In this powerful and energizing episode of The Small Victories Podcast, host Pauline Victoria is joined by Dr. Nicole Bradford—speaker, transformational life coach, and founder of Maintain the Flame—to unpack what it truly means to live audaciously authentic. If you’ve ever felt like you were playing a role, shrinking yourself to fit in, or suppressing your joy to make others comfortable, this conversation will ignite your inner fire.
Dr. Nicole shares her personal story, the consequences of living out of alignment, and how to shift your mindset to reclaim your joy and peace. She also walks us through her signature MAINTAIN Framework—an empowering blueprint to help you stay grounded in your truth, take aligned action, and live with radical integrity.
Whether you're navigating empty-nesting, career transitions, or simply waking up to your own desires after years of self-sacrifice, this episode will give you permission to be who you are and pursue what lights you up.
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity isn't a trend—it’s a choice to stop suppressing your joy for the sake of others.
Living for others' approval is a moving target that leads to burnout. Peace and alignment come when you live for yourself.
Mindset is foundational. You must see the life you want before you can step into it.
Being authentic doesn’t mean being loud—it means being real. Your peace, energy, and alignment are the truest markers of whether you’re living authentically.
Your soul is not for sale. Don't trade your truth for acceptance, comfort, or fear.
The MAINTAIN Framework offers 8 key pillars:
M – Mindset
A – Action
I – Intention
N – Nurture yourself
T – Time & Tenacity
A – Authenticity
I – Integrity
N – Non-negotiables
You’re never too old or too late to reclaim your fire. Reinvention isn’t required—rediscovery is.
Reflection Questions:
Where in your life have you been suppressing your truth or joy in order to maintain comfort or keep the peace?
What mindset shift would help you step more fully into your audaciously authentic self?
Connect with Dr. Nicole Bradford: 🌐 Website: www.maintaintheflame.net 📧 Email: info@maintaintheflame.net 📱 Instagram: @maintaintheflame
Get the Book: 📖 My Soul Is Not for Sale: Removing the Lies, Labels, and Limitations is available now on Amazon. A must-read for anyone ready to stop dimming their light.
If this episode reignited something in you, be sure to share it with a friend and subscribe for more conversations that help you live boldly and beautifully—one small victory at a time.
