Navigating Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue: A Conversation with Amanda Neely

Empowered & Embodied Show

#Fitness #Mental Health #Louise Neil #Empowerment #Meaning #Purpose #Mindset #Society #Embodied #Personal Agency #Business #pKim Romain And Louise Neil #pKim Romain #Empower #Liberal

30:22

If your marketing grew like a dividend-reinvestment plan, would you still let a quarterly target dictate every decision? Agility requires stacking returning gains faster than the market changes—think compound interest, but for marketing campaigns. Today we’re going to talk about the Compound Marketing Engine, agentic AI, and why “data-driven” still needs greater adoption among leaders. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Chris O'Neill, CEO of GrowthLoop. About Chris O'Neill Chris O’Neill is CEO of GrowthLoop and a board director at Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS). His 25+ year career includes leadership roles at Google Canada, Evernote, and Xero, and board experience at Tim Hortons. As an advisor and investor, his portfolio includes Koho, Plus AI, and Neeva (acquired by Snowflake). Chris lives in Northern California with his wife, two children, and their dog Teddy. Chris O'Neill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croneill/ Resources GrowthLoop: https://www.growthloop.com https://www.growthloop.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 " Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

about a year ago 48:23

MP3•Episode home

Send us a Message

In this episode from the archives, we’re joined by financial strategist Amanda Neely, who shares her inspiring journey from small-town roots to becoming a beacon of financial empowerment. We dive right into the power of decision-making, the impact of childhood influences on our career paths, and the importance of celebrating our wins along the way. This episode is full of practical strategies for managing cognitive load and avoiding decision fatigue, helping us all find more balance in our lives. Get ready for insightful tips on slowing down, setting priorities, and tuning into your body’s signals when you’re stretched too thin.
"Just a friendly reminder... research is not decision making." - Amanda Neely
Key Takeaways:

Discover how the mental strain of endless decisions can drain your energy and impact your productivity.
Uncover the hidden wisdom your body holds, offering subtle signals when you're reaching decision fatigue.
Appreciate the importance of taking intentional pauses and creating space to process decisions, leading to clearer thinking and emotional balance.
Learn how being part of open-minded communities can provide new perspectives and guide you through moments of decision overload.
Explore practical techniques for slowing down your decision-making, reducing stress, and feeling more empowered in your choices.

Key Moments:
[07:20] Activism and Entrepreneurship: A Coffee Shop Owner's Mission for Change
[11:21] How a Financial Planner Helped Us Achieve Stability and Growth
[16:52] The Impact of Growing Up Without Financial Literacy
[19:42] Thriving at Work but Struggling with Personal Life Planning
[21:49] Understanding How Cognitive Load Affects Decision-Making Capacity
[26:19] The Power of Slowing Down to Make Better, Aligned Decisions
[34:00] Combating Decision Fatigue: Listening to Your Body and Seeking Advice
[37:23] Pre-Decide During High Energy Periods to Avoid Decision Fatigue Later
[40:04[ Finding Agreement in Decision-Making or Knowing When Not to Proceed
[43:38] The Value of Open-Minded Communities for Fresh, Unexpected Feedback
Connect with Amanda:
Website
LinkedIn
Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast
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.

174 episodes

Navigating Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue: A Conversation with Amanda Neely

Empowered & Embodied Show

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a Message

Discover how the mental strain of endless decisions can drain your energy and impact your productivity.
Uncover the hidden wisdom your body holds, offering subtle signals when you're reaching decision fatigue.
Appreciate the importance of taking intentional pauses and creating space to process decisions, leading to clearer thinking and emotional balance.
Learn how being part of open-minded communities can provide new perspectives and guide you through moments of decision overload.
Explore practical techniques for slowing down your decision-making, reducing stress, and feeling more empowered in your choices.

Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.

174 episodes

#Fitness #Mental Health #Louise Neil #Empowerment #Meaning #Purpose #Mindset #Society #Embodied #Personal Agency #Business #pKim Romain And Louise Neil #pKim Romain #Empower #Liberal

All episodes

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
Money, Shame & Self-Worth: A Healing Conversation with Rachel Duncan 51:54

6 days ago51:54

51:54

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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
Exploring Our Energy, Awareness & Evolution 48:01

13 days ago48:01

48:01

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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
Practicing Time Liberation with Becca Rich 49:40

20 days 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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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Redefining Enough When Your Energy Keeps Slipping Away 45:50

27 days 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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
Embrace Your Unique Magic with Amy Pons 49:31

5 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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
Don’t Put Me in a Box: Redefining Success and Authenticity 38:00

6 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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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

7 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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
Reclaiming Your Flow in an Effed Up World 45:32

8 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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

1
The Cost of Gatekeeping & the Courage to Lead as Your Whole Self with Taina Brown 51:19

9 weeks ago51:19

51:19

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 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tainambrown/ 📸 https://insta 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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The Dance Between Being and Doing 39:07

10 weeks ago39:07

39:07

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 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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Rest, Resistance, and the Art of Letting Go with Jordan Maney 51:46

11 weeks ago51:46

51:46

Send us a Message In episode 161 of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil are joined by Jordan Maney, Radical Joy Coach and founder of The Rest Lab . What unfolds is a spacious, heart-deep conversation about rest, not as a luxury, but as a radical act of remembrance, resistance, and return. Together, we explore what it really means to soften when you're used to holding on tightly, to be held when support feels foreign, and to allow joy even in a world full of pain. Through both metaphor and lived experience, Jordan invites us into the water... not to swim perfectly, but to float, to release, to remember we are held. "People think rest is passive. It’s not. It’s active resistance. It’s remembering who you are beyond the frenzy." - Jordan Maney Key Takeaways: Rest isn’t something you earn—it’s something you return to. Letting go is not a loss of control; it’s an act of trust. Floating, like healing, doesn’t require effort, just a willingness to soften. We're not meant to navigate this life alone; community isn't optional, it's essential. True support begins when we’re willing to receive, not just give. Control is not the same as safety. Allowing is deeply personal. It’s about reclaiming what softening looks like for you. Key Moments : 00:00 – Welcome 01:45 – Jordan’s intro 04:20 – “We were made for such a time as this…”: Purpose in dark times 06:01 – Sponge vs. flow: Feeling grief without being consumed 07:59 – The difference between drinking the water and swimming in it 09:40 – What happens when we don’t know how to swim? 12:53 – “If you can’t relax, you’ll never learn to trust yourself in the water” 15:58 – Why control is mistaken for safety—and what it actually costs 17:52 – Floating as self-support: Can you let yourself be held? 19:10 – The frenzy of service vs. the practice of settling 21:21 – How community quietly fills the cup when you’re depleted 24:31 – Military childhood, mutual aid, and the longing for connection 29:55 – What holds us back from resting in community? 35:21 – Stitch & Bitch, hiking, AquaZumba: Finding joy in collective care 38:42 – Creating containers where people can peek out and be themselves 41:25 – Jordan’s definition of rest: Returning energy, attention, and time to self 47:09 – “Allowing” as a portal to healing—on your own terms 49:10 – Where to find Jordan and more of her brilliant work Connect With Jordan: Website: https://www.jordanmaney.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanmaney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejordanmaney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJordanManey/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thejor 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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How We Talk About Ourselves Matters 40:12

12 weeks ago40:12

40:12

Send us a Message In episode 160 of The Empowered and Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil kick things off with a playful conversation about last names—and before they know it, they’re deep in the heart of what it really means to name, claim, and embody who we are. Together, they explore how the way we introduce ourselves, our chosen labels, and even our casual answers to “Tell me about yourself” shape more than just conversation, they shape how we see ourselves and move through the world. Through personal stories, Human Design reflections, and a lot of heartfelt honesty, they invite us to look at the deeper needs that live underneath our titles, roles, and expectations, and how honoring those needs helps us live and lead more authentically. "You don’t have to explain who you are to be worthy of being seen for who you are." — Kim Romain "Real leadership isn’t about running up the hill first—it’s about guiding with wisdom and presence." — Louise Neil Key Takeaways: How names, titles, and first impressions weave into our identity Why understanding your true needs is essential to authenticity The difference between honoring needs vs. being labeled "needy" How Human Design can reveal patterns of doubt, confusion, and wisdom What it looks like to move from role-based identity to soul-based expression Key Moments: 00:00 — Intro and welcome 00:50 — Exploring identities 03:13 — Identity, marriage, and the names we choose 05:00 — Open centers in Human Design and the pull of doubt and confusion 08:34 — The difference between wants and needs—and why it matters 12:34 — Needs are about fulfillment, not lack 15:32 — Unpacking the old wounds around being “too needy” 18:07 — Learning to name what fills us—and asking for it with courage 20:34 — Guiding vs. leading—reclaiming different forms of leadership 27:50 — How Human Design shapes how we hold space and show up 30:26 — Seeing yourself through someone else's eyes—and letting it land 34:29 — Letting go of performance to reconnect with belonging 36:30 — Final reflections on walking into the world as yourself 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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Joy Over Hustle, Every Damn Time with M. Shannon Hernandez 46:54

13 weeks ago46:54

46:54

Send us a Message In episode 159 of The Empowered & Embodied Show , Kim Romain and Louise Neil are joined by the magnetic and mission-driven M. Shannon Hernandez—founder of the Joyful Business Revolution—for a real-talk conversation about redefining success, saying no to burnout, and building businesses that are fueled by joy, not pressure. From the streets of NYC to sacred silence in Bali, Shannon shares what it truly means to live and lead from a place of nothing to prove, nothing to lose. We unpack hustle culture, the art of slowing the f*ck down, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to stop proving and start living. This episode is a love letter to sensitive souls, multi-passionate creators, and anyone who's ever been told they have to grind to matter. Spoiler: You don’t. And you were never meant to. “If it ain’t joyful, we ain’t doing that sh*t.” – M. Shannon Hernandez Key Takeaways Why joy must be a non-negotiable in business How to reclaim your time, energy, and creative spark The truth about burnout, sensitivity, and proving energy Why “less but better” is the new marketing strategy How to stop consuming and start creating The power of showing up as a full, messy, magnificent human Why being human is a viable business plan Key Moments 00:00 – Welcome and joy-filled intros 04:46 – The mantra that changed everything 07:00 – Choosing presence over panic 10:18 – Visioning from a place of alignment 13:28 – Business by the seasons (and the fire of Aries!) 17:36 – ASAP = As Slow As Possible 22:43 – Rubber time and redefining productivity 26:40 – Pinterest vs. Creating: the trap of inspiration hoarding 30:24 – Content paralysis and proving energy 33:57 – Why you don’t need more content to grow your business 36:49 – Letting go of bro marketing 39:32 – Showing up as a human, not a strategy 42:51 – Gunk, goo, and getting rid of what’s not yours 44:21 – The wisdom is already within you Connect with Shannon: Website: https://joyfulbusinessrevolution.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mshannonhernandez/ 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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Finding Your Center in the Midst of Chaos 47:47

14 weeks ago47:47

47:47

Send us a Message In episode 158 of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim Romain and Louise Neil hit record mid-conversation—and trust us, you’ll be glad they did. What started as a check-in about feeling “wobbly” quickly unraveled into a rich, raw, and real exploration of how planetary shifts, inner pressure, and collective noise can leave us spinning... and how to come back to our center. Through personal stories, Human Design insights, and plenty of embodied wisdom, they unpack what it means to move through uncertainty with grace, and how to tell the difference between what’s truly yours and what’s just static. “Personal agency starts with knowing what's yours. Liberation begins when you stop holding what isn’t.” - Kim Romain “The static is everywhere—socially, politically, personally. But that doesn’t mean we have to amplify it.” - Louise Neil Key Takeaways: Wobble ≠ stuck—there’s power in recognizing the difference How planetary shifts amplify inner and outer noise The role of Human Design in navigating aligned action Real-time tools to return to your body and reset your focus Why personal agency and liberation start with asking, “What is mine?” Key Moments: 00:00 - Intro and welcome 01:34 - Why are we all feeling wobbly? 02:43 - Planetary shifts, energetic overwhelm, and the pressure to "do it all" 07:11 - Defining ease vs. hustle—what real alignment feels like in the body 13:28 - From aligned research to perfectionist spiral... getting out of the rabbit hole 19:35 - Completion, closure, and honoring what’s ready to be done 22:52 - What is yours to hold vs. what’s just noise? 32:06 - Reframing “stuck” as a moment of reflection, not failure 35:50 - Crossing the river: a metaphor for fear, trust, and deciding what matters 44:07 - Living selfishly as a form of service—claiming your right to alignment 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.…

Empowered & Embodied Show

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Creating Psychological Safety from the Inside Out with Deborah Lee 56:15

15 weeks ago56:15