Welcome to a brand-new year and a brand-new rhythm on The FEEL Podcast with host Melissa Crook. As we step into 2026, Melissa introduces an exciting new format designed to support women with quick, practical encouragement they can apply right away.

Starting this year, you’ll hear short, 10–15 minute episodes on Tuesdays focused on helping you engage The FEEL Framework (Finding Empowerment, Embracing Layers) in your everyday life, whether you’re commuting, walking, working out, or enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee. Thursdays will continue to feature in-depth guest conversations using the FEEL talking points you already love.

In this kickoff Tuesday episode, Melissa introduces the FEEL Reset, a powerful self-reflection and alignment practice for women who are feeling burned out, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in roles and responsibilities.

You’ll learn how to:

• Reconnect with who you are beyond your titles

• Identify activities that truly nourish your soul

• Clarify how you want to feel over the next six months

• Create a simple, sustainable self-care blueprint

• Set healthy boundaries that support alignment and freedom

• Listen to your body’s cues for emotional, mental, and physical well-being

Melissa explains how small, intentional shifts (like reviewing your calendar, practicing aligned “yes” and “no” decisions, and honoring your values) can lead to greater clarity, energy, productivity, and peace.

This episode is an invitation to stop performing for others and start honoring what you actually need, so you can live in alignment and show up fully resourced for yourself and the people you love.

 Free Resource:
Check the show notes for a downloadable FEEL Reset PDF to help you reflect on nourishing activities, desired feelings, identity, and alignment.

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

 Ready for deeper support?
Visit https://www.embracinglayers.com and click on the Contact tab to schedule a free 15–30 minute session with Melissa or learn more about the FEEL Reset one-on-one empowerment program.

Let 2026 be the year you reset, realign, and reconnect with yourself.

#SelfCareForWomen
#WomenEmpowerment
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#EmotionalWellness
#MentalHealthAwareness
#BurnoutRecovery
#SelfCareBlueprint
#LifeAlignment
#WomenSupportingWomen
#MindBodyConnection
#IntentionalLiving
#PersonalDevelopmentPodcast
#WomenInMidlife
#SelfDiscoveryJourney
#BoundariesForWomen
#HolisticWellness
#FindYourWhy

We’re closing out 2025 with a powerful and inspiring double feature on The Embracing Layers Network. In this special end-of-year podcast blog, we welcome two incredible women, Maureen Considine and Janie Jurkovich, for an honest and empowering conversation about boundaries, self-worth, and personal growth.

Maureen Considine describes herself as courageous, adventurous, driven, and of service. She shares a meaningful reframe on boundaries: it’s not about what you say no to, it’s about what you say yes to. As we enter a new year filled with opportunities and challenges, Maureen reminds us that constantly saying yes can leave us depleted and disconnected from what truly nourishes our soul. Healthy boundaries require commitment, consistency, and the courage to honor your needs, even when others push back.

Our second guest, Janie Jurkovich, a member of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce, brings a practical and refreshing perspective. Like many women, Janie didn’t realize boundaries were something she was allowed to have. Over time, she learned that “No” is a complete sentence with no explanation required. Janie explains how boundaries teach others how to treat us and why practicing them consistently builds confidence, respect, and emotional well-being.

Both guests emphasize that people-pleasing is not your responsibility, and someone else’s discomfort is not your burden to carry. Boundaries are a skill, and like any skill, they improve with practice. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone stepping into 2026 with the intention of prioritizing self-care, emotional health, and empowered decision-making.

 Episode Release Dates• Maureen Considine — Tuesday, December 30• Janie Jurkovich — Thursday, January 1

As we wrap up the year, we hope these conversations inspire you to honor your worth, protect your energy, and commit to boundaries that support your growth. Thank you for an incredible year with The Embracing Layers Network. We’ll see you in 2026!

Hashtags

#HealthyBoundaries#PersonalGrowthJourney#WomenSupportingWomen#SelfWorthMatters#EmotionalWellness#SelfCarePractices#WomenInLeadership#BoundarySetting#EmpoweredWomen#MindsetShift#PeoplePleasingRecovery#ConfidenceBuilding#LifeBoundaries#WomenEntrepreneurs#IntentionalLiving#NewYearGrowth#PodcastForWomen

Keywords for this episode

Self-care and boundaries,Emotional wellness tips,People pleasing recovery,Women in leadership stories,Confidence and self-worth,New year personal growth,Setting boundaries in relationships,Women supporting women podcast,Mindset and boundaries,Life balance for women,Intentional living strategies,Female entrepreneurship mindset

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:39 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:38 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 13:11 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:47 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 29:28 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 34:47 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 41:35 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 42:20 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 51:05 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 54:45 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

We’re closing out 2025 with a powerful and inspiring double feature on The Embracing Layers Network. In this special end-of-year podcast blog, we welcome two incredible women, Maureen Considine and Janie Jurkovich, for an honest and empowering conversation about boundaries, self-worth, and personal growth.

Maureen Considine describes herself as courageous, adventurous, driven, and of service. She shares a meaningful reframe on boundaries: it’s not about what you say no to, it’s about what you say yes to. As we enter a new year filled with opportunities and challenges, Maureen reminds us that constantly saying yes can leave us depleted and disconnected from what truly nourishes our soul. Healthy boundaries require commitment, consistency, and the courage to honor your needs, even when others push back.

Our second guest, Janie Jurkovich, a member of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce, brings a practical and refreshing perspective. Like many women, Janie didn’t realize boundaries were something she was allowed to have. Over time, she learned that “No” is a complete sentence with no explanation required. Janie explains how boundaries teach others how to treat us and why practicing them consistently builds confidence, respect, and emotional well-being.

Both guests emphasize that people-pleasing is not your responsibility, and someone else’s discomfort is not your burden to carry. Boundaries are a skill, and like any skill, they improve with practice. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone stepping into 2026 with the intention of prioritizing self-care, emotional health, and empowered decision-making.

 Episode Release Dates
• Maureen Considine — Tuesday, December 30
• Janie Jurkovich — Thursday, January 1

As we wrap up the year, we hope these conversations inspire you to honor your worth, protect your energy, and commit to boundaries that support your growth. Thank you for an incredible year with The Embracing Layers Network. We’ll see you in 2026!

Hashtags

#HealthyBoundaries
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#WomenSupportingWomen
#SelfWorthMatters
#EmotionalWellness
#SelfCarePractices
#WomenInLeadership
#BoundarySetting
#EmpoweredWomen
#MindsetShift
#PeoplePleasingRecovery
#ConfidenceBuilding
#LifeBoundaries
#WomenEntrepreneurs
#IntentionalLiving
#NewYearGrowth
#PodcastForWomen

Keywords for this episode

Self-care and boundaries
Emotional wellness tips
People pleasing recovery
Women in leadership stories
Confidence and self-worth
New year personal growth
Setting boundaries in relationships
Women supporting women podcast
Mindset and boundaries
Life balance for women
Intentional living strategies
Female entrepreneurship mindset

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:35 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 9:19 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:07 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 12:31 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 17:38 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 22:04 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 28:33 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 32:12 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 34:42 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 35:02 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: Abuse (Emotional & Spiritual)

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we sit down with Daphne McGee, a writer, podcaster, and advocate for women reclaiming their faith, autonomy, and self-worth. Recommended by Neva Talladen, editor of Embracing Layers Unapologetically, Daphne is no stranger to courageous conversations and has previously joined us on panel discussions around being child-free and child-less.

Raised in a Baptist church in Texas, Daphne grew up believing in sacrifice, obedience, and trusting God to provide. While she was a self-described rule follower, her natural curiosity often challenged the rigid expectations of church culture. That curiosity planted seeds of questioning about faith, identity, and whether there was more beyond what she had been taught.

Daphne shares how her divorce became her greatest act of self-care, freeing her from emotional and spiritual abuse. She speaks candidly about how her body physically responded with relief once she honored herself and chose safety, healing, and truth over societal and religious approval.

By sharing her story online, Daphne connected with thousands of women navigating similar struggles. This journey led to her upcoming book, God Loves Divorce, which challenges harmful religious narratives and opens space for compassionate, faith-centered conversations around divorce, autonomy, and healing. Daphne explores how leaving both her marriage and her church allowed her to find a supportive community aligned with her values.

Though she didn’t initially label her actions as self-care, Daphne reflects on how she had been practicing it all along by listening to herself, honoring her boundaries, and choosing authenticity. Her belief that self-care is community care underscores the impact of sharing our stories to help others heal.

We also discuss her podcast, Love Is A Trip, where she continues to explore love, faith, and life with honesty and humor. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith reconstruction, and the power of living life on your own terms.

 Ways to Engage:
Reflect on traits you had as a child that you were encouraged to suppress. Were you told not to question, feel, or express yourself fully? Explore how reconnecting with those parts of yourself can help you live more authentically and out of your own expectations.

 Resources:
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available.
Call 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788 (National Domestic Violence Hotline).

#ReligiousTraumaRecovery
#SpiritualAbuseAwareness
#FaithDeconstruction
#HealingFromAbuse
#ChurchTrauma
#ChristianWomenPodcast
#WomenSupportingWomen
#GodLovesDivorce
#BreakingReligiousCycles
#EmotionalAbuseRecovery

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:10 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 21:01 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 29:54 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 35:42 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 42:54 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 51:16 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 52:20 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:10 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:03:34 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:10:03 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

In this inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome our Podmatch guest Shannon Russell, host of Second Act Success and a shining example of what it looks like to boldly reinvent your life. Shannon radiates positivity, ambition, and courage as she shares her journey of leaving a successful 16-year career in television to pursue a new passion: helping others create meaningful second acts of their own.

Shannon opens up about the pivotal shift that pushed her to walk away from a job that no longer fulfilled her and build a business that aligns with her values, purpose, and personal “why.” She believes that loving your life and loving your work is possible, and she’s on a mission to show people how to get there without waiting for permission.

We explore how focusing on your why makes living out of your own expectations easier and frees you from the pressure of what others expect. Shannon talks about how family and friends initially reacted to her career change, and how confidence, clarity, and staying grounded in her values helped her move forward anyway.

Shannon also shares the trial-and-error of finding the right path. Not everything she tried felt aligned at first, but instead of getting discouraged, she kept experimenting. She reminds us that sometimes the stress we feel in our new endeavors can be a healthy stress, which is a sign of growth, alignment, and possibility.

Her story illustrates how transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Like a puzzle, you build your second act piece by piece, trusting the process and celebrating small steps. Shannon is still building her business, but she knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

This episode is a powerful invitation as we head into the new year: It’s not too late to start living the life you want. Shannon’s journey shows that change is possible at any stage, and that your next chapter can be your most fulfilling one.

Ways to Engage

Replace scrolling time with intentional actions. Put your phone down during a movie, at dinner, or when you’re with loved ones. Be fully present with yourself and the people who matter most.

📣Hashtags

#SecondActSuccess

#CareerChange

#LifeReinvention

#FindYourWhy

#PurposeDrivenLife

#IntentionalLiving

#MindsetShift

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#CareerPivot

#DoWhatYouLove

#FulfillmentFirst

#WomenInBusiness

#EmpoweredLiving

#ReinventYourLife

#PositiveMindset

#FollowYourPassion

#SelfDiscoveryJourney

#TransformationStory

#NewBeginnings

#LiveOnPurpose

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:10 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 3:56 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:40 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:33 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 27:48 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 29:46 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 34:02 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 39:26 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 40:52 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 42:13 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

In this week’s empowering episode, we sit down with Barbara Howlin, a creative, passionate, and deeply intuitive human who guides us through what it truly means to shed expectations and embrace your authentic self. Barbara opens up about dismantling “good girl syndrome,” breaking free from external validation, and learning to live life from the inside out.

Through her vulnerable storytelling, Barbara reminds us how easy it is to slip back into people-pleasing or approval-seeking patterns, yet how transformational it is when we pause, question our intentions, and realign with our own truth. She shares the internal questions that helped her grow:

Am I proving myself or expressing myself? Am I living from the inside out? Am I acting from love or searching for it?

We explore the power of slowing down, lifting our heads up, and fully experiencing the present moment instead of rushing through life. Barbara also walks us through her grounding morning routine with journaling, reiki, and movement in nature and how this 30-minute ritual keeps her centered and nourished.

A major turning point in Barbara’s journey was burnout recovery, which forced her to reclaim her intuition and rebuild a sense of safety within her nervous system. She explains how embracing the layers of your past is essential for healing and how reconnecting with your inner child can restore balance and emotional resilience.

Barbara’s story is a heartfelt reminder that caring for ourselves isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Her wisdom encourages us to prioritize what truly matters, to let go of shame, to honor our personal layers, and to live boldly with joy and purpose.

Ways to Engage:

Reflect on the “glass” items in your own life. What cannot be dropped without shattering? What will bounce back if you let it fall? Keep these priorities close as you walk your own path.

This is an episode you’ll want to revisit whenever doubt creeps in. Let Barbara’s insights guide you back to yourself.

📣 Hashtags

#GoodGirlSyndrome

#BurnoutRecovery

#InnerChildHealing

#NervousSystemRegulation

#SelfDiscoveryJourney

#AuthenticLiving

#SelfHealing

#PeoplePleasingRecovery

#ReclaimYourPower

#IntuitionDevelopment

#SelfCareMatters

#HolisticWellness

#EmotionalWellbeing

#MindfulnessPractice

#SpiritualGrowth

#HealingJourney

#PersonalGrowth

#MentalHealthAwareness

#LiveWithIntention

#EmpoweredLiving

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:20 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:20 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:58 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:35 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 26:14 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 33:35 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 44:14 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 50:44 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 57:18 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 58:10 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

In today’s empowering episode, we welcome the radiant Corine LaFont, host of Between the Lines, who joins Melissa for an uplifting and deeply reflective conversation on embracing identity, honoring boundaries, and protecting your inner light. Corine describes herself as young, cute, and sexy, a reminder that self-definition is powerful at every age.

Corine shares her transformative journey of leaving a toxic 27-year relationship, rebuilding her confidence, and reconnecting with her true self. She opens up about how the body responds to emotional healing and how stress, toxicity, and people-pleasing behaviors can weigh us down physically and mentally. Once she stepped into her power, even her skin improved, showing just how interconnected emotional health and physical wellness truly are.

This episode explores the importance of recalibration, checking in with your progress, and recognizing when people are drawn to your newfound light, but may also drain it. Corine’s wisdom on setting boundaries, balancing relationships, and honoring your energy is invaluable for anyone recovering from emotional burnout or reclaiming self-worth.

She reminds us that the trust you have in yourself is your strongest guide. Whether it’s mental, emotional, or physical wellness, you’ll feel when you’re on the right path. Corine’s F.E.E.L. philosophy reinforces the power of standing firm in your boundaries and refusing to compromise your values for others’ comfort.

Her message is a bold reminder that misery loves company, and without awareness, people can slowly pull you back into old patterns. Protecting your peace is not selfish, it’s essential. Corine encourages listeners to tune in to their inner child, move with intention, and choose decisions rooted in authenticity rather than guilt or people-pleasing.

Ways to Engage:

Next time you’re faced with a decision—big or small—ask yourself:

Is this what I truly want? Who am I in this moment?

Let your answers guide you toward alignment rather than obligation.

🔥 Hashtags

#SelfWorthJourney

#WomenEmpowerment

#HealingAfterToxicRelationships

#EmotionalHealing

#SetHealthyBoundaries

#ReclaimYourPower

#PersonalGrowthPodcast

#SelfLoveAndHealing

#InnerStrength

#EmpoweredWoman

#PeoplePleaserRecovery

#EmotionalWellness

#MindBodyHealing

#TraumaRecovery

#SpiritualGrowthJourney

#AuthenticLiving

#MentalHealthAwareness

#HealingEnergy

#SelfCareMatters

#PodcastForWomen

💡Keywords for this Episode

toxic relationship recovery

emotional healing journey

women’s empowerment

personal transformation

self-worth and boundaries

people-pleasing recovery

reclaiming identity

emotional wellness

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:50 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 9:02 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 16:07 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 22:15 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:09 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:46 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 39:55 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 44:55 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 50:57 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 52:13 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder

In this deeply insightful episode, we welcome Alexandra Birch, a holistic wellness guide who blends mind–body–spirit healing with science-backed practices. Alexandra’s journey began when “self-care” was still treated like a trendy buzzword centered on purchases rather than personal truth. Through her evolution as a former competitive athlete and someone who lost her sense of identity outside of sports, she discovered that real self-care starts internally.

Together, we explore the powerful connection between internal alignment and external health, how the body communicates its needs, and why developing a “self-care menu” can create sustainable routines that evolve alongside you. Alexandra shares how stillness, quiet, and body awareness transformed her life and ultimately guided her to leave her corporate career to pursue her passion for women’s fertility and holistic healing.

This episode opens up essential conversations around women’s wellness, eating-disorder awareness, emotional self-care, and the courage it takes to build a life that nourishes your soul. Alexandra’s vulnerability, strength, and intuitive wisdom make this conversation both grounding and empowering for anyone seeking deeper alignment.

Ways to Engage:

Try creating your own self-care menu with 5 practices that nourish you or 5 feelings you want to experience over the next 6 months. Use it as a tool to reconnect with yourself daily, especially on the days when you don’t know where to start.

Resources:

• Eating Recovery Center

• NEDA – National Eating Disorder Association

🔥Hashtags

#SelfCareJourney

#HolisticHealing

#MindBodySpirit

#WomensWellness

#EatingDisorderAwareness

#IntuitiveHealing

#MentalHealthMatters

#FertilityWellness

#HealingJourney

#SelfCareTips

#BodyAwareness

#EmotionalWellness

#HolisticHealth

#WellnessPodcast

#EmpoweredWomen

#TraumaInformedHealing

#SelfLoveDaily

#HealthAndWellbeing

#MindfulnessPractice

#InnerHealingWork

💡Keywords for this Episode

holistic wellness

self-care routine

women’s health

eating disorder support

body awareness

intuitive healing

fertility wellness

mental health awareness

emotional self-care

holistic self-care

former athlete healing

mind-body connection

burnout recovery

personal growth journey

wellness transformation

self-care menu

healing practices

spiritual wellness

sustainable self-care

internal alignment

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:09 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 15:57 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:55 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:51 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 39:43 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 42:21 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 50:33 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:02:15 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:07:43 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:10:16 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Teresa Rosario-Hernandez, a powerful voice from Podmatch who embodies resilience, independence, hope, and authentic growth. As the holiday season amplifies stress and emotional overload, Teresa opens up about her journey through trauma, burnout, and the moment she realized she no longer recognized herself.

She shares how ignoring emotional and mental wellness led to physical symptoms, and how giving herself permission to feel (rather than suppress) became the catalyst for transformation. Teresa reminds us that emotional health isn’t about pretending life is sunny; it's about learning how to move through the storm.

We dive into the tools that helped her reclaim her peace: affirmations, voice notes, poetry, and especially writing. Teresa discusses how writing became her most powerful emotional outlet—a way to release thoughts, interrupt negative cycles, and process deep feelings without judgment. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who’s never journaled before, this episode highlights why writing can be an essential self-care practice.

Teresa also talks about her mission to empower women to live unapologetically, with more grace, less judgment, and a safe space to grow, start over, or change direction. Her message: “Never shame a woman for changing her mind or for starting over.”

We also highlight Teresa’s own podcast, Prosecco Queens Podcast, where she blends storytelling, personal development, and a glass of Prosecco to uplift and inspire women to prioritize themselves.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking healing, emotional growth, and a reminder that starting over is not only allowed, it’s powerful.

💡 Ways to Engage:

Write a poem about a recent emotion or event. No rules, no pressure. Put the pen in your hand, let your thoughts flow, and release what’s been sitting inside you.

🔥Hashtags 

#MentalHealthMatters

#EmotionalHealing

#TraumaRecovery

#WomensEmpowerment

#SelfCareTips

#HolidayStress

#MindBodyConnection

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#WriteToHeal

#HealingThroughWriting

#SelfLoveJourney

#WellnessPodcast

#EmpoweredWomen

#MindfulnessPractice

#InnerHealing

#MentalWellness

#WomenSupportingWomen

#StartOverStrong

#JournalingForHealing

#PodcastCommunity

🔑Keywords for this Epsiode

emotional health

mental wellness during holidays

trauma response and healing

women’s empowerment podcast

self-care tools

emotional processing techniques

healing through writing

poetry for mental health

journaling for trauma recovery

self-improvement stories

women starting over

overcoming burnout

emotional resilience

personal development inspiration

Prosecco Queens Podcast

holiday stress management

affirmations for healing

voice notes for self-reflection

empowering women’s stories

mental and physical health connectionTimestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:40 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:22 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:26 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 20:24 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 30:37 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 33:26 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:36 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:46 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 42:24 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:53 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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

Trigger Warning: Abuse

In this powerful double-feature episode, we sit down with Deana Lynn and Lizzie Jane, hosts of the Surviving Toxic Relationships podcast. These two remarkable women share a deeply personal and transformative story. One rooted in emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, healing, and ultimately, empowerment.

Deana describes herself as energetic, extroverted, empathetic, and motivated, while Lizzie identifies as resilient, compassionate, empowering, and wise. Their connection was forged through an incredibly painful chapter: both women were married to the same man, a partner whose narcissistic behaviors and abusive patterns left lasting trauma. Instead of being divided by their past, they found unity, validation, and sisterhood, turning their pain into purpose.

In this episode, they discuss the shocking moment of realization, the guilt and internal conflict Deana faced, and the validation Lizzie experienced when her intuition was finally confirmed. Their story underscores the importance of trusting your gut, recognizing red flags, and finding your way back to yourself after emotional or psychological abuse. They also reveal that a third woman was involved, further highlighting how common patterns of narcissistic abuse can be and why education, awareness, and support resources are essential.

This episode is an inspiring testament to resilience. Deana and Lizzie have transformed their trauma into advocacy, creating space for other survivors to share their stories and reclaim their power.

Their message is clear: let the past go, reconnect with your authentic self, and rediscover who you are beneath the layers of a toxic relationship. You deserve safety, self-love, and a life free from manipulation.

Ways to EngageL

Take a moment to name a few things you genuinely love about yourself, things not tied to how others see you. Focus on your values, your strengths, and your inner voice. Be your own biggest supporter.

Resources

The Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

🔥Hashtags

#SurvivingAbuse

#ToxicRelationshipRecovery

#DomesticViolenceAwareness

#NarcissisticAbuseHealing

#EmotionalAbuseSurvivor

#WomenSupportingWomen

#TraumaRecoveryJourney

#HealingFromAbuse

#AbuseSurvivorStories

#EmpoweredWomen

#RelationshipRedFlags

#TrustYourIntuition

#BreakTheCycle

#SurvivorStrong

#MentalHealthSupport

#ReclaimYourPower

#HealingPodcast

#ResilienceInWomen

#YouAreNotAlone

#TraumaInformedHealing

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:06 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 13:29 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:43 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 30:51 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 48:02 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 53:01 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 57:34 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:57 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:05:54 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:08:16  )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
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 ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Briana Bowley, an Australia-based former competitive bodybuilder who openly shares her personal journey through burnout, boundaries, body image, and holistic self-healing. Briana describes herself as innovative, driven, and inspired, and this conversation proves exactly why.

Briana reflects on her years in competitive bodybuilding and how pushing herself beyond her limits led to emotional exhaustion and disconnection from her inner voice. When she finally listened to her intuition and allowed curiosity to guide her, she discovered a more compassionate, sustainable way of living. Her story reinforces the importance of embracing our layers, leaning into curiosity, and rewriting the narratives that no longer support us.

One of the most impactful parts of this episode is Briana’s approach to building boundaries like building muscle. She shares how setting healthy boundaries isn’t something you master overnight—it’s something you strengthen gradually, just like lifting weights. Starting small, practicing consistently, and giving yourself grace can transform your relationships, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing.

Briana also offers an insightful perspective on internal vs. external conflict, illustrated through a simple real-life moment that many of us can relate to. Her story highlights how speaking up respectfully (rather than suppressing your discomfort) can create clarity, connection, and growth for everyone involved.

This episode is full of empowering insights, relatable moments, and compassionate reminders that healing doesn’t require perfection; it requires curiosity, patience, and courage. If the blog resonated with you, the episode will give you even more to reflect on and integrate into your own journey.

Ways to Engage

Next time you face a moment of internal vs. external conflict, challenge yourself to choose the conversation. Start small, stay consistent, and let your boundary-building strengthen over time—just like you would in the gym.

Resources

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)

🔥 Hashtags

#EatingDisorderAwareness

#MentalHealthMatters

#BodyImageHealing

#SelfHealingJourney

#PersonalGrowthPodcast

#BoundarySetting

#TraumaHealing

#HolisticWellbeing

#WomenEmpoweringWomen

#OvercomingBurnout

#MindBodyConnection

#EmotionalWellness

#HealingJourney

#CuriosityLedHealing

#WellnessPodcast

#InnerStrength

#SelfWorthJourney

#EmpoweredLiving

#MindsetShift

#ResilienceBuilding

🔑 Keywords for This Episode

eating disorder recovery

mental health podcast

body image struggles

competitive bodybuilding journey

burnout and healing

boundary setting tips

emotional wellness tools

internal vs external conflict

self-worth growth

holistic healing practices

women’s empowerment stories

curiosity in self-development

personal transformation journey

resilience building strategies

overcoming perfectionism

trauma-informed healing

mindful communication

intuitive living

personal growth inspiration

emotional self-care techniques

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:31)

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:00 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 18:29 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 25:00 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:20 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 31:41 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 36:26 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:39 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 43:07 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:41 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

This week on The F.E.E.L Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Kara Vaval, powerhouse entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and host of the Unfiltered Podcast. You may remember her from our crossover episode, “How to F.E.E.L Your Way to Freedom with Melissa Crook.” Kara is bold, raw, and unapologetically herself, the definition of reinvention and resilience.

In this inspiring conversation, Kara and Melissa dive into the importance of self care, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your power as a woman. Kara shares how self care became her foundation for transformation — not as a luxury, but as a declaration that she matters. From morning workouts to journaling, she reminds us that self care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

Kara opens up about her personal growth journey, learning to love herself through each reinvention and embracing every version of who she’s been. She offers wisdom on taking control of your own narrative, honoring your nonnegotiables, and making sure that you are in the driver’s seat of your life.

This episode will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to start living life unfiltered, unapologetically, and authentically.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✨ Why self care is the foundation of self worth and empowerment

✨ How to identify your nonnegotiables and set healthy boundaries

✨ The power of journaling for emotional release and self-discovery

✨ What it means to reinvent yourself unapologetically

✨ How to take control of your life and live on your own terms

💡 Ways to Engage:

Think of one thing that nourishes your soul and make it a nonnegotiable part of your day. Whether it’s a quiet coffee, a morning workout, or journaling, protect your peace and practice self love intentionally.

🔍 Keywords for this Episode

Self care podcast

Women empowerment

Personal growth and reinvention

Setting healthy boundaries

Self love and confidence

Mindset and motivation

Women’s self care routines

Journaling for mental health

Living unapologetically

Empowered women stories

Emotional wellness and healing

Reinventing yourself

Personal development podcast

Mental health for women

Self discovery journey

Inspirational women interviews

Work life balance and self worth

Confidence building for women

Women supporting women

Mindfulness and motivation

📈 Hashtags:

#SelfCareJourney

#WomenEmpowerment

#PersonalGrowth

#MindsetMatters

#SelfLoveClub

#ReinventYourself

#EmpoweredWomen

#MotivationPodcast

#MentalHealthAwareness

#BoundariesMatter

#JournalingForGrowth

#AuthenticLiving

#UnfilteredPodcast

#FemaleEmpowerment

#InspiringWomen

#WellnessMindset

#SelfCareIsNotSelfish

#LiveUnapologetically

#PurposeDrivenLife

#FEELEverything

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:55 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:51 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 16:00 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:39 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 25:18 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 30:21 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 38:23 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 48:12 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 52:52 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 56:35 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

Trigger Warnings: Depression, suicidal ideation

In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, host Melissa welcomes Michelle Campbell, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and author of Bluebird: A Memoir. Michelle opens up about her emotional and financial struggles, sharing her powerful story of overcoming depression, suicidal ideation, and a toxic relationship with money.

She reminds us that financial hardship isn’t just about numbers — it’s about mental health, self-worth, and emotional healing. Michelle’s transparency about debt, money shame, and rebuilding her life from rock bottom is an empowering lesson in resilience, vulnerability, and financial empowerment for women.

As the holidays approach, a time often filled with financial pressure and emotional strain, Michelle’s message of hope and self-compassion is one everyone needs to hear. She reminds us that every day is a new opportunity to start over, and that financial healing begins with honest conversations, community support, and mindful money management.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

💡 The emotional connection between money and mental health

💡 How Michelle overcame depression and financial despair

💡 Why we must break the silence around money conversations

💡 How small acts of kindness can spark big change

💡 Steps to begin your financial wellness and healing journey

Ways to Engage:

Start a budgeting journal. Track income and expenses, and make small, intentional financial goals. Whether it’s saving for something you love or paying down debt, mindful money management can bring clarity and peace.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help.

📞 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

🤝 Connect With Michelle Campbell

📘 Bluebird: A Memoir

https://www.amazon.com/Bluebird-Memoir-Trauma-Heartbreak-Struggle/dp/B0DM6QLB1F

🌐 Website

https://bymichellecampbell.com/

💛 Hashtag Stability (Nonprofit)

https://hashtagstability.org/

📲 Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561259970143

Facebook (Bluebird Memoir): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561311624993

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdmemoir/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taxshell6072

X (Twitter): https://x.com/tax_shell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-c-1a697b318

📈 Hashtags

#FinancialWellness

#MoneyMindset

#FinancialFreedomJourney

#MentalHealthAwareness

#DepressionRecovery

#FinancialEmpowerment

#WomenInBusiness

#SelfGrowthJourney

#MoneyAndMentalHealth

#OvercomingDebt

#FinancialHealing

#EmpoweredWomen

#PurposeDrivenLife

#MindfulMoney

#SuicidePreventionAwareness

#HealingJourney

#EmotionalWellness

#BudgetingTips

#InspiringStories

#BluebirdMemoir

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:09 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:19 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 9:43 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 25:30 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 40:50 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 44:50 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 51:00 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 53:41 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:01:37 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:04:51 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
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 ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussions about suicide, trauma, abuse, and assault. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources listed below. You are not alone.

Description:

In this deeply powerful and compassionate episode, Melissa is joined by Karen Robinson, the inspiring host of the Heal, Thrive, Dream Podcast. Karen is a trauma recovery coach, therapist, and advocate dedicated to helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives with hope, self-awareness, and healing.

Karen shares her personal and professional insights into the deep connection between the mind, body, and soul, exploring how unprocessed emotions can manifest as physical pain or illness. Through behavioral therapy and self-awareness, Karen teaches how to track and categorize negative thoughts, separate core beliefs from inner lies, and reclaim your emotional balance.

She reveals an eye-opening truth: emotions can move through our bodies in just nine seconds, yet many of us spend years avoiding them. Instead of numbing or suppressing emotions through unhealthy coping mechanisms, Karen encourages embracing them with curiosity, compassion, and mindfulness.

Together, Melissa and Karen explore:

• The powerful connection between trauma and the body

• How emotional avoidance impacts physical health

• The role of behavioral therapy in trauma recovery

• Why self-compassion is key to healing

• Ways to identify and rewrite negative thought patterns

• The importance of seeking help, therapy, and community

Karen’s journey is a testament to resilience, healing, and the transformative power of facing your truth. Whether you’re healing from trauma or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that healing is not linear, but it is possible.

💬 Ways to Engage:

Try journaling your thoughts and separating your truths from the lies your mind tells you. Identify your core beliefs and release negative self-talk that no longer serves you.

💚 Resources Mentioned:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 | Text BEGIN to 88788

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-4673 | Text HOPE to 64673

CTRI – Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute

🔥Hashtags

#TraumaHealing

#MentalHealthAwareness

#HealingJourney

#MindBodySoul

#TraumaRecovery

#EmotionalHealing

#TherapyWorks

#SurvivorStrong

#PostTraumaticGrowth

#SelfCompassion

#BehavioralTherapy

#WellnessPodcast

#MentalWellness

#HealingAfterAbuse

#AnxietyRelief

#EmotionalResilience

#WomenEmpowerment

#HealingCommunity

#MindfulLiving

#SelfLoveJourney

💎 Keywords

Trauma recovery and healing

Mind body soul connection

Emotional trauma therapy

Behavioral therapy techniques

Healing after abuse

How to process emotions

Coping with trauma

Mental health support

Overcoming emotional pain

Self-awareness and healing

Mindful trauma recovery

Post-traumatic growth strategies

Healing emotional wounds

Therapy for trauma survivors

Empowering women after trauma

Emotional regulation techniques

Releasing negative thoughts

Self-compassion practices

Mental health resource

Holistic healing after trauma

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:08 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:57 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:48 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:03 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 21:43 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 23:48 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 27:45 )

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

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 35:31 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 37:33 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this inspiring episode, we welcome the incredible Njideka Olatunde, a holistic healer, educator, and advocate for alternative pain relief and whole-body wellness. Describing herself as an evolving butterfly, Njideka shares her transformative journey from childhood home remedies to pioneering Touchology, a healing approach that bridges the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Discover how she helps people find pain relief without prescription medicine, emphasizing the importance of listening, human touch, and emotional awareness. Njideka reveals why true healing starts with identifying the core issue, not just treating the symptoms, and how compassion and small acts of kindness can be profoundly healing.

Join us as we explore:

• The connection between stress and chronic pain

• Why touch is more than physical

• The healing power of listening and empathy

• How to reconnect with your purpose and passion (“your why”)

• The balance between traditional and holistic healing methods

Njideka’s wisdom reminds us that suffering isn’t forever, and healing is possible when we embrace every layer of who we are.

🔥Hashtags

#HolisticHealing

#MindBodySpirit

#AlternativeMedicine

#Touchology

#NaturalPainRelief

#WellnessJourney

#HealingEnergy

#HolisticHealth

#SelfHealing

#EmpowermentJourney

#Mindfulness

#EmotionalWellbeing

#IntegrativeMedicine

#EnergyHealing

#WomenInWellness

#StressRelief

#WellnessPodcast

#HealingThroughTouch

#ChronicPainRelief

#InnerHealing

💎 Keywords for this Episode

Holistic healing methods

Alternative pain relief

Mind body spirit connection

Healing without medication

Touchology therapy

Emotional and physical healing

Stress and pain management

Listening as healing

Compassion-based healthcare

Natural wellness solutions

Empowering women in wellness

Integrative healing practices

Self-discovery and purpose

Holistic pain management

Whole body healing

Spiritual wellness journey

Energy and touch therapy

Mindful healing techniques

Natural remedies for stress

Finding your why

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:27 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:58 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:28 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 31:20 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 37:48 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 52:14 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 54:59 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 57:50 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:09:48 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:12:10 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Julie Marty-Pearson, an empathetic, authentic, and empowering leader who’s helping women live unapologetically and find their voices through storytelling and podcasting.

Julie shares her deeply personal journey from battling illness as a child to transforming her love for animals into a thriving show, The Story of My Pet Podcast, now a top 5% global podcast advocating for animals in need. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment.

We explore how mental health, pets, and purpose intersect, and how finding supportive female communities can completely change your life. Julie also discusses her passion for helping women launch and grow their own podcasts, giving them the tools and confidence to amplify their voices and share their truths.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own podcast, building a community, or embracing your authentic self, this episode is for you.

💬 What You’ll Learn:

How childhood challenges shaped Julie’s resilience and empathy

The connection between pets and mental health

Tips for starting your own purpose-driven podcast

Why female empowerment and authentic storytelling matter now more than ever

How community and connection can help you live unapologetically

✨ Join us for an uplifting conversation about courage, creativity, and community.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to tell your story, follow your passion, and empower others to do the same.

🔑 Keywords

Women empowerment podcast

Starting a podcast for beginners

Mental health and pets

Female podcasters

Authentic storytelling

Women supporting women

Empowering female voices

Podcast coaching for women

Living unapologetically

Resilience and healing

Self-discovery journey

How to start a podcast

Pet therapy and mental health

Women in media

Confidence and authenticity

Overcoming life challenges

Podcast community building

Inspirational women stories

Women entrepreneurs

Finding your purpose

📈 Hashtags

#WomenEmpowerment

#StartAPodcast

#FemalePodcasters

#WomenSupportingWomen

#AuthenticLiving

#MentalHealthAwareness

#PetTherapy

#EmpoweredWomen

#PodcastTips

#StorytellingMatters

#LiveUnapologetically

#InspiringWomen

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#SelfDiscovery

#ResilientWomen

#PodcastCommunity

#WomenInMedia

#WellnessAndHealing

#EmpowerHerVoice

#PurposeDrivenLife

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:08 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:27 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 7:14 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 17:31 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 22:05 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 23:51 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 30:23 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 41:54 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 44:38 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 45:24 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this empowering episode, we welcome the incredible Coach Kay, host of the Bringing Intimacy Back podcast and mother of five, who shares her wisdom on creating healthy boundaries, embracing self-care, and finding balance between mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Coach Kay opens up about her journey as a serial entrepreneur, mom, and advocate for holistic health, explaining how setting boundaries early, especially with children, helps shape respectful and emotionally healthy relationships. She dives into her personal story of burnout and recovery, showing how listening to your body, feeding your soul, and prioritizing self-love can transform every aspect of your life.

Tune in as we discuss how to:

Build and maintain healthy boundaries with family and loved ones.

Prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Recognize the signs of stress and burnout before they take over.

Create balance between motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Cultivate deeper intimacy—starting with yourself.

This conversation is a must-listen for women seeking empowerment, personal growth, and a reminder that your life, your rules, is more than a mantra—it’s a lifestyle.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with your authentic self while building stronger, healthier relationships.

🔑 Keywords

Self-care for women

Building healthy boundaries

Emotional wellness tips

Work-life balance for moms

Intimacy and relationships

Holistic health and wellness

Spiritual self-care practices

Mental health awareness

Motherhood and entrepreneurship

📈 Hashtags

#SelfCareForWomen

#BuildingBoundaries

#HolisticWellness

#MentalHealthMatters

#EmotionalHealing

#WomenEmpowerment

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#MindBodySoul

#MotherhoodUnplugged

#SelfLoveClub

#HealthyBoundaries

#StressReliefTips

#SpiritualHealth

#WellnessForMoms

#AuthenticLiving

#BurnoutRecovery

#WorkLifeBalance

#IntimacyCoach

#HealingJourney

#EmpoweredWomen

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:30 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:08 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:56 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 17:50 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 24:49 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 27:41 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 29:58 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 33:44 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 39:17 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 39:40 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we sit down with the multitalented and creative Foster Wilson, who describes herself as compassionate, creative, nerdy, and weird. Through her open-hearted conversation, Foster dives deep into how she reconnects with her “why” and filters her life decisions through her core values of connection, growth, self-expression, and freedom.

Foster shares her unique values filtration system, explaining how it helps her align decisions, projects, and relationships with what truly matters. From her creative roots as an actress turned director to her focus on authentic living and personal freedom, Foster reminds us that the key to fulfillment is living life on your own terms rather than through the expectations of others.

This episode is for anyone who feels pulled in different directions and wants to come back to what’s most important. Whether you’re a creative, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking balance, Foster’s wisdom on self-discovery, alignment, and empowerment will inspire you to live more intentionally and courageously.

💡 Episode Highlights:

How to rediscover your “why” and align with your values

Building a personal filtration system: connection, growth, self-expression, freedom

Making confident decisions that reflect your authentic self

Why disappointing others is okay if it means staying true to yourself

The importance of self-expression and creative freedom

Lessons from Foster’s journey as a director and storyteller

How to live out your own expectations instead of others’

👩‍🎨 Featured Guest: Foster Wilson

Director, creator, and storyteller driven by compassion and creativity

Advocate for authenticity, self-expression, and personal freedom

Believer in living life guided by one’s “why” and core values

🧭 Key Takeaway:

Before saying “yes” to anything, ask: Does this align with my values? Your “why” is your compass — follow it unapologetically.

✨ Ways to Engage:

Create your own values filtration system (like Foster’s: connection, growth, self-expression, freedom).

Write down your core values and revisit them often.

Make decisions based on alignment — not obligation.

Share your “why” with others to inspire connection and authenticity.

🔑 Keywords:

Rediscover your why

Living with purpose

Core values alignment

Self-discovery

Personal growth journey

Authentic living

Creative empowerment

Mindful decision-making

Emotional intelligence

Self-expression

Personal freedom

Growth mindset

Living authentically

Finding your purpose

Self-awareness and reflection

Empowered creativity

Purpose-driven life

Alignment and balance

Fulfillment and freedom

Creative self-discovery

📈 Hashtags:

#RediscoverYourWhy

#LiveWithPurpose

#AuthenticLiving

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#CreativeEmpowerment

#SelfDiscovery

#FindYourPurpose

#LiveInAlignment

#EmpoweredCreativity

#CoreValues

#GrowthMindset

#MindfulLiving

#SelfExpression

#FreedomToBe

#PurposeDrivenLife

#EmotionalIntelligence

#AuthenticityMatters

#WomenInCreativity

#LiveIntentionally

#TheFEELPodcast

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:18 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 6:24 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:37 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:03)

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 26:54 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:10 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:57 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 43:58 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 46:46 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 47:46 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, our friend Teresa Vesneske returns to share how her journey of emotional healing, self-discovery, and personal growth has evolved since we last spoke in Season 4, Episode 7, “Emotional Health & Physical Health Healing.”

Teresa opens up about what it means to live life for yourself, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, especially as an empath and educator who’s constantly caring for others.

She discusses how learning to pour into herself first has transformed not only her personal peace but also her ability to make a deeper impact in her professional life. Teresa’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, pursue your passions, and redefine what balance truly means.

Join us as we explore how self-love, mindfulness, and emotional resilience can help you show up more fully for yourself and for those around you.

🌿 Key Discussion Points:

How to live your life for yourself without guilt

Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

The connection between self-care and professional success

Managing empathy and emotional burnout as an educator

Why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself

The importance of self-awareness and spiritual wellness

How helping yourself helps you help others

💬 Featured Guest: Teresa Vesneske

Educator, mentor, and advocate for emotional health and personal balance

Dedicated to helping new teachers find their path

Empathic leader who believes in growth through self-reflection

🧠 Key Takeaway:

Before you can give your best to others, you must first give your best to yourself.

✨ Ways to Engage:

Reflect on how you can make small positive impacts every day.

Offer kindness freely—it doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.

Revisit what “balance” means for you and start where you are today.

📈Hashtags:

#SelfCareJourney

#EmotionalHealing

#MentalHealthMatters

#WorkLifeBalance

#EmpathEmpowerment

#PersonalGrowth

#SpiritualWellness

#MindfulnessMatters

#WellnessForEducators

#TeacherLifeBalance

#EmotionalResilience

#LiveForYourself

#HealingJourney

#WomenEmpowerment

#SelfLoveFirst

#HolisticHealth

#GrowthMindset

#SelfWorth

#InnerPeace

#TheFEELPodcast

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:03 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:00 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:26 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:56 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:26 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:42 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:14 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 54:53 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 57:37 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:00:12 )

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🔗 www.embracinglayers.com

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sudden loss and emotional trauma.

Joining us from Australia, Marie Alessi brings quiet strength and heartfelt wisdom to this conversation on grief, healing, and personal boundaries. When Marie’s husband passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm at just 45, she was thrust into sudden widowhood, left to raise her two young sons alone.

With clarity and vulnerability, Marie shares her grief journey and how she found emotional resilience in the face of unimaginable heartbreak. She discusses the importance of setting clear boundaries, protecting her space and energy during a time when the outside world, although well-meaning, often didn’t respect her needs.

From being overwhelmed by unannounced visitors to managing the unrealistic expectations of constant digital connection, Marie had to learn how to prioritize mental health, teach her children about loss, and reclaim her own sense of peace.

In this episode, we explore:

Coping with the sudden loss of a partner

Parenting through grief

The role of boundaries in emotional healing

Managing unsolicited advice and emotional overload

How language and self-talk shape our recovery

Digital burnout and the need to unplug

How to support someone grieving without overstepping

Marie’s insights are a powerful reminder that healing is not about "getting over it," but it's about growing through it. Her story will resonate with anyone navigating grief, burnout, emotional fatigue, or the quiet power of reclaiming your peace.

💬 Ways to Engage

As Marie says, “Language can be either debilitating or nurturing.”

This week, reflect on how you use language with yourself and others. Are your words building you up or tearing you down?

How do you speak to yourself in moments of pain?

What language do you use to set boundaries?

Are you nurturing or draining your energy with your communication?

Take note. Then choose your words with intention.

🆘 Grief & Mental Health Support

If you're navigating grief, you're not alone. Support is available:

GriefShare – griefshare.org

🔥Hashtags

#GriefJourney

#SuddenLoss

#EmotionalResilience

#MentalHealthAwareness

#BoundariesMatter

#HealingAfterLoss

#WidowSupport

#SelfHealing

#MindfulGrief

#ParentingThroughGrief

#DigitalDetox

#EmotionalWellbeing

#GriefSupport

#HealingIsNotLinear

#CompassionateConversations

#SelfCareMatters

#GriefAndGrace

#EmotionalBoundaries

#LanguageMatters

#InnerStrength

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:04 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 19:43 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:56 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 28:09 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 36:14 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 41:33 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 53:34 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:03:08 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:10:12 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:12:40 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

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 ⁠⁠