Your Kick Ass Life Podcast

We’ve come to the final episode in the series all about how we heal ourselves, next week we’ll begin a series on relationships, woohoo! But first, Dr. Shyamala Kiru is here to talk about emotional intelligence and communication skills. Together we talk about how to leverage your emotional intelligence and master every area of your life.  Dr . Shyamala is an ex-therapist turned relationship and leadership expert with 20 years of experience. The EQ Code, her global coaching company, trains professional women to master their emotions, communicate fearlessly, and lead with confidence so they can execute their whole mission at a whole new level. We talk about: What emotional intelligence actually looks like (4:52) Dr. Shyamala explains the connection between our emotional intelligence and our capacity for success, both personally and professionally (6:58) The four pillars of the EQ code and how each pillar helps women master every area of their life (12:55) Can your communication skills make or break success?

I am so pumped for you to listen to my conversation with registered dietician Megan Hadley! We are talking all about how to recover from diet culture. Megan is a nutrition therapist and owner of Simple Nutrition, a nutrition counseling practice in Greensboro, NC and founder of Fork the Food Rules, a membership for people who have decided not to diet.  Together we discuss Megan’s belief that all bodies are good bodies and that from cake to kale, all foods are good foods. We explore how to shift and transform your thoughts about food, how to determine what healthy means for you, and some ways to step towards a healthy relationship with your body and food. We talk about: The most common pitfalls of failed healthy habits with high-achieving women (3:53) When you feel shame about the food you put into your body, it affects the way you show up in the world (6:21) Helping women determine what is healthy for them (11:07) Strategies to manage the guilt and shame that some women feel about not achieving health goal

It’s my birthday! And I have some words of wisdom.    I racked my brain with what to share on this week’s minisode, and decided to bring you what’s on my mind as I take another trip around the sun. In this minisode you’ll hear:  What I keep telling myself when I find that I’m judging others, or even myself.  My thoughts on aging in general.  An update on the process of growing out my grey hair (did I change my mind?!) http://andreaowen.com/443   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I am talking about emotional regulation with Eliah Prichard. This was such an insightful conversation around boundary setting and more. Eliah is an educator, coach, and founder of The Rebound Way. We also talk about emotional empowerment, how to speak your truth, and regulate emotions rather than mirror those around you. Eliah helps people who are ready to feel epic in their bodies and confident in expressing their unique identity. Her hope is to equip people with the tools they need to adapt effectively to change in their lives.  We talk about:  Self-abandonment as a behavior: how it manifests and what it looks like (5:44) The best place to start with boundary setting is learning how to regulate your emotions (12:33) Eliah shares an experience from childhood where embarrassment trumped physical pain (19:10) Using feelings an indicator for growth and change (22:31) What to do if you break down or get emotional during a boundary-setting conversation (16:01) “When you learn to be with your own e

This week’s guest, Christine Gibson caught my attention on TikTok. In several of her videos, she talks about two types of therapy, top-down and bottom-up therapy. In this episode, she joins me to talk about therapeutic modalities, like EFT, for healing trauma. We also explore the powerful ways our body responds in connection with our nervous system to trauma. Christine is a family doctor and trauma therapist in Calgary, Canada. She has studied systems thinking, the use of storytelling towards healing, and created a residency training program in health equity. We talk about: Christine shares how the EFT modality can help with healing trauma. (5:59) The 2 types of trauma therapy: top-down (talk-based work) and bottom-up (body-based work). (9:00) Christine explains the Polyvagal Theory and how the different parts of the nervous system respond to stress. (18:31) We explore just how deeply the body and the brain are connected. (31:54) If someone is certain they have experienced trauma, Christine offers some

Recently I received an email from a woman, let’s call her Jennifer, who’d read How To Stop Feeling Like Shit and had a question; specifically about how to know when it’s your inner-critic speaking about a new endeavor, or when it’s actually factual. Here’s her question:  So, how do you know if it’s just you berating yourself or the possibility that you’re just not good enough? I mean, in reality, we have things that we are not meant to do no matter how much effort we put in. So how do we know? When will we know?  I am originally from the theatre industry. The pandemic gave me the chance to try out new things besides acting. So now, I’m in the marketing field, totally different from what I usually do, and trying my best to work my way up. There are doubts and failures along the way. So how do I know that they are just doubts and negative thoughts or that I’m just not fit for the job? How do I know when to give up? When to accept the fact that this isn’t for me? How do I know that something is just a fact and n

We have talked about EMDR on the show previously as a treatment for trauma. This week, Vanessa Pezo joins me to discuss how EMDR can be used for the treatment of other types of distress like performance anxiety or even common fears, like the fear of flying. We also discuss narrative exposure therapy, creativity as a tool for healing, and the complexity of trauma therapy for crime victims.   Vanessa Pezo, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed therapist and trauma specialist based in Long Beach, CA. In her private practice, Vanessa specializes in serving diverse survivors of complex trauma using EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative exposure therapy, and somatic techniques to help survivors of trauma find healing and recovery.  We talk about: How EMDR can help with the treatment of other types of distress. (5:59) Narrative exposure therapy (NET): what it is and how it helps. (15:25) NET often uses writing as a way to reflect on past experiences. Vanessa speaks about using creativity as a tool for healing. (19

This week I am talking to Bethany Webster about the mother wound. Bethany says, “When we are children and our mothers harm us, they are to blame. They are adults and are responsible for us. But as we grow up and turn into adults, it then becomes our responsibility to do the healing within ourselves. If you can walk the path of healing the mother wound and inner mothering, the rewards are so rich.”  Bethany is a writer, international speaker, and transformational coach. She started blogging in 2013 about the Mother Wound and quickly experienced worldwide demand for her work. Through blending research on intergenerational trauma, feminist theory, and psychology with her own personal story, Bethany's work is the result of decades of research and her own journey of healing. If you have a great relationship with your mother, don’t turn this episode off! Even if you have or had a good relationship with her, we can still struggle with some mother-wounding. Tune into this episode to hear about what the mother wound i

Today’s minisode revolves around codependency. Many years ago, when I was in my 20s and in a difficult relationship, my therapist told me I was codependent. I read Melody Beattie’s Codependent No More and saw so much of myself in it. I highlighted all the symptoms and to be honest, at the time, I wasn’t totally clear on what I had to do to solve the problem. In this minisode, I’ll talk about:  Some common symptoms of codependency, as well as how it looked in my life when I was deep in it.  A quote from my friend and therapist Britt Frank about why she’s not a fan of the current narrative that surrounds codependency  What I wish I would have learned early on that would have helped me get better help  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Britt Frank is back on the show! Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP is a trauma therapist, teacher, and speaker who specializes in the "Science of Stuck." She is one of my favorite therapists who offers another perspective on personal development.  In this episode we discuss what Britt believes to be some of the inaccurate information the mental health and wellness world teaches us and how that information impacts our personal development journey. Britt’s goal is to educate, empower, and equip people to transform even their most persistent and long-standing patterns of thinking and doing. You’re going to love this conversation, I have no doubt.  You’ll hear:  The parts of us that people typically hate are the parts that are trying to protect us. (7:17) Why Britt says, “Depression is debilitating but it is NOT a chemical imbalance.” (11:38) Why addiction is NOT a disease. (15:35) We need to understand behavior function in order to get to behavior change. (19:29) If we could change our inner monologue to an inne

I love learning about different trauma therapies and giving you options to find specialists who can help you heal. TikTok is rife with mental health professionals giving sound advice. I first came to know this week’s guest, Simone Saunders, when I saw her Tiktok video about a symptom of trauma: a sense of a foreshortened future.  Simone is a mental health and wellness-based content creator and licensed therapist. She is known for creating content that breaks down psychoeducational topics into digestible pieces, normalizing mental health issues, and giving an inside look at the therapy process. Together, Simone and I have a conversation about Accelerated Resolution Therapy, understanding internal family systems, and unpacking the various symptoms of trauma and failed attachment in childhood.  You’ll hear: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and how it helps reprogram the way in which traumatic memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions.

Giselle Owen, mascot of the podcast, lover of her Dirty Baby and popcorn, my right-hand girl, my soul dog passed away peacefully in my arms on Wednesday, February 16th. Part of this episode is a tribute to her.  I open the podcast with a little follow up to episode 432– the episode on humiliation with Amy Smith. I had the biggest vulnerability hangover after airing that show, I couldn’t believe I released an episode that had me break down in tears for y’all to hear. However, that was my fear talking, saying I should pull the episode, and I could see that pretty quickly. In this minisode I give you my thoughts on that.  Lastly, I talk about dogs, a quick history on how we got Giselle, and the epiphany I had the day after she died about one of the reasons people love dogs so much.  Thank you for listening, and thank you to those of you who have watched Giselle over the years on my Instagram stories and who even knew her toys names! She was such a good dog, and I am in the throes of grief without her. If you wou

I first met this week’s guest, Christie Tate, at a book festival last year. I quickly realized that since we are on the theme of therapy and healing ourselves, she would be an interesting addition to the series. Christie is a lawyer who wrote about her experience in group therapy and her debut memoir about her adventures in life transformation through group therapy is called Group--How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life.  On paper, Christie explains that her life was great. But inward, she was depressed, lonely, and isolated. She eventually agreed to go to therapy. In this episode, she shares her experience with getting psychologically and emotionally naked in a room of six complete strangers—a psychotherapy group—and how in turn she found human connection, and ultimately, herself.  You’ll hear: Christie shares what led her to therapy in the first place and shares her journey to group therapy. (6:23) Group therapy: what it’s really like. (8:41) The highs and lows of group therapy. Christ

This week I have a conversation about shit that matters with unqualified people to share with you. My bestie, Amy Green Smith, helps me unpack the emotional damage humiliation has caused me for so many years and let it be seen for what it is.  I had been told by a well-meaning friend that humiliation wasn’t something I should feel. After all, the things that happened to me (my ex-husband cheating on me) weren't my fault. Together Amy and I unpack the weight of humiliation, shame, and self-worth. By the end of this episode, I finally settled into the notion that healing is truly a one-day at a time journey. We explore: How earth-shattering it is to actually feel seen. If it is painful to you, it is valid. My inner teenager is pissed. We are all navigating trauma, personally and generationally. Unpacking trauma is labor! There is a tremendous weight of being the one in the family to carry the emotional load. And finally, from Amy, “We all have our shit and we are never done doing the work. There is an element i

Around 2013, I had a shoulder injury that turned into something called “Frozen Shoulder”, and later had to have surgery. I wanted to use this story as a metaphor for our emotional wounds and healing. In this minisode, I tell the story and you’ll also hear:  What I had to do before surgery for months, that we all do in different ways when it comes to our emotional lives.  How we all build up scar tissue and what we can do about it.  What we do afterward; when it comes to both surgery for an injury and healing our internal emotional wounds.  If you’re wanting to learn some amazing coping mechanisms, consider joining me and other like-minded women for one of my upcoming retreats. We’re gathering in May for a non-recovery retreat, and again in September, for a recovery-focused retreat.  http://andreaowen.com/431   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever been interested in learning about Transmagnetic Stimulation (TMS), genetic screening, and being diagnosed with ADHD - then you are in the right place! This week, Dr. Sasha Hamdani joins me to talk about all of those topics and more.  Like several of the past guests in the series on healing, I found Dr. Hamdani on TikTok. Y’all, Mental Health is a big topic over there! Dr. Hamdani is a Board Certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist. In addition to her private practice, she has a robust social media following across multiple platforms where she provides accessible and accurate information about ADHD. I am excited to introduce you to her and the work she does in the area of mental health and healing. You’ll hear: Dr. Hamdani and I both share our ADHD diagnosis stories and then discuss whether or not someone can someone have symptoms of ADHD but not have ADHD. (9:18) Transmagnetic Stimulation (TMS): what it is, who it can help, and how it helps. (16:44) How you can prepare for your first meeti

We are continuing down our path answering the question, how do we heal. My friend, Sherianna Boyle is back on the show, this time to talk about emotions. We can’t have a theme around healing without talking specifically about our emotions, because they are so important to the healing process.  Sherianna is the author of ten books including her latest Emotional Detox Now: 135 Self-Guided Practices to Renew Your Mind, Heart & Spirit. In this episode, we discuss the power of cleansing our emotions in order to get to a place of healing. Sherianna also offers her insight on the benefits of cleansing practices and how they can transform your attitude, focus, and energy. You’ll hear: What it means to cleanse challenging feelings and emotions. (5:48) The difference between a feeling and a reaction to a feeling. (8:07) The seven-step practice of emotional detox using the acronym CLEANSE. (18:51) The benefits of a cleansing practice. (20:27) How emotions can support a great life right now. (31:47) Tell-tale signs

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been hearing from some amazing therapists and experts in the field of inner work. We’ve heard about attachment styles, epigenetics, family roles, and more. And over this time I’ve been heavily pondering the question, Do we ever truly heal?  In this minisode, you’ll hear:  My opinion on healing– in other words, what does that actually mean?  The one question you need to ask yourself and bring that answer to your therapist  The steps necessary to take before you begin your healing journey Don’t forget, if you’d like transcripts to this episode (and any episode!), simply go to the episode page.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We continue our conversation about healing ourselves with guest Melissa Parks! Melissa is a licensed therapist who specializes in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and trauma therapy. I learned about her work through TikTok when she kept appearing on my For You Page. I have since come to learn just how insightful she is around the topic of attachment styles and the modalities she uses in her practice. In this episode, we explore some of the modalities, such as EMDR and Somatic therapy. Melissa also describes the four different attachment styles, anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure; and how they may manifest in our lives. She also explains how we can move through rigidity (avoidant or anxious, for example), to a place of security and healing. You’ll hear: EMDR: what it is and what symptoms it can help treat. Plus, it is not just a modality for treating trauma, it can be used for treating anxiety, depression or even lack of motivation. (6:47) Melissa explains how attachment styles are like strategie

Healing ourselves from past trauma can be done through different avenues and modalities. As we continue the theme of healing, author and neuroscience educator, Sarah Peyton, joins me for a conversation about epigenetics, disorganized attachment styles, and self-expression. Sarah uses resonant language to heal trauma with exquisite and warm gentleness. In this episode, she helps us understand the effects of generational trauma and offers insight on how we can heal ourselves. And, y’all, her voice is so soothing and comforting. I know you are going to enjoy this episode. You’ll hear: Sarah’s time-travel empathy process and how it may help with the healing of generational trauma. (7:13) Epigenetics, including what it is, and how it reveals itself in our lives. (11:59) Attachment styles: disorganized, avoidant, etc. (25:50) What stops us from easy self-expression. (29:52) The unconscious contracts we make with ourselves. (33:19) http://andreaowen.com/426 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice