The Plastic Couch

In this powerful and unforgettable episode of The Plastic Couch Podcast, Yarbrah shares her experience transitioning into a C-suite role as Chief Program Officer before she made the difficult decision to choose herself and quit her job. She also talks about the physical and mental toll of burnout, being the problem solver, pushing beyond capacity, how childhood experiences shaped her identity as a high achiever, her struggle with perfectionism, and the breaking point that led to her decision to leave her role despite feelings of guilt and responsibility.Music Credit: "Circle" by Columbia Nights [00:00] Introduction to episode about being the "strong friend"[01:00] Yarbrah describes her breaking point and decision to quit[02:00] Host Kristen welcomes Yarbrah to the podcast[04:00] Yarbrah describes herself in three words: empowering, anxious, leader[07:00] Yarbrah discusses quickly being promoted to Chief Program Officer[10:00] Trying to maintain a confident facade while struggling[14:00] Childhood experiences as the "good girl" who achieved[18:00] Comparison with her sister and internalizing problems[23:00] Discussion about perfectionism and avoiding activities not immediately good at[27:00] Internal struggle of feeling responsible for fixing everything[32:00] Kristen spotting signs of Yarbrah's struggle[36:00] Never learning when something was "too much"[40:00] Physical symptoms of burnout[45:00] Moment of truth – seeing herself in the mirror[50:00] Returning from vacation and decision to quit[55:00] Friend pointing out she picked herself, not just let others down[59:00] Unrealistic plans for productivity during time off[01:04:00] Challenge of truly resting for the first time[01:08:00] Closing advice about identifying people who see you[01:22:00] Closing thanks and sign-off

If you have ever wondered about Reiki, what it is, and how it can help you, this is the episode for you. We're about to embark on an exploration of Reiki with Brandi, Reiki Practitioner and Healer. This episode just might change the way you think about health, wellness, grief, and healing.Connect with Brandi on IG at @itsreikiloveSign up for Ascend at https://kristencrockett.com/ascendJoin the Sisterlift™ community at sisterlift.com

In this episode, Kristen is interviewed by Lillian Seidel as they go deep into the journey of self-discovery and the importance of learning to listen to yourself. Kristen and Lillian explore how inner wisdom is an essential tool for personal growth. They share experiences with resistance, self-sabotage, and imposter syndrome, offering insights on overcoming these obstacles. You'll hear about the balance between seeking external knowledge and trusting your instincts, the power of creating space for reflection, and the value of embracing vulnerability. Whether you're navigating career pivots or striving for deeper connections, this episode will inspire you to follow your passion, purpose, and authentic self. Ascend - Ready to Craft a Resume and Authentic Brand That Stands Out? http://www.ascendcareeradvancement.com/ Kristen's profile on Road Trip Nation https://roadtripnation.com/leader/syr/5a74b5b97ebc328bb0d4e371 Lillian's substack: https://lillianseidel.substack.com/ Become a Member of Sisterlift https://www.sisterlift.com/

Welcome to your guide to Human Design. In this episode, you'll learn what human design is, how to use it in life or at work, and how to look up your chart. Human design is all about how to manage your energy. To look up your Human Design chart, go here: https://myhumandesignguide.com/ To download your personalized Human Design Clarity Guide ⁠https://myhumandesignguide.com/shop/⁠ To book a Human Design session with Kristen, go here: https://calendly.com/kristen-crockett/human-design-session-with-kristen To follow Kristen on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekristencrockett/

Kristen sits down with executive recruiter and career coach, Monica York, to discuss the power of authenticity in leadership and navigating career transitions. Monica shares her journey into recruiting, the challenges of working in male-dominated industries, and how she helps leaders align their strengths and professional goals to attract the role that is aligned for them. Whether you're looking to level up in your career or make a bold transition, this conversation is packed with insights to help you gain clarity and confidence in your next steps. Plus, get an exclusive peek into ASCEND, a transformational career coaching experience with Kristen and Monica. http://ascendcareeradvancement.com/ Monica on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicanyork/ Monica's website: https://www.matriarchsolutions.com/ Monica’s Journey Challenges in Male-Dominated Industries Hiding vs. Being Her Authentic Self in Leadership Career Transitions Clarity - The Key to Finding The Right Career ASCEND Career Coaching Experience with Kristen Crockett and Monica York

Author Ayoka B. joins me on the Plastic Couch for a beautiful conversation about reiki, joy, and all of the things that prevent us from truly stepping into experiencing our joy. Ayoka shares her personal journey to joy, including her move to Costa Rica, and tips for discovering joy on your own terms. Join the Sisterlift™ community Check out Ayoka's book on: Bookshop.org Amazon
 


What happens when everything you know about your birth, identity, and origins - turns out to be a lie? Just before he died, Farrah's father told her a secret that shattered her entire world. She spent the next 10 years putting the pieces of her life back together. This episode dives into what happens when secrets and lies reveal themselves from the grave and the resilience and healing that can lead you to grace, self-love, and knowing who you really are. Join our vibrant Sisterlift™ community. Apply today. www.sisterlift.com

Kristen speaks with Karla Allen about her grief journey after her father's plane crashed when she was 19. What happens when grief becomes your identity? How do you move through it to find out who you really are? Join Kristen's upcoming Coping With Grief and Loss workshop. https://bit.ly/griefworkshoplive

Join Kristen and her husband as they reflect on their love lessons after 10 years of marriage and stay tuned for the song Kristen had written as a gift to honor their love story. (Song written by Zak Leever)

What happens when you are placed in the spotlight? Does it make you feel uncomfortable? In this episode, we are talking about why attention may have you staying in the background and how visibility is related to moving into higher leadership. Click here to apply for Expand & Lead, a 12-week leadership and coaching program for leaders of color who are ready for Executive Leadership https://kristencrockettcc.lpages.co/expand-and-lead-application/

We talk about the four reasons why understanding your strengths helps you excel in leadership. Ready to join the next cohort of Expand and Lead? Apply here: https://kristencrockettcc.lpages.co/expand-and-lead-application/

Being a hard worker has its pros and cons. People count on you for your work ethic and for how well you do things. But what about when it becomes overwhelming? After the episode, learn more about Kristen’s program. EXPAND AND LEAD™ is a 12-week comprehensive high-performance coaching program for mid to senior-level leaders of color who are ready to lead with authenticity, position themselves for greater impact, and prepare for the next level of leadership. To learn more about Kristen’s new program, check out this link: https://kristencrockettcc.lpages.co/expand-and-lead-application/

Nicole Kerr had a near-death experience after a car accident as a 19 year-old Air Force Academy Student. What happens when you literally die and are brought back to life? What are the lessons you bring with you about the human experience?  So my guest today is Nicole Kerr. Imagine being 19 years-old, a cadet at the Airforce Academy, when the car you are in goes off the road and you literally flatline. Did she see that bright light? Did she see angels? How did this moment impact her or influence who she is today? We hear from Nicole herself as she talks about how this moment changed her life, her relationship with her parents, and her purpose in this world.  The links for this podcast: Book- You are Deathless by Nicole Kerrhttps://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Deathless-Near-Death-Experience/dp/B0B92CH4KN https://www.nicolekerr.co Images from the book - see the car from Nicole's accident⁠https://www.nicolekerr.com/s-projects-side-by-side

Rachel Lockett shares how growing up with two warring psychologists as parents, helped her use her strengths to pivot into her passion. Rachel shares how understanding her strengths, propelled her into her business as a coach.

Part 2 - What happens when you become the head of household at 9 years-old with four siblings, a disabled brother, and a mom with ALS? That is exactly what happened to our guest, Aaron Garrett. Join us to hear about his life story and how this tremendous amount of responsibility has impacted his relationships, his work life, and his relationship with money.

What happens when you become the head of household at 9 years-old with four siblings, a disabled brother, and a mom with ALS? That is exactly what happened to our guest, Aaron Garrett. Join us to hear about his life story and how this tremendous amount of responsibility has impacted his relationships, his work life, and his relationship with money.

Part 2 of this episode features an incredible discussion with Claudia Cauterucci. Join us as we navigate topics around the responsibility and beauty of being an empath, what it is like to not fit the labels people place on you, and what it means to be a mindful parent. Claudia is a multilingual psychotherapist, spiritual scholar, and teacher based in Washington, D.C., with over 23 years in private practice.  Claudia's workshops, including the Empath Leader Workshop she talks about during this episode, can be found at: https://claudiacauterucci.com/

Part one of this episode features an incredible discussion with Claudia Cauterucci, Psychotherapist and Dynamic Meditation Speaker. Join us as we navigate topics around the responsibility and beauty of being an empath, what it is like to not fit the labels people place on you, and what it means to be a mindful parent. Claudia's workshops, including the Empath Leader Workshop she talks about during this episode, can be found at: https://claudiacauterucci.com/

Over the last few years, life for author and event planner Courtney Shorter has been a whirlwind of joy and pain, but her mission is always to find the joy. We explore life after Courtney's infertility journey which includes miscarriages, the loss of twin girls, and so much more. Join us for a an extremely revealing conversation about love, loss, joy, grief, and resilience.  Courtney is the co-author of the book, Resilience Rising, a collaboration of stories by resilient women detailing their experiences with infertility, pregnancy, infant loss, and finding joy after the pain. As an event planner, RyanMorgan Events is named in memory of her twin girls, Ryan and Morgan, is built on a bedrock of love, a passion for what’s possible and a commitment to be an unstoppable force for good!  As a way to honor her babies, after many years of event planning and heartbreak, she recently extended our business to empower women who have experienced infant loss, miscarriages, and/or women who are living with infertility.  She created a powerful space for women that crave to be heard and supported along this lonely journey.  The book can be purchased at www.soulfreemamas.com or on Amazon.

Hearing the word no comes with the territory. But what happens when the no comes because you decide not to even apply?

What's it like to hire a Professional Organizer? I'm sharing my experience with Marie Kondo certified organizer, Katherine Diaz Picott from TidyMilso. She is also talking about how she started her business, how she helps clients decide what to keep, and how to make room for more joy in your life. Check out before and after pics form Katherine on IG @TidyMilso or at www.tidymilso.com. 

Empaths understand people and are sensitive to energy. Narcissists have zero empathy for people. So what's the attraction? We explore why empaths seem to always end of with narcissists in relationships and how to avoid them? Disrupting Your Narrative, our Group Coaching Program, open. Applications are due by June 7th! 

Why do we grow toward the light, when our parents or caretakers avoid the light altogether. It can be such a frustrating experiencing. We are taking a look at the factors that distinguish us from our parents. We have opened the doors to Disrupting Your Narrative, our Group Coaching Program. Applications are due by June 7th! Also, check out our free replay of Igniting Your Core, our 3-day transformational event. Day 1: Discovering Your Narrative. Day 2: Aligning Your Life. Day 3: Leading From Your Gut. Also available at www.kristencrockett.com 

Special Guest, Brittney Jackson, shares her own personal fertility journey with us, in a candid conversation about fear, shame, guilt, and hope. Brittney is the host of the podcast, Fertility Ain't Fair, which seeks to normalize the conversations around infertility, reproductive health, and parenthood for all. https://www.fertilityaintfair.com/ https://www.instagram.com/fertilityaintfair https://www.facebook.com/fertilityaintfair

Why aren't we taught to trust our intuition? Intuition is something that was given to us to really help protect us. But what happens when we ignore it?  In this episode, we explore how intuition shows up uniquely for each one of us and the factors that led us to an internal struggle to trust ourselves.  So how does intuition show up for you? Listen to the podcast and leave us an audio message by clicking here.  https://anchor.fm/kristencrockett/message

How do we piece the amazing parts of a person together with the awful parts of them?  What about when this person is your mother or your father. Or Bill Cosby? Or Steve Jobs? Join us as we talk about how to reconcile different versions of the same person. Or is it even possible?  Love the podcast? 1) Leave us an audio message by clicking here. https://anchor.fm/kristencrockett/message 2) Consider supporting the Plastic Couch Podcast HERE to help us create more incredible content.

Money seems to be the thing that we least like to talk about, yet it impacts us more than anything else. We are talking about the guilt, shame, and fear surrounding money along with the harmful beliefs we were taught about money as kids.  Stephen M. Hughes, Financial Therapist, is determined to change the way we talk about wellness and money. Steven helps people and communities get the support they need to help move their finances— and life— forward. He shares his healing journey and financial missteps, in order to help people shift their money mindset into abundance.  Steven also talks about how he uses money reiki as a part of financial wellness, to help people release money blocks that may be impacting their ability to move forward. Steven's Website: https://stevenmhughes.com/ Steven on IG: https://www.instagram.com/stevenmhughes Steven on clubhouse: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/@knowmoneysteve

Alzheimer’s is called the long goodbye because the journey to a loved one’s last breath can last anywhere from months to over 20 years. Lisa’s journey with her mom took place over eight years. In this incredible episode, my guest host, Lisa, shares her story as she took on the role of caretaker, mother of two kids, and wife —- all while working and taking care of patients. It is a story of heartbreak, love, pain, anger, exhaustion, and so much more. Join us as we talk about the stuff that so many people never share. For resources on Alzheimer's Disease, go to: Resources https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-research-centers Support Groups https://www.alz.org/nca/helping_you  The Brain Bank https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/brain-donation

Tiffany Battle goes by @CurvyCoils on Instagram and @iamcurvycoils on Facebook. She is a fashion and style blogger who was recently featured on a billboard in the middle of Times Square. But her path to get there has not always been smooth. As a plus size child in a family of skinny women, there were no plus size clothes for her as a kid. She fought through shame, insecurities and isolation to find her place in the world of fashion, thrifting, and self-acceptance. Join me for one of my favorite podcast episodes as we talk about finding your place and passion in the world and embracing your strengths.   Find Tiffany on the following platforms: https://www.instagram.com/curvycoils https://www.facebook.com/iamcurvycoils/ Tiffany on her Times Square Billboard Tiffany as a Thredup Ambassador Love the podcast?  1) Leave us an audio message by clicking here. 2) Consider supporting the Plastic Couch Podcast HERE to help us create more incredible content.

Since we were kids, we have been taught that we should be able to get along with everyone, from the sandbox to the workplace. But is this really true? Join us for an illuminating discussion that answers the question, "Can we all just get along?"

In our last episode, I introduced the concept of Finding Your Fire. In this episode, we take a deep dive. It is about finding what fills you up, what makes you feel alive and uncovering the gifts you have inside of you to share with the world. Finding Your Fire is also about being in alignment with what makes you happy and feeds your soul. So what does it really mean to be out of alignment? After the episode, join me for a free Finding Your Fire Masterclass. Register at kristencrockett.com.

Transformation starts with disrupting your narrative. What are the stories, the experiences, the emotions — everything that put you where you are today? We talk about why your intuition can be off-center and what to do get it back, so you can lead from your gut, in all areas of your life. We also uncover what it means to Find Your Fire how it all connects to understanding your narrative. Download your free guide to Finding Your Fire at kristencrockett.com

Be sure to download the podcast worksheets from today's episode, including your joy list.  If you have ever felt responsible for anyone else - siblings, employees, a project at work, or even your parents - this episode is for you. What does it mean to stand on the shoulders of the people who came before us - our parents, family members, ancestors, siblings? We are exploring the pressure and duty of "being first" and what comes with being the responsible one in your family, at work, or in your personal life. And how does responsiblity conflict with being able to feel joy in your childhood or adulthood? You'll learn how to create your own personal "joy list."

On this episode, we are talking about fathers. Whether our dad is great, not-so-great, absent or unknown, our relationship to our dad is the thread that flows through so many different parts of our lives. I have invited one of my friends, Ayoka, to share her healing journey with us, as it relates to her father. This is one of the most important conversations, as we talk about mothers, pain, anger, relationships, friendships, forgiveness and love.  

Today's episode gets personal as I talk about my own stories and experience with grief and loss. We dive into the complexities of loss as it relates to people, jobs, relationships, friendships, emotions and so much more. If you would like to sign up for the free Grief and Loss Workshop on May 18th at 8pm EST, register on my website. www.kristencrockett.com

How do you know when something is right for you? How do you know when it is wrong for you? In this episode, we are talking about paying attention to your energy to know when it is time to walk away from a relationship or a job, or even when it's time to let go of a friendship. 

Emotions are in everything - whether we are talking about navigating change, emotional intelligence, relationships, illness, or being a perfectionist. Join Kristen on a journey to uncover the nuances of emotion, as we connect the dots from childhood experiences, what it means to be a high achiever and how self-care can help you battle against feelings of worthiness. And if you have ever wondered what the differences are between a coach and a therapist, we explore that as well.

Have you ever felt the pressure to conform to what other people want you to be or do? In this first episode of The Plastic Couch, Transformational Coach, Kristen Crockett talks about a defining moment on a plane that changed her life forever and what led her to quit her job and leave the legal field. She also shares tips on how to ensure that you choose the right career and workplace culture for your skills, talent and purpose. Learn how to determine your top strengths and your love languages to help you find a workplace culture that fits who you are and makes you feel valued.