Your Kick Ass Life Podcast

Hunter Clarke-Fields, a mindful parenting expert, joins me to explore the nuanced journey of parenting, mindfulness, and self-care. Hunter hosts the Mindful Parenting Podcast and is a global speaker and bestselling author of "Raising Good Humans" and "Raising Good Humans Every Day." Together, we talk about her personal experiences and insights on integrating mindfulness practices into daily life. In this episode, we also discuss strategies for parents struggling with overwhelm and the broader applications of reparenting and mindfulness for all adults. Whether you are a parent or not, this episode promises to be insightful and transformative. You’ll hear: How Hunter began integrating mindfulness practices into her life. (8:00) Ways to practice self-awareness and mindfulness. (10:36) Hunter’s take on whether we focus on our children too much or overparent. (18:27) How exploring our history and upbringing can help us understand and reparent ourselves. (28:25) Resources: Private Coaching with Andrea Subscr

This week, we're diving into attachment styles and how they impact our lives professionally and personally. Kerra Bolten joins me for this conversation about shit that matters. For those new to this type of episode, it’s a conversation I have with friends or associates who aren’t necessarily experts on the topic but wish to share thoughts and insights. Kerra and I connected on LinkedIn and bonded over the topic of anxious attachment styles after I shared a post about it. Now you get to enjoy the conversation that culminated from our connection! In this episode, we dive into the complexities of anxious attachment styles and share our personal stories, the dynamics of anxious versus avoidant attachment, and how cultural and familial influences shape our relationship patterns. We also discuss the journey of self-awareness, personal growth beyond codependency, and strategies for fostering healthier relationships.  You’ll hear: Anxious Attachment - what is it anyway? (5:22) We both share some of our experiences

A friend and I recently were having a back and forth about love and relationships and our quest to learn and grow from them. I said to him, “All the men I’ve loved and cared about in my life have disappointed me and left me in some way or another. Family members included. Every one.”  My friend pushed back and said, “You may not like what I’m about to say, but I think that’s a limiting belief.”  Ugh.  And recently, I stumbled upon a listener question…Colleen M. asks, “How do we actually get rid of limiting beliefs? I know you have covered this before but dig deeper to not just recognize them but banishing them.” In this short minisode, you’ll hear my reaction to my friend's opinion of my own limiting belief and my answer to Colleen’s question.  Resources from this episode:  My psychedelic therapy journey Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations

This week, we are exploring the fascinating realm of brain science and behavior patterns with our special guest, Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH. Dr. Bobinet has dedicated a significant portion of her career to studying the intricacies of the human brain and how it influences our behavior.  At the heart of our discussion lies the habenula, a crucial brain region implicated in fear, motivation, and behavior control. Dr. Bobinet sheds light on how tapping into the power of the habenula can help us neutralize failure and unleash our inner wisdom and strength. You’ll hear: The habenula (a part of the brain) and its connection to fear, motivation, and the most powerful behavior controller that we face. (6:10) The solution to chronic anxiety of failing and negativity bias (16:08) How standard methods like tracking, dieting, and goal-setting often backfire by triggering the habenula’s “failure detection” (28:22) Iteration is the solution. “Everything is performative; we need to make it iteration.” (32:16) Resources: Pri

Before we get into today’s episode, I have a private podcast feed for anyone interested in my journey through psychedelic therapy. I’m starting with Ketamine therapy and then moving into Psilocybin. It’s free and just like the regular podcast, but you do need to sign up to be notified.  Is Ketamine Therapy right for you? And what does it actually feel like during a session? Joining me to discuss its workings, sensations, and post-session integration is Kristin Arden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and Lead Clinician at Mindbloom. Previously on the podcast, we heard from my friend Brendan Fitzgibbons about his Ketamine Therapy experience. This time, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Kristin, a healthcare professional working directly in the field of Ketamine Therapy. Kristin addresses key questions like when to consider this therapy, detailing what a session entails and its effects. You’ll hear: What is ketamine therapy, and how it works (7:27) Kristin answers, “Is ketamine therapy for everyone? When should

It’s been a long time since I got divorced the first time in 2006. It was also a much different situation and we didn’t have kids. Kids throw a whole different level of complication and sadness to it.  In this minisode, I talk about the process of getting separated and then divorced, and the things that are taking me OUT while doing so.  Things like packing up…looking at my bathroom drawers empty.  Finding old pictures and cards while packing up of the years passed.  And more.  I end the episode talking about how multiple feelings and experiences can be true…you can feel grief and sadness for what’s ending to the nth degree, and also hope, excitement and optimism for what’s to come. That, we’re at choice about.  Resources from this episode:  Write Your Way Through It is open for registration  Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy

Female friendships are meaningful, yet we still tend to put them on the back burner. That is why I invited guest Danielle Jackson back to the show. Previously, we talked about how to make friends, and in this episode, we talk about how to make deeper connections with women in friendship. Danielle Bayard Jackson is a certified friendship coach and national speaker dedicated to teaching women how to create and maintain meaningful female friendships. We can never have enough episodes about female friendships; I really hope you enjoy this episode! You’ll hear: The three "affinities" that bring women together (and tear them apart) (6:39) What’s the deal around gossip? Is it good or not? (8:24) The nine most challenging "friend types" (11:25) How to have hard conversations with a friend (13:46) The way female friendships are depicted in today’s media, specifically on reality tv (18:53) How to know if a friendship is worth saving (27:55) Resources:  Write Your Way Through It Registration is Open! Subscribe

This week, we have a repeat guest as Dr. John Duffy returns to the show! We explore mental health and the difference between young men and women. Dr. Duffy also shares insights from his work and book Rescuing Our Sons: 8 Solutions to Our Crisis of Disaffected Teen Boys (A Psychologist's Roadmap). But wait - this episode is not just for parents. For non-parent listeners, we also talk about the effects of anxiety and how to manage it as well as what to say (and not say) when it comes to grief and interacting with those who are grieving.  Dr. John Duffy is a Chicago-based clinical psychologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and national media expert. He has been in vigorous private practice for 25 years, specializing in work with adolescents, young adults, and their parents.  You’ll hear: Exploring the nuances of therapy sessions between young women and young men, plus factors contributing to these disparities (5:19) What Dr. Duffy means when he says we are experiencing a "crisis of disaffected boys" (

You’ve probably heard me mention here and there on various podcast episodes about psychedelic therapy. I’ve had a few experts who talk about its benefits (episodes 551 with Dr. Ellen Vora and 560 with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi).  It’s been an incredibly interesting topic to me, but as someone in long-term recovery, I assumed it wasn’t for me.  However, after doing extensive research and finding out that a) There is a community of people in recovery who support each other in their journey towards using psychedelics for addiction and recovery, b) the research shows psychedelics are not addictive, and 3) psychedelics when used properly have been shown to help people who struggle with anxiety, addiction, depression, ADHD and other mental health challenges, I decided to take the plunge.  If you’d like to follow along in my journey, I’m making a private podcast feed to chronicle it all. I’ll go more in depth as to why I’ve chosen to do this, talk about the different options, tell you how my experience was with each one, an

Brendan Fitzgibbons returns to the podcast this week as we explore his transformative experience with psychedelic therapy. Brendan shares his personal journey as to why he chose to take the psychedelic therapy route and how it has profoundly impacted him. Brendan is the host of the popular podcast, “Spiritual Asshole,” writer, and actor.  If you are a frequent listener, you are familiar with my endless curiosity about psychedelic therapy. My conversation with Brendan was truly enlightening. Tune in as we chat about psychedelics and their potential as a catalyst for healing and personal growth. And you’ll hear about my decision to start this myself and take you on my journey!  You’ll hear: Why Brendan chose to take the psychedelic therapy route (7:30) The importance of experiencing psychedelic therapy in a safe and supportive environment (16:00) How has Mushrooms, and Ketamine Therapy helped Brendan with rumination and worry? What has integration looked like? (30:19) Resources:  Write Your Way Through It

Vanessa Cornell joins me for a conversation about the complexities women face in balancing personal identity, ambition, and self-care. Through her work, Vanessa has become a curious observer of the human condition and a leading voice in parenting empowerment, helping moms to overcome the constant guilt, shame, and pressures that plague modern motherhood to live a fully actualized life free from mom-guilt and mom-burnout. Our conversation is not just for moms but all women trying to find the balance between work, life, and self-care.  In this episode, Vanessa shares her journey and insights on redefining success, the cultural pressures women navigate, and the importance of self-awareness and setting boundaries. We also explore societal expectations of women, the challenge of 'having it all,' and advice for cultivating joy. You’ll hear: How do you “do it all” and not lose your relationship with yourself? (6:03) The crisis of loneliness (18:25) What self-care looks like for women in 2024 (19:22) Living a lif

If you’ve listened to the podcast for any length of time, you know I’m a fan of journaling. My relationship with journaling has ebbed and flowed over the years, but one thing always remains the same: When I do it, it’s always helpful to me.  Creating art this way makes meaning of what’s happening in your life. The things you’re struggling with, the things that confuse you, feelings and emotions, and really anything.  I’ve compiled a list of questions for you to journal on, no matter where you are in your life. I’ve also made a handy-dandy PDF for you to print out (or use online) to dig even deeper (the PDF has 5 follow-up questions for you to answer for each question).  Visit http://andreaowen.com/593 to download the PDF! What am I hiding from?  Where do I want to be headed?  What kind of person do I want to be?  Resources for this episode:  Write Your Way Through It is open for registration!  Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of b

Coaching episodes are back! This week, I coached Michelle about shame resilience, the distinction between feeling and thinking about emotions, and how to practice self-compassion. I walk Michelle through these crucial aspects of personal growth, offering insights and strategies to navigate the challenges of self-discovery. At the end, you'll also hear an update from me about Michelle's openness to taking action toward her desired outcome. In this episode, we explore The feeling of being less than or unworthy (7:46) A crash course on shame resilience (11:57) Figuring out and naming your values (33:36) What feeling your emotions looks like versus thinking about them (35:00) How to practice self-compassion and give yourself grace while doing the work (37:48) Resources:  Write Your Way Through It Registration is Open! Apply to be coached on the podcast How to Stop Feeling Like Shit Kristen Neff Burnout, Emily Nagoski PhD, Amelia Nagoski DMA Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and

Brett Larkin joins me for a conversation about yoga. If you’ve followed me for some time then you know all about my push-pull relationship with yoga. What I love about Brett is that she talks about and teaches yoga from a practical standpoint. Brett is the founder of Uplifted Yoga® and the author of Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos. Her book, Yoga Life, explores finding the ritual, poses, and breathing that works for you—as opposed to subscribing to a specific yoga modality or practice, which we also discussed throughout our conversation.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Brett’s definition of yoga. TLDR: it’s not about poses; it’s about awareness. (5:18) Fun yoga habits anyone can practice without getting on a mat, like: “Forget the poses. Focus on your breathing.” (10:00) Belly breathing, how to do it, and the benefits of breathing (16:35) Brett answers, “What is the Chakra System?” (22:30) The benefit of designing your own yoga ritual rather than following along wi

This week, I am excited to introduce you to Casey O’Roarty as she joins me for a conversation about parenting and the complexities of adolescence, strategies for emotional regulation, and how to shift behaviors for personal growth.  Whether you’re a parent of teens or not, this episode is definitely worth a listen. While we do discuss some of the obstacles and life lessons we face as parents, we also explore how to recognize behavior patterns we wish to change and how to strengthen the variety of relationships in our lives. Casey is a facilitator of personal growth and development whose work encourages parents of teens to discover the purpose of their journey while also providing them with tools and a shift of mindset that allows them to deepen their relationships with themselves and their families. In this episode, you’ll hear: Centering the relationship you have with your teens: what this means and what it looks like (5:06) Adolescence presents a challenging phase - it's not a reflection of your parentin

As you probably have heard by now, I’m going through a major life change (if you missed that minisode in July, check out episode 540 HERE.) A few weeks ago I released a minisode (episode 586 HERE) about how I’m getting through it, and today’s episode is part two where I’m taking you with me around more of the how.  In this minisode, I’m revealing what I’m doing to get myself to where I want to go. I’m hoping it can be helpful for you to see what the work looks like in real time.  First up, is getting really clear on what I want. I’ve broken my life into parts, and every day I do some journaling focusing on those parts:  My kids My home My income  My health My love life  As well as what I’m grateful for.  I also talk about how in this part of my life, for the first time, I’m betting on myself. I’m leaning into all parts of myself, which includes all of my emotions. I’m feeling my feelings full out. The joy, the sadness, the anger and sometimes rage, the hope, the fear too. I’m learning to really, truly trust m

Courtney Meyers joins me on the podcast for a conversation about owning your story, expressing yourself through journaling, and navigating change. Courtney is an Emmy Nominated Writer and Producer, best-selling ghostwriter, and host of the Intentional Living with Courtney Meyers breakout podcast. Tune in to this episode as we discuss embracing change, self-expression, and the transformative power of storytelling. In this episode, you’ll hear: The power of sharing your story and its role in fostering connections (4:06) Are you hesitant to write a memoir because of how it might involve or impact others? Courtney offers advice on dealing with sensitive topics in storytelling (12:35)  Navigating change: We’re constantly navigating it and have to embrace it. For complex changes, you must give time to mourn and grieve what was and is becoming. (15:19) The benefits of journaling and how it can assist with self-discovery and growth. (20:00) Manifesting and being aware of the opportunities in front of us (24:39)

I welcome guest Anna Tsui, and together, we discuss concepts around manifesting, self-trust, and tapping into our genius. Anna, a seasoned leadership coach and international speaker, shares her profound insights into the natural manifestation of our existence and the pivotal role self-trust plays in believing in ourselves. Throughout our conversation, Anna draws from her experience as an entrepreneur and author to empower others to be their true selves. We explore the transformative power of self-trust and embracing one's unique genius, challenging conventional views and offering invaluable wisdom for those seeking self-discovery in the face of life's challenges. In this episode, you’ll hear: About manifestation as a natural outcome of our existence (3:28) The act of self-trust and believing in yourself (9:16) Anna explains her belief that the patriarchy has co-opted the word genius. (13:38) How to tap into your genius and the link between genius and authenticity (14:52) Shadow patterns and how they show

“Maybe you can’t see it yet, but you can feel it. You can sense it. Somewhere deep within, you know—something is happening that you can’t quite see. Energy that is working in your favor. Tiny synchronicities aligning in perfect timing. A shift happening in the universe that you can feel deep down in your bones.

I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramani Durvasula as we explore healing from narcissistic relationships. It’s been a minute since we covered this topic and my guest today has a plethora of insight. Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles and the author of her upcoming book, “It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People.” She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. "Narcissistic" has become a prevalent buzzword in today's social media landscape. In this episode, Dr. Ramani discusses common harmful behaviors in relationships, regardless of narcissistic traits. She explains trauma bonding and its distinct nature. Additionally, she offers insights into post-narcissistic relationship dynamics and addresses the role of codependence in healing. In this episode, you’ll hear: The behaviors Dr. Ramani sees most often that are harmful in relationships – whether the person perpetuating them is a narcissist or not. (4:09) Trauma bonding and how