Trigger Warning: Abuse (Emotional & Spiritual)

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we sit down with Daphne McGee, a writer, podcaster, and advocate for women reclaiming their faith, autonomy, and self-worth. Recommended by Neva Talladen, editor of Embracing Layers Unapologetically, Daphne is no stranger to courageous conversations and has previously joined us on panel discussions around being child-free and child-less.

Raised in a Baptist church in Texas, Daphne grew up believing in sacrifice, obedience, and trusting God to provide. While she was a self-described rule follower, her natural curiosity often challenged the rigid expectations of church culture. That curiosity planted seeds of questioning about faith, identity, and whether there was more beyond what she had been taught.

Daphne shares how her divorce became her greatest act of self-care, freeing her from emotional and spiritual abuse. She speaks candidly about how her body physically responded with relief once she honored herself and chose safety, healing, and truth over societal and religious approval.

By sharing her story online, Daphne connected with thousands of women navigating similar struggles. This journey led to her upcoming book, God Loves Divorce, which challenges harmful religious narratives and opens space for compassionate, faith-centered conversations around divorce, autonomy, and healing. Daphne explores how leaving both her marriage and her church allowed her to find a supportive community aligned with her values.

Though she didn’t initially label her actions as self-care, Daphne reflects on how she had been practicing it all along by listening to herself, honoring her boundaries, and choosing authenticity. Her belief that self-care is community care underscores the impact of sharing our stories to help others heal.

We also discuss her podcast, Love Is A Trip, where she continues to explore love, faith, and life with honesty and humor. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith reconstruction, and the power of living life on your own terms.

Ways to Engage:
Reflect on traits you had as a child that you were encouraged to suppress. Were you told not to question, feel, or express yourself fully? Explore how reconnecting with those parts of yourself can help you live more authentically and out of your own expectations.

Resources:
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available.
Call 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788 (National Domestic Violence Hotline).

#ReligiousTraumaRecovery
#SpiritualAbuseAwareness
#FaithDeconstruction
#HealingFromAbuse
#ChurchTrauma
#ChristianWomenPodcast
#WomenSupportingWomen
#GodLovesDivorce
#BreakingReligiousCycles
#EmotionalAbuseRecovery

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:10 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 21:01 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 29:54 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 35:42 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 42:54 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 51:16 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 52:20 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:10 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:03:34 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:10:03 )

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 inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome our Podmatch guest Shannon Russell, host of Second Act Success and a shining example of what it looks like to boldly reinvent your life. Shannon radiates positivity, ambition, and courage as she shares her journey of leaving a successful 16-year career in television to pursue a new passion: helping others create meaningful second acts of their own.

Shannon opens up about the pivotal shift that pushed her to walk away from a job that no longer fulfilled her and build a business that aligns with her values, purpose, and personal “why.” She believes that loving your life and loving your work is possible, and she’s on a mission to show people how to get there without waiting for permission.

We explore how focusing on your why makes living out of your own expectations easier and frees you from the pressure of what others expect. Shannon talks about how family and friends initially reacted to her career change, and how confidence, clarity, and staying grounded in her values helped her move forward anyway.

Shannon also shares the trial-and-error of finding the right path. Not everything she tried felt aligned at first, but instead of getting discouraged, she kept experimenting. She reminds us that sometimes the stress we feel in our new endeavors can be a healthy stress, which is a sign of growth, alignment, and possibility.

Her story illustrates how transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Like a puzzle, you build your second act piece by piece, trusting the process and celebrating small steps. Shannon is still building her business, but she knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

This episode is a powerful invitation as we head into the new year: It’s not too late to start living the life you want. Shannon’s journey shows that change is possible at any stage, and that your next chapter can be your most fulfilling one.

Ways to Engage

Replace scrolling time with intentional actions. Put your phone down during a movie, at dinner, or when you’re with loved ones. Be fully present with yourself and the people who matter most.

📣Hashtags

#SecondActSuccess

#CareerChange

#LifeReinvention

#FindYourWhy

#PurposeDrivenLife

#IntentionalLiving

#MindsetShift

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#CareerPivot

#DoWhatYouLove

#FulfillmentFirst

#WomenInBusiness

#EmpoweredLiving

#ReinventYourLife

#PositiveMindset

#FollowYourPassion

#SelfDiscoveryJourney

#TransformationStory

#NewBeginnings

#LiveOnPurpose

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:10 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 3:56 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:40 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:33 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 27:48 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 29:46 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 34:02 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 39:26 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 40:52 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 42:13 )

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 week’s empowering episode, we sit down with Barbara Howlin, a creative, passionate, and deeply intuitive human who guides us through what it truly means to shed expectations and embrace your authentic self. Barbara opens up about dismantling “good girl syndrome,” breaking free from external validation, and learning to live life from the inside out.

Through her vulnerable storytelling, Barbara reminds us how easy it is to slip back into people-pleasing or approval-seeking patterns, yet how transformational it is when we pause, question our intentions, and realign with our own truth. She shares the internal questions that helped her grow:

Am I proving myself or expressing myself? Am I living from the inside out? Am I acting from love or searching for it?

We explore the power of slowing down, lifting our heads up, and fully experiencing the present moment instead of rushing through life. Barbara also walks us through her grounding morning routine with journaling, reiki, and movement in nature and how this 30-minute ritual keeps her centered and nourished.

A major turning point in Barbara’s journey was burnout recovery, which forced her to reclaim her intuition and rebuild a sense of safety within her nervous system. She explains how embracing the layers of your past is essential for healing and how reconnecting with your inner child can restore balance and emotional resilience.

Barbara’s story is a heartfelt reminder that caring for ourselves isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Her wisdom encourages us to prioritize what truly matters, to let go of shame, to honor our personal layers, and to live boldly with joy and purpose.

Ways to Engage:

Reflect on the “glass” items in your own life. What cannot be dropped without shattering? What will bounce back if you let it fall? Keep these priorities close as you walk your own path.

This is an episode you’ll want to revisit whenever doubt creeps in. Let Barbara’s insights guide you back to yourself.

📣 Hashtags

#GoodGirlSyndrome

#BurnoutRecovery

#InnerChildHealing

#NervousSystemRegulation

#SelfDiscoveryJourney

#AuthenticLiving

#SelfHealing

#PeoplePleasingRecovery

#ReclaimYourPower

#IntuitionDevelopment

#SelfCareMatters

#HolisticWellness

#EmotionalWellbeing

#MindfulnessPractice

#SpiritualGrowth

#HealingJourney

#PersonalGrowth

#MentalHealthAwareness

#LiveWithIntention

#EmpoweredLiving

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:20 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:20 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:58 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:35 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 26:14 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 33:35 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 44:14 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 50:44 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 57:18 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 58:10 )

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 today’s empowering episode, we welcome the radiant Corine LaFont, host of Between the Lines, who joins Melissa for an uplifting and deeply reflective conversation on embracing identity, honoring boundaries, and protecting your inner light. Corine describes herself as young, cute, and sexy, a reminder that self-definition is powerful at every age.

Corine shares her transformative journey of leaving a toxic 27-year relationship, rebuilding her confidence, and reconnecting with her true self. She opens up about how the body responds to emotional healing and how stress, toxicity, and people-pleasing behaviors can weigh us down physically and mentally. Once she stepped into her power, even her skin improved, showing just how interconnected emotional health and physical wellness truly are.

This episode explores the importance of recalibration, checking in with your progress, and recognizing when people are drawn to your newfound light, but may also drain it. Corine’s wisdom on setting boundaries, balancing relationships, and honoring your energy is invaluable for anyone recovering from emotional burnout or reclaiming self-worth.

She reminds us that the trust you have in yourself is your strongest guide. Whether it’s mental, emotional, or physical wellness, you’ll feel when you’re on the right path. Corine’s F.E.E.L. philosophy reinforces the power of standing firm in your boundaries and refusing to compromise your values for others’ comfort.

Her message is a bold reminder that misery loves company, and without awareness, people can slowly pull you back into old patterns. Protecting your peace is not selfish, it’s essential. Corine encourages listeners to tune in to their inner child, move with intention, and choose decisions rooted in authenticity rather than guilt or people-pleasing.

Ways to Engage:

Next time you’re faced with a decision—big or small—ask yourself:

Is this what I truly want? Who am I in this moment?

Let your answers guide you toward alignment rather than obligation.

🔥 Hashtags

#SelfWorthJourney

#WomenEmpowerment

#HealingAfterToxicRelationships

#EmotionalHealing

#SetHealthyBoundaries

#ReclaimYourPower

#PersonalGrowthPodcast

#SelfLoveAndHealing

#InnerStrength

#EmpoweredWoman

#PeoplePleaserRecovery

#EmotionalWellness

#MindBodyHealing

#TraumaRecovery

#SpiritualGrowthJourney

#AuthenticLiving

#MentalHealthAwareness

#HealingEnergy

#SelfCareMatters

#PodcastForWomen

💡Keywords for this Episode

toxic relationship recovery

emotional healing journey

women’s empowerment

personal transformation

self-worth and boundaries

people-pleasing recovery

reclaiming identity

emotional wellness

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:50 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 9:02 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 16:07 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 22:15 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:09 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:46 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 39:55 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 44:55 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 50:57 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 52:13 )

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 ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder

In this deeply insightful episode, we welcome Alexandra Birch, a holistic wellness guide who blends mind–body–spirit healing with science-backed practices. Alexandra’s journey began when “self-care” was still treated like a trendy buzzword centered on purchases rather than personal truth. Through her evolution as a former competitive athlete and someone who lost her sense of identity outside of sports, she discovered that real self-care starts internally.

Together, we explore the powerful connection between internal alignment and external health, how the body communicates its needs, and why developing a “self-care menu” can create sustainable routines that evolve alongside you. Alexandra shares how stillness, quiet, and body awareness transformed her life and ultimately guided her to leave her corporate career to pursue her passion for women’s fertility and holistic healing.

This episode opens up essential conversations around women’s wellness, eating-disorder awareness, emotional self-care, and the courage it takes to build a life that nourishes your soul. Alexandra’s vulnerability, strength, and intuitive wisdom make this conversation both grounding and empowering for anyone seeking deeper alignment.

Ways to Engage:

Try creating your own self-care menu with 5 practices that nourish you or 5 feelings you want to experience over the next 6 months. Use it as a tool to reconnect with yourself daily, especially on the days when you don’t know where to start.

Resources:

• Eating Recovery Center

• NEDA – National Eating Disorder Association

🔥Hashtags

#SelfCareJourney

#HolisticHealing

#MindBodySpirit

#WomensWellness

#EatingDisorderAwareness

#IntuitiveHealing

#MentalHealthMatters

#FertilityWellness

#HealingJourney

#SelfCareTips

#BodyAwareness

#EmotionalWellness

#HolisticHealth

#WellnessPodcast

#EmpoweredWomen

#TraumaInformedHealing

#SelfLoveDaily

#HealthAndWellbeing

#MindfulnessPractice

#InnerHealingWork

💡Keywords for this Episode

holistic wellness

self-care routine

women’s health

eating disorder support

body awareness

intuitive healing

fertility wellness

mental health awareness

emotional self-care

holistic self-care

former athlete healing

mind-body connection

burnout recovery

personal growth journey

wellness transformation

self-care menu

healing practices

spiritual wellness

sustainable self-care

internal alignment

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:09 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 15:57 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:55 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:51 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 39:43 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 42:21 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 50:33 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:02:15 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:07:43 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:10:16 )

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 inspiring episode, we welcome Teresa Rosario-Hernandez, a powerful voice from Podmatch who embodies resilience, independence, hope, and authentic growth. As the holiday season amplifies stress and emotional overload, Teresa opens up about her journey through trauma, burnout, and the moment she realized she no longer recognized herself.

She shares how ignoring emotional and mental wellness led to physical symptoms, and how giving herself permission to feel (rather than suppress) became the catalyst for transformation. Teresa reminds us that emotional health isn’t about pretending life is sunny; it's about learning how to move through the storm.

We dive into the tools that helped her reclaim her peace: affirmations, voice notes, poetry, and especially writing. Teresa discusses how writing became her most powerful emotional outlet—a way to release thoughts, interrupt negative cycles, and process deep feelings without judgment. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who’s never journaled before, this episode highlights why writing can be an essential self-care practice.

Teresa also talks about her mission to empower women to live unapologetically, with more grace, less judgment, and a safe space to grow, start over, or change direction. Her message: “Never shame a woman for changing her mind or for starting over.”

We also highlight Teresa’s own podcast, Prosecco Queens Podcast, where she blends storytelling, personal development, and a glass of Prosecco to uplift and inspire women to prioritize themselves.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking healing, emotional growth, and a reminder that starting over is not only allowed, it’s powerful.

💡 Ways to Engage:

Write a poem about a recent emotion or event. No rules, no pressure. Put the pen in your hand, let your thoughts flow, and release what’s been sitting inside you.

🔥Hashtags

#MentalHealthMatters

#EmotionalHealing

#TraumaRecovery

#WomensEmpowerment

#SelfCareTips

#HolidayStress

#MindBodyConnection

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#WriteToHeal

#HealingThroughWriting

#SelfLoveJourney

#WellnessPodcast

#EmpoweredWomen

#MindfulnessPractice

#InnerHealing

#MentalWellness

#WomenSupportingWomen

#StartOverStrong

#JournalingForHealing

#PodcastCommunity

🔑Keywords for this Episode

emotional health

mental wellness during holidays

trauma response and healing

women’s empowerment podcast

self-care tools

emotional processing techniques

healing through writing

poetry for mental health

journaling for trauma recovery

self-improvement stories

women starting over

overcoming burnout

emotional resilience

personal development inspiration

Prosecco Queens Podcast

holiday stress management

affirmations for healing

voice notes for self-reflection

empowering women’s stories

mental and physical health connection

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:40 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:22 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:26 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 20:24 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 30:37 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 33:26 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:36 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:46 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 42:24 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:53 )

✨ 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

Trigger Warning: Abuse

In this powerful double-feature episode, we sit down with Deana Lynn and Lizzie Jane, hosts of the Surviving Toxic Relationships podcast. These two remarkable women share a deeply personal and transformative story. One rooted in emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, healing, and ultimately, empowerment.

Deana describes herself as energetic, extroverted, empathetic, and motivated, while Lizzie identifies as resilient, compassionate, empowering, and wise. Their connection was forged through an incredibly painful chapter: both women were married to the same man, a partner whose narcissistic behaviors and abusive patterns left lasting trauma. Instead of being divided by their past, they found unity, validation, and sisterhood, turning their pain into purpose.

In this episode, they discuss the shocking moment of realization, the guilt and internal conflict Deana faced, and the validation Lizzie experienced when her intuition was finally confirmed. Their story underscores the importance of trusting your gut, recognizing red flags, and finding your way back to yourself after emotional or psychological abuse. They also reveal that a third woman was involved, further highlighting how common patterns of narcissistic abuse can be and why education, awareness, and support resources are essential.

This episode is an inspiring testament to resilience. Deana and Lizzie have transformed their trauma into advocacy, creating space for other survivors to share their stories and reclaim their power.

Their message is clear: let the past go, reconnect with your authentic self, and rediscover who you are beneath the layers of a toxic relationship. You deserve safety, self-love, and a life free from manipulation.

Ways to EngageL

Take a moment to name a few things you genuinely love about yourself, things not tied to how others see you. Focus on your values, your strengths, and your inner voice. Be your own biggest supporter.

Resources

The Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

🔥Hashtags

#SurvivingAbuse

#ToxicRelationshipRecovery

#DomesticViolenceAwareness

#NarcissisticAbuseHealing

#EmotionalAbuseSurvivor

#WomenSupportingWomen

#TraumaRecoveryJourney

#HealingFromAbuse

#AbuseSurvivorStories

#EmpoweredWomen

#RelationshipRedFlags

#TrustYourIntuition

#BreakTheCycle

#SurvivorStrong

#MentalHealthSupport

#ReclaimYourPower

#HealingPodcast

#ResilienceInWomen

#YouAreNotAlone

#TraumaInformedHealing

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:06 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 13:29 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:43 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 30:51 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 48:02 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 53:01 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 57:34 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:57 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:05:54 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:08:16 )

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 ⁠⁠

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Briana Bowley, an Australia-based former competitive bodybuilder who openly shares her personal journey through burnout, boundaries, body image, and holistic self-healing. Briana describes herself as innovative, driven, and inspired, and this conversation proves exactly why.

Briana reflects on her years in competitive bodybuilding and how pushing herself beyond her limits led to emotional exhaustion and disconnection from her inner voice. When she finally listened to her intuition and allowed curiosity to guide her, she discovered a more compassionate, sustainable way of living. Her story reinforces the importance of embracing our layers, leaning into curiosity, and rewriting the narratives that no longer support us.

One of the most impactful parts of this episode is Briana’s approach to building boundaries like building muscle. She shares how setting healthy boundaries isn’t something you master overnight—it’s something you strengthen gradually, just like lifting weights. Starting small, practicing consistently, and giving yourself grace can transform your relationships, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing.

Briana also offers an insightful perspective on internal vs. external conflict, illustrated through a simple real-life moment that many of us can relate to. Her story highlights how speaking up respectfully (rather than suppressing your discomfort) can create clarity, connection, and growth for everyone involved.

This episode is full of empowering insights, relatable moments, and compassionate reminders that healing doesn’t require perfection; it requires curiosity, patience, and courage. If the blog resonated with you, the episode will give you even more to reflect on and integrate into your own journey.

Ways to Engage

Next time you face a moment of internal vs. external conflict, challenge yourself to choose the conversation. Start small, stay consistent, and let your boundary-building strengthen over time—just like you would in the gym.

Resources

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)

🔥 Hashtags

#EatingDisorderAwareness

#MentalHealthMatters

#BodyImageHealing

#SelfHealingJourney

#PersonalGrowthPodcast

#BoundarySetting

#TraumaHealing

#HolisticWellbeing

#WomenEmpoweringWomen

#OvercomingBurnout

#MindBodyConnection

#EmotionalWellness

#HealingJourney

#CuriosityLedHealing

#WellnessPodcast

#InnerStrength

#SelfWorthJourney

#EmpoweredLiving

#MindsetShift

#ResilienceBuilding

🔑 Keywords for This Episode

eating disorder recovery

mental health podcast

body image struggles

competitive bodybuilding journey

burnout and healing

boundary setting tips

emotional wellness tools

internal vs external conflict

self-worth growth

holistic healing practices

women’s empowerment stories

curiosity in self-development

personal transformation journey

resilience building strategies

overcoming perfectionism

trauma-informed healing

mindful communication

intuitive living

personal growth inspiration

emotional self-care techniques

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:31)

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:00 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 18:29 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 25:00 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:20 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 31:41 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 36:26 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:39 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 43:07 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 44:41 )

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