• Back to Basics: Pelvic Floor Health with Dr. Allison Ingley
    May 30 2025

    How often do you think about your pelvic floor? If you’re like most of us—probably not much. In this conversation, Monica Brooks talks with Dr. Allison Ingley, a pelvic floor physical therapist, about the vital connection between your pelvic floor, your body, and your emotions. You’ll learn what the pelvic floor really is, why tension and stress can show up in unexpected ways, and how tuning into your body can help you feel more empowered in your health. Whether you’re curious about common pelvic issues or how emotions manifest physically, this is an episode packed with eye-opening insights for both women and men.


    Connect with Dr. Allison Ingley at Core Strong Physical Therapy:

    Website: https://www.corestrongphysicaltherapy.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoreStrongPT

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core.strong.pt


    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    33 mins
  • Nobody Told Me: A Keynote on Breast Cancer, Impact, and Showing Up for Each Other
    Apr 22 2025

    In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—a keynote I delivered at the Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer Gala, an event dedicated to supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20s and 30s. As a survivor myself, this moment was emotional, meaningful, and powerful. The organization’s mission—offering medical stipends, peer support, and community—is a reminder that we all have the capacity to make someone else’s journey just a little bit lighter.

    This talk, titled "Nobody Told Me," reflects on the things no one prepares you for when you're facing a life-altering diagnosis. It’s about the things you learn the hard way—and the grace, grit, and growth that come with them. But more than that, it’s a message about the ripple effect we can create when we choose to lift others up. Whether you’ve faced cancer, supported someone through it, or just want to show up in the world with more intention—this episode is for you.

    If you're moved by this message and want to help make a difference, I’ve included a link in the show notes where you can support a woman navigating breast cancer today. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet acts of support that leave the loudest impact. Thank you for listening—and for showing up.


    One-time donation: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org/donate

    Donate $5 a month: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org/5-for-thrive



    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    13 mins
  • The Power of EMDR: A Conversation with Erin Pritchard of Sea Glass Counseling
    Mar 28 2025

    If you’ve never heard of EMDR therapy before, you’re not alone. It might sound like alphabet soup, but EMDR—short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—is a unique and effective approach to therapy that helps people work through trauma, anxiety, emotional challenges, and more— in a way that’s very different from traditional talk therapy.

    In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Pritchard, an EMDRIA-certified EMDR Therapist, and consultant with Sea Glass, where she helps both clients and clinicians navigate this powerful method of healing. Erin breaks down what EMDR actually is, how it works, and what you can expect if you're curious about trying it. Erin will even share her own person

    Whether you're exploring therapy options for yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in how the brain processes emotions and experiences, this episode is a great introduction to a tool that’s helping people across the world heal in a whole new way.


    Links:

    Work with Erin at Sea Glass Counseling:

    https://www.seaglassohio.com/

    Find a certified EMDR Therapist:

    https://www.emdria.org/


    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    39 mins
  • An Inside Job: How to Stop Seeking Validation and Find Confidence, Happiness, and Success Within
    Feb 27 2025

    Do you ever catch yourself chasing likes, waiting for praise, or needing outside approval to feel like you’re doing enough? You’re not alone. In a world that thrives on external validation, it’s easy to believe that happiness, confidence, and success come from what others think of us. But here’s the truth: everything you’re looking for—self-worth, joy, motivation—is an inside job.

    In this episode of Becoming a Better You, we’re diving deep into how to break free from the cycle of seeking validation, how to create your own dopamine hits without relying on social media or external praise, and why the most powerful confidence boost comes from within. I’ll share practical strategies to shift your mindset, recognize your own worth, and start celebrating yourself—not because the world approves, but because you do.

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly waiting for permission to feel good about yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward truly Becoming a Better You.

    🎧 Listen now

    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    13 mins
  • Stress Less in 2025: Simple Strategies with Dr. Emily
    Jan 3 2025

    Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but in this episode, we’re diving deep into how you can take control and stress less in 2025. Joined by the amazing Dr. Emily, a Functional Medicine Practitioner, we explore where stress originates, how elevated cortisol levels impact our bodies, and the long-term risks of unmanaged stress. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Dr. Emily shares empowering insights and practical strategies to help you reduce stress and reclaim balance in your life. Tune in to learn how to recognize stress triggers, support your well-being, and step into a calmer, healthier version of yourself.

    LINKS
    WEBSITE: https://balancedlivingfm.com/
    TAKE THE QUIZ: https://balancedlivingfm.com/energize-your-life/quiz
    DR. EMILY'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/balancedlivingfxmed/
    DR. EMILY'S LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-roedersheimer/

    BOOK: The Untethered Soul

    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    43 mins
  • Quitting Corporate: Lessons Learned and How You Can Thrive Without Leaving Your Job
    Oct 21 2024

    Join me as I take you through my journey of leaving the corporate world and the valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past three years. In this episode, I’ll share the challenges and triumphs of taking a chance on myself, and why you don’t need to quit your day job to follow your passions. We’ll explore how you can build a side business, pursue your dreams, and utilize powerful tools like AI and ChatGPT to thrive, no matter where you are in your career. Whether you’re looking to start a new project, expand your horizons, or simply take the next step in your personal growth, this episode will provide you with the inspiration and practical tips to turn your ideas into reality—all while keeping your 9-to-5. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement to help you bet on yourself and succeed.

    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    12 mins
  • Finding the Right Words in Tough Times
    Oct 14 2024

    In this episode, we explore how to find the right words when someone you care about is going through a tough time. Whether in personal or professional situations, offering support can be difficult—especially when you don’t know what to say. We’ll share simple, powerful phrases that show empathy without minimizing the other person’s feelings, discuss common pitfalls to avoid, and explore how to be present when words aren’t enough. Tune in to learn how to provide meaningful support during life’s toughest moments, both for loved ones and colleagues.

    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    15 mins
  • Why Feedback Sucks and What We Can Do About It
    Oct 7 2024

    In this episode of Becoming a Better YOU, we dive deep into the often dreaded world of feedback. Why does it so often feel like a personal attack? What's an effective way to give feedback? Monica Brooks unpacks the reasons why feedback sucks and offers practical strategies to transform it into a tool for growth. Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, you’ll learn how to make the process more effective, empowering, and constructive. Tune in to discover how you can shift your mindset and create a feedback culture that actually works!

    Instagram: @motivational_monica

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    9 mins