This isn’t goodbye — it’s an intentional pause. In this final episode of the year, I’m unpacking the viral “boyfriend is embarrassing” trend, why I’m tired of women being treated like fads, and what it really means to choose yourself without apology.
While I step back to build the next evolution of The Feisty Heroine Project, stay connected with me here:
📲 Instagram: @thefeistyheroine
🌐 Website: thefeistyheroine.com
🎥 YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
After a life-changing breakup, 36-year-old chef Zoe Annett didn’t fall apart—she reimagined everything. In this inspiring episode, Zoe joins host Rachel Beck to share how she left behind the “shoulds” of life, became a certified chef, and set off solo across Southeast Asia through the Workaway program.
From volunteering in beach towns to journaling in the jungles of Sri Lanka, Zoe reveals how heartbreak became her greatest catalyst for freedom.
Follow Zoe's journey here: @zodas.compass
In this episode we dive into:
Life after heartbreak and choosing to pivot
Reframing your story outside of timelines
Solo travel, reinvention, and Workaway adventures
The healing power of female friendship
Designing a life that fits now—not someday
Whether you're navigating grief, craving change, or dreaming of a brave new chapter—this episode is your sign that you're right on time.
Please share this episode with a friend and follow me below for more inspiration:
- Instagram: @thefeistyheroine
- YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
- Website: thefeistyheroine.com
You can also reach me at thefeistyheroine@gmail.com
Keywords:
solo travel, breakup recovery, life reinvention, Workaway stories, women’s empowerment, personal transformation, podcast for women, healing after heartbreak
This week, Rachel sits down with Jess, an attorney from New Mexico and the managing partner of a women-led law firm who’s rewriting what fulfillment looks like at 50. For two decades, she’s guided clients through divorce with clarity and compassion—while quietly defying the script herself.
Jess shares how growing up in a generation where women couldn’t even get their own credit cards shaped her fierce independence, and how she built a thriving practice without apology or a safety net.
They dive into:
- Setting boundaries (and why “no” is a full sentence)
- The myth that a partner is the only solution
- How singlehood sharpens perspective—in the courtroom and in life
Reclaiming confidence and competence, one decision at a time
If you’ve ever been asked “what’s the catch?” for simply loving your life as it is, this conversation will hit home.
Tune in and remember: you are allowed to design a life that adds to you—right now.
Follow me for more inspo:
Instagram: @thefeistyheroine
YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
Keywords: women over 40, women over 30, single women, independence, financial freedom, resilience, female empowerment, divorce recovery, boundaries, self-trust, women lawyers
AI dating isn’t sci-fi anymore — it’s here. In 2025, people are building “perfect” AI partners through platforms like Replika or even ChatGPT, choosing how they look, act, and respond. But here’s the catch: most of these bots are designed as women.
In this episode, Rachel Beck breaks down why AI chatbots and humanoid “AI girlfriends” aren’t just harmless fantasy. What does it mean when technology keeps casting women — even in machine form — as endlessly available, endlessly agreeable caretakers? And what happens to real intimacy when bots are programmed to give instant validation instead of honest connection?
Drawing on insights from this WBUR article, Rachel explores the cultural patterns behind AI companions, how they reflect (and reinforce) gender roles, and why this trend is especially concerning for women navigating today’s dating world.
👉 Does the rise of AI “perfect partners” creep you out, or do you see a silver lining? Tune in and decide for yourself.
Follow me for more:
Insta: @thefeistyheroine
YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
Keywords: AI dating, chatbot partners, women and AI, gender roles in technology, Replika AI, humanoid robots, modern dating challenges, female AI companions
This week marks one year since I hit publish on The Feisty Heroine Podcast—and what a ride it’s been.
In this special solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing more of my own story: what it means to grow up emotional in a non-emotional family, to follow the “safe” script of marriage and career, and to finally break free and choose my own road.
From counseling teens in NYC public schools to leaving my marriage, to starting over (again) in hospitality, I talk about the resilience, stubbornness, and reinvention that have shaped me—and this podcast.
✨ What you’ll hear:
Why being sensitive and stubborn became my superpowers
How I learned that the “safe” path isn’t always safe
My story of reinvention after marriage, education, and career pivots
Why resilience and feistiness matter now more than ever
The Hunter S. Thompson quote that sums up how I want to live my life
Whether you feel like a black sheep, a cycle breaker, or simply a woman searching for her next chapter, this episode is for you.
👉 Subscribe, share, and let’s keep rewriting the rules—together.
Connect with me at the following:
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
Instagram: @thefeistyheroine
Keywords woven in: resilience, reinvention, cycle breaker, sensitive empath, black sheep, women empowerment, choosing your own path, life transitions.
In this episode of Feisty Fridays on The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel Beck explores the hidden cost of chasing validation — from relationships, family, society, and even social media.
Validation can feel sweet in the moment, but what happens when it costs you your peace? Rachel shares personal stories and lessons about learning to stop performing for approval, trust your gut, and reclaim your self-worth without needing external permission.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to measure your value by someone else’s opinion, this mini-sode will remind you that your worth isn’t up for debate.
📖 Inspired by this Guardian article: ‘Men seem to make life for women worse’: single US women share the woes of dating in 2025
Follow me at:
Insta: @thefeistyheroine
YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
Keywords: validation, self-worth, boundaries, independence, women empowerment, authenticity, single women, mental health
What happens when you trust your gut—even when the world tells you not to?
In this episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel talks with writer Marla Stein, a 53-year-old New Yorker turned Valencia, Spain local, about two defining “feisty heroine” moments: advocating for herself at 32 after a doctor dismissed a breast lump (which proved to be cancer) and, years later, rebuilding a life abroad after a stage 4 neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis just three months into her Spain move.
Marla shares how women’s intuition and self-advocacy became non-negotiable tools—guiding hard pivots, setting boundaries, and choosing a nontraditional path. From finding community and care in Spain to embracing acceptance, surrender, and reinvention, she offers grounded wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or pressured by “shoulds.”
In this episode you’ll hear:
Why listening to your inner voice can be life-saving—especially in women’s health
How to advocate for yourself with doctors, family, and systems
Living fully with a chronic diagnosis: mindset, humor, and tiny daily joys (beach walks, writing, meditation)
Choosing an unconventional life abroad and giving yourself permission to pivot—at any age
Feisty reminder: there’s rarely a “perfect time.” Make the decision; the path appears.
**Also, Marla is on Substack! You can follow her writings here.
(Keywords: women’s intuition, self-advocacy, women’s health, stage 4 cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, resilience, reinvention, living abroad, Valencia Spain, personal growth, acceptance, surrender, empowerment)
What if happiness isn’t measured by square footage, matching furniture, or a scripted timeline?
In this Feisty Fridays episode, Rachel Beck dives into inspiring stories of women rewriting what it means to live well — from the Birdnest community in Texas (11 women, 9 dogs, no husbands) to the growing love for tiny homes, minimalism, and having fewer things but more peace.
Rachel shares her own journey — living in a three-bedroom suburban home she didn’t need, then tightening into 300-square-foot apartments in NYC — and how those experiences taught her that less can truly be more.
She explores why communities like The Birdnest matter, especially for women who may be single now or later — and why having options, not just one roadmap, changes everything.
✨ What you’ll hear:
Why The Birdnest isn’t just an article — it’s a model of possibility
How minimalism and tiny home values can bring freedom and joy
Why the narrative “you’ll die alone” is being challenged — powerfully
How home, belonging, and community can take many forms
📰 Read the article that sparked this episode: “11 Women, 9 Dogs, Not Much Drama (and No Guys)” — The Bird’s Nest commune in Texas ➤ https://longreads.com/2025/08/25/retired-women-commune-texas/ Longreads
Whether your dream is a tiny home, a shared village, or a cozy solo space, this episode will remind you: your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Home is where belonging lives.
What if you stopped living the life you “should” and followed your inner voice instead? In this episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel Beck talks with Joanna, a 41-year-old licensed marriage & family therapist from San Francisco, who is choosing reinvention: an open-ended journey abroad with her dog, a Lisbon-to-Budapest road trip, and a plan to claim EU citizenship through Hungarian ancestry.
Joanna opens up about moving from people-pleasing and perfectionism to treating change as an experiment—and why feeling “stuck” is often valuable information, not failure. Together we explore how societal expectations (and the patriarchy’s quiet pressures) shape women’s choices around work, relationships, and timelines—and how solo travel, community, and listening to your hungers can catalyze personal growth and better mental health.
You’ll hear:
How to honor your inner voice without having every step figured out
Tiny next steps to get unstuck (before jumping to the “how”)
Why reinvention is a superpower at any age
Cultural contrasts (US vs. Europe) that expand what’s possible
Practical truth: “You get to make mistakes, too.”
Feisty reminder: Your timeline is yours alone. Ask, “What am I longing for?”—and let that answer lead.
(Keywords: self-discovery, societal expectations, women empowerment, mental health, travel, reinvention, relationships, cultural differences, inner voice, personal growth)
The headlines called it her fairytale ending — but what does Taylor Swift’s engagement really say about how we view women’s worth?
In this Feisty Friday mini-sode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel unpacks why society still treats engagement as the ultimate achievement for women, even for someone as wildly successful as Taylor.
✨ You’ll hear:
How the media frames powerful women as “complete” only when partnered.
The double bind successful women face in dating and relationships.
Why this narrative keeps so many of us stuck chasing someone else’s timeline.
A feisty reframe for celebrating women without reducing them to their love lives.
This isn’t about tearing down Taylor’s joy — it’s about questioning why her love story is treated as the pinnacle of her success, and what that means for the rest of us.
💡 Whether you’re single, divorced, childfree, a single mom, or partnered, this is your reminder: you are already enough.
In this powerful and unapologetic episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, host Rachel Beck sits down with Abreya—a self-proclaimed “black sheep” from the Midwest who refuses to shrink herself to fit into anyone’s mold.
From being raised by a single mother in Des Moines to choosing permanent child-free living through a bilateral salpingectomy (just 10 days before Roe v. Wade was overturned), Abreya’s story is one of radical self-trust, defiance of societal norms, and unwavering personal freedom.
She opens up about what it means to be a woman who questions everything—marriage, motherhood, the “good girl” script—and why embracing her inner rebel has led to the most grounded version of herself yet.
Together, Rachel and Abreya explore:
✨ The loneliness and liberation of being the “black sheep”
✨ Why she chose permanent sterilization—and what that choice gave back to her
✨ Dating while child-free in a conservative culture
✨ Mental health, boundaries, and the power of solitude
✨ Creating a life rooted in purpose, not permission
If you've ever felt out of step with the world around you, this episode will remind you: you’re not broken—you’re building a life on your own damn terms.
From “Ozempic face” to red-light masks to the endless pressure to stay young, thin, and flawless — beauty culture is everywhere. But what happens when self-care turns into self-surveillance? When beauty stops feeling like joy and starts feeling like a bully?
In this week’s Feisty Fridays, Rachel Beck dives into the toxic cycle of self-optimization and why women are constantly told they’re “not enough.” From diet drugs to anti-aging fads, we’re reminded that society doesn’t trust women to own their bodies, their time, or their worth.
You’ll hear:
Why “fixing yourself” keeps women small, busy, and disconnected.
How beauty standards shift just out of reach — and who profits from it.
Why no amount of hotness or health hacks can save us from misogyny.
What it really means to unhook from the hustle and love yourself as you are.
💡 Feisty reminder: You are allowed to age. You are allowed to rest. You are not a product to be perfected — you are already whole.
Stay feisty. Stay free. Stay you. 💋
In this powerful episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, host Rachel Beck sits down with renowned social scientist and author Dr. Bella DePaulo to explore what it really means to live a full, empowered, and joyful life as a single woman.
Together, they challenge the cultural myths around marriage, partnership, and “happily ever after.” Bella introduces her groundbreaking concept of being Single at Heart — a way of living that’s rooted in authenticity, freedom, and the refusal to settle.
They unpack:
Why being single is not a problem to solve
The difference between loneliness and chosen solitude
How singleism (discrimination against singles) impacts everything from housing to healthcare
Why solo living can be powerful, peaceful, and full of love
And how to build a deeply meaningful life outside of traditional family structures
If you’ve ever felt “behind” because you’re not married, questioned whether partnership is right for you, or longed for validation that your single life is complete as it is, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Dr. DePaulo’s work has been featured in The Atlantic, TEDx, Psychology Today, The New York Times, and more — and today, she’s bringing her wisdom straight to this community of bold, independent, growth-minded women.
Listen now and discover why the most powerful love story might just be the one you write on your own.
Follow Dr. Bella DePaulo for the latest on Singlehood:
Social media:
X: @belladepaulo
Bluesky: @belladepaulo.bsky.social
IG: @bellasingleatheart
FB: @belladepaulo
YouTube: @BellaDePaulo
LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bella-depaulo/5/540/286
In this Feisty Fridays mini-sode, host Rachel Beck dives into the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth I—known as the “Virgin Queen”—and the bold choice that defined her reign: never marrying. Drawing from the BBC’s Why the Virgin Queen Never Married, (link to the article here.) Rachel explores how Elizabeth defied the intense pressure to wed, navigated political and personal challenges, and built a 44-year reign on her own terms.
From her rumored love for Robert Dudley to her famous declaration that she was “married to England,” Elizabeth’s story is a masterclass in self-sovereignty, personal power, and rewriting the rules for women.
Rachel connects Elizabeth’s 16th-century defiance to the pressures modern women face today—reminding listeners that choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s sovereign.
Perfect for fans of women’s history, personal empowerment, and the quiet rebellion of living life on your own terms.
Keywords: Queen Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen, women’s history, personal empowerment, choosing yourself, living single, historical women leaders, women and marriage, Cate Blanchett Elizabeth, sovereignty
In this deeply personal solo episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, host Rachel Beck shares her cautionary tale of falling back into a relationship with a narcissistic ex—and how it nearly cost her her sense of self.
From subtle red flags to emotional manipulation, Rachel takes us inside the emotional toll of dating a covert narcissist. She opens up about the gaslighting, the conditional affection, the shame spirals, and the brutal realization that love should never make you feel small.
If you've ever questioned your worth in a relationship, felt like you were constantly “not enough,” or stayed with someone who chipped away at your confidence—this episode is for you.
🎙️ You'll learn:
What narcissistic abuse can really look like (it’s not always obvious)
Why even smart, independent women can fall for these dynamics
How internalized shame and the “expiring woman” narrative keep us stuck
What it really means to reclaim your worth and walk away for good
🔍 Keywords: dating a narcissist, red flags in relationships, narcissistic abuse recovery, emotional abuse, gaslighting, women’s empowerment, leaving toxic relationships, solo podcast, relationship trauma, covert narcissist, healing after narcissism, self-worth, Feisty Heroines
YouTube: @thefeistyheroine
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
Email: thefeistyheroine@gmail.com
In this week’s Feisty Fridays, we’re talking about… pockets. Yep. But don’t let the topic fool you—this one’s about freedom, function, and feminism.
Rachel dives into the surprising history behind why women’s clothes still lack real pockets—and why that matters more than you think. From fake pockets at work to navigating New York City without a bag, she weaves in her own experience and the work of Dr. Hannah Carlson (author of “Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close”).
You’ll learn how the removal of pockets has historically been a tool of control—and how reclaiming these “small freedoms” can be a radical act of independence.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
• Dr. Hannah Carlson’s book: Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close
• NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/books/review/pockets-hannah-carlson-fashion-history.html
• Podcast interview with Jonathan Van Ness and Dr. Hannah Carlson
If you’re tired of fake pockets, fake empowerment, and being told you don’t need space—this one’s for you.
✨ Stay feisty. Stay free. Stay you.
Stay Connected with me:
Instagram - @thefeistyheroine
Website - thefeistyheroine.com
Email - thefeistyheroine@gmail.com
YouTube - @thefeistyheroine
In this powerful episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel sits down with Cheri Bergeron—author and founder of the nonprofit Cheri’s Choice—to unpack the messy, beautiful truth about motherhood on your own terms.
From navigating fertility treatments and donor conception, to challenging toxic relationships and outdated societal timelines, Cheri shares her personal journey to becoming a solo mom later in life—and the hard-earned wisdom that came with it.
Together, we explore:
If you’ve ever questioned the fairytales we’re sold—or wondered if it’s “too late” to become a mom—this conversation will meet you right where you are.
🖊️ Grab her memoir Mission: Motherhood
Learn more about Cheri’s work at cheribergeron.com
Support women taking bold paths to parenthood at cherischoice.com
✨ Keywords: fertility education, motherhood after 40, solo parenting, Cheri Bergeron, donor conception, IVF, women’s empowerment, maternal health, nontraditional motherhood, personal resilience, planning for motherhood, reproductive freedom, Feisty Heroines Podcast, single mom by choice, life after toxic relationships
In this Feisty Fridays mini-sode, Rachel dives into the growing tension between two extremes of modern womanhood: the boss babe hustle and the tradwife trend. Both claim to empower women—but do they really offer freedom?
With the rise of right-wing female influencers and performative femininity on one side, and burnout culture on the other, Rachel calls for a new path—one where women reclaim their time, their voice, and their own damn lives.
She also shares a quick reflection on being featured in a recent Wall Street Journal article exploring how younger generations are redefining success—and why that redefinition matters now more than ever. Link to the article: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/why-success-is-quieter-for-younger-americans-6979e048?st=MaAZkG&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
If you're tired of trying to be everything for everyone—or shrinking yourself to fit outdated expectations—this one's for you.
✨ It’s not about choosing a side. It’s about choosing yourself.
🔑 Keywords: modern womanhood, tradwives, boss babe burnout, right-wing influencers, Wall Street Journal, redefining success, feminism, solo journey, financial independence, Feisty Heroines, women’s empowerment
What happens when a successful attorney trades the office for the open road? In this episode, Sara Wardlow (@justiceonthemove) shares her journey into van life and solo travel, revealing how a nomadic lifestyle opened the door to deep personal growth, healing, and radical self-discovery.
We talk about challenging societal expectations, redefining success, and the freedom that comes from living on your own terms. From balancing a legal career with adventure to understanding attachment styles and cultivating financial independence, Sara’s story is a bold reminder that women don’t have to follow the script—they can write their own.
🎙️ Topics we cover:
Van life and nomadic living
Solo female travel and empowerment
Financial independence and self-worth
Redefining success, career, and relationships
Reinvention, healing, and choosing freedom
Please follow/contact me at:
Instagram: @thefeistyheroine
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
Email: thefeistyheroine@gmail.com
This week, I’m sharing what happened when I finally sat down to watch Barbie with my mom—and why it didn’t go the way I hoped. From smashed baby dolls to America Ferrera’s monologue, the film hit me in all the ways it was meant to… but for my mom? Not so much.
In this episode, I unpack the generational gap between women who grew up surviving patriarchy and those of us now daring to question it. We talk about marriage, independence, motherhood, and the quiet tension between honoring where we come from—and building something different.
If you’ve ever felt misunderstood by your mother or struggled to explain your freedom to someone who didn’t have that luxury, this one's for you.
Follow me/contact me:
Instagram: @thefeistyheroine
Website: thefeistyheroine.com
Email: thefeistyheroine@gmail.com