soul connection

Emotional trauma therapy

Behavioral therapy techniques

Healing after abuse

How to process emotions

Coping with trauma

Mental health support

Overcoming emotional pain

Self-awareness and healing

Mindful trauma recovery

Post-traumatic growth strategies

Healing emotional wounds

Therapy for trauma survivors

Empowering women after trauma

Emotional regulation techniques

Releasing negative thoughts

Self-compassion practices

Mental health resource

Holistic healing after trauma

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:08 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:57 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:48 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:03 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 21:43 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 23:48 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 27:45 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 30:49 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 35:31 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 37:33 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this inspiring episode, we welcome the incredible Njideka Olatunde, a holistic healer, educator, and advocate for alternative pain relief and whole-body wellness. Describing herself as an evolving butterfly, Njideka shares her transformative journey from childhood home remedies to pioneering Touchology, a healing approach that bridges the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Discover how she helps people find pain relief without prescription medicine, emphasizing the importance of listening, human touch, and emotional awareness. Njideka reveals why true healing starts with identifying the core issue, not just treating the symptoms, and how compassion and small acts of kindness can be profoundly healing.

Join us as we explore:

• The connection between stress and chronic pain

• Why touch is more than physical

• The healing power of listening and empathy

• How to reconnect with your purpose and passion (“your why”)

• The balance between traditional and holistic healing methods

Njideka’s wisdom reminds us that suffering isn’t forever, and healing is possible when we embrace every layer of who we are.

🔥Hashtags

#HolisticHealing

#MindBodySpirit

#AlternativeMedicine

#Touchology

#NaturalPainRelief

#WellnessJourney

#HealingEnergy

#HolisticHealth

#SelfHealing

#EmpowermentJourney

#Mindfulness

#EmotionalWellbeing

#IntegrativeMedicine

#EnergyHealing

#WomenInWellness

#StressRelief

#WellnessPodcast

#HealingThroughTouch

#ChronicPainRelief

#InnerHealing

💎 Keywords for this Episode

Holistic healing methods

Alternative pain relief

Mind body spirit connection

Healing without medication

Touchology therapy

Emotional and physical healing

Stress and pain management

Listening as healing

Compassion-based healthcare

Natural wellness solutions

Empowering women in wellness

Integrative healing practices

Self-discovery and purpose

Holistic pain management

Whole body healing

Spiritual wellness journey

Energy and touch therapy

Mindful healing techniques

Natural remedies for stress

Finding your why

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:27 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:58 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:28 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 31:20 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 37:48 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 52:14 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 54:59 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 57:50 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:09:48 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:12:10 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Julie Marty-Pearson, an empathetic, authentic, and empowering leader who’s helping women live unapologetically and find their voices through storytelling and podcasting.

Julie shares her deeply personal journey from battling illness as a child to transforming her love for animals into a thriving show, The Story of My Pet Podcast, now a top 5% global podcast advocating for animals in need. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment.

We explore how mental health, pets, and purpose intersect, and how finding supportive female communities can completely change your life. Julie also discusses her passion for helping women launch and grow their own podcasts, giving them the tools and confidence to amplify their voices and share their truths.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own podcast, building a community, or embracing your authentic self, this episode is for you.

💬 What You’ll Learn:

How childhood challenges shaped Julie’s resilience and empathy

The connection between pets and mental health

Tips for starting your own purpose-driven podcast

Why female empowerment and authentic storytelling matter now more than ever

How community and connection can help you live unapologetically

✨ Join us for an uplifting conversation about courage, creativity, and community.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to tell your story, follow your passion, and empower others to do the same.

🔑 Keywords

Women empowerment podcast

Starting a podcast for beginners

Mental health and pets

Female podcasters

Authentic storytelling

Women supporting women

Empowering female voices

Podcast coaching for women

Living unapologetically

Resilience and healing

Self-discovery journey

How to start a podcast

Pet therapy and mental health

Women in media

Confidence and authenticity

Overcoming life challenges

Podcast community building

Inspirational women stories

Women entrepreneurs

Finding your purpose

📈 Hashtags

#WomenEmpowerment

#StartAPodcast

#FemalePodcasters

#WomenSupportingWomen

#AuthenticLiving

#MentalHealthAwareness

#PetTherapy

#EmpoweredWomen

#PodcastTips

#StorytellingMatters

#LiveUnapologetically

#InspiringWomen

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#SelfDiscovery

#ResilientWomen

#PodcastCommunity

#WomenInMedia

#WellnessAndHealing

#EmpowerHerVoice

#PurposeDrivenLife

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:08 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:27 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 7:14 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 17:31 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 22:05 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 23:51 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 30:23 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 41:54 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 44:38 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 45:24 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this empowering episode, we welcome the incredible Coach Kay, host of the Bringing Intimacy Back podcast and mother of five, who shares her wisdom on creating healthy boundaries, embracing self-care, and finding balance between mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Coach Kay opens up about her journey as a serial entrepreneur, mom, and advocate for holistic health, explaining how setting boundaries early, especially with children, helps shape respectful and emotionally healthy relationships. She dives into her personal story of burnout and recovery, showing how listening to your body, feeding your soul, and prioritizing self-love can transform every aspect of your life.

Tune in as we discuss how to:

Build and maintain healthy boundaries with family and loved ones.

Prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Recognize the signs of stress and burnout before they take over.

Create balance between motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Cultivate deeper intimacy—starting with yourself.

This conversation is a must-listen for women seeking empowerment, personal growth, and a reminder that your life, your rules, is more than a mantra—it’s a lifestyle.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with your authentic self while building stronger, healthier relationships.

🔑 Keywords

Self-care for women

Building healthy boundaries

Emotional wellness tips

Work-life balance for moms

Intimacy and relationships

Holistic health and wellness

Spiritual self-care practices

Mental health awareness

Motherhood and entrepreneurship

📈 Hashtags

#SelfCareForWomen

#BuildingBoundaries

#HolisticWellness

#MentalHealthMatters

#EmotionalHealing

#WomenEmpowerment

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#MindBodySoul

#MotherhoodUnplugged

#SelfLoveClub

#HealthyBoundaries

#StressReliefTips

#SpiritualHealth

#WellnessForMoms

#AuthenticLiving

#BurnoutRecovery

#WorkLifeBalance

#IntimacyCoach

#HealingJourney

#EmpoweredWomen

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:30 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:08 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:56 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 17:50 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 24:49 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 27:41 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 29:58 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 33:44 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 39:17 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 39:40 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we sit down with the multitalented and creative Foster Wilson, who describes herself as compassionate, creative, nerdy, and weird. Through her open-hearted conversation, Foster dives deep into how she reconnects with her “why” and filters her life decisions through her core values of connection, growth, self-expression, and freedom.

Foster shares her unique values filtration system, explaining how it helps her align decisions, projects, and relationships with what truly matters. From her creative roots as an actress turned director to her focus on authentic living and personal freedom, Foster reminds us that the key to fulfillment is living life on your own terms rather than through the expectations of others.

This episode is for anyone who feels pulled in different directions and wants to come back to what’s most important. Whether you’re a creative, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking balance, Foster’s wisdom on self-discovery, alignment, and empowerment will inspire you to live more intentionally and courageously.

💡 Episode Highlights:

How to rediscover your “why” and align with your values

Building a personal filtration system: connection, growth, self-expression, freedom

Making confident decisions that reflect your authentic self

Why disappointing others is okay if it means staying true to yourself

The importance of self-expression and creative freedom

Lessons from Foster’s journey as a director and storyteller

How to live out your own expectations instead of others’

👩‍🎨 Featured Guest: Foster Wilson

Director, creator, and storyteller driven by compassion and creativity

Advocate for authenticity, self-expression, and personal freedom

Believer in living life guided by one’s “why” and core values

🧭 Key Takeaway:

Before saying “yes” to anything, ask: Does this align with my values? Your “why” is your compass — follow it unapologetically.

✨ Ways to Engage:

Create your own values filtration system (like Foster’s: connection, growth, self-expression, freedom).

Write down your core values and revisit them often.

Make decisions based on alignment — not obligation.

Share your “why” with others to inspire connection and authenticity.

🔑 Keywords:

Rediscover your why

Living with purpose

Core values alignment

Self-discovery

Personal growth journey

Authentic living

Creative empowerment

Mindful decision-making

Emotional intelligence

Self-expression

Personal freedom

Growth mindset

Living authentically

Finding your purpose

Self-awareness and reflection

Empowered creativity

Purpose-driven life

Alignment and balance

Fulfillment and freedom

Creative self-discovery

📈 Hashtags:

#RediscoverYourWhy

#LiveWithPurpose

#AuthenticLiving

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#CreativeEmpowerment

#SelfDiscovery

#FindYourPurpose

#LiveInAlignment

#EmpoweredCreativity

#CoreValues

#GrowthMindset

#MindfulLiving

#SelfExpression

#FreedomToBe

#PurposeDrivenLife

#EmotionalIntelligence

#AuthenticityMatters

#WomenInCreativity

#LiveIntentionally

#TheFEELPodcast

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:18 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 6:24 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:37 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:03)

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 26:54 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:10 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:57 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 43:58 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 46:46 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 47:46 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, our friend Teresa Vesneske returns to share how her journey of emotional healing, self-discovery, and personal growth has evolved since we last spoke in Season 4, Episode 7, “Emotional Health & Physical Health Healing.”

Teresa opens up about what it means to live life for yourself, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, especially as an empath and educator who’s constantly caring for others.

She discusses how learning to pour into herself first has transformed not only her personal peace but also her ability to make a deeper impact in her professional life. Teresa’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, pursue your passions, and redefine what balance truly means.

Join us as we explore how self-love, mindfulness, and emotional resilience can help you show up more fully for yourself and for those around you.

🌿 Key Discussion Points:

How to live your life for yourself without guilt

Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

The connection between self-care and professional success

Managing empathy and emotional burnout as an educator

Why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself

The importance of self-awareness and spiritual wellness

How helping yourself helps you help others

💬 Featured Guest: Teresa Vesneske

Educator, mentor, and advocate for emotional health and personal balance

Dedicated to helping new teachers find their path

Empathic leader who believes in growth through self-reflection

🧠 Key Takeaway:

Before you can give your best to others, you must first give your best to yourself.

✨ Ways to Engage:

Reflect on how you can make small positive impacts every day.

Offer kindness freely—it doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.

Revisit what “balance” means for you and start where you are today.

📈Hashtags:

#SelfCareJourney

#EmotionalHealing

#MentalHealthMatters

#WorkLifeBalance

#EmpathEmpowerment

#PersonalGrowth

#SpiritualWellness

#MindfulnessMatters

#WellnessForEducators

#TeacherLifeBalance

#EmotionalResilience

#LiveForYourself

#HealingJourney

#WomenEmpowerment

#SelfLoveFirst

#HolisticHealth

#GrowthMindset

#SelfWorth

#InnerPeace

#TheFEELPodcast

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:03 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:00 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:26 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:56 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:26 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:42 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:14 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 54:53 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 57:37 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:00:12 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sudden loss and emotional trauma.

Joining us from Australia, Marie Alessi brings quiet strength and heartfelt wisdom to this conversation on grief, healing, and personal boundaries. When Marie’s husband passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm at just 45, she was thrust into sudden widowhood, left to raise her two young sons alone.

With clarity and vulnerability, Marie shares her grief journey and how she found emotional resilience in the face of unimaginable heartbreak. She discusses the importance of setting clear boundaries, protecting her space and energy during a time when the outside world, although well-meaning, often didn’t respect her needs.

From being overwhelmed by unannounced visitors to managing the unrealistic expectations of constant digital connection, Marie had to learn how to prioritize mental health, teach her children about loss, and reclaim her own sense of peace.

In this episode, we explore:

Coping with the sudden loss of a partner

Parenting through grief

The role of boundaries in emotional healing

Managing unsolicited advice and emotional overload

How language and self-talk shape our recovery

Digital burnout and the need to unplug

How to support someone grieving without overstepping

Marie’s insights are a powerful reminder that healing is not about "getting over it," but it's about growing through it. Her story will resonate with anyone navigating grief, burnout, emotional fatigue, or the quiet power of reclaiming your peace.

💬 Ways to Engage

As Marie says, “Language can be either debilitating or nurturing.”

This week, reflect on how you use language with yourself and others. Are your words building you up or tearing you down?

How do you speak to yourself in moments of pain?

What language do you use to set boundaries?

Are you nurturing or draining your energy with your communication?

Take note. Then choose your words with intention.

🆘 Grief & Mental Health Support

If you're navigating grief, you're not alone. Support is available:

GriefShare – griefshare.org

🔥Hashtags

#GriefJourney

#SuddenLoss

#EmotionalResilience

#MentalHealthAwareness

#BoundariesMatter

#HealingAfterLoss

#WidowSupport

#SelfHealing

#MindfulGrief

#ParentingThroughGrief

#DigitalDetox

#EmotionalWellbeing

#GriefSupport

#HealingIsNotLinear

#CompassionateConversations

#SelfCareMatters

#GriefAndGrace

#EmotionalBoundaries

#LanguageMatters

#InnerStrength

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:04 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 19:43 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:56 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 28:09 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 36:14 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 41:33 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 53:34 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:03:08 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:10:12 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:12:40 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Please prioritize your emotional safety while listening.

In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Kristin Duncombe, a psychotherapist, author, and survivor who has transformed her pain into purpose. Kristin bravely shares her journey through a relationship marked by emotional neglect, imbalanced partnership, and psychological strain, and how she ultimately reclaimed her identity, voice, and power.

We dive into what it means to be the main character in your life after years of waiting on someone else’s timeline. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of constantly waiting on a partner (for attention, for love, for change) and how that waiting became symbolic of losing herself.

But this isn’t just a story about surviving—it’s about thriving.

In this episode, we explore:

• The silent pain of emotional labor in relationships

• How poor communication and imbalance erode self-worth

• The role of boundaries in mental health and recovery

• Learning to live by your own expectations and not others’

• How to rediscover your passions and align with your why

• What it really means to put yourself first, without guilt

Kristin’s journey from emotional burnout to empowered living is a guiding light for any woman ready to reclaim her narrative. This episode is a call to every listener: you deserve to be the subject of your own story.

Take action today:

• List 5 things that nourish your soul

• Identify 5 activities you're passionate about

• Define 5 beliefs that align with your purpose

These are your anchors. Use them to make decisions, build boundaries, and stay true to your voice.

If you or someone you love is experiencing sexual abuse or trauma, please seek support:

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) Text HOPE to 66743 www.rainn.org

#HealingJourney

#EmotionalAbuse

#TraumaRecovery

#MentalHealthMatters

#EmpoweredWomen

#SelfWorth

#BreakTheCycle

#BoundariesMatter

#TherapyTalk

#LiveYourTruth

#SurvivorVoices

#RelationshipHealing

#ToxicRelationshipRecovery

#WomenSupportingWomen

#ChooseYourself

#ReclaimYourPower

#EmotionalWellness

#HealingFromAbuse

#AuthenticLiving

#MainCharacterEnergy

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:15 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 14:59 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:29 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 27:57 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:19 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 42:01 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 48:38 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:07 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:04:47 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:06:27 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of alcoholism, emotional abuse, and grief. Please listen with care.

Description:
This week’s episode is a deeply moving and empowering conversation with Gina Economopoulos, a resilient, faith-filled woman who has walked a winding road of identity, loss, and healing. Gina shares her powerful story of breaking away from toxic environments, rediscovering her faith after being emotionally abused within a religious institution, and learning how to set healthy boundaries.

As the seventh of eight siblings, Gina grew up battling health issues and self-esteem challenges, turning to alcohol to cope. Known as "the life of the party," she wore that label like armor until grief struck and forced a shift in her path. After losing her mother to cancer, she pursued God wholeheartedly, becoming a Catholic nun for over a decade, only to be removed from the convent under painful circumstances.

But Gina’s story didn’t end in despair—it evolved into a journey of self-discovery, radical self-love, and purposeful living. Now grounded in her truth, Gina uses her compassionate heart to serve others while nurturing her own peace and boundaries.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How alcohol masked deeper emotional pain and insecurity

• The connection between unresolved grief and identity struggles

• The role of faith in recovery and personal transformation

• Why setting boundaries is essential to emotional healing

• How to rebuild after being emotionally abused in spiritual spaces

• How to ask the empowering question: "Why not me?" instead of "Why me?"

  
  

 Reflection Prompt:
Ask yourself: What do I truly want? and give yourself permission to answer honestly. Then follow it up with, Why not me?

1. Faith and recovery

2. Alcoholism recovery journey

3. Healing from emotional abuse

4. Setting healthy boundaries

5. Catholic nun story

6. Emotional healing podcast

7. Spiritual trauma healing

8. Overcoming grief and loss

9. Self-discovery after trauma

10. Women’s mental health podcast

11. Faith-based healing journey

12. Coping with identity crisis

13. Authentic living after addiction

14. Victim to victor mindset

15. Rebuilding life after loss

16. Christian women’s empowerment

17. Boundary setting techniques

18. Emotional wellness and faith

19. Healing from spiritual abuse

20. Inspirational recovery story

    
    

1. #FaithAndRecovery

2. #HealingJourney

3. #AlcoholismRecovery

4. #SpiritualHealing

5. #EmotionalWellness

6. #BoundariesAreHealthy

7. #MentalHealthAwareness

8. #OvercomingAddiction

9. #WomenEmpoweringWomen

10. #FaithOverFear

11. #HealingFromGrief

12. #AuthenticLiving

13. #SelfDiscoveryJourney

14. #ChristianWomenSupport

15. #EmotionalHealing

16. #SpiritualAbuseRecovery

17. #WhyNotMe

18. #RecoveryIsPossible

19. #PersonalGrowthPodcast

In this powerful and heart-opening episode, we welcome Roshonda Blackmon, speaker, podcaster, and safe-space creator, for her first appearance on the podcast (though you may recognize her from previous Together We F.E.E.L. panels). Roshonda’s mission is clear: to empower women to express their truth, heal emotionally, and live unapologetically.

We dive deep into conversations about faith and mental health, how emotional journaling can transform your self-awareness, and why finding your voice is critical to personal and collective change. Roshonda breaks down the stigma around therapy in faith-based communities, shares practical emotional wellness practices, and reminds us that vulnerability is a superpower, not a weakness.

From stuffing emotions to rising in her power, Roshonda’s story is one of healing, awakening, and fierce encouragement. Through her work on Matters of the Heart and The Girlfriend’s GIRL-FRIEND, she continues to be a light for women everywhere.

 Takeaways:

• How to start emotional journaling (and why it matters)

• Letting go of emotional suppression and embracing healthy expression

• The intersection of faith and therapy

• Why your voice is your most powerful tool

• How to build or find safe spaces for healing and sisterhood

 Journal Prompt:
Write down one feeling you're experiencing today and one thing you're grateful for. Let them sit side by side. You can feel both deeply.

 Tune in and get ready to feel seen, heard, and empowered.

1. Women’s empowerment

2. Faith and mental health

3. Emotional healing

4. Safe spaces for women

5. Christian therapy

6. Journaling for mental wellness

7. Women's emotional wellness

8. Finding your voice

9. Unapologetic living

10. Female empowerment podcast

11. Faith-based healing

12. Mental health and spirituality

13. Women supporting women

14. Emotional intelligence

15. Authentic self-expression

16. Overcoming emotional suppression

17. Personal growth journey

18. Black women in wellness

19. Vulnerability and strength

20. Empowering podcast for women

    
    

1. #WomensEmpowerment

2. #FaithAndMentalHealth

3. #EmotionalHealing

4. #TherapyAndFaith

5. #ChristianTherapist

6. #JournalingForHealing

7. #MentalHealthAwareness

8. #BlackWomenInWellness

9. #SpeakYourTruth

10. #HealingJourney

11. #SafeSpacesForWomen

12. #AuthenticLiving

13. #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen

14. #MindfulJournaling

15. #UnapologeticallyYou

16. #MentalHealthMatters

17. #VulnerabilityIsStrength

18. #WellnessPodcast

19. #WomenSupportingWomen

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

We’re excited to welcome the powerful and insightful Joan Perry to The F.E.E.L. Podcast for a crossover conversation you won’t want to miss! Joan is the host of The Heroine’s Journey and a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery—especially for women navigating their path forward.

In this transformative episode, Joan dives deep into the four pillars of stability that shape our ability to set healthy boundaries: Financial stability Life force energy Self-worth People (relationships)

Joan’s biggest challenge? People. She bravely shares how she “cleaned out her closet” of relationships—releasing those who drained her and keeping only those who uplifted and supported her journey. If you’ve ever found yourself shapeshifting to please others, this episode will resonate deeply.

We explore how many women unknowingly become people-pleasers, how that affects our sense of authenticity, and how to build inner criteria for who deserves a place in your life. Joan also calls out the Victim mentality that keeps people stuck and offers insights on how to reclaim your power through personal responsibility and mindset shifts.

This episode is a bold invitation to step into your worth, set firm boundaries, and choose yourself—again and again.

Key Takeaways:

• The 4 pillars of creating a strong personal foundation

• How to set and maintain emotional & energetic boundaries

• Recognizing shapeshifting behavior in relationships

• Shifting out of the Victim mindset into personal responsibility

• The importance of releasing toxic people with intention

• Rewriting your story from different perspectives to gain clarity

• The healing power of perspective and narrative reframing

This is a masterclass in emotional sovereignty and self-worth...don’t miss it.

#WomensEmpowerment #HealthyBoundaries #SelfWorthJourney #HeroineJourney #EmotionalHealing #AuthenticLiving #PersonalGrowth #MindsetMatters #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #EnergyBoundaries #VictimToVictor #RelationshipDetox #ConfidenceCoaching #HolisticWellness #ShadowWork #TransformYourLife #RadicalSelfLove #SpiritualGrowthJourney #PeoplePleaserRecovery #LifeCoachPodcast 

Keywords for this Episode:

• Healthy boundaries in relationships

• How to stop people-pleasing

• Emotional energy protection

• Female empowerment podcast

• Personal growth and healing

• Self-worth and confidence

• How to remove toxic people

• Victim mentality recovery

• Spiritual and emotional wellness

• Narrative therapy techniques

• Inner healing journey

• Conscious relationship patterns

• Self-love and boundaries

• Feminine energy coaching

• Rewriting your life story

• Life transformation podcast

• Women’s life coaching

• Holistic personal development

• Shapeshifting behavior psychology

• Heroine’s journey explained

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:25 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:40 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 18:52 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 30:20 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 40:35 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 45:17 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 52:35 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 57:27 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:03:28 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:05:47 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this powerful episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome Lea Dombrowski—a rising force in the world of holistic health, nutrition, and personal transformation. In her 20s, Lea is already inspiring a new generation to question their relationship with food and redefine what it means to live well.

Lea opens up about her early battles with depression and anxiety, and how processed food, sugar, and misinformation about nutrition played a damaging role in her mental health. From childhood experiences to navigating food insecurity and emotional eating, Lea takes us through her transformation—educating herself, listening to her body, and ultimately finding balance and empowerment through holistic nutrition.

This conversation shines a light on the emotional and psychological layers behind how we eat, why we eat, and how food can either fuel us or harm us. Whether you're just beginning your wellness journey or are looking to deepen your understanding of food and mood, this episode is an inspiring and eye-opening resource.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How nutrition affects mental health and emotional stability

• The connection between childhood diet and adult eating habits

• Ways to reframe food as fuel—not the enemy

• Lea’s journey from disordered eating to intuitive nourishment

• How curiosity and self-awareness can spark transformation

• The role of food access and affordability in health equity

• Why your relationship with food is more emotional than you think

Actionable Takeaway: Start observing how different foods impact your mood, energy, and emotions. Keep a journal or notes on what makes you feel vibrant and what drags you down. Your wellness journey starts with awareness.

Tune in for this real, raw, and refreshing conversation on healing, self-discovery, and the true power of food.

#HolisticHealth #NutritionAndMentalHealth #FoodIsMedicine #HealingThroughFood #WellnessJourney #MindBodyConnection #DepressionRecovery #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #EatToHeal#HealthyLifestyle #FoodFreedom#NutritionMatters #EmotionalEatingRecovery #HolisticLiving #WellbeingWarrior #HealthTransformation #CleanEatingJourney #HealthyMindHealthyBody #FoodEmpowerment

Keywords For this Episode

• Holistic health coach

• Nutrition for mental health

• Healing depression naturally

• Anxiety and diet

• Food and mood connection

• Disordered eating recovery

• Intuitive eating journey

• Food insecurity and wellness

• Sugar and mental health

• Clean eating lifestyle

• Wellness podcast episode

• Personal growth and healing

• Young female entrepreneur wellness

• Emotional connection to food

• Mental health and diet

• Transformational health story

• Self-healing through food

• Wellness tips for beginners

• Affordable healthy eating

• Real food vs processed food

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:59 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:52 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 13:09 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 20:00 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 25:54 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 31:30 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 38:29 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 42:20 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 45:39 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 46:37 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with the inspiring Karimah Cornelius-Stith, a licensed sex therapist, creative soul, and compassionate mental health advocate. With warmth, wisdom, and honesty, Karimah shares her journey into sex therapy, sparked by listening to the untold stories of trauma and healing.

We explore how sexual health is an essential pillar of overall wellness, equally important as mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Karimah’s dedication to helping others heal from sexual trauma, improve their relationships, and reclaim pleasure is nothing short of transformational.

She also opens up about her own family history with mental health struggles, her motivations for becoming a therapist, and the resilience it took to reach her dreams despite societal misconceptions about her field. Karimah reminds us that pleasure is healing, self-care is health care, and that we are all worthy of love, connection, and emotional freedom.

Whether you're curious about sex therapy, working through intimacy challenges, or looking to enhance your personal wellness journey, this conversation will offer new insights and encouragement.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What sex therapy really is (and what it's not)

• Why sexual health is often neglected—and why it matters

• How unresolved trauma impacts our mental, emotional, and sexual well-being

• The difference between pleasure and performance

• How self-care and self-worth intersect with intimacy

• Karimah’s personal story of perseverance, purpose, and passion

🛠️ Ways to Engage:

• Reflect on your own understanding of sexual health—what have you learned or never been taught?

• Explore healthy ways to experience pleasure—alone or with a partner.

• Research certified sex therapists and learn more about their work.

• Recommit to your mental, emotional, and sexual well-being as interconnected practices.

#SexTherapy

#MentalHealthAwareness

#EmotionalWellness

#TherapistLife

#HealingJourney

#SexualHealthMatters

#TraumaInformedCare

#RelationshipTherapy

#IntimacyMatters

#SelfCareIsHealthCare

#WomensMentalHealth

#HolisticHealing

#SexPositiveTherapy

#MindBodyConnection

#TalkTherapy

#MentalHealthMatters

#WellnessPodcast

#SexualHealing

#TherapyIsCool

#ReclaimPleasure

Keywords for this episode:

Sex therapy

Sexual health therapist

Healing from trauma

Intimacy therapy

Mental health and relationships

Holistic wellness

Therapy for couples

Emotional health

Pleasure and healing

Sex-positive therapist

Therapist podcast guest

Women in therapy

Sexual trauma recovery

Relationship healing

Therapist story

Trauma-informed therapy

Mental health and self-care

Self-worth and intimacy

Sex education therapy

Creative therapists

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:49 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:26 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:00 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 15:11 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 21:38 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 26:59 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 28:51 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 42:06 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 44:16 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:33 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this powerful episode, Melissa sits down with the compassionate, curious, and deeply wise Heidi Blackie, a woman who embodies vulnerability, growth, and self-acceptance. Together, they explore the journey of unlearning societal expectations, embracing authenticity, and the liberation that comes with living unapologetically.

From growing up in a perfectionist family to discovering the freedom in accepting all her layers, Heidi shares what it means to pause with intention, respond with kindness, and live out of your own expectations—not someone else's.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why perfection is unattainable—and how to stop chasing it

• The power in pausing before you respond

• How societal conditioning strips us of authenticity

• Embracing your layers instead of hiding them

• Letting go of people-pleasing and learning self-acceptance

• The value of vulnerability and self-awareness

• Why fitting in isn’t the goal—and why standing out matters

• How to reconnect with your true self and live with intention

• Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care

• Heidi’s journey to becoming a confident, purpose-driven woman

Whether you're at the beginning of your self-discovery journey or knee-deep in inner work, Heidi’s story will resonate and inspire you to lean into your own evolution—with compassion, courage, and confidence.

#AuthenticLiving  

#PersonalDevelopment  

#SelfAcceptance  

#EmpowermentJourney  

#MindsetMatters  

#VulnerabilityIsStrength  

#WomenEmpoweringWomen  

#SelfLoveFirst  

#EmbraceYourLayers  

#MentalWellness  

#InnerStrength  

#PowerOfPause  

#HealingJourney  

#ConfidenceCoach  

#EmotionalIntelligence  

#SelfGrowthJourney  

#LiveUnapologetically  

#HolisticHealing  

#UnlearningToGrow  

#TrueSelfDiscovery 

Keywords for this episode:

Self-acceptance

Personal growth

Empowerment for women

Authentic self

Power of vulnerability

Inner transformation

Self-discovery podcast

Emotional intelligence

Mindset coaching

Living unapologetically

Healing your inner self

Breaking perfectionism

Conscious living

Identity transformation

Self-care strategies

Confidence building

Pause before responding

Growth mindset

Mental health awareness

Finding your true self

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:29 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 17:17 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 23:47 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 41:57 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 51:13 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 1:02:03 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:06:49 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:19:03 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:22:13 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:22:50 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

We’re thrilled to welcome back Rachel Lavin, a familiar and deeply cherished voice in our network! Since her last appearance, Rachel has continued evolving on her self-love and personal growth journey, and this episode offers a powerful update on her experiences with setting boundaries, letting go of guilt, and living a more authentic and intentional life.

Rachel shares what she’s learned about emotional resilience, honoring your boundaries without guilt, and the importance of meeting people where they are. She reminds us that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential—and by preserving our energy, we’re better equipped to serve others with integrity and compassion.

We explore:

• How to set boundaries without guilt

• Why honoring others’ "no" is just as important

• Emotional wellness and mental clarity through self-respect

• Letting go of what you can’t control

• How self-awareness leads to healthier relationships

• Reframing vulnerability and asking for help

• Rachel’s mantra: “I will get through this”

Whether you're just starting your personal growth journey or looking to deepen your relationship with yourself, Rachel’s transparency and wisdom are sure to inspire.

🎧 Listen to Rachel’s first episode “Embracing Body Love” and catch her on our YouTube panel, Substack Live, and more via the links below.

Ways to Engage:

Identify one area in your life where you need support. Ask for help—and allow yourself to receive it. You don’t have to do it all alone.

🔑 High-Ranking SEO Keywords (15–20)

• Personal growth journey

• Emotional boundaries

• Women’s empowerment podcast

• Authentic living

• Mental wellness for women

• Self-love and acceptance

• Setting healthy boundaries

• Letting go of guilt

• Empowering female voices

• Emotional resilience

• Asking for help

• Personal development stories

• Growth mindset

• Vulnerability in healing

• Women supporting women

• Podcast for self-care

• Mindful living tips

• Transformative conversations

• Body positivity advocate

• Healthy relationship dynamics

#SelfLoveJourney #AuthenticLiving #BoundariesAreHealthy #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellness #WomenEmpoweringWomen #EmotionalWellbeing #LiveWithIntention #HealingThroughBoundaries #GrowthMindset #BodyPositivity #SelfCareIsEssential #EmpoweredWomenEmpower #AskForHelp #HealingJourney #HealthyBoundaries #WomenSupportingWomen #EmbraceYourself #InnerPeace #EmotionalResilience

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:28 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 17:16 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 23:46 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 41:56 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 51:12 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 1:02:02 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:06:48 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:19:02 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:22:12 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:22:49 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠⁠

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with the incredible Tracy DeTomsai—a trauma-informed leader, speaker, and advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Tracy shares her personal transformation journey and the inspiring work she does through Project Callisto, an organization using technology to empower survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

We explore the subtle yet significant ways women can reclaim their space, live unapologetically, and break free from shame, guilt, and societal conditioning. From shifting how we speak to understanding emotional boundaries, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take action in your own life.

Key Topics Covered:

• How women can stop apologizing for taking up space

• Tools for emotional regulation and boundary setting

• The difference between carrying your emotions vs. others’

• The power of trauma-informed advocacy

• Empowering sexual assault survivors through technology

• Deconstructing victim-blaming culture

• The mission and impact of Project Callisto

Whether you're a survivor, advocate, or simply someone on a healing journey, this episode will give you tools to step into your truth, reclaim your voice, and live without guilt or shame.

Join the conversation and tell us what resonated with you the most.

Trauma-informed healing, Empowering women, Sexual assault advocacy, Project Callisto, Survivor support, Reclaiming your voice, Living unapologetically, Emotional boundaries, Feminist podcast, Empowerment for women, Overcoming shame, Women’s mental health, Healing from trauma, Stop apologizing, Victim-blaming awareness, Self-empowerment tools, Advocating for survivors, Tech for social change, Breaking generational trauma, Mind-body connection

#TraumaInformed

#WomenEmpowerment

#SexualAssaultSurvivor

#LiveUnapologetically

#HealingJourney

#ProjectCallisto

#StopVictimBlaming

#TakeUpSpace

#EmpowerSurvivors

#MentalHealthMatters

#UnapologeticallyYou

#FeministPodcast

#EmotionalHealing

#KnowYourWorth

#TechForGood

#BoundarySetting

#SurvivorStrong

#OwnYourStory

#NoMoreShame

#TraumaRecovery

Ways to Engage: Do not hold the emotions of others in your body. Listen to your body and separate your own emotions from the emotions of others. If you’re struggling with this, journal it. Write out what you’re feeling and connect the dots between what is yours and what you are holding for others.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:34 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:40 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 12:16 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 17:54 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 42:02 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 52:09 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 59:20 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:04:08 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:05:39 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:06:06 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this heart-centered crossover episode of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, we're joined by the incredible Mary Rothwell, host of No More Shrinking Violets. Fresh off Melissa’s appearance on her show in the episode “Embracing All Your Layers: The Path to Authentic Living”, Mary is now here with us, bringing her authentic, grounded, and nature-inspired wisdom to the mic.

This episode dives into setting healthy boundaries, understanding the toll of invisible labor, and recognizing the signals our bodies give us when we’re overstretched. Mary uses her love for gardening to describe how pruning, trimming, and creating space are necessary not just for plants—but for people too. Her metaphors are not only beautiful, they’re practical, and remind us that boundaries are about growth, not restriction.

We also talk about the emotional and physical effects of poor boundaries, why women disproportionately carry invisible labor, and how to reclaim your time and energy by honoring your needs and self-worth. Mary is an empowering voice for anyone feeling overlooked, overextended, or on the verge of burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to set boundaries that nurture rather than restrict

• The impact of invisible labor—and why it often falls on women

• Physical signs that you need stronger boundaries

• Gardening metaphors that make boundaries feel natural and intuitive

• Why evolving boundaries are a sign of personal growth

• The connection between authentic living and self-preservation

• Practical ways to wind down and honor your sleep hygiene

About Mary Rothwell:

Mary Rothwell is the host of No More Shrinking Violets, a podcast centered on authenticity, empowerment, and emotional wellbeing. With her blend of introspection, humor, and creativity, she encourages women to embrace every part of themselves—flaws, layers, boundaries, and all.

Ways to Engage:

• Practice a 2-hour wind-down before bed: Limit screen time, stretch, read, or color to help your brain slow down.

• Tune into your body: Listen when it tells you it’s tired, overwhelmed, or overworked.

• Acknowledge the invisible labor in your life and community—and express gratitude.

• Revisit Melissa’s guest appearance on No More Shrinking Violets to explore both sides of this empowering conversation.

Connect With Us:

• Subscribe to The F.E.E.L. Podcast

• Leave a review and share what resonated most with you

• Follow us @thefeelpodcast for behind-the-scenes and bonus content

#AuthenticLiving  

#HealthyBoundaries  

#InvisibleLabor  

#WomenEmpowerment  

#EmotionalWellness  

#SelfCareMatters  

#BurnoutRecovery  

#NoMoreShrinkingViolets  

#EmbraceYourLayers  

#SelfWorth  

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:05 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:48 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:41 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 32:53 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 44:44 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 51:31 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 59:31 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:02:30 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:07:22 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:07:40 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, we are joined by Maria Mai, a passionate and powerful voice in the world of finance. As a woman thriving in a male-dominated industry, Maria brings insight, heart, and empowerment to the table. She opens up about her journey, her mission to help women gain financial confidence, and how she supports others in living unapologetically.

Maria’s message is clear: financial literacy is power, and every woman deserves to feel confident making decisions that affect her life and future. From discussing the wage gap and wealth inequality, to encouraging self-forgiveness and inner strength, Maria offers wisdom that’s both practical and deeply emotional.

This episode is a must-listen for any woman ready to reclaim her voice, her money, and her power.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why women must become financially literate, even in partnerships

• The reality of the wage gap and wealth gap across gender and race

• How Maria found strength in being a minority in finance

• Why women prefer women advisors in male-dominated fields

• The connection between confidence and financial independence

• Tools for self-forgiveness and shifting your inner narrative

• • How to start making bold, unapologetic financial decisions

  
  

  About Maria Mai:

Maria is a financial expert, speaker, and advocate for women’s empowerment. With years of experience helping clients—especially women—navigate their finances, Maria is changing the narrative around money and confidence. Her work centers on empowering women to make informed, independent decisions and to challenge the old norms that have held them back for too long.

Ways to Engage:

• Practice self-forgiveness: Be gentle with yourself when things go wrong.

• Change your money story: Start by believing that you deserve wealth and success.

• Seek financial education: Knowledge truly is power—especially for women.

• Share this episode with a woman you admire—you could change her life.

•  Subscribe to The F.E.E.L. Podcast

•  Leave a review and let us know what inspired you

•  Follow us on social media @thefeelpodcast

  
  

 #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #FinancialLiteracy #WomenSupportingWomen #FemaleEntrepreneurs #MoneyConfidence #WealthBuilding #FinanceForWomen #BreakTheBias #EmpowerWomen #UnapologeticallyYou #MindsetShift #WageGapAwareness #MoneyMindset #SelfForgiveness #FinancialFreedom #GenderWealthGap #FinancialAdvisorForWomen #WomenInBusiness #ConfidenceCoach 

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:10 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 15:06 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 20:10 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 22:53 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 30:26 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 37:25 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 51:14 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 57:29 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 59:05 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 59:40 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

To bookend the beginning of Season 9 of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome the refreshingly honest and chronically curious Kelly Anne Carter. She’s unafraid of liminal spaces, passionate about truth over filters, and fully dedicated to the journey of self-discovery and deconstruction.

In this powerful and introspective episode, Kelly invites us into her process of breaking free from the expectations of others and rebuilding a life rooted in her own beliefs, voice, and identity.

• The raw experience of deconstructing belief systems

• Reclaiming curiosity after growing up in restrictive environments

• Letting go of people-pleasing to rediscover your authentic self

• Accepting your humanity and embracing your emotional layers

• Nervous system awareness as part of personal healing

• Giving yourself permission to change your mind and evolve

• Self-dating, inner child joy, and building your own sense of identity

Kelly reminds us that discovering who you are isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing, compassionate process. There’s no shame in slowing down, making mistakes, or rewriting your narrative.

 This episode is for anyone feeling stuck in societal or familial expectations, navigating a faith transition, or ready to reclaim their inner authority.

 Listen now and start your journey toward radical self-acceptance, emotional healing, and layered living.

#SelfDiscoveryJourney #DeconstructToRebuild #HealingIsMessy #BreakFreeFromExpectations #LiveAuthentically #RadicalSelfAcceptance #CuriosityHeals #EmbraceYourLayers #LiminalSpaces #InnerChildHealing #FaithDeconstruction #EmotionalWellness #SelfEmpowerment #HealingThroughStorytelling #MentalHealthAwareness #PeoplePleasingRecovery #WomenWhoHeal #TheFEELPodcast #PodcastForGrowth #AuthenticConversations

deconstructing beliefs self discovery podcast healing inner child emotional healing journey nervous system regulation living authentically breaking people pleasing habits mental health and identity faith deconstruction stories embracing your layers healing from religious trauma personal growth podcast reclaiming curiosity navigating self acceptance emotional intelligence podcast how to rediscover yourself growth mindset for women inner healing conversations podcast on being true to yourself self love and empowerment

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:40 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:34 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 16:50 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 31:19 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 44:17 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 48:57 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:01:48 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:14:05 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:22:31 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:23:14 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

Welcome to Season 9 of The F.E.E.L Podcast — a space for authentic conversations, emotional healing, and inspiring transformation. We're kicking off this season with a powerful episode featuring Gretchen Schoser, cohost of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads podcast.

Gretchen is a truth-teller, hope-giver, and passionate advocate for mental health awareness and emotional well-being. In this candid conversation, she opens up about:

• The life-saving moment she called 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• The importance of setting healthy boundaries as an empath and extrovert

• Overcoming toxic relationships and letting go of emotional drama

• Her battle with depression and how vulnerability became her superpower

• Using storytelling and humor to heal and connect with others

We talk about the power of knowing your "why," and how that can pull you out of your darkest moments. Gretchen’s story is raw, real, and relatable. Her journey from survival to purpose is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or emotionally exhausted.

This episode is a must-listen for those navigating emotional burnout, people-pleasing, or mental health challenges. Gretchen reminds us that asking for help isn't weakness—it's strength.

 Call to Action: If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone. There is always hope.

 Tune in, feel seen, and join the conversation.

#MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #SetHealthyBoundaries #EmpathSupport #EmotionalWellness #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney #EndTheStigma #988Lifeline #HopeDealer #PodcastRecommendations #FemalePodcasters #HealingThroughStorytelling #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowthJourney #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BoundariesAreHealthy #BreakTheStigma #LiveYourWhy

mental health podcast suicide prevention awareness 988 crisis line setting emotional boundaries podcast about healing stories of hope and recovery empath struggles how to say no breaking toxic friendships female empowerment podcast authentic storytelling healing from depression the feel podcast coping with burnout mental wellness tools end emotional exhaustion navigating friendships as an empath how to stop people pleasing trauma informed conversations
Ways to Engage: Find something that brings you joy, even if it’s small. Maybe it’s your favorite book, the smell of a certain flower, a person, etc. Describe it, appreciate it, and continue to find something new each day that brings you happiness.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:13 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:42 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:57 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:19 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 26:19 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 45:51 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 56:52 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:21 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:09:05 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:09:33 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠