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Freedom Culture

Freedom Culture

By: Stephanie Simmons
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 How can I live life on my own terms? Is there more to life than this? I’m done with burnout and overwhelm! I’m tired of just surviving day to day life! How do I get my energy back, kick hustle culture to the curb and create more freedom? The FREEDOM CULTURE Podcast is a tell it like it is, live-workshop style podcast, packed with inspiration and guidance that you can use to create the life of your dreams. Whether you’re eager to start a new chapter or just simply want to have more freedom to do the things you love, this is the podcast for you! Host Stephanie Simmons brings the individualistic flare that will ignite the light inside of you that is meant to be shared. As an Entrepreneur and Mom of Six, Stephanie is a pro at carving out time for what really matters. From big business dreams to cheering on the sidelines for others, Steph shows up for life with authenticity and resilience. If you are just starting to create a life you love or you’re well on your way, Steph gives you actionable step by step tips that help you to redefine success, achieve your goals and experience freedom in your life and work. Join the FREEDOM CULTURE Movement and listen in today!© STEPHANIE SIMMONS 2024 Economics Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 11: Rise Above Resistance: The Life-Changing Magic of Taking Risks

    11: Rise Above Resistance: The Life-Changing Magic of Taking Risks
    Jul 4 2025
    Today we’re diving deep into something we all face, whether we realize it or not: Resistance. That invisible, heavy force that shows up when we’re about to do something meaningful, bold, or transformative. This episode was inspired by several powerful moments in my life — and a few life-changing books — The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. Each one has shifted the way I see resistance, fear, burnout, control, and what it really means to live in alignment. What is Resistance, Really? Resistance is sneaky. It doesn’t walk in loudly — it whispers. It shows up as procrastination, overthinking, self-doubt, or even well-meaning concern from loved ones. It’s the voice that says: You’re not ready. You’re not good enough. Now’s not the right time. Steven Pressfield puts it best: “Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate; it will lie.” And what really hit me is this: “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance.” That quote gave me chills. Because I’ve felt that unlived life inside me. Have you? The Lie of "Tomorrow" Resistance loves the word tomorrow. It tells us to wait for the “perfect time.” But let’s be honest — that time rarely comes. Whether it’s launching your business, writing your story, quitting a job, or asking for help — if you're always waiting, you're feeding resistance. My Personal Wake-Up Call I learned the cost of resistance the hard way. I burned out. Completely. I was doing everything — building a business, raising kids, managing a household — trying to prove I could handle it all. Until one night, I fell asleep on the couch… and woke up to a kitchen full of smoke. That night could’ve ended differently. But it didn’t. I woke up. And maybe it happened so I could share this with you. To remind you: burnout is not a badge of honor. After that, I knew something had to change. I started asking for help. I hired my first team member at Freedom Culture. And yes, it was terrifying. But it was also the best decision I ever made. Because you don’t have to do it all alone. Releasing Control + Letting Others In Here’s the truth most of us don’t talk about: a cluttered, chaotic space — emotionally or physically — impacts us more than we realize. Even when we think we’re coping, the mess drains us in the background. And often, it’s not about the task itself — it’s about control. We resist help because we fear losing control. Because we’ve been taught that independence means doing it all ourselves. But accepting help isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s leadership. It’s realizing that while I can do the dishes… they’re not in my zone of genius. And The Big Leap taught me this: I was meant to do work that lights me up. That fills me. That creates impact. Not just work that keeps me busy. So, I let go. I asked for help. I stopped folding towels "the right way." I stopped equating control with value. And I started focusing on the work I was truly meant to do. Fear as a Compass Fear isn’t the enemy — it’s a compass. When we feel that fear, that resistance, it usually means we’re onto something important. So instead of fighting it, I started leaning into it. In 2019, I turned 40 and booked a solo trip to Paris. I needed space — from the noise, the pressure, the roles I was constantly performing. That trip changed me. I realized: I wasn’t just overwhelmed — I was resisting my own power. So I made the bold decision to quit my job. No savings. No clear plan. Just faith… and six little eyes watching me, wondering: What’s mom going to do now? And you know what? I felt more alive than I ever had. The Power of “Who Not How” That leap led me to Who Not How — a book that shifted my perspective again. I stopped asking, “How can I do this?” and started asking, “Who can help me do this?” That one mindset shift helped me grow my business, build a team, and find joy in collaboration. And guess what? The more I let others in — the more I released the guilt — the more space I had to create. Your Action Steps: Here’s what I want you to do after this episode: Journal: Where is resistance showing up in your life? Reflect: What tasks are you holding onto that drain you, not grow you? Ask: What would it look like to release control and accept support? Act: Take one inspired, risky step today — no matter how small. Book Recommendations Mentioned: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Final Thoughts: Have you ever worked a job you didn’t love? Felt disconnected from the version of yourself you dreamed of becoming? That’s resistance. And the only way through it… is through it. So take the risk. Let fear ride ...
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    31 mins
  • 10: Confidence to Create: Igniting Your Inner Bravery & Creativity

    10: Confidence to Create: Igniting Your Inner Bravery & Creativity
    Jul 27 2024
    Embracing the Confidence to Create: Igniting Your Inner Bravery and Creativity Hello freedom culture aficionados! Today, I am diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: having the confidence to create and nurturing the bravery that brings out our inner creativity. I’m thrilled to share insights on building the confidence to create the life and work you truly desire. Today, we’ll delve into personal stories, mindsets, and actionable tips to help you unleash your inner creativity and bravery. Discovering Entrepreneurship When I was in high school, the idea of becoming an entrepreneur seemed foreign—something only accessible to those with family businesses or unique skills. It wasn’t until I met my first mentor at 30 that my perspective changed. This mentor introduced me to concepts like creating your own economy, thinking for yourself, and taking responsibility for your choices. These ideas were revolutionary for me, setting me on a path toward entrepreneurship. The Power of Mindset Often, we focus so much on our limitations that we overlook the possibilities within our reach. My mentor’s teachings emphasized the importance of looking beyond restrictions and creating within the boundaries we have. One key takeaway was the need to shift our mindset from seeing obstacles to recognizing opportunities for innovation and creation. Igniting Creativity with Confidence A recurring theme in my conversations with others is overcoming imposter syndrome—a term that wasn’t even in my vocabulary when I started my entrepreneurial journey. Many of us feel that our unique talents and perspectives aren’t valuable, but that’s far from the truth. The simple act of starting this podcast was a leap of faith for me, driven by the belief that my voice could possibly make a positive impact on someone's life. If I’d let fear and self-doubt take over, I wouldn’t be here today, sharing my experiences and insights. Remember, not everyone may resonate with your message, but those who need to hear it will find it valuable. Finding Your Creative Spark Creativity isn’t limited to traditional arts like painting or drawing. It’s the ability to imagine and bring something new into existence. As children, we excel at creating imaginary worlds, but we often lose this skill as we grow older. However, it’s never too late to reignite that spark. Whether it’s painting, journaling, or any other hobby, giving ourselves permission to explore and play can open up a world of possibilities. One powerful quote I recently created for my newsletter, Freedom Fridays, summarizes this perfectly: “When our bravery ignites our creativity, the light within us projects our confidence onto the canvas of our lives.” This philosophy encourages us to be brave in our creative endeavors, trusting that our inner light will guide us to share our unique gifts with the world. Turning Passions into Actions If you believe you aren’t creative, think again. Everyone has a creative side waiting to be unleashed. For years, I believed I lacked creativity because I didn’t excel in traditional artistic endeavors. However, I discovered that creativity manifests in various ways, including problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Start by identifying the things that light you up. What hobbies or interests bring you joy? Take small steps to incorporate these activities into your daily life. Perhaps there are local groups or online classes that can help you nurture these passions. Creating Your Ideal Life Building confidence and creativity isn’t limited to business—it applies to life as well. Ask yourself if you’re truly happy with your current situation. If not, explore ways to introduce more joy and passion into your daily routine. This could involve taking up a new hobby, volunteering, or even starting a side hustle that aligns with your interests. Focus on the “What,” Not the “How” When embarking on a new venture, it’s easy to get bogged down by the "how" of making it all happen. Instead, focus on the "what"—what do you want to achieve? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and passions, the path to achieving them will start to reveal itself. Trust that your environment and the universe will support your efforts. Conclusion The journey of building confidence and creativity is ongoing. Surround yourself with supportive individuals, network with like-minded people, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether through my courses, discovery calls, or simply following my content, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Remember, “someday” isn’t a day of the week. Take actionable steps toward your goals today. Write them down, create a timeline, and work towards them. Happiness and creativity aren’t destinations to be reached; they are practices to be incorporated into our daily lives. Thank you for being part of the Freedom Culture community. I’m excited to see what you create ...
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    28 mins
  • 9: Check Your Vision...Is Your Future 20/20?

    9: Check Your Vision...Is Your Future 20/20?
    Jul 13 2024
    Today, we're diving deep into another topic that's close to my heart: checking your vision. And no, I'm not talking about your eyeglasses or contacts. We're exploring your vision for life, what you genuinely desire, and how you're going to make it happen. Let's get into it! Visioning and Manifesting: More Than Just Woo-Woo Every time I think about visioning and manifesting, I encounter skeptics who believe you can't visualize things into existence. I 100% disagree! Manifesting isn't just wishful thinking; it's about focusing your energy and attention on what you want, turning thoughts into reality. So, if you're skeptical, hang tight. I'm here to explain. Do You Know What You Want? Most people wander through life without a clear idea of what they want. If you do know, congratulations – you're ahead of the curve! But for many, figuring this out is a challenge. Next time you're chatting with someone, ask them about their life goals. You might be surprised at how few have a concrete answer, let alone have written it down. The Power of Writing It Down Bob Proctor famously said that most people don't write down what they want. And that's a problem. Putting your dreams into words or images brings you closer to achieving them. It might feel like magic, but it's rooted in reality. When you have a direction, you're more likely to end up somewhere meaningful. Creating a Vision Board A vision board is a powerful tool to visualize your goals. Years ago, I made my first vision board, and while I don't remember everything on it, I know I achieved many of those goals. My second vision board was even more successful, with about 80% of the items checked off. From laughter and dancing to specific business achievements, seeing these images daily helped manifest them into reality. How to Make Your Vision Board Find a Board: It can be a poster board, a piece of paper, or even digital. Gather Images: Look online or flip through magazines. Choose images that resonate with your goals – whether it’s the exact car you want or a happy couple symbolizing relationship goals. Add Words: Pick powerful words that represent your focus for the year, like freedom, laughter, travel, or abundance. Place It Where You'll See It: Your vision board needs to be in your sight daily – on your wall, computer screen, or phone. Here is the link to my vision board that I made on Canva…you can always use a blank template or use this one and just replace the images and text :) Check Out My Vision Board for 2024 Here The Steps to Manifestation Ask: Know what you want and ask for it. This is where your vision board comes in. Believe: Truly believe you deserve what you're asking for. Without belief, manifestation is unlikely. Receive: Be open to receiving your desires. Often, this is the hardest part. But by asking and believing, you're already setting the stage for receiving. The Science Behind Visioning Many people dismiss visioning and manifesting as mere superstition, but there's scientific evidence to support these practices. Visualization activates the neural pathways involved in the physical act of achieving your goals. When you visualize your success, your brain trains itself to think and behave in ways that align with that vision. Research shows that mental practices are almost as effective as true physical practice. When we visualize an action, we stimulate the same brain regions as when we actually perform that action. So, when you visualize yourself succeeding, you are preparing your brain for success. The Role of Emotions Emotions play a crucial role in manifestation. When you feel positive emotions about your goals, you create a powerful energy that attracts those outcomes. The key is to align your emotions with your desires. If you want financial abundance, feel gratitude for the wealth you already have, no matter how small. This gratitude creates a vibrational match for more abundance to come into your life. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs Limiting beliefs can sabotage your efforts to manifest your dreams. These are deeply ingrained thoughts that tell you what you can't do, be, or have. Common limiting beliefs include: "I'm not good enough." "I don't deserve success." "There's not enough to go around." Identifying and overcoming these beliefs is essential. Challenge them by asking yourself if they are true. Replace them with empowering beliefs, such as "I am worthy of success," "I deserve happiness," and "There is abundance for everyone." Taking Inspired Action Manifestation is not just about thinking and feeling; it also requires action. Taking inspired action means acting on the ideas and opportunities that come your way. It's about moving towards your goals with confidence and determination. Even small steps can lead to significant progress. Remember, the universe responds to your actions. When you show that you're serious about your dreams, the universe will support you in making them a reality. Real-Life Success ...
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    22 mins
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