Empowered Authenticity: The Podcast

This week, we are joined by Katy Weber and Jules Edwards of Women & ADHD, an online community for women to share their experiences of living with ADHD. As we learn in the episode, girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed when it comes to ADHD due to a difference in outward behaviors between girls and boys. As a result, we are seeing more women diagnosed later in life. Katy and Jules share with us their experiences of being diagnosed in adulthood, discuss how ADHD presents in males and females, and provide insight on techniques they use to better manage their ADHD and stop thinking they're broken.

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*** TRIGGER WARNING*** Mention of disordered eating

The fitness industry - full of meat heads, bro tanks, and protein shakes. While it's fun to make jokes, we can't deny the more insidious side of the fitness industry, such as anti-fat bias, overexercising, and orthorexia. Knowing these dark sides all too well, Abbey Griffith opened Clarity Fitness, the first body positive fitness center in Georgia. She and her team aim to assist clients in releasing shame around their bodies, building confidence, and finding joy in movement.

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How do you react when you hear the word 'death'? For many of us, our natural inclination is to recoil and push from our minds the fact that we, everyone we love, and everything around us will one day die. Like most things, ignoring death doesn't make it magically go away. As such, many of us are scared of death and unprepared for the inevitable end of life. Let's start having conversations and figure out how we can die and live better.

Maggie Compernolle is a hospice nurse, death educator, yoga instructor, and the owner of Life At Sunset. Maggie is passionate about normalizing conversations surrounding death, dying, and grief. She also seeks to support those who are currently going through the dying process and their loved ones. 

During this week's episode, we discuss the role of death workers, the many emotions surrounding death, and how we can support each other in times of grief.

Maggie has many incredible offerings - 1:1 coaching, weekly online discussions, and workshops for those interested in completing an Advanced Directive and would like assistance.

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For many years, it was believed that ADHD primarily presented in males - the little boy who can't sit still and is always disrupting class. Through research and experience however, it's been determined that ADHD is just as prevalent in women and we're still learning how ADHD can present differently in different people. As a result, women often remain undiagnosed until later in life. 

This week's guest, Tina Mathams, received her ADHD diagnosis in her 30s after her son was diagnosed. Since her diagnosis, she has gained followers on social media by providing resources and tips to help folks with ADHD better handle their finances. 

If you have ADHD or suspect you have ADHD, I suspect this interview will make you feel extremely validated!

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***TRIGGER WARNING: Frequent Mentions of Eating Disorders***

You all know I love geeking out about body liberation and Health At Every Size, which is why I couldn't be more excited for this week's guest, Amy Rapone! Amy is an anti-diet dietitian, a body image coach, the owner of Rad Love Nutrition, and the host of Rad Love Radio. She shares with me her journey to body liberation and her path to helping others overcome diet culture. 

This week we are joined by the founder of Fringe(ish), Shannon Kaneshige. Shannon is a fat and non-binary yoga instructor who seeks to empower others to take up space both on and off the mat. Having lived most of their life in a bigger body, they have struggled with body acceptance and finding their self-worth and have since reclaimed their power.

It's no secret that our society is extremely weight-centric and places significant value on thinness. As such, Shannon is one of the many folks in larger bodies who has been the recipient of comments ranging from misinformed to downright cruel. Shannon's strength and resilience amidst adversity are remarkable. They are a beacon of hope for those in larger bodies and/or are marginalized in other capacities. 

This is an amazing episode that you do not want to miss!

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***TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF SUICIDE*** Yoga may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of trauma recovery, but it can be a powerful tool for many survivors. The meditative and movement aspects of yoga can help to calm the Central Nervous System and help to build a sense of trust and intuition from within.  This weeks guest, Brenda Blanco, is a mental health advocate and yoga instructor who is certified in Yoga for Trauma Recovery. Brenda shares with us her path to becoming a Trauma Recovery Yoga instructor and how yoga has contributed to her healing journey. She also describes what it means to be trauma-informed in the yoga community and what one might expect from a Yoga for Trauma Recovery class. We share about grief, resilience, and authenticity in this raw, emotional episode. We laugh. We cry. We celebrate life. We mourn those we've lost. And we keep going. Follow Brenda Instagram @la_spanglish_yogi_ Mental Health & Suicide Support National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Call 1-800-950-6264 or Text "NAMI" to 741741 Learn More About Trauma & Yoga for Trauma Recovery The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk, MD Dray Gardner's Silent Savasana Yoga

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Diet Culture: it's everywhere. From TV ads promising your dream body in a matter of weeks to your aunt telling you about her newest diet endeavor. The truth, however, is that diets don't work - they make you no healthier and are often unsustainable. Enter Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size.

Sam Cartina is an Intuitive Eating Dietitian helping coach others to respect and trust their bodies and escape the drudgery of diet culture. Sam shares with us how she discovered the toxicity of diet culture, moved towards food freedom, and is now helping others on the path.

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Everyone knows the stereotypical stoner depiction: the red-eyed slacker goofball. Though cannabis use is becoming more widely accepted in the United States, it may still be surprising to some that it's possible to enjoy weed, reap benefits from it, and still be a functioning part of society. Sharing with us the history behind cannabis prohibition (if you guessed racism, you would be correct) and the many cultural and medicinal uses of the herb is weed advocate, ashe phoenix. ashe is a cofounder of We Go High, a cannabis justice organization which seeks to increase cannabis access in prohibition states and highlight the natural connection between cannabis consumption and prison abolition. We Go High believes all cannabis use is medicinal and that no one should be in jail for weed. Through education and visibility campaigns, We Go High aims to destigmatize cannabis consumption in an effort to further decriminalization and decarceration efforts surrounding cannabis. Follow and support We Go High wegohigh.info Instagram @WeGoHighNC

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Join me as I wrap up 2021 with gratitude for new experiences, relationships, and accomplishments. What's coming in 2022? Listen to find out!

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2022 already. If the holidays have you feeling burned out, you're tired of all the 'New Year, New Me' talk, and you feel as though one more advertisement from Noom might make you scream, then I welcome you to this sweet retreat.

This week we are joined by Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Sand Chang. Dr. Sand has more than 15 years of experience providing training and mental health services and is passionate about decolonizing the field of psychology. In addition to their work as a mental health clinician, they also offer DE&I trainings to assist businesses and organizations in their efforts to create more inclusive environments.

I can't think of a better way to kick off the New Year than with this hopeful episode focusing on mental wellbeing and inclusion!

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What better time than Christmas Day to talk about burnout, balance, and boundaries? This week, we are joined by Success and Energetic Alignment Coach Whitney Catalano. Whitney works with creatives and folks with ADHD to focus on their passions, heal burnout, and build success outside the box.

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Let's dive into Dance Culture with Aranivah! Aranivah was raised in El Salvador and is now living in New York City. She performs burlesque, plays the accordion in a punk rock band, and specializes in teaching alternative dance styles. Her mission is to share dance and LatinX culture with others.

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Let's talk about death, baby! Oh, is that not how the song goes? Grief is weird and this week Death Doula, Megan Orvold joins us to discuss all things death and grief. Megan shares what it means to be a death doula and how she helps patients and their loved ones through the transition process. Death is a hard topic to talk about in Western societies. With the help of Megan and other death workers, it's time to bring the conversation to the forefront. Spoiler alert: we're all going to die. Perhaps by being more comfortable and informed, we can better enjoy the time we spend living.

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Instagram @MetalMegs

You are getting very sleepy...and other hypnotherapy tropes are discussed with the founder of Virtus Hypnotherapy, Alyson K. Loney. Alyson is a Board Certified Master Hypnotist and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Alyson answers all my questions about hypnosis and debunks myths and misconceptions. But don't worry. there's no way you'll be falling asleep during this riveting and interesting conversation.

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Want to hear me fan girl super hard? This week we are joined by burlesque performer and trans/gender non-conforming advocate, Jean Wildest! Jean began his burlesque career with Gorilla Tango Burlesque and is currently a Haus member of Bad Taste Chicago and an art associate for PS...Burlesque. They also created the National Top Surgery Fund, which seeks to provide financial assistance for those planning to undergo top surgery (any masculinizing gender affirming surgery on a person’s chest) in 2022. 

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Burlesque and kink and sexuality, oh my! Crista Reid joins us this week to talk sexual empowerment, consent, and more! Crista is a sex and kink educator who seeks to promote consent and safe spaces in all her endeavors. They are the founder and owner of Permission Productions - an event and productions company specializing in kinky tasting parties for experienced kinksters and newbies alike. Crista began performing with Boulder Burlesque in 2015 and has since moved into directing and production for the troupe.

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***TRIGGER WARNING*** Brief description of sexual violence and assault

For this week's episode, we welcome holistic sex coach and founder and owner of Erotic Empowerment, Kelly Noel Zeva. In addition to being a sex  and relationship coach, they are also an author, an energy healer, and an all around fantastic human being! During our conversation, we cover kink, trauma healing, what sex coaching entails, their debut novel Approach, and more! I couldn't get enough of Kelly Noel's wisdom and highly encourage everyone to listen to this insightful and thoughtful interview!

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Coach Baddie herself, Miss Celine Manning graces us with her presence this week. Celine shares with us what it means to be a baddie, the beauty of authenticity, and the importance of living in the moment. You're certain to feel enlightened and inspired after this fantastic interview filled with laughter, optimism, and newly formed friendship.

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***TRIGGER WARNING*** brief mentions of sexual assault, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia

Please join me in welcoming to the podcast the Bounteous Babe from a Bygone Era, Miss Victory Red! Victory is a single parent, a burlesque performer, a pin-up model, a costume designer, an author, and has a masters in psychology. Want to know how she has the energy to do it all? Me too! In this week's episode, we discuss body acceptance, burlesque, optimism, and more!

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This week we welcome Alicia Schmitt, photographer and founder of Buxom Boudoir! Alicia shares with us how she got started as a boudoir photography, how boudoir can be a tool for increased self-love, and some insider tips on taking a sexy selfie.

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This week's interview is with my good friend, Cait. She's a therapist, a mother, a widow, and an all around badass! We talk grief, polyamory, mental health, and more. Cait's strength and resilience is amazing. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll feel all the things in this honest and open conversation. My biggest thanks to Cait for being so willing to discuss these hard-hitting topics.

***TRIGGER WARNING*** Brief mentions of eating disorders

Sick of diet culture? Me too! Dr. Maggie Landes joins us this week to talk Health At Every Size, how anti-fat bias shows up in the medical system, and what we can do to create a more inclusive culture of care. Maggie is an MD with a Masters in Public Health Nutrition who wants to change the way we see food, our bodies, and ourselves. If you dread seeing the number on the scale at the doctor's office, this episode is for you!

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Illustrator and founder of RAD Illustrates, Rachal Duggan talks imposter syndrome, finding joy in the imperfections, and the beauty of realness.

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Strong man Get Orosz shares with us what it's like being in the strong man world, how he got started, how he trains, and how he helps others. Greg and I have very different styles of coaching and hearing another perspective helps to expand our horizons and thought processes.

Who knew interviewing your boyfriend could be so awkward? Scott shares with us the story of how he went from Texas to LA to Texas to Wisconsin. His outlook on career, passion, and life is inspiring. And it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes.

Enjoy a conversation about optimism, energy, curiosity, and life with my former coworker and one of my all time favorite people, Manny Avila!

TW: Episode includes mentions of sexual assault. This episode, we welcome my very first guest, my best friend and the founder of the Instagram account @pubhexplained, Rachel Freer. Rachel shares the origin of our friendship, what led to her career change from healthcare technology to public health, and how we can create more equitable communities for everyone.