"It's Fine" With Rachel Varkey : Recent Episodes
Rachel Varkey
Look — we’re all guilty of it. It’s so much easier to say “it’s fine” than to navigate the complexity of our very real, adult problems.
"It's Fine" offers women, just like show host Rachel Varkey, to let it out, put it out there, and start talking about all the things we're not really fine on. From our lack of fulfillment, careers, relationships, mental health, self-love, and everything in between — Rachel is creating space to stop saying "it's fine" and start finding support.
You’re listening to the summer series of the It’s Fine. Podcast. I’ve decided to take a recording break this summer because well, transitioning into working motherhood and balancing life has been CHALLENGING.
For the full episode with Elaine, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3glrnnzBqNhY0Mmb7tBeII?si=paDrfSSGTaSv-9vEDQIy1A
You’re listening to the summer series of the It’s Fine. Podcast. I’ve decided to take a recording break this summer because well, transitioning into working motherhood and balancing life has been CHALLENGING.
For the full interview with Nadia, please listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Y2P3RXnQ3ODAaroTDVACe?si=YDfuzdxkQJinjXGLBd7uTw
You’re listening to the summer series of the It’s Fine. Podcast. I’ve decided to take a recording break this summer because well, transitioning into working motherhood and balancing life has been CHALLENGING.
For the full episode with Nina, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UHqLGPaU2hUzcWzlaG1Xb?si=a0utg1jlSuKlwBH_C5Q4Ow
Thanks for listening to the "It's FINE." podcast. I am currently on maternity leave and am re-sharing my favorite nuggets of wisdom from the 2023 podcast year.
For the full episode with Amanda, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/47RLDIMbJxoo6oFy9tpZBc?si=6x8-bpluSWSrxiba1nEIyA
Today, I am chatting with Anna Victoria. She is the founder of Vitalura Labs and Bodylura Nation.
On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- Learning to love our body in different seasons and changing our motivations
- Ways to know your body is changing without getting on the scale
- Anna’s simple hacks to working towards your body goals
Today, I am chatting with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh. She has 20+ years working in fertility care and the host of the Egg Whisper Podcast. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- What the egg freezing process looks like
- What the emotional conversations are around wanting to freeze your eggs (ie: like using donor sperm)
- What you can gain from learning more about egg and embryo freezing (especially if you aren’t sure what the future looks like)
Today, I am chatting with Dr. Mona,a pediatrician and host of podcast “The Peds Doc Talk”. On this episode, we will talk about:
- The feeding debate - breastfeeding vs. formula
- The best ways to care for yourself as mom of a newborn
- What bonding looks like and what should be priority one
Today, I am chatting with Paige Connell (sheisapaigeturner on socials). Paige is a working mother of four who uses her platform on TikTok and Instagram to share her thoughts on the mental load, parenting, and her career. Her goal is to raise awareness about the mental load of motherhood and advocate for equitable relationships for couples.
On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- What is mental load
- Where does mental load show up and examples of it
- How mental load can impact our relationships, especially our marriages
- And how we can leverage tools like Fairplay by Eve Rodsky to level the playing field
Today, I am chatting with Tracy Vadakumchery, the Bad Indian Therapist. She addresses toxic guilt and shame that affect cultural norms and South Asian mental health, along with all things people-pleasing anxiety and culturally-related stress and trauma.
On this episode, we talk about
- How our ethnic communities might keep us from trying to explore the right kinds of support
- What trusting our gut can look like and why we struggle to trust it
- A simple way to identify your values
Tracy is accepting new clients in New York, Florida, and California and also offers 2 free Facebook groups for South Asian Americans and therapists in need of support. Please visit her website to book your free intro call, and join Misfit Chaat House or South Asian Therapists and Healers Network to learn more about The Bad Indian Therapist! You can also find Tracy as the Bad Indian Therapist on Instagram and TikTok.
Today, I am chatting with Harriet Shearsmith, creator of the podcast Unfollowing Mum and certified empowerment coach. On this episode, we’ll talk about: What is cycle breaking and how can we become aware of it How we can identify what cycles and patterns to break in our adult lives How we can know we are actively repairing and restoring our relationships in our adult lives with the people around us, especially our kids Tips for cycle breaking parenting
Today, I am chatting with Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck. She is a licensed psychologist and an Iranian-Armenian daughter of immigrants. On this episode, we talk about:
- The common clashes between daughters of immigrants and their caregivers
- What those clashes can do to our identity and self worth
- What the daughter of immigrants healing journey look like (and it’s probably not what you think)
If you are interested in learning about Dr. Pauline Peck and her work, here are the best ways to connect with her
- Instagram, Tik Tok, and Pinterest: @paulinethepsychologist
- Schedule a Session with Her Team: www.noortherapyandwellness.com
- The Culture & Connection Transformation Program - 1:1 month-long, high-touch educational program for the daughters of immigrants
- The Roots and Fruits Group Program - a month-long educational and experiential program for the daughters of immigrants
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Interest Form
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Resources like:
- Free Translation Guide for Communicating with Your Immigrant Parents
Free CULTURED Book Club: Monthly curated picks on all things children of immigrants x mental health (e.g., intergenerational trauma, immigration, cultural identity development)
Today, I am chatting with Israa Nasir. She is a mental health speaker, a psychotherapist, and a self-help author. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- Birth order and how it can influence our development and ways we connect with our families
- The eldest sister profile
- How to manage resentments as an eldest sister
- How to set boundaries and prioritize self care to heal as an eldest sister
Eldest Daughter Syndrome Masterclass
Israa is hosting a three part masterclass on how to manage and overcome ““Eldest Daughter Syndrome”. Just because you were born as an eldest daughter does not mean that you have to be unhappy in life, and always put others first. You deserve the same happiness as everyone else. I’ll link more details in the show notes.
Just because you were born as an eldest daughter does not mean that you have to be unhappy in life, and always put others first. You deserve the same happiness as everyone else.I invite you to sign up for the waitlist, for this 3-part masterclass on how to manage and overcome “Eldest Daughter Syndrome”. You will receive more details through email once you sign up for the waitlist. A 3 part masterclass coming in Spring 2024. https://www.israanasir.com/courses
Today, I am chatting with Kendra Williams. She is matrescence activist, mentor, and coach. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- What is matrescence and how it can show up in all facets of early motherhood
- What areas we can be most impacted by the transition to motherhood
- What value setting can look like a mother
Thanks for listening to the "It's FINE." podcast. I am currently on maternity leave and am re-sharing my favorite nuggets of wisdom from the 2023 podcast year.
In 2024, my hope for you is to not let any limiting beliefs (see episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VLsQNn1zVeSZPtnwdg2dd?si=05tzA8CyRYG3u3wfB8cnnA) keep you from the your better than fine life.
If you're interested in listening to Tiye's full interview, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/325Z3Kirw8pKGE3rcCsXA7?si=Vfg19xFDQsqJrG8DcQ6VnQ
Thanks for listening to the "It's FINE." podcast. I am currently on maternity leave and am re-sharing my favorite nuggets of wisdom from the 2023 podcast year.
In 2024, my hope for you is to not let any limiting beliefs (see episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VLsQNn1zVeSZPtnwdg2dd?si=05tzA8CyRYG3u3wfB8cnnA) keep you from the your better than fine life.
If you're interested in listening to the Natasha's full interview, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gWSsXdwO3aQxqkvRJ4YY4?si=W9gu6lkLQBK1AN_zfTk8PA
Thanks for listening to the "It's FINE." podcast. I am currently on maternity leave and am re-sharing my favorite nuggets of wisdom from the 2023 podcast year.
In 2024, my hope for you is to not let any limiting beliefs (see episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VLsQNn1zVeSZPtnwdg2dd?si=05tzA8CyRYG3u3wfB8cnnA) keep you from the your better than fine life.
For the full episode with Rachel, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GJ9MSMEWZakhSP3HHl3p7?si=NhCuCyMxRXONQpDEeHLUeQ
Thanks for listening to the "It's FINE." podcast. I am currently on maternity leave and am re-sharing my favorite nuggets of wisdom from the 2023 podcast year.
In 2024, my hope for you is to not let any limiting beliefs (see episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VLsQNn1zVeSZPtnwdg2dd?si=05tzA8CyRYG3u3wfB8cnnA) keep you from the your better than fine life.
If you're interested in listening to Morgan's full interview, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hhc7orvURCMxIEdvtEltI?si=39551de3fca149f0
Thanks for listening to the "It's FINE." podcast. I am currently on maternity leave and am re-sharing my favorite nuggets of wisdom from the 2023 podcast year.
In 2024, my hope for you is to not let any limiting beliefs (see episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VLsQNn1zVeSZPtnwdg2dd?si=05tzA8CyRYG3u3wfB8cnnA) keep you from the your better than fine life.
For the full episode with Katherine Morgan Schafler, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Nplkss43Ub4nxj5V9Z11n?si=YW5GRJYVQ4ab933w8wGgfw
Today, I am chatting with Tanya Cole-Lesnick a psychotherapist turned personal development coach with three decades of professional experience helping people to pursue lives that honor their truest selves, are clear of energetic clutter, and that they are genuinely excited to be living. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- What are limiting beliefs
- The difference between limiting beliefs and realistic expectations
- How to challenge our limiting beliefs with little micro steps
Today, I am chatting with Sarah of Labor Junkie RN, she is a labor and delivery nurse supporting women navigating their delivery and all things pregnancy and postpartum. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- The trials and tribulations of the final trimester
- A vaginal delivery experience
- How to prepare for labor
- The first moments with your baby
Today, I am chatting with me (haha, Rachel) moderated by Julie George, the creator of the Brown Girl Podcast about my IVF journey. If you’re interested in getting into the thick of our IVF/infertility story, please listen to the full interview at the Brown Girl Podcast
https://www.thebrowngirlpodcast.com/ep-46-infertility-ivf-conceiving-hope-w-rachel-varkey/.
Today, I am chatting with Ana Maria, a life coach who focuses on emotional literacy, mindset redesign, and healing trauma from adverse childhood experiences.
On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- What it looks like to be the good girl (where it starts from, how we start to notice, and how it often benefits those who play that role)
- How being the good girl can translate into bitterness, frustration, and an unfulfilled life and what to do about it
- How good girls and bad girls see each other
Today, I am chatting with Morgan Pommells, MSW, a psychotherapist, writer, and doctoral researcher committed to helping anxious adults heal from their dysfunctional parents and live life on their own terms. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- What emotionally immature parents are and what a childhood with them can look like
- What it can look like if we are operating from a place of safety due to a dysfunctional childhood
- Why the holidays can be complicated for people with emotionally immature family members
- Answers to your questions including how to manage questions on singleness, your parenting style, “female chattiness”, and so much more!
Morgan is currently hosting a Masterclass called "Protect Your Peace." It is designed to be a deeply transformative learning experience that equips you with the skills and self-worth needed to navigate the holiday season peacefully, even amidst the most dysfunctional family dynamics. If you’re interested in learning more from Morgan, check out her Instagram at @morganpommells to sign up or get more information.
Today, I am chatting with Jane Ko, is the Austin food blogger behind A Taste of Koko®, Austin’s top food and travel blog, and has been blogging since 2010. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- Jane’s story and her laser focus on building Taste of Koko
- How we can evolve as women even when it comes to being cool
- How cool and authenticity work hand in hand
I’m chatting with Esha Pathak from the Turn Off the Ringer Podcast to answer your questions about us and our 20s vs. 30s perspective on life, love, and everything in between.
For Part 2 of this episode, visit Esha's podcast, Turn Off the Ringer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turn-off-the-ringer/id1630853999.
I am chatting with Bob Mathew. He is a real estate agent based here in Austin, TX. He has a passion for building community wherever he is, and I am lucky to be a part of his local community groups here in Austin!
On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- Why we shouldn’t be afraid to initiate and invite
- Why expanding our friendship circles can help support the other key relationships in our life
- How friendships can evolve with competing priorities
- How to build ethnic community and share your cultural identities with your families
I am chatting with Nadia Fiorita, a therapist who specializes in anxiety, to talk about how we live with high functioning anxiety. On this episode, we’ll talk about: What high functioning anxiety looks like How you can combat anxiety with balance The power of saying no Tips to manage through high functioning anxiety
Today, I am chatting with Divya Balakrishnan, a yoga educator, and lifestyle blogger. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Changing our physical practice from outcomes driven to internal motivation How our body ideals and ways to change are often layered with Western ideals and how to challenge those beliefs How to challenge yourself to build internal values around your health and wellness
Today, I am chatting with Dr. Ali Rodriguez, OBGYN and lifestyle blogger, educating women about their health and their bodies On this episode, we’ll talk about: Our 2nd trimester symptoms Pregnancy weight gain and exercise Feeling our babies move! (and why I haven’t yet) For my own pregnancy, I am doing a series called "Is This Normal?" for each stage of the Pregnancy Journey (Trying, 1st/2nd/3rd/Postpartum) to help womxn feel less alone on their journey of having a baby.
Today, I am talking with Cherie Smith, an Austin Realtor and Director of Sales for JKB Realty Group. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Breaking down some of the homebuying misconceptions Some of the core areas for financing your home (including a discussion on Sept 2023 interest rates, home prices) First time home buyers “sacrifices” and how to manage through it
I am talking to Natasha Mahtani, relationship & divorce coach. She helps women, globally, to increase their sense of self-worth, show up for themselves, identify and rewire their limiting beliefs and thrive in all relationships. On this episode, we talk about:
How to deconstruct finding the “one” (your soulmate)
Handling the expectations people place on what “your one” should look like
Managing difficult conversations with family who don’t agree with you on your relationship
Knowing when a relationship is over
Today, I am chatting with Janelle Hettick, a therapist who specializes in ADHD and also lives with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. On this episode, we’ll talk about: How ADHD may manifest for women What challenges ADHD can bring for adults How to share your ADHD diagnosis with your community
Today, I am talking to Amanda Armstrong, a neuroscience and trauma-informed anxiety & depression coach and Founder of Rise As We, a mental health coaching space. On this episode, we talk about:
Depression from the lens of the nervous system (Polyvagal Theory)
What it looks like for our nervous system to go from regulated, to not
What high functioning depression can look like
And why self regulation can be helpful in managing depression
Today, I am chatting with Teale Kelley (@tealekelleyy), a Fertility Nurse Coordinator. She also is a surrogate and has been sharing her story online! On this episode, we’ll talk about:
Our personal experiences being pregnant via IVF What the first trimester looks like and some of the things we worry about (miscarriage being the biggest) The science behind getting pregnant and some tips to help you get there
I split this episode into two parts - depending on what you'd like to listen to! If you're more interested in my first trimester, go ahead and start at the top. If you'd like to skip to the conception and TTC tips, skip to the tail end of the episode (
Today, I am talking to Disha Mazepa, host of But What Will People Say, a South Asian interracial relationship and lifestyle podcast and the founder of Disha Mazepa Designs. On this episode, we talk about:
How our types can transcend what we imagine for ourselves
Our relationships with our parents impact how we choose our partners
Brown girl guilt and the power of fighting against it with risk taking and value setting
Today, I am talking to Elaine Evans, a trauma informed therapist committed to bringing peace to the past and confidence to the present. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
What does grief look like, especially in moments of transition
Why grieving your past is important, especially for your inner child
Why we might want to consider how and why we are confronting people for the bad things they did for us
Today, I am chatting with Kim Polinder, founder of the Polinder Coaching Group. She has been counseling for over 10 years and utilizing tools from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Inner Child work. On this episode, we’ll talk all about:
Using values to determine if a relationship is unhealthy
How sometimes we step into relationships because of learned behavior from our past
Some of the things couple can do to heal in their relationships
What happens when you decide to move on and breakup
Today, I am talking to Nina Nesdoly, she is a stress and burnout prevention speaker and researcher. She advocates for work-life balance and believes it is possible to be a high-achiever at work without burning out or letting stress take over. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
What burnout actually is and where you experience it
How to think about your life responsibilities as balls of glass and rubber
How to consider self compassion as a way to avoid burnout
How to set boundaries in the workplace
If you’re interested in learning more about the “it’s fine” community, visit www.rachelvarkey.com or @rachelvarkey on Instagram.
I am talking to Tiye Chamber, a life coach dedicated to empowering individuals to live their best lives by helping people connect the dots of toxic behavior and create healthy boundaries. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
Where why we might lack boundaries
How to set boundary foundations
Some of the tactics people use to cross our boundaries
What’s at risk if we don’t set boundaries
If you are interested in learning more about Tiye Chambers and her work on boundaries, she has a course called “Boundaries Foundation.” You can learn more on her website https://bio.site/Boundary.Up.
Today, I am talking to Katherine Morgan Schafler the author of THE PERFECTIONIST’S GUIDE TO LOSING CONTROL. In her words, Katherine works with people who can present really well, seem completely put together when they want to be, and whose problems are not immediately apparent to others.
On this episode, we’ll talk about:
Katherine’s reframe on what perfectionism means to her - and how different it may look to mainstream media
The five perfectionist personas and the pros/cons of each
A universal thing we all do to deny ourselves of our right to joy
Today, I am talking to Peter Mutabazi, foster care and adoption advocate and author of “Now I Am Known”. Peter is a single parent who has fostered 32 young people. I was drawn to his story, and I am excited to share his journey to parenthood and the lessons he’s learned along the way. On this episode, we talk about:
Peter’s journey to fatherhood
The challenges of fostering and adoption
And how we can support folks who are called to fostering and adoption
Today, I am talking to Benina Caviggiola, the creator of the Mama Knows Podcast and creator of Balkanina, where she shares lifestyle, fashion, and DIY tips. On this episode, we’ll talk about:
Our changing bodies and biggest insecurities
How we can change our goals for our bodies
Trends for mid-size bodies that you should rock this summer!
If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE, check us out on Instagram and Tik Tok @itsfinethepod.
Today, I am chatting with Kate McReynolds, LMHC. She is the creator of the mom therapist on Instagram and is a licensed professional clinical counselor. On this episode, we’ll talk about: How we get to mommy guilt What mommy guilt is and how we can reframe it Whether or not we think our kids will need therapy How to find peace in mommy guilt and have meaningful relationships with our kids
Today, I am talking with Dr. JoAnn Hummel, a pastor, teacher, and leader who has served at a large church in Carrollton, TX for over 30 years. She is single and does not have any biological children. On this episode, we’ll talk about: The challenges of being single when you’re in your late 60s and the lessons she's learned along the way Where JoAnn finds her confidence as a single person What married people don’t realize about single peopler Tik Tok
Today, I am chatting with Merle Bombardieri, author of ‘The Baby Decision’, and a clinical social worker and psychotherapist of over 30 years. She specializes in parenthood decision-making, infertility, adoption, and making the most of a childfree life.On this episode, we’ll talk about: Why it’s important to make the ‘baby decision’ - childfree or parenthood The myth of only children The tug of war between couples making the ‘baby decision’ If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE., check us out on Instagram and Tik Tok @itsfinethepod.
I am chatting with a woman’s podcast and story who encouraged me in the ups/downs of my fertility journey - Jesse Brown. She is the creator of Uniquely Knitted. Uniquely Knitted is a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit on a mission to heal the traumas of infertility and end the isolation that goes with struggling to conceive. They do that by running process groups for those affected by infertility.On this episode, we’ll talk about: Jesse’s non-traditional way of becoming a mom What infertility can be like for those who want to become moms Jesse’s tip for maintaining your identity in motherhood If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE, check us out on Instagram and Tik Tok @itsfinethepod.
Today, I am chatting with a mother I admire so much - Anita Mannancheril. Anita is an extremely accomplished board certified Family Medicine physician in New Jersey, my cousin, and has been a big sister to me as I navigated my journey to motherhood. On this episode, we talk about: Anita’s approach to mom guilt Building boundaries as a brown mom And the biggest its fine thing happening to her now If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE, check us out on Instagram and Tik Tok @itsfinethepod.
It’s my birthday this week! Today, you’re hearing from me. Me, myself, and I. For those new to the podcast, my name is Rachel Varkey, I am a podcast host, a marketer, a wife, a daughter, sister, a dog mama, and friend to many. On this episode, you’ll be learning about the five things I’ve learned since my last birthday! If you’re interested in learning more about me, follow me on Instagram @rachelvarkey.
Today, I am talking to Erica Smith, an award winning sexuality educator. In 2019, she developed the Purity Culture Dropout™️ Program to help people learn all of the sex education that they missed growing up in purity culture- sex ed that is accurate, queer inclusive, trauma informed, compassionate, and comprehensive. On this episode, we’ll talk about: The common blockers to having a healthy sex Debunking some common misconceptions from purity culture including First time sex Masturbation Partnered sex Sharing a ton of tips and personal stories around discovering your own personal pleasure
Today, I am talking to Kendall Berg, That Career Coach. She has been coaching for over 6 years with a passion for transforming insecurity into stability and confidence. On this episode, we’ll talk about: What the corporate game is and how to play it Why building relationships are so critical to success at work How to navigate difficult relationships and promotions in the workplace How to get value out of your work If you’re interested in learning more about Kendall, you can find her on Instagram at @_thatcareercoach.
Today, I am talking to Julie George, creator of the Brown Girl podcast, a podcast that elevates voices, stories, and perspectives of the South Asian diaspora.On this episode, we’ll talk about: How moving can help you learn about yourself How waiting for approval is probably not a good use of your time Julie’s advice for navigating moving to a new place including “Embracing the suck” Living in a “vibey place” Putting yourself in uncomfortable places Using your connectors The do it anyway approach How to tell your parents you’re going to moveIf you’re interested in learning more about the “it’s fine” community, visit www.rachelvarkey.com or @rachelvarkey on Instagram.
Today, I am talking to Ali Jackson, 35-year-old dating & relationship coach living in NYC who’s been there, in the trenches, looking for her person. On this episode, we’ll talk about Ali’s journey dating and supporting other womxn looking to find their person.On this episode, we’ll talk about: How we need to consider if the things we’re looking for in our partner are actually serving me Why finding your person should feel more like them fitting into your life, not the other way around How we aren’t meant to be on timelines And so many tips!If you’re interested in learning more about Ali, find her on Instagram @findingmrheight.
A different kind of episode. One of my secrets to living beyond fine, and the thread across all the experts and conversations I’ve had this season - is community. On this episode, you’ll hear me chat with two of my oldest friends, Diviya Mathai and Dilya Baz, where we talk about what has kept us friends for 30 years and counting. What we think the secret is to keeping lifelong friendships and starting new friendships What we think about “busy-ness” when it comes to friendship How to make adjustments for friendship in busy seasons and transitions in life A juicy moment where we realize our friendships are infallible and humanIf you are interested in learning more about the It's FINE. community, visit www.rachelvarkey.com or follow Rachel on Instagram at @rachelvarkey.
Are you itching to make your side hustle your main hustle? I chat with Emma Cortes, Seattle Content Creator and Founder of Emma’s Edition to talk about how she transitioned from a six year career in corporate America to building her own brand. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How immigrant kids can struggle with transitioning to non-traditional careers How to prep your support system for making the transition to main hustle Practical tips on how to make the transition from side to main hustle including tips to stay balanced How to stay motivated and deal with the haters/naysayersIf you’re interested in learning more about Emma, you can find her on Instagram at @emmasedition.
Is it possible to actually love your body? I talk with Tina Naidu (@fit2frolic), a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, on how her journey to loving her body and helping other women love theirs.On this episode, we talk about: Tina’s journey to getting to loving her body How other people’s opinions about our bodies shouldn’t determine if we love them Some tips for building body neutrality and positivity, even when you have goals to change your bodyTina has such a fun energy around how to love and feel confident in your body. Are you ready, let’s get into it.
How do women uplevel in their careers? In this episode, I chat with Deanna Figurito, Founder and Lead Coach of DFig Connects Coaching, about how women can leverage executive coaching to achieve the big dreams and goals in their life. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why career coaching can help a woman up level in her professional and personal life Determining what fulfillment looks like for you by creating a personal mission statement What are the “saboteurs” or the limiting briefs that hold you back from living the life of your dreamsIf you're interested in digging a little deeper into your Big A Agenda, feel free to reach out to Deanna at her website www.dfigconnects.com or find her on Instagram at @dfigconnects. Sign up for her newsletter here or set an introductory call for coaching with her here.
Have you done the work of self discovery? Today, I am talking to Ribicca Mamuye, the founder and creator of amromenor.com about all things self-love, self-discovery, and learning how to love yourself.On this episode, we’ll talk about: The power of self discovery and why we often define our worth by the roles we play and how good we are at them Why solo dating can unlock exploring and discovering the things you love How to start figuring out who you really are (and trying to forget about other people’s timelines for your life)If you'd like to learn more about Rachel Varkey and the it's FINE. community, visit www.rachelvarkey.com or Instagram @rachelvarkey.
Curious about my lifelong relationship? I’m chatting with Charles Samuel, my partner in life, where we discuss what our marriage has looked like in building a life that is better than fine. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why we think individuality is critical to partnership How important it is to play to your strengths (and why we sometimes we hold our partner to our assumptions about them) Why not to compare your relationship to someone else'sIf you’re interested in learning more about the It’s FINE. community, visit my website rachelvarkey.com or follow me on Instagram at @rachelvarkey.
Do you really feel beautiful? In this episode, I chat with Raven Roberts, celebrity fashion stylist, about how she’s found ways to feel beautiful, and also help others connect to their beauty within. We talk about: How beauty standards can be very narrow, especially for women of color How to find moments of being beautiful A secret tip for confidenceIf you’re interested in learning more about Raven, you can find her on Instagram @_ravenroberts.
As someone who had a lot of acne, especially in my 20s, I know debilitating not feeling good skin can do to the way you show up in the world. On this episode, I’m chatting with Nicole LaCroix, Founder of Nicole LaCroix Skin Care, to talk about our acne and what we can do about it. We’ll talk about: What acne is and what are some of the triggers are for acne that you might not know about How what you put on your skin makes a big difference for your acne How it might be easier than you think to clear up your skin and feel more confidentYou can find Nicole on IG: @nicolelacroixskin. If you’re in Austin and would like to try a session, she’s offering all my listeners and I quote “a special Rachel Varkey discount.”
How do you navigate a life of influence with confidence? I’m talking with Maryanne J. George, Christian worship leader/songwriter/musician, about how she’s been able to navigate a life as an artist, while balancing the challenges, expectations, and story of being a brown woman.
On this episode, we’ll talk about:
- How hard it can to believe in yourself and the inner voices that hold you back
- How to begin imagining that you can change and evolve into the person you desire to be
- The differences between the way men and women believe in themselves (especially in a brown community like ours)
If you'd like to learn more about this podcast and Rachel Varkey, visit www.rachelvarkey.com or find Rachel on Instagram @rachelvarkey.
Let’s talk about our childhood trauma. No, really. I talk with associate Rachel Delgado, associate director of First Loved Ministries, about the way we experience our trauma as adults and how we can start dealing with it. In this episode, we’ll talk about: - How trauma manifests in our adult lives - How to start managing our trauma and the absolute importance of it for our adult relationships - A simple practice to start noticing trauma responses in your day to day lifeIf you’re interested in learning about First Loved Ministries, visit https://www.firstlovedministries.org/.
You’re not alone if you are a victim of sexual violence. In this episode, I chat with Ciji Wagner, executive director of non-profit Louder Than Silence, a non-profit for survivors of sexual violence, where we talk about how people who experience sexual violence can find support and find ways to navigate their experiences. In this episode, we talk about: - How sexual violence appeared in Ciji’s life and what brought her to get help - Why it’s so hard to get the emotional and physical support you need to get the support you need - How to find the support, your community, and how to navigate finding your voiceYou can find Ciji Wagner and her work at Louder than Silence on Instagram (@louderthansilenceorg). If you’re interested in accessing Louder Than Silence’s programs for survivors, you can visit louderthansilence.org and contact them at hello@louderthansilence.org.
Building a family can be more than complicated, which is why we need to build the right team to support us, not just in getting our baby, but the journey that gets us there. I’m talking to Sadie Minkoff, L.Ac., FABORM, clinical director of the largest reproductive acupuncture practice in central Texas, Sage Acupuncture. On this episode, we’ll talk about Why infertility might not be right word for those navigating building their families The concept of “work” in our fertility struggles How building your team can be so important to get through a season of infertilityIf you are interested in learning more about Sadie and Sage Acupuncture, please visit their website at ReproductiveAcupuncture.com or find them on instagram at @sageacupunctureaustin.
Do you really know what anxiety looks like? And do you think you should do something about it? In this episode, I chat with Jyothi James, a licensed mental health counselor and trained EMDR therapist. She provides both individual and group counseling for adults who suffer from anxiety and traumatic experiences. We talk about:
- What anxiety looks like and how it can manifest both physically and emotionally in our lives
- How our life story may play a big role in how anxiety is at play in our life
- How starting a mediation practice can help make micro change for your anxiety
If you’re interested in learning more about Jyothi, you can follow her on Instagram at @jyothijames.
Can I actually live the life of my dreams? I’m talking with Rachel Ann, a holistic life coach in New York City, on how we can transition our lives from surviving to thriving. In this episode, we’ll talk about:
- On why we may feel so much pressure to live the lives and expectations of others
- How sometimes these expectations don’t match our true self and how to spot if you’re living in a false sense of self
- How to balance our societal and family expectations and discover our true selves to live the life of our dreams
If you want to learn more about life coaching, Rachel Ann is offering my podcast listeners a coaching discount. All you need to do is set up an introductory conversation by visiting https://www.rachelanncoaching.com/contact.
Look — we’re all guilty of it. It’s so much easier to slap an “it’s fine” on a tough situation than deal with it. On “It’s Fine” with Rachel Varkey, we’re going to name the many things we put our “it’s fine’s” on and start talking about it. It’s going to get real, it’s probably going to get ugly, but Rachel isn’t afraid to shed light on the real things that are holding us back, the shit that stands in our way, and remind you, “it’s really not fine.”