Episodes

  • Unmasking the Layers: Eating Disorders, Sexual Shame & the Journey to Self-Healing with Leslie Draffin

    Unmasking the Layers: Eating Disorders, Sexual Shame & the Journey to Self-Healing with Leslie Draffin
    May 27 2025

    In this deeply honest and powerful episode, Leslie Draffin joins us to share her 20-year journey living with an undiagnosed eating disorder and the lifelong impact of societal pressure around body image and weight. We unpack the harmful misconceptions tied to the BMI scale, explore the prevalence of disordered eating in women, and discuss the silent struggles many face when they “look healthy” on the outside.

    Leslie also opens up about healing from sexual shame after receiving an STI diagnosis, the emotional toll of hiding her truth, and the transformative power of working from the inside out. This conversation is a brave exploration of what it means to reconnect with your body, confront past wounds, and step into radical self-compassion.


    💬 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and sexual health. Please take care of yourself while listening.


    Primary Keywords

    • Eating disorder recovery

    • Disordered eating

    • Body image issues

    • Women's mental health

    • Overcoming eating disorders

    • BMI and health misconceptions

    • Self-love and body acceptance

    • STI stigma

    • Sexual shame and healing

    • Mental health podcast


    🔗 Resources Mentioned:

    • ANAD Eating Disorder Helpline: 1-888-375-7767

    • STI Info: CDC STI Treatment Guidelines


    Ways to Engage: Challenge yourself to look at your health in a different way. If you’re constantly checking the number on the scale, start looking at how much water you drink in a day or how many steps you get in. If you feel like you don’t have any time for yourself, start carving out small amounts of time to let yourself breathe, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. A fresh perspective allows for different results and new ideas in your journey.


    Blog Excerpt: Leslie speaks openly about her past with an eating disorder, and I truly believe that even if it isn't categorized as an eating disorder, so many people, women especially, suffer from disordered eating.


    Timestamps:

    Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:04 )

    Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 10:44 )

    Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 17:43 )

    Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 41:04 )

    Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 50:08 )

    Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 59:45 )

    Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:06:05 )

    Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:13:37 )

    5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:19:34 )

    5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:20:20 )

    Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

    #EatingDisorderRecovery #BodyPositivity #MentalHealthPodcast #SexualHealthAwareness #LeslieDraffin #SelfHealing
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Living from Within – Trusting Intuition & Releasing Expectations with Tara Mae Temple

    Living from Within – Trusting Intuition & Releasing Expectations with Tara Mae Temple
    May 22 2025
    We’re thrilled to welcome back a cherished friend of our network, Tara Mae Temple, in this powerful and heart-centered episode of the podcast. You may remember her from previous guest appearances on The Embracing Layers Radio Show, like The Value of Introducing Yourself Via Character Traits, The Power of Knowledge, and The Role of Pets in Our Wellness—all available now on our Substack.Tara brings her signature spiritual wisdom, compassion, and emotional depth as she shares the transformational journey of stepping away from other people’s expectations and learning how to truly live from within. Through grounding practices like journaling, meditation, and prayer, she emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with your inner voice and trusting your intuition—even when it challenges everything you’ve been taught.🧠 Key Takeaways from This Episode:What it really means to live out of your own expectationsThe power of retreating inward to rediscover your identityWhy your intuition is a divine compass—and how to follow its guidanceHow to recognize universal signs and synchronicities meant just for youHealthy ways to release suppressed emotions and feel them fullyReframing anger as a layer of healing—not something to hide fromCreating safe emotional spaces for yourself and othersTara reminds us that healing is not linear, and sometimes, the most painful layers are the ones holding the greatest transformation. Her gentle encouragement to be empathetic—not only to others but also to ourselves—is a core theme in this discussion. Emotions like anger, fear, and doubt aren’t weaknesses; they’re messengers. Tara shares how uncovering and processing those emotions can open the door to emotional freedom, spiritual clarity, and deeper self-trust.✨ "The signs are there when you’re open to seeing them."With a blend of emotional intelligence, lived experience, and spiritual insight, Tara empowers listeners to release what no longer serves them and step into their full potential. This episode will inspire you to trust your gut, take up space, and embrace your layered self unapologetically.Blog Excerpt: Tara’s journey has been full of expectations, some of them coming from her, but mostly coming from other people. When you begin to live out of your own expectations, it can feel lonely at first, because you’re going up against what you’ve been trained for your whole life. Ways to Engage: When learning to live out of your own expectations, start asking yourself questions to get to know yourself better and know what you truly desire. Think of this as you sit in silence, meditate, journal, pray, or anything other acts that allow you to consider the expectations of your authentic self. Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:30 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 10:39 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 12:35 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:31 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 31:31 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 37:25 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 46:50 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 53:24 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 56:30 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 57:30 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-LouisWant to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠#HealingJourneyPodcast#SpiritualWellness#EmotionalHealing#TrustYourIntuition#PersonalGrowthPodcast#MentalHealthMatters#SelfDiscoveryJourney#WellnessConversation#HolisticHealingPodcast#SpiritualPodcast#PodcastForHealing#EmotionalWellness#IntuitiveLiving#MindBodySoulPodcast#TaraMaeTemple
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Be Present, Not Perfect – Letting Go of Guilt & Expectations with Stacey Olson

    Be Present, Not Perfect – Letting Go of Guilt & Expectations with Stacey Olson
    May 20 2025
    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the insightful and empowering Stacey Olson, a mindfulness expert who is helping women everywhere say “no” with confidence and without guilt. Stacey is a firm believer in walking the talk—showing up in the world with optimism, integrity, and grace—and she’s on a mission to help others do the same.Through her own personal journey of burnout and rediscovery, Stacey has learned the power of presence over perfection. She shares how saying yes to everything left her feeling like a shell of herself—physically present, but emotionally and mentally depleted. Her advice? Stop chasing perfection and start savoring the present.🧠 Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why “be present, not perfect” is the mindset shift we all needHow to confidently say “no” without guilt and prioritize your energyThe gas tank metaphor: don't let yourself run on emptyWhy giving yourself grace and patience is crucial to personal growthReleasing pressure and unrealistic expectations—especially the ones we place on ourselvesThe importance of self-listening and mindful communicationStacey reminds us that our energy is finite, and we need to protect it as a precious resource. You wouldn’t wait until your car is completely out of gas to refuel, so why treat yourself that way? She shares how she learned to refuel before she hit burnout—and how you can too.💬 "Grant yourself grace. Be kind. Be human."Stacey's approach is compassionate and grounded, showing us that healing and self-care aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Let go of the pressure to meet unrealistic standards. Your worth isn’t determined by how much you do—it’s measured by how deeply you feel, connect, and show up for yourself.🎧 Final Thought:If you’re ready to step away from perfectionism and show up with presence, this episode with Stacey Olson will speak directly to your soul. Tune in now to rediscover what it means to be human—layered, whole, and worthy just as you are.Blog Excerpt: To be present with optimism and integrity is invaluable, especially in a world that sometimes moves faster than we’d like it to. However, our next guest, Stacey Olsen, believes in walking the talk, and she’s been on a journey to say “no” with confidence, minus all the guilt that comes with it. Ways to Engage: Think about if there is balance between the different areas of your life. How can you maintain this balance or create more clear alignments? Remember that self care isn’t selfish. If you want to prioritize those you love, taking care of yourself allows you to show up for them and be more present in those moments. Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:21 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 13:42 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:28 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 33:26 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 38:33 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 44:42 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 53:52 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:04:13 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:10:35 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:11:12 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-LouisWant to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠#SayNoWithConfidence#SetBoundaries#SelfCareMatters#PeoplePleasingRecovery#EmotionalWellness#PersonalGrowthPodcast#EmpoweredLiving#MentalHealthAwareness#AuthenticLiving#EnergyManagement#BePresentNotPerfect#SelfLoveJourney#GuiltFreeNo#PodcastForGrowth#StaceyOlsen
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Reclaiming Boundaries & Purpose with Kat Newport

    Reclaiming Boundaries & Purpose with Kat Newport
    May 15 2025
    In this powerful episode, we welcome the insightful and fearless Kat Newport, a compassionate leader and strategic problem-solver who is redefining what it means to be a purpose-driven woman. With a voice rooted in wisdom, empathy, and accountability, Kat offers real tools and guidance to help women overcome people-pleasing tendencies and build unshakable boundaries.Kat speaks openly about dismantling the deeply ingrained patterns of “Good Girl Syndrome”—a societal conditioning that teaches women to prioritize others’ needs at the expense of their own well-being, values, and personal growth. If you’ve ever struggled to say no, felt guilty setting boundaries, or found yourself overextending to keep the peace, this episode is for you.🧠 Key Takeaways from This Episode:How to identify and interrupt “Good Girl Syndrome” in daily lifeThe two-part process of setting and maintaining strong boundariesWhy boundary pushback is normal—and how to stay grounded when it happensPowerful reframing questions to ask during conflict or frictionHow to lead with both emotional intelligence and accountabilityKat’s approach to balancing kindness with bold, results-driven decisionsKat’s philosophy is clear: you don’t just set a boundary—you uphold it. Whether someone forgets or pushes back gently or forcefully, staying aligned with your values is your responsibility. Her practical insights into communicating boundaries with clarity and grace make this one of the most actionable and empowering episodes of the season.💬 During moments of conflict or tension, Kat suggests asking:“What is the concern?” and “How would you like to see this resolved in an ideal world?”This shift to solution-oriented dialogue can transform not only workplace dynamics but personal relationships as well.🎧 Final Thought:This episode with Kat Newport is a game-changer for women ready to reclaim their time, voice, and energy. Tune in to learn how to stop living by others’ expectations and start leading from your own. It’s time to rewrite your story—with courage, compassion, and conviction.Blog Excerpt: I think it’s safe to say that all women, at one point or another, have experienced “good girl syndrome,” which is very prominent in people pleasers. It’s always putting someone else above yourself, neglecting your own boundaries, self care, expectations, values, or health in the process. Ways to Engage: What are some examples you’ve seen or experienced with “good girl syndrome?” Is this something you were aware of before listening to the episode or is new to you? Become aware of situations like this in your life or in the lives of those around you, supporting women in living unapologetically. Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:07 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:16 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 6:52 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 9:29 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 19:01 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 45:25 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 56:51 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:56 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:09:33 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:12:47 )Original Music by Valencia & Rio Saint-LouisWant to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠#GoodGirlSyndrome#PeoplePleaserRecovery#SetHealthyBoundaries#EmpoweredWomenEmpower#BreakTheCycle#SelfWorthMatters#AuthenticLiving#WomenWhoLead#HealingTheGoodGirl#BoundariesAreHealthy#FeminineEmpowerment#EmotionalIntelligence#CourageOverComfort#SayNoWithConfidence#ReclaimYourPower
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Letting Go of Judgment & Embracing Curiosity with Arlene Miller

    Letting Go of Judgment & Embracing Curiosity with Arlene Miller
    May 13 2025

    Today's guest is the radiant and grounded Arlene Miller, a woman whose core qualities—authenticity, compassion, courage, and loyalty—shine through every word. Arlene brings a deeply soulful and sacred lens to the conversations we’ve been having, reminding us that how we treat ourselves and others must begin with curiosity, not judgment.

    In this powerful episode, we dive into the concept of living outside of judgment-based expectations—not just for ourselves, but for those around us. Arlene encourages us to release assumptions, pause before reacting, and consider giving others the space we wish they would give us. It’s a revolutionary act of grace and self-respect.

    🌀 Key insights from this episode:

    • Why we must drop expectations rooted in judgment

    • How to respect boundaries without guilt or pressure

    • The sacred quality of curiosity in healing relationships

    • Practicing empathy even when we don’t have the full story

    • Reclaiming your self-worth by releasing internal criticism

    • A tree visualization to ground yourself in compassion and growth

    🌱 Arlene’s wisdom invites us to replace judgment with curiosity. Instead of making assumptions, she suggests we ask deeper questions: What if that person is struggling? What if there's more to their story than we can see? This approach not only transforms how we treat others, but how we treat ourselves.

    💭 One of the most impactful parts of this episode is Arlene’s beautiful bedtime visualization—imagining yourself as a deeply rooted tree that grows and adapts through all seasons. It’s a powerful reminder that change is natural, and strength is built in the stillness between storms.

    🎧 Listener Takeaway:
    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations—your own or others’—this episode will give you the tools to lead with grace, curiosity, and grounded self-love. Press play and allow Arlene to guide you back to your roots.

    Blog Excerpt: When it comes to living out of her own expectations, Arlene brings a new perspective that I don’t think has been brought up before. She says we need to drop expectations with judgment, not only for ourselves but for others as well.

    Ways to Engage: We talk about living out of your own expectations, but do you consider what expectations you put upon other people? Are they fair and reasonable? Are you making a quick judgment of someone else and what you expect them to do for you? The work begins with us, and we should keep these thoughts in the back of our mind as we continue to grow and evolve.

    Timestamps:

    Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:36 )

    Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 16:20 )

    Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 22:08 )

    Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 29:32 )

    Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:45 )

    Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 35:50 )

    Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 40:10 )

    Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 45:24 )

    5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 53:13 )

    5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 54:58 )

    Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

    Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠

    #EmbraceKindness

    • #PracticePatience

    • #LiveWithTolerance

    • #JudgmentFreeLiving

    • #SacredQualities

    • #PersonalGrowthJourney

    • #MentalWellnessMatters

    • #CompassionInAction

    • #SelfLoveAndGrace

    • #CuriosityOverJudgment

    • #MindfulConversations

    • #EmotionalIntelligence

    • #AuthenticLiving

    • #InspirationPodcast

    • #RootedAndResilient
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • From Caregiver to Self-Healer: Carrie Pierce on Grief, Core Wounds & Reclaiming Self-Worth

    From Caregiver to Self-Healer: Carrie Pierce on Grief, Core Wounds & Reclaiming Self-Worth
    May 8 2025
    In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we’re honored to welcome the multifaceted and inspiring Carrie Pierce. Known for her compassion, strategic insight, and quiet strength, Carrie has worn many hats—from Hollywood makeup artist and licensed aesthetician to full-time caregiver and healing advocate.🎧 This episode unpacks:The physical and emotional toll of caregivingSurviving caregiver burnoutUnaddressed trauma and the body’s silent sufferingHealing through childhood core woundsReclaiming identity after lossWhat self-care really means when life feels impossibleHer story is one of resilience, as she opens up about the effects of unprocessed trauma and neglecting her own needs, which led to serious health issues. 🦋 One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode: the butterfly and the cocoon. Like the butterfly, the growth comes when you’re ready to break free. This episode encourages listeners to respect their own timing and honor the journey toward self-worth, wholeness, and personal metamorphosis.✨ Carrie also discusses the lingering pain of childhood core wounds, explaining how these invisible scars drive much of our adult behavior. True healing, she says, only happens when we’re willing to face these wounds head-on—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.💄 Fun Fact: Carrie has an incredible professional background, including work as a Hollywood special effects artist and certified color analyst. She’s proof that even the most polished exteriors can hide profound pain—and that transformation is possible, even after intense personal loss.Be sure to listen to the full episode for insights not covered here, and visit Carrie’s website to explore her work in aesthetics, healing, and more.🌿 Listener Takeaway:If you’ve ever felt invisible while caring for others, this episode is for you. Carrie’s story is a reminder that you deserve care, too—and healing is not only possible, it’s your right.Blog Excerpt: [Carrie's] journey is coated in loss, bravery, vulnerability, kindness, and love. After listening to the episode, you will have a newfound respect for those in your life you might not have realized were fighting a huge battle.Caregiver Resources from our friend and contributor Erin Copelan - - ⁠https://erincopelan.com/, https://www.embracinglayers.com/episodes/s6e23Ways to Engage: Take time to consider your core wounds starting from childhood. Sit with the emotions that come up during this exploration while remembering that there are no “good” or “bad” emotions—they are clues to help you get to the bottom of the real issue. Healing yourself from the past continues to heal yourself into the future, setting you up for further success mentally, physically, and spiritually. Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:37 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 26:50 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 41:05 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 46:38 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 55:57 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 1:08:06 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:13:54 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:23:22 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:33:40 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:34:23 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-LouisWant to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠#CaregiverSupport#HealingFromTrauma#SelfCareMatters#HealingJourney#InnerChildHealing#MentalHealthAwareness#FromBurnoutToBalance#UnapologeticallyYou#EmotionalResilience#TraumaRecovery#CoreWoundHealing#MetamorphosisJourney#VulnerabilityIsStrength#WomenWhoHeal#PrioritizeYourself
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 40 mins
  • The Power of Pit Stops: Suzanne Culberg on Boundaries, Burnout & Saying “No” with Confidence

    The Power of Pit Stops: Suzanne Culberg on Boundaries, Burnout & Saying “No” with Confidence
    May 6 2025

    In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, we welcome the irreverent, insightful, and wildly entertaining Suzanne Culberg, also known as The Nope Coach. With her signature blend of humor, empathy, and radical honesty, Suzanne takes us on a journey of self-awareness, boundary-setting, and learning how to say “no” without guilt.

    💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

    • The importance of self-care before burnout hits

    • How racing pit stops teach us about sustainable energy and performance

    • Why boundaries don’t require over-explaining

    • Giving yourself permission to start small

    • Building emotional resilience through repetition and grace

    Suzanne shares relatable, real-world metaphors to help listeners rethink the way we approach self-care. One standout moment? Her comparison of human burnout to race car maintenance—reminding us that even the fastest, most advanced machines must take pit stops to refuel and reset, or they’ll crash before the finish line. The same principle applies to our mental health and emotional energy.

    🏋️‍♀️ She also breaks down the myth of “starting big” by comparing personal growth to strength training—you don’t walk into a gym and deadlift 100 pounds on day one. Pacing yourself isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

    🛑 One of Suzanne’s strongest messages: You don’t need a long-winded explanation every time you say no. In fact, the more direct and honest you are, the more respectful and efficient the communication becomes for everyone involved.

    ✨ Listener Takeaway:
    If you’ve been putting yourself last, this episode is the wake-up call you need. Learn how to honor your own needs, establish clear boundaries, and embrace the “pit stops” that keep you in the race of life—not just surviving, but thriving.

    Blog Excerpt: Suzanne shares that being up front with people can be simple, though that takes a bit of practice. We tend to over explain ourselves when we first start setting boundaries and telling people no, but we’re just creating a lot more work for ourselves in the long run.

    Ways to Engage: Next time someone requests something from you, such as a time-consuming favor, take time to think about it before agreeing. Is this something you have the capacity for mentally or physically? Are you only saying yes out of obligation or is it something you really want to do/help out with? There’s nothing wrong with taking the time to make a decision, and an honest decision is one well made.


    Timestamps:

    Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:21 )

    Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 17:09 )

    Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 36:48 )

    Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 42:37 )

    Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 52:58 )

    Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 59:51 )

    Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:05:19 )

    Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:11:35 )

    5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:16:47 )

    5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:17:32 )

    Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

    Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠

    • #RadicalSelfCare

    • #BoundariesWithoutGuilt

    • #SelfCompassionFirst

    • #PeoplePleaserNoMore

    • #SayNoWithConfidence

    • #EmbraceThePitStop

    • #RestIsProductive

    • #PaceYourself

    • #SelfCareIsNotSelfish

    • #NoApologyNeeded

    • #BurnoutPrevention

    • #MentalHealthMatters

    • #HonestCommunication

    • #PersonalGrowthJourney

    • #TheNopeCoach
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Writing for Change: Leigh Shulman on Empowering Women and Challenging Gender Norms

    Writing for Change: Leigh Shulman on Empowering Women and Challenging Gender Norms
    May 1 2025
    This week’s episode features the incredibly insightful and open-hearted Leigh Shulman, a fierce advocate for gender inclusivity and prioritizing self care and emotional growth. Leigh joins us to unpack a range of powerful topics—from dismantling harmful gender stereotypes to raising thoughtful children and creating inclusive spaces for creative expression to knowing finding time for rest is not lazy.💡 Key Themes in This Episode:Supporting women through writing mentorshipChallenging outdated gender expectationsEncouraging emotional awareness in childrenThe power of listening in tough conversationsLeigh’s compassionate work supports women writers around the globe, helping them find their voices and tell their stories unapologetically. But her support doesn’t end there—she also mentors men and nonbinary individuals who approach her with genuine respect and a desire to grow, proving that meaningful conversations transcend gender labels.🏆 In a powerful discussion about gender roles and sports, Leigh shares how she and her husband model emotional awareness and respect for their son. Whether it’s jiu jitsu or creative writing, they teach him that skill, strength, and value aren’t determined by gender—a perspective sorely lacking in traditional narratives.📺 This topic echoes what many of us saw growing up in the media—like the Zoey 101 episode where a girl joining the wrestling team sparks controversy simply because she's a girl. These outdated norms still echo today, especially when it comes to conversations around transgender athletes and what’s “fair.” Leigh pushes us to sit with the discomfort, examine where it’s coming from, and engage in deeper conversations that foster real change.🌍 Leigh’s message is clear: Everyone deserves space to explore their identity and pursue their passions without limitation. Her work is a lifeline for women reclaiming their creative expression—and for anyone committed to breaking social norms with curiosity and courage.📌 Explore More from Leigh:💬 Listener Takeaway:This episode is a must-listen for writers, parents, educators, and allies who want to challenge harmful narratives and create more inclusive, equitable spaces. Leigh’s voice is both a mentor and a mirror, guiding us back to the importance of truth, storytelling, and empathy.Blog Excerpt: Leigh loves to explore, and it’s very apparent in her open mindedness and willingness to truly listen to others. Leigh is supporting women unapologetically everyday through her work as a women’s writing mentor, but she says she hears from men as well.Ways to Engage: Do you have a problem with seeing rest or naps as lazy? Time may be limited, but time for you is not wasted, nor is it laziness. Give yourself permission to get the rest your body and mind needs. Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:26 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:40 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 16:25 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 30:44 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 48:47 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 56:51 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:04:45 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:09:33 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:13:17 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:13:31 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-LouisWant to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠#GenderEqualityMatters#UnapologeticWomen#EmpowerThroughWriting#InclusiveConversations#BreakGenderStereotypes#SupportAllVoices#WritingForChange#MentorshipMatters#EmotionsAreClues#ListenToUnderstand#TransRightsAreHumanRights#RaisingRespectfulKids#ConsciousParenting#CreativeEmpowerment#DiscomfortLeadsToGrowth
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins