The F.E.E.L. Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers

In this bold and dynamic episode, we’re joined by Keldamuzik—recording artist, producer, entrepreneur, and unapologetic force in the entertainment industry. Known for her fearless confidence and unwavering authenticity, Keldamuzik opens up about what it truly means to live unapologetically in a world that often tries to box women in. From her journey in the music industry to launching her own brand and advocating for women’s empowerment, she shares how creativity, boundaries, and representation intersect to create lasting impact.

Whether she’s speaking her mind in a room full of decision-makers or championing inclusive storytelling through her work, Keldamuzik is a vibrant example of what happens when women step fully into their power. This episode is an invitation to reclaim your voice, own your identity, and find confidence in being exactly who you are—no apologies needed.

📌 Keywords: Living unapologetically, Women in the music industry, Creative entrepreneurship, Building confidence, Personal empowerment podcast, Media representation matters, Self-expression through music, Setting boundaries for growth, Women’s voices in entertainment, Black women creatives, Authentic leadership, Music and personal development, Representation in media, Inspiring interviews with women, Confidence and mindset podcast, Artistic freedom and self-worth

Ways to Engage: Everything Keldamuzik creates includes the word “diva”—a word she defines as confident, independent, and empowering. What’s your word? Choose one that reflects your strength and essence. Keep it close, use it as an affirmation, and return to it when you need to tap back into your power.

Blog Excerpt: You may know our next guest as a singer, but you may not know Keldamuzik as the entertaining, courageous, creative, ambitious, outgoing, and passionate woman she has always been. She supports women in living unapologetically just by being her confident and genial self. From setting boundaries to speaking up for others, her leadership is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and using your platform for good. Her confidence radiates, and her story uplifts—making her a true inspiration for listeners everywhere.

• #LivingUnapologetically
• #WomenInMusic
• #ConfidenceAndCreativity
• #RepresentationMatters
• #EmpoweredWomen
• #AuthenticLiving
• #CreativeEntrepreneurs
• #MusicIndustryVoices
• #BlackWomenInEntertainment
• #SelfLoveAndExpression
• #BoundariesAndConfidence
• #TheFEELPodcast
• #PersonalGrowthJourney
• #InspiringWomenVoices
• #PodcastForEmpowerment

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:23 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:45 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:44 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 15:54 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 20:09 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 22:39 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 26:48 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 34:12 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 35:38 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Lisa McCourt, bestselling author, founder of The Joy School, and a passionate advocate for authentic living, mental wellness, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Lisa shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and how embracing self-love and emotional healing has transformed her life—and the lives of so many others.

From her insights on releasing guilt and shedding societal expectations, to her courageous advocacy for her trans daughter and her leadership within PFLAG, Lisa opens up about the importance of living from a place of joy, truth, and compassion.

Whether you’re battling burnout, trying to break free from perfectionism, or wanting to support loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community, this episode offers a soulful, heartfelt invitation to show up as your truest self.

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:

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 expectations

• The power of retreating inward to rediscover your identity

• Why your intuition is a divine compass—and how to follow its guidance

• How to recognize universal signs and synchronicities meant just for you

• Healthy ways to release suppressed emotions and feel them fully

• Reframing anger as a layer of healing—not something to hide from

• Creating safe emotional spaces for yourself and others

Tara 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-Louis

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 need

• How to confidently say “no” without guilt and prioritize your energy

• The gas tank metaphor: don't let yourself run on empty

• Why giving yourself grace and patience is crucial to personal growth

• Releasing pressure and unrealistic expectations—especially the ones we place on ourselves

• The importance of self-listening and mindful communication

Stacey 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-Louis

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 life

• The two-part process of setting and maintaining strong boundaries

• Why boundary pushback is normal—and how to stay grounded when it happens

• Powerful reframing questions to ask during conflict or friction

• How to lead with both emotional intelligence and accountability

• Kat’s approach to balancing kindness with bold, results-driven decisions

Kat’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-Louis

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

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 caregiving

• Surviving caregiver burnout

• Unaddressed trauma and the body’s silent suffering

• Healing through childhood core wounds

• Reclaiming identity after loss

• What self-care really means when life feels impossible

Her 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

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

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 mentorship

• Challenging outdated gender expectations

• Encouraging emotional awareness in children

• The power of listening in tough conversations

Leigh’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-Louis

Today on the F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome the passionate and empowering Jen Aks—a dedicated advocate for self-connection, emotional healing, and transformation. With a powerful blend of trustworthiness, inspiration, and authenticity, Jen helps people reconnect with their inner selves so they can live in alignment and feel truly whole.

In this deeply reflective episode, Jen shares how Internal Family Systems (IFS) has helped her—and countless others—embrace every layer of their identity. Instead of being consumed by past pain or labels, IFS empowers us to say “there’s a part of me that…” and opens the door to self-compassion, healing, and personal insight.

Jen offers invaluable wisdom on:

• How to embrace your emotional layers without being defined by them

• Using IFS therapy tools to understand your internal world

• The power of self-reflection and emotional clarity

• Why some relationships are not meant to last forever—and that’s okay

• Reframing your past through a lens of learning, not shame

Jen also dives into the importance of celebrating your growth—no matter how small. Whether it's setting boundaries, walking away from relationships that no longer serve you, or simply realizing how far you’ve come, Jen encourages all of us to say, “I did that!”

This episode is perfect for anyone on a journey of inner healing, emotional growth, or navigating the complexities of identity and self-worth. Jen’s warmth and energy will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and more connected to yourself than ever.

✨ Key Topics:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) for healing

• Emotional wellness and mental clarity

• How to release shame from your past

• Personal growth through reflection

• Self-compassion and embracing imperfection

• Letting go of toxic relationships for peace

• Empowerment through self-awareness

Keywords: internal family systems podcast, emotional healing podcast, self-discovery journey, how to embrace your layers, personal growth through reflection, healing past trauma, emotional intelligence podcast, letting go of relationships, boundaries and self-care, self-empowerment for women, mental wellness tools, spiritual healing podcast, trauma-informed therapy podcast

Blog Excerpt: Jen is able to help frame her layers by using IFS (Internal Family Systems). It’s a great way for her to find empowerment in her layers by teaching her to frame the observation as “there’s a part of me that…” rather than making your layers the whole part of you.

Ways to Engage: When a relationship ends, what’s your perspective? Do you vilify it? Do you recognize that it’s the end of your season with that person or do you try to keep relationships just for the sake of having them? Relationships, romantic or otherwise, are not always meant to last forever and that’s okay.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:27 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:15 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 22:32 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 29:40 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 35:36 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 39:22 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 50:16 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 55:33 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:02:34 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:03:21 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Trigger warning: sexual addiction

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, Melissa Crook welcomes Logan Hufford, who opens up about his journey through sexual addiction recovery and the life-changing impact of setting healthy personal boundaries. Logan shares how he once lived fragmented—presenting different versions of himself to the world—but is now discovering the freedom of authenticity and emotional wholeness.

Together, Melissa and Logan explore the critical role of boundaries in mental health, recovery, and healing. Logan redefines boundaries as internal guardrails that protect you, rather than rules to control others. He explains why lasting recovery starts with self-awareness and why true empowerment comes from owning your choices.

Whether you're facing emotional burnout, addiction recovery, or struggling to live as your true self, Logan’s story reminds us that healing is possible—and authenticity is worth the journey.

Keywords: addiction recovery, sexual addiction, setting boundaries, emotional healing, mental health, authenticity, self-awareness, men’s mental health, trauma-informed healing, personal growth, codependency recovery

Blog Excerpt: Our boundaries should be like guardrails to protect us, but they should be far enough back that there’s safety before going completely over the edge. 

Ways to Engage: When setting your boundaries, think about the way you’re wording your expectations. Instead of making it about the other person’s behavior, make it about what your behavior will be if theirs doesn’t change. You can’t be responsible for someone else’s decisions, but you can be responsible for your own.

SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services: 1-800-662-4357Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 6:21 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 27:03 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 39:44 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 50:53 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 1:19:22 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 1:19:28 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:25:55 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:33:43 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:41:58 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:43:30 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Surprise! Two powerful episodes in one week! Season 8 of the F.E.E.L. Podcast is off to an incredible start, and we’re thrilled to introduce our second guest of the week: Mariela Desantiago, a first-time mom, podcast creator, and advocate for honest conversations about parenting. This episode is a must-listen for any parent—or anyone supporting a parent—navigating the early stages of motherhood.

Mariela brings her type A organization, creativity, flexibility, and curiosity to the table as she reflects on her own motherhood journey, the unexpected challenges of parenting, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to raising children. When she couldn’t find the honest parenting advice she needed, she launched her own podcast, New Mom Talk, offering realistic, heartfelt support for other new moms trying to balance it all.

In this episode, Mariela shares her insights on:

• The pressure new moms face and how to manage expectations

• Creating non-negotiable self-care routines for moms

• Finding strength in asking for help and building your village

• How walks and quiet time inspired her podcast for moms

• The importance of storytelling in connecting with other parents

She reminds us that self-care for moms doesn’t have to be extravagant—it can be a walk, a moment of silence, or a supportive conversation. And most importantly, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether you're a new parent or supporting one, this conversation is a powerful reminder that community and vulnerability are essential to well-being.

✨ Key Topics:

• Motherhood and mental health

• First-time mom struggles and solutions

• How to practice self-care as a new mom

• Building community and asking for help

• Honest parenting advice and support

• Women’s wellness and postpartum resilience

🎧 Be sure to check out Mariela’s podcast, New Mom Talk, for more real and relatable parenting conversations.

Keywords: motherhood podcast, postpartum self-care, new mom advice, mental health for moms, parenting support, balancing motherhood, mom wellness, first-time mom struggles, new parent podcast, honest parenting stories, self-care tips for moms, motherhood mental health podcast, community for mothers, real motherhood conversations

Blog Excerpt: This idea came to her as she was on a walk, which is connected to her self care routine. For Mariela, self care needs to be nonnegotiable so she can reset after giving so much of herself to her family.

Ways to Engage: If you’re a young/new mom, think of some things you could use help with and share them with a friend or loved one who is willing to take some of the load off. Do you know a young/new mom who could use a hand? Offer ways to help or be supportive during this transitional time in their lives. 

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:04 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 12:12 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 18:46 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 29:47 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 33:00 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 35:46 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 43:13 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 49:30 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 53:34 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 57:17 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Welcome to Season 8 of The F.E.E.L. Podcast (Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers)—and what a journey it’s been! Kicking off this new season, we’re honored to welcome back Laura Tolosi, a holistic wellness expert, emotional health advocate, and familiar voice from the Embracing Layers Radio Show. In this powerful episode, Laura dives deeper into how our physical health, emotional well-being, and nutritional habits are intricately connected.

From navigating mental health diagnoses to understanding the emotional reasons behind eating habits, Laura sheds light on how food impacts not just our energy but also our mood and clarity. She challenges listeners to pause and ask: “Am I eating to nourish my body or to fill a void?”

Laura also unpacks the often-overlooked importance of rest—especially how guilt can cloud our ability to prioritize restorative breaks. Whether it’s a power nap or listening to your body’s signals, Laura shares actionable insights on how intentional rest fuels productivity, balance, and emotional resilience.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• How food affects your mental and emotional state

• Recognizing emotional eating patterns

• The mind-body connection in wellness

• Letting go of guilt around rest and recovery

• Listening to your body’s cues for nourishment and self-care

🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of heart, healing, and practical tools for tuning into your body’s wisdom.

🗂️ Listen to Laura’s past episodes on the Embracing Layers Radio Show via Substack (available to paid subscribers).

Keywords: emotional eating, food and mental health, holistic wellness, rest and productivity, self-care strategies, mental health podcast, gut-brain connection, emotional resilience, stress and nutrition, healing through food, women’s wellness, healthy habits, self-awareness and nutrition, mind-body connection, wellness coach interview

Blog Excerpt:  I loved hearing Laura say what an integral part food plays in our health, including the mental aspect, which I think gets lost in translation sometimes. What you eat not only affects your physical state, but it also affects your mood.

Ways to Engage: Think about the purpose of the food you’re eating and the reason behind it. Are you actually hungry or are you trying to fill a void? Are these nutritious calories you’re eating or empty ones that make you feel tired rather than energized? Be mindful of the things you’re putting into your body and how it makes you feel.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:45 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 12:27 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 20:04 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 29:09 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:43 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 35:55 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 40:11 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 46:31 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 51:09 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 54:21 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Welcome to our special Podcasthon edition of The F.E.E.L Podcast! This is our first time participating in Podcasthon, a global podcasting event that unites voices to raise awareness and funds for meaningful causes. We’re thrilled to spotlight Herstory Writers Network, a nonprofit transforming lives through the power of memoir writing and storytelling.

Host Melissa Crook is joined by Erika Duncan, founder and artistic director of Herstory Writers Network, and Helen Dorado Alessi, organizational consultant and longtime advocate of inclusive narrative spaces. Together, they share how Herstory uses writing as a tool for healing, empowerment, and social change—offering workshops that welcome all voices, from survivors of trauma to community leaders and emerging writers.

Discover how Herstory's writing circles (both in-person and virtual) are fostering empathy, emotional resilience, and authentic connection. This episode dives into the power of inclusive storytelling, the impact of shared narratives in community work, and why your voice—yes, yours—deserves to be heard.

**TW Mention of sexual abuse and suicide

**mention of or inclusion of parts alluding to suicide**

Blog Excerpt: In Yahne’s life, she thought she had to put others above herself to receive love in return, but she wasn’t sharing any of that love with herself. She reached a point where she was tired of letting herself down, just tired of being tired. The unknown is scary, and Yahne was nervous about discovering her layers without knowing what she would find.

Ways to Engage: Think about what’s stopping you from uncovering your layers. Is it fear? Is the idea overwhelming? Whatever the reason may be, work towards uncovering your layers piece by piece. Start small and superficial if that’s easier, such as pointing out things you like about yourself rather than staring at all the things you wish you could change. Take the first step of loving yourself and giving yourself the treatment you ultimately deserve. 

Timestamps:

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 2:25 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 9:59 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 19:59 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 26:49 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 37:43 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Blog Excerpt: A question that is sometimes difficult to answer is the question of “why.” A great simile Sarika uses is that her why is like a live document—it is always changing. She asks herself a lot about her why, making sure it always aligns with what she’s doing and the type of person she wants to be.

Ways to Engage: Challenge yourself to answer honestly when someone asks how you are and vice versa. Are you feeling hopeful? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? Think of another adjective other than “good.” If someone responds that way when you ask how they are, ask if that’s true. “Are you really good?” It can mean the world to someone when you show sincere interest in them and want to be a person they can open up to.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:06 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 9:43 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 19:48 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 28:33 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 39:16 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 47:23 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 51:40 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 54:03 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:04:10 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:14:20 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Blog Excerpt: "If I had to pick a favorite part of the episode, it would probably be towards the end, listening to Marjorie discuss accepting the layered aspects of herself and living out F.E.E.L. Accepting your layers isn’t as simple as it sounds because there isn’t just one thing to accept. There are many different parts to us, and we don’t know about some of them until we start to do the work to uncover the layers."

Ways to Engage: Think of some character traits for yourself, starting small if you prefer. Funny, smart, kind, etc. Then, dig a little deeper into your layers and what your thoughts are, rather than traits someone else has maybe given to you. Even if they seem like an oxymoron, stay true to yourself and get creative. Take the first step of your journey to accept the layered aspects of yourself and embrace all of your beautiful, complex layers. 

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:03 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:48 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 12:12 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:13 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 24:25 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 31:39 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 39:31 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 41:29 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 42:53 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Blog Excerpt:Another thing I want to mention from this segment is the idea of “training” people to help you. At first I didn’t understand how this was possible because how are you supposed to train someone who has their own thoughts and ways they want to do things? But listening to Hannah further and thinking about it, we do this all the time.

Ways to Engage: Continue to check in with your mind and body, especially during times of high pressure or stress. Remember the physical cues of burnout will most likely show up first, but also be sure to pay attention to the emotional cues your body may be giving you. Write them down if that helps or discuss it with someone close to you. Listen to what your body is telling you and take care of yourself in the way that you need most.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:06 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 14:34 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 22:10 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 31:47 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 37:00 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 43:18 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 48:58 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 53:12 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 55:05 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 56:13 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

**Trigger Warning of Abuse etc**

Blog Excerpt:As a dating and relationship coach, people tend to look at Lisa like she has it all figured out and has always had the perfect dating life. However, this is far from the truth. Lisa has put in a lot of work to find the “guardian of her soul,” but she had to look inward as well as looking outward.

Ways to Engage: Think of 5 things you have sacrificed in the past or currently sacrifice for a relationship. What’s something nonnegotiable that you no longer want to give up when being in a relationship? Remind yourself of this while dating or speaking to your partner—don’t sacrifice something that nourishes your soul.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:40 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 15:12 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 19:34 )

Support self & other women unapologetically- ( 25:06 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 34:40 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 40:35 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 55:00 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:09:25 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:16:12 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:16:47 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

**TW: Mentions of abuse, sexual harassment, rape, suicide, incest, molestation**

Blog Excerpt: Rev. Cheryl’s upbringing was clouded with financial instability and abuse. Not only did she have much to learn, but she also had things to unlearn throughout her life. One story I felt the power of was her time in a disciple house where she heard women’s stories that aligned with hers.

Ways to Engage: What is a misconception you have about your life? For example, Rev. Cheryl shared her misconceptions with her faith as she continued to learn and grow throughout her life, understanding that there isn’t a correct way for a Christian woman to feel or act—it doesn’t make you any less of a person. Is there a misconception you had about your life when you were younger that you outgrew? What did you learn that made you realize this and how has that affected you going forward? Is there something you want people to know about yourself? Share your story with us and connect with others who have similar experiences, like Rev. Cheryl did.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:19 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 18:44 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 32:17 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 45:41 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 51:55 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 59:09 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:04:48 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:08:21 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:08:40 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Blog Excerpt: “Self care is considering you exist, you deserve your time, you deserve your energy.” Fanny says this at the beginning of this episode, and it has really stuck with me since we recorded. I often say that we prioritize the things and people that we value. That is true of ourselves, but we don’t always treat ourselves that way, and this starts with exactly what Fanny says here, simply considering we are here and that we are deserving of our own time and care. Ways to Engage: Have you considered how your relationship with yourself and how you feel about yourself impacts your ability to fully experience pleasure in general and through your sexual health? Think about that, and if taking some time to get curious about that and explore that more can impact your pleasure and sexual health capacity. Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:54 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 13:01 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 26:57 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 37:16 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 42:49 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 46:57 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 57:45 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:47 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:07:53 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:08:29 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Where to listen to Dr. Fanny Leboulanger on The Embracing Layers Radio Show:

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep2

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep14

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep16

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep17

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep18

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep19

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep21

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep26

https://www.embracinglayers.com/radio-archive/ep27

**TW Brief mention of Suicide

Blog Excerpt: Although every morning is reserved for Kristell, that doesn’t necessarily mean they all look the same. She tells us that she has a “self care menu” in the front of her planner that has a list of methods or activities she can try. Ways to Engage: Try creating your own “self care menu.” Have different categories such as physical, mental, emotional, soulful, etc. and list a few things under each category that nourishes you. When the morning (or night) comes, look at the options you’ve laid out for yourself and do whatever you need for yourself in that moment. Timestamps: Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:56 ) Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:14 ) Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 12:41 ) Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:01 ) Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 33:37 ) Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 40:09 ) Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 45:21 ) Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 52:00 ) 5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 57:56 ) 5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:02:32 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Blog Excerpt: "Jecelyn was confident in her ability to make decisions and do what is best for herself, which is a skill most people don’t discover until they reach independence with college or living on their own for the first time. However, she recalls her confidence starting to fade when she hit middle school. "

Ways to Engage: When was the first time you felt you had control over your life, including with schedule, with hobbies, with style, or anything else you can think of? Do you still have confidence in these areas? If not, think about the reasons why you used to and don’t anymore. Are any of these reasons in your control? A step in the right direction could be letting reasons out of your control go and taking charge of the ones you can help. You have more power over your own life than you think you do, and it’s never too late to start living out of your own expectations.

Timestamps: Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:49 ) Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:31 ) Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:45 ) Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 15:21 ) Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 24:19 ) Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 35:58 ) Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 46:02 ) Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 51:23 ) 5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 56:01 ) 5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 59:35 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

Blog Excerpt: In supporting women unapologetically, Misty has had an exceptional journey in becoming the person she is today and how she is able to help other women on their own paths. She says she used to think she loved herself because she liked the way she looked in the mirror, but as we learn one way or the other, beauty doesn’t equate to self love.

Ways to Engage: Think of some character traits that best describe you. Not ones that are physical or relate to your job. What are some traits that you love about yourself and give you confidence? Mix it up and try to name new ones each time you do this exercise and discover the layers within you that make you the beautiful, complex person you are today. 

Timestamps: Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:35 ) Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:56 ) Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:31 ) Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 21:52 ) Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 31:30 ) Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 35:23 ) Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 36:38 ) Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 41:06 ) 5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 44:43 ) 5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 49:32 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis