Episode 44 – Better After Baby – I Am Self-ish Podcast
Welcome back to the I AM SELF-ISH™ Podcast—your space to explore the connection between mindset, emotion, and personal growth. I’m your host, Will Wright, certified life coach and stress management expert, here to help you redefine what it means to put yourself first.
Each week, I sit down with thought leaders, change-makers, and everyday people doing extraordinary inner work. Together, we explore the real stories, lessons, and energy shifts that move us from fear and obligation to passion and choice.
In this episode, I’m joined by Tori Whitaker, founder of Better After Baby and a motherhood identity coach helping moms rediscover their strength, confidence, and sense of self at every phase postpartum. Together, we explore how motherhood transforms every aspect of life—and how rediscovery doesn’t mean losing yourself, but coming home to who you are now.
Tori shares her journey from collegiate gymnast and top-performing Equinox trainer to single mom and entrepreneur, blending her real-life experience with proven fitness, mindset, and nutrition strategies. The conversation highlights the power of community, the importance of self-care, and how redefining what “better” means after having children opens the door to true empowerment.
Will and Tori also unpack the mindset shifts that help mothers move beyond survival mode, the myth of “balance,” and how boundaries and vulnerability can deepen connection both at home and within ourselves. Together, they reframe motherhood as an evolution—not a limitation—and remind listeners that self-care is not selfish, it’s essential.
Tori shares her philosophy of AND, not OR, teaching moms they don’t have to choose between motherhood and personal fulfillment. Her approach focuses on building customized systems that fit each woman’s unique life and goals—because motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all. With honesty and heart, she encourages every mother to embrace abundance, authenticity, and the belief that they can truly be better after baby.
Memorable insights:“Failure is not an option—the simple but profound line that got me through the rebuild, one day at a time.”
“Stick to the plan, not your mood. Habit formation is simple, not easy—but your mood will keep you stagnant.”
“You don’t have to choose between being a mom and being yourself. You can be both. Abundance over here.”
Connect with Tori WhitakerFitness, Nutrition & Mindset Coach | CEO, Better After Baby
📲 203-610-7885
📸 Instagram: @torikwhit
💼 Facebook & LinkedIn: Tori Whitaker
Better After Baby, Not Instead of Being a Mom.”
Produced and Edited by Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📱 646-645-1509
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
Less stress, more choice.
Episode 43 – Level Three Energy: The Illusion of Control
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright explores the concept of Level Three Energy—a state where individuals have learned to manage their emotions but haven’t yet fully healed from them. At this level, people often rely on coping mechanisms, rational thinking, and control to maintain balance, but beneath the surface, unprocessed emotions still linger.
Will breaks down how Level Three Energy can create a false sense of peace, where composure replaces connection and understanding replaces true healing. While emotional management is a step forward from chaos, it can easily become a comfort zone that prevents deeper emotional freedom. This episode invites listeners to move beyond coping and into conscious healing, where awareness and vulnerability meet growth.
Through the lens of energy leadership and emotional awareness, Will challenges the idea that maturity means suppression. True resilience, he explains, is not found in bypassing pain but in facing it with compassion and courage. Living SELF-ISH™ at this level means prioritizing your emotional truth over appearances—and choosing authenticity over avoidance.
Will reminds us that you can master emotional management without achieving emotional healing. Rationalizing pain often leads to numbness, and Level Three Energy provides only conditional peace. Healing requires confronting your emotions, not thinking your way around them. As Will puts it, “You can’t outthink grief. Level Three is the bridge.”
Keywords: emotional healing, energy leadership, stress management, coping mechanisms, personal growth, emotional awareness, self-discovery, mental health, resilience, life coaching
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📱 646-645-1509
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 42 – When I Cry – I Am Self-ish Podcast
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright explores the significance of crying as a powerful emotional release and a profound form of healing. He reminds listeners that crying is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of strength—an honest connection to our truest selves that allows for emotional clarity and peace.
Will shares personal insights on how tears have helped him process emotions he couldn’t always put into words, revealing how each tear carries a message of relief, truth, and renewal. Crying, he explains, is both spiritual and cleansing—a natural part of being human that restores balance and reconnects us to what matters most.
This episode is an invitation to see crying as a reset button for the soul. It’s emotional hygiene that clears away clutter, teaches compassion, and deepens self-acceptance. Will closes with a powerful reminder that vulnerability is courage, not shame—and that allowing yourself to cry is one of the most authentic expressions of growth and freedom.
Memorable insights:“Crying is not weakness—it’s proof that you still care.”“Every tear carries a message of truth and release.”“Vulnerability isn’t something to hide; it’s how we heal.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📱 646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 41 – Boundaries, Self-Love & Growth – I Am Self-ish Podcast
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright is joined by psychotherapist Kelly Zemer for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about the deep connection between self-love, boundaries, and personal growth. Together, they explore Kelly’s journey as a therapist, the importance of understanding emotional landscapes, and how societal expectations—especially those surrounding masculinity—can limit authentic self-expression.
The discussion dives into the healing power of boundaries, the role of self-care in addiction recovery, and how open communication builds stronger, more honest relationships. Kelly and Will also reimagine classic fairy tales, such as Cinderella, to illustrate how stories can evolve to reflect self-empowerment and autonomy rather than dependency and rescue.
This episode is a powerful reminder that boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re bridges to deeper connection. True self-love begins with awareness, honesty, and the willingness to care for yourself first.
Memorable insights:“Boundaries can bring people closer together.”“Self-love is not selfish—it’s necessary for growth.”“Open communication is the foundation of emotional freedom.”
Connect with Kelly ZemerPsychotherapist | Coach | Speaker📧 kelly@kellyzemer.com
🌐 kellyzemer.com
📸 Instagram: @kellyzemer
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method📱 646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 40 – Level Two Energy: The Conflict Trap – I Am Self-ish Podcast
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright unpacks the concept of Level Two Energy—an energy state driven by conflict, competition, and a win-lose mindset. He explores how this energy shows up in our everyday lives, from the workplace to our closest relationships, and how it thrives on anger, resentment, and stress overload.
While Level Two Energy can produce short-term results, Will emphasizes the long-term costs: strained relationships, burnout, and a constant cycle of pressure. He explains why recognizing this energy is the first step to change and how shifting away from a win-lose approach opens the door to collaboration, growth, and healthier environments.
Through the lens of the Energy Leadership Index Assessment, listeners are invited to reflect on how much Level Two Energy influences their choices and how they can begin shifting into new possibilities. Will reminds us that while conflict may be common in our culture, it doesn’t have to define us. Living SELF-ISH™ means prioritizing your well-being, managing stress through awareness and choice, and embracing the freedom that comes with alignment.
Memorable insights:
“Level Two Energy fuels conflict but drains connection.”“A win-lose mindset might get results, but it costs you peace.”“Choosing differently creates the space for healthier relationships and growth.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 39 – Don’t Be a Bigot-In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright explores the concept of bigotry, defining it as hate disguised as certainty. He unpacks how bigotry is learned through fear, intolerance, and inherited beliefs, and how it shows up in both subtle and overt ways.
Will challenges listeners to recognize bigotry not only in the world around them, but also in their own thoughts and behaviors. Through self-awareness, acceptance, and intentional choices, he offers strategies to dismantle prejudice and foster genuine connection.
The conversation highlights the destructive impact of bigotry on personal relationships, communities, and culture at large. At its core, this episode is a call to growth: to choose courage over fear, compassion over judgment, and connection over division.
Memorable insights:“Bigotry is hate disguised as certainty.”“Fear teaches intolerance, but awareness teaches freedom.”“Change begins when we choose connection over judgment.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📱 646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 38 -In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright unpacks the concept of Level One Energy—the mindset of victimhood and stress that quietly sabotages growth and choice.
He explains how this energy shows up in our lives, often disguised as exhaustion, self-doubt, or hopelessness, and how it can silently influence our relationships, health, and personal goals.
Will breaks down the ways Level One Energy keeps people stuck, and why awareness is the first step toward change. By understanding and reframing this energy, we can begin to reclaim our personal power, shift from survival mode into choice, and take meaningful action toward the lives we actually want to live.
This episode is a compassionate yet challenging reminder that you are not powerless—and that every moment offers a new opportunity to choose differently.
Memorable insights:“Level One Energy whispers that you can’t—until you start proving that you can.”“You can’t lead your life from a place where you’ve given up your power.”“Awareness is the first step out of victimhood.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📱 646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 37 – The SELF-ISH Method – I Am Self-ish Podcast
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright unpacks the profound impact of stress on our lives and introduces his signature coaching framework: The SELF-ISH Method™.
This 12-week program is centered around the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment, a powerful tool designed to help individuals understand their unique stress patterns and transform their relationship with stress.
Will shares his own journey with stress and how discovering the ELI shifted his perspective from being controlled by stress to choosing how he responds to it. He breaks down the seven levels of energy, illustrating how each level influences our reactions, choices, and overall sense of well-being.
At its core, this episode highlights how the SELF-ISH Method™ helps people move out of survival mode and into intentional living. Will emphasizes that personal growth starts with awareness, and that the power of choice is always available when it comes to leading a life of clarity, freedom, and fulfillment.
Memorable insights:“Stress isn’t just about what happens to you—it’s about how you relate to it.”“Energy shifts everything: your choices, your perspective, your outcomes.”“Growth begins with self-awareness, but it’s sustained through choice.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method📱 646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 36 – Survival Mode Isn’t Living – I Am Self-ish Podcast
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright confronts the reality of survival mode—the state where people appear strong and composed on the outside but are silently struggling within. He breaks down the difference between merely surviving and truly living, shining a light on the hidden costs of staying stuck in that cycle.
Through honest reflection and practical insights, Will emphasizes the importance of recognizing when you’ve slipped into survival mode and the courage it takes to admit you need help. He challenges listeners to break free from old patterns, reconnect with their passions, and choose a life that is not just about getting by, but about thriving.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder: transformation begins with choice. By choosing to step out of survival mode, you give yourself permission to live fully, embrace freedom, and create the life you deserve.
Memorable insights:
“Survival mode wears a mask of strength but hides silent suffering.”
“Living is more than getting through the day—it’s choosing passion over fear.”
“The first step out of survival mode is choosing differently.”
Connect with Will Wright
Host | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method📱 646-645-1509📧 will@iamself-ish.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
Episode 35 – Not Your Lane – I Am Self-ish Podcast
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright dives into the importance of self-discovery and recognizing when you’re in the wrong lane in life. He emphasizes that true confidence cannot be built in environments that don’t align with your authentic self.
Through personal stories and client experiences, Will unpacks the subtle signs of being in the wrong lane, from constant self-doubt to exhaustion, and explores the emotional and practical costs of staying there. He challenges listeners to pause, reflect, and ask themselves whether the path they’re on is truly theirs—or one dictated by fear, obligation, or outside expectations.
This episode is both a wake-up call and a call to action: the first step to real growth is acknowledging when you’re out of alignment. The next step is choosing to shift into a lane that reflects who you really are.
Key themes include the cost of staying in misaligned environments, the difference between fear-driven choices and passion-driven ones, and the freedom that comes with realignment. Will reminds us that the power to choose differently is always available—and that choosing your true lane is an act of courage.
Memorable insights:“Confidence can’t grow in the wrong lane.”“Fear and obligation will keep you stuck—but passion will get you moving.”“Alignment is where confidence and freedom meet.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📱 646-645-1509
📧 will@iamself-ish.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will
Instagram: @selfish.will
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright explores the transformative power of self-reflection, inspired by a coaching session centered on writing a letter to one’s younger self. This heartfelt exercise opened the door to deeper awareness, revealing how far we’ve truly come and the importance of honoring that journey.
Will dives into themes of personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the often-overlooked significance of celebrating small wins. He reminds listeners that in the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the quiet victories that shape who we are. By slowing down and reflecting, we create space to see our progress clearly, measure success by our own standards, and reconnect with the truth of who we are.
Key themes include the breakthroughs found in stillness, the power of acknowledging achievements big and small, and the way emotional intelligence fuels self-leadership. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and recognize that you are further along in your journey than you may realize.
Memorable insights:“The biggest breakthroughs often come from quiet moments.”“Small wins are significant and should be celebrated.”“You are further along in your journey than you realize.”
Connect with Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method
📧 will@iamself-ish.com🌐 iamself-ish.com💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright is joined by someone who truly embodies this work: transformational coach and leadership expert Merilee Smith, who helps high-achieving women reclaim their voice, their purpose, and their inner calm.
Together, they dive into a powerful conversation on self-empowerment, emotional intelligence, and the unique journey of high-achieving women. They unpack the challenges of perfectionism, the power of choice, and why compassion is a game-changer in coaching.
Merilee shares her story of building Spark with Merilee, hosting transformative retreats, and creating spaces where women can reconnect with themselves. The discussion explores the importance of self-awareness, the impact of the words we use, and how to find a healthy balance between ambition and self-care. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that the power to create change has always been within you.
Key themes include the importance of self-empowerment for personal growth, the role language plays in shaping self-perception, and how compassion helps quiet self-judgment.
Merilee and Will highlight that transformation often begins with a small spark, that emotional intelligence is essential for navigating challenges, and that community and connection amplify the coaching experience. They also remind listeners that freedom starts with choice—and that it’s perfectly okay to embrace being a “hot mess” sometimes.
Connect with Guest: Merilee SmithChief Spark Officer | Mindset Coach | SpeakerSpark with Merilee📧 merilee@merileesmith.com🌐 sparkwithmerilee.com📸 Instagram: @sparkwithmerilee
Connect with Host: Will WrightHost | Certified Life Coach & Stress Management CoachCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH™ Method📧 will@iamself-ish.com🌐 iamself-ish.com💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/selfish-will📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
In this episode of the I AM SELF-ISH podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Santiago Grijalva for a powerful conversation about the true essence of mentorship.
Together, they unpack what makes someone a real mentor, how social media has reshaped mentorship dynamics, and why distinguishing between a mentor and an influencer is more important than ever.
Santiago offers thoughtful insights and personal stories about the benefits and challenges of mentorship, the emotional impact of having (or lacking) guidance, and the critical role of integrity and accountability in these relationships.
This conversation is a timely reminder that mentorship is more than a title—it’s a relationship built on trust, honesty, and growth.
Throughout the episode, you’ll hear why a mentor is someone who genuinely wants to see the best in you, and how mentorship is rooted in guidance, accountability, and personal development.
The discussion explores how social media has complicated—but not replaced—authentic mentorship, and why true mentors never make you feel like just a number.
Santiago emphasizes that you are not defined by your past mistakes and reminds us that mentors are not therapists—they’re there to guide your direction.
If you can’t clearly define your mentor, you probably don’t have one. A mentor should never make you feel stuck or ashamed, and the most meaningful mentorships are grounded in integrity, consistency, and accountability.
Ultimately, the journey of personal growth often leads to becoming a mentor yourself.
Connect with Host Will Wright📧 Email: Will@iamself-ish.com📸 Instagram: @selfish.will🌐 Website: www.iamself-ish.com
Connect with Guest Santiago Grijalva📧 Email: letstakeaminute@aol.com📸 Instagram: @coach_gri
Episode 31: Stronger Than Setbacks – with Courtney
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Bronx-born trainer Courtney for a powerful conversation about grit, growth, and redefining strength—on and off the gym floor.
From growing up in a female-led household to building a successful fitness career rooted in resilience, Courtney shares how his journey shaped his voice, values, and vision. They explore the mindset shifts required to bounce back from adversity, the underrated power of social skills in training, and why emotional intelligence is the new six-pack.
They also dig into the role of spirituality, the tension between family life and entrepreneurship, and how modern fitness is evolving beyond just physical appearance.
Takeaways:
🎧 Tune in to hear how setbacks built strength—and how you can turn your own struggles into fuel.
Connect with Guest Courtney Pierre📸 Instagram: @thesoulwarrior33🎵 TikTok: @thesoulwarrior33🌐 Website: the.soulwarrior.com
Connect with Host Will Wright📧 Email: Will@iamself-ish.com📸 Instagram: @selfish.will🌐 Website: www.iamself-ish.com
Episode 30: Feeding the Weakness – with Will Wright
In this raw and revealing solo episode, host Will Wright explores a powerful question: Are you growing, or are you being coddled?
"Feeding the Weakness" unpacks the subtle—but dangerous—ways pandering can show up in our relationships, routines, and self-talk. Whether it's others enabling our comfort zones or our own avoidance dressed up as self-care, Will sheds light on how these patterns keep us safe… but stuck.
Drawing from personal reflections and client experiences, Will challenges listeners to notice when comfort is being mistaken for care—and how to build relationships that call you up, not just soothe you down.
Takeaways:
Episode 29: Leadership in Wonderland – with Susan Goldberg
In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright steps into the curious and transformative world of leadership with consultant and author Susan Goldberg, co-creator of Leadership in Wonderland. Using Lewis Carroll’s classic tale as a creative framework, they explore how characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts mirror real leadership dynamics—confusion, growth, confidence, and clarity.
Together, they unpack what it means to lead with purpose in a constantly shifting world, why traditional leadership models often fall short, and how storytelling, curiosity, and reflection can guide leaders back to themselves. If leadership has ever felt like falling down a rabbit hole—you’re not alone.
Takeaways:
Episode 28: Brooklyn’s Finest – with Roger Dunkelbarger
In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright speaks with real estate agent and creative soul Roger Dunkelbarger about the uniquely personal—and often emotional—journey of buying and selling homes in New York City.
With over a decade of experience and a background in theater, Roger shares how storytelling, connection, and a love for community shape his approach to helping clients find the right home.
Originally from Southern Indiana, Roger has called New York City home for over 15 years. His career spans new development sales, resales, co-ops, condos, and townhouses, making him a trusted guide for everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors.
He currently serves clients in both Manhattan and Brooklyn as part of the prestigious Eklund | Gomes team at Douglas Elliman.
Together, Will and Roger explore:
The episode wraps up with a playful segment where the two dream up marketing strategies for fictional properties—yes, Hogwarts and Stark Tower included.
Takeaways:
About Roger Dunkelbarger
Roger is a real estate professional with the Eklund | Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman, specializing in the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets.
Known for his analytical mind and high-energy, heart-forward approach, he supports both buyers and sellers through every step of the real estate journey. Before real estate, Roger built a career as an actor and singer, developing a global perspective that now informs his appreciation for architecture, design, and human connection.
🎭 Ithaca College alum
🏠 NYC real estate expert
🌍 World traveler & arts enthusiast
🎂 Aspiring baker & hiking lover
Instagram: @rogerofnyc
📧 Email: dunkelbarger@gmail.com
Connect with Host Will Wright
📧 Email: Will@iamself-ish.com
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
🌐 Website: www.iamself-ish.com
Episode 27: Dance Dreams, Dirty Truths – with Megan Morgan
In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher Megan Morgan for a raw, reflective conversation about the beauty, sacrifice, and truth behind a life in dance.
Megan opens up about her early passion for movement, the long hours, and the personal costs that often stay hidden behind the curtain. Together, they dive deep into the emotional toll of the industry, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for clear contracts to honor one's value as an artist.
With honesty and heart, Megan explores the roles that community, trust, and self-worth play in building a creative life that’s not just sustainable—but healing. This episode pulls back the curtain on dance to reveal both the magic and the mess—the joy, the doubt, the grind, and the dream.
🎧 Takeaways:
Dance is more than performance—it's storytelling, discipline, and identity.
Boundaries and contracts are essential forms of self-respect in creative work.
The dance industry can be isolating without the right support systems.
The best dancers aren’t just technically strong—they’re emotionally aware and self-advocating.
Safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces are key to the future of dance.
📩 Connect with Megan Morgan:
Email: megballchanges@gmail.com
Connect with Host Will Wright:
📧 Email: Will@iamself-ish.com📸 Instagram: @selfish.will🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com
🎭 Tune in to “Dance Dreams, Dirty Truths” and hear what it really takes to keep showing up for your art—and for yourself.
Let me know if you’d like a version with links formatted for podcast platforms or show notes!
Episode 26: Fear of Rejection
In this vulnerable solo episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright explores the quiet, heavy weight of rejection—especially when it comes from the people closest to us.
What happens when your dreams are met with silence? When support is absent, and self-doubt creeps in? Will gets honest about the emotional toll of feeling unsupported and the courage it takes to keep showing up anyway.
This episode is a reflection on why rejection stings, how fear tries to keep us small, and what it really means to choose yourself even when others don’t. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by a lack of recognition, this one’s for you.
Connect with Host Will Wright:
📧 Email: Will@iamself-ish.com
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com
🎧 Fear of Rejection is a love letter to the ones still building—even without the applause.
Listen now, and let it remind you: your belief in yourself is louder than any silence.
Episode 25: The Velvet Rope – with Shanette Vega
In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with creative powerhouse and event producer Shanette Vega to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to create unforgettable experiences. With over a decade of producing high-impact events for brands like Google and Netflix, Shanette shares what it means to stay grounded while working in one of the most high-stress, high-glam industries.
They explore how intuition, listening, and presence are her greatest tools—and how managing chaos with grace is an art form. From navigating burnout with creativity to using events as a tool for emotional impact, Shanette gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a life built on intention, excellence, and storytelling through space.
This episode is a tribute to the artistry of production—and a reminder that events don’t just happen… they’re designed to be remembered.
About Shanette Vega:
Shanette Vega is a seasoned event producer with over 10 years of experience designing immersive, high-level experiences around the globe. From red carpets to destination retreats, she brings bold ideas to life with elegance and precision. Her events are known for their emotional resonance, innovation, and seamless execution—earning her a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the field.
Connect with Shanette Vega:
Instagram: @cpr.design
Website: shanettevega.com
Email:shanette.vega@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Shanette Vega
Connect with Host Will Wright:
Email: Will@iamself-ish.com
Instagram: @selfish.will
Website: www.iamself-ish.com
Tune in and discover what’s behind The Velvet Rope—a space where creativity, presence, and legacy meet.
