I Spent My Childhood Shapeshifting to Be Loved with Janis Vogel

Sense of Self

"I was completely externally focused. Who likes me? Who is accepting me? Who's giving me attention? I did theater. I was on stages. I was very externally focused." - Janis Vogel

Growing up mixed-race on Martha's Vineyard, filmmaker and coach Janis Vogel became a master of reinvention - transforming herself from skater to "homie" to clueless wannabe, all in pursuit of acceptance. But it wasn't until becoming a mother that she realized the cost of living as a canvas instead of a soul.

This raw conversation explores the exhausting work of shapeshifting for love and the profound liberation that comes from choosing authenticity.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• The hidden cost of people-pleasing and perfectionism
• How childhood abandonment shapes adult relationships
• Why being a "good mother" requires being yourself first
• The difference between seeming okay and actually being okay
• How to break cycles without breaking your family

⚠️ Perfect for: People-pleasers, parents questioning their choices, anyone tired of performing

🎬 About Our Guest: Janis Vogel is a filmmaker, divorce coach, and mother who helps people navigate relationship transitions with authenticity and grace.

Connect with Janis!
instagram.com/janisvogel

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.