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 ⁠⁠

In this heart-centered crossover episode of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, we're joined by the incredible Mary Rothwell, host of No More Shrinking Violets. Fresh off Melissa’s appearance on her show in the episode “Embracing All Your Layers: The Path to Authentic Living”, Mary is now here with us, bringing her authentic, grounded, and nature-inspired wisdom to the mic.

This episode dives into setting healthy boundaries, understanding the toll of invisible labor, and recognizing the signals our bodies give us when we’re overstretched. Mary uses her love for gardening to describe how pruning, trimming, and creating space are necessary not just for plants—but for people too. Her metaphors are not only beautiful, they’re practical, and remind us that boundaries are about growth, not restriction.

We also talk about the emotional and physical effects of poor boundaries, why women disproportionately carry invisible labor, and how to reclaim your time and energy by honoring your needs and self-worth. Mary is an empowering voice for anyone feeling overlooked, overextended, or on the verge of burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to set boundaries that nurture rather than restrict

• The impact of invisible labor—and why it often falls on women

• Physical signs that you need stronger boundaries

• Gardening metaphors that make boundaries feel natural and intuitive

• Why evolving boundaries are a sign of personal growth

• The connection between authentic living and self-preservation

• Practical ways to wind down and honor your sleep hygiene

About Mary Rothwell:

Mary Rothwell is the host of No More Shrinking Violets, a podcast centered on authenticity, empowerment, and emotional wellbeing. With her blend of introspection, humor, and creativity, she encourages women to embrace every part of themselves—flaws, layers, boundaries, and all.

Ways to Engage:

• Practice a 2-hour wind-down before bed: Limit screen time, stretch, read, or color to help your brain slow down.

• Tune into your body: Listen when it tells you it’s tired, overwhelmed, or overworked.

• Acknowledge the invisible labor in your life and community—and express gratitude.

• Revisit Melissa’s guest appearance on No More Shrinking Violets to explore both sides of this empowering conversation.

Connect With Us:

• Subscribe to The F.E.E.L. Podcast

• Leave a review and share what resonated most with you

• Follow us @thefeelpodcast for behind-the-scenes and bonus content

#AuthenticLiving

#HealthyBoundaries

#InvisibleLabor

#WomenEmpowerment

#EmotionalWellness

#SelfCareMatters

#BurnoutRecovery

#NoMoreShrinkingViolets

#EmbraceYourLayers

#SelfWorth

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:05 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:48 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:41 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 32:53 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 44:44 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 51:31 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 59:31 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:02:30 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:07:22 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:07:40 )

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 ⁠⁠

To bookend the beginning of Season 9 of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome the refreshingly honest and chronically curious Kelly Anne Carter. She’s unafraid of liminal spaces, passionate about truth over filters, and fully dedicated to the journey of self-discovery and deconstruction.

In this powerful and introspective episode, Kelly invites us into her process of breaking free from the expectations of others and rebuilding a life rooted in her own beliefs, voice, and identity.

• The raw experience of deconstructing belief systems

• Reclaiming curiosity after growing up in restrictive environments

• Letting go of people-pleasing to rediscover your authentic self

• Accepting your humanity and embracing your emotional layers

• Nervous system awareness as part of personal healing

• Giving yourself permission to change your mind and evolve

• Self-dating, inner child joy, and building your own sense of identity

Kelly reminds us that discovering who you are isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing, compassionate process. There’s no shame in slowing down, making mistakes, or rewriting your narrative.

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck in societal or familial expectations, navigating a faith transition, or ready to reclaim their inner authority.

Listen now and start your journey toward radical self-acceptance, emotional healing, and layered living.

#SelfDiscoveryJourney #DeconstructToRebuild #HealingIsMessy #BreakFreeFromExpectations #LiveAuthentically #RadicalSelfAcceptance #CuriosityHeals #EmbraceYourLayers #LiminalSpaces #InnerChildHealing #FaithDeconstruction #EmotionalWellness #SelfEmpowerment #HealingThroughStorytelling #MentalHealthAwareness #PeoplePleasingRecovery #WomenWhoHeal #TheFEELPodcast #PodcastForGrowth #AuthenticConversations

deconstructing beliefs self discovery podcast healing inner child emotional healing journey nervous system regulation living authentically breaking people pleasing habits mental health and identity faith deconstruction stories embracing your layers healing from religious trauma personal growth podcast reclaiming curiosity navigating self acceptance emotional intelligence podcast how to rediscover yourself growth mindset for women inner healing conversations podcast on being true to yourself self love and empowerment

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:40 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:34 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 16:50 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 31:19 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 44:17 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 48:57 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:01:48 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:14:05 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:22:31 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:23:14 )

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 ⁠⁠

Welcome to Season 9 of The F.E.E.L Podcast — a space for authentic conversations, emotional healing, and inspiring transformation. We're kicking off this season with a powerful episode featuring Gretchen Schoser, cohost of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads podcast.

Gretchen is a truth-teller, hope-giver, and passionate advocate for mental health awareness and emotional well-being. In this candid conversation, she opens up about:

• The life-saving moment she called 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• The importance of setting healthy boundaries as an empath and extrovert

• Overcoming toxic relationships and letting go of emotional drama

• Her battle with depression and how vulnerability became her superpower

• Using storytelling and humor to heal and connect with others

We talk about the power of knowing your "why," and how that can pull you out of your darkest moments. Gretchen’s story is raw, real, and relatable. Her journey from survival to purpose is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or emotionally exhausted.

This episode is a must-listen for those navigating emotional burnout, people-pleasing, or mental health challenges. Gretchen reminds us that asking for help isn't weakness—it's strength.

Call to Action: If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone. There is always hope.

Tune in, feel seen, and join the conversation.

#MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #SetHealthyBoundaries #EmpathSupport #EmotionalWellness #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney #EndTheStigma #988Lifeline #HopeDealer #PodcastRecommendations #FemalePodcasters #HealingThroughStorytelling #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowthJourney #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BoundariesAreHealthy #BreakTheStigma #LiveYourWhy

mental health podcast suicide prevention awareness 988 crisis line setting emotional boundaries podcast about healing stories of hope and recovery empath struggles how to say no breaking toxic friendships female empowerment podcast authentic storytelling healing from depression the feel podcast coping with burnout mental wellness tools end emotional exhaustion navigating friendships as an empath how to stop people pleasing trauma informed conversations
Ways to Engage: Find something that brings you joy, even if it’s small. Maybe it’s your favorite book, the smell of a certain flower, a person, etc. Describe it, appreciate it, and continue to find something new each day that brings you happiness.

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:13 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 5:42 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 11:57 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 26:19 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 26:19 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 45:51 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 56:52 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:21 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:09:05 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:09:33 )

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 special season finale of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, the gang’s all here! Melissa is joined by Charlotte Feehan and Jessica Garrison from the F.E.E.L. Network team as they reflect on what they loved, learned, and laughed at during Season 8. Together, they revisit favorite episodes, share the lessons that resonated most, and talk about the joy of building this community of empowerment, wellness, and self-discovery.

✨ In this episode, we share:

• Favorite moments from Season 8’s powerful conversations

• What it means to work together in the F.E.E.L. Network

• Lessons that continue to guide our growth and connection

• Laughter, gratitude, and excitement for what’s ahead in Season 9

Whether you’ve been following along since the beginning or just joined the journey, this season recap is your chance to pause, celebrate, and look forward to more meaningful conversations in the seasons ahead.

🔔 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to The F.E.E.L. Podcast so you’ll be the first to know when Season 9 begins. Share this episode with a friend who could use inspiration, and stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and upcoming announcements.

Hashtags:#TheFEELPodcast #Season8Finale #WomenEmpowerment #WellnessJourney #SelfCare #PodcastRecap #FEELNetwork #CommunityOfGrowth #AuthenticConversations #Season9ComingSoon

✨ 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? - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? 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 ⁠⁠⁠

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint Louis

In this special season finale of The F.E.E.L Podcast with host Melissa Crook, we take a heartfelt pause to reflect on all that unfolded throughout Season 8. From powerful guest stories to transformative conversations on women’s wellness, empowerment, and self-care, Melissa recaps the moments that left a lasting impact and the lessons that continue to guide us.

✨ In this episode, Melissa shares:

• Key highlights and takeaways from Season 8 episodes

• The themes that resonated most with our community

• How these conversations inspired growth, healing, and connection

• What’s to come as we look forward to Season 9

  
  

Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined us along the way, this episode is a chance to reflect, recharge, and get excited for what’s ahead.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to The F.E.E.L Podcast so you’ll be the first to know when Season 9 begins. Share this season recap with a friend who could use inspiration, and stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and upcoming announcements.

#TheFEELPodcast #Season8Finale #WomenEmpowerment #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #PodcastRecap

🔔 Call to Action

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to The F.E.E.L Podcast so you’ll be the first to know when Season 9 begins. Share this season recap with a friend who could use inspiration, and stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and upcoming announcements.

#TheFEELPodcast #Season8Finale #WomenEmpowerment #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #PodcastRecap

✨ 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? - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? 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 ⁠⁠

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint Louis

Photo Cred to https://www.blancamadrigal.com/