The Encouragist Podcast

i was sitting on my mom’s couch at noon on a tuesday.kids were in childcare. dr. pepper in one hand. phone in the other. scrolling through pictures of houses i would never live in.and i remember thinking: that’s not my house. that’s not my life. and no one is coming to give it to me.i was thirty-something. living in a one-bedroom apartment with my mom and four kids. and i was spending my one free moment of the day... leaving.not physically. i didn’t go anywhere.but i wasn’t there either.what this episode is aboutthis is the first episode of the encouragist podcast. and it’s about something i don’t think we talk about enough.the way you can be present in your life without actually being present in your life.how survival mode doesn’t look like falling apart. it looks like a treadmill. wake up. handle things. perform. manage. and when you finally get a free moment, you don’t get off. you just lower the speed. scroll for a while. zone out. watch something. take the edge off.and then you wake up and do it again.in this episode, i introduce a concept i call “the representative.” she’s the version of you that shows up when the real you can’t. she answers the phone. she goes to work. she holds conversations and looks put together.people interact with her and think they’re talking to you.but they’re not.what we cover* why escape feels like rest but leaves you more tired than before* the shame spiral that convinces you you’re uniquely broken* what psychology says about dissociation as a survival response (it’s not weakness. it’s your brain doing its job.)* the treadmill of survival mode and why the speed never actually stops* how i lost myself after my dad died in 2014 and didn’t realize it for years* the moment on my mom’s couch when i finally recognized myself again* the first act of courage (it’s not fixing your life. it’s admitting you haven’t been in it.)the question i leave you withwhen’s the last time you were actually here?not performing. not surviving. not scrolling through someone else’s life.but here. in your body. in your breath. in this moment.if you can’t remember, that’s okay. that’s not a failure. that’s just information.and information is where change begins.resources mentionedpsychology research: University of Alberta (2024). “Survival, Attachment, and Healing: An Evolutionary Lens on Interventions for Trauma-Related Dissociation.” Burback et al. Published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management.the study found that dissociation is a necessary part of our threat response system. when you can’t physically escape your circumstances, your brain creates a mental escape. it’s not a character flaw. it’s survival.keep listeningepisode 2 drops next week. we’re going deeper into the escape patterns. why you keep doing the same thing even though you know it’s not working. and what it actually takes to get off the treadmill.signed, your encouragist This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sashaledawn.substack.com/subscribe

You have the vision. You have the skills. You might even have some of the resources. So why can't you move forward?If you've ever felt the frustration of being capable but completely paralyzed, this episode is for you.Today I'm diving into the gap between knowing what you want and actually building it. The space where brilliant women get trapped by life's circumstances, overwhelm, and the weight of their own expectations.In this episode, you'll discover:Why traditional "just push through" advice fails when you're dealing with real constraintsThe difference between your capacity and your capability (and why confusing them keeps you stuck)How to build momentum when everything feels overwhelmingThe BRAVE framework that helps you breakthrough limiting patterns and execute despite imperfect conditionsWhy some people with average ideas succeed while brilliant people with amazing visions stay stuckThis isn't about working harder. It's about working strategically with your actual circumstances instead of against them.If you've been cycling between inspiration and exhaustion, between big dreams and daily survival, between knowing what you want and feeling powerless to get it - this conversation will give you a different way forward.READY TO STOP BEING STUCK?If this episode resonates and you're tired of having brilliant ideas that go nowhere, I have 5 spots open for my BRAVE Boardroom coaching program.Think of it as having a strategic coach in your pocket. Someone who helps you cut through the noise, make decisions faster, and build actual momentum instead of just staying busy.What you get:* Me as your Pocket Coach (daily Voxer support Monday-Friday)* Weekly Monday Pep Talks custom-recorded for you* Personal task tracking system in your preferred platform* The BRAVE framework that stops decision paralysis* Bi-weekly strategy recalibrations as you growInvestment: $297/month or $697 for 3 monthsThis works whether you're an entrepreneur who keeps starting and stopping, a creative with vision but no execution plan, or anyone trying to build something meaningful while dealing with real life circumstances.I'm only taking 5 people because when life is overwhelming, you need personal attention, not generic advice.Ready to finally move forward? CLICK HERE ⬇P.S. The women who get momentum aren't the ones with perfect plans. They're the ones with strategic support when plans fall apart.Signed, Your Encouragist This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sashaledawn.substack.com/subscribe