In this refreshing episode, we take a break from our usual deep dives to bring you a light-hearted and quick discussion. Perfect for a breather, this episode offers a delightful change of pace, providing a moment of levity amidst our more intense topics. Tune in for a brief yet enjoyable escape!In this refreshing episode, we take a break from our usual deep dives to bring you a light-hearted and quick discussion. Perfect for a breather, this episode offers a delightful change of pace, providing a moment of levity amidst our more intense topics. Tune in for a brief yet enjoyable escape!

In this episode of Strong Her Sessions, Vanessa and Kate explore the complexities of healing, resilience, and redefining strength through Vanessa's personal story of her hip replacement and recovery. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the non-linear nature of healing, and the emotional scars that accompany physical challenges. The conversation emphasizes that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and learning, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys with grace and patience.

Takeaways

• Healing is messy and growth is uncomfortable.
• You're not broken; you're human and not alone.
• Pain is part of the process of healing.
• The comeback is greater than the setback.
• Healing isn't linear; it's full of ebbs and flows.
• Strength can be found in quiet moments.
• Emotional scars can be celebrated as signs of resilience.
• Setbacks provide valuable feedback, not failure.
• Your worth isn't tied to how quickly you recover.
• Self-compassion is essential in the healing journey.

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Summary

In this episode of Strong Her Sessions, Vanessa and Kate explore the complexities of healing, the importance of being witnessed, and the power of deep listening in relationships. They discuss personal experiences of vulnerability, the role of coaching in navigating chaos, and the significance of self-reflection and journaling. The conversation emphasizes that healing is a messy process and that chaos does not equate to failure. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their truth and practice presence with themselves and others.

Takeaways

• Healing is often messy and uncomfortable.
• Being witnessed can help us hear our own voice again.
• Mirroring in relationships provides clarity and support.
• Coaching is about presence, not fixing.
• Chaos is a natural part of being human.
• Self-reflection can lead to personal growth.
• Journaling can serve as a mirror for self-discovery.
• The qualities of a great listener include empathy and curiosity.
• It's important to hold space for others without rushing to fix them.
• Practicing radical honesty can lead to deeper understanding.

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In this episode of Stronger Sessions, hosts Kate and Vanessa delve into the complexities of chronic illnesses, particularly autoimmune diseases. They explore the origins of these conditions, including genetic, environmental, and emotional factors. Vanessa shares her personal journey from being a vibrant athlete to facing a debilitating diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The conversation touches on the impact of illness on identity, the challenges of parenting while managing health issues, and the importance of self-acceptance and empathy. They discuss the guilt and shame often associated with invisible illnesses and the need to redefine strength in the context of vulnerability and self-care. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of community, understanding, and kindness towards oneself in the face of chronic health challenges.

Episode 3, Part 1 – Chronic Illness, Chronic Strength: Kate’s Story

In this episode, Kate opens up about her journey of living with chronic illness and what it means to redefine strength when your body doesn’t always cooperate. She shares the unseen battles, the daily resilience it takes to keep going, and how her perspective on health, fitness, and self-compassion has evolved through it all. As a mother navigating the demands of parenting while managing her own health, Kate’s story is one of grit, grace, and learning to show up for herself and her family—even on the hardest days. This is more than a story of survival—it’s a story of courage, love, and the power of finding strength in unexpected places.

Episode 2: Being a Woman is F*cking Hard (and How We’re Doing It Anyway)
In this conversation, Vanessa and Kate get real about the unspoken challenges women face every day—the pressure to hold it all together, the weight of expectations, and the invisible load we carry in silence. From balancing careers and relationships to navigating self-doubt and burnout, being a woman often feels like an uphill battle.

But we’re not just talking about the hard stuff—we’re sharing how we cope, push through, and reclaim our strength in the middle of it all. With honesty, humor, and compassion, this episode reminds you that while being a woman is f*cking hard, you’re not alone—and there are ways to rise, thrive, and keep going anyway.

Being a Woman is F*cking Hard:

https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=9tUtRWVFbhMrUvCyN3DcedtqRjmPYGHR8UFEXcfAxlk

In the premiere episode of Stronger Sessions, hosts Vanessa and Kate introduce the podcast, focusing on the challenges women face in their lives. We discuss the importance of creating a safe space for women to share their stories, the messy middle of womanhood, and the journey of healing and self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and community, encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves without the pressure of perfection.

The Empowered Life System: https://www.blurb.com/b/12410468-the-empowered-life-system

Being a Woman is F*cking Hard:

https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=9tUtRWVFbhMrUvCyN3DcedtqRjmPYGHR8UFEXcfAxlk

We're Vanessa and Kate, and we're finally doing the thing: launching StrongHer Sessions, a podcast made for women who know that being a woman is f*cking hard...but we're doing it anyway.

Our first full episode drops September 4th, but here's a preview.

We will be navigating issues that affect many of us: chronic illness, motherhood, identity, and strength in all its messy, beautiful forms.

Upcoming conversations include:

• Why we started a podcast
• Being a woman is F*CKING HARD (But we're doing it anyway)
• Chronic Illness, Chronic Strength: Kate and Vanessa's Stories

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Real. Raw. Unfiltered. Welcome to StrongHer Sessions.