Your Kick Ass Life Podcast

I have a guest duo episode for you this week! Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, hosts of the acclaimed podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood, join me for a conversation about navigating family drama.  In this episode, Amy and Margaret unravel the complexities of relationships and setting boundaries in a world filled with chaos makers. Tune in as we explore strategies for identifying and dealing with these challenging individuals, discuss the nuances of conflict resolution, and delve into the delicate art of establishing boundaries.   Join us for an insightful conversation with wisdom, laughter, and practical advice! In this episode, you’ll hear: Identifying and dealing with the “crazymakers” in your life (4:27) Conflict avoidant? Hear what we think about the term and how we handle conflict that comes up in our lives (13:23) Boundaries and having hard conversations (23:05) When is it time to go no contact with someone who creates chaos in your life? (37:56) Resources:  Subscribe to my n

With so much advice out there on journaling, and with so many options, I thought it might be helpful to talk about my daily journaling routine.  In this short episode, you’ll hear me riff on how I’ve been inconsistent with my own journaling practice, and how grace is the key to keep getting back into it when you need it.  My current journaling practice takes me less than 5 minutes a day (and tbh, I don’t do it every day), but based on my history, can certainly make a huge impact in both my personal and professional life.  Last, you’ll hear me make a special announcement

I am excited to welcome guest Stefani Goerlich to the podcast this week! We discuss the intricate nuances of kink, vanilla, and everything in between. Stefani is a seasoned sex therapist and master social worker renowned for her expertise in gender, sexuality, and relationships.  Stefani explores the evolving landscape of sexual expression, challenging conventional norms and offering profound insights into the diverse spectrum of human desire. Throughout the episode, Stefani eloquently unpacks the multifaceted world of kink, debunking myths and misconceptions. With candor and compassion, she addresses the apprehensions surrounding discussions of kink, offering practical strategies for introducing alternative sexual practices within relationships and dismantling stigmas associated with BDSM and ethical non-monogamy.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Stefani defines kink as anything unusual for a specific place or time. She explains how the definition of kinky often evolves and varies across cultures (4:23) High

I have another listener request episode for you! Megan Hadley returns to tackle the sensitive topic of disordered eating, including some of the common symptoms high-achieving women experience and tools about how to get help.  Megan provides practical advice on recognizing when to seek help, offering hope for those navigating the complexities of their relationship with food and body image. Whether grappling with disordered eating or seeking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers invaluable insights and a roadmap toward healing. In this episode, you’ll hear: The most common Eating Disorder in high-achieving women (6:13) Megan answers, “When should someone seek help, and what might that look like?” (9:28) If you know you have a problem, Megan provides insight on the best route for getting help (17:28) What the “other side” of eating disorder recovery looks like (28:08) Body image and what we should be striving for (40:16) The Health At Every Size Movement (44:11) Resources:  Private Coachi

We have another listener request minisode! She asked for a theme on taking up space and everything that comes along with it.  Since this is one of my favorite topics and I just happened to write a book– Make Some Noise–  that contains a chapter with this topic, I thought I’d read a few excerpts from it, and riff on those niche topics.  First up, I get into what taking up space really looks like, and how it shows up in our lives.  Then is why we don’t take up space and what it’s costing us. Like, why does it matter?  And finally, I spend some time talking about the how. How do we take up space and what does it look like to do the work to get us there!  Thanks so much for tuning in, and please look for two things coming up– group programs to be released, and our podcast listener/community survey!  Resources from this episode:  Make Some Noise 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 ou

Dr. Ellen Vora returns to the podcast! You may remember her from our previous episode about anxiety, insomnia, and depression. You can think of this as part two of the conversation, where we talk a little bit more about anxiety and also dig deeper into hormone health and autoimmune disease.   Ellen Vora, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and author of The Anatomy of Anxiety. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Listen to gain practical strategies for your holistic health and well-being. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The landscape for healing your gut can be overwhelming - Dr. Ellen explains some steps to get started(12:23) Advice for taking action on causes that matter and balancing the anxiety that usually comes with it (17:35) Some ways to gently nudge yourself back toward better hormone balance (15:16) Dr. Ellen provides an overview of some of the endocrine disrupters we shoul

This week, we are diving into therapeutic modalities with Crystle A. Lampitt, a licensed therapist, speaker, and trauma specialist. Crystle's journey from self-sabotage, burnout, and dysfunctional relationships to becoming an advocate for alignment and self-trust is truly inspiring. In this episode, discover the power of NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model), a therapeutic approach that blends somatic and cognitive theories to guide individuals through trauma processing and integration. Plus, Crystle sheds light on the intricacies of self-sabotage, unraveling its origins and impact on our lives.  Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into healing, understanding self-sabotage, and embracing the path to self-trust. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Crystle introduces us to the therapeutic modality NARM, which incorporates both somatic (body-informed) and cognitive theories to help us process and integrate trauma. (5:10) Self-sabotage: what is it, and how can we stop? (24:00) Our adaptive survival strate

Today’s minisode comes from another listener request! She wanted to know more about how to overcome insecurities to achieve BIG goals. Below you’ll find some of the exercises and questions I talk about in this minisode, but make sure you listen in to get the whole enchilada.  Big goals are a long game, so let’s first talk logistics.  First, break down what you want to do into smaller chunks, and then from there, even smaller. Sometimes it can help to look at the reality of what you’re trying to accomplish, and then remind yourself that you’re one human, and it’s going to take time, perseverance, and grace.  Next, I’m going to give you some questions and exercises to do that will help you break them down so you can work through them and hopefully overcome them.  Let’s start with why is this goal important to you? Does it honor your values? How do you anticipate it’ll make you feel when you reach it? Is this goal solely important to you, or is it important to you that you reach this goal so others will perceive

This week’s episode is based on a listener's request about how to recover from the betrayal of infidelity. Michelle Mays joins me to discuss cheating, the betrayal bind, and solutions for healing. Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and expert in treating sexual betrayal and trauma. She is the author of the new book The Betrayal Bind: How to Heal When the Person You Love the Most Has Hurt You the Worst, and she is the founder of the Center for Relational Recovery in Northern Virginia outside of DC.  In this episode, you’ll hear about: Cheating and what makes sexual betrayal so devastating and problematic? (3:37) The betrayal bind is what happens when we experience betrayal at the hands of our most significant other. (8:08) Every betrayed partner goes through three specific injuries. (16:08) The role of gaslighting when a partner is cheating (19:54) Michelle answers, “Can you actually heal from betrayal and cheating?” (28:08) “Your relationship may not be salvageable, but you can absolutely hea

This week, a former client turned podcast guest, Rebecca, bravely opens up about her journey through infertility. Rebecca shares the highs, lows, and everything in between, providing a genuine and vulnerable perspective on her challenges. This episode goes beyond the struggles of infertility, delving into the experience of coming out on the other side without the expected prize. Rebecca sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of finding joy in a childless existence, walking through grief, and looking for support.  Whether you've personally faced infertility, know someone who has, or are just curious about the realities of the journey, this conversation provides a compassionate glimpse into a story that resonates with many. Rebecca's openness and courage in sharing her narrative offer solace and understanding to listeners who may find comfort and connection in her words. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Rebecca opens up and shares her fertility story (4:28) Reconciling the grief that comes with inferti

A few weeks ago, a long-time client of mine was wrapping up one of her sessions. I typically ask my clients at the end of a session, just like I ask my podcast guests “Anything you need to say or ask before we wrap up to make sure you feel complete?” It invites them to say anything at all, but when it comes to clients, many times they say outloud the thing that they’ve been afraid to say.  “Got any advice on how to leave a long-term relationship?” She asked me.  “Oh, yes. I do.” I replied.  Listen in to this minisode where I talk about what I told her, which includes advice on listening to your gut instead of your trauma, the “messy middle”, and how you may always have feelings for your former partner.  Resources:  Private coaching with Andrea  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 reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the spons

We're revisiting a topic that affects many — Impostor Syndrome. Who better to guide us through this complex pattern of self-doubt than renowned expert Dr. Valerie Young? It's been a decade since we last explored Impostor Syndrome on the podcast! Dr. Young, co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, joins us to shed light on the latest insights and information surrounding Imposter Syndrome. In this conversation, Dr. Young takes a moment to articulate what Impostor Syndrome is and how it subtly infiltrates various aspects of our lives. She leaves us with a powerful mantra: "The only way to stop feeling like an impostor is to stop thinking like an impostor." In this episode, you’ll hear about: Dr. Young takes a few moments to describe imposter syndrome and how it shows up in our lives (4:43) Imposter Syndrome coping and protecting mechanisms such as overwork and overprepare or procrastination (9:06) What research shows about the competence of women in the workplace (15:44) Rethinking risk-taking and cul

Happy holidays! This week, we are talking about relationships on the show. Whether you are single or in a relationship, my guest and I cover many topics applicable to all listeners. I’m thrilled to welcome back a familiar face, the dynamic Kate Anthony. If you've been following the show, you know Kate as a multi-time guest, bringing her wisdom to various discussions about shit that matters with unqualified people, which is a series I do here on the show. But this time around, Kate is donning the hat of a qualified expert ready to tackle topics ranging from the role of porn in relationships to the challenges posed by addiction, mental illness, and emotional abuse. Kate also shares how to tell a partner you want a divorce in a clear, kind, and absolute way.  As the author of the new book "The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage," Kate brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. She is also the acclaimed host of "The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast," a New York Times recommended show. B

Are you hoping to start a new habit or even quit drinking in the coming year? This episode explores the transformative power of habits and the sober-curious lifestyle, featuring Casey McGuire Davidson, a Life & Sobriety Coach and the host of The Hello Someday Podcast for Sober Curious Women. Casey, with her background in helping high-achieving women break free from alcohol's hold, shares insights applicable to any habit or behavior change. We discuss resolutions to positively impact health and explore best practices for sustaining motivation when that initial drive fades.  Dry January takes center stage in our conversation, with Casey emphasizing that the act of abstaining from alcohol goes beyond a temporary trend – it's a gateway to understanding the difference one can feel. Listen to hear ideas that can be a catalyst for positive change in various aspects of your life. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Some resolutions that can improve your health (4:39) Best practices that can keep people going after

Before we get into it, I have ONE coaching spot open for the new year! Is it you? You can read more about it HERE.  Have you ever seen or heard the quote, “How you do one thing is how you do everything”? Well, I’m here to tell you that, no, it’s not.  In this minisode, I’m riffing on the notion that when someone is faced with a conflict, that it’s then you find out who they “really are”, their “true colors”, or their “true character”. It’s easy to jump to deciding that someone is terrible based on how someone acts and treats you during conflict. When we see someone acting out of character, we want a reason for it. It’s unusual, and we want to make sense of it.  And maybe you’ve been that person!  When I was going through a terrible divorce in 2006, I was not my best self. At times I was vindictive, mean, and I lashed out. Does that make me a mean, vindictive person? No, it makes me a normally kind human being who’d just been traumatized, didn’t have the coping skills to deal with what she was going through, w

I'm thrilled to have you join us today as we dive into the fascinating world of Family Constellation Therapy. I've got an incredible expert with me, the insightful Liza Miron. With Family Constellations and Ancestral Healing, Liza helps you heal the hidden or limiting issues from your Family System that keep you blocked and repeating negative patterns so you can live your life with love, joy, abundance, health, and success. Liza sheds light on the profound healing potential of Family Constellations, a therapeutic approach that might not involve stars but unveils a galaxy of insights into our lives. Don't miss out on this transformative conversation that might be the key to unlocking your path to healing and happiness. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Family Constellations: Liza explains what family constellations are. They have nothing to do with the stars; they are a healing method. (3:42) How Family System entanglements impact our relationships (7:36) How to heal entanglements and the trauma we uncons

Cait Donovon returns to the podcast this week! Previously, she joined me for a conversation about burnout recovery and boundaries. In this episode we talk a little bit more about burnout, but mostly about what it means to achieve work-life balance.  For those of you new to Cait, she is the host of FRIED. The Burnout Podcast, a Keynote speaker, author of the book "The Bounce-back-ability Factor" and a burnout aficionado.  Cait helps us explore the evolving landscape of work-life balance, unraveling cultural shifts and emphasizing the importance of creating boundaries in a world where the lines between work and personal life have blurred. Whether you've experienced burnout or are seeking clarity on work-life equilibrium, this episode provides a roadmap to navigate burnout culture and reclaim a more harmonious life.  In this episode, you’ll hear about: Burnout culture: what it is and how it shows up. (5:14) Work-life balance: the cultural shift from the natural segmentation we had between life and work an

I don’t watch a lot of reality TV, but I’m hooked on Selling Sunset and Selling the OC on Netflix.  Of course I get drawn into the drama (and the real estate and clothes too!) but I’m very interested in how they handle conflict. Lots of throwing daggers back and forth, jockeying for who has it harder/been through worse heartache, and shaming each other. Rarely, if ever, does someone apologize.  I know these shows are edited, and I think the producers might choose parts of conversations to make people out to be “characters” of themselves without showing the ore normal and even kinder sides of them. But I don’t think their behavior is that far off from reality.  In this minisode I talk about some specific scenes, as well as what it might look like to circle back and clean up a “mess” that was made. If you’re ever in a similar situation– because let’s face it, we all make mistakes and behave poorly sometimes– this minisode will help.  Or, if you want to hear me riff on these reality shows, tune in!  Resources fr

This week I have for you a conversation about shit that matters with unqualified people. Yes, this special series is back! This episode features writer, actor, and podcast host of Spiritual Asshole, Brendan Fitzgibbons. Our conversation covers a range of personal experiences, humorous anecdotes, and reflections on the complexities of self-help and therapy. We also share some of our most awkward and unforgettable dating stories.   If you are new to this series, these episodes are less of an interview with a guest about their expertise and more about personal experiences about a given topic. However, as you’ll hear in this episode, Brendan pushes back on the notion that he is unqualified and makes a strong case debunking the title. As it were, the episode is full of funny, endearing, and insightful back-and-forth about self-help and dating.    In this episode, you’ll hear about: Brendan offers his unique perspective on the unexpected turns in the journey of personal growth. (7:17) Brendan answers the question

Jeannine Yoder is back on the show! Previously, she joined me for a conversation on healing parental wounds. This time, she joins me to explore themes of reinvention, the power of boredom, and self-mothering.  For those new to Jeannine, she is a New York Times Featured Feminine Leadership & Business Coach, Healer, Mom, Broadway Artist, and Founder/CEO of Mentor Masterclass, an all-in-life coach training school for women. In this conversation, Jeannine candidly shares her transformative journey of "burning it all down" and the catalyst to her self-transformation. We also explore the intricacies of marriage, sex, and pleasure and the significance of bodywork.  In this episode, you’ll hear about: Jeannine opens about how and why she “burned it all down” last year. She describes the catalyst and shares about what she is doing now. (3:33) Writing a memoir isn’t just about putting your life in story, it’s about finding the common thread (11:37) Navigating grief and how Jeannine’s relationship has changed with he