The Power Of Self-Awareness And Growth From Within: A Conversation With Michele Price Empowered & Embodied Show podcast

48:11

Send us a Message Stress can feel so normal that we forget there’s another way to live. In this episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil sit down with Lydia Knight -- author, executive coach, and founder of The She Center. We explore why our brains and bodies can get stuck in cycles of stress, burnout, and perfectionism and unpack how shame thrives in secrecy, why “stress feels like home,” and what it really takes to create safety, belonging, and authenticity within ourselves. This conversation offers gentle, practical insights on letting go of old patterns, shifting your “emotional home,” and building a more centered way of leading and living. If you’ve ever wondered why stress keeps pulling you back, or how to move toward peace without pushing harder, this episode is for you. Key takeaways from this episode: Stress and burnout can feel familiar, but they don’t have to be home. Curiosity is the antidote to self-judgment. Psychological safety starts within. All emotions matter; they’re the full music of being human. Healing is about letting go, not efforting. Self-trust grows through practice, not perfection. Key moments in this episode: 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions 01:35 – The Journey of Authenticity and Leadership 04:39 – Understanding Shame and Its Impact 07:16 – The Process of Healing and Centering 12:42 – Creating Psychological Safety Within 13:28 – The Role of Emotions in Authenticity 16:13 – Curiosity vs. Judgment in Self-Discovery 19:24 – The Complexity of Human Experience 25:30 – The Pendulum of Healing and Letting Go 27:20 – Building Trust and Safety in Ourselves 31:48 – Celebrating Progress and Emotional Homes 39:16 – The Power of Community and Support 43:25 – The She Center and Its Mission 46:18 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Lydia Knight: Website: https://theshecenter.org/ LinkedIn: https:// linkedin.com/in/lydia-knight-tsc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshecenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshecenter TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@theshecenter Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Learning to Trust Your Body’s Wisdom 44:58

13 days ago44:58

44:58

Send us a Message Sometimes your body says hell no long before your mind catches up. In this episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show, we go deep into the language of the body... you know, those visceral yeses and no’s that reveal more than logic ever could. From laughing over quirky Canadian slang that Louise's dad apparently made up and she thought everyone knew about it (“giver tar paper”) to unpacking how emotions, conditioning, and even menopause shape our ability to trust ourselves, this conversation is raw, funny, and deeply real. We explore how alignment, avoidance, and awareness show up in everyday life, and why listening to your body is the ultimate act of self-trust. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why visceral reactions matter (and how to recognize them) The difference between speaking from emotion vs. logic How avoidance and spiraling signal misalignment Trusting your body through midlife, hormones, and change Practical ways to reconnect with your body’s wisdom Join us for a heartfelt, unfiltered conversation about learning to trust yourself one signal at a time. Key moments: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 02:26 – Visceral Reactions and Emotional Responses 04:39 – Trusting Your Body's Signals 07:16 – Navigating Yes and No in Conversations 09:44 – The Complexity of Emotions 11:51 – Avoidance and Alignment with Values 17:59 – Navigating Internal Conflicts 20:32 – Emotional Processing and Communication 23:25 – Trusting the Body's Signals 27:23 – Understanding Hormonal Changes 33:00 – The Language of the Body 36:25 – The Journey of Self-Discovery Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Burnout Recovery & Creating a Culture of Rest with Nicole Havelka 46:34

20 days ago46:34

46:34

Send us a Message In this episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil sit down with burnout recovery coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and ordained pastor Nicole Havelka to explore why slowing down feels so radical in a culture obsessed with doing. Together, we dive into: How burnout shows up differently for each of us, and why it’s not just an individual problem but a collective one The pressure to constantly prove our worth through productivity and “being the best” Why the word can’t disempowers us, and how to reclaim choice in our lives and work The surprising overlaps between burnout, perimenopause, and values misalignment Practical ways to create compassionate workplaces, embrace rest, and focus on impact instead of output If you’ve ever felt buried under the weight of doing it all, this conversation will remind you that rest is not only possible, it’s essential, powerful, and deeply radical. Key Moments 0:00 – Welcomes and introductions 03:57 – Doing vs. planning: the trap of over-strategy 08:25 – Replacing “proving” energy with body awareness 11:12 – Duality of busyness and rest 13:56 – Redefining “being the best” 22:05 – Pebbles, rocks, and ripple effects 23:28 – Burnout is a collective issue, not individual 26:51 – The exhaustion of being a change agent 32:25 – Awareness as the first step to choice 34:30 – Reclaiming choice instead of saying “can’t” 37:48 – Bodies, yoga, and honoring differences 39:45 – Rethinking work culture and flexibility 41:46 – Final reflections and takeaways Connect with Nicole Havelka Nicole started her business, Defy the Trend, in 2018 to support change agents and values-aligned organizations while they embrace a more rested life and create compassionate workplaces through mindful time management, transformative coaching and restorative yoga and meditation. When she’s not working, she is nurturing herself by doing experimental cooking, watching/reading apocalyptic literature and television, traveling to new places and spending time outdoors. Learn more about her at defythetrend.com or subscribe to her Substack, Just Rest. https://defythetrend.substack.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-havelka-35762022/ https://www.facebook.com/NicoleHavelkaConsulting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkq_yGnNi_JFnTIIzJytNA https://www.pinterest.com/defythetrend Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Finding Your Voice in a World That Won’t Stop Talking 41:33

27 days ago41:33

41:33

Send us a Message In this candid and deeply personal episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil explore what it means to find and use your voice, especially in midlife, in leadership, and in systems that were never built with us in mind. From perimenopause to purpose, silence to self-expression, they unpack the physical, emotional, and energetic ways our voices get stifled... and how to reclaim them with intention and integrity. If you’re ready to stop swallowing your truth and start speaking in ways that feel real, grounded, and powerful... this episode is for you. “You’re not too quiet. You’re discerning.” — Kim Romain “I’m tired of being told how to do life by people who don’t know me.” — Louise Neil Key Takeaways: You don’t have to be loud to be powerful Midlife can spark a deeper connection to your voice Feeling stuck in your throat is often a sign of misalignment Your body gives you clues when your voice isn’t being heard Human Design can help explain how your voice works You get to choose how, when, and where to speak Reclaiming your voice is an act of alignment and power Key Moments: 00:00 – Welcomes and Introductions 05:05 – Using Your Voice with Intention 09:57 – Shifting from Public Sharing to Intimate Conversations 13:05 – When Leaders Don’t Want to Add to the Noise 14:30 – Listening vs. Speaking: The Midlife Reclamation 17:44 – The No-F*cks Fifties and Finding Your Fire 20:16 – The Power of Saying What’s on Your Mind 21:11 – Human Design, Throat Centers, and Communication Blocks 24:51 – Aligning the Head, Throat, and Body 29:18 – Slowing Down and Staying Intentional 33:58 – Why Some Spaces Feel Unsafe to Speak In 38:14 – Finding the Right Room and Doing the Inner Work Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Money, Shame & Self-Worth: A Healing Conversation with Rachel Duncan 52:47

5 weeks ago52:47

52:47

Send us a Message Why does talking about money feel so hard? In this episode, Kim and Louise are joined by financial and art therapist Rachel Duncan of The Money Healing Club to unpack the tangled emotions so many of us carry around money. Together, we explore: How shame shows up in our financial stories The cultural and systemic roots of money avoidance Why budgeting isn’t always the first step How art therapy can unlock healing and rewire old beliefs The intersection of nervous system regulation and financial well-being Rachel shares a gentle and radically compassionate approach to money that centers self-trust, creativity, and community. Whether you’ve struggled with scarcity, felt like you’re “bad with money,” or simply want a new way to relate to your finances, this conversation offers both insight and relief. “The more money you have, the more you think about money. Safety doesn’t come from having more; it comes from knowing how to be with it.” - Rachel Duncan Key Moments: 00:00 – Welcome and Introductions 03:55 – Let’s Talk About Money Shame 06:18 – Why We Don’t Talk About Money 09:10 – The History of Women, Money, and Pockets 13:06 – Generational Scarcity and Self-Fulfilling Scripts 20:08 – Money, Community, and Financial Activism 24:28 – Blending Financial Therapy with Art Therapy 29:04 – Somatic and Visual Processing for Money Trauma 31:32 – Why Budgeting Isn’t the First Step 36:13 – The Psychology of Poverty and Present-Moment Survival 39:23 – Economic Ecosystems and Recession Mindset 43:56 – Guided Visualization: Money as a Creature 49:07 – Closing Reflections and Gentle Invitations 51:06 – Final Thoughts and Thank You Connect with Rachel: moneyhealingclub.com The Money Healing Club Podcast Rachel’s free mindful spending email course Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Exploring Our Energy, Awareness & Evolution 48:54

6 weeks ago48:54

48:54

Send us a Message In this episode, Kim and Louise unpack the invisible habits, systems, and stories that keep us stuck on autopilot. From midlife identity shifts to menopause brain fog to the pressure of always needing to be “better,” this conversation dives deep into how we relate to energy, awareness, and the myth of who we used to be. We explore how mindfulness can interrupt unconscious patterns, how language (including the body's) helps us make meaning, and why community is essential for navigating the messy, beautiful transitions of life. This one’s for anyone who’s feeling disconnected, disoriented, or just plain over it. Whether you're sleepwalking through your days or just craving a new way of being... this is a reminder that you're always evolving. “Your life gets to be your story; no one else can write it for you.” — Louise Neil “The body speaks in a language most of us haven’t even tapped into.” — Kim Romain Key themes: Why energy awareness matters more than energy output How menopause impacts identity and presence The difference between knowing the words and speaking your body’s language Creating your “dream team” of support before crisis hits The freedom that comes from claiming your evolution Key moments: 00:00 – Welcomes and Introductions 02:24 – Autopilot, Energy Leaks, and Conservation 06:12 – The “Shoulds” Around Self-Care 09:47 – Aging, Identity, and Midlife Awareness 17:23 – Sleepwalking Through Life and Losing Awareness 20:31 – Disconnection as a Symptom of Menopause 23:50 – The Body’s Language and What It’s Telling Us 26:35 – Building Your Support System and Dream Team 30:26 – Preparing for Life’s Messy Middles 32:33 – Saying No to Help and Trusting Your Timing 36:37 – What Helps Us Navigate Uncertainty? 39:08 – Your Life Is Your Story; You Get to Write It 42:19 – Acceptance, Awareness, and Belief in Something Bigger 44:12 – If We’re Not Evolving, What Are We Doing? Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Practicing Time Liberation with Becca Rich 49:40

7 weeks ago49:40

49:40

Send us a Message What if time doesn’t need to be managed, but liberated ? In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show , Kim and Louise are joined by holistic time coach Becca Rich for a soul-stretching conversation about how we relate to time, and how that relationship is shaped by hustle culture, systemic oppression, and internalized shame. Together, we explore what it means to practice time liberation by listening to your unique rhythms, breaking free from toxic productivity patterns, and redefining what it means to spend your time well. If you’ve ever felt like you’re always behind, never doing enough, or stuck in someone else’s schedule… this one’s for you. Inside this episode: The truth about time shame and the myth of “falling behind” Why “time management” often reinforces systems of oppression How rest, rhythm, and community reclaim your agency The role of presence, pleasure, and purpose in bending time Simple, embodied ways to shift how you experience your days Key Moments/Chapters 00:00 – Welcomes and introductions 02:28 – What is a relationship with time? 04:24 – How systems of oppression shape our time 08:42 – Time scarcity and community solutions 10:17 – Making time liberation accessible 13:13 – Listening to your body’s rhythms 15:30 – Deconditioning from hustle culture 18:46 – Time liberation as reclaiming agency 22:58 – Time shame and the myth of sameness 25:04 – Redefining productivity 31:14 – From burnout to body-led time 37:54 – Time expansion and bending time 40:30 – There is no behind 48:18 – Closing thoughts and gratitude About Our Guest: Becca Rich is a holistic time coach, hypnotist, and founder of multiple soul-aligned businesses supporting neurodivergent, sensitive, and spiritually curious humans. She’s here to help you reclaim your time, your energy, and your wholeness. Find Becca at: https://www.theholistictimecoach.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccacrich/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholistictimecoach/ Listen to Becca’s podcast: Not Too Productive Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Redefining Enough When Your Energy Keeps Slipping Away 45:50

8 weeks ago45:50

45:50

Send us a Message Is it burnout or a slow leak of energy you weren't expecting? In this honest, unfiltered conversation, Kim Romain and Louise Neil explore what it really means to feel drained in midlife, how perimenopause and menopause shift our physical and energetic capacity, and why the old hustle-driven definitions of success no longer apply. They dive into: Why reacting all day long isn’t the same as responding How to tell when your “plate” has actually gotten smaller The emotional and physical cost of pretending you still have the same bandwidth Learning to honor your energy instead of push through it What it means to redefine enough on your own terms Whether you’re navigating midlife, shifting your pace in a world gone wild, or wondering why the drive you used to have just isn’t there anymore... this episode is a permission slip to slow down, tune in, and trust your own rhythm. "Our brains are rewiring themselves. Estrogen was the fuel, and it’s no longer reliable." - Louise Neil "When we honor what our bodies need… we stop pushing through things that are actually hurting us." - Kim Romain Key Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 03:12 – The difference between reacting and responding 04:50 – Burnout, Human Design & sacral fatigue 06:38 – Fireflies, distractions & energy drains 08:00 – Leaky buckets and where the energy goes 12:18 – Midlife, menopause, and the rewiring we don’t talk about 16:00 – Rejecting hustle culture & old expectations 21:52 – How to honor your energy (even when you can’t stop) 23:18 – Grace, seasons, and letting yourself off the hook 28:37 – Accepting your current capacity 33:37 – Discernment vs. responding: the language of self-trust 41:36 – Final takeaways: grace, difference, and your own rules 43:38 – What we’re up to and where to find us Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Embrace Your Unique Magic with Amy Pons 49:31

9 weeks ago49:31

49:31

Send us a Message What if the thing you’ve been taught to tone down is actually your superpower? In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Pons — life coach, energy worker, and unapologetic spiritual warrior — for a raw and real conversation on breaking free from the boxes that try to keep us small. We explore what it means to “remember” who you truly are, how to reclaim your magic after burnout, and why feeling awkward might just be the gateway to authenticity. From corporate conditioning to cosmic awakenings, we talk some truth about our nervous systems, intuitive gifts, and the power of creating your own definition of enoughness. This one’s a must-listen for misfits, magic-makers, and anyone ready to stop performing and start becoming. “Awkward is not something to avoid—it’s your portal to power.” - Amy Pons In this episode: Leaving behind “executive presence” to embrace your essence Navigating awkwardness as a path to truth Understanding the impact of cosmic energy on your evolution Tools for tuning into your intuition and nervous system Why dismantling beliefs is part of the magic Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction 02:40 – The Journey from Corporate Rebel to Spiritual Warrior 07:20 – Awakening and Remembering the Soul Essence 11:01 – Navigating Awkwardness and Embracing Uniqueness 16:00 – The Impact of Cosmic Energies on Personal Growth 20:47 – Trusting Intuition and the Process of Remembering 25:28 – Creating Regulated Spaces and Nervous System Truth 26:16 – The Shift from Serving Systems to Serving Self 30:34 – Finding and Honoring Your Unique Vibration 34:16 – The Beauty of Diverse Perspectives 37:54 – Glimmers, Triggers, and the Wisdom of Synchronicity 40:00 – The Power of Inquiry and Radical Self-Reflection 42:34 – Infinite Possibilities and Living Your Magic 44:47 – The Power of Remembering Who You Really Are 48:43 – Closing Reflections and How to Connect with Amy CONNECT WITH AMY: Website: https://unlockthemagic.org LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amyponsismagic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Coach_Amy_Pons Amy is a corporate powerhouse that remembered that she came here to this space and time to stand flat footed in her soul essence as a healer and a warrior. As a healer, she shows up a certified life coach and chakra energy practitioner and as a warrior. well that depends on where she is in her monthly cycle but will always creating the existence that every soul deserves to live on this plane. Either way, she unlocks the magic - the unique brilliance within each of us that has been trained for whatever reason, to hide. Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Don’t Put Me in a Box: Redefining Success and Authenticity 38:00

10 weeks ago38:00

38:00

Send us a Message What does it really mean to live an authentic life? In this week’s episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil peel back the layers on what authenticity actually looks and feels like... beyond the buzzwords, beyond the curated versions of ourselves, and beyond the boxes we’ve been told to fit into. We’re talking about the tension between wanting to belong and needing to be true to yourself... How systems like patriarchy, corporate culture, and hustle-based entrepreneurship condition us to chase someone else’s definition of success... And what it takes to reclaim your agency, make your own choices, and live a life that feels aligned, even if it looks different from the norm. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or a human navigating the twists and turns of life, this conversation invites you to question the script, stitch your own tapestry, and reconnect with your deeper why. Key Takeaways from this episode: Authenticity means making choices that feel true to you Success isn’t one-size-fits-all You can be inspired by others without copying them The world doesn’t always make space for realness—but it’s still worth showing up Belonging and authenticity can coexist It’s okay to choose a conventional path if it’s aligned for you Your life is a tapestry—no one else’s will look like yours Staying connected to your humanity is the heart of it all Being yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s how you truly live Key Moments / Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Intro 02:08 – The Box We’re Supposed to Fit In 05:05 – The Cookie-Cutter Life Myth 07:02 – “I Thought I Was Being Authentic” 11:44 – When Sameness Feels Like the Only Option 17:27 – The Privilege and Risk of Being Real 19:05 – What Grows Authenticity? 21:08 – Who Am I to Do This? 22:23 – The Stories We Carry 24:08 – When It’s Hard to Be Yourself 27:34 – Wholeness & Being Human 32:21 – Your Life is a Tapestry 36:12 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Us “If we’re all the same puzzle piece, then we don’t actually have a puzzle.” - Kim Romain “You can gather threads from someone else without copying their tapestry.” - Louise Neil Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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The Power of Joy, Permission & Choosing Yourself with Heather Vickery 50:20

11 weeks ago50:20

50:20

Send us a Message What does it really mean to live from a place of joy? And why does it feel so hard to access in the middle of everyday life? In this heartfelt and laughter-filled episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim and Louise sit down with transformational success coach and speaker Heather Vickery to explore the power of joy, midlife identity shifts, Human Design, and the radical permission to choose yourself. Together, we unpack: How to reclaim joy as a daily practice, not just a fleeting moment What Human Design reveals about burnout, performance, and energy misalignment Why midlife is actually a portal to deeper freedom (hello, Chiron return!) The truth about self-trust and how to stop outsourcing your worth Compassionate self-touch as a tool for nervous system healing and embodiment Why representation, fringe-living, and showing up as you are matter more than ever Whether you’re trying to find your rhythm, craving rest, or simply someone ready to feel more like yourself again, this conversation is a warm invitation home. Key Moments: 00:00 Intro: Welcome to The Empowered and Embodied Show 02:08 Meet Heather Vickery + Embodied Joy as a Set Point 06:50 Choosing Joy Instead of Waiting for It 09:27 Listening to Your Intuition & Midlife Downloads 10:53 The Chiron Return & Zero F*cks Fifties 15:14 What Embodied Joy Looks Like on a Regular Tuesday 23:16 Trusting Yourself Enough to Take the Leap 26:31 How Do We Help People Know They Have Magic? 30:22 The Difference Between Being Awake vs. Performing 34:22 Compassionate Self-Touch 38:57 There’s No Wrong Way to Love Yourself 40:34 The Power of Permission, Play, and Legos 44:26 Self-Compassion, Even When It Feels Unsafe 45:18 Final Takeaways: Don’t Wait for Joy. Create It 49:41 Wrap-Up: You Are Not Alone on the Fringe Connect with Heather Vickery: 🌐 Website: https://vickeryandco.com 🎙 Podcast: Was It Chance? 🗓 Free Office Hours: Tuesdays at 12pm CT – Register via her site 📧 Substack: https://braveheathervickery.substack.com/ Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Reclaiming Your Flow in an Effed Up World 45:32

12 weeks ago45:32

45:32

Send us a Message Ever have one of those weeks where everything feels just slightly (or wildly) off, even though you’re doing all the “right” things? In episode 164 of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim and Louise unpack what it means to feel out of sync and how to gently find your way back to yourself. From discussing the difference between routine and rhythm , to navigating energetic overwhelm and foggy seasons, this episode is a compassionate invitation to slow down, listen inward, and experiment your way back into alignment. They explore what disconnection feels like (hint: not always dramatic, but often disorienting), and share personal practices for movement, somatics, nature connection, and redefining progress—not as productivity, but as presence. This one’s for anyone who’s ever asked: Why do I feel off when nothing’s technically wrong? "Being can be a destination. I’m getting myself to a place where I can just be." - Kim Romain "Let’s stop measuring progress by ladders and start measuring it by how we feel." - Louise Neil Key Takeaways: The difference between routine and rhythm How to recognize subtle signs of disconnection Why the world feels so loud and what to do when you can't hear yourself The power of movement, sound, and nature in finding your way back Redefining “enough” and giving yourself permission to just be Key Moments: [00:00] Welcome + Episode intro [01:55] Weekly check-in: “Fugged up” and frenzied energy [04:10] Big energy, introvert fatigue, and the need to come back to self [07:40] The realization: I need rhythm, not just routine [11:14] What rhythm feels like in the body—and why it’s so needed [16:49] The world feels loud: Why we can't hear ourselves anymore [22:22] Naming the disconnect: “I don’t feel like myself” [27:09] Holding what’s not yours + the difference between emotion and energy [31:38] Where are we going—and is just being enough? [41:27] Experimenting your way into alignment [42:17] Final reflections: Who are you having this conversation with? [44:44] Closing thoughts and listener invitation Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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The Cost of Gatekeeping & the Courage to Lead as Your Whole Self with Taina Brown 52:12

13 weeks ago52:12

52:12

Send us a Message What if the key to powerful leadership isn’t more structure… but more soul? In this rich, heart-centered conversation, Kim and Louise are joined by coach, strategist, and recovering academic Taina Brown to explore what it really takes to lead as your whole self, especially in systems that reward fragmentation and performance. They unpack the impact of gatekeeping (from academia to coaching to the workplace), the myth of “getting it right,” and how somatics and play open new doorways to healing, embodiment, and aligned leadership. Taina shares her journey from feminist scholar to strategy coach, the somatic tools that helped her reconnect after a traumatic health experience, and why funk music might be the nervous system medicine we all need. This episode is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt they had to leave parts of themselves at the door to be taken seriously. “Don’t let one part of yourself gatekeep another.” – Taina Brown Key Takeaways Gatekeeping is often rooted in insecurity and unprocessed imposter syndrome Integration is the power move—we’re not meant to fragment across roles Play is how we heal, regulate, and remember who we are Embodied leadership makes room for sensation, intuition, and rest Somatics help rebuild connection, especially after trauma or illness Wholeness creates space—for yourself and others to show up fully Key Moments [00:00] Welcome + Episode intro [01:35] Meet today’s guest: Taina Brown [04:58] Naming and challenging academic gatekeeping [08:46] Gatekeeping in coaching and helping professions [12:59] Gatekeeping as protection: fear of being “found out” [15:14] Unrealistic expectations and imposter syndrome at work [17:41] Reframing failure with Emergent Strategy [20:02] Play as a path to learning and growth [21:23] What if we welcomed the human behind the curtain? [29:29] Why pushing through isn’t always the answer [34:00] Fragmentation: stop being your own gatekeeper [36:01] “Mitigate the ambiguity”: the somatic impact of uncertainty [39:15] Using somatic CBT in professional development workshops [43:49] Head, heart, and body: wholeness as a leadership strategy [45:27] Final reflections and calls to action [49:08] Where to find Taina online [50:31] Closing thoughts and listener invitation About Taina Taina is a former feminist scholar turned strategy whiz trained in somatic CBT methods. As a personal and professional development coach of over 15 years, she helps leaders and their teams show up as their best, values-aligned selves so they can do good work. She’s also the cohost of the Messy Liberation podcast with Becky Mollenkamp. 🌐 http://www.ifthenand.org/tainambrown 🔗 Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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The Dance Between Being and Doing 39:59

14 weeks ago39:59

39:59

Send us a Message In episode 162 of The Empowered and Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil explore what it means to embrace being in a world that constantly demands doing . They unpack the tension between presence and productivity, and what it looks like to live in alignment without burning out. Together, they reflect on how growth doesn't have to be forced, it naturally unfolds when we’re present. Instead of chasing clarity, they show how you can find it by simply showing up as you are. They unpack the tension so many of us feel between stillness and movement, presence and productivity, planning and play. With a dose of laughter (and baloney sandwiches), they explore how self-awareness and inner alignment help us navigate this dance between being and doing without losing ourselves in the push. "Presence is when I feel like I get to actually be me." – Kim Romain "Sometimes letting go is the experience.” - Louise Neil Key Takeaways The difference between doing and being (and how to honor both) What true presence feels like (and why it’s the key to authentic living) How to grow without burning out or losing yourself Why coaching and therapy serve different needs—and how to know which you need How to balance your inner planner and your spontaneous self What it means to know yourself deeply—without judgment or striving Key Moments 00:00 Welcome and intro 02:07 Celebrating three years of podcasting and the magic of unscripted conversations 04:33 “When is it okay to just be ?” 06:34 How presence reveals the truest parts of ourselves 09:13 What being present really means (and how it differs from productivity) 12:49 The many hats we wear and how to stay authentic while shifting roles 15:05 Baloney sandwiches and school buses: a metaphor for your inner world 19:10 The joy of conversation without an agenda 23:36 Why your planner and your spontaneous side need each other 25:06 Self-trust grows when you honor the needs of all your parts 28:27 Coaching vs. therapy: unpacking vs. choosing your train 32:55 Getting unstuck by releasing the “why” and tuning into the “what’s next” 36:54 Let the journey be the destination Join Kim at the Drop the Mic UnSummit - Sept 15-18, 2025 . https://dropthemic.teachery.co/buy?a=nYpjqnTp Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program . Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program . If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com to explore everything we have to offer.…

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Rest, Resistance, and the Art of Letting Go with Jordan Maney 52:39

15 weeks ago52:39