In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with the inspiring Karimah Cornelius-Stith, a licensed sex therapist, creative soul, and compassionate mental health advocate. With warmth, wisdom, and honesty, Karimah shares her journey into sex therapy, sparked by listening to the untold stories of trauma and healing.

We explore how sexual health is an essential pillar of overall wellness, equally important as mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Karimah’s dedication to helping others heal from sexual trauma, improve their relationships, and reclaim pleasure is nothing short of transformational.

She also opens up about her own family history with mental health struggles, her motivations for becoming a therapist, and the resilience it took to reach her dreams despite societal misconceptions about her field. Karimah reminds us that pleasure is healing, self-care is health care, and that we are all worthy of love, connection, and emotional freedom.

Whether you're curious about sex therapy, working through intimacy challenges, or looking to enhance your personal wellness journey, this conversation will offer new insights and encouragement.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What sex therapy really is (and what it's not)

• Why sexual health is often neglected—and why it matters

• How unresolved trauma impacts our mental, emotional, and sexual well-being

• The difference between pleasure and performance

• How self-care and self-worth intersect with intimacy

• Karimah’s personal story of perseverance, purpose, and passion

🛠️ Ways to Engage:

• Reflect on your own understanding of sexual health—what have you learned or never been taught?

• Explore healthy ways to experience pleasure—alone or with a partner.

• Research certified sex therapists and learn more about their work.

• Recommit to your mental, emotional, and sexual well-being as interconnected practices.

#SexTherapy

#MentalHealthAwareness

#EmotionalWellness

#TherapistLife

#HealingJourney

#SexualHealthMatters

#TraumaInformedCare

#RelationshipTherapy

#IntimacyMatters

#SelfCareIsHealthCare

#WomensMentalHealth

#HolisticHealing

#SexPositiveTherapy

#MindBodyConnection

#TalkTherapy

#MentalHealthMatters

#WellnessPodcast

#SexualHealing

#TherapyIsCool

#ReclaimPleasure

Keywords for this episode:

Sex therapy

Sexual health therapist

Healing from trauma

Intimacy therapy

Mental health and relationships

Holistic wellness

Therapy for couples

Emotional health

Pleasure and healing

Sex-positive therapist

Therapist podcast guest

Women in therapy

Sexual trauma recovery

Relationship healing

Therapist story

Trauma-informed therapy

Mental health and self-care

Self-worth and intimacy

Sex education therapy

Creative therapists

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:49 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:26 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:00 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 15:11 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 21:38 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 26:59 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 28:51 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 42:06 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 44:16 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:33 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this powerful episode, Melissa sits down with the compassionate, curious, and deeply wise Heidi Blackie, a woman who embodies vulnerability, growth, and self-acceptance. Together, they explore the journey of unlearning societal expectations, embracing authenticity, and the liberation that comes with living unapologetically.

From growing up in a perfectionist family to discovering the freedom in accepting all her layers, Heidi shares what it means to pause with intention, respond with kindness, and live out of your own expectations—not someone else's.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why perfection is unattainable—and how to stop chasing it

• The power in pausing before you respond

• How societal conditioning strips us of authenticity

• Embracing your layers instead of hiding them

• Letting go of people-pleasing and learning self-acceptance

• The value of vulnerability and self-awareness

• Why fitting in isn’t the goal—and why standing out matters

• How to reconnect with your true self and live with intention

• Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care

• Heidi’s journey to becoming a confident, purpose-driven woman

Whether you're at the beginning of your self-discovery journey or knee-deep in inner work, Heidi’s story will resonate and inspire you to lean into your own evolution—with compassion, courage, and confidence.

#AuthenticLiving

#PersonalDevelopment

#SelfAcceptance

#EmpowermentJourney

#MindsetMatters

#VulnerabilityIsStrength

#WomenEmpoweringWomen

#SelfLoveFirst

#EmbraceYourLayers

#MentalWellness

#InnerStrength

#PowerOfPause

#HealingJourney

#ConfidenceCoach

#EmotionalIntelligence

#SelfGrowthJourney

#LiveUnapologetically

#HolisticHealing

#UnlearningToGrow

#TrueSelfDiscovery

Keywords for this episode:

Self-acceptance

Personal growth

Empowerment for women

Authentic self

Power of vulnerability

Inner transformation

Self-discovery podcast

Emotional intelligence

Mindset coaching

Living unapologetically

Healing your inner self

Breaking perfectionism

Conscious living

Identity transformation

Self-care strategies

Confidence building

Pause before responding

Growth mindset

Mental health awareness

Finding your true self

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:29 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 17:17 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 23:47 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 41:57 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 51:13 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 1:02:03 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:06:49 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:19:03 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:22:13 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:22:50 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

We’re thrilled to welcome back Rachel Lavin, a familiar and deeply cherished voice in our network! Since her last appearance, Rachel has continued evolving on her self-love and personal growth journey, and this episode offers a powerful update on her experiences with setting boundaries, letting go of guilt, and living a more authentic and intentional life.

Rachel shares what she’s learned about emotional resilience, honoring your boundaries without guilt, and the importance of meeting people where they are. She reminds us that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential—and by preserving our energy, we’re better equipped to serve others with integrity and compassion.

We explore:

• How to set boundaries without guilt

• Why honoring others’ "no" is just as important

• Emotional wellness and mental clarity through self-respect

• Letting go of what you can’t control

• How self-awareness leads to healthier relationships

• Reframing vulnerability and asking for help

• Rachel’s mantra: “I will get through this”

Whether you're just starting your personal growth journey or looking to deepen your relationship with yourself, Rachel’s transparency and wisdom are sure to inspire.

🎧 Listen to Rachel’s first episode “Embracing Body Love” and catch her on our YouTube panel, Substack Live, and more via the links below.

Ways to Engage:

Identify one area in your life where you need support. Ask for help—and allow yourself to receive it. You don’t have to do it all alone.

🔑 High-Ranking SEO Keywords (15–20)

• Personal growth journey

• Emotional boundaries

• Women’s empowerment podcast

• Authentic living

• Mental wellness for women

• Self-love and acceptance

• Setting healthy boundaries

• Letting go of guilt

• Empowering female voices

• Emotional resilience

• Asking for help

• Personal development stories

• Growth mindset

• Vulnerability in healing

• Women supporting women

• Podcast for self-care

• Mindful living tips

• Transformative conversations

• Body positivity advocate

• Healthy relationship dynamics

#SelfLoveJourney #AuthenticLiving #BoundariesAreHealthy #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellness #WomenEmpoweringWomen #EmotionalWellbeing #LiveWithIntention #HealingThroughBoundaries #GrowthMindset #BodyPositivity #SelfCareIsEssential #EmpoweredWomenEmpower #AskForHelp #HealingJourney #HealthyBoundaries #WomenSupportingWomen #EmbraceYourself #InnerPeace #EmotionalResilience

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:28 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 17:16 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 23:46 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 41:56 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 51:12 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 1:02:02 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:06:48 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:19:02 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:22:12 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:22:49 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠⁠

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with the incredible Tracy DeTomsai—a trauma-informed leader, speaker, and advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Tracy shares her personal transformation journey and the inspiring work she does through Project Callisto, an organization using technology to empower survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

We explore the subtle yet significant ways women can reclaim their space, live unapologetically, and break free from shame, guilt, and societal conditioning. From shifting how we speak to understanding emotional boundaries, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take action in your own life.

Key Topics Covered:

• How women can stop apologizing for taking up space

• Tools for emotional regulation and boundary setting

• The difference between carrying your emotions vs. others’

• The power of trauma-informed advocacy

• Empowering sexual assault survivors through technology

• Deconstructing victim-blaming culture

• The mission and impact of Project Callisto

Whether you're a survivor, advocate, or simply someone on a healing journey, this episode will give you tools to step into your truth, reclaim your voice, and live without guilt or shame.

Join the conversation and tell us what resonated with you the most.

Trauma-informed healing, Empowering women, Sexual assault advocacy, Project Callisto, Survivor support, Reclaiming your voice, Living unapologetically, Emotional boundaries, Feminist podcast, Empowerment for women, Overcoming shame, Women’s mental health, Healing from trauma, Stop apologizing, Victim-blaming awareness, Self-empowerment tools, Advocating for survivors, Tech for social change, Breaking generational trauma, Mind-body connection

#TraumaInformed

#WomenEmpowerment

#SexualAssaultSurvivor

#LiveUnapologetically

#HealingJourney

#ProjectCallisto

#StopVictimBlaming

#TakeUpSpace

#EmpowerSurvivors

#MentalHealthMatters

#UnapologeticallyYou

#FeministPodcast

#EmotionalHealing

#KnowYourWorth

#TechForGood

#BoundarySetting

#SurvivorStrong

#OwnYourStory

#NoMoreShame

#TraumaRecovery

Ways to Engage: Do not hold the emotions of others in your body. Listen to your body and separate your own emotions from the emotions of others. If you’re struggling with this, journal it. Write out what you’re feeling and connect the dots between what is yours and what you are holding for others.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 1:34 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:40 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 12:16 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 17:54 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 42:02 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 52:09 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 59:20 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:04:08 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:05:39 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:06:06 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠