The Balance Theory

If you’re serious about podcast growth and creator growth, this episode will change how you think about building content that actually scales. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, I sit down with Grace Miller, Head of Experimentation & Failure at The Diary of a CEO, to unpack how one of the world’s biggest podcasts thinks about growth, testing, and long-term success. We go inside how elite creators experiment and how small, intentional decisions compound into massive audience growth. From YouTube analytics and thumbnail testing to failing fast without losing confidence, this episode is a masterclass for anyone building a podcast, YouTube channel, or personal brand in 2026 and beyond. You’ll learn:
 • How the world’s biggest podcasts approach growth and experimentation
 • What actually matters in the YouTube backend for podcast growth
• How to test thumbnails, titles, and formats 
 • How to build momentum through experimentation 
• How to fail fast, learn faster, and grow with clarity 
• Practical creator growth strategies you can implement immediately This episode isn’t about hacks or virality. It’s about systems, curiosity, and sustainable growth, the foundations behind long-term success as a creator. Whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation will help you stop guessing and start growing with intention. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (01:20) How did you become Head of Experimentation for Steven Bartlett & Diary of a CEO? (07:03) What does a typical day in DOAC office look like? (10:54) Who should podcasters hire? (16:59) Exactly what to look at in the YouTube backend (19:00) Thumbnail testing strategy (20:13) How do you Experiment at DOAC? (25:30) How do you fail fast? (27:22) Two things to test on each platform: YT, IG and Spotify (30:10) How do we experiment in our own personal lives? (34:19) Practical experiment for personal life to start TODAY (38:14) Most uncomfortable thing you’re doing this year? (40:48) Are podcasts over saturated? WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ My FREE Work Life Balance Workshop ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS ⭐ Substack 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok 🌍 My website 🧡 This description may contain affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Today, we break down the science of confidence, why self-doubt isn’t always the enemy, and how understanding your specific doubt pattern can unlock lasting self-trust, without becoming someone you’re not. In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr Shadé Zahrai, behavioural researcher, award-winning peak performance educator, and one of the leading voices on confidence, self-image, and self-doubt. This is not about hype or surface-level confidence. It’s about rewiring how you see yourself. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why confidence is trainable, not fixed * The role self-doubt actually plays in growth and performance * The 4 Self-Doubt Types and how they show up in behaviour * How to diagnose your own self-doubt profile (including mine, live) * The everyday habit that quietly erodes confidence * How posture, environment, and physicality shape self-belief * How to tell the difference between useful self-doubt and self-sabotage * Why your self-image is the blueprint for your entire life * Practical tools to build confidence in real time * How to set boundaries with negative people without losing yourself When you change how you see yourself, your behaviour follows. Confidence isn’t something you chase, it’s something you build. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram Link to free quiz online Link to BIG TRUST TIME STAMPS (01:43) Introduction / Background (12:06) What is the role of self-doubt? (17:26) Self Doubt Profiles (25:48) Diagnosing Erika’s doubt profile (30:22) Tools for improving self doubt (47:49) This everyday habit is ruining your confidence (53:28) Do you need to change your environment to achieve? (57:53) Setting boundaries for loved ones who are negative WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confidence today feels different. We’re navigating a world where AI can outperform humans, social media is increasingly curated (and often fake), and comparison is no longer occasional, it’s constant. Even the most grounded, capable people are quietly questioning themselves. In this episode, we explore how to stay confident when nothing online feels real anymore and how to use social media without losing yourself. Joining me is journalist, speaker, and mother Danae Mercer, who has worked at the highest levels of media and still found her confidence shaken by the online world. Together, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of confidence in 2026, and what actually helps. This isn’t about deleting social media or fearing AI. It’s about learning the new confidence skill this era demands. 💭 If You’ve Been Thinking… “I don’t feel as confident as I used to” “Everyone online seems ahead of me” “I know better, but I still feel affected” “I want my confidence back” then this conversation is for you! And if this episode resonates, share it with someone who might be quietly feeling the same way. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram   TIME STAMPS (01:20) Introduction (06:40) How do we remain confident in the age of AI content? (18:23) Tools to find confidence (23:32) Do things you’re bad at (26:20) What's the line between being sucked in by social media and enjoying it? (29:26) The Proteus Effect (44:01) Consequences of phone use and emotions (47:01) Why did you start posting content? (51:14) What would you immediately change on social media WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do so many relationships fail, even if there’s love? In this episode, I sit down with Mo Gawdat to unpack the logic, equations, and skills behind relationships and why love itself is actually the easy part. Mo is the bestselling author of Solve for Happy and a former Google X executive, known for applying engineering and systems thinking to life’s hardest problems. In this conversation, we explore why 96.8% of relationships fail, what most people were never taught about love, and how relationships can be learned, trained, and improved, just like any other skill. This episode isn’t about romantic clichés or surface-level advice. It’s about understanding: * why love is logical, not irrational * how we unknowingly block love * why relationships fail when seasons change * and how to become good at relationships, without settling or second-guessing yourself Whether you’re single and looking for love, dating, or already in a long-term relationship, this conversation will change the way you think about connection. We of course also get to know Mo, from his way of thinking all the way through to his current project - EMMA. If this conversation resonates, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 💬 What part of relationships do you feel you were never taught? CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:25) Introduction (03:03) How to be more than your job (08:04) Giving yourself permission (13:03) 3 Questions to Align Your Life Choices (15:20) Is Love Is Illogical? (25:40) Is there “THE ONE” (35:42) PPRFCTS - the 7 things we want from a relationship (43:57) Is AI the best place to help with relationships? (52:48) Managing or lowering expectations? WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you feel like there’s a gap between the person you are and the person you know you could be, this episode is for you. In this conversation with Karen Mattar, we explore what really keeps people stuck in the same patterns year after year and why motivation, willpower, and “trying harder” so often fail. This episode is about outgrowing a life that no longer fits, rebuilding confidence through self-respect, and becoming someone who actually follows through on the promises they make to themselves. Not through pressure or self-control, but through identity, leadership, and alignment. If you’ve ever thought “I know I’m meant for more” but struggled to close the gap between intention and action, this conversation will help you understand why, and what needs to change. This episode is for the person who: • Feels like they’ve outgrown their current life • They’re tired of starting over every year • They struggle with consistency and follow-through • They want habits that last, not another motivation spike • They’re ready to become the person they keep visualising Trust this episode will find you when it’s meant to! CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:17) Introduction (4:50) How do you follow big intuitive moves? (08:12) Changing habits based on self respect (11:29) How do your habits shape your identity? (16:26) Self Control to Self Leadership (22:58) Your environment is silently shaping you (27:01) Negative people you love (32:41) People respect you more when you’re in shape (34:29) Diary of CEO Episode thoughts (42:30) Who is the modern woman WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been doing all the “right” things and still feel stuck, this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. I’m joined by my therapist, Chantale, who returns for a third time to help me unpack this in a way only she can. Today we’re breaking down the #1 habit keeping you from achieving what you want, a habit she taught me that changed EVERYTHING for me, a habit so common most people don’t even realise they’re doing it… This habit is the reason why you feel guilty saying no, why fear shows up every time you try something new. You’ll learn how to recognise when you’re operating from an inauthentic version of yourself, why your goals fall apart when they’re built on fear, and the neuroscience behind stepping outside your comfort zone. This is a practical, grounded conversation about building self-trust, setting boundaries without guilt, dissolving limiting beliefs, and finally creating goals that feel true to who you are, not who you think you “should” be. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to break this habit, stop abandoning yourself, and take the first aligned step toward the life you actually want. This will unlock everything for you. 🎥 PREVIOUS PODCAST WITH CHANTALE CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:17) Introduction (02:55) Everything you need to know about people pleasing (07:47) How do you deal with guilt and fear? (12:30) How can you be giving without people pleasing? (16:03) This is essential to do before goal setting (20:35) Limiting Beliefs & Goal Setting (25:57) How to push through limiting beliefs (30:02) “I am not enough” (31:30) Exercise to break through small limiting beliefs (not large traumas) (35:11) Neuroscience for being outside of your comfort zone (39:12) What you need to know about tolerance windows (42:52) Rapid Fire WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re approaching your late 20s or early 30s and feel like you’re supposed to have your life together by now… this conversation will feel like a warm exhale. In this episode, I sit down with Caggie Dunlop, founder of the Saturn Returns podcast and author of Saturn Return: Your Cosmic Coming of Age, to unpack what’s really happening when life feels turbulent, uncertain, or like everything is changing at once. Whether you’re starting over after a breakup, questioning your career, drifting from old friendships, or simply thinking, “I thought I’d be further by now,” this episode will help you make sense of a chapter most people silently struggle through. You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re becoming. This episode is for those who are 27–33 and feel lost questioning the life you thought you’d have “starting over” when everyone else seems ahead growing out of old friendships and identities navigating big emotional changes all at once Get ready to learn and reposition yourself to find grounding & peace with your timeline. TIME STAMPS (01:13) What is a Saturn Return? (07:43) Reinvention versus rediscovering who you are (13:42) Reflective Questions for turbulent moments (17:22) Timeline exercise (20:30) Who Am I? (27:06) Friendship break ups (33:28) Juggling work and being a new mum (41:13) Birth stories CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been doing “everything right” but still don’t feel good, this conversation will connect the dots. Today I’m joined by Gary Brecka, human biologist and longevity expert, to break down the daily habits that quietly drain your energy, increase anxiety, and limit your health span. The best part? Most of the fixes are totally free and within your control today. In the first 10 minutes alone, Gary reveals the 3 free habits that have the biggest impact on your sleep, mood, stress, and long-term vitality - especially for people with busy lives and limited time or budget. We also explore the link between isolation and early mortality, why so many people struggle with anxiety without knowing the biological reason behind it, and how to invest in your health in a way that actually moves the needle. This episode is practical, grounding, and genuinely life-changing. (01:28) Introduction (03:01) 3 FREE things to extend your life (06:43) Caregiver syndrome (07:41) Investing in your wellness (09:34) Why people struggle with anxiety (12:32) 40% of people go to sleep like this (15:48) Is it just about more years? (20:13) Are you religious? (21:48) This is the most attractive frequency (24:37) Impact of Botox/Filler on longevity? (29:58) How long are we going to live in 200 years? Connect with today's guest on Instagram WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “who am I without my job?” or felt your identity slipping when a relationship ends… this episode is going to hit home. Today I’m joined by Twinkle Stanly, content creator, speaker, and the woman behind one of the most relatable pivots online right now. We dive deep into what it actually feels like to walk away from a life that looks “fine” on paper, but no longer feels aligned. If you’ve been questioning your path, feeling disconnected from who you are, or stuck between wanting more and not knowing where to begin -this conversation will help you find clarity, confidence, and your true identity again. In this episode, we unpack: 💭 Leaving a job you didn’t hate - but still knowing you’re meant for more 💭 Why so many women tie their identity to job titles, achievements or relationships 💭 Finding the courage to pivot without proof that it will work out 💭 The fear of losing your labels and rebuilding who you are without them 💭 Why your niche is YOU (and why overthinking it keeps you stuck) 💭 How to detach from people’s opinions and trust your inner knowing 💭 Spiritual vs strategic confidence and the mindset that gets you moving again Whether you’re going through a transition, craving reinvention, or trying to reconnect with yourself… this episode will remind you that you are allowed to choose a new life, even if the old one wasn’t “bad.” CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:14) You didn’t hate your job, but you still quit? (05:14) How did you get the confidence to post your first video? (08:14) This should be your niche (11:44) My identity being tied to a relationship (13:18) I’m good at rejecting people’s opinion of me (15:59) Advice for people wanting to have more abundant thoughts (18:47) Losing yourself to relationships (20:16) What are you not prepared to settle for? (28:29) Social Media Addiction (33:39) Stop relying on ChatGPT (40:12) Is success spiritual or strategic? WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all go through seasons where life changes, again and again. Whether it’s becoming a parent, finding confidence, learning about money or figuring out who you are beyond your career, this conversation with Kayla Itsines dives deep into what her evolution has really looked like. From finding confidence on stage and handling online negativity, to postpartum recovery and redefining balance between pregnancy, post partum, being online, fitness, family, and wealth - Kayla opens up in a way she never has before. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m trying to find myself again” or felt like your confidence disappeared somewhere along the way… this episode will remind you it’s never gone, it just needs to be rebuilt in this new season of life, along with some personal insights into Kayla’s own journey. #KaylaItsines #Confidence #Reinvention #TheBalanceTheory #PostpartumJourney #SelfGrowth #LifeChange #Motherhood #FitnessMotivation #FindingYourself TIME STAMPS (01:37) Introduction (02:51) Confidence to be on stage? (06:27) Dealing with negativity online (10:17) Kayla has never shared this… (16:07) Honest recovery from pregnancy (21:57) “Bounce back”? (25:10) What do men get wrong with advising fitness in pregnancy? (27:37) How have you diversified your wealth? (29:47) The “Kayla Tax” (31:45) If we removed fitness from your life, what would you be doing? (34:35) Confidence in the gym (36:03) Do you think we need to parent boys and girls differently? (40:07) Raising kids different to the previous generation? (43:45) Rapid Fire Qs 📸 Connect with our guest on IG here WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world where AI is evolving faster than our job titles, staying relevant is no longer optional, it’s survival. In this powerful conversation, Maha Abouelenein, a global communications strategist who’s worked with Gary Vee, Google, Netflix, and even the Prime Minister of Egypt, reveals what it truly takes to stay valuable, confident, and irreplaceable in the modern world. 🎙️ We unpack: Why your degree and job title no longer matter The #1 skill that can’t be automated (and how to master it) How to build confidence that makes you unforgettable The mindset shift to stop “waiting” for opportunities and start creating them How to communicate so people want to work with you The real reason some people stay relevant and others fade out If you’ve ever felt like your skills are expiring, this episode will reignite your edge and remind you that your ability to communicate, adapt, and connect is your greatest competitive advantage. TIME STAMPS (01:33) Introduction (03:33) What does it actually mean to be self reliant? (08:33) How do we stop waiting for what we want? (13:33) How to do a Time audit of your life (15:06) How to manage my time? (21:17) How did you work with the Prime Minister of Egypt (27:33) The SECRET to opening doors for yoursel (28:40) How do you create value in your networks? JOB or BUSINESS! (35:43) Why do you need to network if you have a stable job? (40:07) How do you craft a one liner about yourself? (46:33) Bringing Netflix to MENA (51:03) 7 rules of Self Reliance 7 Rules of Self Reliance Book Time Audit Workshop Networking Pro PDF Connect with Maha 📸 Instagram WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about leaving your 9–5 but not sure where to start? 💭 In this episode, Erika sits down with Erim Kaur, entrepreneur, influencer, and founder of BY ERIM, to talk about what it really takes to build a business from scratch and whether entrepreneurship is actually right for you. From getting fired eight times to building a global haircare brand, Erim shares the honest truth about the entrepreneurial journey, from finding your purpose to knowing when to take the leap. ✨ In this episode: – How to know if you’re meant for a 9–5 or ready to start your own business – The mindset difference between entrepreneurs and careerists – How Erim turned rejection and loss into her purpose – Why she’s 50/50 about having an online (influencer) personality and whether you should too – How to decide what kind of business to start – The story behind BY ERIM and its powerful meaning ** Bonus Segment: Hair Tips & Healthy Hair Secrets - whether you’re in your postpartum journey, struggling with hair quality, or just curious about her signature hair oil, these tips are not to be missed. 💡 If you’ve ever wondered whether to stay in your stable job or take the leap into your dream business, this conversation will give you inspiration and insight into how Erim found the clarity, courage, and perspective to make her next move, to inspire you to take yours. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram 🎁 Use BALANCE10 for 10% off at BYERIM TIME STAMPS (01:13) Introduction (05:15) Advice for starting a YouTube Channel (07:34) Behind the scenes of successful YT Channel (10:41) The true meaning of productivity everyday (12:44) The Balance Theory explained (14:31) New way to manage your to-Do Lists (17:05) How motherhood has changed productivity (22:59) 2 min rule to save 20 hours a week (25:06) Tips for procrastination (27:29) Struggling with surrendering / control (29:59) Is AI good for productivity or are we cheating by using it? (32:54) MUST USE AI Apps you didn’t know about (38:48) Why I don’t tell people what I’ve achieved anymore ❤️ If you loved this episode, check out this one next! WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life not going to plan? Sick of things not working out the way you imagined? Here’s the truth: your “perfect plan” will fail. But that doesn’t mean you will. In this powerful conversation with Amina, we break down the myths of control, why obsessing over the “perfect path” keeps you stuck, and how to actually win when life takes unexpected turns. 🔑 What You’ll Learn Why your perfect plan will never go the way you expect How to adapt and win when life throws curveballs The truth about productivity (and why you’re measuring it wrong) How to know which season of productivity you’re in Tools and rules to finally take control of your time bonus: Is AI going to take all our jobs!? From career shifts and finding balance at work, to redefining productivity and embracing motherhood’s lessons, Amina shares hard-won insights that will challenge your assumptions and open your eyes to a new way forward. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, stuck, or like you’re constantly “behind” in life — this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:13) Introduction (05:15) Advice for starting a YouTube Channel (07:34) Behind the scenes of successful YT Channel (10:41) The true meaning of productivity everyday (12:44) The Balance Theory explained (14:31) New way to manage your to-Do Lists (17:05) How motherhood has changed productivity (22:59) 2 min rule to save 20 hours a week (25:06) Tips for procrastination (27:29) Struggling with surrendering / control (29:59) Is AI good for productivity or are we cheating by using it? (32:54) MUST USE AI Apps you didn’t know about (38:48) Why I don’t tell people what I’ve achieved anymore WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you keep feeling drained in your relationships — like you're giving more than you get — this episode will shift everything. Whether it’s friendships, family, or your partner, there’s one powerful mindset that can help you protect your energy, create emotional balance, and stop feeling responsible for everyone else’s reactions or effort. 💭 In this episode: – Why some relationships always feel unbalanced – How to stop over-giving without guilt – What it means to truly meet people where you are – The small shifts that create powerful emotional boundaries If you’ve ever thought: – "Why am I always the one trying?" – "I feel so emotionally drained after seeing them." – "Why don’t they get me?" …this conversation will empower you to show up with clarity, protect your peace, and build healthier connections. WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off #relationships #boundaries #selfdevelopment #mindsetshift #emotionalhealth #balance Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High-performing women know how to hustle — but what happens when that constant push starts blocking the very life you want? In this powerful conversation with Nadia Zaal — mother, entrepreneur, and leader, we explore why ambitious women secretly struggle to access their feminine energy. We unpack the hidden blocks that keep us in overdrive, the stigma around slowing down, and how learning to let go can actually open the doors to deeper success, balance, and fulfillment. 🔑 We chat: Why high-performing women stay stuck in masculine energy The hidden cost of always “pushing” for results How to soften into feminine energy without losing ambition The power of yielding, surrender, and receiving How motherhood can transform the way we approach success If you’ve ever felt like you can’t switch off, that surrender equals weakness, or that you’re “too busy to relax", this episode is for you. 🌸 True success isn’t about doing more ... it’s about being aligned. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:14) Introduction (06:44) Don’t start a business at THIS moment (09:48) Does balance exist for you? (11:22) What did you unlearn? (14:53) Your masculine energy is ruining your fertility (26:25) How has motherhood changed the way you show up in business? (33:04) Why the education system is failing our children WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The birth you wanted vs. the birth you got ... For so many mums, that gap is filled with disappointment, guilt, and even grief. In this deeply honest conversation, we share our own birth stories — from placenta previa and breech presentations, to unexpected C-sections and the heavy judgments that followed. We open up about the stigma, the shame, and the heartbreak of a birth that doesn’t go the way you imagined… and how to begin healing from it. Whether you had an unwanted C-section, felt robbed of the birth you dreamed of, or are struggling to reframe the disappointment — this episode will remind you that you are not alone. What You’ll Learn How to process disappointment when birth doesn’t go to plan Releasing guilt and shame around a C-section or unexpected delivery Reframing your birth story without judgment Coping with grief when the birth you wanted didn’t happen Finding strength and intention in postpartum healing 🤍 If you’ve ever felt let down by your birth experience — this conversation is for you. You didn’t fail. And you are not alone. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (00:00) introduction (00:35) Georgie’s Birth Story (06:30) Erika’s Birth Story (07:25) Coming to terms with having a C-section (judgments, stigma, disapointments etc) (13:50) Reframing disappointment  (19:28) Intention with postpartum (26:00) Advice to high performers for ‘just being a mum’ emotions (29:57) Advice for mums postpartum WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like life just isn’t moving forward — this episode is for you. In just a few minutes, I’ll share one powerful question that can completely shift your mindset, spark self-accountability, and reignite momentum in your life. No fluff, no long-winded pep talks — just a simple but confronting reflection that can change everything. ✨ In this episode: 
– Why you might feel like nothing is changing
 – The difference between wanting goals and showing up for them
 – How to reconnect with your drive and purpose
 – A question that cuts through the noise and gets you focused Whether you're waiting for motivation, clarity, or a breakthrough — start here. Sometimes, all it takes is one question to realign and reset. WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you settling without even realising it? 💭 So many of us hold back from asking for what we truly want - in life, love, and business, and end up living smaller than we deserve. This episode will open your eyes to the hidden reasons why you never get what you want … and the mindset shifts you need to finally change that. ✨ Inside this conversation, we unpack: * How to build the confidence to create life on your own terms * Breaking free from tying your worth to your output * What it means if you’re living someone else’s life * How to ask for what you want without guilt * The truth about standards, money, and relationships (yes, we talk about the “if he was broke, I wouldn’t choose him” moment 👀) * Why success isn’t about working harder and how to create financial freedom * Becoming your own backup plan (so you never feel trapped again) This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, “fine where they are,” or afraid to ask for more - consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for. 🔑 You deserve more. You deserve a life that feels yours. And it all starts here. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram TIME STAMPS (01:00) Introduction (03:04) How do you find the confidence to create life on your own terms? (09:15) How did you get over your worth being tied to your output? (12:08) What if you’re living someone else’s life? (16:03) How do you ask for what you want (guilt free)? (18:56) If he was broke, I wouldn’t choose him (31:19) The biggest unlock for financial and business success (33:03) How did you make your first 10k? (35:25) How to be your own backup plan (40:35) Why is making more $ not about working harder? WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Still waiting to “feel motivated” before making a change? In this powerful conversation with Tracy Harmoush, we reveal why motivation is overrated and the real skill you need to create lasting change in your life. If you’ve ever started strong only to fall off track, struggled with discipline, or felt stuck chasing your goals, this episode will flip the way you think about success forever. Tracy shares her proven approach to building unshakable discipline, creating freedom through structure, and shifting your mindset so you can finally achieve what you want, without relying on fleeting bursts of motivation. 💡 You can expect: Why motivation is unreliable (and how to break free from it) The mindset shift that turns discipline into freedom How to follow through even when you don’t feel like it The truth about long-term success (it’s not what you think) Practical tools to rewire your habits for good If you’re ready to stop starting over and start building a life you can be proud of, this podcast is for you!  CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram 👉🏽Previous episode with Tracy TIME STAMPS (01:24) Introduction (03:00) What is mindset? (05:44) How do you work out your mindset? (12:04) What did you have to unlearn? (14:46) What do people get wrong when it comes to discipline? (16:48) What role does motivation play? (23:43) Balancing wanting to be traditional woman and a boss woman (31:24) Why do we label THESE relationships as “toxic”? (41:51) Dealing with friction from just being, rather than doing WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling stuck? Waiting for the “right time” to finally start living your life? This episode is the sign you’ve been waiting for. This video will gift you a powerful mindset shift that will change the course of your life … without needing a grand plan or perfect timing. 🎯 If you’ve been:
 – Feeling lost, unmotivated, or delayed in life
 – Waiting for clarity or the perfect moment to act
 – Craving a reset or mindset boost ...this is your sign. All you need is 2 minutes. Today’s the day everything changes. Episode with Georgie Stevenson WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.