Pretty Philosophical

We've often been led to believe that the world is driven by the most capable and qualified individuals. However, this isn't necessarily true. In this episode, we explore the illusion of meritocracy, the misconception about the required standards, and why overestimating authority can be misleading. Many individuals wait until they feel ready or chosen, while others, who may be less prepared but more proactive, are seizing opportunities, starting businesses, and making significant strides. If you've been holding back, waiting for another credential or sign, this episode is meant to inspire you to take action. 0:00: Intro1:10: The myth of meritocracy5:27: Play the right game9:44: Stay in motion11:20: You can choose to win #illusionofmeritocracy #success #opportunity #proactivity #misconception #authority #inspiration #motivation See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/699b445cf342a20d0c0919a3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No one knows exactly what they're doing, but some people keep moving forward. If you feel behind, confused about your purpose, or as if everyone else has a secret blueprint you missed, this is for you. In this episode, we explore why you may never fully 'figure it out' and how 'purpose anxiety' can become part of your identity. We delve into the trap of waiting to feel ready, why your twenties are meant to feel unstable, and what genuinely creates direction over time. If you're worried about your future, career, or who you're supposed to be, this episode aims to ground you. 0:00: Intro2:11: My beef with vision boards4:30: Purpose is a moving target9:20: Your purpose is not a job title13:15: Friction vs effort14:48: Get out of your head (!!) #findingpurpose #feelinglostinyour20s #quarterlifecrisis #lifedirectionanxiety #purposepressure #genzcareeranxiety #identitycrisis See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/699209cf04267c5f6046cd32 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the end of the self-improvement era! Discover why optimizing sleep, routines, habits, and productivity isn't the solution to feeling numb and unfulfilled. This episode delves into the limitations of self-improvement culture and how chronic optimization turns life into a project rather than an experience. Uncover the importance of shifting from improvement to cultivation, finding balance between ambition and groundedness, and the essence of growth without entitlement. Read the substack article for more insights!Check out the 2-hour freelancing crash course on YouTube. 0:00: Intro1:45: The shift4:25: Self-improvement vs cultivation10:17: Entitlement and self-improvement15:45: You are not God17:35: What comes after self-improvement #self-improvementculture #optimizationculture #personalgrowth #ambition #discipline #burnout #productivity #meaning #cultivationvsoptimization #self-helpcritique #nervoussystemregulation #fulfillment #identity #modernlife See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/69894db97460f21ed47614c9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover why some freelancers thrive financially while others remain overwhelmed and underpaid, despite possessing the same skill set. This episode sheds light on the strategies high-paid freelancers use, focusing on offers, positioning, and packaging, and explains why selling tasks could leave you undervalued. Are you a freelancer whose services aren't selling, or someone wanting to freelance but unsure what to offer? Gain clarity on crafting an attractive, clear freelance offer. Learn to transform your skills into a marketable service and understand why clients may not be valuing your work. Understand the importance of selling outcomes over tasks to enhance your earning potential without extending your workload. Key insights include: Identifying the right service to sell Turning skills into a compelling freelance offer Why clients often miss the value of your services Steps to earn more without working more The impact of positioning to attract clients The instability of unclear offers This episode is tailored for freelancers struggling to secure clients, those feeling undervalued, aspiring freelancers, and anyone confused about offers, pricing, or positioning. 00:00: Introduction03:58: Understanding what an offer is11:23: Skills that truly pay16:58: Identifying your target audience20:40: Outcomes that matter to clients23:50: How overthinking hinders progress26:00: Stress testing your offer #freelanceoffer #sellingfreelanceservices #freelancingstrategies #freelancepositioning #freelancerincome #freelancepricing #freelanceskills See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/697f94ea699c5cb283b0f633 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover how ten minutes of doing nothing can reveal the hidden truths keeping you trapped in emotional patterns. Explore why silence is a crucial tool for breaking free from these loops and how constant stimulation might be holding you back. In this episode, we delve into: Why emotional loops persist even in self-aware individuals How small justifications shield you from necessary truths Why clarity can be sharp rather than comforting The vital role of boredom in honesty, discipline, and direction Integrating silence into daily life without becoming extreme or detached If you feel restless, indecisive, or misaligned, this conversation is designed to help you find your footing. Relevant tweet: https://x.com/verritass/status/2008600468126368040?s=20 0:00: Intro2:23: Self awareness & emotional loops3:21: Silence across religion and philosophy4:25: Reflection vs over-processing6:09: Dating & situationships9:17: Boredom as a survival skill12:00: Building silence & boredom into daily life17:44: Final reflection #silence #emotionalloops #clarity #honesty #selfawareness #overthinking #subconsciousmind #boredom #digitaldistraction #emotionalregulation See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/69765a5dda0def14f078e044 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode delves deeper into the impact of smartphone addiction on your brain, attention, and nervous system. Explore how living inside a device affects your mental state, and discover why silence feels intolerable in today's world. Learn how infinite scrolling mimics slot-machine addiction and why boredom is now a luxury. Uncover practical steps to reclaim your life with the 'cousin protocol,' remove notifications, make your phone intentionally less attractive, and set time blocks. Discover how to build presence, manage relapses, and transition from being 'chronically online' to someone who truly owns her attention. If you're ready to regain control over your mind, discipline, and life, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies. 0:00: Intro2:09: How apps are engineered to addict you5:27: The cold-turkey reset7:01: The cousin protocol15:33: Building an environment where your phone has no power19:18: The identity shift20:30: What to do when you relapse24:09: Outro #phoneaddiction #socialmediaaddiction #doomscrolling #dopaminedetox #howtostopscrolling #tiktokaddiction #instagramaddiction #screentime #digitalminimalism #resetyourbrain #logoff #logout #healingyournervoussystem #selfdiscipline #productivity #freelancing #maincharacterenergy See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/69363f467cca0fc9bbd7b000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever felt stuck, overlooked, or too afraid to assert yourself? This episode delves into the powerful conditioning that teaches us to follow rules and avoid conflict, often at our own expense. Discover why life is more adaptable than you believe and how assertive individuals advance without being disrespectful. Learn how small acts of honesty and clarity can transform how others perceive and respond to you. This episode redefines people pleasing psychology and offers practical strategies to reshape reality to your advantage. 0:00: Intro1:13: How most of us were taught to see the world3:21: Realizing life is more malleable than you think7:58: My 5-day challenge for you9:40: How to start testing reality in small ways11:27: What happens when you stop fearing rejection #peoplepleaser #personalgrowth #assertiveness #malleablelife #rejection See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/692d04bd30439353e49d2c9c Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone discusses the concept of “lock-in season,” but what happens when life interrupts your motivation and crumbles your routines? You often find yourself reverting to the identity you aimed to leave behind. This episode explores why your attempts to lock-in often fail: it's because you're trying to build a new life with your old self. Discover the transformative identity shift that raised the stakes for me, rejected comfort, and made success the only option, forcing a change my past self couldn’t endure. If you've ever found yourself restarting every year, losing momentum, or struggling to remain consistent despite your desires, this episode will unravel the pattern and, most crucially, offer strategies to break it once and for all. 0:00: Intro2:08: Why people struggle to stay locked in6:22: On reshaping your identity9:41: How to engineer consequences11:50: The psychology of making quitting impossible14:33: Why optimism is a discipline17:48: The recipe behind people who “make it” #identityshift #lock-inseason #motivation #consistency #successstrategies #reshapeidentity #overcomingobstacles See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/6923ca3cde0f820d2f5f11ac Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone feeling trapped in their current job, overwhelmed by systemic pressures, or anxious about the impact of AI and the evolving economy. The discussion highlights how the traditional employment landscape has shifted, why so-called 'stable' jobs may not be secure, and what true security will look like in the future. Key points include: Why the conventional career model is becoming obsolete The difference between safety and predictability The psychological trap of stability The importance of owning your future Freelancing as a means to gain control over your career and personal life Steps to responsibly transition from your job Building skills and income in the new economic environment The growing trend of women leaving traditional jobs for autonomy Designing a fulfilling life that aligns with your passions If you're contemplating leaving your job, embarking on a freelance career, or redefining your identity outside the conventional system, this episode offers valuable insights. In this episode: 00:00: How the script of work changed01:26: Safety vs predictability04:36: Why freelancing is exploding in 202507:07: Leverage over credentials12:13: Real stories of women leaving 9–513:43: How to leave your job responsibly14:36: The mindset + emotional shift16:53: The financial layer of quitting21:00: Becoming the main character of your life #quittingyourjob2025 #freelancing #futureofwork #AIandjobs #escapingthe9-5 #careershift #autonomy #self-trust #designingyourlife See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/691a8fbd06d4b22579b9f245 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover a comprehensive step-by-step guide on kickstarting your freelance journey in 2026! This in-depth course will teach you how to select profitable freelance skills and build a compelling portfolio, even if you're starting from scratch. Dive into strategies for finding freelance clients through inbound, warm, and cold outreach. Learn to price your services confidently, set up efficient workflows, negotiate effectively, and secure a steady income stream. This guide is perfect for those aiming to transition into full-time freelancing or establish a successful side hustle. If you're eager to learn how to freelance, start without experience, or enhance your client acquisition strategies, this guide is your essential resource. 00:00:00: Intro00:01:02: What to expect00:01:21: Get your free notion board00:01:49: Who I am00:02:08: Part 1: Foundation00:04:40: Getting close to the money00:05:20: What skill to freelance00:13:32: Part 2: How to find clients00:13:58: Inbound clients00:17:44: Cold outbound00:19:37: Good cold outreach examples00:23:11: Warm outbound00:27:55: Working with clients globally00:33:38: Creating your portfolio00:38:58: Part 3: Pricing00:40:39: Retainer offers00:42:36: One-off projects00:47:22: Calculating your rate00:51:00: Retainer offer tiers00:52:50: Freelance pricing examples00:55:20: How to raise your rates00:58:00: How to negotiate with clients00:59:40: Doing test projects01:00:03: How to conduct a client call01:06:43: Following up after a client call01:07:22: When you’re asked to work “full-time”01:10:50: Creating a qualifying questionnaire for inbounds01:12:11: Preparing for a call with a cold client01:13:20: How long a client call should be01:14:08: Part 4: Workflow01:15:55: Freelance contracts01:22:30: Where and how to do client work01:26:19: Thinking in systems01:28:00: How to work faster as a freelancer01:31:55: Sending work to clients01:34:30: Collecting payment from clients01:36:16: Part 5: Longevity01:37:32: Keeping multiple clients01:38:56: Diversifying your freelance income01:41:20: Being easy to work with01:45:48: SEO + AEO for inbound leads01:48:41: Travelling while freelancing01:50:57: Closing thoughts #freelancing #freelanceskills #clientacquisition #pricingstrategies #portfoliobuilding #workflow #incomestability #full-timefreelancer #sidehustle #freelancing2026 #freelancecourse See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/691549baf92e0f343846f61d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most people believe that overthinking is a protective measure, but in reality, it only leads to stagnation. In this episode, we explore the liberating power of making "dumb" decisions. Discover the journey from being the "smart girl" with a plan to embracing decisions that truly impact life. If you find yourself stuck in analysis paralysis, whether it's due to fears of leaving a 9-5 job, expanding a freelance business, or embarking on a new venture you've delayed for too long, this discussion will provide the push you need. Learn how to minimize overthinking, take swift action, and overcome the fear of making mistakes—because action is what breeds confidence, clarity, and momentum. 00:00: Intro01:33: Why I clung to the 'smart girl' identity03:34: My first 'dumb' decision that changed everything05:45: Why being dumb is an ego death06:19: Step one: Think less07:36: Step two: Reframe discomfort09:55: Step three: Track what actually matters10:36: Step four: Detach from the Ls12:33: Step five: You are what you do13:41: The cost of not acting dumb #overthinking #analysisparalysis #dumbdecisions #confidence #momentum #freelance #ego See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/6910d79bbf74dfd5cf78f880 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you feeling stuck, living the same year over and over? This episode offers a fresh perspective to break free from routine and embrace radical ownership of your life. We explore simple yet effective systems focusing on energy, output, and reflection, along with practical strategies to avoid pitfalls that can derail your journey. Near the end, discover actionable steps you can implement immediately to transform your year—no vision board needed. 00:00: Intro02:19: Why you feel numb05:51: You can't be the passenger princess07:11: Radical ownership10:42: Main character energy in practice17:50: Avoiding the pickles21:39: Final pep talk #radicalownership #maincharacterenergy #lifetransformation #practicalsteps #breakfreefromroutine See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/69079e27eb875a3350714b73 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Jealousy isn’t always negative. Discover how envy and comparison can become powerful tools for transformation. In this episode, learn how to turn jealousy into discipline and self-awareness to build a successful freelance career. Understand how to harness these emotions to achieve your own professional dreams, whether you're in a 9-5 job or freelancing. This discussion includes: How to reframe envy as useful data. Building self-awareness about your desires. Channeling negative energy into focus and consistency. This episode provides practical steps to ignite your motivation and guide you towards a rewarding freelance lifestyle. 00:00:00: Intro00:01:28: My angsty teenage years00:03:23: Turning jealousy into fuel00:04:39: Using negative emotions as data00:07:23: Step 1: Getting clear00:10:06: Step 2: Earn your stripes00:12:06: Step 3: Accept the sacrifice00:15:39: Practical steps to making this work #jealousy #freelance #envy #self-awareness #discipline #freelancecareer #motivation #professionalgrowth See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68fe62686d98d3715f6bd06f Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many people believe being introverted is a limitation, but I found it to be my greatest strength. I discuss my journey from feeling awkward in social settings to embracing my introversion, which transformed my life and career. Learn how solitude, self-awareness, and focus helped me achieve freedom, creativity, and peace. If you've ever felt misunderstood or drained by social interactions, this episode is for you. Explore how to turn your personality into your biggest asset. My no-BS, how-to-start-freelancing crash course will change your perspective on work forever.Listen on Spotify and Apple.She Freelances InstagramPersonal InstagramLinkedInTikTok 00:00:00: Intro00:01:02: Defining the 'freak aura'00:03:05: Why big groups drain me00:04:05: Introversion as an advantage00:05:40: Socializing enjoyably00:08:40: Creativity through solitude00:10:06: Mindset shift to freelancing00:11:26: Using introversion as power00:13:27: Message for the misunderstood #introversion #self-awareness #solitude #creativity #freelancing #socialsettings #personalitypower See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68f527f31bc349f8d6ebe8c0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover how quitting traditional employment and embracing freelancing can transform your mental health. Learn how financial independence can reduce stress and anxiety, particularly in relation to ADHD, and explore practical steps for replacing a 9-to-5 income with freelancing. Understand the concept of 'financial freedom' and its impact on well-being. Whether you're already freelancing or contemplating a career change, this episode provides insights into achieving calm, focus, and independence. 01:01: Disclaimer02:03: Money and anxiety04:02: Money and ADHD05:34: 'Easy mode,' explained07:49: Why self-employment09:16: How I make money09:47: What I get paid10:10: Why I freelance #freelancing #mentalhealth #financialindependence #anxiety #ADHD #financialfreedom #self-employment See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68ebee50aa0f3410b9d46a48 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I used to live in so much shame that I was afraid to admit my struggles out loud—not to friends, not even to God. In this episode, I discuss why and how I faced my challenges and what it takes to fight back. Discover how I began to break free, the role of shame in keeping you stuck in cycles, and how to start rebuilding your self-respect. Understand why willpower alone isn’t enough, how your environment impacts you, and the routines that anchored me. Learn about using micro-commitments to rebuild self-trust and the importance of accountability by sharing with others and God. 00:00:00: Intro00:02:09: Disclaimer00:02:41: Rethinking what self-harm is00:04:00: The day I finally confessed00:06:05: Why willpower alone isn’t enough00:07:30: Your environment can make or break you00:10:12: The routines that anchored me00:11:00: Using micro-commitments to rebuild self-trust00:12:28: Accountability: telling people and telling God00:14:06: Final thoughts & reflections #shame #self-respect #micro-commitments #accountability #self-harm #environment #willpower See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68e2b2ef94a319dd5fd8a8a0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I don't simply 'overcome' imposter syndrome—I tackle it head-on. Instead of letting it overshadow me, I refuse to label it in a way that makes it seem insurmountable. This episode is for those who are tired of self-diagnosing instead of taking action. Discover why most people don't actually have imposter syndrome, how self-labeling can hold you back, and the reframing techniques I used to transform zero experience into earning $30K per month at 25. Free crash course Listen on Spotify: Pretty PhilosophicalListen on Apple: Pretty Philosophical Connect with me on social media:She Freelances InstagramPersonal InstagramLinkedInTikTok 0:00: Intro1:00: What imposter syndrome actually means4:12: How to compare yourself to others6:33: How perfectionism feeds the cycle8:33: On creating better narratives12:59: Have the audacity of a man17:00: Recap #impostersyndrome #reframingtechniques #$30Kmonthly #self-diagnosing #actionablesteps #self-labeling #narrativecreation #perfectionism See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68d97874d14bfeb08f7b4c26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most "glow up" advice focuses on surface-level changes like makeup and hair, but this episode dives into the deeper, inner work needed for genuine transformation. Learn how to break free from repetitive loops, tackle difficult conversations, eliminate unnecessary burdens, and make decisive choices independently. Discover how a temporary obsession with inner change can align your exterior with your true self. Key moments from the episode include: [0:00] Introduction [1:33] Why Your Caloric Deficit Isn't Working [2:42] Closing Unfinished Loops [5:34] Letting Go of Clutter [8:03] Dealing with Micro Decisions and Fatigue [10:02] The Importance of a Nightly Debrief [11:39] Embracing Obsession [12:50] Battling Inner Demons 0:00: Introduction1:33: Why Your Caloric Deficit Isn't Working2:42: Closing Unfinished Loops5:34: Letting Go of Clutter8:03: Dealing with Micro Decisions and Fatigue10:02: The Importance of a Nightly Debrief11:39: Embracing Obsession12:50: Battling Inner Demons #innerwork #transformation #self-improvement #decisionmaking #obsession #glowup #innerdemons See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68ceec6a40a7c65027595b6f Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Social media often portrays a lifestyle that's appealing but fragile beneath the surface. The 'soft life,' curated jobs, and consumerism can lead to dependence mistaken for freedom. In this episode, we explore the traps being sold to women, the risks of depending solely on a man or a paycheck, and why developing your own skills and income is the true insurance plan. 00:00:00: Intro00:01:53: The 'reality' of the soft life00:05:01: Consumerism & identity as a product00:08:49: The danger of relying on one job00:13:03: The real insurance plan: betting on yourself #softlife #financialindependence #consumerism #incomesecurity #self-reliance See show notes: https://inlet.fm/denee/episodes/68c5b1f4cb90fde9c2325346 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices