Ever wonder why some people show up for you in life’s toughest moments—and why it often isn’t who you expect? In this heartfelt episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues shares eye-opening lessons from her own healing journey after surgery. She reveals how authentic support, community, and generosity come from the most unexpected sources, and offers a refreshing perspective on letting go of personal expectations. If you’re looking to explore themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the power of genuine human connection, this conversation provides both inspiration and practical reflection.

Tune in for stories of gratitude, surprising acts of kindness, and Shawna’s take on how being open to receive can change everything—whether you’re recovering, seeking support, or looking to be a bright spot in someone else’s life.

If you are interested in supporting Shawna during the final stretches of her healing journey you can learn more here: https://bit.ly/SupportSR - you can also add those pictures she mentioned to her posts on Facebook or Instagram – follow the links below!

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via Being Honest, and the podcast episode on TGS where she shares more. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

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Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

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This episode of The Grit Show is part of our Summer of Encores series—bringing back some of our most impactful and talked-about conversations.

Curious about why your diet never seems to stick, no matter how hard you try? This eye-opening conversation with New York Times bestselling author and intermittent fasting expert Gin Stephens will shift your perspective. Host Shawna Rodrigues explores how intermittent fasting challenges traditional diet culture and exposes the myths behind “frequent snacking” and metabolism. Gin shares the science of insulin, hunger hormones, and a powerful process called autophagy (think: your body’s natural cleaning crew). You’ll hear personal stories, unexpected truths about exercise and weight loss, and why fasting isn’t about starving yourself—it’s about giving your body what it needs to thrive.

Ready for real food freedom, sustainable energy, and health benefits that last? Tune in and see why so many are rethinking their approach to eating—and feeling better than ever!

Gin Stephens is the author of The NY Times and USA Today bestseller Fast. Feast. Repeat. (2020). She also wrote 28-Day Fast Start Day-By-Day (2023) and Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle (2016, 2024), both Amazon #1 best sellers in the weight loss category, as well as Clean(ish): Eat (Mostly) Clean, Live (Mainly) Clean, and Unlock Your Body's Natural Ability to Self-Clean (2022), another Amazon #1 bestseller in several categories. Gin has lived the intermittent fasting lifestyle since 2014, losing over 80 pounds. She is the host of 2 top-ranked podcasts: Intermittent Fasting Stories and the Fast. Feast. Repeat. Intermittent Fasting for Life podcast (w/cohost Sheri Bullock).

Connect with Gin

Website: ginstephens.com

Books: www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html

You can join her private community by going to ginstephens.com/community

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via Being Honest, and the podcast episode on TGS where she shares more. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at

As part of our Summer of Encores—revisiting standout episodes while host Shawna Rodrigues focuses on her breast cancer journey—we’re bringing back this powerful and fan-favorite conversation from January 2023.

In this re-release episode of The Grit Show, psychotherapist Will Halpin joins Shawna to unpack the transformative approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS). What if your mind isn’t a battlefield, but an orchestra—filled with anxious flutes, perfectionist violins, and maybe even a snarky drummer or two?

Together, they explore how understanding your “internal parts” can lead to greater self-awareness, emotional healing, and real change. Curious about concepts like protectors, exiles, or the 8 C’s of healing? You’ll hear relatable metaphors, real-life insights into anxiety and people-pleasing, and accessible mental health strategies you can start using right away.

Whether this is your first listen or a meaningful return visit, this encore episode is packed with practical wisdom and fresh perspective on how to bring more compassion and clarity into your inner world.

Will Halpin is a psychotherapist and public health social worker with over 22 years of experience working in community health center settings and in private practice in Boston, Massachusetts. Earlier in his career, he developed programs and a comprehensive curriculum with the Boston Public Health Commission to train providers on best practices in working with people struggling with crystal meth abuse and dependence. Most of his clinical experience has been working within the LGBTQAI+ population, and specifically complex/developmental trauma and substance abuse. He has trained in a variety of treatment modalities to offer a variety of options when working with survivors of trauma, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He also enjoys training new practitioners who are learning IFS as an assistant course instructor for over three years, working with providers from India, Canada and all over the US. When he is not at work, you can find him in the mountains, in a lake, or in the woods enjoying whatever outdoor recreation is available in that particular season.

Connect with Will - WillHalpin.com

Learn more about IFS - IFS-Institute.com

Books:

Self Therapy by Jay Earley

You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For - Dr. Richard Schwartz

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via

Are you curious why some people seem to effortlessly manifest their dreams while others struggle to achieve their goals? In this compelling episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues sits down with neuroscience-trained life purpose coach Monica to explore the science-backed secrets behind manifestation, mindset, and self-belief. Discover how your brain’s “reticular activation system” actually filters your reality—and how, with practical techniques, you can rewire these filters to invite more opportunity, happiness, and abundance.

Monica shares eye-opening client stories on transforming old beliefs and empowering yourself through intuitive routines and mirror work. If you've ever wondered about the intersection of neuroscience, manifestation, and intuitive living, this episode teases tangible tools to create lasting change. Get ready for inspiration and real talk about unlocking the vibrant, purpose-filled life you deserve!

Monica is a certified life-purpose coach and applied neuroscience specialist who is passionate about helping women rediscover their spark and create lives they genuinely love. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help others tap into the brain’s potential, break free from limiting beliefs, and move toward a life of joy, freedom, and abundance.

Monica’s coaching framework, The Neuro Fulfillment Method, blends neuroscience-backed strategies with soulful self-discovery to empower women to design lives that feel truly aligned. Through personalized 1:1 coaching, transformative workshops, and weekly WhatsApp support, she guides her clients to reconnect with their purpose, build unshakable self-belief, and develop actionable plans for meaningful change.

She’s also a full-time traveler, adventure junkie, and total foodie who believes life is meant to be savored and explored. Whether she’s diving into local cuisines, chasing epic sunsets, or planning her next adrenaline-filled experience, Monica is always embracing life to the fullest.

Connect with Monica:

Instagram - @coachingbymonica

Website- coachingbymonica.com

Podcast - Notes from a Neuro Nerd: The Science Behind Living Your Best Life

Here is that link to the freebie: https://coachingbymonica.com/intuition

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via Being Honest, and the podcast episode on TGS where she...

Curious how to handle tough conversations without losing your cool—or your power? We are re-releasing this episode of The Grit Show while host, Shawna, continues her healing from breast cancer surgery.

This episode spotlights internationally acclaimed mediator Hesha Abrams, who shares secrets from decades of resolving high-conflict cases. You’ll hear surprising, practical strategies to “hold the calm,” neutralize workplace tension, and manage challenging relationships—from dealing with difficult bosses to family drama at the dinner table.

Shawna reflects on the life-changing impact Hesha’s tools have had on her own coaching and training. Wondering how to disarm a gaslighter, stop a meeting hijacker in their tracks, or break free from toxic work dynamics? You’ll want to catch the memorable analogies (hint: spaghetti sauce) and actionable tips—like why “calm down” is the worst thing to say in heated situations, and how to lead with curiosity instead of judgment. Ready to upgrade your conflict resolution skills and empower yourself? Tune in!

Hesha Abrams is a professional peacemaker, an internationally acclaimed master attorney mediator, negotiator, and author, known for crafting highly creative settlements and resolutions in very difficult matters. With 30+ years in the trenches of resolving human conflict, she has recently distilled her skills into an easy-to-use tool kit, her new book, "Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension." Through stories and examples, she shares her secrets enabling anyone to learn how to approach tense situations to prevent explosions, disarm conflicts, and reduce drama. It is her mission to help make our world, our businesses, and our relationships less acrimonious and more harmonious.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hesha-abrams/

Facebook: Hesha Abrams

Youtube: Hesha Abrams - Holding The Calm

Website: www.holdingthecalm.com

Get your copy of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension HERE

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via Being Honest, and the

Are you someone who prides themselves on being logical, or do you find yourself more in tune with your emotions? In this episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues challenges the conventional wisdom around being logical by exploring the often-overlooked counterpart: feelings. Drawing from personal experiences with breast cancer and her background in social work, Shawna explores the balance between intellectualism and emotional expression. If you've ever felt stuck in your head when you need to engage with your heart, this episode is your guide to navigating the complex interplay between thinking and feeling. Tune in to discover why sometimes the most logical step is to allow yourself to simply feel.

Looking for more ways to deepen your resilience in your emotional toolkit? Be sure to check out episode 99- Building Resilience with Dawson Church: Meditation, Tapping, and Growth.

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

Ever found yourself caught off guard by life's surprises? In this engaging re-release of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues explores the phenomenon of turning up the “radio” in our lives to drown out signs that something might be off track. Through witty car analogies, she takes listeners on a journey of self-maintenance—helping identify those pesky “rattling noises” in life that deserve attention.

If you’re looking to enhance personal growth, this episode offers powerful reflections on prioritizing well-being while managing life's distractions. Tune in for Shawna’s personal stories and insightful tips to help you navigate the road ahead.

Want more ways to take care of yourself? Check out our past episodes featuring expert insights from Matt McKinnon:

🔹 Conquer the Stress Cycle & Focus on Your Well-Being – How to Escape Burnout: Part 1 (Ep. 57)

🔹 Actionable Solutions, Blissful Rest & Modern Stressors – How to Escape Burnout: Part 2 (Ep. 58)

Looking for a great fiction read that also makes you think about self-care?

The Me List by Julee Balko is a fantastic book club pick—perfect for reflecting on relationships, self-care, and how we prioritize ourselves. Check it out here:

📖 Amazon | Bookshop.org (Using these affiliate links helps support the podcast!)

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also...

Are you caught in the "sorry syndrome"? In this week's episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues explores a cultural habit that might be undermining your confidence and relationships. Did you know that women apologize significantly more than men, especially in professional settings? Shawna shares insights into the impact of habitual apologies, backed by intriguing research findings. Discover how an overuse of "sorry" can actually be harming how you see yourself and your relationships. This episode promises valuable alternatives to the default apology, offering tools that empower and help reclaim your confidence. Can expressing gratitude or focusing on solutions be more advantageous than a simple "sorry"? Tune in to learn the immediate benefit of using these strategies.

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via Being Honest, and the podcast episode on TGS where she shares more. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!