Make Some Noise with Andrea Owen

This week I’m bringing back an important conversation from the archives. Dr. Valerie discovered Patriarchy Stress Disorder (PSD) and created the only science-backed system for helping women achieve their ultimate success, happiness, and fulfillment by healing the collective, inherited trauma of oppression. She is also the author of Patriarchy Stress Disorder: The Invisible Inner Barrier to Women’s Happiness and Fulfillment. I met Dr. Valerie at an event late last year. I serendipitously sat at her table and as she was talking about her work and her book, I was enamored. In fact, I invited her onto the podcast on the spot. Her work is important, interesting, and backed by science. When it comes to the patriarchy, as women, there is a deeper issue going on then the blame game. We are not going to heal by pointing fingers. My conversation with Dr. Valerie is just one step of many that will help move women towards healing from the patriarchy. In this episode you’ll hear: How Dr. Valerie discovered PSD and how her search began with asking the question, “What is wrong with me?” Oppression is traumatic and it is deep in our DNA Patriarchy does not equal men and men do not equal patriarchy, patriarchy is a system that has been oppressive and disempowering to women PSD is the invisible inner barrier to women's happiness and fulfillment and trauma defenses: mind, body, and action Some of the symptoms or circumstances of PSD (and yes, we all have it) Dr. Valerie’s message to men and how to bring them into the conversation and still take care of ourselves Resources mentioned in this episode: Devotion program Andrea’s Substack, How Very Human of You Sign up for my emails Instagram reel about men and shame Dr. Valerie Rein’s websiteDr. Valerie’s 3 Minute Re-Power ToolDr. Valerie on InstagramBook: Patriarchy Stress Disorder: The Invisible Inner Barrier to Women’s Happiness and Fulfillment  Dr. Valerie Rein has discovered Patriarchy Stress Disorder (PSD) and created the only science-backed system for helping women achieve their ultimate success, happiness, and fulfillment by healing the collective, inherited trauma of oppression. She holds an EdM in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University and a PhD in Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Her bestselling book, “Patriarchy Stress Disorder: The Invisible Inner Barrier to Women’s Happiness and Fulfillment” and her cutting-edge mind-body healing programs have helped thousands of women ditch the game of survival, of “how much can I bear?” and master the game of thriving, of “how good can it get?” Dr. Valerie is a sought-after speaker and trainer at conferences and companies committed to setting new standards of excellence in their industry in diversity, equity, and inclusion, employee satisfaction and physical and mental health, and creativity and innovation. Book recommendations:I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading! MSN is supported by:We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I turned the mic on a few days ago and this episode is a bit of an update. I don’t know about you, but recently I haven’t been able to think about or process much else except what’s happening in the U.S. and beyond.  This episode is me slowly telling you what’s been happening behind the scenes recently, as well as over the last few years. Soon, I won’t be so vague, as I’ll be able to reveal more about what’s happened to me, and what it’s taught me. The good news about me is that I can take the terrible and sometimes traumatic things and turn them into personal power.  If you’re going through what I’m going through, feeling re-traumatized having to hear what has happened and continues to happen to women and children, not just here, but worldwide, I’m sure you might be experiencing the 4 holy emotions: Terror, rage, shame, and grief. All at once, or one at a time.  I see you, and I feel you. I’m thinking of you, and holding you in my heart. Together, we can create collective power in order to take the system down. I truly believe there are more than us than there are of them.  Here's what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:  A prayer/intention that I didn’t know I set into motion in 2019 and how it’s impacted me even now  Chiron (returning planet in our astrological chart) returned for me recently and what that is  The online harassment I’ve been receiving lately specifically because I’ve been speaking out against ICE and what’s happening with the release of some of the Epstein files Why I start to obsess on the psychology of women like Pam Bondi, and my opinion about her  The one suggestion I have for you right now in order to help you feel the feelings you’re experiencing right now Resources:⁠ How Very Human of You (my new Substack)Restraint by FATM on SpotifyRestraint by FATM on Apply MusicEpisode 659 on The Four Holy EmotionsThe Mama Attorney’s post on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. ⁠Check out these amazing book recommendations here⁠. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode is a little more raw, a little more unfiltered, and very much from the heart. After taking an unexpected week off, I sat down, turned on the microphone, and spoke honestly about what’s been weighing on me, personally, culturally, and collectively. This episode is part reflection, part reckoning, and part creative release. I talk openly about what it means to lead with courage instead of pretending to be fearless, especially during times that feel heavy, chaotic, or emotionally charged. We explore spiritual bypassing, tone policing, and the subtle ways women are often encouraged to stay quiet, stay pleasant, and stay in line. This episode also includes a poem I wrote late at night, born from grief, anger, and deep compassion for women whose stories are resurfacing yet again. It’s an offering, a witnessing, and a reminder of the power of art to hold what words alone sometimes cannot. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: Why I took a break last week and what brought me back to the mic What spiritual bypassing really looks like and why it’s harmful, especially to women and trauma survivors How tone policing and “positive vibes only” culture reinforce patriarchy and silence truth Why emotions like anger, fear, and grief are not negative, just human How emotions act as information and energy meant to move, not be buried Why speaking up now feels necessary, even when it’s uncomfortable A deeply personal poem about collective grief, survival, and the resilience of women This episode is an invitation to let yourself feel what you feel without fixing, forcing, or bypassing your own experience. If you’re carrying a lot right now, my hope is that this conversation helps you feel less alone and maybe encourages you to make something meaningful from what you’re holding. Thank you for being here, for listening, and for bearing witness.  Resources: How to Stop Feeling Like Sht* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m writing these “show notes” to you on Saturday, January 23rd as I prepare for what appears to be a terrible storm in North Carolina. A week ago I returned home from a much different place, Costa Rica. I was back at Rythmia, sitting with the medicine that is Ayahuasca. I left a week of healing, and came back to a new storm, one in the form of snow, rain, and ice, as well as another ICE storm in Minneapolis.  I turned on my microphone and talked for about 22 minutes. It’s just started to sleet as I type this to you, so I’m keeping this email short as I’ll likely lose power here for a couple of days. Coincidentally, I talk about power in this episode.  Thank you for your time, and if you’re in the eye of this upcoming storm, I’m sending you love.  Resources from this episode:Discount link to RythmiaFlorence + The Machine’s Choreomania on Spotify Book recommendations:I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by:We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/podcast/713 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I have a coaching episode for you today, and I’m joined by Lisa. When she filled out her coaching application, she shared an honest snapshot of where she was at the time: “I think I need coaching on the fear and anger I have for starting over at this point in time. The world is scary, men suck, work is slim, my friends feel different now that I am single.” In this poignant conversation, Lisa and I talk about what it really looks like to start over after a 26-year long marriage and how disorienting that in between season can feel. Especially when your identity, your relationships, and your sense of safety all feel up in the air, all at the same time. We explore grief in a way most people do not talk about it, not just the hard parts but the beautiful parts that are just as painful to let go of, and how creativity, boundaries, and honest conversations can become your way back to yourself when everything feels uncertain. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it really means to grieve the joy of what you once had (11:50) How internal pressure about “what’s next” can keep you stuck (19:37) Why creativity and art are not indulgent but essential tools for processing emotions (27:32) How feeling your feelings is not a weakness but a form of emotional hygiene (32:40) Writing prompts to help Lisa move closer to her grief and begin healing:  “What is stopping you from looking underneath the grief?” (39:20) Having hard conversations with friends and how setting boundaries with compassion can strengthen your relationships instead of breaking them (44:44) Resources from this episode: Write Your Way Through It  Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ http://andreaowen.com/podcast/712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we step into this new year, I wanted to give you something a little different… and hopefully useful! In this episode, I’m sharing a guided Future Self visualization I recorded years ago, paired with a new introduction to help you ground into this practice. Write Your Way Through It begins next week, and if you’re craving a more intentional, reflective way to start the year—especially if you’re feeling tender, unsure, or quietly hopeful—there’s still time to join us. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: A short new intro from me explaining why this Future Self practice can be especially powerful  A guided visualization inviting you to meet a future version of yourself who has perspective, clarity, and compassion for where you are now Thought-provoking questions woven throughout the visualization to help you listen more deeply to your own inner wisdom Why this practice isn’t about fixing yourself or forcing goals—but about reconnecting with what you already know A reminder that you don’t need certainty to move forward, just honesty and presence This visualization originally comes from my coaching alma mater, the Coaches Training Institute, and I’ve included a Future Self Visualization Worksheet to go along with it since I ask quite a few reflective questions during the process.  Click here to download the worksheet and give yourself some space to write, reflect, and let things unfold. If you’re wanting more support, structure, and community as you move through this season, again, Write Your Way Through It starts next Wednesday, and I’d love to have you with us. However you choose to step into this next chapter, I hope this episode helps you slow down, listen in, and remember that you’re not as lost as you might think. 😘 Resources:Write Your Way Through It Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m joined by Michelle Weger, the first guest I’ve ever had on the show who lives with narcolepsy, for a powerful conversation about invisible illness, fear, productivity, rest, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when your energy is limited and misunderstood. Michelle is a productivity expert, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker. Throughout our conversation you’ll hear her share what daily life with narcolepsy actually looks like, how receiving her diagnosis upended the identity she thought she had, and how she rebuilt confidence and purpose one practical step at a time.  We talk honestly about fear, perfectionism, procrastination, vulnerability, and why rest is not optional, especially for women in leadership. This is a conversation about doing what you can with the energy you have, letting go of shame, and redefining success on your own terms. In this episode, you’ll hear: What living with narcolepsy is really like, including chronic exhaustion, disrupted sleep cycles, and why “sleepy” is very different from “tired” (3:36) How Michelle’s diagnosis changed her life overnight, including losing her driver’s license and the identity she thought she was building (10:08) Why fear doesn’t disappear as you grow, and how learning to move through it is more important than trying to eliminate it Practical ways to work through procrastination and perfectionism (15:09) What Michelle has learned from working alongside her Great Dane service dog, Quinn, including lessons about asking for and receiving help (33:54) How to balance ambition, productivity, and energy limits, especially for women in leadership (37:32) Common misconceptions about invisible conditions like narcolepsy and why there is no one-size-fits-all experience or solution (39:35) Resources from this episode: Write Your Way Through It starts on January 21st! Come join us at Rythmia in January! Michelle’s websiteMichelle’s book, Don’t Snooze Your Dreams Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ http://andreaowen.com/podcast/710 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The end of the year can bring a lot of pressure to reflect, reset, and reinvent yourself all at once. Some people love the fresh-start energy of January, while others feel overwhelmed, resistant, or just plain tired. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, this episode is an invitation to step away from the noise and approach the transition into a new year in a way that actually feels supportive. In this short episode, I talk about why January isn’t as powerful as we’ve been led to believe, why there’s no single “right” way to do personal growth, and how you don’t need resolutions, routines, or lifestyle overhauls to be worthy of change. I also guide you through a simple end-of-year reflection designed to help you close the year with honesty and move forward with clarity—without pressure or what might feel like performative positivity. In this episode, we explore: Why you don’t have to begin the year with resolutions, intentions, or rigid routines in order to grow or change How January is just a date on the calendar, and why meaningful resets can happen at any point in the year The importance of questioning advice that claims there’s only one correct way to heal, grow, or live well A simple end-of-year inventory that invites you to reflect on: The wins and moments where you showed up for yourself The lessons you learned about your needs, limits, and patterns The losses, endings, and disappointments that shaped your year  What you’re ready to stop carrying forward into the next year Why focusing on how you want to feel can be more grounding than focusing on what you want to accomplish How choosing a few feeling-words for the year ahead can serve as a compass rather than a set of rules As you step into the new year, remember that you’re not behind and you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. You’re allowed to move slowly, do things differently, and begin again whenever it feels right for you. Resources from this episode: Write Your Way Through It starts on January 21st! Come join us at Rythmia in January! The Heroine's Journey by Maureen Murdock Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by:We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/podcast/709 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m joined by Irina Vlada for an honest conversation about healing, nervous system regulation, and what real integration actually looks like when working with psychedelics and other therapeutic tools. Irina helps people navigate transformation at the intersection of psychedelics, spirituality, psychology, and wellness. I met her earlier this year at Rythmia, and after spending time with her and diving deeper into her work, I knew I had to bring her on the show. Irina has over a decade of experience as a coach and facilitator, and from 2020 to 2022, she worked as an Integration Coach with Mindbloom, guiding more than 200 clients through preparation and integration for ketamine-assisted therapy. In our conversation, she’s clear about one thing: psychedelic medicine isn’t the work itself. Real transformation happens afterward, through integration, embodiment, and taking actionable steps that rewire habits, thoughts, and the nervous system. Without that process, insight can fade just as quickly as it arrives. We also talk about why ancient practices like breathwork and meditation are such powerful tools for healing trauma, regulating the nervous system, and expanding awareness, often without needing altered states at all. And for anyone curious but skeptical about psychedelics, Irina emphasizes the importance of safety, education, preparation, and the willingness to surrender to the process. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Irina bridges psychedelics, spirituality, psychology, and wellness through lived experience and ethical practice (4:05) Her personal path to self-awareness and healing, including trauma and the long road of recovery (5:47) What ketamine-assisted therapy involves, why integration matters, and how insight without action quickly fades (17:21) How meditation, breathwork, yoga, and nervous system regulation create real, lasting change without psychedelics (25:06) What Irina emphasizes for people who feel skeptical or unsure about psychedelics from a therapeutic standpoint (44:39) Resources from this episode:  Write Your Way Through It Come see me in Costa Rica at Rythmia Ayahuasca Retreat in January! Irina on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/podcast/708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The free workshop: Live Like You Give a Damn (As the World Burns) is happening tomorrow! Tomorrow, December 18th at 3 p.m. Eastern, I’ll walk you through how to keep your heart open, grounded, and intact during hard seasons of life, so you can live like you give a damn. I’ll add the link for you below so you can join us live. And in case you missed it, my new book Live Like You Give a Damn is officially out in the world — and I can’t wait for you to read it. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what it means to shed before we step into a new year. Since 2025 is the Year of the Snake and 2026 is the Year of the Horse, this moment naturally invites both release and momentum. I’m walking you through the questions, stories, and real-life moments that help you recognize what’s ready to fall away — and how that clearing creates space for aligned action. In this episode, you’ll hear: How the symbolism of the Snake (shedding) and the Horse (movement) can guide your personal reflection What shedding actually looks like in everyday life — with examples you’ll definitely recognize Why release is essential before you start planning or taking action for the new year The most important questions to ask yourself as you move toward 2026 How to free up emotional and energetic space without forcing resolutions A reminder that growth doesn’t require a full reinvention — just honesty and willingness As you listen, I hope you let yourself soften, get curious, and notice what’s quietly asking to be released. Sometimes the smallest things we put down make the biggest difference in how we step forward. PS: I’ll be guest speaking at Rhythmia Life Advancement Center in January, and if you’re interested in attending, click HERE.  Resources from this episode:  Free workshop and grab your copy of LLYGAD Download your free PDF that accompanies this workshop Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/podcast/707 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking about what it feels like to live in a world that just won’t let up and how to stay connected to yourself when everything around you feels chaotic. Returning guest Kate Swoboda is here to dig into fear, overwhelm, and the emotional fallout of constant crisis. Kate is the creator of YourCourageousLife.com, Director of the ICF-accredited Certified Life Coach Collective, and author of The Courage Habit. She’s spent years helping people break fear patterns and practice courage in real, everyday ways and she brings that wisdom straight into this conversation. Together, we unpack the toll nonstop stress takes on your nervous system, why doomscrolling feels like quicksand, and how courage has nothing to do with muscling through. Instead, it’s about capacity, self-regulation, and the internal stories that shape how you move through the world. Kate and I also talk about overwhelm, somatic support, and why the smallest emotional shifts often end up being the most life-changing. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to stay informed about a messy world without getting emotionally pulled under (3:44) What it really takes to build resilience and courage in daily life (14:53) Where to start when overwhelm takes over and you can’t see a way out of the spiral (21:01) What to consider if you’re drawn to becoming a life coach during your own growth journey (31:57) Resources from this episode:  Join me for my workshop: Live Like You Give a Damn (As the World Burns) Certified Life Coach Collective (CLCC) Insight Timer Kate’s website Kate on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/podcast/706 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My new book, Live Like You Give a Damn, comes out December 9th, and I’m so excited for you to finally read it. And right after that, on December 18th, I’m teaching a free workshop to help you reset, reconnect with yourself, and head into the new year with clarity. In today’s episode, we’re digging into communication; specifically the two paths you have when things get tricky: the courageous, connection-building path of hard conversations, and the protective, peace-preserving path of grey rocking. Knowing which one to choose is the skill. In This Episode You'll Hear: Why hard conversations matter and how they’re the backbone of healthy relationships How to recognize when connection is possible versus when self-protection needs to come first What grey rocking actually is and why it’s not “cold,” it’s strategic How to choose the right communication lane instead of defaulting to old patterns An example of grey rocking with a difficult family member during gatherings Communication isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s about discernment. Some relationships deserve your clarity, vulnerability, and effort. Others require neutrality, distance, and zero emotional investment. The magic is learning the difference and choosing the approach that keeps you grounded, sane, and true to yourself. Resources from this episode:  Pre-order my new book, Live Like You Give a Damn and sign up for my free workshop!  Amy Smith’s podcast Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ https://andreaowen.com/podcast/705 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking about stress and the body, the kind that simmers under the surface until something forces you to finally pay attention. This week’s guest, Stacey Garcia, knows that story intimately. After a lifetime of movement through dance, wellness, and “doing everything right,” she was hit with a breast cancer diagnosis that changed the way she thought about stress, healing, intuition, and what it really means to care for yourself. What unfolds in this conversation is an honest look at how stress wakes things up in the body (and not necessarily in a good way), why so many women minimize their symptoms, and how energy healing, daily practices, and self-advocacy become lifelines when your world tilts. Stacey, a dancer, trainer, Reiki practitioner, and host of Never Miss a Monday, brings a grounded wisdom to this episode that I know will stay with you long after it ends. In this episode, you’ll hear: Stacey shares how dance, wellness, and a breast cancer diagnosis shaped the work she does today (4:14) Why chronic stress often shows up right before a major diagnosis and how Stacey began to recognize her own patterns (10:38) What Reiki actually is, how it works, and the emotional releases people experience during sessions (16:09) The one belief about food and bodies Stacey wishes we would retire for good (21:49) Simple ways to tiptoe into spiritual or nervous system practices without overwhelm (24:15) Why becoming the CEO of your own health matters, especially when doctors dismiss you (34:01) Her evolving relationship with control and how energy work helped her surrender during treatment (40:46) Resources from this episode:  Join me for my workshop: Live Like You Give a Damn As the World Burns Never Miss a Monday podcast Stacey on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: https://andreaowen.com/podcast/704 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emotional intelligence is often reduced to “keeping your cool” or not reacting, which is only a very small part of the equation. The real work begins when you can understand why someone is behaving in a way that challenges you, stay grounded in your own truth, and respond with both compassion and clarity. In this solo podcast episode, I unpack the deeper evolution of emotional intelligence; the point where empathy meets boundaries, and self-trust becomes your emotional compass. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why emotional intelligence is more than just self-control or politeness The five core components of emotional intelligence and how they actually show up in real life The stages of emotional growth—from reactivity to true compassion How to hold empathy and boundaries without falling into self-abandonment What it looks like when your nervous system becomes emotionally mature As you listen, you’ll be invited to notice where you might be confusing compassion with tolerance, and how your relationships can transform when understanding doesn’t require self-sacrifice. Resources from this episode: Join me for my workshop: Live Like You Give a Damn As the World Burns Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: https://andreaowen.com/podcast/703 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let’s talk about pleasure. Yep, the thing women are taught to avoid, minimize, hide, or feel guilty about. And yet, as this week’s guest Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton says, “Pleasure has never been more radical, especially for women.” In a world that feels like it’s collapsing in real time (and let’s be honest, it mostly is), pleasure isn’t frivolous. It’s the way back into your body, your intuition, and your aliveness. Together, we get into how pleasure reconnects you to yourself when the world has trained you to disconnect, why so many women feel shame around wanting anything, and how small “what would feel good right now?” choices can quietly lead you home. Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton, intimacy scholar, trauma-informed coach, and founder of UNCOVER, brings her blend of research, real life, and hard-won wisdom to this conversation. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Kimberly shares the unexpected path that led her into intimacy work and how it shapes everything she teaches (5:30) Why knowing what you want starts with the tiniest daily choices (11:34) We talk about how vulnerability has challenged and transformed her relationships and career (20:21) Kimberly breaks down why pleasure feels so off-limits for women and how it can become a healing force (25:20) How grief shows up in intimacy work and why it matters (37:23) Simple ways to rediscover what actually brings you pleasure (42:22) Resources from this episode:  Sign up for my free workshop happening on December 18th! Rythmia Ayahuasca Retreat Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton’s website Kimberly’s book Kimberly on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/702 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most of the time, I come into these solo episodes with a well-thought-out topic, complete with an outline and bullet points. But today, I wanted to riff organically with no structure. Just me talking about something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately: integration. Integration is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around in personal growth, but it’s often misunderstood. It’s the moment where insight turns into embodiment, the thing I like to call the point of no return where you stop trying to “fix” yourself and start actually living what you’ve learned. Many people stay stalled or stuck here (me!), so I’m here to talk about it! In this episode, I talk about what integration really looks like, why emotions are at the center of it, and how to move through this phase with compassion and curiosity. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why integration is the bridge between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. The “point of no return” moment when personal growth stops being conceptual and starts being embodied. How emotions play a central role in integration—and why learning to name, feel, and move through them changes everything. What it means to witness yourself first before expecting anyone else to. How tapping into your childlike nature helps you see all the dimensions of yourself and stay connected to your wholeness. Integration isn’t glamorous or a mountaintop moment. It's the in-between space where you practice what you know and learn to trust yourself in the process. My hope is that this episode helps you soften into that space and recognize that this, right here, is where real transformation happens. Resources from this episode:  Sign up for my free workshop!  We Are the Stars by The Nunnery (on Spotify) Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ https://andreaowen.com/podcast/701 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m so excited to welcome Sabrina Bendory, author of Detached: How to Let Go, Heal, and Become Irresistible, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to stay grounded in yourself while building healthy, connected relationships. Sabrina shares what inspired her to write Detached and how learning to let go transformed her approach to love, self-worth, and emotional intimacy. We explore how fear and old conditioning keep so many of us stuck and what it looks like to show up as the fullest, most self-assured version of yourself in love and life. What you’ll hear about in this episode: What it means to be detached in relationships and how it actually creates deeper connection (4:44) The fear of ending up alone and how to get free from it (6:44) What emotional availability looks like in practice when you’ve been with someone for years and how to grow together (16:36) How to attract love and opportunities when you’re embodying your worth (you get to decide) (24:48) Shutting down or numbing out in relationships and how to come back home to yourself (41:44) Resources from this episode: Hop on my email list for updates on my books, programs, and more: andreaowen.com/free Sabrina’s Book Sabrina on Instagram Sabrina’s Podcast Sabrina’s Substack Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ https://andreaowen.com/podcast/700 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to my 2-part podcast episode, where I’m talking about how to “de-center” men (or really anything or anyone we’ve made the “sun” in our lives). We named the pattern: what it looks like to center men and the emotional, relational, and cultural costs when we orbit someone else’s needs at the expense of our own. Today we move from insight to action (Yay!). This episode is about how to stop self-abandoning without burning your life down, and what decentering looks like in real, everyday practice. I’ll walk you through a clear framework you can try this week—tiny choices, boundary language, nervous-system support, and specific drills for dating, work, and long-term partnership. You’ll also hear a couple of personal moments that show how these tools play out when things get clear, messy, and very human. This is what you’ll hear in this episode: A short recap of Part 1: a plain-language definition of “centering men” and why the costs keep adding up over time. How to spot the pattern in real time using quick questions (“Am I doing this for their comfort? For avoiding conflict? To not inconvenience someone else?”) and a pause before reacting. Relational autonomy in action: the “Two-Yes Rule”, and speaking your “why” without over-explaining. Exiting self-silence with nervous-system help: a scheduled anger/venting that doesn’t bleed into your relationships. Reframing “being disliked for having needs” as data—not disaster. Decentering drills for real life: speaking first and reclaiming your voice at work, and self-regulation + clear timing in partnerships. Shifting the ecosystem: auditing your media, re-centering women in your inputs, etc. Decentering isn’t about rejecting or hating men; it’s about reclaiming yourself in a culture that has taught us that centering men will keep us safe and it’s the only option. My hope is that this episode gives you a practical path: notice the old bargain as it’s happening, choose one small values-aligned action, and let your nervous system catch up as you practice new boundaries. And please try the homework! Pick one domain where you tend to self-abandon, run a tiny experiment this week, and reflect on what your body and inner voice tell you. If this landed, share the episode and let me know what shifted for you!  Resources from this episode: Episode 697: De-Centering Men Part 1: What it means and what it costs us Download a Free Digital Version of my upcoming book, Live Like You Give a Damn Hop on my email list for updates on my books, programs, and more: andreaowen.com/free My Ketamine Therapy Journey secret podcast series Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ https://andreaowen.com/podcast/699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michele Capots joins me to share her deeply personal story of depression, recovery, and the lifelong journey of becoming. Michele’s experience of hitting rock bottom and finding resilience through it led her to help others reclaim hope and mental wellness on their own terms. Michele is a transformational coach, international speaker, and storyteller on the power of mental wellness and resilience. Throughout our conversation, we talk about the self-stigma that keeps so many of us silent, the patterns that hold us back even when we’re aware of them, and how transformation often requires grieving who we used to be. Michele also shares why rest is medicine, and how redefining wellness starts with learning to be instead of constantly doing. What you’ll hear in this episode: Michele’s story of depression, sobriety, and the moment that changed everything (5:26) How self-stigma shows up and what it takes to unlearn what we’ve internalized (10:42) The first step needed to break old patterns (15:54) The grief that comes with letting go of old versions of ourselves and how to navigate the messy middle (22:34) Practical ways to reconnect with your body through somatic work, rest, and sleep for mental wellness (30:42) Resources from this episode: Pre-order my upcoming book, Live Like You Give a Damn (out December 9!) Want to join me at a Rhythmia Retreat in 2026? DM on Instagram @heyandreaowen or email support(at)andreaowen.com for details. Michele’s website Michele on Instagram Michele’s Substack Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ https://andreaowen.com/podcast/698 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’ve been circling this topic for years in my personal life, and today I’m finally ready to name it out loud: what it means to center men—and the quiet, persistent ways it costs us. This isn’t a takedown of men. It’s a conversation about the water we swim in, how it shapes our choices, and why so many of us end up orbiting someone else’s needs while abandoning our own. In this first of a two-part series, I briefly unpack the language and the lived reality—androcentrism, “woman as Other,” the male gaze, compulsory heterosexuality, and self-silencing—and connect those ideas to everyday moments in dating, marriage, work, family roles, and even how we present ourselves. I also go deeper into patriarchal bargains,something I see over and over in my own life, the lives of my clients, and most (if not all) of the women I know. I weave in my own story and experiences from clients and friends so you can spot the pattern with compassion, not self-blame. This is what you’ll hear in this episode: A clear metaphor for “centering men” (the sun and orbit) and how it shows up in real life. Plain-language definitions of key terms (androcentrism, male gaze, “woman as Other,” patriarchal bargains, comphet, self-silencing). Why patriarchal bargains often feel like safety—and why the price tag grows over time. Everyday examples across dating, long-term partnership, work, family labor, and appearance. The emotional, relational, and cultural costs: confusion of identity, chronic anxiety, resentment, power imbalances, and internalized policing. How health can be impacted when self-silencing becomes a lifestyle (and why this deserves reverence, not shame). A gentle invitation to notice where you might be orbiting—and what questions to journal on before we move into solutions. Part one names the pattern and its costs so you can see it with clarity and care in your own life: centering men isn’t a personal failing—it’s a survival strategy many of us learned. Awareness is the first move.  In part two (in two weeks), we’ll focus on solutions: how to decenter without burning your life down, rebuild self-trust and voice, and practice relational autonomy in dating, work, and partnership.  Resources from this episode: Get updates on my new book Live Like You Give a Damn (out December 9!) Learn about Devotion and see if it’s for you The invention of “The Male Gaze” article by Laura Michelle Jackson Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: https://andreaowen.com/podcast/697 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices