No Approval Needed: Recent Episodes
Brooke Kamins Wise
What’s your story? We all have unique, interesting stories. We empower one another and find connection when we share our stories. No Approval Needed and a lot of laughs.
In this episode of the No Approval Needed podcast, Brooke and her friend, Dr. Jocelyn Abrams, PhD and psychologist, discuss her new space- NAN Collective which combines her love for vintage clothing, the podcast, and creating a community of women.
Brooke and Jocelyn talk about the need for deep and meaningful connections in a world filled with false senses of community. They explore vulnerability, fear of judgment, and the courage it takes to be authentic. Brooke hopes that through Nan Collective, women can have inspiring conversations, gain new perspectives, and support each other in their personal growth.
Mindi MattheusNurse Practitioner + Aesthetic InjectorMindi is known for her artful work and conservative techniques that help patients achieve facial harmony whilegiving them a refreshed version of their natural beauty.Through education on skincare, preventative treatments and corrective treatments she has been able to create meaningful changes for patients seeking anti-aging.What I really appreciate as a patient of Mindi’s is her willingness to spend time with me to explain treatments and also her ability to create a natural look that simply rejuvenates your look. I never want to walk out of an injectors office not looking like myself. Mindi’s career as a nurse practitioner began in New York City where she honed her skills working and training under world-renowned plastic surgeons, Daniel Baker, MD and Steven Levine, MD, as well as master injector Nousha Salimi.We talked- -Choosing providers for injectables and other treatments -Differences in brands of neurotoxins like Botox and differences in fillers -Microneedling, different lasers and what they do, CoolsculptVs. Emsculpt, lifting and collagen stimulating PDO threads -Beauty standards and it’s affect on us. The Kardashian Effect -Mindi’s Skincare Regimen -Cleanse in the morning - gentle cleanser or salicylic acid cleanser -Skinceuticals: CE Ferulic or Floratin CF-Revision Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer or Elta MD Sunscreen MoisturizerRetinoids in the evening Tretinoid twice a week 20x more potent than Retinol cheaper and more active Connect with Mindi-@skinwithmindiBook a consultation with Mindi-(713) 526-1126https://beautiquericevillage.com/servicesandprices/#onlinebookings
Kate Anthony is the host of the critically acclaimed and New York Times recommended podcast The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast and the creator of the groundbreaking online coaching program, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”, which helps women make the most difficult decision of their lives using coaching tools, relationship education, geeky neuroscience, community support, and deep self-work.
Kate is divorced and shares 50/50 custody with her ex. She was an actor for more than 30 years, starting with five years on Sesame Street and ending with five years on Grey’s Anatomy, with a lot of work in theatre and television in between.
We discussed-
-How to tell your kids you’re getting divorced
-How to protect your children from the emotional impact of their parents going through a divorce, while also teaching them that we can do hard things and we are resilient
-Understanding how your divorce will impact your family and what conversations are appropriate to have
-“Staying together for the kids” how it can be toxic for kids
Connect with Kate Anthony-
Website- https://kateanthony.com/
IG- @thedivorcesurvivalguide
Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-divorce-survival-guide-podcast/id1345075933
This one is definitely an adults only, very candid conversation on the Birds + The Bees with Emily Jamea, a Sex Therapist, Speaker, Author and Podcast Host. I hope this can take away the stigma of the tricky conversations we have with our children around Sex and Puberty. People often ask Emily how she got into the field of sex therapy. Emily grew up in a home where sex was not a taboo topic. Her father worked as an OBGYN and both of her parent were very progressive. Together, her parent taught her that her body and sexuality were nothing to be ashamed of. As she got older she became the one her friends came to for advice on sex and relationships. It became clear to her that people had a lot of anxiety and insecurities around these topics. That’s when her journey began. She studied Psychology and Human Sexuality while at The University of Texas. She then went on to receive her Masters and eventually earned her PhD in Sexology. Emily has spent over working with individuals and couples to overcome relationship and sexual hurdles in order to enjoy more meaningful lives. As much as Emily loves her work, her greatest joy is her family. She is happily married with two children. Emily’s expert opinion has been featured on NBC, CNN, CBS, USA Today, The Houston Chronicle, Men’s Fitness, Women’s Health, and more. She has given many guest lectures at Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, MD Anderson, Methodist Hospital, and at various support groups and meetings in the Houston area.
Blake + Dylan wanted to do an episode so enjoy this quick one...spoiler alert- he's into baseball + she loves to dance.
Today's guest is Erin Morrison, also known as The Conscious Mom.
Erin Morrison is a Conscious Parenting expert in helping parents connect to themselves, their children & their families.
She’s known as The Conscious Mom and believes we are so much more than our titles, degrees and labels. Yet it is through this process she has evolved her practice in conscious parenting to where it is today.
With two Masters Degrees in Psychological Counseling, Erin’s training at Columbia University provides her with a deep understanding of mental health counseling and the therapeutic process.
From investment baking and advertising to her time at Google, focusing on people operations required a true understanding of the human experience. Erin realized while most had a need for guidance, most truly desired to be seen, heard and validated.
We discuss-
-What Conscious Parenting means and how it leads to greater connection to our children
-Coming to understand ourselves first so we can show up for our children in an authentic way
-We can be triggered by our children and sometimes not realize it’s about us
-Letting our children be themselves and safely explore who they are
-The narrative of “not-enoughness” and people pleasing
and much more!
Connect with Erin-
Website-https://theconsciousmom.com/
IG- @itstheconsciousmom
Blake Blankenbecler is a friendship educator, licensed therapist + creator of conversation game, The Friendship Deck. Blake has a private practice in Charleston, South Carolina helping people who are processing trauma, learning how to feel those feelings, and live with integrity and kindness.
I loved this conversation and I hope you connect to everything we talked about.
Blake’s new conversation game is out now. Check it out-
The Friendship Deck: Gather your friends new and old to play the Friendship Deck, a conversation game for friends who are craving more intimacy. This game features 62 questions with three levels to help you and your friends develop more meaningful connections, have more honest and vulnerable conversations, and enjoy long lasting and authentic friendships! www.thefriendshipdeck.com
“IT’S POSSIBLE TO Have hard conversations with your friends, heal from past friendship wounds, and create more meaningful connections with your friends." - Blake Blankenbecler
C O N N E C T with Blake-
IG- @blakeblankenbecler TikTok- @blakeblankenbecler.lpc www.thefriendshipdeck.com
I have known Ashley Barber for over 10 years from my days of working out at Define Body & Mind. Her smile and energy has always been contagious.
Ashley founded Simply Maven to help busy families and professionals simplify their homes and lives for better health and happiness. Through 1-on-1 sessions, virtual coaching, and public speaking, she and co-owner Jane McCullough guide their clients to do just that. As the first certified KonMari Consultant in Houston, and currently studying public health at UT Houston, she combines 1200+ hrs of organizing with a decade of fitness instruction, a philosophy degree, and an eye for design to bring a unique touch to each project.
The KonMari Method™ was created by famous tidying consultant Marie Kondo, known for her best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and other books , as well as her unique folding methods. The method promotes keeping items that "spark joy" while discarding what does not. The results are less stress in clients' lives and more time and energy to pursue their passions, spend time with loved ones, or engage in whatever creates a joy-filled life.
Ashley combines her organizing skills with her eye for design and a passion for physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Ashley loves teaching others the best ways to edit + organize their spaces to make room for more joy.
On the episode we talked about her career as a Marie Kondo consultant and being a Mom to her two adorable boys, Theo and Wes.
Highlights-
-Prioritizing your life and what you want in your home.
-Taking ownership of your time and space. Simplifying.
-keeping the house in order with kids.getting kids interested in keeping order and simplicity. Make it fun. “Structure with wiggle room.”
-Creating a vision for your ideal lifestyle and go from there.
-Editing before organizing. Storage isn’t usually the issue. Most people have plenty of storage space for the things that are important.
-Being more intentional with the things you have.
-The definition of balance isn’t one size fits all for every person
Connect with Ashley-
Website- https://www.simplymavenhtx.com
IG- @simplymavenhtx
Erin Falconer is an author, associate therapist, speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, mom and Canadian living in Los Angeles- and that’s just naming a few of the things Erin does!
Erin has written 3 books, most recently released is “How To Break Up With Your Friends- Finding Meaning, Connection, and Boundaries in Modern Friendships”
I discovered Erin by listening to her episode with Maria Menounos on Better Together and knew I had to have a conversation with her! Her book, “How To Break Up With Your Friends- Finding Meaning, Connection, and Boundaries in Modern Friendships is about Creating space for meaningful connections and set healthy boundaries with this much-needed guide to modern-day friendship.
Erin’s Instagram: @erinfalconer
Website: https://erinfalconer.com/
Link to Erin’s new book “How To Break Up With Your Friends: Finding Meaning, Connection and Boundaries in Modern Friendships” : https://www.amazon.com/How-Break-Your-Friends-Friendships-ebook/dp/B096NH11Z3
Welcome to Season TWO!
Dr. Jennifer Jansen is a clinical psychologist primarily working with children. We had the opportunity to have a conversation around how our egos can come into play when we are parenting and how awareness is key.
Dr. Jansen is passionate about working with individuals of all ages on cognitive, behavioral, and emotional factors to promote overall health. She has special interest in the relationship between sleep and anxiety and was recognized with an award from the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine for her dissertation project on the role of sleep in anxiety intervention. She has also published several book chapters and scientific journal articles. Jennifer has worked across a variety of clinical settings including an academic medical center, residential and day-treatment program, and community clinics. She enjoys providing parent management training and cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of behavior problems, anxiety, and depression with children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, she provides psychological assessments of cognitive functioning, ADHD, and learning problems. Jennifer strives to create a collaborative, supportive experience, and she is committed to tailoring an effective intervention to you so that you leave therapy with improved knowledge and resiliency.
You can connect with Dr. Jansen at http://psychologyhoustonpc.com
The wine is flowing...welcome back if you're still here! We dig into what we would do if we won the lottery + what our friendship means to us.
So this episode is a bit off brand and brought to you by Ally Firestone + Paige Baden and dubbed “The Episode of No Approval Needed You Didn’t Know You Needed.” They had their chance to shoot their shot and they went for it + I may have over-served the wine. Topics covered in Part 1 + 2 of the riveting episode: Old friendships and new friendships 90210 Memes vs. quotes Walking in on Victoria Beckham topless me getting roasted + gaslit Gary Janetti Growing and changing…and not My therapist says… Mercury in retrograde Celebrity crushes C A U T I O N: Not safe to listen to with children- some language may not be appropriate…and that’s after some heavy editing.
Lisi Metzger, former blogger, founder of L Studio Media-Social Media Management + Consulting Services and mom of 2 boys is a long time Instagram friend I connected with 10 years ago when we were both blogging. Lisi started L Studio Media to help create and manage content for small businesses, brands + professionals.
Connect with Lisi:
Instagram: @lstudiomedia
Website: www.lstudiomedia.com
Randi Rubenstein is the founder of the Mastermind Parenting program, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast and author of The Parent Gap. The Mastermind Parenting philosophy is that every human deserves to have a family that gets along.
Randi helps parents navigate difficult conversations with a clear head and an open heart. She has an extra special soft spot for families with strong-willed kids and believes these kids need our help the most. Randi lives in houston with her Husband and has 3 children, 2 boys and a girl, her youngest son is in high school, her daughter is in college and her oldest son is in grad school. Connect with Randi: Instagram-@mastermindparenting Website- https://mastermindparenting.com Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mastermind-parenting-podcast/id1362773053
A mini episode with my almost 8 year old daughter, Blake. It was fun to ask her questions and hear how she answered. She surprised me a few times!
Dr. Adrienne Youdim is a mother to 3, educator, author and physician specializing in medical weight loss and nutrition in Los Angeles, California. In her new book, “Hungry for More” she shares personal stories and patient’s stories. Her book will help you understand the triggers, science and psychology behind weight gain and your hunger. Many times hunger is for more than just food. Hunger can be hunger for connection, perfection, meaning, etc. For over fifteen years, Dr. Adrienne has helped hundreds of people through their weight loss journeys. Through her extensive clinical experience, she understands that weight loss is not just a matter of calories. A change in our relationship with food can have a transforming effect on every aspect of our lives. Dr. Adrienne also founded and created Dehl Nutrition - a line of nutrition bars and supplements created with functional ingredients for health and wellbeing. Connect with Dr. Adrienne: Instagram- @dradrienneyoudim Website- www.dradrienneyoudim.com Book- "Hungry for More: Stories and Science to Inspire Weight Loss from the Inside Out"
Carla Valencia de Martinez was raised in Houston, TX after moving from Guadalajara, Mexico with her family at the age of 5. Carla has done it all from working at California Closet Company in high school, hostessing at Arcodoro while in college, to creating her own line of embroidered denim and practicing interior design in the Decorative Center. She was the editor-in-chief at LOCAL Houston Magazine – a local guide to city started by her husband Alex Martinez and ran sales, edited and published for 15 years.
In June of 2018, LOCAL transitioned into a Creative Firm and she started Carla Valencia Design where she creates purse straps and custom made pieces. She has two children, Carlota 6 and Pascual 10.
Carla and I talk about her path to building Carla Valencia Design, family, balance and staying in alignment, living in the moment and favorite things.
Favorite things we talked about:
Fitness- Melissa Wood Health- Carla / The Class with Taryn Toomey- Brooke
Hair Products- Olaplex No. 5 once a week, Kerastase Curl products-Carla / Hairstory- The New Wash Shampoo -Brooke
Makeup/Face Products-Living Libations Best Skin Ever Oil Cleanser, SkinCeuticals C Ferulic, GOOP Vitamin C, True Botanicals mixed Victoria Beckham moisturizer- Carla
Dionysia for brow shaping/brow lamination -Brooke
Scents-Maison Marie Louis No.4 with Dyptique oils with a little Patchouli- Carla
Book-The Nightingale and The Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
Radical Remission by Kelly A. Turner- Carla
Hair Salon- Therapy - Carla and Brooke / David Michael David Salon- Carla
CONNECT with Carla-
Carla on IG- @cvalenciadesign
Carla's Website- www.carlavalenciadesign.com
Julie Weinstein is an author, podcaster, writer + digital strategist. She was an early adopter of blogging back in 2011. In her 20's Julie wrote a book, "Oops! An Insider's Guide to Dating, Sex and Relationships In Your 20's". Julie started her podcast, Hashtag No Filter, in 2018. Julie has many different skills that have led to her trying out new and different career paths along the way. She and I both share that pattern and we have learned to embrace the changes and recognize that each experience leads us to our next.
Dr. Rikki Sevell is originally from Houston, TX and is a primary care physician living in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, Adam and children Brayden and Audrey. Rikki and I talk about her journey to becoming a doctor, asking for what you want, Covid times, tools for handling stress and the current mental health crisis in the world. I know Rikki's confidence and ability to be open and honest will inspire you.
Jacki Carr is a goal coach, motivational speaker, writer, wife and mom to two strong, beautiful girls. Jacki helps women find their gifts and use their voice to speak their goals out loud. Jacki created signature programs to help women find their voice. You can find Jacki on Instagram @JackiCarr and to learn more about her programs visit www.jackicarr.com. You can say hi to Jacki at hello@jackicarr.com
My friend, Theresa Le and I talk in depth about her Vietnamese culture + heritage, her loss of her mother, diversity in today's world and parenthood.
Allie has been an entrepreneur since she was a child. She started Integrate Agency (formerly Integrate PR) when she was 24 years old and grew it for 8.5 years until it was acquired by an Austin based marketing agency in 2018. Two years later, Allie launched her second business, Ampersand, a career development program to accelerate careers to give young professionals a head start on their career path. Allie's confidence, ability to share openly and to lead is what draws others to her. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Check out Ampersand here- www.ampersandpro.com and Allie on IG- @alliedanziger + @ampersand_pro Products mentioned: Allie's Favorite- Cell Food Oxygenating Oxygen Gel- All natural, only 4 ingredients Brooke's Favorite- Sunday Riley Good Genes and Living Libations Seabuckthorn Cleanser Moisturizer.
Jacque is my cousin, my friend and an amazing person. She found her way to becoming an Intuitive Eating Coach and yoga instructor through her own experience with body image and food. I am so proud to have Jacque as my first guest and excited to share her story with you.
You can learn more about Jacque on her website https://www.jacquelinegolden.com/ or on Instagram @ Jacq.Golden