Brave Enough to Be

You might remember that I took a “break” from the podcast in April. (A break during which I recorded and worked on seven new episodes!) In today’s “episode” (it’s a mini one, clocking in at around five minutes), I explain why we’re taking an indefinite hiatus from the podcast this time. I love this podcast and I love that you listen in every week! It’s a true labor of love, and I know this time away will help me better focus my time and energy on my long-term goals (like writing a book!), while figuring out if and how I can best show up for this passion podcast project too. In the meantime, if you’d like to keep in touch, you can subscribe to my Sunday Night Newsletters which I promise to keep sending :) And, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to catch up on the last 27 episodes of the podcast — they’re all so good! Thank you, as always, for being here — and I look forward to connecting with you again soon!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by indie author and maker, Christina Cato.  As an author, Christina enjoys writing romance, sci-fi/fantasy, dystopian fiction, but is open to whatever stories pop into her head: From steamy romance to historical thriller, she goes where the characters and stories take her. She has three published novels on Amazon, but has written one more, and is currently starting on her fifth book — a fictional tale based on her recent experience getting COVID-19!  Christina has also been building Star Wars droids since 2015 (she has two complete droids) and has facilitated a thriving community of women-identifying builders through the Stardust Builders Initiatives. She is also an historical re-enacter with the Society of Creative Anachronisms; a Stormtrooper, Imperial Officer, Imperial Combat Driver, Imperial Transport troop Driver for international Star Wars fan-based organization, 501st Legion; and a volunteer for 501st events that include Make-A-Wish granting, fundraisers, STEM based events.  And in all the spare time she has left, Christina can also be found hamming it up at conventions in the various cosplay she enjoys and working full-time for Nike.  Christina was introduced to me by my friend Jon, who works with Christina at Nike and told me she was an awesome creative dynamo — and he was so right. In today’s conversation, we talk about how Christina got into the world of droid building and how it’s helped her open doors for other people, how she’s learned to stop caring about what other people think and how that’s changed her life, and the one action that has led to every success in her life. We also talk about: How she became a published author after giving up on writing early in her life, and how she takes the seedling of an idea and turns it into an entire story The power of representation for women and people of color How to unplug from the people in your life who have a negative impact The best way to begin accessing our joy and following our whimsy Why it’s not just okay, but should be encouraged to be bad at things How living as your full self creates more space in your life  Why there is no right or wrong way to do anything . . . and so much more! Christina’s passions range from the technical to the hands on, but it’s always inspirational.  More than that, she tries to do it her own way, using her own “voice” rather than merely copying everyone else. I loved our conversation because it reminded me of how powerful it is to live as my full self and to follow the things — the activities, the relationships, the career paths — that really feel good to me.  That’s where Christina has found the most success and the most happiness, and after having this conversation, I’m more convinced than ever that the same is true for all of us. Thank you, as always, for listening — I hope you enjoy the show! — Follow Christina: Twitter Facebook Group: Cato’s Cloud Facebook Group: Stardust Builders Initiative Website (Under Construction) Amazon Other Notable Links: Christina’s Our Star Wars Story Looking for Leia   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by mental health counselor and advocate, Taylor Nolan. Taylor is a Seattle native who appeared on Season 21 of The Bachelor, where she popularized emotional intelligence, and then was on Season 4 of Bachelor in Paradise.  Since appearing on The Bachelor franchise as a reality TV personality, Taylor has expanded and transitioned her brand into being a podcast host. In December 2017, Taylor launched the Let’s Talk About It with Taylor Nolan podcast.  As an alumna from Johns Hopkins University with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Taylor is helping spread awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health and taboo topics. Through both her time as a reality TV personality and hosting her podcast, Taylor has connected with America and her followers with her courage to tackle uncomfortable and controversial topics, and her passion for mental health advocacy. Taylor’s other passions include environmental sustainability and animal rescue. I first heard of Taylor when I listened to her on another podcast and I was so excited to reach out to her. As you’ll hear in the conversation, we share a lot in common and it was really fun to share insights and experiences and learn more about all that she’s done and continues to do. In today’s conversation, we talk about how Taylor creates boundaries between other people's emotions, experiences, opinions and her personal energy or professional work; how she’s learned to let go of other people’s opinions of her and show up as her authentic self; and her experience of growing up biracial in a white family. We also talk about: Her psychotherapy practice and what drew her to the work in the first place Why she applied to be on The Bachelor and why it ended up actually being a traumatic experience — and why she decided to go back for Bachelor in Paradise What she posted during Black History Month that had me in tears, and the work she’s done to accept the parts of herself she’s rejected How we’re both reconnecting with our naturally curly hair and why that’s been such an important journey . . . and so much more! This is another conversation that was recorded back in early April and, as all we know, so much has changed in our country and in the world in the months since then.  But even back in April, this was a really special conversation where we touched on topics that still feel relevant and important today. Our conversation around being biracial was especially important and impactful to me. Taylor is an incredible advocate and resource of information and insight, as both her podcast and her Instagram consistently feature the sometimes uncomfortable, but always important conversations around what’s happening in this moment and what it’s like to be human through all of it.  After you give today’s episode a listen, I hope you’ll go follow Taylor and her work, because she really is doing incredible things in the world and I feel grateful to have shared this conversation with her. Thank you, as always, for listening — I hope you enjoy the show! — Follow Taylor: Instagram Let’s Talk About It Podcast Other Notable Links: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by coach and healer, Camille Kelley. Camille is a queer coach and healer for business owners, creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders looking to release the stress, overwhelm and burnout of the “hustle” and step into flow and fun so that they can experience more magic, play and excitement while creating bigger and better results by doing less.  Camille uses a unique mix of EFT/tapping and creativity practices along with traditional coaching with a focus on self-love to guide her clients to overcome fears, blocks and challenges in order to step into their most powerful, vibrant selves.  I was really lucky to meet Camille in a Facebook group late last year. I had a really incredible creativity coaching session with her, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. She has been such an incredible advocate for my writing and my projects — including this podcast — and it was so much fun to share this conversation with her, learn more about the life experience that led to the work she does now, the practices she uses now, and the ways she’s brave enough to show up as the fullest expression of herself now! In today’s conversation, we talk about how she’s begun to live life as her full self (and why it’s an ongoing process), the tools and processes she uses to move through challenging situations and emotions, and how a family tragedy helped her see the beauty in life that she had lost sight of. We also talk about: How she tuned into who she really was and what she really wanted — and what happens when you accept the parts of yourself that you thought were wrong What she does when she’s afraid to step into a more authentic version of herself How to release trapped energy and emotions in your body How showing up imperfectly has made her a better coach, fiance, daughter, and human . . . and so much more! As with last week’s episode, Camille and I recorded our conversation back in late April — but again, as with last week’s episode, I think so many of the insights that Camille shares and the tools she offers are relevant to and really helpful for living through the times that we’re in.  Camille is a really sparkly, wonderful, wise human being and I’m certain that her penchant for pursuing joy and play and showing up as your messy, imperfect self will appeal to anybody who’s listening. I know it did — and it does! — for me. Thank you, as always, for listening. I hope you enjoy the show! — Follow Camille: Website Instagram (Finding Sparks) Instagram (Camille Kelley) Facebook Group (Finding Sparks) Events Win a Session Other Notable Links: Brave Enough to Be, Ep. 20 - Karissa Kouchis   Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad   Brave Enough to Be, Ep. 24 - Nailah Blades Wylie   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by coach and community builder, Nailah Blades Wylie. Nailah is the CEO of Color Outside, a curated travel company for ambitious women of color who are ready to create unapologetic, soul stirring lives through outdoor adventure. She started Color Outside as a safe place for women of color to come together and unlock where they're feeling stuck so that they can fully step into their joy and shine. When she's not leading adventure retreats or consulting with brands you can find Nailah hiking with her husband or playing intense games of hide-n-go seek with her two tiny kids. I have known Nailah for many years now — since we were both “young female entrepreneurs” in LA — and every conversation I’ve had with her has been filled with wisdom and insight that I want to immediately apply to my life. It was really an honor to have her on the show and to continue to learn from her. In today’s conversation, we talked about how she’s gotten comfortable with taking big leaps, how companies can do a better job creating more inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, and why it’s so important to her to get outside and help other women of color find joy doing the same. We also talk about: Her three-part framework for how to be a more inclusive brand Why decentering ourselves is the key to building better communities What having two kids and two companies has taught her about balancing the many requests for her time and energy Why now, maybe more than ever, it’s so important to keep dreaming . . . and so much more! I also want to note that we recorded this episode back on April 22nd. Had we had this conversation any time in the last three weeks, I have no doubt we would’ve talked about what’s going on in the world — and about how that’s impacted us individually, how that’s impacted the Black community, and why it just continues to highlight how important Nailah’s work is in the world. And, when I think about Nailah, I think about joy. I think about the joy she cultivates in her own life, I think about the joy she helps women of color find in the outdoors, I think about the joy she brings to the lives of the people who know her! I’m so grateful for this conversation, because everything we talk about — everything Nailah so graciously shares — is still so important to our current societal conversation. Thank you, as always, for listening. I hope you enjoy the show! — Follow Nailah: Website Instagram (Color Outside) Facebook (Color Outside) Instagram (Nailah Blades Wylie) Other Notable Links: Brave Enough to Be - Episode 1 She Is the Universe Brave Enough to Be - Episode 4 Writing Pad   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In this week’s solo episode, I do my best to address what’s going on in the world following the murder of George Floyd (and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and . . . ), sharing more about my experience and offering some thoughts and next steps I’ve been exploring. As a biracial American woman, I live in a Black body and I benefit from a whole lot of privilege, including white privilege. I think that's important to start with because it obviously influences everything I have to say and how I show up in the world. I also want to note that this episode centers a lot of my experience, and much of the conversation is directed toward other people with white privilege or internalized racism. For all of the reasons I just shared, this episode is a little more off the cuff. It’s just me talking to you. I felt that it was important to share directly from my heart, my thoughts, my feelings, because that’s all I know. I know my own experience, my own learning (and unlearning), and my own commitment to where I go next. In today’s episode, I dive deeper into: My background and personal experience as a biracial Black woman in America What I’ve experienced (and why) over the last few weeks What I’m learning (and unlearning) about white privilege, white supremacy, the roots of racism, and how I’ve unwittingly perpetuated this system The big life lessons — which apply to this moment, but also all aspects of life — that I’m currently remembering and integrating Where I’ve messed up (with this podcast, in particular) . . .  . . . and my current commitments to do better. And, as always, so much more! It’s my hope that something in this episode will connect with you, will touch you, will inspire you to make your own commitment to do better — for the Black community and for humanity.  Thank you for listening.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by author and poet, Brianna Wiest. Brianna has built a worldwide readership through thousands of published articles and tens of millions of views. She is a senior contributor at Forbes, a top contributor at Medium, and writes and consults for national publications.  Brianna is also the author of five books — and her latest, The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery is being published in June 2020! Her dream is to use the power of words to help people awaken to their fullest potential, build emotional intelligence and fulfill their life purpose Brianna is one of my favorite writers; someone whose every word I want to share on an Instagram Story and just say: “YES, THIS.” I believe her words resonate not just because she braids them together so well, but because she is so good at exploring and explaining the human condition.  In today’s conversation, we talked about how you can begin to change the way you think, what she’s learned from her most popular pieces, the piece of advice that’s most contributed to her prolific writing career, and why it’s so important to let go of attachment to the outcome. We also talk about: What self-sabotage is, how to identify it, some of the main reasons we self-sabotage, and the practical steps she took to begin shifting her behaviors in her own life The piece of advice that’s most contributed to her prolific writing career and the unconventional way she finds flow while writing Why self-hate is a learned thing (and how to unlearn it) The questions to ask yourself whenever you keep running into a block in your life . . . and so much more! Brianna was one of the first names on my “Dream Guest” list when I was first thinking about this podcast, and I’m so grateful that we got to share this conversation.  I’ve admired her as a writer for so long, and after this conversation, I like her even more as a person.  — Follow Brianna: Website Medium Instagram Other Notable Links: Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed Resilience by Eric Grietens   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Felicia Sullivan. A marketing executive and novelist, Felicia has been building brands and telling stories for decades. She's the author of The Sky Isn't Visible From Here (Algonquin Books/HarperCollins Publishers) and Follow Me Into The Dark (Feminist Press). Currently, she's roaming around California with her tabby cat, Felix — and that’s just one of many reasons I was so excited to talk with her today! I first became familiar with Felicia’s work when I was applying for a new job several years ago, and found that she was one of the few women in a leadership role at the company. Though she left that job shortly before I started, I continued to follow her work with fascination and admiration. Felicia is not only an incredible and prolific writer, she is an adept explorer of the human condition: finding ways to communicate her own experiences, transitions, and transformations in ways that both entertain and educate everyone who reads her work. In today’s episode, we talked about why she decided to pack up her life in LA and spend a year traveling California (and what that experience has been like in the middle of a global pandemic), how she’s made a lot of radical changes in her life over the last few years (and what those transformations have taught her about resilience), and why it’s not a good thing that we tend to surround ourselves with people who are so similar to us — and what she does to combat that in her own life. We also talk about: How she’s been brave enough to show up as the truest expression of herself in every facet of her life Why she’s put herself through what she calls “the reckoning”: gleaning people from her life who were no longer healthy Why it’s so important to question and challenge what you believe, and how she does that regularly How to convey your truth as a writer, and why her writing has evolved over the years How to write (or create or do anything) without comparing yourself to everyone who seems better or further along than you . . . and so much more! I have learned so much from Felicia over the years — first, as a follower of her work and later as a friend — and I continued to benefit from her wisdom and the breadth of her experience in this conversation. Whether you’re a writer, a traveler, or just a human hoping to become truer to yourself and your path, this episode will give you valuable insights to guide your way.   — Follow Felicia: Medium LinkedIn   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Karissa Kouchis. Karissa, also known as "KK", is a Tony Robbins National Speaker. She advises and consults with Fortune 500 companies, teams, groups, and organizations on the areas of Peak Performance, leadership, organizational behavior, psychology of achievement, and sales mastery.  KK has brought her high-energy training to over 500 events for companies like Salesforce.com, Zoom Video Communications, Keller Williams, Beautycounter, Equinox, Fox Sports, New York Life, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Marriott Hotels, and Barre3 Fitness. She guides audiences to experience the highest standard of training so each individual can make immediate and massive shifts in not only performance and business, but in their lives. Karissa is a firecracker and she lit such a fire in me to live as the woman I want to be and already KNOW I AM. Her words are powerful and I hope they resonate with you — and compel you to action! — as deeply as they did with me. In today’s episode, we talked about how to exercise the power of your mind, designing your life instead of letting your mind lead you on autopilot. We also talk about how she became the youngest nationwide trainer for Tony Robbins with zero qualifications and zero professional selling and speaking experience — and the specific tools she’s used to absolutely kill it on the job. We also talk about: How to deal with the people who aren’t comfortable with your personal growth Why self-development doesn’t have to equal massive changes in your life (at first) How to get the things that you want, even if you don’t feel (or just actually aren’t) qualified How shifting your identity will change your life and how you do it Her powerful (proprietary) journaling technique for setting herself up for success and creating a “sexy” future Her advice to help you show up in a more powerful way starting TODAY . . . and so much more! After months of following her on Instagram, I knew it would be such a joy to share a conversation with Karissa, and she still completely blew me away. I know it’ll change your life too, if you give it a listen and start to put her wisdom into action starting today. — Follow Karissa: Website Instagram Unleash Her Power Within Discount: Text PODCAST to 77948 Other Notable Links: Create The Story You'll One Day Tell with Karissa Kouchis (Tory Dube Podcast) Enneagram Institute Jen Sincero   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shirin Eskandani. Shirin is a life coach, public speaker and writer who specializes in mindfulness and mindset work. She has been a featured wellness expert on the Today Show and Cosmopolitan Magazine, and prior to building her successful coaching business, she was an award-winning opera singer, performing at Carnegie Hall and The Metropolitan Opera.   Certified by the International Coach Federation, Shirin’s holistic approach to transformation is influenced by her background in meditation, spirituality and the arts. She is also an inspiring and dynamic speaker who has presented at ALT Summit, Ignite Womxn Summit, Well Summit, Heal Haus and the Assemblage. Shirin is co-founder of The Glow Up and Brown Girl Brunch. Shirin is brilliant, thoughtful, and wise. In today’s conversation we talk about how her realizing her dream of becoming an opera singer showed her that hustling for your worth never works — and also led to her work as a successful coach. We also talk about: How things shifted when she started focusing on her internal work over her external achievements How she works with science-based work and spiritual tools in tandem to heal herself and her clients  How to identify and listen to your intuition (as opposed to the ego/fear voice) What it means to heal as an individual in service of the collective; as opposed to the (usually) solitary work of self-help — and why it means we have to look at things that aren’t just “love and light” . . . and so much more! I think the conversation we shared is so important to hear always, but especially right now when a lot of us are feeling a little lost, a little overwhelmed, in need of some healing, and perhaps more dedicated than ever to finding and following our purpose. — Follow Shirin: Wholehearted Coaching Website Instagram Wholehearted Coaching: The Podcast   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

Big news on the podcast today: I’m taking a break! I’ve decided to take the month of April off from releasing new episodes, for a couple of reasons — all which I talk about in today’s episode, of course — but mostly because I needed more space. Yes, in this moment in time where I seemingly have more space in my life than I ever have before . . . I need more. I assumed when this all began — when we first found out that we were pretty much forced to stay inside and cut back on all of the activities we’d normally fill our lives with — that I would relish the opportunity to spend more time on my personal projects like this one; that I would fill that extra space with the opportunity to show up more, to work harder.  But all that this extra space has shown me is how badly I want to pause; how much I need to take a step back and clear certain things from my life so that I am even more clear on what I want to put back into it. In today’s episode, I dive deeper into: Why forced pattern interrupt — like quarantining to stop the spread of a virus — can be a good thing How and when I first realized I needed a break Why it’s historically been so hard for me to stop doing something once I’ve started What I’ve learned about why taking a break — or stopping something altogether — can be so valuable Why this break isn’t just about resting for me, but about making room in my life What I plan to do while I’m not sharing new podcast episodes every week . . . and even more :) I promise this is not an April Fool’s Joke! It’s a much-needed pause and reset on this podcast that I love so dearly (and if you don’t believe me, I’ll remind you like 17 times in this episode).  I’m excited for some time away and I’m excited for whatever’s next when this break is over! In the meantime, please stay connected by signing up for my weekly missives in the Sunday Night Newsletter! And if you have any feedback for me on how I can make this podcast even better for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out :) I’ll miss you this next month! I hope you stay safe, stay healthy, and I’ll talk to you again soon. -- Follow Me: Website Instagram   Other Notable Links: Brave Enough to Be - Episode 16 Goodreads Karissa Kouchis Sunday Night Newsletter Enneagram   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Monikah Ogando. Dr. Monikah is CEO and Founder of the award winning firm CEO Mastery, an executive and leadership development firm working with exceptional leaders who want to elevate brand position, engage their people, and increase profits while honoring their true purpose.  In addition to Dr. Monikah’s success with CEO Mastery she took her first company to rank as one of Inc 500's fastest growing private companies in the United States. She is the author of 3 books, twice a TEDx speaker and keynotes in the areas of leadership, marketing and communication. With a background in finance and holding two doctorates, in Psychology and in Comparative Religions, Dr. Monikah has become a foremost authority in building sustainable, leveraged and profitable enterprises.  And as an Organizational Psychologist & Leadership Coach, Dr. Monikah matches data with dharma, results with relationships and leadership with service. She has served as a mentor to entrepreneurs through MicroMentor USA, to emerging women leaders through Women for Women International, Girls, Inc., as well as Big Brother Big Sister, and she regularly mentors business owners through her Thrive Tribe growing online community.   Dr. Monikah has had the most intriguing and inspiring life journey, and today we talk about what she has learned — and what she now teaches — from the different ups and downs that life provided her. We also talk about: What moving from the Dominican Republic to the US taught her about taking the right next steps when you can’t see the whole journey ahead How she went from being an executive assistant at a financial services company to creating her own training curriculum to becoming an Inc. 500-recognized entrepreneur and finance coach  What getting cancer taught her (and healed within her) about her relationship to the feminine and motherhood and internalized misogyny — and why she says it was the best thing to ever happen to her How your chakras can you show you what to do next in uncertain times — in your business and in your life . . . and so much more. Dr. Monikah is also just bright and brilliant and funny and radiates warmth and kindness. It was truly an honor to get to share space with her for this conversation.  I’m so grateful to have been connected to Dr. Monikah. I learned so much from her and from our conversation and I’m sure you will too. — Follow Monikah: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Free Gift for Brave Enough to Be Listeners CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

This solo episode was inspired by something that’s been on my mind recently — why I’m so resistant to rest. While the rapid spread of COVID-19 has kept me indoors and created newfound space in my schedule, I’ve started to recognize how desperate I am to fill that space with productivity — new projects, more work, online classes, a new workout — instead of giving myself the opportunity to pause, get present, rest, and reassess who I am and how I want to show up for myself and my communities. In today’s episode, I dive deeper into: Why resting is so hard — for me personally, but also for a lot of people Why rest is so necessary, physically, mentally, and spiritually Why I’m giving myself permission to binge-watch mindless television (Love Is Blind, anyone?) How we can find the balance between resting and getting shit done Why resting is actually an act of bravery While being productive seems like an admirable character quality, it’s not all that impressive when it keeps you from taking care of yourself and connecting with the people you care about. Today’s episode is really me teaching you what I need to hear — and I think perhaps you may need to hear it too. Let’s be brave enough to rest in this crazy, chaotic, uncertain time — and learn that it’s okay to rest in the future, too. I hope you enjoy my ramblings on rest! :) And I hope you’re staying healthy (and staying inside) out there. -- Follow Me: Website Instagram Other Notable Links: Sunday Night Newsletter Enneagram Love is Blind Brave Enough to Be Instagram   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Laura Gevanter. Laura Gevanter is a PSYCH-K® Facilitator, a Conscious Alignment intuitive Coach, a workshop leader, and retreat host. She has a Psychology degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Life Coaching certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching in New York City. And she has completed the Basic, Advanced and Health & Wellness PSYCH-K™ workshop trainings.  Since 2006, she has been working with clients to become conscious of the interconnection between body, mind and soul. By examining the beliefs that may be limiting them, gaining clarity on what they want and then transforming those beliefs into supportive ones, many have experienced extraordinary results.  Today Laura and I talk about what PSYCH-K is and the powerful transformational work that it’s used for; we talk about limiting beliefs — how to identify them and how to reprogram them; and we talk about the unique blend of science and spirituality that informs all of Laura’s work. We also talk about: How (and why) to get into a whole brain state while doing PSYCH-K The difference between Newtonian and Quantum physics — and how the latter explains more spiritual theories like the Law of Attraction How and why she uses muscle testing (in person and remotely) to determine whether a belief has truly been reprogrammed Why this work has made her so much more compassionate The sad reason that many people will live their whole lives without changing . . . and so much more. Laura’s work is fascinating and I am so excited to share our conversation with you — and hopefully, have my own PSYCH-K session soon too! — Follow Laura: Website Facebook Instagram Laura’s Podcast Other Notable Links: Brave Enough to Be Episode 3: Stephanie St. Claire PSYCH-K Centre International The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Dr. Bruce Lipton Human Design CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kara Cutruzzula (rhymes with Methuselah). Kara is a writer in New York who works across many different creative platforms.  As a journalist, she's been a writer and editor for The Daily Beast, Newsweek, Billboard, Tasting Table, and MONEY magazine. Her writing about work, productivity, and creativity has been featured in the New York Times, TIME, Medium, and other publications.  She also writes plays and lyrics for musical theater, and is currently a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.  For the past three years, she's written a weekday newsletter called Brass Ring Daily, which exists to encourage people to work on their own creative projects. And her motivational journal called Do It For Yourself, a collaboration with designer Tessa Forrest, will be published in September by Abrams Noterie and is available for pre-order now! Today Kara and I talk about how to listen (and commit) to your creative urges and how creative constraints actually give us more freedom. We talk about how she found her way to writing when she never considered that path as a kid and why she loves musical theater (as an audience member and a creator). We also talk about: Why she started Brass Ring Daily, her newsletter that Lifehacker called “a life coach in your inbox” — and why she decided to send it out every single weekday The behind the scenes on how she finds and creates the content that helps her get newsletter out every day The linear but lengthy way she climbs the steps of the ladder toward a new creative pursuit What she does with all of her creative ideas to ensure they move beyond the idea stage (or make their way out of her head) . . . and so much more. Kara’s writing and work has brought so much joy and inspiration to my creative life, and I’m really excited to share our conversation knowing it will likely bring the same to yours! — Follow Kara: Website Twitter Instagram Brass Ring Daily Newsletter Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal       Other Notable Links: Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams Open Book by Jessica Simpson Sunday Night Newsletter Brave Enough to Be Episode 5: Erin Claire Jones Evernote     CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Lisa Governo-Hurd. Lisa is a retired LAPD Police Detective, a wife, a sister, a friend, and a mother to two wonderful children — one of whom is me :) Today my mom and I talk about what it was like being a single mother in her early twenties, how she parented two very different children in a way that allowed us both to develop into our own people, and why she believes that parents shouldn’t demand respect from their children.  We talk about the intuitive way she found the perfect professional path for her, the importance of bringing empathy to your job — and to all of your interactions, and the value of consistency in your work and in your life. We also talk about: The role her childhood played in shaping the mother and professional that she became Why she believes she developed such close relationships with my brother and me What she wants people to know about police officers and how she feels police officers should approach the work that they do What women often uniquely bring to their roles in law enforcement What the next phase of her life looks like after 30+ years in the same career and raising children Who her favorite kid is ;) The big, brave step I didn’t even know she wanted to take! . . . and so much more. Though I often fangirl over the woman I am lucky enough to call my mother, our conversation reminded me of how truly thoughtful, empathetic, and inspiring she is.  I have learned SO much from her over the course of my life, and I continued to learn about her and from her in this conversation. I hope you find as much value in our conversation — and in our relationship to each other — as I have throughout my life. — Other Notable Links: Brave Enough to Be Episode 11: Jessica Ciencin Henriquez   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

Welcome to the second solo episode of Brave Enough to Be! On today’s episode, I’m sharing what I originally thought this episode would be about — why I’ve been so resistant to wearing my hair in it’s naturally, wildly curly state — and then, dive deeper into what’s underneath that resistance instead. Beyond that, I talk about the reasons underneath why we do anything that no longer feels good to us (or don’t do the things that do feel good). Throughout the episode, I share: Why it’s so important to dig deep into the places where we’re resistant, afraid, or simply feel stuck How to start looking underneath and identifying the benefits, beliefs, and negative stories that we’re telling ourselves — and start telling some new ones Why it’s so hard to dig deeper and where you can start looking today . . . and lots more! I love sharing these short, solo episodes with you — and I hope that my sharing will help support you too! — Follow Me: Sunday Night Newsletter Website Instagram Other Notable Links: Brave Enough to Be Episode 7 with Jen Underwood Powell’s Books Brave Enough to Be Episode 11 with Jessica Ciencin Henriquez Russell Wilson & Ciara Article Brave Enough to Be Instagram   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jessica Ciencin Henriquez. Jessica is a writer (yes, I very clearly have a podcast guest type), editor, and teacher who is best known for her personal essays and narrative journalism, with pieces that have been featured in the New York Times’ Modern Love column, Self Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Time, and Parents, among many others. Her essays have also been featured in multiple anthologies, including: Oprah's Little Guide to The Big Questions. She is the author of the forthcoming memoir: If You Loved Me You Would Know, and she currently lives and writes in Bali. Today, Jess and I talk about writing, of course, but it goes so much deeper than that: We talk about moving past the fear of judgment; having hard, honest conversations; deepening our empathy for and curiosity about the people around us; and designing the lives we want to live. We also talk about: How a Craigslist ad became her most popular piece of writing How she shifts her own negative beliefs How teaching writing became a masterclass on teaching life Why she chose to move to Bali and how the move has already changed her Why her brave next step will require her to finally put down roots . . . and so much more. In this conversation, Jess showcases what it looks like to live a life of intention: to choose who you want to be and how you want to show up and the impact you want to have in the world — and then to choose actions every single day that align with that vision. She doesn’t claim to be perfect at it, but I was so inspired by her example! Our conversation reminded me of the good in everyone around me (and in myself!) and in every experience I’ve ever had. I hope this conversation inspires you to see that — and believe that — too. — Follow Jess: Website Instagram Twitter Other Notable Links: Sunday Night Newsletter Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Jess’ Craigslist Post Jess’ Modern Love Essay   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry Graham. Kerry is an incredibly invested teacher and a great writer — and she is one of the first followers of this very podcast who wasn’t my best friend or my mom :) Kerry is also a writer, with work appearing in several publications including the Huffington Post and Thought Catalog, and a weekly collaborative newsletter she founded called In This Together.  Today Kerry and I talk about why bravery is a discipline — and how she builds that muscle through practicing being brave every single day, with her students, in her writing, by taking care of her mental health, and more. We also talk about: How (and why) she became a teacher after swearing she’d never be one The ways that her high school students encourage and inspire her to be brave Why she decided to write and share publicly about her decision not to have kids How she’s started to shift away from letting other people’s opinions influence her In this conversation, Kerry helps to highlight that being brave doesn’t always look like the big, sweeping, life-changing-in-a-split-second actions we sometimes assume it does.  Being brave also looks like choosing to own your decisions about your body and your life, taking care of your mental health, and sharing the things we feel the most shame about. Kerry and I share so much in common as writers and as humans, and I’m really grateful that we got to share in conversation about the really beautiful and brave ways that she shows up in the world. In today’s conversation with Kerry, I hope you got to see the seemingly small (but actually very big) ways you can practice being brave in your own life starting right now. — Follow Kerry: Facebook Instagram Twitter In This Together Newsletter Other Notable Links: Kerry’s Decision to Remain Child-Free Essay Kerry’s People-Pleasing Essay Kerry’s Anxiety Essay Kerry’s Interview on Maybe Someday   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Octavia Sisley. Octavia and I first met as riders at RevCycle, a cycling studio in Los Angeles. We later worked together in the studio, often folding towels side-by-side in the early 5am shifts.  A little over two years ago, Octavia’s body began to suddenly and rapidly shut down. She quickly found herself blind, paralyzed, and suffering from constant chronic pain that doctors couldn’t explain. While she was eventually blanket-diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she soon learned that she was suffering from a mind-body illness called TMS or Conversion Disorder, a mental condition that causes devastating neurological symptoms that can’t be explained by medical evaluation. Today Octavia and I talk about what she’s learned from the unthinkably hard reality of these last few years, how she began to recover, and how she continues to motivate herself to turn her pain into purpose every single day. We also talk about: How and why her body started to shut down after the loss of her two brothers The experience of her body shutting down and living with chronic pain, paralysis, and blindness, day in and day out for two years How she began her own recovery and kept her determination strong even as doctors couldn’t figure out how to treat her or outright didn’t believe her How she’s doing now, just four months after standing again for the first time in two years . . . and so much more! Octavia is such a brave warrior superhero human, and I am constantly in awe of her and how she shows up in the world. If you’ve ever suffered from chronic pain — or even the pain of heartbreak — I know you’ll be moved and inspired by her resilience and her message of hope and healing. — Follow Octavia: Instagram Octavia’s GoFundMe   CREDITS Editing & Sound Engineering: Jordan Johansen Music: “Kenton” by Dr Crosby (Licensed via Marmoset)