Be Freaking Awesome Podcast: Recent Episodes
Angela Belford & Josh Belford
Living a freaking awesome life is achievable for everyone. Angela Belford and her son, Josh Belford, join together to provide practical application to level up your success, business, and life, in a freaking awesome way.
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There's a specific kind of scary that shows up after you've actually done your work. Not the falling apart kind. The quiet kind. The moment something that used to wreck you just... doesn't anymore, and instead of relief you feel a flicker of worry. Did the work actually work? Or did you just go numb?
This week Angela gives us a real check in on The Invisible Edge, months after it hit shelves, and what writing it and living with it has actually taught her about doing her own work in real time. We get into the difference between healing and dissociating, why every one of us is walking around in a pair of sunglasses tinted by our oldest wounds, and why "hurt people hurt people" is not a cliche, it's a mechanism. In this episode, we dig into:
- Permission to feel unsettled when an old trigger stops landing the way it used to
- A clearer way to tell the difference between numbing out and actually healing
- The reminder that what someone says about you is usually a window into them, not a verdict on you
- A gentler way to hold the people who've hurt you, without excusing what they did
- A first look at what's coming next for anyone who's ready to turn what they've lived through into impact
Sami tells the story of a colorblind friend from college who saw the sky's real color for the first time and cried, and Angela ties it straight back to what happens once you take off the emotional sunglasses you didn't even know you were wearing. Angela also revisits a moment from her own marriage therapy, when her therapist told her he was glad she had once encased her heart in concrete to survive her childhood, because that's exactly what let her heart stay whole enough to heal later. Near the end of the episode, Angela shares the very first details of Epic Impact, a new mastermind for people who are asking "what's next" and want to turn what they've survived into work that actually matters.
If you've ever worried healing was supposed to feel like fireworks, and instead it just feels quiet, this episode gives you permission to trust that. You'll walk away with a clearer read on your own reactions, a softer lens for the people who've hurt you, and a little bit of hope that whatever you've lived through might be exactly what qualifies you to help somebody else through it too.
Press play now. Angela and Sami are being honest about the parts of doing the work nobody puts on the book cover, and you deserve to hear it.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible Edge by Angela Belford
- Traveling Light: Free Yourself from the Crap in Your Head by Angela Belford
- Superfans by Pat Flynn (referenced for the "you only need a hundred people" idea)
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
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You had a plan. You worked for it. And it didn't go the way you thought it would. So now what? Do you push through the disappointment and slap on a smile, or do you sit in it and risk getting stuck there? Most of us have never been taught a third option.
This week Sami and Angela dig into something they're calling hopeful anticipation, the thing that's different from just "having a positive mindset" and different from the expectations-versus-agreements conversation they've had before. It's not about ignoring how you feel. It's about learning to hold disappointment and hope at the same time, without letting either one win. In this episode, we dig into:
- Permission to feel your disappointment for as long as you actually need to, not just ten tidy minutes
- A way to hold hope and hard feelings at the same time, instead of picking one
- Language for the moments when things don't work out and you don't know why yet
- A gentler way to challenge someone (or yourself) who's stuck saying "it's always like this"
- Relief that you don't have to jump straight to the silver lining to be doing it right
Angela walks through the pinball-machine image that's been rattling around in her head lately (things really are that random sometimes), the client she turned down honestly by saying "I can't figure out how to market for you," who sent her four referrals over the next year instead, and the very real 45 minutes she spent trying to reason with her toddler after a wellness visit where her daughter didn't get a shot she didn't need, and was furious about it. Sami pushes back on whether this is really "anticipation" or just plain hope, and shares what it's like to hold onto hope with less life experience to draw from.
You'll walk away with permission to actually feel your disappointment, even if it takes longer than ten minutes, and a new way to respond when you (or someone you love) gets stuck insisting things never work out. Angela's hula hoop and ladder metaphors give you language for holding space for someone without rushing in to fix them. This is the reframe for anyone who's tired of choosing between fake positivity and staying stuck.
Press play now, especially if you're in the middle of a disappointment you haven't let yourself feel yet. This one might be the permission slip you needed.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
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You know that person. The one whose calendar makes your chest tighten just looking at it. Rental properties, a business, a podcast, three kids, a full social life, and somehow they still seem like themselves. You've asked them how they do it. Maybe you've even asked yourself why you can't.
Sami and Angela get this question constantly, and this week they're finally answering it for real. Not with a productivity hack or a 5am routine. With the actual, sometimes uncomfortable truth about what capacity really means, why some people have a dinner plate and others have a dessert plate, and how big rocks, batching, and a whole lot of outsourcing keep two very full lives from falling apart. In this episode, we dig into:
- Permission to stop feeling guilty for hiring out the things you hate doing
- A new way to think about why some weeks feel impossible and others don't
- Clarity on the difference between a busy life and a full one
- Freedom to say no to things that don't bring you joy, even the ones you're “supposed” to do
- A practical way to decide what actually gets your time first
Angela walks through the rocks, pebbles, and sand story that's shaped how she plans her entire year, and gets honest about the two things she credits most for her capacity: outsourcing (she's had help with her schedule and her house for almost her whole marriage) and simply not doing things that don't bring her joy. Sami shares the moment she realized she'd been quietly hiding parts of her life from a close friend, not out of dishonesty but out of care for what that friend could handle, and what happened when she decided to let her all the way in. They also get into the meal-planning fight nobody wins at 5pm, why batching the things you don't love saves more than just time, and Barry's blunt “go do something joyful” moment that didn't land the way he meant it to.
If you've ever felt like capacity is something you either have or you don't, this episode is going to feel like relief. It's not about doing more. It's about deciding, on purpose, what gets to take up space in your life first, and giving yourself permission to let everything else be optional.
Press play on this one now. If your calendar has felt heavy lately, you need the reminder that a full life and an overwhelming one are not the same thing.
Related episodes:
- EP152 — Intentionality and the Sailboat Metaphor: If today's episode got you thinking about your rocks, this is the deeper dive on setting impact goals and checking in on your wheel of life.
- EP204 — Doing Hard Things on Purpose (with guest Dominique Blake): For the listener wondering whether saying yes to a full life means saying yes to being tired sometimes, this episode makes the case for choosing your hard on purpose.
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You know the voice. The one that shows up after the fact and tells you exactly what you should have done differently. Should have stayed home. Should have known better. Should have been more patient, more prepared, more together. It doesn't show up to help you. It shows up to grade you on a test you already turned in.
This week Sami and Angela are calling out should and should have, the phrase that sounds like accountability but actually just adds emotional weight to something you can't change. They dig into where the pattern comes from, why it feels so hard to let go of, and what actually happens in your brain when you swap self-judgment for self-compassion. Angela shares the moment she caught herself quoting her own advice back to herself (and didn't even realize it), and Sami gets honest about a Sunday afternoon that ended with her kids on the couch watching Inside Out as punishment. In this episode, we dig into:
- Permission to stop grading your past self on a test you didn't know you were taking
- A simple word swap that turns self-criticism into something you can actually use
- Why wanting something feels lighter in your body than shoulding on yourself
- The real difference between owning a mistake and shaming yourself for it
- How mental rehearsal (yes, the free throw study) actually changes your future patterns
Angela traces the should pattern back to a Facebook memory that stopped her in her tracks, and the two of them talk through why should have is really just judgment wearing a practical-sounding disguise. Sami shares the hindsight-is-2020 version of should (the rained-out concert with her kids) versus the more insidious version, the one with a specific voice attached to it, usually someone else's. And there's a real, tender story from Angela about a friend's health diagnosis and what it looks like to take responsibility without spiraling into self-punishment.
What you'll walk away with is relief. Relief that you don't have to keep replaying yesterday to prove you care about doing better. Relief that wanting to change and criticizing yourself into changing are two completely different things, and only one of them actually works. If you've ever caught yourself mid-should and felt that familiar tightening in your chest, this episode is for you.
Press play now. The should have voice has had the mic long enough. Let's give it something better to say.
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You've done the work. Read the books. Had the realizations. And somehow, the same old patterns still show up. The same knot in your stomach before a hard conversation. The same voice telling you not to raise your hand, not to join the group, not to try. If you've ever wondered why growth doesn't feel like it sticks, this episode is going to land somewhere real for you.
Sami and Angela wrap up their three-part series on Angela's book The Invisible Edge by getting into what it actually looks like to deepen the work once you've started it. Not bypass it. Not white-knuckle through it. Deepen it. They talk about why the younger versions of you that formed your beliefs in the first place aren't the enemy, how risk tolerance is shaped earlier than most of us realize, and why the goal isn't to silence the inner critic but to stop letting it sit in the driver's seat. In this episode, we dig into:
- Why trying to "kick" the critical voice out of your head usually backfires, and what to do instead
- How your childhood risk tolerance is quietly running your adult decisions
- Permission to thank the part of you that kept you safe, even if it's been slowing you down
- What a tree inside a windless dome has to do with why adversity is not something to avoid
- A simple question to ask when an old pattern shows up: does this still serve me?
Angela shares a client story about a seventh grader who never wanted to feel left out again, and how that same drive to belong is what makes that person an incredible friend today. Sami brings it home with the story of her kids screaming in the rain at a concert, and what it looks like to be the calm, reassuring presence to your own scared inner child. These are the kinds of conversations that don't sound like therapy but quietly change the way you see yourself.
You don't have to overhaul everything. You don't need months of excavation. As they close out this series, Sami and Angela give you something simple: a way to work with what comes up, appreciate what served you, and make a new choice when something no longer does. That's the whole thing. And it's more doable than most people think.
If any of this landed, press play. And if you know someone who is in the middle of doing the work and keeps wondering why it keeps coming back up, send this their way.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible Edge by Angela Belford — bfreakingawesome.com/the-invisible-edge-preorder
- The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz (Harvard Study of Adult Development) — the-good-life-book.com
Work with Angela and Sami:
- 1:1 coaching (6 sessions, BFA coaching methodology) — bfreakingawesome.com
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
You did the work. You went to therapy. You did the coaching. You identified the belief. You thought you had handled it. And then one day it shows back up, like an uninvited guest who didn't get the memo. If you've ever looked at something coming up in your life and thought "wait, I already dealt with this" — this episode is for you.
This week Sami and Angela pull back the curtain on one of the most disorienting parts of personal growth: the moment you realize healing isn't a finish line you cross. It's a process that spirals deeper as your life, your success, and your circumstances grow. They dig into why beliefs don't just disappear after one round of work, what it actually means to "feel your feelings" (and why so many of us are terrible at it), and why hitting a new level of life sometimes means unearthing a belief you thought was long buried. In this episode, they get into:
- Why doing the work once doesn't mean you're done with a belief forever
- What it looks like when a belief you never knew you had suddenly activates
- How the stories we make up as kids quietly shape what we believe about ourselves as adults
- Permission to still be in progress, even after years of growth
- Why your nervous system's response to overwhelm is not a character flaw
Angela gets real about an unexpected season of anger and what her therapist told her about grief she was sure she'd already resolved. Sami shares how the belief "I have what it takes" wasn't even on her radar until she became a business owner, and how her childhood impressions of what entrepreneurship looks like have quietly been running in the background. They also get into the Peter stories (yes, the bunnies) and why a four-year-old's explanation for where the dad bunny went is actually a perfect illustration of how all of us make sense of the world.
What you'll take away from this episode isn't a five-step plan. It's something better: the relief of knowing that having to revisit something doesn't mean you failed. It means you're growing. The roots of your tree are going deeper. And the contaminated water that used to stop you doesn't have to stop you this time.
Press play. You've probably been carrying something that needs to hear this today.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible Edge by Angela Belford — bfreakingawesome.com/the-invisible-edge-preorder/
- Traveling Light by Angela Belford — amazon.com/dp/0999186221
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas (the mirror scene Sami references)
- Inside Out 2 (the anxiety scene at the control panel)
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
You worked for it. You hit the goal. The promotion, the milestone, the finish line you've been running toward for longer than you want to admit. And then you got there. And your inner critic did not say, 'We did it. We're good. We can rest.' It found something new to say. Something new to pick apart. Maybe it even got louder. If that's happened to you, nothing is wrong with you. But it is worth understanding.
Angela and I have both lived this, and we get into all of it in this episode. We're kicking off a short arc connected to Angela's latest book, The Invisible Edge, exploring what actually drives our behavior when achievement keeps moving the goalpost on us. We dig into:
- Why hitting your goals can sometimes make the inner critic louder, not quieter
- What Angela's Mary Kay pink Cadillac story has to do with your current success plateau
- The difference between working toward something and outrunning a belief
- Why procrastination is a perfectionism move (yes, really)
- How your body knows something is off before your brain catches up
- What 'bounce back ability' actually looks like in real life
Angela shares the story of earning her first car in Mary Kay before she was twenty-five, achieving a goal she'd dreamed about in vivid detail every single night, and still feeling like an imposter the day she got there. That pattern followed her for another twenty-plus years, through a nervous breakdown, through therapy, through building and rebuilding her business, all the way to writing this book. And I share my own version of it: how I finally understood that procrastination isn't the opposite of perfectionism. It is perfectionism. It's our brain setting up an exit ramp so we don't have to face the question underneath: what if I try my best and it's still not enough?
What you're going to walk away with from this episode is permission to stop treating your inner critic like an enemy who needs to be fired and start treating it like an indicator light on your dashboard. It's not telling you something is broken. It's telling you it's time to refuel. That reframe alone changes how you move forward.
Press play right now. The version of you that keeps moving the goalpost deserves to understand why.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible Edge by Angela Belford -- amazon.com/dp/0999186248
- Audiobook: Sami mentions it's available on Spotify Premium and other platforms -- verify current availability link before publishing
- bfreakingawesome.com
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
You shared something you were excited about. And instead of getting the reaction you hoped for, you got a critique. The air went out of the room. That stinging feeling when someone icks on your wow is one of the most quietly corrosive things that can happen in a close relationship.
This week, Sami and Angela get into the real mechanics of what's happening in those moments, why our brains default to finding what's wrong, and what it actually costs us when we can never just be excited first. They dig into the difference between being a cheerleader and being a yes-man, why the trust you build in the good moments is exactly what buys you permission to tell the truth in the hard ones, and how to read the room well enough to know which one someone actually needs.
In this episode, they dig into:
- Why being the person who always spots what's wrong quietly destroys your influence
- The difference between someone needing to be hugged, heard, or helped (and why mixing them up wrecks the moment)
- How to earn the right to give hard feedback by being a real cheerleader first
- A permission structure for limited judgment without sacrificing honesty
- Why saying yes every chance you can makes your no actually mean something
Angela shares the story of showing her husband the 11 Labs AI voice she'd been testing for her new audiobook, The Invisible Edge, and the conversation that followed when his first response was a comparison, not a celebration. Sami counters with the story of a friend who got a promotion and a raise she was thrilled about, and why Sami couldn't bring herself to celebrate it with her. Both moments are the same problem from different angles: someone showed up with something precious and the other person reached for their critique before their cheer.
The episode lands on something simple but not easy: when you know someone trusts you enough to show you their exciting thing, that trust is a gift. Treat it like one. The person who can be genuinely happy for you when the thing is small is the one you believe when they tell you the thing is actually a problem.
If you've ever been on either side of this, press play right now. This one will stick.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible Edge by Angela Belford (her new book, available on Spotify Premium in audiobook format as she tests the 11 Labs AI narration)
- ElevenLabs AI voice platform: elevenlabs.io
- "Hugged, Heard, or Helped" framework for reading what someone actually needs
- "Limited judgment zone" (vs. no judgment zone) concept
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
This episode is technically about grandparenting. But it is really about something most of us deal with every day: how to correct someone you love without making them feel like something is wrong with them. That shows up in how you give feedback at work, how you argue with a partner, how you talk to yourself when you mess something up. And yes, how you talk to a kid when they are driving you absolutely crazy.
Sami and Angela use grandparenting as the lens because it is where the stakes feel especially clear: you love these kids completely, you only get so many reps, and the patterns you absorbed from your own upbringing have a way of showing up without permission. Their conversation centers on the difference between guilt (I did something wrong) and shame (there is something wrong with me), a distinction borrowed from Brene Brown that is one of the most practically useful frameworks in the episode. Once you have it, you will start noticing it everywhere. In this episode, they dig into:
- Why shame shows up in grandparenting even when no one intends it
- How telling a child to "be careful" all the time might be quietly building their anxiety
- The difference between correcting a behavior and attacking an identity
- Angela's ABCs (and Sami's three Rs) for interacting with grandkids without shame
- Why repair matters just as much as getting it right in the first place
Sami and Angela get personal here. Angela talks about the very real capacity limits of grandparenting (and why "I love my grandkids but send them home" is not a character flaw). Sami talks about what it is like to watch a grandparent say something she also says, and realize the two are not that different. They walk through the backpack metaphor, the sleeping-grandchild test, and why knowing better is not the same as saying you did it wrong. If you grew up hearing "be careful" constantly and have spent your adult life with an anxiety you cannot fully explain, this one might give you a word for it.
You do not need a grandchild, or even a child, to walk away from this one with something real.
Press play. The kid who grew up being told to be careful might need to hear this one.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Brene Brown's work on shame vs. guilt (brenebrown.com)
- The motivational triad (avoid pain, seek pleasure, be efficient) -- referenced in discussion
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
You know that feeling where you did something wrong and instead of fixing it, you just... keep feeling bad about it? Like feeling bad is the apology, the penance, and the plan all rolled into one? Yeah. That's not guilt doing its job. That's guilt overstaying its welcome, and there's a difference.
In this episode, Sami and Angela get real about guilt: what it's actually for, what it looks like when it goes sideways, and how to tell the difference between guilt that's moving you toward repair and guilt that's just becoming your whole personality. They dig into mom guilt, survivor guilt, the guilt you pick up on behalf of other people for things you had nothing to do with, and the sneaky habit of dumping your guilt on the very person you wronged and asking them to make you feel better about it. In this episode, we dig into:
- Why guilt is only useful if it's pushing you to do something
- The difference between guilt (I did something wrong) and shame (I am something wrong)
- How to offer a real repair without making the other person comfort you in the process
- What to do with guilt when the relationship can't be repaired
- How to feel your feelings fully without turning them into everyone else's burden
Sami shares why she rarely experiences mom guilt and what Angela modeled that made that possible. Angela gets honest about her own anxious attachment history, the time she raged at her husband over a text message misunderstanding, and the friend with a hard medical diagnosis who taught her something important about allowing someone to offer a sincere apology. These are real stories, not tidy examples.
The takeaway from this one is simple but not easy: guilt is an emotion, which means it's designed to move you. When it motivates repair, it's working. When it just sits there and collects weight, it's a drain on you and everyone around you. You don't have to be perfect. You do have to be willing to do something about it.
Press play. This one is going to resonate.
Mentioned in this episode:
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown: brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/
- Next week's episode: Guilt vs. Shame (part two of this arc)
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Nobody talks about disappointment long enough to actually help you with it. Most advice amounts to "lower your expectations" — which, as a life strategy, sounds a lot like choosing to feel nothing.
This week's episode is a follow-up to EP211 (you asked for it, literally — thank you), and we're going deeper. Sami admits she does not want to talk about this one. Angela shares that she's spent most of her life trying to outrun it, and that the bus metaphor she uses to describe finally sitting with disappointment might be the most accurate description of what this emotion actually feels like to live with. We also get into something that doesn't get said enough out loud: disappointment, when it gets weaponized, is one of the least effective persuasion tools that exists — and most people doing it don't even realize that's what they're doing.
In this episode, we dig into:
- Why "just lower your expectations" is terrible advice and what actually helps
- The difference between expectations that shrink your life and ones that protect your relationships
- What it looks like when disappointment gets used as a control tactic (and why it never works long-term)
- A real moment from the first Family Business Forum where disappointment and perspective collided in the same afternoon
- A practical reset you can use when big feelings show up right before you have to perform
Sami walks through what she's learned about season-appropriate expectations, using her own experience of going to the beach with three small kids and actually not being disappointed about it. Angela gets honest about a relationship situation where the disappointment she keeps sitting with hasn't resolved itself neatly, and what she's learning about the difference between communicating a need and weaponizing a feeling.
If you've been using disappointment to try to get someone to do something different, this episode might be a little uncomfortable. That's okay. If you've been on the receiving end of someone else's disappointment and you're exhausted by it, there's something here for you too. Mostly this episode is permission to feel the thing without letting it run the show.
Hit play. The disappointment will still be there when you're done, but you'll have a few more things to do with it.
Mentioned in this episode:
- EP211 — When You Get What You Wanted and It's Not What You Expected (the episode that started this conversation)
- EP80 — Feeling your feelings and emotional cycles
- EP98 — More on emotional cycles and processing hard emotions
- The TV show Shrinking (the 15-minute timer for feelings — look it up, it's a great scene)
- Connect with us: bfreakingawesome.com
- Instagram: @bfreakingawesome
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Most people who write a book are terrified when it comes out. Angela was, too the first time. And the second time, she was more settled but still working through it. This time? Something is genuinely different. And that difference is kind of the whole point of the book itself.
The Invisible Edge is Angela's third book, and it is a leadership fable five fictional business owners, one executive coach, and a mastermind that slowly unpacks the hidden beliefs each of them has been carrying since long before they ran a company. The premise sounds familiar if you have been around this podcast for a while: the seven core limiting beliefs, the nervous system, the idea that what fuels your success might also be what quietly makes that success unsustainable. But the format is completely different -- it is a story, not a framework, and it was designed to make the Traveling Light concepts feel more like something you can inhabit rather than something you have to study. In this episode, we dig into:
- What it actually feels like to release a book from a nervous system that is no longer activated
- Why Angela thought she would never be type-A driven again after doing the belief work -- and what happened instead
- The two and a half years these characters spent wandering around in her head before hitting the page
- How the five fictional businesses each serve as a metaphor for one of the seven core limiting beliefs
- What changed between Be Freaking Awesome, Traveling Light, and this one -- and why it matters for readers of all three
Sami and Angela also get into the rabbit-trail energy that makes this podcast what it is (yes, they fact-checked whether car ozone sensors are real mid-episode -- they are), the story of a family that passed Traveling Light between three generations, and what Angela is building toward as she looks ahead to book four and the ten-year anniversary of Be Freaking Awesome.
If you have ever wondered what it looks like to actually integrate the internal work -- not just learn it, not just teach it, but live inside it -- this episode is a really good window into that. Angela is not performing calm. She is calm. And the difference is worth hearing.
Press play right now. Not because it is a book launch, but because this is one of those conversations that will make you think about your own check engine light -- and whether you have just been driving around with it on.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible Edge by Angela Belford -- bfreakingawesome.com/the-invisible-edge-preorder and on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, and Target.com (paperback and hardcover available)
- Traveling Light by Angela Belford -- amazon.com/dp/0999186221
- Be Freaking Awesome by Angela Belford -- available on Amazon
- Angela Belford -- angelabelford.com
Related episodes:
- EP95 -- Limiting Beliefs and the Nervous System Toolbox: The foundational episode for understanding the seven core beliefs that every character in The Invisible Edge is working through.
- EP144 -- How Thoughts Create Feelings: Angela breaks down the belief replacement framework that becomes the teaching methodology in the book.
- EP207 -- The Inner Critic: The book's characters are all navigating some version of the inner critic -- this episode is the deep-dive companion.
- EP178 -- Workaholism and Core Beliefs: Angela and guest Moyra Gorski explore how "I have what it takes" gets weaponized as workaholism -- directly relevant to the subtitle of The Invisible Edge.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
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There's a season in life where everything you've been leaning on just... isn't there anymore. The neighbor moves. The sister takes a second job. The husband travels. The parents are across the ocean. And you're standing in the middle of what feels like a very loud, very clear message that you are on your own. What do you do with that?
Angela and I have been circling this topic from a few different directions over the past several months, through disappointment, expectations, friendships, and this week it all converged in one conversation. Stoicism, Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory, Tara Brach's Radical Acceptance. Three different sources, same essential truth: there is a kind of freedom that only becomes available when you stop spending energy trying to control what you were never going to be able to control anyway. And the equally important flip side, that accepting what someone else does is not the same as condoning it. In this episode, we dig into:
- Why acceptance takes more courage than fighting, and why it's not the same as giving up
- The "let them / let me" two-step, and why skipping the second part is where things go sideways
- How stoicism has been quietly showing up in Angela's life for years, especially after a trip to Athens
- The connection between forgiving someone and not drinking poison yourself
- How to set limits on someone without needing to be furious to do it
Sami shares the Christmas story (yes, that Christmas story, two separate years, no gift, being sent to find it herself) and what finally shifted when she stopped trying to orchestrate a different outcome. Angela gets into the roots of stoicism, Marcus Aurelius, Ryan Holiday, and why the ancient philosophers weren't telling us to feel nothing, they were telling us to stop white-knuckling every wave. The image we kept coming back to: you don't get less battered in the storm by having a smaller boat. You get a bigger one.
You can influence people. You can guide them, persuade them, set limits with them, and reach agreements with them. What you cannot do is control what they do. And the most exhausting part of trying is that it doesn't work — and it costs you, every single time. This episode is permission to put that particular weight down. Not because it doesn't matter. Because you matter more.
Press play. Especially if you've been white-knuckling something lately and you're starting to suspect it's wearing you out.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach: https://www.tarabrach.com/books/radical-acceptance/
- The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
- Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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You've thought about it. Maybe more than once. Maybe every time things get heavy and you tell yourself "I should really talk to someone." But then life picks back up and you don't. This episode is for you.
Sami and Angela dig into the part nobody really talks about when it comes to therapy: how do you actually find a good one? Not just "any therapist," but one who works the way your brain works, who fits your situation, and who you can afford. They've both been in therapy. They've had mediocre experiences and transformative ones. And they have some very specific thoughts about what makes the difference, starting with what's on a therapist's website.
In this episode, they get into:
- Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alone may leave you feeling like nothing really changed
- What Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method actually are, and why Angela thinks they're rock-solid science
- How to use a therapist's practice as a resource even if you don't share them with a friend or partner
- Real options for making therapy affordable, including income-qualified practices and university student therapists
- The tiny baby step they're inviting you to take this week (it does not involve calling anyone)
Angela shares her own history with the U of A counseling center—one great experience, one mediocre one—and explains exactly what she looks for on a therapist's website before she'd ever recommend them. Sami makes the case that therapists, like coaches, operate from a place of collaboration, not competition. There are so many people who need support and so few ways to get it that a good therapist will help you find a fit even if that fit isn't them.
If you've been sitting on the idea of therapy, this episode gives you permission to start small. You don't have to call. You don't have to book. You just have to look. That's the whole invitation. And sometimes that one tiny step is the one that actually changes everything.
Press play. Seriously.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): https://iceeft.com
- The Gottman Method: https://gottman.com
- Find a Gottman-trained therapist: https://gottmanreferralnetwork.com
- Find an EFT therapist: https://directory.iceeft.com
- University of Arkansas Counseling & Psychological Services: https://uacaps.uark.edu
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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You have a problem. Maybe a big one. And you keep staring at it like if you think hard enough, the answer will finally show up. But here's what nobody tells you: most problems aren't actually complicated. They're just missing one of three things.
This week, Sami and Angela break down a surprisingly simple framework that cuts through the overwhelm and gets you to the actual question you should be asking. Whether you're drowning in logistics, exhausted from carrying everything alone, or watching your bank account and your to-do list fight for your attention, the answer is almost always one of three things: money, time, or community. In this episode, we dig into:
- A practical framework for diagnosing what your problem actually needs
- Why building community isn't a nice-to-have, it's a literal survival strategy
- Permission to spend money on a problem when money is actually the answer
- How to be more intentional with each resource so you're not running on empty
- What to do when two values you hold (hello, community and saving money) pull in opposite directions
Angela tells the story of the day Sami called her in a panic, pregnant with her second baby, toddler underfoot, husband out of town, and closing on a house in 21 days. The framework wasn't just helpful in that moment. It was the thing that made the chaos manageable. And Sami shares how she and her husband have started running real-time decisions through it, like choosing to go out to dinner with their kids' friends' family even when they'd committed to tightening up the budget, because they know how their own flowchart goes.
They also get real about the things this framework doesn't fix, such as the privilege required to access money or community, the seasons of life when none of the three resources feel available, and the role of energy as a quiet fourth variable nobody talks about. This isn't a tidy episode. It's an honest one.
If you've been spinning on a problem lately, this episode is going to reframe the whole thing. Press play.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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You didn't do anything wrong. Your brain just got there first.
That's the thing about automatic negative thoughts: they don't wait for evidence. They don't ask permission. Something happens, and before you've had a single conscious thought about it, your brain has already decided: of course this went sideways. Nobody ever comes through. Something is wrong with me. And then you feel bad about feeling bad, which is its own whole thing.
In this episode, Sami and Angela wrap up an accidental three-part series on how your brain actually works, following conversations on metacognition and cognitive distortions, by landing on the concept that ties it all together. We dig into:
- What an automatic negative thought actually is (and why it's not the same as pessimism)
- Where these thoughts come from and what seeds them
- Why "just choose a better thought" is not as easy as it sounds (and what to do instead)
- How to recognize when your brain is jumping to a conclusion that isn't yours
- What it actually looks like to interrupt the pattern without judging yourself for having it
Angela breaks down how these thoughts grow from deeper core beliefs, the weed whacker vs. the root analogy is going to stick with you. Sami brings her factory metaphor to explain why the machine itself shapes the output, and why understanding that changes everything. They also talk about the spotlight effect, a story about a speaker who got a standing ovation and still thought she bombed, and the one thing that actually interrupts an automatic negative thought in someone else.
You're going to walk away with language for something you've probably experienced a hundred times and never had a name for. That's half the work. Once you can call it out, you're already ahead of it.
Press play. Your brain is not broken. It's just been running the same loop for a while, and this episode is a good place to start changing that.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - besselvanderkolk.com
- Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown - brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart
- Be Freaking Awesome by Angela Belford - bfreakingawesome.com
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie (The Work / four questions) -- thework.com
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
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You have somewhere between 6,000 and 60,000 thoughts a day. Nobody agrees on the number. But here's what most researchers do agree on: a significant chunk of them are negative, and a startling number are repeats from yesterday. Your brain is running the same playlist on loop, and a lot of those tracks were recorded a long time ago by a much younger version of you who was just trying to stay safe.
Last week we introduced metacognition as the practice of watching your thoughts. This week, we get into what you'll actually find when you start watching. Cognitive distortions are the biased thought patterns that warp how we see reality, and they're not a character flaw or a sign that something is broken in you. They're patterns your brain got good at, often for very good reasons. Naming them is the first step toward not being completely at their mercy. In this episode, we dig into:
- A clearer picture of what cognitive distortions actually are (and why calling them "distortions" doesn't mean you're broken)
- All-or-nothing thinking: why high achievers are especially prone to this one
- Catastrophizing: what to do when your brain fast-forwards to the worst possible outcome
- Should statements: the sneaky way they disguise themselves as high standards
- Labeling: why the words you use about yourself (and others) carry more weight than you think
- Permission to be in-progress without labeling yourself as a failure for still working on it
Sami shares the story of getting called to the principal's office in high school, expecting the worst, and finding out there was a snapping turtle in her car. Angela talks about the should statements she thought she'd healed from, only to realize she'd just changed the language ("I need to" and "I meant to" turn out to be the same trap with a different label). They catch themselves doing all-or-nothing thinking and overgeneralizing in real time, which is maybe the most honest advertisement for why this work matters.
If you've ever told yourself you're bad at something after one rough moment, jumped to the worst-case conclusion when your boss asked to see you, or slapped a permanent identity label on yourself or someone you love, this episode is the one. These patterns feel true because your brain is very convincing. They're also not the whole truth.
Press play. It's a little chaotic in there, but you're in good company.
Mentioned in this episode:
- EP216 — Metacognition: Thinking About Your Thinking (last week's episode in the series)
- EP212 — Expectations vs. Agreements (referenced by Sami in the should statements discussion)
- Liven App — nervous system support tool Angela mentioned: theliven.com
- Be Freaking Awesome by Angela Belford — referenced throughout as the source of the BFA coaching methodology
- Traveling Light by Angela Belford — referenced in the labeling and identity statements discussion
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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You know that moment when you say something and immediately think, “Wait, where did that even come from?” Most of us brush right past it. This episode is about what happens when you don't.
Angela and Sami are diving into metacognition: the skill of thinking about your thinking. It sounds deceptively simple. It's also the thing that makes every other communication and leadership skill actually work. If you've ever wondered why you keep reacting the same way even when you know better, this episode is going to give you some answers. In this episode, we dig into:
- Why self-awareness and metacognition aren't the same thing (and which one most of us are actually missing)
- The difference between reflecting on something after the fact and catching yourself while it's still happening
- A four-question framework that can interrupt a thought spiral before it takes over
- What it looks like to practice this skill in real, everyday moments
You'll walk away understanding something that most people never learn to name, let alone use. And once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Press play. This one's a foundation piece.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie: thework.com/loving-what-is-revised-edition
- Traveling Light by Angela Belford
- Tasha Eurich - research on self-awareness: https://www.ted.com/talks/tasha_eurich_increase_your_self_awareness_with_one_simple_fix
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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You sent the text. You waited. Two days passed and nothing. And your brain went straight to the worst possible explanation.
That spiral is not a character flaw. It is what happens when a deeper belief is running in the background: the belief that you do not quite belong. And when that belief is active, even the smallest social interactions can feel loaded. Not texting back becomes rejection. A short response becomes evidence. A friend who moves away becomes proof that closeness does not last.
This week, Sami and Angela get honest about why adult friendships are so much harder to build than they should be, what the research says about why relationships are literally keeping us alive, and the invisible cycle that keeps lonely people lonelier. They dig into the concept of "bids for attachment," the poker chip theory of connection, and why the fear of rejection is not just about the other person rejecting you. In this episode, they get into:
- Why the stories we tell about an unanswered text reveal more about our beliefs than the other person's behavior
- The clinical concept of "bids for attachment" and how it explains why reaching out can feel like a gamble
- Permission to grieve a friendship that changed, even when no one did anything wrong
- Two friendship skills worth actually practicing: curiosity and remembering the details
- Why deciding you want a different kind of connection is the actual first step
Angela shares a story from 28 years ago about a moment at church that has stuck with her ever since: a friend who thought she was being cold, and the person who quietly redirected her toward what was actually going on. Sami gets personal about the friendship she built with her next-door neighbor during a hard season of early motherhood, what it felt like when that friend moved to Colorado, and why she still thinks the risk of closeness is worth it every single time.
If you have ever found yourself waiting for someone else to go first, or telling yourself you are just not a person who makes friends easily, this episode is for you. It is not about being more extroverted. It is about deciding what you actually want and then going toward it on purpose.
Press play. You are more belongable than you think.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Harvard Study of Adult Development (longest running study on happiness and relationships)
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (coming up next episode): melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/
- Be Freaking Awesome book by Angela Belford
- BFA Episode 23 (abandonment issues and attachment): bfreakingawesome.com/ep23
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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If you've ever thought your vote doesn't really matter, that politics is too confusing, or that the whole system is just... too much, this episode is for you. A lot of us are carrying around this low-grade exhaustion with national politics right now, and it's easy to let that feeling bleed into disengagement. But there's a whole level of government that most people skip over completely, and it's the one that fills potholes, sets school policy, and shapes what your actual daily life looks like.
This week we're stepping away from our regularly scheduled programming to participate in Podcasthon, a global event where thousands of podcasters dedicate one episode to a charity that matters to them. Ours was an easy choice: the League of Women Voters. Angela is the vice president of the Washington County chapter and secretary of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas Education Fund C3, and this conversation gave us a chance to dig into what this organization actually does, how it operates, and why it matters right now more than ever. In this episode, we get into:
- Why the League is nonpartisan but absolutely political (and why that distinction matters)
- How the League protects democracy by actually suing the government when it breaks its own rules
- What direct democracy means and the ballot initiative Arkansans can sign right now
- A real picture of how local elections are won by fewer votes than you'd think
- Concrete ways to get involved, from $20 memberships to volunteering at voter registration drives
Angela shares what it was actually like to stand on the hill in Athens where the very first democratic assembly happened, why she thinks Arkansas's unexpected ranking in social connectedness matters, and the story of a candidate in Fort Smith who ran unopposed and still lost because not a single person, including himself, voted. Sami gets into her own personal mission: getting Arkansas off the bottom of voter turnout rankings. This episode is part civic education, part pep talk, and a whole lot of two Arkansas women who genuinely care about this stuff.
You don't have to run for office. You don't even have to understand how every piece of the system works. You just have to show up. Press play, and let's talk about why that actually means something.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Podcasthon (global podcasting charity event): podcasthon.org
- League of Women Voters (national): lwv.org
- League of Women Voters of Arkansas: lwvar.org
- League of Women Voters of Washington County, AR: lwvarwc.org
- VOTE411.org (nonpartisan voter information): vote411.org
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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Send us Fan Mail
You have expectations of the people in your life. And they have expectations of you. The problem is that half the time, nobody actually said any of that out loud. And then someone ends up disappointed, resentful, or quietly fuming on the drive home.
In this episode, we dig into a reframe that might just change how you navigate every relationship in your life: the difference between expectations and agreements. Because if you're expecting something from somebody who never agreed to it, you're not frustrated with them, you're frustrated with a story you made up in your head. We talk about why unspoken expectations are a relationship landmine, what it actually looks like to turn an expectation into an agreement, and how to handle it when someone else's expectations land on you uninvited. In this episode you'll gain:
- Permission to stop managing other people's disappointment when they expected something you never agreed to
- A practical framework for turning unspoken expectations into real agreements before resentment builds
- Clarity on what to do when someone's expectations of you feel unfair or unreasonable
- Tools for having these conversations without it turning into a confrontation
- A check engine light for when setting expectations feels impossibly hard, and what that might be telling you
Angela shares real examples from running The Belford Group, including how she learned to put "bonus" work on client invoices so people actually understand what they're getting versus what they paid for. Sami opens up about navigating the unexpected web of expectations that came with her daughter's open adoption, and how getting clear on agreements with the birth parents early has made all the difference in keeping things grounded.
If you've ever felt the slow burn of resentment toward someone who "should have known," or found yourself on the receiving end of expectations you never signed up for, this episode is going to give you language and tools you can use immediately. You'll walk away with a new operating system for the relationships that matter most, and a lot more grace for yourself and the people around you.
This one is practical, personal, and a little bit overdue. Press play right now.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
- vote411.org - voter research tool by the League of Women Voters
- Steve Toth, team facilitator - crestlineleaders.com
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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Five countries. Six cities. Olympic tickets. A two-star Michelin restaurant. A near meltdown over very expensive seats. And more walking in the cold than Angela would normally tolerate.
This is the full story.
In this extended version of episode 211, we let you behind the curtain of the trip and of our friendship. We unpack the moments that did not make Instagram, the history nerd rabbit trails, the money conversations, the unexpected disappointments, and the small mindset shifts that changed the entire experience.
Inside this episode, we talk about:
- Working remotely from Greece and what that experiment taught us
- The reality of Olympic logistics and managing expectations
- Spending real money on meaningful experiences
- What nervous system growth looks like in action
- How leadership, history, and travel intersect
- Why some seasons allow for big adventures and others look very different
Living for your future self does not mean everything goes perfectly. It means you show up intentionally anyway.
This conversation is thoughtful, layered, a little nerdy, and very real. If you love behind-the-scenes stories with depth, honest processing, and the long version of how growth actually unfolds, settle in and listen all the way through.
Someday, 80-year-old you is going to want stories worth telling. This might be the episode that helps you start living them.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
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What if the person you should be trying to impress isn’t the internet, your boss, or even the people around you, but 80-year-old you?
Fresh off a whirlwind Europe trip that included five countries, Olympic events, freezing mountain tops, and one very heavy backpack, Angela came home with more than stories. She came home with confirmation that growth doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens because you decide in advance who you are going to be and then you practice.
In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to live intentionally in the moment. Not just when everything is magical and photogenic, but when you are cold, disappointed, uncomfortable, or comparing your season of life to someone else’s.
We unpack:
- What it means to decide who you are going to be before you walk into the situation
- Why flexibility is a skill you build, not just a personality trait
- How to regulate disappointment in real time
- The difference between expectations and reality when you are chasing big experiences
- Why your 80-year-old self might be the most important audience you will ever have
This is not just a travel recap. It is a conversation about identity, perspective, and becoming the person you keep saying you want to be.
If you have ever felt stuck in comparison, overwhelmed by disappointment, or unsure how to close the gap between who you are and who you want to become, this one is for you.
Press play. Your future self will be glad you did.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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You worked hard, you stayed focused, you finally got there. So why doesn't it feel the way you thought it would?
Nobody talks about this part. We spend so much time chasing our goals that we never stop to ask what happens when we actually catch them. Whether it's the dream job, the business you built, the house you wanted, or the milestone you sacrificed for, sometimes you arrive and realize the view from here looks a lot different than you imagined.
In this episode Sami and Angela get refreshingly honest about what it really feels like to achieve your goals and still feel empty. Angela shares her journey of chasing professional speaking for decades, earning recognition and still feeling unfulfilled, and finally making peace with what she actually wants. Sami opens up about becoming the business owner she swore she never wanted to be and learning that every dream comes with its own version of hard. If you have ever questioned whether you are doing it wrong because success feels harder than you expected, this conversation will completely change how you think about goals, success and what you actually want from your life.
Stop waiting for the next goal to finally make you feel like you have made it. Hit play right now because this might be the permission you have been waiting for to redefine success on your own terms.
Key Takeaways
- Achieving a goal does not automatically fix how you feel about yourself
- The pursuit of a goal is often just as valuable as achieving it
- You are allowed to change your mind about what you want even after you get it
- Hard is unavoidable so the real question is which hard are you willing to choose
- Success looks different up close than it does from a distance and that is completely okay
Resources
Loving What Is by Byron Katie
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
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You've been told your whole life that if you don't call someone out, you're letting them get away with it. But what if that's completely wrong and it's actually making things worse?
Most of us are exhausted from trying to change the people around us. Whether it's a frustrating family member, a difficult coworker, or a friend with completely different values, we pour energy into trying to fix people who never actually change. And somehow we end up feeling like the problem.
In this episode Sami and Angela unpack one of the most liberating ideas you'll ever hear in a relationship context: accepting someone is not the same as approving of them. You'll discover why calling people out rarely works, how to know the difference between someone being frustrating versus genuinely toxic, and how to stop carrying other people's "dog poop" around like it's yours to deal with. This conversation will completely reframe how you show up in even your most difficult relationships.
Key Takeaways
- Allowing someone to be who they are is not the same as condoning their behavior
- Calling people out feels satisfying but rarely leads to actual change
- There is a real difference between someone being frustrating and someone being genuinely toxic
- The grace you give others is usually a direct reflection of the grace you give yourself
- You cannot control other people's behavior, only how you respond to it
Stop white-knuckling relationships that are draining you. Hit play right now and find out why letting people be who they are might be the most powerful thing you can do for them and for yourself.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
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Every time we go after something meaningful, a new goal, a big conversation, a leadership role, or personal growth, fear and resistance seem to show up right on cue.
In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford explore why resistance is not a sign you are doing something wrong, but often a signal that you are getting close to something important.
Together, they unpack how fear shows up in the body, why resisting discomfort actually makes it stronger, and how learning to lean into sensations and emotions can help you move forward instead of staying stuck.
You will hear real coaching stories, personal experiences, and powerful metaphors that reframe resistance as part of the process, not the problem.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why fear and resistance show up when you are pursuing growth
- How your nervous system responds to goals, change, and risk
- The difference between discomfort and actual danger
- Why avoiding fear often makes it worse
- How resistance can be a sign you are close to a breakthrough
- Practical ways to stop fighting your feelings and move forward
- What it looks like to enter the cave instead of running from it
If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated by your own reactions when trying to grow, this conversation will help you see resistance in a completely new way and give you permission to keep going.
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
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Ever walked into a networking event or professional gathering wondering if you're wearing the right thing, saying the right things, or even supposed to be there? You're not alone. In this episode, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford reveal a simple mental shift that can transform how you show up in any room—and it has nothing to do with what others think of you.
Angela introduces the powerful concept of "host energy vs guest energy" and explains why belonging isn't something others grant you—it's something you claim for yourself. Learn how shifting from waiting for validation to actively creating welcome can change not just how you feel, but how everyone around you experiences the space.
What You'll Learn
- The difference between "guest energy" (waiting for confirmation you belong) and "host energy" (owning your presence and welcoming others)
- Why belonging is a decision you make, not permission others give
- How abandonment issues can impact your sense of belonging
- Practical ways to make others feel included (even when you're uncertain yourself)
- The "empty chair philosophy" and other subtle gestures that create belonging
- When it's healthy to leave rooms where you no longer want to belong
- Why being the smartest person in the room might mean you're in the wrong room
Key Takeaways
- "I belong to me" - Angela's breakthrough realization that belonging starts with self-acceptance, not external validation
- The host energy shift - When you walk into any space focused on making others feel welcome, you automatically claim your own belonging
- Fake it till you make it (sort of) - Even if you're uncertain about your own belonging, affirming others' belonging creates a positive feedback loop
- Small gestures matter - From making space in circles to always having an empty chair, little acts of inclusion compound
- Choose your rooms wisely - You get to decide which spaces align with who you want to be, and it's okay to consciously leave communities that no longer serve you
Resources Mentioned
- Traveling Light - Angela's program featuring the seven core beliefs, including belonging
- Belief Assessment - Tool used in Angela and Sami's executive coaching
- Bob Goff's Writers Conference - Example of host energy in action
- Gallup StrengthsFinder - Assessment that identified Sami's "inclusion" strength
About the HostsSami Kinnison naturally scores high on belonging and has "inclusion" as one of her top Gallup strengths. She's passionate about making sure everyone has space in the circle.
Angela Belford has deeply studied belonging through the lens of abandonment and teaches the seven core beliefs in her Traveling Light program and executive coaching practice.
Support the show
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If you’ve ever tried to silence your inner critic by sheer willpower, only to end up overwhelmed, anxious, or spiraling into imposter syndrome, this episode is for you.
This week, Angela and Sami unpack the truth about the inner critic. Spoiler alert: it’s not about getting rid of it. In fact, trying to push that voice away can sometimes make it come back louder and stronger. So instead of firing your inner critic, what if you gave it a new job?
In this honest and insightful conversation, they explore how the inner critic actually forms as a protection mechanism, how to recognize when it's driving your decisions, and how to reframe your relationship with it. You’ll learn how to stop letting fear and self-doubt take the wheel without swinging into toxic positivity or avoidance.
Plus, you’ll hear why Angela thinks of her inner world like a nonprofit boardroom (complete with term limits), how Sami gives a voice to the quieter parts of herself, and why both believe your eight-year-old and your 80-year-old selves should absolutely have a seat at the table.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- What the inner critic really is and why it shows up when you try to grow
- Why suppressing self-doubt often backfires and leads to panic or burnout
- How to invite other helpful voices into your mental space, not just the loudest one
- A powerful mental exercise to identify the "board members" in your mind
- The difference between resisting the inner critic and reframing its role
- Why having compassion for all parts of yourself is crucial for personal growth
This episode is packed with mindset wisdom, real-life examples, and practical tools to help you shift from self-criticism to self-leadership. Whether you're chasing a dream, stepping into something new, or just trying to quiet the noise in your head, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on what it really means to be mentally strong and emotionally safe.
Listen in and start making peace with your inner critic, so you can take the next step toward being freaking awesome.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Have you ever made a decision and still felt bad afterward? No matter what you choose, there is guilt, second-guessing, or that lingering feeling that you are letting someone (or yourself) down.
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford unpack one of the most common but least named challenges people face: conflicting values.
This is not about being indecisive or doing something wrong. It is about what happens when two things that both matter deeply collide in a specific season of life.
What We Talk About in This Episode
- What conflicting values actually are (and what they are not)
- Why guilt, angst, and indecision are often clues that values are colliding
- How competing priorities show up in work, parenting, relationships, and leadership
- Why you can care deeply about multiple things and still have to choose
- How seasons of life change which values need to come first
- The power of deciding what matters most right now
- Why being fully present where you are matters more than doing everything
- How to stop outsourcing your decisions to guilt or other people’s opinions
- Why naming the conflict helps you move forward with clarity and self-trust
Angela shares personal stories about navigating family, finances, career, and commitments, while Sami reflects on capacity, parenthood, and the reality of not having enough energy to give 100 percent everywhere. Together, they normalize the discomfort of hard choices and offer practical ways to approach them with intention instead of shame.
Key Takeaway
If you feel guilty no matter what you choose, you are probably not failing. You are likely holding conflicting values, and the work is not to eliminate the guilt, but to name the conflict, choose intentionally, and be where you are.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
- (Including the principle “Decide what matters most” and the idea that priorities can change by season)
- The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra Adachi
- Big Little Feelings (especially the “10-Minute Miracle” for intentional connection with kids)
Coming Up Next
Next week, Sami and Angela dig into the Inner Critic, and why trying to “fire” it might actually make things worse. They will talk about a healthier, more realistic way to work with your inner voice instead of fighting it.
If this episode hit close to home, you are not alone.
Thanks for listening, and until next time, we hope you go Be Freaking Awesome.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
What if growth doesn’t make life easier… at least not right away?
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford get real about the unexpected side effects of emotional healing, like crying more, feeling stretched thin, questioning your capacity, and realizing that growth doesn’t mean you never struggle again.
This conversation is a follow-up to The Nonlinear Journey of Growth, but instead of theory, this episode lives squarely in the messy middle. From therapy breakthroughs to perfectionism flare-ups, from running out of emotional bandwidth to redefining what “enough” actually means, Sami and Angela unpack what growth really looks like when you’re in it.
You’ll hear:
- Why emotional healing can actually bring more feelings, not fewer
- How growth changes your nervous system, your expectations, and your coping mechanisms
- What it means when you realize you don’t have “enough of you to go around”
- Why bounce-back-ability (not perfection) is a better measure of growth
- A powerful story about letting go before you drown, and why holding on can be the real danger
If you’ve ever thought:
- “I’m doing the work… so why is this still hard?”
- “Why am I crying more now than before?”
- “I thought growth meant I wouldn’t feel like this anymore”
…this episode is for you.
This is an honest, compassionate conversation about personal growth, emotional healing, capacity, burnout, and resilience, and a reminder that having hard days doesn’t mean you’re failing. It might actually mean you’re healing.
✨ Growth isn’t about eliminating struggle.
✨ It’s about how you recover, recalibrate, and keep going.
Listen in, and if this episode resonates, send us a DM or share where you’re at in your own growth journey! We’d love to hear your story.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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In this conversation, Olympic medalist and entrepreneur Dominique Blake joins Angela and Sami for an honest, high-energy look at what it means to stay committed to growth when life doesn’t go as planned.
Dominique shares how setbacks in her athletic career sparked a powerful evolution—from running on the track to building businesses, leading wellness communities, and mentoring others through their own journeys. You’ll hear her take on personal responsibility, emotional regulation, and what it really takes to create lasting change.
She also offers perspective on raising confident, resilient kids and reflects on how her own upbringing shaped her drive and discipline. This episode is full of sharp insight, contagious motivation, and practical wisdom for anyone ready to show up fully for their life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How to turn failure into fuel
• What discipline looks like in real life
• Building confidence by doing uncomfortable things
• Navigating perfectionism with clarity and compassion
• How childhood experiences shape future resilience
• The mindset shift that helps you keep going when things get tough
Ready for a dose of grit and growth?
Hit play now and hear Dominique’s powerful take on doing the hard things that lead to an extraordinary life. Whether you're in a rut or ready to level up, this episode will challenge and inspire you in all the right ways.
Connect with Dominique Blake:
- Instagram: @dominiqueblake
- Facebook: Dominique Blake Oly
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Let’s be honest. Working with your family can be equal parts beautiful and bananas. And when the holidays hit? Whew. That’s when the lines between pass the gravy and circle back on that project get real blurry.
In this episode, Angela and Sami get vulnerable and hilarious about what it actually looks like to navigate work and personal relationships within a family business. From setting boundaries around when to talk shop (spoiler: not at Christmas dinner) to knowing when you need your mom versus your business partner, they break down real-life tools for keeping your sanity and your relationships intact.
What you’ll hear:
- Why it’s so easy to slip into work talk at family events and how to stop it
- How to clarify which "role" you're in (parent, boss, sibling, coworker)
- What healthy conflict actually looks like in close relationships and how to repair it
- A behind-the-scenes peek into Angela and Sami’s family business dynamics (yes, even the tears and awkward moments)
Whether you work with your family or just want to create healthier relationships with the people closest to you, these tips are for anyone looking for more clarity, better boundaries, and fewer stress-fueled conversations.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Do you work with your family? What’s been the hardest or most beautiful part? Message us on Instagram @BeFreakingAwesome or leave us a review with your thoughts.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela and Sami dive deep into the world of coaching, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it can be such a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Together, they explore the difference between coaching and consulting, why your brain naturally resists change, and how nervous system regulation plays a foundational role in leadership, decision-making, and confidence. Angela shares her journey from consultant to executive coach, including how public speaking coaching, emotional intelligence, and business strategy all intersect.
From executive coaching to public speaking fears, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually creates sustainable growth, and why skill-building alone is rarely enough.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, resistant, overwhelmed, or unsure why “knowing what to do” still isn’t helping you move forward, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- The difference between coaching and consulting, and when each one is actually helpful
- Why your brain resists growth and how that shows up in work and leadership
- How nervous system regulation impacts confidence, decision-making, and public speaking
- Why emotional intelligence and core beliefs are key drivers of long-term success
If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, colleague, or leader who’s navigating growth or feeling stuck.
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
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If you’ve ever sat through a workplace training that sounded great in theory but didn’t change a thing, this episode is for you.
Angela and Sami are pulling back the curtain on why team trainings often fall flat, what “improving communication” actually means (hint: it’s not just talking nicer), and how to approach development that truly sticks. From metaphors about runny noses to real-world stories of transformation, this episode is packed with practical insights and a fresh take on what it really takes to build stronger, healthier teams.
Sami also shares her approach to team training and why one-time workshops rarely work. Instead, she’s helping teams move from friction to flow through a layered, series-based model that actually builds new habits.
Whether you're a manager, business owner, or just someone tired of the same old “we need to communicate better” conversation, this one’s going to hit home.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- Why “communication problems” are often symptoms, not root issues
- The dangers of one-and-done team trainings
- How to diagnose what’s actually wrong with your team dynamics
- The role of repetition and real-world application in lasting change
- The “communication doctor” metaphor and how it reframes team development
- Encouragement for leaders and individuals to create small but powerful shifts
🛠️ Resources & Links
Want to improve communication and connection on your team?
Visit bfreakingawesome.com
Support the show
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Welcome to Episode 200, our first ever live episode! We’re celebrating a huge milestone, giving major shout-outs, reflecting on what this podcast has meant so far, and sharing what’s next for the journey of Be Freaking Awesome.
What’s Inside This Episode
- Live recorded energy and community vibe: This is our first time doing a live broadcast, complete with real-time chats, emojis, and surprise guest drop-ins. We love you all for being here.
- Reflections on success: What does success really mean for a podcast, a business, or your life? We talk about how we define success (spoiler: it’s not just numbers) and why sharing value and joy matters.
- Behind-the-scenes gratitude: A huge shout-out to everyone who helps make this podcast possible, from our technical crew to our editing team and our listeners. You keep this bus rolling.
- Guest catch-ups: We brought on past guests, including DonJay Rice, Gary Ware, and Josh (our original host), to hear what they’re up to now and ask, "What are you doing these days that’s freaking awesome?"
- Live messages and advice on being “freaking awesome”: Real-life wisdom from our guests, from rediscovering childhood passions (like magic) to embracing authenticity and knowing it's never too late to reboot your path.
- Major announcement: Be Freaking Awesome is becoming its own standalone brand. We’re leveling up with more coaching, training, speaking, and maybe even books.
- Looking ahead: We asked each other (and our listeners) to record a “time capsule” message to our future selves. What do we want to thank ourselves for one year from now, when we hit five years?
Why This One Matters
Episode 200 isn’t just a milestone. It’s a marker of growth, gratitude, and intention. It reminds us (and you) that doing the work, showing up, and staying true to yourself matters. It shows a podcast evolving from a side project into a mission-driven brand.
Key Takeaways
- Success isn’t just a number. Sometimes it’s a message sent, a life changed, a mindset shifted.
- It’s OK to show up messy, imperfect, and human. That’s where connection happens.
- You don’t have to monetize everything. Sometimes the thing that brings you joy is worth doing just because.
- It’s never too late to change course, try something new, or rediscover something old.
- Community, consistency, and authenticity are where real impact lives.
Want More?
If you enjoyed this live celebration, consider:
- Revisiting some of our favorite episodes (like Episode 64 on taming the inner critic)
- Signing up for our email list to stay in the loop on what’s next for the BFA brand
- Sending us a “time capsule” voice note of your own—what you want to thank your future self for a year from now: bfreakingawesome.com/message
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us Fan Mail
In this powerful and personal episode, Angela and Sami sit down with speaker, leadership trainer, and PhD researcher Summer Jelinek to talk about what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace.
From masking and burnout to emotional intelligence and late diagnoses, we explore how modern work culture often fails to support neurodivergent thinkers and what we can do about it. Summer shares her journey of being diagnosed with autism later in life and how that led her to research how neurodivergent women lead, mask, and navigate professional spaces differently.
Sami and Angela get honest about parenting, people-pleasing, crying in the office, and learning to feel your feels without shame. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, love someone who is, or just want to create a more human-centered workplace, this episode will open your eyes and soften your heart.
In This Episode
- What “neurodivergent” really means and why it's more than just ADHD or autism
- How masking impacts performance, connection, and burnout
- Why neurodivergent women often go undiagnosed for decades
- The emotional labor of “being professional” at work
- How leaders can support team members who think differently
- Why curiosity beats judgment every time
If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend, a teammate, or your boss. Conversations like these are how we make change.
Resources and Mentions
- Get the first 3 chapters of Summer’s book: unlockingthemagicofleadership.com/myf
- Connect with Summer Jelinek:
- Website: summerjelinek.com
- LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram: @SummerJelinek
You've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundation
Support the show
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us a text
🎙️ EP198: Mac & Cheese and Mom Guilt: Let’s Talk About It
You know that feeling when you're serving up mac & cheese for dinner (again) and thinking, "Am I totally dropping the ball as a parent?" That creeping sense of mom guilt shows up in the quiet moments and the loud ones, making you question if you're doing enough or getting it all wrong.
In this episode, Angela and Sami are joined by Dr. Juhi, a pediatrician and parent coach, who shares how she went from disconnected and frustrated with her teen to building real connection through small shifts and a lot of grace. Together, they unpack how guilt can hold us hostage and how choosing compassion instead can actually make us better parents.
Here’s what we talk about:
- Why mom guilt is so common and how to stop letting it define your days
- The "awkward, mechanical, natural" framework that makes new habits stick
- Why setting boundaries doesn't make you a bad parent, it makes you an intentional one
- How self-care is not optional if you want deeper connection with your kids
If you're feeling stretched thin, stuck in guilt, or just need a reminder that your parenting doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful, this episode is your permission slip to breathe, reflect, and reconnect.
This is your reminder that showing up, even imperfectly, is more than enough. You’re not alone.
💛 Links + Resources:
- Follow Dr. Juhi on Instagram @DoctorJuhi
- DM her the word “guide” for a free download: 30 Ways to Connect with Your Kids Without Adding More to Your Plate
Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow mom, leave us a review, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an honest conversation that keeps you grounded and growing.
Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us a text
When life hits hard—really hard—how do you get back up?
In this raw and powerful episode, Angela and Sami sit down with Nick Morrison, a former professional bull rider whose life was dramatically altered by more than 50 concussions. From chasing rodeo dreams to losing the ability to speak, Nick’s story is one of unimaginable setbacks and unshakable resilience.
Nick walks us through the highs of living his dream, the brutal reality of repeated head trauma, and how faith, grit, and a 15-minute rule helped him rebuild again and again. Whether you’re in a season of rebuilding or just feeling knocked around by life, this conversation is a must-listen.
In this episode:
- How Nick faced losing multiple identities and found purpose again
- What it really takes to forgive and let go of bitterness
- The "15-Minute Rule" that can change how you process hard things
- Why emotional honesty beats toxic positivity every time
- How he relearned to speak and now inspires thousands
This one is for anyone who’s ever thought, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”
Spoiler: You can.
Connect with Nick Morrison:
- Book: Knocked Out, But Not Down – Buy it on Amazon
- Website: NickMorrisonComedy.com
- Instagram: @nickmorrisoncomedy
Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let’s be real. “Fine” is not the goal. And yet, so many couples find themselves stuck in the land of just-okay, coasting through life like roommates instead of staying deeply connected.
In this episode, Angela and Sami sit down with marriage coach and licensed counselor Karen Maloney to talk about how to wake up your relationship before it hits a breaking point. Karen shares her signature “Marriage Jolt” approach and why small, intentional shifts can reignite connection in powerful ways.
Whether your marriage feels stale or solid, this conversation will help you want more, reach for more, and create more in your relationship.
What we cover in this episode:
- Why being “fine” isn’t good enough
- How marriages drift into autopilot without us even noticing
- The difference between marriage therapy and coaching
- Why discomfort is sometimes the key to connection
- What a “Marriage Jolt” is and how to know when you need one
- How to invest in your relationship before it becomes a crisis
If you're feeling disconnected, tired of the same old patterns, or just craving more joy and intimacy in your marriage, this episode is your sign to take the next step. Go hit play and start your own Marriage Jolt today.
Resources:
Learn more or schedule a free curiosity call with Karen at karenmarriagecoaching.com
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What if self-care wasn’t just a luxury, but a life-saving, community-shifting, revolutionary practice?
In this episode, Angela and Sami sit down with the extraordinary Dr. Joi Lewis, a community healer, liberation facilitator, and author of Healing: The Act of Radical Self-Care. Dr. Joi introduces her signature Orange Method, a healing framework that includes meditation, mindfulness, emotional liberation, and conscious movement. She also shares how radical self-care is not about escaping life, but learning how to show up fully, with love, even when life is chaotic.
This conversation will challenge what you think self-care is supposed to look like. It’s not about checking out or being perfect. It’s about staying connected to yourself, to your community, and to your purpose.
💬 What We Talk About:
- Why self-care is not selfish, soft, or optional
- The four core elements of the Orange Method
- Emotional liberation and why it’s key to healing old wounds
- The importance of community in self-care
- How to reconnect to your humanity when the world feels heavy
- Practices to regulate your nervous system and build resilience
- Grief, friendship, and how to stay open when connection feels risky
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they were running on empty and needed permission to slow down. Dr. Joi’s wisdom will inspire you to not only care for yourself, but to see that act as a powerful form of resistance and healing.
To learn more about Dr. Joi’s work and how to order her book Healing: The Act of Radical Self-Care or her affirmation card deck, May the Revolution Be Healing, visit her website at www.joiunlimited.com
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Welcome to a delightfully unfiltered episode where Angela and Sami get grumpy, but not without a purpose.
This week, we’re talking about the everyday annoyances that poke at our peace and why those irritations often point to something deeper (hint: it’s not actually about pineapple on pizza).
From workout pain and pizza judgment to unhealed trauma and limiting beliefs, we explore what it means to hold space for people without letting them bleed all over your emotional carpet. It’s funny, it’s real, and it might hit a little close to home in the best way.
In this episode:
- Why it's not actually judgy to notice someone’s limiting beliefs
- The difference between whining and expressing emotions (and why it matters)
- What to do when people refuse to grow and it’s affecting you
- The sugar-mood connection no one wants to admit (thanks a lot, Angela)
- Why personal growth sometimes makes you the “bad guy” in someone else’s story
Whether you're deep in your healing era or still figuring out how to set boundaries without setting bridges on fire, this episode gives you permission to be both self-aware and a little grumpy about it.
This isn't your typical self-help chat. It's real, it's hilarious, and it might just change the way you handle your own triggers and tough conversations. If you've ever felt drained by someone else's drama or caught yourself avoiding growth, this episode is your mirror and your motivation. Watch now, laugh with us, and let’s go deeper together.
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What if competition isn’t the problem? What if it’s how we’ve been thinking about it?
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jake Thompson, keynote speaker, leadership coach, and Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, Sami and Angela dig into what healthy competition really looks like in everyday life. From comparing yourself to others, to keeping score in relationships, to the subtle ways ego shows up in our drive to win, this episode is packed with honest stories and powerful takeaways.
Jake shares why striving to be your best often leads to better outcomes than trying to be the best. Together, they explore how competition can be fuel for growth, how to surround yourself with people who push you higher, and how to know when your drive has started costing too much.
You’ll hear practical ways to:
- Compete in a way that sharpens, not drains, you
- Balance ambition with empathy and curiosity
- Use comparison as a tool for growth instead of shame
- Build community that celebrates winning together
If you’ve ever struggled with comparison or felt like your worth was tied to the scoreboard, this episode will help you reset your mindset and rediscover what success really means.
Listen now to learn what healthy competition truly looks like and how to use it to become your best self.
🎙️ This is Part 2 of our conversation with Jake Thompson.
If you missed Part 1, check out Episode 192: “I Stopped Competing With Everyone, Here’s What Happened.” Start there to hear how Jake shifted from chasing others to growing from within.
💡 Resources and Links Mentioned
Connect with Jake Thompson
Website: https://www.competeeveryday.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakethompsonspeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakethompsonspeaks
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What if the person standing in your way isn’t your competition at all but you?
In this episode, Sami and Angela sit down with Jake Thompson, keynote speaker, leadership coach, and Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, to talk about what it really means to compete with yourself instead of everyone else. Jake opens up about how years of chasing other people’s success left him feeling drained and unfulfilled, and how shifting his focus inward completely changed his perspective.
Together, they explore how to balance ambition with peace, drive with gratitude, and growth with rest. This conversation is about redefining what winning looks like, learning to enjoy the process, and realizing that self-care is not selfish, it is strategic.
You will walk away knowing how to push yourself without burning out, find satisfaction without settling, and build habits that help you show up as your best self every day. If you have ever felt like you are always running but never arriving, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and rediscover what it means to grow in a healthier way.
Listen now to learn how to stop competing with everyone else, start growing into your best self, and go be freaking awesome.
🎙️ This is Part 1 of our conversation with Jake Thompson.
Part 2 drops next week and dives into how competition shows up with others and how to turn comparison into connection.
💡 Resources and Links Mentioned
Connect with Jake Thompson
Website: CompeteEveryDay.com
Instagram: @JakeThompsonSpeaks
LinkedIn: Jake Thompson
Podcast: Compete Every Day Podcast
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Have you ever stopped yourself from telling a story because you thought, “Well, that’s not important enough” or “That’s too small, nobody cares about that”? Or maybe you’ve worried that if you share your story, people will think you’re being too vulnerable, too much, or (worst of all) a little bit “woe is me.”
That’s exactly why Sami and Angela were so excited to sit down with Sara Lohse on this episode of Be Freaking Awesome. They first met Sara at PodFest and instantly knew she needed to be on the show. Sara is a storyteller, podcast producer, and author who can take something as simple as a pen and turn it into a powerful connection moment that sticks with you. (And yes, she shares a pen story in this episode!)
What makes Sara stand out is how approachable she makes storytelling feel. You don’t have to have some giant, traumatic, dramatic event in your past to be a storyteller. You don’t need to sound like a polished keynote speaker. You just need to notice the everyday moments and share them in ways that make people say, “Oh my gosh, me too.”
In this conversation, listeners will discover:
- Why the everyday, ordinary stories connect better than the “headline” ones.
- How to strike the right balance between too many details and not enough.
- The mindset shift that takes the pressure off: your story isn’t really about you.
- Practical tips for practicing storytelling without feeling like you’re “performing.”
- And plenty of laughs about exaggerating stories just a little for effect.
If you’re a business owner, a coach, a speaker, or just someone who wants to connect more authentically, Sara’s wisdom and humor will help you see your stories in a whole new light.
So grab your coffee, pull up your notes app (or your favorite pen 😉), and press play right now. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to stop waiting for the “perfect” story and start sharing the ones you already have, because your stories are freaking awesome.
You can find Sara Lohse and grab her book Open This Book at openthisbook.com. You’ll also find her socials and more resources there.
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Ever feel like you’re stuck in that “in-between” space where life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or just plain messy? You’re not where you were, but you’re not where you want to be yet. That’s the messy middle, and it can be one of the hardest seasons to walk through.
In this episode, Angela and Sami sit down with Amy Wilkins, Messy Middle Mindset Coach, to talk about what it really takes to find strength in the middle of life’s transitions. Together, we unpack why pausing isn’t weakness, how perfectionism keeps us stuck, and why you don’t have to do this season alone. You’ll hear personal stories, practical mindset shifts, and the reminder that growth often happens right in the thick of the mess.
If you’ve been feeling like you’re just surviving instead of thriving, this conversation will give you hope, tools, and encouragement to reframe your messy middle as a season of transformation.
👉 Tune in now and discover how to let go of perfection, embrace rest, and start moving forward with resilience and clarity.
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Sami returns to the podcast with an honest look at what life has been like after becoming a mom of three through an unexpected guardianship that is now on the path to adoption. She shares the emotional highs and lows of bonding with a toddler, navigating work transitions, and leading a major community project all at once.
This episode unpacks what it means to follow through on something meaningful even when it’s incredibly hard. Sami also tells a powerful story about a simple act of kindness that made a big impact during one of her toughest days.
If you've ever found yourself in a season where you’re stretched thin, trying to do what’s right while barely holding it all together, this conversation will make you feel seen.
What We Talk About
- Parenting a third child with very little prep time
- Balancing family, work, and leadership responsibilities
- The return of TEDxFayetteville and the tension of timing
- Learning to let go of old parenting rules
- The emotional impact of being seen in a hard moment
- Why small kindnesses matter more than we think
This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and find meaning in the moments that often go unnoticed. Whether you are leading, parenting, or just trying to make it through the week, you will walk away feeling encouraged and a little less alone.
Resources and Links
- Learn more at TEDxFayetteville
- Want to learn more about coaching with Sami? Book a free 30-minute call: calendly.com/tbg_sami/30-min
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What if the bravest thing you could do… was stop?
In this powerful and vulnerable episode, Angela sits down with fellow podcaster and author Stacy Ryan to talk about what it really looks like to consciously walk away from something—even something meaningful, purpose-driven, and healing.
Stacy shares her journey through surviving cancer, losing her husband, launching a podcast and book series about grief—and then making the bold decision to stop telling that story in public. Together, we unpack the emotional toll of constantly revisiting trauma, and the power of giving yourself permission to move forward into a new chapter.
Whether you're stuck in a role, a project, or a season of life that no longer fits—this episode is for you. You’ll walk away feeling seen, empowered, and maybe even a little more free.
🔗 Resources & Where to Find Stacy Ryan:
- 💻 Website: https://stacyryanauthor.com
- 📖 Books: Whole New Life book series — available on Amazon
- 🎧 Podcast: Whole New Life — streaming on all major podcast platforms
- 📸 Instagram: @stacyryanauthor
- 👥 Facebook: Stacy Ryan Author
- 🧘♀️ Wellness Studio: Follow Stacy’s latest adventure opening a yoga and wellness space on her socials!
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Happy September! In this solo episode, Angela reflects on why this time of year feels like the real New Year and how we can use it to reset, reflect, and rewire the beliefs that are holding us back.
She also celebrates the anniversaries of publishing Be Freaking Awesome (2017) and Traveling Light (2023). Angela shares what she’s learned since writing them, what’s shifted in her healing journey, and why rewriting your internal script is the key to moving forward with more freedom and peace.
You’ll walk away with questions to ask yourself, a fresh take on goal-setting, and encouragement to step into the next season of your life feeling lighter and more aligned.
✨ In This Episode:
- Why September might be a better time for resolutions than January
- The seven core beliefs that shape how you show up in the world
- How to know if you're moving toward growth or running from fear
- Behind the scenes of Angela’s book anniversaries and what they’ve taught her
- A self-check-in: What will you stop doing, start doing, and keep doing in the rest of 2025?
📚 Grab Angela’s Books:
- Traveling Light: Free Yourself from the Crap in Your Head
→ Buy on Amazon - Be Freaking Awesome: How to Create a Life You Love
→ Buy on Amazon
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🎙 Episode 186: From GED to PhD: Hope, Healing, and a Hunger to Learn
with Dr. Jessi Brewer | Part 2 of 2
What if the way back to yourself started with a book?
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jessi Brewer, we move from big systems to deeply personal transformation. Jessi opens up about growing up below the poverty line, navigating limited access to formal education, and how discovering books and community college helped her chart an entirely new path — from a GED to earning her PhD.
This episode is about more than just reading. It’s about reclaiming the right to learn, rethinking what literacy really means, and giving yourself permission to grow in your own way.
We talk about:
- Redefining what counts as “reading” (spoiler: audiobooks totally count)
- Quitting books without guilt
- Why access to public libraries matters more than ever
- How education can be a lifeline, not a luxury
- The small steps that lead to big change
This one’s full of warmth, wisdom, and honest encouragement — for anyone who’s ever felt behind, overlooked, or just hungry for something more.
📲 Connect with Dr. Jessi Brewer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessibrewer
🎧 If you missed Part 1, go listen to “What Literature Teaches Us About Justice” — an eye-opening dive into how 19th-century novels helped shape the modern prison system and why imagination is essential for justice.
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🎙 Episode 158: What Literature Teaches Us About Justice with Dr. Jessi Brewer
Part 1 of 2 with Dr. Jessi Brewer
What does Victorian literature have to do with modern prisons?
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Jessi Brewer, a literary scholar and Arkansas native, for a conversation that just might blow your mind. From GED to PhD, Jessi’s journey is packed with grit, purpose, and a radical rethinking of what justice could look like.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore:
- The literary roots of the modern prison system
- How 19th-century British novels helped normalize incarceration
- The difference between prison reform and prison abolition
- Why literature gives us the language to imagine something better
- Jessi’s take on how carceral logic impacts everyday people
This episode is equal parts thought-provoking and hopeful, and it’s just the beginning.
👉 Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we’ll dive into Jessi’s powerful personal story and talk about how books, libraries, and second chances really can change lives.
📲 Connect with Dr. Jessi Brewer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessibrewer
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On this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela is joined by Dr. Roz Griffiths, a chiropractor from Wellington, New Zealand, for a fascinating deep dive into the polyvagal theory and how understanding your nervous system can help you move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to feeling safe, regulated, and empowered.
Dr. Roz shares her own health journey, explains the three main nervous system states (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal vagal), and gives practical tools you can use right now to help your body process stress, release stored tension, and return to a state of balance. Whether you’ve been in fight-or-flight mode for too long or find yourself shutting down, you’ll walk away with simple hacks to help your nervous system work with you instead of against you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The basics of the polyvagal theory and why it matters for your health and stress levels.
- How your nervous system shifts between safe, danger, and freeze states — and why all three have a purpose.
- Signs you might be stuck in fight/flight or freeze, and what to do about it.
- How cues of safety, body awareness, and hands-on care can help restore regulation.
- Practical, daily nervous system “hacks” to help you feel grounded, connected, and more resilient.
Connect with Dr. Roz Griffiths:
- Website: chirobalance.co.nz
- Email: drroz@chirobalance.co.nz
If you’re ready to stop just “pushing through” stress and start working with your body to feel safe and supported, this conversation will give you the science, the language, and the tools to begin right now.
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What if being kind to yourself wasn’t just a nice idea—but the key to better relationships, leadership, and daily peace?
In this episode, Angela sits down with executive coach and author Massimo Backus to explore what self-compassion in action really looks like—especially for high achievers and recovering perfectionists. With Sami on a surprise maternity leave (yay!), Angela and Massimo keep it real, diving into everything from early childhood stories and emotional filters to workplace typos and repairing strained relationships.
You’ll learn:
- Why self-love is hard to say—and even harder to practice
- How childhood coping strategies become adult roadblocks
- The 3-part framework for building a self-compassion habit
- Why trying to "silence" your inner critic doesn’t work
- How to respond differently (and more kindly) to conflict, failure, and feedback
This isn’t fluff. It’s practical, transformative, and—yes—a little messy. But that’s what makes it so powerful.
📘 Grab Massimo’s Book:
Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism
Perfect for leaders, professionals, and anyone ready to rethink the myth that harshness equals success.
🔗 Connect with Massimo:
- Website: massimobackus.com
- LinkedIn: Massimo Backus
🎧 Whether you're deep into your healing journey or just starting to realize you’ve been too hard on yourself, this episode is your permission slip to soften, reframe, and show up differently—starting today.
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What if the way we usually talk about confidence is kind of wrong?
This week, we’re joined by speaker and confidence igniter Meshell Baker for a conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about confidence. Meshell doesn’t just inspire. She equips you to take ownership of your confidence. This isn't surface-level motivation. It's a real conversation about building lasting confidence.
Angela and Sami dive in with Meshell on what it means to create confidence from the inside out, why showing up in excellence matters (even when life feels unfair), and how your morning mindset may be the most powerful tool you have.
You’ll hear:
- Why confidence isn’t something you find. It’s something you create.
- How to stop living on rerun mode and start owning your story.
- The surprising impact of morning routines and intentional energy.
- A refreshing take on grief, hardship, and showing up with purpose.
- Real talk from Meshell’s lived experiences that will move and motivate you.
If you’ve ever felt like confidence just isn’t your thing, this episode offers a fresh and empowering perspective to help you take your next step.
Resources:
Connect with Meshell at hello@meshellbaker.com
Grab her best-selling book UNSTOPPABLE: Embrace Your Unshakable Confidence on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3G7DvY8
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Ever felt torn between loving the body you have and wishing you moved it a little more? Or walked into a gym, got slammed by fluorescent lights and clanging weights, and thought, “Nope—hard pass”? This conversation with personal-trainer-turned-neurodivergent-fitness-whisperer Abby Clapper is your permission slip to ditch the shame-spiral and find movement that actually fits you.
In this episode we explore
- How ADHD brains (and other neurodivergent minds) beat all-or-nothing workout plans by chasing dopamine-boosting activities they genuinely enjoy.
- Sensory-friendly hacks—noise-canceling headphones, texture-happy clothing, quieter corners, at-home routines—that make exercise feel safe instead of overwhelming.
- The science of burning off fight-or-flight hormones so anxiety stops hijacking your day.
- “Non-scale victories” that prove you’re winning long before the mirror notices.
- Abby’s leap into an Autism Exercise Specialist certification and her vision for truly inclusive fitness spaces.
You’ll walk away with
- A repeat-able, keep-able habit you can start today—no treadmill trauma required.
- Real-world tweaks to fit movement into busy, beautifully complex lives (and budgets).
- Fresh confidence that thriving bodies and neurodivergent brains can coexist—and have fun doing it.
Tap ▶️ now and go Be Freaking Awesome with us—then pass the episode to a friend who needs the nudge!
Where to find Abby
- Podcast: Talk Your Abs Off – Abby’s show on sustainable, actionable wellness. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
- Website: EndorfinWellness.com – explore Abby’s 1-on-1 coaching, custom programs, and inclusive fitness services.
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What if the fastest way to dial down drama and crank up joy is as simple as giving everyone around you a permission slip to be themselves—including you? In this episode, Angela and Sami invite well-being therapist Jamie Lerner to spill the secrets of her Art of Allowing, a practice that turns judgment into curiosity and workplace chaos into something you can actually manage.
You’ll get:
- The story of why Jamie ditched traditional talk therapy and how her clients leap forward by focusing on right-now momentum instead of yesterday’s baggage
- A five-minute morning habit that rewires your inner chatter—no journals, glitter pens, or awkward affirmations required
- A pocket guide to spotting the exact moment you slip from setting healthy boundaries to running the entire show, plus how to pivot without the shame hangover
- The projection trick that melts irritation in real time, saving your energy for people and projects that deserve it
- Backup-deadline magic and other sneaky scripts for thriving when teammates ghost, stall, or show up late
- A fresh way to handle compliments so you soak in the goodness without handing strangers the keys to your self-worth
By the time the outro hits you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and ready to practice allowing with your kids, your coworkers, and—most importantly—yourself.
Want more Jamie in your life? Explore her work or book a session at jamie-lerner.com.
Press play now and start living the Be Freaking Awesome life today!
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Ever had a wild idea you couldn’t shake—even if it sounded totally out of left field? That’s exactly what happened to Deborah Niemann, a suburban mom who packed up her family, moved to the middle of nowhere, and accidentally became a nationally recognized goat expert.
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Deborah shares how her journey started with a desire to eat organic and live more intentionally. What unfolded was a story filled with goats, gardening, fiber animals, and one big mystery that led her to uncover a massive gap in veterinary knowledge. (Spoiler: when the experts told her she was wrong, she proved them otherwise—using research and a whole lot of persistence.)
We dive into what it takes to build a purpose-filled life, even if it looks nothing like what you imagined. From discovering the hidden dangers in our food system to building a homestead and creating a successful niche podcast (For the Love of Goats), Deborah’s story is both inspiring and deeply practical.
What you’ll take away from this episode:
- Why following your curiosity—even when it’s unconventional—is often the key to purpose
- How small, intentional food choices can lead to massive life change
- The power of problem-solving and self-advocacy when the experts fall short
- Why your weirdest passions might just be your greatest gifts
Whether you’re a fellow goat lover, a clean-eating enthusiast, or just someone craving a more intentional life, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement to help you get started—right where you are.
🎧 Tap play now and discover what can happen when you dare to trust your gut, lean into the unknown, and live freaking awesome on your own terms.
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What if joy isn’t random—but a daily quest you can map out?
In this uplifting episode, wellness entrepreneur and podcast host Moyra Gorski joins Angela and Sami to reveal how she turned a season of overwhelm into a life anchored in grace-filled, repeatable joy practices. From mirror work to micro-habits and community, Moyra shares simple tools that anyone—no matter how busy—can start today.
Press play to laugh, learn, and launch your own Joy Quest!
What We Talk About
- Moyra’s shift from Juggling the Chaos of Recovery to Your Journey to Joy
- The “oxygen-mask” rule of self-care (and why it’s not selfish)
- Tiny daily rituals—mirror work, morning moments, joy boxes—that actually stick
- How community (walking clubs, volunteer work) accelerates healing and happiness
What You’ll Learn
- A 3-step framework to build a morning routine that fits any season of life
- Ways to spot hidden perfectionism and replace it with grace-based self-talk
- Practical tips for stacking small joy habits into big lifestyle change
- How to turn ordinary moments (a creek, a feather, a kind note) into joy anchors
Listen now and jump-start your own Joy Quest—from the inside out.
Connect with Moyra Gorski
- Website & Blog: moyragorski.com
- Podcast: Your Journey to Joy (Apple, Spotify, everywhere)
- Instagram: @moyra_gorski_wellness_advocate
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This episode is Part 2 of our 2-part conversation with writer and coach Omar Ferraira of A Soul’s Quest. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and start there—we explore life transitions, identity, and what it means to go on your own hero’s journey.
In this second half, we’re turning toward men’s mental health, emotional resilience, and what it takes to find your footing when life has fallen apart. Omar opens up about his personal story, the quiet suffering many men carry, and how imagination, values, and inner discipline can begin to heal what feels broken.
This is a powerful episode that honors Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—and speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they’re quietly crumbling inside.
💬 In this episode:
- What keeps men from asking for help
- The emotional cost of trying to “hold it all together”
- Why imagination is key to mental well-being
- Reclaiming identity and self-worth after loss
- A vision-forward approach to healing for men
🎙️ Connect with Omar:
🌐 asoulsquest.com
📱 Follow the A Soul’s Quest Podcast on social media: @ASQPodcast
👉 This is Part 2 of a 2-part series.
Both episodes are available now, so if you missed Part 1, go listen to that next!
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This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation with writer and coach Omar Ferraira. Both episodes drop this week, so when you’re done here, hop over to Part 2 to continue the conversation.
We’re diving into life transitions, inner growth, and the search for purpose when it feels like you’ve checked all the boxes—but still feel like something’s missing. From Carl Jung and Maslow to the hero’s journey and cultural traditions, Omar shares a deep, reflective view on how we evolve—and what society often gets wrong about it.
It’s a rich, soul-stirring conversation that reminds us that we’re not alone in our questions.
🔥 In this episode:
- Why achieving the “dream life” can still feel empty
- The contrast between Eastern and Western perspectives on identity
- How our society neglects to teach us about psychological milestones
- What it really means to start your own personal hero’s journey
👉 Ready for more? Go listen to Part 2 of this conversation with Omar, Episode 177, where we dive into men’s mental health, emotional survival, and what it takes to rediscover purpose after life falls apart. It’s raw, real, and available now.
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This isn’t just a milestone—it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the practice of showing up. In this episode, Angela and Sami get real about what 175 episodes have taught them: how to let go of the pressure to be perfect, reframe what success looks like, and lean into meaningful, fun, and fulfilling work.
They talk about the doubts that almost stopped them early on, the episodes that unexpectedly took off, and why metrics like downloads and dollars don’t tell the whole story. It’s vulnerable, honest, and full of the kind of perspective that comes only from doing the work—one step at a time.
In this episode:
- The myth of being “flaky” and how to rewrite it
- Reframing low-performing episodes (hello, renaming magic)
- What success looks like when you stop chasing the algorithm
- Why podcasting became more than content—it became connection
Let’s keep this going.
If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s taking their own small-but-mighty steps. And seriously—thank you for walking this journey with us.
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What if the colors around you could transform your mood, mindset, and even your life?
In this vibrant episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami and Angela sit down with brand architect and color psychology expert J. Nichole Smith (Nic) to explore the powerful (and often overlooked) connection between color, psychology, and joy.
From navigating burnout to creating joy-centered brands, Nic unpacks how we can all use color as a tool for emotional resilience, intentional living, and everyday rebellion against the beige life.
💡 In This Episode:
- The real difference between joy and happiness (and why it matters)
- How color works on a psychological level—and what that means for your home, wardrobe, and energy
- The subtle ways we avoid joy in the name of comfort or safety
- Why choosing color is a form of courage (yes, even your throw pillows count!)
- A practical challenge to help you feel the shift starting today
🧠 J. Nichole Smith (Nic) shares:
- Why joy is the antidote to fear and manipulation
- How her clients transform their brands and their lives through color harmony
- Her go-to framework: The Color Brand Method
- A peek into her upcoming book on “Joy-First Decision-Making”
🛠️ Take Action:
- 🌈 Challenge of the Week: For 7 days, avoid wearing black, white, or gray near your face—and watch what shifts.
- 🎨 Take Nic’s Color Quiz: Discover your personality-based color group at joyfirstworld.com
- 📲 Follow Nic on Instagram & LinkedIn: @jnicholesmith
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We’ve all heard “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”—but what if that’s actually true and empowering? In Part 2 of our conversation with Anna Beth Gorman, we shift from financial literacy to the life-changing concept of social capital—and how women can build it with intention.
This episode is a masterclass in forming relationships that matter—not just for your career or business, but for your personal safety, freedom, and future. From building a “kitchen cabinet” of advisors to recognizing your value in the room, we’re talking about connection as a form of currency.
Angela, Sami, and Anna Beth share real-life stories of how knowing the right people opened doors—and how that wasn’t luck. It was a strategy. And it’s something you can start doing today.
If you’ve ever wondered how to network without feeling fake, how to surround yourself with the right people, or how to create opportunity for yourself and others—this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- What “social capital” really means and why it matters so much for women
- How to create your personal board of directors (aka your “kitchen cabinet”)
- Why networking is often relational, not transactional—and how to do it well
- How women can leverage social capital to unlock financial opportunity
- Encouragement for women reentering the workforce or starting something new
🔥 Missed Part 1? Go back and listen to The Conversation Every Woman Needs to Be Having with Anna Beth Gorman to get the foundation on financial literacy, resilience, and the building blocks of real wealth.
Connect with our guest:
- Anna Beth Gorman is the CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org
- Follow the WFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
- Support their mission: Even $25/month makes a huge difference in advancing women’s economic security in Arkansas!
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Money. Just saying the word can make some of us sweat. And yet—it impacts every corner of our lives. In this episode, we’re starting a deeply honest, sometimes hilarious, and always empowering two-part conversation with Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.
In Part 1, we talk about what wealth really looks like for women—not yachts or private jets, but retirement accounts, health insurance, education, business ownership, and the ability to withstand life's inevitable plot twists.
We reflect on our Girl Scout roots and how early money lessons shaped the way we lead today. From cookie sales and budgeting field trips to advocating for our worth in the workplace, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical wisdom, and much-needed validation.
Whether you’re just starting to think about money or you’ve been building your financial strategy for years, this conversation will challenge the way you see your finances—and your power.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The overlooked difference between the gender pay gap and the wealth gap
- How personal experiences, trauma, and upbringing shape our financial habits
- What “wealth” really means (hint: it’s not your purse or paycheck)
- Why women struggle to talk about money—and how to start that conversation safely
- The four foundational pillars of wealth every woman should know
🔥 Heads Up: This is Part 1 of a powerful 2-part series! In Part 2, we dive into how social capital—aka your relationships—can become your most valuable asset. You won’t want to miss it.
Connect with our guest:
- Anna Beth Gorman is the CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org
- Follow the WFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
- Support their mission: Even $25/month makes a huge difference in advancing women’s economic security in Arkansas!
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This week, Angela and Sami are joined by Kathryn Heizer, also known as The Cascade Effect Coach, for a real and powerful conversation about how we influence others — often without even knowing it.
From corporate leadership to parenting, from grief to goal-setting, we unpack what it means to live and lead intentionally. Kathryn shares her transition from the corporate world into coaching, the inspiration behind “The Cascade Effect,” and how even our smallest actions ripple outward.
We also talk about:
- The difference between our true self and the "avatars" we put on
- How stress and grief change how we show up (and why that’s okay)
- Letting go of dreams that no longer fit — and realizing you may already have what you wanted
- How leaders can support team members without taking it all on themselves
- Why coaching isn’t about fixing — it’s about freeing
If you’ve ever felt like you’re wearing a mask, holding too much, or unsure how you’re impacting those around you — this one’s for you.
🔥 Favorite Takeaways:
- “You're never too far down the river to pivot.”
- “Your energy shapes the room — even when you don’t say a word.”
- “We don’t have to blow everything up to begin again. Sometimes it’s just about the first next step.”
🧠 About Our Guest:
Kathryn Heizer is a certified life coach helping high-performing professionals find clarity, calm, and momentum — in and out of the workplace. She partners with leaders to support teams, offering coaching for individuals or on-site “office hours” to create real-time transformation.
Find her at CascadeEffectCoach.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @CascadeEffectCoach.
If this episode sparked something in you or reminded you of someone who needs to hear it — share it! Let’s keep the cascade effect going. 💧✨
Until next time, go be freaking awesome.
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Do you ever feel like you're stuck reacting to problems instead of leading with clarity and vision?
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela and Sami sit down with business consultant and author Todd Smith for a game-changing conversation that blends football strategy, leadership insight, and real-world wisdom. Drawing from his book First and Ten on the Twenty, Todd uses powerful sports metaphors to reframe what it really means to lead, whether in business, life, or personal growth.
You'll discover why so many leaders stay stuck on the sidelines and how to elevate your perspective, shift from critic to creator, and build your own skybox of support. Todd also shares the heart behind his novel I Pledge Allegiance, a story shining light on homeless veterans, and how preparation, perspective, and purpose shape lasting success.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why reacting isn't leading, and what to do instead
- How to create a skybox perspective in your business or life
- The three types of preparation every leader needs
- What football, Broadway, and business have in common
- How to lead with purpose, not just hustle
- Why one powerful idea can change everything
Action Steps:
- Audit your current perspective. Are you too close to the field to see clearly?
- Identify your skybox voices. Who’s helping you see the big picture?
- Shift your self-talk from critic to coach and notice what changes
This episode is for purpose-driven leaders, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs ready to stop playing every position and start calling better plays.
Ready to shift from chaos to clarity? Let's go.
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In this moving and insightful episode, Angela and Sami speak with Jody LaVoie, founder of Widows in the Workplace and The Grief Company. Following the traumatic loss of her husband, Jody assumed leadership of his company, all while raising three daughters and facing unimaginable grief.
Now a grief expert and coach, Jody shares how that experience shaped her purpose—and how she now equips both individuals and organizations to better navigate grief. This conversation offers both professional insight and personal reflection, with practical guidance for anyone experiencing or supporting others through loss.
💡 What We Talk About:
- Jody’s story of sudden loss and becoming a leader overnight
- How grief shows up in unexpected places (including the office)
- Why “just let me know if you need anything” isn’t that helpful
- Ways to show up for grieving friends or coworkers
📘 Key Takeaways:
- Grief does not follow a timeline—and that’s normal
- Thoughtful action is more impactful than asking “how can I help?”
- Managers have a vital role in creating supportive workplace environments
- Small gestures, like checking in or offering practical help, go a long way
- Healing often involves rebuilding on your own terms—both emotionally and physically
💬 Thank you for being a valued part of the Be Freaking Awesome community. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit.
🔗 Resources
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn: Jody LaVoie
Widows in the Workplace: www.widowsintheworkplace.com
The Grief Company: www.thegriefcompany.com
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🔧 What if communication isn’t just a tool—but the tool?
In this thought-provoking and hilariously vulnerable conversation, Sami shares the messy middle of writing a book about communication—and Angela digs deep into what it means to clarify not just our words, but our hearts.
From exploring the emotional roots of poor communication to dissecting how our inner world struggles to translate into language, this episode is both a sneak peek at Sami’s evolving book and a powerful guide to more meaningful conversations.
Whether you're navigating conflict with a spouse, talking to a friend, or leading a team, the insights here will make you rethink how you show up in conversation—and in life.
🎧 Press play to laugh, learn, and feel a little more seen.
📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why communication is more than just saying the right thing—it’s about being understood
✅ How to identify what you actually want before entering a conversation
✅ What “bad communication” really means—and why it’s often a symptom, not the root problem
✅ The difference between heart language and spoken language
✅ How cultural or emotional context changes the way we interpret words
✅ Why some conversations should start with “What do I want from this?”
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Struggling to lead with confidence? You’re not alone. Whether it shows up as micromanaging, burnout, or saying yes to too much, a lack of confidence can quietly undermine even the most capable leaders.
In this episode, Angela and Sami sit down with leadership strategist and speaker Therese Gopaul-Robinson for a powerful conversation about what confidence really is—and why it’s way more than just a personal mindset issue. From micromanaging and burnout to team culture and career growth, Therese unpacks how low confidence shows up in our leadership—and what to do when it’s holding you (and your team) back.
Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or your own life, this conversation will challenge how you think about confidence—and give you practical steps to build more of it.
💡 What We Talk About:
- What low confidence really looks like in leaders (hint: it’s not what you think)
- Why female leaders often feel overwhelmed—and how to stop over-working
- What micromanaging says about your own insecurities
- Confidence as a muscle: why it’s built through trying, not knowing
- How to delegate with trust instead of fear
📘 What You’ll Learn:
- Therese’s 3-step “security stacking” framework to build real confidence
- Why leadership success starts with inner work, not outer authority
- How to break the cycle of proving your worth through overwork
- Ways to model confidence for your team—and your kids
- Why everything you need, you already have
🎧 Listen now and start building real, resilient confidence—from the inside out.
🔗 Resources & Links:
- Connect with Therese on LinkedIn: Therese Gopaul-Robinson
- Visit her website & join her community: www.theresegr.com
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This week, Angela’s back on her soapbox—and we are here for it. She and Sami take us on a deep (and sometimes hilarious) dive into why vision boards, affirmations, and goal-setting strategies work better when you understand the brain behind them.
Spoiler: it’s not about manifesting magic. It’s about your Reticular Activating System—the part of your brain that filters what you notice based on what you believe. And once you understand how it works, you can start intentionally reprogramming it to support the life you actually want.
💡 What We Talk About:
- What the Reticular Activating System is and why it matters
- How your beliefs shape what you notice (and ignore)
- The real reason vision boards and affirmations can be powerful
- Angela’s “day in the life” exercise—and how it quietly came true
📘 What You’ll Learn:
- How to use neuroscience to support lasting personal growth
- A new approach to goal-setting rooted in identity, not hustle
- Why rewiring your brain starts with repetition, not willpower
- How to start noticing evidence of the life you want—right now
Thanks for listening and being part of the Be Freaking Awesome community. If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and tag us @BeFreakingAwesome.
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In this heartfelt and insight-packed conversation, Angela and Sami sit down with longtime client, coaching partner, and friend Jonathan Janacek. Jonathan opens up about the journey from sweeping job sites as a kid to purchasing and running the family remodeling business.
This episode is a goldmine for second-generation business owners, parents preparing for leadership transitions, and anyone navigating the tension between honoring legacy and carving a new path forward.
Jonathan shares what it was like growing up in a business-focused family, how he set intentional boundaries between work and home, and the hard-earned lessons that come with evolving a business while staying true to your values.
What They Explore:
- The shift from “babysitting on job sites” to leading the company
- How calling your dad “Tim” at work changes everything
- Navigating loneliness, perfectionism, and high expectations in leadership
- The emotional weight of rebranding the family business
- Owning your mistakes—and the healing that follows
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to transition from employee to owner in a way that builds trust and confidence
- Why boundary-setting is crucial (and tricky) when your coworkers are also your parents
- How to balance honoring what was with building what could be
- Insights on leading authentically—especially in a business that bears your last name
- Why vulnerability and honesty are leadership superpowers in generational businesses
Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re stepping into leadership, working with family, or learning to own your role without losing yourself, this episode is your reminder that growth is messy, legacy is complicated, and it’s all part of being freaking awesome.
Connect with Us
Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow business owner or second-gen leader! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us when you post your biggest takeaway!
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In part two of our conversation with psychologist and author Dr. Adam Dorsay, we’re diving into how to build connection—not just feel it. This episode is all about friendship, chosen family, and why adult connection often needs more intention (and less perfection) than we think.
Angela, Sami, and Adam explore the vulnerability of reaching out, the reality of feeling lonely in a busy world, and the beauty of showing up for the people who matter. From voice texts to Google Sheets to hammocking over creeks (you’ll get it when you listen), this conversation is packed with practical ways to create more closeness in your everyday life.
If you’ve ever wondered how to go from “we should hang out” to “this person is my person”—this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why adult friendship takes effort—and why it’s worth it
- The different levels of connection (and how to go deeper)
- How “quests” can bring magic and meaning into relationships
- Why perceived support is just as powerful as real support
- How to bring more fun, awe, and intention into your connections
Key Takeaways:
- Reconnection starts with a single reach-out
- You don’t need more friends, just more realness
- Awkwardness is the cost of meaningful friendship—pay it anyway
- Time is your most non-renewable resource—spend it wisely
Special Offer:
Ready to build more connected relationships? Grab a copy of Super Psyched for actionable tools to create deeper bonds with yourself and others—and don’t forget to pair it with Traveling Light to realign your inner world.
Where to find Adam:
- Adams Book: Super Psyched
- Adams Podcast: SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay
- Contact Adam
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What if the most important connections in your life didn’t happen by chance—but by choice?
In this episode, Angela and Sami chat with psychologist and author Dr. Adam Dorsay about the four types of connection outlined in his book Super Psyched: connection to self, others, the world, and something greater. It’s a real, reflective conversation about how intentional connection shapes how we live, love, and show up.
They explore why asking for what you want isn’t selfish, how awe can be microdosed, and why being vulnerable (even in therapy!) is a superpower. Plus, you’ll hear personal stories that make the science hit home—from skydiving metaphors to birthday gifts to "Can we be friends?" moments that actually work.
This isn’t about forcing relationships—it’s about freeing yourself to build them with purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- What the four types of connection are—and why they matter
- Why connection doesn’t kill spontaneity (and might actually increase it)
- How awe, presence, and play invite deeper emotional healing
- The surprising link between disconnection and mental health challenges
- How to start reconnecting—with yourself and the people who matter
Key Takeaways:
- Connection is a practice, not a personality trait
- Being intentional doesn’t make it less magical—it makes it more real
- Your relationships can be designed with purpose
- Wonder, courage, and presence go hand-in-hand
- Showing up now is better than regretting later
Special Offer:
Feeling inspired to reconnect? Grab Super Psyched wherever books are sold for practical tools to deepen connection in every area of your life—and pair it with Traveling Light for a full-body reset of your inner world
Where to find Adam:
Adams Book: Super Psyched
Adams Podcast: SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay
Contact Adam
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Ever feel like politics is just too messy, too partisan, or too overwhelming to even try to get involved? We get it. But what if there was a way to protect democracy, empower voters, and make a real impact—without the drama?
This week on Be Freaking Awesome, we’re joining the global Podcasthon Movement to highlight an organization that’s been fighting for democracy since 1920—the League of Women Voters.
Angela, a dedicated volunteer and board member, shares her journey with the League, the real ways they hold the government accountable (spoiler: lawsuits and policy wins included), and how YOU can get involved—no political expertise required.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- What is a Podcasthon? (Hint: Think modern telethon, but for awareness & impact!)
- How the League of Women Voters is nonpartisan—yes, REALLY.
- The hidden ways your local government impacts your daily life (and why showing up matters).
- The League’s biggest wins—including lawsuits that have changed communities.
- How you can easily get involved: whether it’s registering voters, learning about candidates, or just showing up.
Why This Matters:
Politics isn’t just about Washington D.C. What happens locally impacts our daily lives, from schools to roads to community laws. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference.
This episode is your guide to becoming an informed, empowered citizen—without the drama, misinformation, or feeling like it’s “not for you.”
Related Episodes to Check Out:
- EP156 - Talking Politics Without Losing Friends: Strategies for Difficult Conversations
- EP142 - From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Simple Ways to Build a Better World
- EP143 - How to Keep Going in Divided Times
Resources & Links:
🔗 Be Freaking Awesome Book: AngelaBelford.com
🔗 Donate to the League of Women Voters Arkansas: lwvar.org/give
🔗 Learn more about Podcasthon: podcasthon.org/about
🔗 Subscribe to the Be Freaking Awesome newsletter: BFreakingAwesome.com
Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!
Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us a text
Are you waking up exhausted even after getting a full night’s sleep? You’re not alone. The problem isn’t just how much sleep you’re getting—it’s how well you’re sleeping.
In this episode, Angela and Sami sit down with sleep strategist Tara Clancy to uncover the truth about sleep performance and why most of us are unknowingly sabotaging our own rest. Tara explains why 8 hours of sleep isn’t always enough, the surprising signs of poor sleep performance (hint: it’s not just feeling tired!), and the simple changes that can transform your sleep into a powerful tool for better focus, energy, and success.
If you’re ready to stop running on low power mode and start waking up truly refreshed, this episode is for you!
In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ What sleep performance really means (and how it’s different from sleep hygiene)
✅ Why you’re still exhausted even if you sleep all night
✅ How poor sleep can show up as anxiety, cravings, or brain fog
✅ The connection between sleep and your success (yes, really!)
✅ Simple, science-backed fixes to improve your sleep quality tonight
🎧 Listen Now to Unlock the Secret to Better Sleep & More Energy!
🔗 Resources & Links:
Get 50% off Tara’s Sleep Reading: Link
UP YOURZzz LEADERSHIP BOOK: Link
Tara’s Podcast: Link
Connect with us on Instagram: Link
🔥 Loved this episode? Leave us a review & share it with a friend who needs better sleep! #BeFreakingAwesome
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What does it really mean to be freaking awesome? It’s a question we’ve explored since Episode 1, revisited in Episode 70, and now—we’re back with Be Freaking Awesome 3.0.
In this episode, Angela and Sami take a deep dive into the origins of Be Freaking Awesome, how it evolved from a speech to a book to a movement, and why defining YOUR version of an awesome life is more important than ever.
If you've ever felt stuck in the “what’s expected” vs. “what I actually want” cycle, this episode is for you.
🎧 Press play and join us on this journey!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The story behind Be Freaking Awesome—from an idea to a movement
✅ Why pursuing excellence is better than chasing perfection
✅ How fear tricks us into playing small (and how to push past it)
✅ The power of choosing to evaluate your life and make intentional changes
✅ Why “awesome” means something different for everyone—and how to define yours
✅ The importance of messy middles and embracing the journey
💭 Ready to take the first step? This episode is your invitation to define what your freaking awesome life looks like—and start living it!
Resources & Links:
🔗 Be Freaking Awesome Book 📖 Get your copy here!
🔗 Episode 1: The Original What It Means to Be Freaking Awesome
🔗 Episode 70: Revisiting Be Freaking Awesome After Year 1
🔗 Episode 151: The Island, The Boat, The Keel: Setting Your Life’s Direction
🔗 Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning (Referenced in the episode)
🔗 Subscribe to the Be Freaking Awesome newsletter: BFreakingAwesome.com
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need to hear this!
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Send us a text
👉 Have you ever been given an opportunity that felt bigger than you?
👉 Do you feel like you need more experience, more confidence, or more skills before you can lead?
👉 What if stepping up before you're "ready" is actually the secret to success?
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, we sit down with Kash Rocheleau, CEO of Icon Foods, who went from Executive Assistant to CFO to CEO in just a few years—long before she thought she was ready. We break down:
- How to handle big career transitions (even when they come sooner than expected)
- Why imposter syndrome is lying to you—and how to silence it
- The one mindset shift that helped Kash step into leadership with confidence
- How to fail forward and learn from mistakes instead of fearing them
- The changing landscape of leadership—and what it means for the next generation
Whether you're an aspiring leader, a business owner, or someone who simply wants to stop holding yourself back, this episode will challenge you to step into your potential NOW, not later.
🎧 Other Episodes You’ll Love:
- Ep. 113 – The Career Opportunity You’re Afraid to Take—And Why You Should Anyway - A deep dive into overcoming fear when big opportunities arise
- Ep. 99 – What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Falling Behind in Life - This episode also touches on imposter syndrome and overcoming self-doubt!
- Ep. 100 – Navigating Change & Growth Without Losing Yourself - How to handle transitions without burning out
- Ep. 52 – Syndrome or Superpower: Imposter Syndrome - A dedicated conversation on imposter syndrome and how to reframe it as a strength!
Connect with Kash Rocheleau:
Send her a message and connect with her at Kash Rocheleau on LinkedIn.
Join the Conversation:
What’s a leadership opportunity you’ve been hesitant to take? DM us on Instagram @B.FreakingAwesome and let’s talk about it!
🔥 Ready to stop waiting until you “feel ready”? Hit play now and go be freaking awesome. 🚀
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us a text
❓ Ever felt stuck because you think your purpose has to be BIG, life-altering, and crystal clear? What if we told you that’s a total myth?
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, we’re talking all things purpose with Amy Zastrow, business impact strategist and speaker. And spoiler alert: your purpose doesn’t have to be grand, world-changing, or set in stone forever.
Instead, we’re breaking it down into something simple, real, and actually helpful—so you can start living with purpose today, without the existential crisis.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why you don’t find your purpose—you claim it
- How purpose can (and should) evolve over time
- The biggest misconceptions that keep people stuck
- Why your purpose doesn’t have to be world-changing to be meaningful
- Practical ways to figure out what truly drives you
We also get real about why the idea of “being of service to others” can sometimes rankle us (yes, we said rankle) and what to do when your purpose feels like it's constantly shifting.
If you liked this episode, check out:
🎙️ Ep #98 – Incomplete Cycles & Emotional Triggers (How past experiences shape your beliefs and impact your purpose) 🎙️ Ep #82 – When You’re Stuck in a Life You Didn’t Choose (How to pivot when your current path isn’t fulfilling) 🎙️ Ep #74 – How to Stop Overthinking and Just Start (If you’re waiting for “perfect clarity” before taking action, this one’s for you)
Resources & Mentions:
✨ Connect with Amy Zastrow on LinkedIn and visit her at SuccessArchitects.com
✨ Angela’s book Traveling Light – Get it here
✨ Follow us on Instagram: @bfreakingawesome
👉 What’s YOUR purpose? We’d love to hear from you! DM us or email us your thoughts at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com—or let us know if you’re still figuring it out (because, same).
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one! And if you really loved it, leave us a review—it helps more people find us and join the conversation.
Until next time, go be freaking awesome! 🚀
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💡 Did you know that your emotions around money are deeply tied to your past experiences?
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford sit down with financial coach and behavioral specialist DonJay Rice to explore the unexpected ways grief and trauma shape your financial habits. Whether it’s avoiding money conversations, feeling guilt around inheritance, or struggling to make financial decisions, this episode will help you unpack your money story and take the first step toward a healthier financial mindset.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The surprising link between grief, trauma, and financial behaviors
✅ How your first money memories still influence your decisions today
✅ Why inheritance and loss can create unexpected financial guilt
✅ The power of money journaling and how to recognize emotional spending
✅ How to start having safe and productive money conversations in relationships
✅ Why 80% of widows change financial advisors after their spouse passes—and what that means for your own financial planning
💭 Are you carrying financial stress, guilt, or avoidance from your past? This episode is your invitation to reflect, heal, and create a better relationship with money.
Resources & Links:
🔗 Connect with DonJay Rice: DrumbeatofWealth.com
🔗 Subscribe to the Be Freaking Awesome newsletter: BFreakingAwesome.com
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe!
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In today’s episode of Be Freaking Awesome, we dive into one of the most challenging topics of our time—political conversations. Whether at work, with family, or on social media, it’s easy to feel stuck between avoiding tough conversations or getting into heated debates. But what if there was a better way?
Join Angela Belford as she interviews Sami Kinnison, a communication expert, about how to navigate difficult conversations with curiosity, clarity, and connection. Sami shares why she believes you can be friends with people across the political spectrum, the biggest mistake people make when discussing divisive topics, and how shifting your approach can turn arguments into meaningful, productive discussions.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The #1 communication mistake keeping people divided—and how to avoid it
✅ Why understanding someone’s story is more important than debating their stance
✅ The power of curiosity and how asking the right questions can change the game
✅ How to talk politics without losing friends (or your sanity!)
✅ Why leading with connection, not confrontation, is the key to real conversations
✅ The long game of persuasion—why meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight
Related Episodes to Explore:
🎧 [EP143] How to Keep Going in Divided Times
🎧 [EP142] From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Simple Ways to Build a Better World
🎧 [EP141] How to Stay True to Yourself When Life Gets Messy
🎧 [EP129] Navigating Adult Friendships: Challenges, Intentionality, and Connection
🎧 [EP121] Embracing the Roller Coaster: Encouragement for Every Season
Recommended Resources & Books:
📖 Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High – Learn essential skills for handling high-stakes discussions with confidence.
📖 Supercommunicators: Unlock the Secret Language of Connection – Discover how the best communicators build deep connections and navigate difficult conversations.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this!
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Join Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison as they chat with Bernadette Joy, a financial empowerment expert and angel investor. Together, they dive into overcoming the fear of self-promotion, crafting a life of financial independence, and pursuing joy through purpose-driven living. Whether you’re a business owner, coach, or someone looking to crush their money goals, this episode will inspire you to step into your potential.
Episode Description:
In This Special Episode of Be Freaking Awesome
Angela and Sami sit down with Bernadette Joy to unpack the challenges of self-promotion and the myths around money and success. Bernadette shares her journey from corporate America to financial independence, and her mission to empower others to break free from money fears. This conversation explores navigating rejection, embracing creative hobbies, and redefining what financial freedom means for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to overcome your fear of self-promotion and share your value unapologetically.
- Why rejection can be your best feedback tool for growth.
- The practical steps to achieve financial independence for your next endeavor.
- The importance of exploring hobbies and practicing retirement now.
- How to align your personal goals with your values and passions.
Key Takeaways:
- Confidence in Self-Promotion: Why advocating for yourself is a skill you must develop.
- The Fine Number: Learn what it means to achieve Financial Independence for your Next Endeavor (FINE).
- Practicing Retirement Now: Start hobbies that bring you joy outside of work.
- The Power of No: Why honesty and integrity in business lead to long-term success.
- Freedom in Rejection: How rejection can sharpen your focus and clarify your goals.
Resources Mentioned:
- Bernadette Joy’s Website: CrushYourMoneyGoals.com
- Find Bernadette on Social Media: Instagram & YouTube: @BernadetteJoy
- Special Offer: Want to crush your own money goals? Check out Bernadette Joy’s book and courses at CrushYourMoneyGoals.com.
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In This Special Episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela and Sami are joined by LaDawnya Faulkner, whose story of resilience and renewal will inspire you to see the beauty in starting over. After hitting rock bottom, LaDawnya rebuilt her life, found healing in sewing, and now uses her craft to foster community and connection. Together, they discuss the challenges of recovery, the role of creativity in healing, and how to find grace in life’s messy middle.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How LaDawnya turned her personal struggles into a mission to help others.
- Why sewing can be a powerful tool for mental health and self-discovery.
- The importance of finding your “third place” outside of home and work.
- Practical advice for navigating grief, loss, and addiction recovery.
- Why grace and self-compassion are essential on the journey to healing.
Key Takeaways:
- Fresh Starts Are Possible: Even after immense loss, it’s never too late to rebuild.
- Creativity as Therapy: Crafting can be a form of healing and a way to process trauma.
- Your Third Place Matters: Find or create a space where you feel accepted and at peace.
- Community Heals: Healing happens when we connect with others who support us.
- Take the First Step: Trust yourself, even when the path feels uncertain.
Resources Mentioned:
- Lost Ozark Dawn Community Heritage: LostOzarkDawn.org
- Located at the Center for Nonprofits, Rogers, AR.
Special Needs:
Got sewing supplies you no longer need? Donate them to Lost Ozark Dawn and help support their mission of community healing through creativity.
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In This Special Episode of Be Freaking Awesome
Hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford are joined by leadership and empowerment coach Jen Porter to dive into what it means to dream big for 2025. This reflective and interactive conversation explores how to reconnect with your true desires, trust yourself, and embrace the power of community while designing your most meaningful year yet. Jen shares her proven methods for reflection and planning, and together they discuss the challenges and triumphs of dreaming boldly in today’s world.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How to differentiate between goals and dreams and why both matter.
- The importance of reflection to understand where you’ve been and where you want to go.
- How to trust yourself and build confidence by listening to your intuition.
- The role of community in dreaming big and staying motivated.
- Practical strategies for aligning your dreams with your strengths and passions.
Key Takeaways
- Dreaming is about more than achievement: It’s about connecting with your soul and imagination.
- Reflection creates clarity: Take time to consider what you want more of—and less of—in your life.
- Small steps build trust: Start by acting on small intuitions to strengthen your confidence in making bigger decisions.
- Community is powerful: Sharing your dreams with the right people can give you support, feedback, and encouragement.
Special Offer: Reflection & Dreaming Exercise
Jen Porter has created a guided reflection exercise to help you reflect on the past year, dream for the future, and create a plan for 2025. This practical tool will help you align your dreams with your values and take the first steps toward your goals.
👉 Access the exercise here
Resources Mentioned
- Jen Porter’s website: www.jenportercoach.com
- Learn more about Jen’s upcoming Lioness Rise Up initiative for bold, empowered women.
Until next time—go be freaking awesome!
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In this special episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami guides you through a hands-on New Year’s exercise to help you start the year with intention. Using the metaphor of a sailboat, Sami asks thought-provoking questions to help you clarify your goals, identify what will propel you forward, recognize what keeps you steady, and address what might hold you back. This reflective and interactive episode is designed to help you sail into the new year with purpose and confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to define your “island” (your goals or direction) for the year.
- The importance of identifying the “wind in your sails” (your motivators).
- What it means to have a “keel” for stability in life and work.
- How to recognize and let go of “anchors” that create drag or hold you back.
Key Takeaways:
- Setting intentionality is about creating direction, not perfection.
- Balance comes from identifying what supports and steadies you, even during challenges.
- Awareness of potential obstacles (anchors) helps you navigate life more effectively.
Don’t miss the Be Freaking Awesome giveaway! Sign up here for your chance to win books from past guests.
👉 Have questions or want to share your reflections? Reach out to us at podcast@befreakingawesome.com.
Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Until next time—go be freaking awesome!
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As the year wraps up, Angela and Sami take a moment to reflect on the nonfiction books that shaped their lives in 2024. In this special New Year’s Eve episode, they share the stories, lessons, and insights that left a lasting impression—covering everything from positivity and resilience to history and personal growth.
What to Expect in This Episode:
📚 Book Recommendations: Discover their top nonfiction reads of the year!
🌟 Personal Reflections: Hear Angela and Sami’s heartfelt stories of how these books influenced their lives, sparked new perspectives, and helped them navigate challenges.
💡 Actionable Takeaways: Get insights on positivity without toxicity, embracing curiosity, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful progress at your own pace.
🎁 Exciting Giveaway: Enter to win a special book bundle, including Angela’s books and a selection from past podcast guests. Details inside the episode!
Whether you’re a bookworm or looking for your next read to inspire your personal or professional growth, this episode has something for everyone.
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
- The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr
- There’s No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler
- The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
- Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
- The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott Shigeoka
Let’s Hear From You!
What were your favorite books or moments from this episode? Join the conversation by filling out our survey for a chance to win our book bundle giveaway! Share your thoughts, favorite episodes, or ideas for future topics.
Stay Connected:
📧 Sign up for our newsletter at Bfreakingawesome.com for the full list of books and more updates.
📱 Follow us on social media and let us know what you’re reading!
Start your year with inspiration, new ideas, and a refreshed mindset—let’s go be freaking awesome together!
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In this special episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela and Sami dive into the power of creating rhythms that truly work for your life. Whether it’s balancing work and rest, navigating personal growth, or finding peace in the chaos, this conversation is packed with insights and personal stories that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to rethink your own flow.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why finding your rhythm isn’t about following the crowd—it’s about knowing yourself.
- How Angela’s restorative trips have transformed her workflow and energy.
- Sami’s journey of letting go of perfectionism and embracing the unpredictability of life.
- Practical ways to incorporate regular rest and avoid burnout.
- The value of empathy and validation when supporting others—and yourself.
Key Takeaways:
- You don’t need to burn out to earn your rest. Creating sustainable rhythms allows you to thrive year-round.
- Flow is different for everyone—what energizes one person may drain another. The key is self-awareness and intention.
- Empathy and curiosity are vital when navigating tough seasons, both for yourself and when supporting others.
Resources Mentioned:
- Super Communicators (book recommendation for mastering connection and communication).
- Info about a group launching to help you build confidence and clarity in who you are.
Whether you're looking to reset for the new year or seeking ways to feel more grounded in your daily life, this episode is a must-listen.
👉 Have questions or want to join our Resilient Leaders group? Reach out to us via email or connect on social media. We’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, and until next time—go be freaking awesome!
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Ready to embrace life’s journey and find purpose through faith and creativity? Kennis Clark, a faith-driven recording artist, joins Angela and Sami for an inspiring conversation about transformation, resilience, and the power of staying true to your calling. Kennis opens up about his personal journey through setbacks and success, revealing how faith and music shaped his life and career.
We explore:
- Overcoming disappointment: How to navigate setbacks and use them as stepping stones for growth.
- Faith and purpose: Kennis’s story of reconnecting with his faith and how it transformed his music and mindset.
- The balance of creativity: Insight into staying authentic while creating art that resonates with others.
- Life lessons and mindset shifts: Angela and Sami share their own experiences with growth, failure, and the importance of the journey.
This episode is filled with wisdom and encouragement to help you stay inspired, embrace your story, and keep moving forward, no matter the challenges. Don’t miss it!
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.
Send us a text
Ready to transform your approach to boundaries and reclaim your life? Paige Renee, an executive branding and performance coach, joins Angela and Sami for an eye-opening conversation about the power of setting and maintaining boundaries.
Paige shares how boundaries protect your time, energy, and peace, while also revealing her personal journey of learning to communicate and uphold them.
We explore:
- Practical boundary-setting tips: Learn Paige’s step-by-step process for stating and reinforcing boundaries effectively.
- Breaking free from people-pleasing: Strategies for saying no without guilt and honoring your own needs.
- Work-life balance hacks: How boundaries can reduce burnout and help you thrive in work and relationships.
- Real-life stories and insights: Angela and Sami share their challenges and successes with boundaries, offering relatable and inspiring examples.
This episode is packed with tools and encouragement to help you take control of your life, prioritize your well-being, and build healthier relationships. Don’t miss it!
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford sit down with Jimmy Rock, a Christian DJ, music producer, and artist, to explore his inspiring journey of blending faith, creativity, and persistence to carve out a unique niche in the music industry. From performing on Sharon McMahon’s book tour to creating his upcoming album, Reflections, Jimmy shares how he stays true to his values while pursuing his dreams.
Listeners will hear firsthand:
- How to Navigate Career Challenges: Jimmy shares practical advice on staying ready for opportunities and building a network that opens doors.
- Insights into Creative Branding: Discover the intentionality behind Jimmy’s signature color palette and how it ties into his music and identity.
- Balancing Ambition and Family: Learn how Jimmy prioritizes his faith and family while pursuing a demanding career.
- Life Lessons on Resilience: Gain perspective on taking life one step at a time, staying patient with progress, and trusting the journey.
- Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Hear about Jimmy’s experiences as a touring DJ, including his unique role on a book tour and his approach to connecting with diverse audiences.
Whether you're a creative professional, music lover, or someone seeking inspiration to pursue your own dreams, this episode offers a refreshing blend of humor, wisdom, and actionable insights. Tune in to learn how to live a life of impact and authenticity, one step at a time.
Where to Connect with Jimmy Rock
Follow Jimmy Rock on social media and music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Instagram @JimmyRock. Stay tuned for updates on his upcoming album Reflections and his latest singles.
Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would find it valuable. Let’s all go out there and be freaking awesome!
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In this special episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford celebrate three years of podcasting, reflecting on the powerful personal growth and lessons they've learned along the way. With nearly 150 episodes focused on self-improvement, personal development, and resilience, they share their gratitude for the listeners, guests, and the journey of embracing consistency, imperfection, and making a meaningful impact.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of showing up and committing to personal growth, even when things aren’t perfect. Sami and Angela dive into the power of consistency in self-improvement, how overcoming challenges contributes to success, and how embracing imperfection can lead to profound transformation. The episode also features reflections on impactful conversations with guests who’ve shared their stories of resilience, mindset shifts, and personal transformation.
What You'll Get from This Episode:
- The power of consistency in building resilience and personal growth
- How embracing imperfection can drive success in your personal development journey
- Motivation for overcoming challenges and staying committed to self-improvement
- Inspirational stories of resilience and mindset shifts from guests who have navigated major life changes
- Practical insights on how to create lasting personal transformation and achieve your goals
This episode is packed with motivational content for anyone seeking to make a positive change, overcome obstacles, and improve their mindset. Whether you’re interested in leadership development, emotional intelligence, or personal transformation, you’ll find powerful takeaways to help you on your journey.
Join Sami and Angela as they reflect on their three-year journey of personal development and podcasting. Get ready for inspiring conversations that will empower you to be freaking awesome and take actionable steps toward building a more resilient and successful life.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford dive deep into the nonlinear journey of healing, exploring why emotional growth, self-compassion, and understanding past traumas are essential for personal development. Whether you're struggling with resurfacing emotions or wondering why healing takes time, this episode offers relatable insights, practical tools, and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Listeners will learn:
- How to reframe self-criticism by asking, “What happened to me?” instead of “What’s wrong with me?”—a key mindset shift for mental health and emotional resilience.
- Practical strategies for safely processing emotions, including creative outlets and mindfulness practices.
- Why ignoring feelings can lead to emotional “blockages” and how to navigate tough moments with self-care and grace.
- The importance of recognizing emotional cycles and finding supportive communities for lasting self-improvement and personal growth.
Through humor, personal stories, and actionable advice, Sami and Angela remind listeners that healing isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey of peeling back layers, just like an onion. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your healing process, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to keep growing.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry
Connect with Us:
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s working on their self-improvement journey, and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations about living authentically and being freaking awesome
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison tackle one of the most common phrases in self-help: “Your thoughts create your feelings.” They challenge the simplicity of this idea, exploring where it resonates and where it can fall short—especially for those experiencing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or trauma. With insights from Angela’s life-coaching background and her most recent book, they break down the real relationship between thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, pointing out why the "just think positive" approach doesn’t always help.
Throughout the episode, Angela and Sami share personal stories and practical tips to help listeners understand why certain thought patterns stick around and how to work with, rather than against, them. They unpack the difference between conscious thoughts, unconscious sensations, and deeply rooted beliefs, and discuss what it really takes to “uproot” old patterns. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on self-help, learning that it’s not about controlling every thought but rather building self-awareness and resilience.
In This Episode, They Cover:
- How thoughts, beliefs, and emotions interact in complex ways
- Why the phrase “just think positive” isn’t always helpful
- The nature of intrusive thoughts and why they don’t define us
- Realistic methods for shifting thought patterns and beliefs
- A fresh take on self-awareness and self-compassion
This episode is perfect for listeners who are curious about mental wellness, skeptical of oversimplified self-help advice, or just looking to understand their thoughts more deeply.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison tackle a timely and challenging topic: how to stay connected with those who see the world differently, especially in polarized times. Released on Election Day, this episode serves as an encouraging guide for anyone feeling worn out by division or struggling to maintain relationships with opposing viewpoints.
Inspired by a powerful quote from civil rights leader Septima Clark—“I can work with my enemies because they might have a change of heart at any moment”—Angela and Sami unpack the mindset and strategies that can help listeners approach even the most difficult conversations with grace and resilience.
Listeners can expect to hear:
- Why Curiosity Matters: Angela and Sami discuss how genuine curiosity can bridge divides and create a space for understanding, even when agreement feels out of reach.
- Practical Tools for Productive Conversations: They share actionable tips for keeping the stakes low, setting clear goals, and staying focused on understanding rather than trying to “win” the argument.
- The Impact of Small Steps: Drawing from her own advocacy work, Angela highlights how incremental progress can lead to lasting change, reminding listeners that not every effort has to be grand to be meaningful.
- A Reminder That You Are Enough: Angela and Sami emphasize that simply showing up, with whatever energy and openness one can bring, is enough to make a difference.
This episode encourages listeners to find strength in connection, stay open to change, and remember that real progress often starts small—one conversation at a time. Angela and Sami invite listeners to share their own experiences of engaging across divides, reminding everyone that both wins and struggles are part of the journey.
Whether listeners are navigating tough family dynamics, challenging social circles, or just need a boost of positivity, this episode offers a dose of encouragement and practical wisdom to help them go out and be freaking awesome.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela and Sami dive into the power of small actions and how everyday choices can create big impact. Inspired by Sharon McMahon’s latest book, The Small and the Mighty, this conversation focuses on overcoming feelings of helplessness and discovering how each of us can make a difference—even when it feels like the world’s problems are just too overwhelming.
Angela and Sami unpack themes of hope, patriotism, and personal growth, showing how real change doesn’t always require grand gestures. You’ll walk away with encouragement to embrace your role as a “quiet leader,” someone who can create a ripple effect in your community through intentional, positive actions.
What You’ll Walk Away Feeling:
- Empowered: Understand how your small actions can leave lasting echoes in the world.
- Inspired: Discover how “hope as an action” can shift your mindset, thanks to Sharon’s inspiring words.
- Informed: Gain a fresh perspective on what it means to be patriotic and hopeful for a brighter future.
- Motivated: Leave with practical ways to make an impact in your community, whether it’s through voting, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness.
Key Resources Mentioned:
- Book: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon – Dive into 12 inspiring stories of ordinary people who changed the course of history.
- Sharon McMahon’s Instagram: @SharonSaysSo – Known as “America’s Government Teacher,” Sharon shares practical insights on history, civics, and community-building.
Join us for this heartening, empowering conversation, and learn how you can “be freaking awesome” by showing up where you are, with what you have. Whether it’s sharing kindness with a neighbor, volunteering locally, or simply reflecting on what hope truly means to you, you’ll find practical, hope-filled steps for making a difference right now.
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In this special pep talk episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami and Angela tackle the challenge of staying true to your values when life gets chaotic—whether that’s during election season, navigating difficult conversations, or facing personal challenges. As tensions rise in the world around us, it’s more important than ever to act in alignment with our character and maintain meaningful relationships, even with those we disagree with.
In this episode, we dig into:
- How to identify and live by your core values when the world feels out of control.
- Pro tips for handling hard conversations—especially with people who have different political views—while keeping relationships intact.
- Why curiosity is more powerful than judgment in potentially divisive discussions.
- Real-life examples of how to stay grounded when your inner critic tries to knock you off course.
- Maintaining your integrity and character when stress, exhaustion, or emotions take over.
As election season approaches, this episode provides timely advice on how to approach political conversations without losing yourself—or your relationships—in the process. You’ll learn how to keep a cool head, ask better questions, and stay in alignment with who you truly want to be, no matter how messy things get.
Key Takeaways:
- Acting in alignment with your values can help you navigate even the most heated moments with grace.
- How to hold space for other people's views without compromising your own character or integrity.
- Relationship first, issues second—why prioritizing connection is key to long-lasting influence and persuasion.
- Pro tips on having persuasive conversations without attacking someone’s character or triggering defensiveness.
Perfect For:
- Anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed by current events, election season, or difficult conversations.
- Those who want practical tips on staying grounded and true to themselves in stressful or divisive situations.
- Listeners looking for ways to navigate political discussions with respect and empathy while maintaining their own beliefs.
Mentioned in the show:
- Character Trait Chart at BFreakingAwesome.com/resources
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, we sit down with Mallory Files, founder of Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar, to hear her incredible journey from personal loss to entrepreneurial success. 🌿🧀 Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply seeking inspiration, Mallory’s story is a raw, relatable reminder that life—like a charcuterie board—is full of sweet and salty moments, and sometimes a little nuts!
What You’ll Learn:
- How to trust your gut when making business decisions (even when others doubt you)
- Why grit and grace are essential ingredients for success
- The realities of entrepreneurship—late nights, hard work, and those moments that make you ask, "What did I just do?"
- How to turn personal challenges, including grief, into fuel for growth and resilience
- Mallory’s top three business lessons
Links and Resources Mentioned:
- Follow Mallory on Instagram: @ozarkcharcuterie for a behind-the-scenes look at her journey
- Check out the new Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar on Instagram: @ozarkcharcuterieandwinebar
- Visit Mallory’s website: www.ozarkcharcuterie.com
“The best lessons I’ve learned came from failures—each one is a learning moment.” – Mallory Files
Join the Conversation: What’s one lesson or takeaway from Mallory’s story that resonated with you? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections on social media and tag us at @ozarkcharcuterie and @bfreakingawesome.
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In this episode, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the multifaceted concept of rest, drawing insights from the book 'Sacred Rest' by Sandra Dalton Smith. They explore the seven types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs for rest and how it can enhance overall well-being. They also address common misconceptions about rest, such as equating it solely with sleep or vacations, and highlight the necessity of intentionality in incorporating rest into daily life.
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Angela Belford shares her experience of her trip to Europe, including attending a wedding in Amsterdam, watching the Olympics in Paris, and paragliding in the Swiss Alps. She reflects on her previous experience in Paris and how her perspective has changed. Angela emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and choosing experiences that align with personal preferences and comfort levels. She also celebrates the joy of sharing her travel experiences with a supportive community. Sami Kinnison highlights the significance of being genuinely happy for others' experiences and the positive impact it can have on relationships.
If you also want to go paragliding in Genovia like Angela got to Peak Experience
https://www.peakexperience.com/
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In this episode, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford are joined by Bonnie Miller, president of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas. They discuss the importance of voting, share personal stories about their experiences with civic engagement, and provide practical steps for listeners to register and vote. The conversation emphasizes the significance of local elections, the resources available for voters, and the need to encourage younger generations to participate in the democratic process. The episode concludes with motivational thoughts on making voting a fun and integral part of civic life.
Check your voter registration status in the state of Arkansas here
https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView
Register to vote in the state of Arkansas here
https://www.vote411.org/
Learn more about League of Women Voters
https://www.lwv.org/
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the concept of making small tweaks in various areas of life to live a more fulfilling and awesome life. They provide examples of small swaps that can be made in daily routines, such as waking up earlier, eating healthier, maintaining the home, and prioritizing self-care. They also emphasize the importance of being intentional and purposeful in these swaps, rather than mindlessly going through the motions. The hosts encourage listeners to think about what they want their life to look like and make small changes to align with their goals.
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In this episode, Sami and Angela discuss the exercise of envisioning your life five years from now. They share their own visions and goals for their future selves, including personal, professional, and relational aspects. They emphasize the importance of being intentional about where you want to go in life and the value of setting goals that align with your values and desires. They also encourage listeners to be kind to themselves and not compare their goals to others. Overall, the episode provides a practical exercise for reflecting on and planning for the future.
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In this episode, Angela and Sami celebrate Sami's 30th birthday and reflect on their experiences and growth. They discuss the concept of aging and how it doesn't necessarily change how they feel. They also talk about the challenges of perfectionism and the importance of self-acceptance. They share their thoughts on setting goals and timelines, and offer advice for those entering their 30s. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-compassion, and embracing the journey of personal growth.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss goal setting and a new approach to achieving goals. They emphasize the importance of starting something new in September, as it aligns with the natural cycle of starting new routines and habits. They introduce the concept of goal setting as scientific experiments, where you tweak variables in your life to see what results you get. They also discuss the challenge of knowing what you want and offer strategies for figuring it out. Sami shares her experiment of becoming a salesperson, while Angela shares her experiment of launching professional development offerings as the primary source of revenue for their business.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Sami Kinison and Angela Belford are joined by special guest Annalyn Zay, an expert in early childhood education. Annalyn shares her passion for the crucial early years of child development and how they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being.
The discussion explores the impact of early attachment on brain development, the importance of teaching young children communication skills, and why emotional regulation is a learned skill that begins from birth.
Throughout the conversation, the hosts draw connections between childhood development and adult behavior, offering insights into how we can all improve our emotional intelligence, no matter our age. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in personal growth and emotional well-being.
Links & Resources:
- Bienvenue Restaurant - Annalyn's restaurant for those interested in visiting.
Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. We love hearing your thoughts, so feel free to share your comments and takeaways. Until next time, go be freaking awesome!
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford interview Lauren Roussell, the owner and president of Precision Event Group. They discuss the challenges and joys of being in a family business. Lauren shares her journey of transitioning from working in the nonprofit sector to starting her own event planning company. They also explore the differences between Lauren and her husband in terms of their work styles and communication preferences. The conversation highlights the importance of finding a balance and leveraging each other's strengths in a family business. Angela and Lauren discuss their experiences working with their husbands in a family business. They talk about the challenges they faced, such as identity issues and disagreements, and how they overcame them. They also highlight the importance of clear role definitions and having a final decision-maker. Both Angela and Lauren emphasize the flexibility and support they have in their family businesses, allowing them to prioritize their children and be there for each other. They encourage others to pursue their passions and not let fear hold them back.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-roussell-64a19ab1/
https://www.instagram.com/precisioneventgroup/?locale=en-TH
https://www.precisioneventgroup.com/
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Join Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison as they explore the intersection of goal setting, personal reflection, and self-care. Angela shares her powerful experiences with loss and how they’ve shifted her focus to what truly matters in life: relationships and meaningful goals.
Sami and Angela discuss how reflecting on past experiences can guide you in setting goals that future you will appreciate. They also delve into the importance of balancing ambition with rest and self-care, especially during challenging times.
Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating a fulfilling life, embracing different seasons, and supporting caregivers. This episode is a thoughtful reminder of the need to set goals that align with your values while also taking time to care for yourself.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, the hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford are joined by Windy Elstermeier to discuss the upcoming Family Business Forum. They share their love for family businesses and their desire to support and invest in them. Windy talks about her experience in family business and her book 'Pivotal Solutions'. The hosts discuss the challenges of working in a family business and the importance of work-life balance. They also highlight the relevance of the event for individuals working in family businesses, those related to family businesses, and those considering starting a family business.
https://pivotalsolutions.co/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960503006?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_B515BA26W8N9D406RVC9
https://www.facebook.com/PivotalSolutionsAR/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/windy-elstermeier/
https://www.instagram.com/pivotalsolutions4u/
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the topic of friendship as an adult. They explore the challenges of making friends as an adult, especially after major life transitions. They emphasize the importance of proximity to friends and the need to be intentional in maintaining and nurturing friendships. They also discuss the significance of asking for your needs to be met and being the friend that you want to have. The hosts provide practical tips and share personal experiences to encourage listeners to take action in building and maintaining meaningful friendships.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies quiz, which explores how individuals respond to expectations. They break down each of the four tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Upholders readily meet both outer and inner expectations, while Questioners resist outer expectations and meet inner expectations. Obligers meet outer expectations but struggle with inner expectations, relying on external accountability. Rebels resist all expectations, valuing freedom and choice. The hosts discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each tendency and share personal anecdotes. In this conversation, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the four tendencies framework and how it can help individuals understand themselves and work better with others. They explore each of the four tendencies (upholder, questioner, obliger, and rebel) and share personal anecdotes and insights. They also discuss the importance of knowing your team's tendencies and adapting your communication and management style accordingly. The conversation emphasizes the value of self-awareness and intentional work environments.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford tackle Angela's "fun problem" and its impact on her health and personal growth. Delving into the messy middle of balancing enjoyment, weight goals, and drinking habits, Angela shares her journey of incorporating more fun into her life to enhance her well-being. The discussion covers:
- Angela's realization about regaining weight and her approach to using emotional processing methods.
- The connection between fun activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- The differences between "drunk Angela" and "sober Angela" and the quest to be as fun sober as when drinking.
- The importance of defining fun and play in building resilience and achieving personal goals.
Join Sami and Angela for an insightful and humorous conversation about self-awareness, personal growth, and practical takeaways for addressing your own fun challenges. Tune in to be inspired and find new ways to bring more joy and balance into your life!
If you have any comments or questions send us your thoughts here! https://www.speakpipe.com/BeFreakingAwesome
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In this lively and thought-provoking episode of "Be Freaking Awesome," hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford dive into the concept of freedom just in time for the 4th of July. While Sami embraces her inner pyromaniac with excitement for fireworks, Angela brings a deeper twist to the conversation by linking freedom with forgiveness. They explore how forgiving others—and ourselves—can release us from the emotional prisons we often find ourselves in.
From humorous banter about holiday celebrations to profound insights on personal growth, Sami and Angela cover it all. They discuss the misconceptions about forgiveness, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to process and release hurtful experiences. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a heartfelt guide to finding freedom through forgiveness.
Join the conversation, embrace the complexities of life, and learn how to live a freaking awesome life full of freedom and forgiveness.
Takeaways
- Forgiveness is one of the keys to personal freedom.
- Forgiveness does not mean condoning someone's behavior; it is about releasing them and taking control of your own response.
- Forgiveness is a process and may require multiple steps and iterations.
- Forgiveness can involve forgiving oneself and forgiving a higher power.
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Welcome to this week's episode of Be Freaking Awesome! Your hosts, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford, are thrilled to be joined by the inspiring Dee Maddox of DMX Consulting. Dee shares her unique perspective on achieving success by demanding excellence without falling into the trap of perfectionism. Drawing from her experiences in both corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, Dee introduces us to her powerful DEED framework: Design, Educate, Execute, and Document.
In this episode, we dive into how this framework can help you manage performance and foster continuous improvement, whether in your personal life or within an organization. Dee's approach emphasizes the importance of doing your best and documenting the journey to ensure measurable success. Along the way, Angela and Sami share personal anecdotes and insights, making this an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
Tune in to learn how to balance striving for excellence without burning out, and discover practical steps to design your own path to success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain wisdom from Dee's rich experiences and actionable advice.
Connect with Dee on social media at DMX Consulting, and check out the show notes for links to her website and a free consultation offer. Until next time, go be freaking awesome!
Email: dee@deemaddoxconsulting.com
Website: https://deemaddoxconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/dmxconsulting
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/dmxconsulting1
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dmxconsulting
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford dive into the age-old struggle of Batting the Blahs. Sami and Angela share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and thought-provoking insights from overcoming the blues to finding motivation in the most unexpected places. They explore the balance between honoring your need for rest and pushing through when it counts. Tune in to discover how to navigate the messy middle, understand your motivation styles, and build a better relationship with your future self. This episode is about finding your drive, even on those tough days.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford interview Shell Mendelson, an ADHD career coach, about how ADHD can impact one's career and the benefits of seeking out a coach. Shell shares her personal journey of discovering her own ADHD diagnosis and how it led her to work with others who have ADHD. She explains the difference between an ADHD coach and a career coach who specializes in ADHD. Shelle discusses her process of helping clients find a career direction that aligns with their skills, interests, and values. She emphasizes the importance of clarity and authenticity in finding fulfilling work.
In this conversation, Shell Mendelson, an ADHD Career Coach, provides advice for employers on how to give feedback to team members with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that a performance improvement plan may not be effective for individuals with ADHD and suggests alternative approaches. Shell also discusses the concept of a smile file, which is a collection of things that make you smile and can help identify patterns and preferences in your career. She encourages individuals to prioritize their own happiness and fulfillment in their work.
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Join hosts Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford as they chat with the inspiring Ashleigh Kathiresan. Ashleigh's journey from a first-grade teacher to an IT executive director is nothing short of amazing, and she’s here to share her story, wisdom, and a whole lot of laughs.
Dive into how Ashleigh transitioned from teaching young minds to leading in the tech world, emphasizing the power of transferable skills. From embracing technology in the classroom to guiding healthcare professionals through tech innovations, Ashleigh’s career path highlights the importance of adaptability and courage.
What You'll Learn:
- The significance of recognizing and utilizing transferable skills.
- How to navigate career transitions with confidence.
- The value of mentorship and building a supportive network.
- Tips for identifying your strengths and articulating them effectively.
Whether you’re contemplating a career change or looking to leverage your existing skills in new ways, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement to help you take that leap. Ashleigh’s story is a testament to the idea that no experience is wasted and that every role can prepare you for your next big opportunity.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison offers an encouraging message to listeners. She acknowledges the ups and downs of life and reminds listeners that they are doing great. She encourages them to hold on to positive moments and feelings, and to be gentle with themselves. Sami emphasizes the importance of taking time for self-care and investing in oneself. The episode concludes with a reminder that everyone is on their journey and the hosts are here to support and inspire listeners.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford are joined by Leathia Bailey to discuss kids and emotions. Letha shares her personal experiences with her son who has a sensory processing disorder and is highly gifted. They discuss the impact of emotions on children and how parents can help them navigate their feelings. They emphasize the importance of naming emotions, validating them, and modeling healthy emotional responses. They also highlight the role of therapy and community support in the parenting journey. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and advice for parents dealing with their children's emotions.
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In this conversation, the hosts and guest discuss the importance of nutrition in reducing chronic inflammation in the body. They emphasize the need for balance and consistency in making healthy food choices. They also highlight the negative effects of sugar and processed foods on inflammation and overall health. The conversation touches on the connection between our relationship with food and our relationship with ourselves, emphasizing the importance of self-love and self-care. The guest, Shelley Loving, shares her personal journey and mission to help people improve their health through nutrition. The conversation explores the relationship between food and mental well-being, particularly in the context of emotional eating. The hosts discuss the importance of being mindful and intentional about food choices, even when using food for comfort. They share personal experiences and strategies for finding alternative sources of comfort and addressing emotional needs. The conversation also touches on the impact of food on brain health, emphasizing the importance of nourishing the brain with healthy fats and avoiding artificial sweeteners. The episode concludes with practical advice for reading food labels and making informed choices.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss mental health awareness in a non-traditional way, sharing their hot takes and opinions. They address different generations and their perspectives on mental health. They start with boomers, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues instead of ignoring them. They then move on to Gen X, highlighting the need for self-reflection and embracing therapy without considering it a brave act. Finally, they discuss millennials and the impact of significant events on their anxiety levels. This conversation explores the experiences and challenges faced by different generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, in relation to mental health. The hosts discuss the impact of technology, access to information, and societal expectations on mental health. They also touch on the importance of empathy, understanding, and self-reflection when it comes to generational differences. The conversation concludes with a call for real human connection and acceptance as a means to bridge the gap between generations and promote mental health awareness.
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford bring on Kat Gretzmier and Lexi Belford to discuss their experiences working in family businesses. They talk about the unique dynamics and challenges that come with working with family members. They also highlight the sense of responsibility and ownership that comes with being part of a family business. Kat shares her personal experiences and the pressure they feel to prove themselves in the business. They also discuss the close relationships and camaraderie that develop in a family business. Working in a family-owned business can have its advantages, such as a supportive and understanding work environment. Growing up in a family business can create a unique connection with others who have had similar experiences. However, there can also be challenges, such as blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and the potential for laziness or lack of motivation. It's important to define clear roles and expectations in a family business.
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This week, we're flipping the script and bringing you something truly special. Our very own Sami took the stage at the NWA Women in Tech conference, delivering an electrifying speech on "Emotions as a Superpower." And guess what? You get a front-row seat to the action!
Join us as we transport Sami's captivating speech straight to your headphones. It's a rare opportunity to experience the magic of a live event from the comfort of your own space, seamlessly blended with our signature podcast style. In this electrifying episode, Sami Kinnison takes center stage, exploring the transformative potential of emotions and framing them as a potent superpower. Drawing from her recent address at the NWA Women in Tech conference, Sami delves into the significance of embracing emotions for holistic well-being, stronger connections, and living a more authentic life. Tune in and let's embark on this transformative journey together! 🎙️ #PodcastSpecial #EmbraceYourPower
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L9ozIYMixI
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In this episode, Denise and Javan Hamilton, a mother-daughter duo, join the hosts to discuss their experience working together in their digital consultancy, Watch Her Work. They share the journey of starting the business and the unique contributions each of them brings to the table. The benefits of working as a mother-daughter team, such as trust and cross-generational perspectives, are highlighted. However, they also discuss the challenges and pressures they face, including the fear of disappointing each other and the need to establish boundaries. Overall, their story showcases the dynamics and complexities of working as a family in business. In this conversation, Denise Hamilton and her daughter Javan Hamilton discuss their experience working together in a family business. They emphasize the freedom and flexibility that entrepreneurship provides, allowing them to spend time together and travel as a family. They also share insights on managing conflict and creating synergy in their working relationship. The importance of setting boundaries, embracing individuality, and having fun in a family business is highlighted. They offer advice for those considering working with family, including the need for emotional work and maintaining strong relationships. Overall, their story showcases the benefits and challenges of building a successful family business.
https://watchherwork.com/
https://denisehamilton.co/
https://www.instagram.com/watchherworktv/?hl=en
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In this episode, Angela Belford, Sami Kinnison, and Mark Zweig discuss entrepreneurship and what sets entrepreneurs apart from others. They debunk the misconception that entrepreneurs are risk-takers, highlighting that they are actually risk mitigators. They emphasize the importance of listening to problems and finding innovative solutions, rather than inventing something new. The conversation also touches on the significance of reputation and the willingness to take action. The hosts encourage listeners to design their lives and pursue what they truly want, as success is ultimately determined by the relationships and time spent with others.
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In this episode, the hosts ask listeners what they would do if they weren't afraid and share their own answers. The conversation covers a range of topics, including vulnerability, the fear of impact on others, the desire to travel and experience new things, the pressure on men to provide, balancing personal and professional life, overcoming loneliness, fear of change and starting over, fear of financial situations, fear of surrounding circumstances, fear of financial constraints in adoption, and the importance of facing fears and pressing forward.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the power of asking the question 'What else?' to build meaningful conversations and engage with others. They explore how this question can be used in various contexts, such as check-ins and brainstorming sessions, to encourage people to open up and share more. They also share other conversation openers and continuers, such as 'Is that true?' and 'How did that make you feel?' to deepen the conversation and understand different perspectives. They emphasize the importance of being non-judgmental and creating a safe space for others to express themselves. The episode concludes with a reminder to choose good and respect personal boundaries in conversations.
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In this episode, Angela and Sami explore the question of 'What's the point?' and its existential implications. They discuss the importance of asking this question at different stages of life and how it can potentially lead to a sense of disillusionment. The hosts emphasize the significance of relationships and finding purpose in the present moment. They also suggest finding a 'super soaker moment' to ground oneself in the present and avoid getting caught up in existential thoughts. The episode concludes with a reminder to continuously upgrade coping skills for a freaking awesome life.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the question of whether we are asking the wrong question. They explore the limitations and drawbacks of asking 'why' in certain situations, particularly when it comes to taking action. Angela emphasizes the importance of starting with 'why' when beginning a new project or endeavor, but suggests that asking 'why' when faced with challenges or lack of action can be unhelpful and even detrimental. Instead, they propose asking more specific questions such as 'what' and 'how' to gain better insights and find solutions. They also discuss the role of mind games and the responsibility of thoughts and actions.
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In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the question of whether we are asking too much from various aspects of our lives. They begin by celebrating a milestone in their podcast journey. They then explore the idea of asking too much from work, considering the fulfillment and lifestyle factors involved. They also discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose outside of work. Finally, they address the question of asking too much from relationships, emphasizing the need for self-fulfillment and maintaining friendships. In this conversation, Sami and Angela discuss the concept of asking too much from others and ourselves. They explore the dynamics of balancing relationships, the pressure parents sometimes put on their children, and the cultural expectations that can influence our behavior. They also delve into the importance of recognizing when we are asking too much from ourselves and how to define what is enough. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their expectations and consider ways to find balance and fulfillment in their lives.
Takeaways
- Finding fulfillment and meaning in work is important, but it's okay if work doesn't provide all of it.
- Separating basic needs from lifestyle needs can simplify the decision-making process when it comes to work.
- It's important to find meaning and purpose outside of work, whether through hobbies, side hustles, or other activities.
- In relationships, it's unrealistic to expect one person to fulfill all of our needs. Maintaining friendships and finding fulfillment outside of the relationship is crucial. Balancing relationships requires understanding and respecting each other's needs and boundaries.
- Cultural expectations can influence our behavior and create additional pressure to meet certain standards.
- It is important to recognize when we might be asking too much from ourselves and to define what is enough for our own well-being and fulfillment.
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In this episode, Angela, Sami, and Corinna Dranow discuss the concept and practice of Sand Tray Therapy. They explore the purpose and process of Sand Tray Therapy, as well as the different reactions and experiences people may have with it. The conversation also touches on the neurobiology of Sand Tray Therapy and its connection to children's play. The hosts and guest share personal insights and experiences with Sand Tray Therapy, highlighting its potential benefits for emotional regulation and inner child work. They also discuss the integration of Sand Tray Therapy into everyday life and its role in therapy modalities like Internal Family Systems Therapy. In this conversation, Angela Belford and Corinna Dranow discuss the significance of college years, the importance of corrective emotional experiences, reflecting on personal growth, creating a sanctuary, and the psyche's ability to heal.
Takeaways:
- Sand Tray Therapy can help access and process emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
- Sand Tray Therapy can be beneficial for emotional regulation, inner child work, and exploring different parts of the self.
- Corrective emotional experiences can be healing and transformative.
- Creating a sanctuary can provide a safe and healing space.
- The psyche has the innate ability to heal itself.
Find Corinna online to further explore sand tray therapy!
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In this episode, Gary Ware discusses the importance of play in various aspects of life, including work, learning, and relationships. He emphasizes the need to see the world as a playground of possibilities rather than a proving ground. Gary also highlights the impact of play on memory and learning, explaining that play can significantly reduce the number of repetitions needed to create a synapse in the brain. He shares how he incorporates playful methods in training and bonding activities, and encourages adults to prioritize rest and give themselves permission to play. Gary concludes by discussing the concept of the playful rebellion and the power of small moments of play. In this conversation, Sami Kinnison and Gary Ware discuss the importance of play in parenting and how it can enhance the parent-child relationship. They explore the challenges of finding balance in parenting and offer practical tips for incorporating play into daily life. They also discuss the benefits of adding playfulness to work and share examples of how to gamify tedious tasks. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of play in bringing joy, connection, and creativity to both parenting and work.
Takeaways
- See the world as a playground of possibilities rather than a proving ground.
- Play significantly reduces the number of repetitions needed to create a synapse in the brain.
- Incorporate playful methods in training and bonding activities to improve effectiveness and build relationships.
- Prioritize rest and give yourself permission to play.
- Embrace the concept of the playful rebellion and find joy in small moments of play. Play is essential in parenting as it strengthens the parent-child relationship and creates joyful moments.
- Adding playfulness to work can increase engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
Find out more about Gary's work: https://www.breakthroughplay.com/
Follow Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyware/
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In this episode, Sami and Angela talk with Mike Rucker about the shift from pursuing happiness to cultivating a fun habit. They talk with Mike about his book The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life where they talk about the benefits of creating fun habits. They explore the importance of emotional resilience. They also emphasize the need to feel and express emotions and the benefits of making a habit of fun.
The conversation highlights the four quadrants of fun and the importance of creating upward spirals and changing circumstances. Additionally, they discuss the role of parenting in incorporating fun into daily life. In this conversation, Sami and Mike discuss the importance of embracing playfulness and creativity in parenting. They highlight the magic of children's play and the benefits of co-creating experiences with them. They also share tips for finding joy in play, setting boundaries and time limits, and pretending to be a beginner. In addition, they discuss the power of disclosure and connection through play, as well as the role of modeling play and storytelling.
The conversation concludes with a focus on mindfully choosing fun and information on where to find more resources.
To buy Mike's book or connect with him, visit his website: https://michaelrucker.com/
Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewonderoffun/
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In this episode, we continue our series on fun and explore the importance of incorporating fun and laughter into communication training. We are joined by Rebecca P. Murray, who shares her insights on making training engaging and entertaining. The conversation covers topics such as the relationship between doubt and fear, the order of courage and confidence, and the power of laughter in overcoming shame and fear. We also discuss the impact of laughter on personal growth and offer advice on creating a safe and enjoyable environment for others. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of incorporating fun and laughter into various aspects of life to promote growth and well-being.
Takeaways
- Incorporating fun and laughter into communication training can make it more engaging and effective.
- Doubt can be a trigger for courage, and facing fear with a sense of humor can help overcome it.
- Creating a safe and enjoyable environment for others can have a positive impact on their growth and confidence.
- Laughter can be a catalyst for change and can help interrupt negative patterns and promote a sense of safety.
You can connect with Rebecca online at her website, rebeccapmurray.com or on LinkedIn!
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Welcome to the kickoff of our month-long series dedicated to the pursuit of fun! In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the concept of embracing a lifestyle filled with joy and laughter.
Join us as we peel back the layers of what it truly means to live life to the fullest, unapologetically embracing the whimsical and playful side of existence. From exploring the power of emotions to reveling in the art of joyful living, we're setting the stage for a month packed with insights, laughter, and plenty of surprises.
But before we embark on this adventure, we're taking a moment to break down exactly what it means to us to lead a fun-filled life. Through personal anecdotes, candid reflections, and maybe a few dance moves, we'll explore how we've learned to let go of self-imposed pressure and embrace every moment with open arms.
So buckle up and get ready to join us on this journey towards a life overflowing with fun and fulfillment. It's going to be a wild ride, and we can't wait to share it with you!
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This episode is a heart-to-heart about something we all face – building relationships with others. What are the things that we have ownership of within our emotional resiliency journey that can help us build better relationships with people around us?
We're unpacking emotions – those indicator lights, not judgments. Assuming positive intent, paying attention to our thought habits, and, when needed, giving ourselves a little "reparenting" when things get tough. We all carry some self-judgment baggage from way back when we were kids, trying to be good enough, do the right thing, say the right words. But here's the nugget we've discovered that can make or break our relationships with others – self-compassion. It's about recognizing our pain, not just brushing it off. It's letting ourselves be moved by our struggles, and understanding the significance of our challenges.
And you know what? Pain, failure, rejection – they're all part of being human. Instead of fearing them, we are beginning to acknowledge them as a natural part of life and a part of relationships.
Join us in this genuine conversation about self-discovery, forgiveness, and self-compassion. It's not about flashy transformations but about embracing our imperfections and building a real, honest connection with ourselves so that we can show up in relationships with others.
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Have you ever considered that the most pivotal relationship you'll ever have is with yourself? Join me and my co-host Angela Belford as we embark on an intimate exploration of self-relationship's profound effects on our lives, revealing why the way we treat ourselves sets the foundation for every other relationship we form. Grounded in insights from the Harvard Study on Adult Development, our debate takes flight—Angela, armed with skepticism, questions if nurturing our inner dynamic truly translates to enhanced connections with others, while I argue it's the essential groundwork for a fulfilling life.
Wrestling with our self-beliefs can often feel like navigating through a storm, but what if the compass we're using is skewed by our own negative perceptions? We tackle how these internal narratives, left unchecked, can cloud our reality and impact not just our own well-being, but also how we interact with the world. From the science of the reticular activating system to the tender nuances of parenting, we share insights and personal stories that shine a light on the importance of reshaping beliefs from childhood to foster healthier adult lives.
For those who've ever felt the sting of their own inner critic, our discussion on transforming self-judgment into a nurturing inner coach promises hope and strategy. Through my personal encounters with grief and finding solace in the pages of fiction, we highlight the universal need for self-compassion. Closing with the promise that our beliefs can be remodeled for a more effortless path to happiness, we extend a compassionate invitation to journey with us toward self-discovery and unwavering self-trust.
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When the silence around grief in the workplace grows too loud, it's experts like Dr. Mekel Harris and Janet Gwilliam-Wright who dare to break it. Our latest podcast episode features these two compassionate pioneers from Bloomwell Partners as they share their wisdom on nurturing grief literacy within the corporate culture. We are moved beyond words as they unveil a framework that doesn't just aim to support grieving employees but seeks to transform organizational empathy into a tangible, healing force.
Grief doesn't punch out when we clock in; it follows us into our cubicles, meetings, and breaks by the water cooler. This episode peels back the layers of how personal losses like infertility, miscarriage, and divorce seep into professional spaces, affecting productivity and team dynamics. Dr. Mekel and Janet guide us through the pitfalls of isolation that traditional employee assistance programs may inadvertently create, advocating for a culture of witnessing and acknowledging grief as a cornerstone of workplace mental health.
Turning the page on how we perceive loss at work, we delve into the heart of why companies are reaching out to Bloomwell Partners. From nurturing emotional intelligence to understanding the mosaic of grief experiences, our conversation with Dr. Mekel and Janet is a testament to the far-reaching impact of grief-informed leadership. So join us as we honor the beauty in befriending grief, and creating an office culture that remembers, supports, and grows through loss, one powerful conversation at a time.
Follow Janet Gwilliam-Wright on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetgwilliamwright/
Follow Dr. Mekel Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmekel/
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Pop the cork with us as we celebrate a smashing success—100 episodes of 'Be Freaking Awesome'! Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison are toasting to the journey that's been as rich in laughter as it has been in lessons. This centennial episode is a mixtape of milestones and the unique stories that have shaped us.
Ever considered the art of turning setbacks into stepping stones? That's what we're unpacking as we look back on both triumphs and trials. You'll hear about lessons in resilience and why embracing risk is the true evidence of effort. We're also bringing back some of our favorite podcast moments, proving that every episode is an integral strand in the fabric of our lives.
Wrapping up with a bow, we beckon you to join us in living a 'freaking awesome' life, finding bliss in both the extraordinary and the mundane. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our vibrant community—this celebration is as much yours as it is ours. As we tease the rich content ahead, we invite you on this continued voyage of personal growth, laughter, and learning. Let's keep the momentum going, one freaking awesome day at a time. Here's to the next hundred episodes and beyond!
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Have you ever caught yourself slipping back into old habits after a period of progress and self-improvement? It happens to the best of us, and that's why Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison spend some time unpacking the rhythm of personal growth, particularly when faced with the test of holiday family gatherings. Expect a candid discussion about navigating these moments with a blend of vulnerability and compassion, as we shed light on why it's essential to respond to our own imperfections with the same grace we'd offer a friend in need.
As we crack open the toolbox for emotional well-being, Angela and Sami spotlight the role of self-awareness and the power of a purposeful pause. Together, we'll explore how a simple breath can recalibrate your emotional compass and how self-reflection can be a beacon through moments of doubt. We share actionable insights into harnessing the might of introspection and breathwork to not only manage emotional triggers but to reignite the spark to try again after facing setbacks.
Closing the year on a note of reflection, we discuss the transformative practice of box breathing and its impact on staying present and conscious amidst the rush of the holidays. We'll take you through the nuances of living wholeheartedly, authentic to your core, and how this affects our interactions during family gatherings and in the workplace. So, take a deep breath and join Angela and Sami, as we offer up a conversation filled with hope, strategies for centeredness, and a celebration of the journey towards personal growth.
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Hey there, welcome to Be Freaking Awesome – the podcast where we're all about breaking free from those emotions that have been sneakily holding us back. I'm Sami Kinnison, chilling with Angela Belford, and in our latest episode, we're diving into the world of identifying emotional cycles.
We're gonna chat about the nitty-gritty of how our bodies react to all kinds of triggers and threats, and why it's so darn important to chill out and complete those emotional cycles. Plus, we'll get real about how past traumas can totally shape the way we handle our emotions.
We're not just here to talk to you, though. We're sharing our own stories and some real-life examples, talking about why it's crucial to reach out for support, and how you can switch up your game plan for your personal growth.
And hey, we've got this cool mindful body scan exercise lined up. It's all about tuning in with your body, feeling those sensations, and being present in the moment.
As we wrap up, we're leaving you with the good vibes to go out and be freaking awesome. This episode is packed with insights, some self-discovery talk, and practical tools to break free from those emotional chains. Remember, it's time to ditch the old cycles and embrace a life full of growth and positivity.
So, grab a seat, hit play, and join us on this laid-back, transformative adventure! Let's do this!
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Have you ever wondered about the challenging world of humanitarian work and the intricacies it presents? This episode brings you the remarkable insights of Dimple Dhabalia, founder of Roots in the Clouds. With a 20-year-long journey in the government and hands-on experience working with asylum-seekers and refugees, Dimple opens up about the harsh reality of vicarious trauma that humanitarians encounter. We dissect the need to redefine success in such taxing fields, referencing her new book coming out in February 2024, "Tell Me My Story," which promotes the idea of humanitarians caring for their own well-being first.
Navigating through the norms of our fast-paced society and cultural expectations, we address the significant issue of self-neglect, especially in humanitarian fields where work directly impacts people's lives. Dimple and I share our personal experiences and practical examples, highlighting the transformational effect of prioritizing self-care in the workplace. It's astonishing how a small shift in focus towards our well-being can bring about a profound change in our professional and personal lives.
As we move toward the end of this enlightening conversation, we emphasize the concept of human-centered leadership. The idea of creating safe spaces where authenticity thrives is something all work environments should strive for. We also discuss the role of metrics in workplace practices and the underestimated importance of time off for vacations. The conversation offers a compelling argument about the potential of individual actions to foster healthier, more productive work environments. Join us in this riveting conversation and let's redefine success together, bringing self-care into the spotlight.
Find more from Dimple on her website, RootsintheClouds.com, at her Instagram @dimpstory, or pre-order her book, Tell Me My Story online after December 9.
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Effective communication is the cornerstone of meaningful connections and personal growth. In this podcast episode, Sami Kinnison underscores the paramount importance of communication in navigating the intricacies of relationships and understanding others.
Through the lens of personal experiences and lessons learned, Sami highlights how honing communication skills not only facilitates genuine connections but also contributes to the broader tapestry of one's life. In a world where interactions are increasingly diverse and dynamic, the ability to express oneself with clarity and empathy becomes a catalyst for building bridges, resolving conflicts, and fostering a deeper sense of belonging.
Join Sami on this insightful journey as he unpacks the profound impact of communication on our lives, urging listeners to recognize its transformative power and embrace the art of intentional connection.
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Ever felt like your emotions are driving you, rather than you driving them? It's a common feeling, and one that we tackle head-on in this insightful episode. We promise that by the end, you'll have a suitcase full of tools to help you navigate emotional turbulence, manage stress, and come out stronger on the other side.
Let's take a journey together, starting with building our emotional resilience toolkit. We share our personal experiences, likening emotional responses to a car's check engine light, and giving you the tools to decode these signals. As we drive on, we navigate tricky family dynamics that could be influencing your emotional responses, before taking a pit stop to talk about coping mechanisms. We've been there – turning to food, shopping, TV – but we'll discuss how you can shift from survival mode to a healthier state of being through understanding and acknowledging these coping mechanisms.
The road doesn't end here, though. We've got more ground to cover, like the link between your emotional triggers and physical needs and effective techniques for managing stress and anxiety. We even tackle holiday stress, so next time Aunt Karen's passive-aggressive comments start grating at the dinner table, you'll be equipped to handle it with grace. And don't forget to share your journey with us – we're always eager to hear from you! So buckle up and join us on this enlightening journey to mastering your emotional health.
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This week Angela finishes up walking us through the last 4 beliefs of the Seven Core Beliefs while Sami travels back home from Europe, so buckle up for an enlightening journey as we unpack the importance of self-love, and the profound impact it has on our relationships with others. Drawing from my own experiences and the infectious self-love of my grandbabies, we'll explore how our childhood interpretations can skew our perceptions of our own lovability.
Trust issues? Let's talk about self-trust. Imagine the power surge you would experience if you truly, deeply trusted yourself. We'll journey through the consequences of self-doubt and how it hampers our decision-making and leads to missed opportunities. We'll dissect the difference between 'I trust myself' and 'I have what it takes', and how our unique reticular activating system validates or disproves our beliefs. It's about time we mastered the art of persistence until we get it right.
Feeling like you don't quite fit in? Let's delve into the world of risk-taking, self-worth, and the potent impact of belonging. I'll share my personal struggles with the belief of ‘I am not enough’, and how it can muzzle us from taking risks. We'll venture into the maze of finding our place in the world and the paramount importance of belonging to ourselves. As a finale, brace yourself for an exercise that holds a mirror to our core beliefs. Tune in, challenge your perceptions, and join us for an upcoming masterclass to further unpack these concepts. Together, let's transform the narrative of self-belief!
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Today's episode is just Angela! As Sami is off traveling Europe, Angela will welcome us to a 2 part transformative journey that’ll shake your core beliefs and reshape your reality. Ever felt unlovable, unworthy, or invaluable? Learn to flip the script and embrace your inherent loveability, worthiness, and value. Inspired by giants like Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield, we’ll help you liberate yourself from the negative thought patterns holding you back.
Join us as we unravel the evolution of these core beliefs. Discover the intriguing process of developing the seven beliefs that form the backbone of my book, Traveling Light. Listen in on my experiences in coaching others, how it informed my theories, and how my editor played a crucial role in blending the storyteller and researcher within me into a compelling narrative.
But that's not all! We dive deep into the transformative power of self-love, the true meaning of the Greek term Phelosia, and how cultivating it can dramatically improve your relationships and personal well-being. We also explore the concept of worthiness, our inherent value, and the significant role we play in the world, regardless of our material circumstances. So don’t wait, join us on this enlightening journey to understand and embody your positive core beliefs.
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Imagine the unique challenges of running a family business. In this episode, we explore the intricate interplay of family dynamics within the business world, a realm where more than 70% of American enterprises operate.
We share our stories of success and adversity, the highs and lows, as we balance the demands of business with the bonds of family. Building a thriving business is challenging in itself, and when you factor in family relationships, it becomes a distinct set of challenges.
We delve into the complexities of this dynamic, discussing the resilience required to navigate the sometimes murky waters of familial involvement in business. We examine how personal growth can lead to more positive interactions and how parenting styles shape decision-making in the business context.
Our discussion includes valuable insights into family communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of caring for family members on both personal and professional levels. Discover constructive ways to address disagreements and explore the transformative potential of running a family business.
Join us for an enlightening journey that will expand your understanding of family businesses and offer valuable insights applicable to any workplace. Tune in and embark on this insightful exploration with us.
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Step back in time and explore the childhood of one of our hosts. Picture a ninth-grade student from a disrupted family, clutching an eviction notice, embarking on a nine-mile journey back home. This poignant moment serves as a prelude to a tale of resilience, strength, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. Join us as we delve into this inspiring narrative, marked not only by adversity but also by a profound sense of belonging and identity.
Life's trials and tribulations can shape us in remarkable ways. Listen as we uncover the coping strategies developed, the gratitude nurtured, and the relationships forged in the crucible of a challenging childhood. Angela's unique upbringing becomes an advantage in life, and her story is a testament to the enduring power of the human heart.
This episode is an ode to the past, a reminder that each relationship can influence our future in profound and unexpected ways. Join us in celebrating the resilience, strength, teachers, and indomitable spirit of the human heart. It's a journey through time you won't want to miss.
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Are you curious about the intricate dance between your emotions and feelings? This podcast episode is your ticket to a deeper comprehension of the difference between emotions and feelings, and how separating these can help you process life better. We unravel the layers differentiating emotions from feelings, dispelling societal misconceptions, and revealing how understanding this subtle difference can aid in managing emotional sensations effectively.
Now, imagine the power you'd wield if you could dictate your emotional reactions and responses. That's exactly what we'll be navigating through in the second part of our podcast. The segment is an intimate exploration of the correlation between our thoughts, feelings, actions, AND emotions. We dissect the concept of resistance and its potential to exacerbate emotionally charged situations while underlining the value of recognizing our initial reaction and taking responsibility for our subsequent behavior.
Lastly, we delve into the realm of emotional expression within safe spaces. We debunk the myth that positive thinking alone is the panacea for emotional healing, instead, advocating for the creation of conducive environments to feel and process emotions. You'll discover practical ways to create such safe spaces and how therapy can equip you with the skills to navigate the world of emotions. To enrich your learning further, we've planned an upcoming workshop. It aims to help you unearth the root cause of your emotions and leverage this knowledge to effect lasting transformation. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together, where we demystify emotions and feelings, empowering you to lead a healthier emotional life.
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Have you ever wondered how your perception of the world forms and influences your daily decisions? Meet Drew Taylor, an integrative business coach specializing in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), who joins us for a riveting discussion on how people can communicate and bring about change on an unconscious level. Using his experiences as a parent, Drew sheds light on how the development of the ego in young children offers valuable insights into human communication.
We delve deep into the power of perception, discussing how setting boundaries, even with those who push our buttons, is vital to taking control of your emotional well-being. Listen as Drew shares his personal journey of becoming an integrative business coach and the importance of perception in this process.
We explore the importance of tuning into our inner voice and identifying the origins of our beliefs and emotions. Emphasis is placed on facing the hurt and pain of our past experiences and using them as stepping stones toward growth and development. Join us for this transformative conversation with Drew Taylor. Your perception might just change after listening to this episode.
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Explore the fascinating world of nervous system regulation and resilience in this insightful episode. Join us as we sit down with Leah Davidson, a seasoned life coach and speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience in brain and nervous system dynamics.
Discover how subtle movements can help reset stress cycles and establish a sense of safety within your body. Gain a deeper understanding of how past traumas can influence your nervous system's responses, shaping your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Leah takes us on a journey through the intricate realm of nervous system regulation, emphasizing the importance of co-regulation, especially with our children, and the incredible potential of imagination as a self-regulation tool.
Leah candidly shares her personal journey towards building resilience and unraveling the mysteries of the nervous system. We delve into the significance of recognizing our needs and practicing self-care to nurture a sense of security within our own nervous systems. Co-regulation, the power of imagination, and the role of movement in nervous system regulation are all explored in this eye-opening conversation.
Don't miss this incredible discussion on nervous system regulation and resilience with Leah Davidson – it's a journey to a more empowered and balanced self.
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Join us, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford, as we navigate the last piece of the motivational triad, with be efficient/conserving energy.
We unpack the concept of conscious competence, its correlation with energy conservation, and how our inherent survival instincts can misguide us off the path of real efficiency and achieving our goals. We delve into the stages of skill development, the hurdles encountered when attempting to step out of repetitive patterns, and how this connects to mastering a skill.
Closing out our series, we discuss our 'Traveling Light' concept and its role in pattern breaking and observation. We share stories from our personal experiences, underscoring how different routes can lead to the same destination, and the significance of choices made along the journey. As we wrap up, join us in becoming more efficient by breaking free from routine, identifying tasks and learning required for productivity, and harnessing our inherent survival instincts.
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On part two of our deep dive into the motivational triad, we spoke with Anne Bland, a tantric sex coach and relationship coach from Europe, to guide us through the idea of seeking pleasure. Anne's personal healing of burnout and childhood sexual abuse, and the understanding of her constant need for validation have led her to discover healthier paths forward, where she embraces a "selfishly happy" lifestyle.
Through the course of our discussion, we will shed light on the importance of emotions and the concept of re-parenting yourself for emotional health. Anne will demystify the ancient practice of tantra, a spiritual path that leverages pleasure and sex for personal growth. Misconceptions abound, but together we'll clarify its true meaning and its transformative power. Along the way, we'll delve into the fascinating neuroscience behind our three-part brain, uncovering how our primitive urges can create discomfort when broaching subjects like sex.
In the last part of our journey, we'll guide you on how to explore pleasure and self-healing. You'll discover how curiosity, playfulness, and understanding our five senses can help us stay present, express our emotions, and find pleasure in nature, our senses, and relationships. We'll wrap up the discussion by inviting you to embrace the power of pleasure and make it part of your life, an idea further discussed in Anne Blunt's ebook, 'Pleasure Is Your Birthright: Seven Holistic Sex Tools'. So, tune in and learn how to truly seek pleasure in all its forms.
You can find Anne at selfishlyhappyyou.com or on Instagram @selfishlyhappywithannebland.
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We kick off our mini-series on the motivational triad with Tommy Geary, a certified Life Coach, focusing on avoiding pain. We'll continue with seeking pleasure and being efficient in the next few weeks.
Life can throw some curveballs at us that force us to confront our fears, make uncomfortable decisions, and sometimes, go against societal expectations. In this episode, Tommy Geary joins Angela and Sami to share personal experiences on how we've overcome such situations, guided by the motivational triad concept. We explore how these elements shape our actions and decisions, and how understanding these could be the key to personal growth and better performance.
We also discuss how our brain prioritizes short-term pain over long-term, making us avoid seeking help or maintaining motivation. This insight can help you understand your own motivations better and respond more effectively when faced with challenges.
We round up this episode with a focus on self-reflection and personal growth behaviors. Recognizing our behaviors, especially when acting contrary to our desires, is crucial. Learn how to extend grace to yourself during this process and think about your future self to facilitate personal development. Join us in this insightful episode with Tommy Geary and take away learnings that can help you be freaking awesome.
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As Sami nears her 29th birthday, we can't help but dive deep into a reflective state, evaluating each aspect of life. Join us on this fascinating journey of introspection in our latest episode, where we dissect the age-old wisdom of Socrates, the unforgettable characters from Wicked, and personal experiences to unearth the beauty of living an examined life.
We discuss the importance of being intentional in various facets of our lives, including finances, relationships, and experiences. Learn how to utilize the Wheel of Life, a powerful tool that aids in setting life goals and intentions, ensuring a life filled with joy and satisfaction. Navigate through this journey of self-examination and become aware of the opportunities it yields. So, gear up to ignite your journey of self-discovery with our book, Traveling Light, and understand the profound importance of living an examined and intentional life.
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Join us as we celebrate a significant landmark in our co-host Angela Belford's life, the launch of her new book, Traveling Light. An engaging exploration of the lasting impact of incomplete emotional cycles, Angela’s book promises to change your life, one percent at a time.
Angela's son Josh, the original host of the Be Freaking Awesome podcast, joins us in this conversation, sharing what he's been up to and relishing his part of the journey. It's not just about a book but also about the connections we form, the shared experiences that mold us, and how we navigate life's twists and turns.
Finally, we take a step back and look at our podcast journey, reflecting on how it has been instrumental in introducing Angela's book to the world. Angela's journey is a testament to resilience and tenacity, reminding us all that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. So, come join us in our celebration of the release of "Traveling Light!"
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Join us as we journey through the life story of our co-host, Angela, who transformed her personal trauma into a beacon of hope. Angela takes us through the meandering paths of her life. She illustrates how our early childhood experiences can illuminate our life's true passion and vocation.
We delve into her personal insights on the power of self-reflection and the importance of ownership over our lives from a young age. We touch upon Angela's experience as a parent, offering her a unique perspective on what is considered 'typical' for those who haven't experienced significant trauma. We talk about how her career has brought her specifically to this moment in time. And we cover the other elements of life that, looking back, have had a profound impact.
So, join us on this journey of discovery, growth, and healing together, as Angela demonstrates what it looks like to reflect upon our life journey.
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Imagine carrying the weight of a secret that gnaws at your identity, a story untold that hinders your personal growth. Our guest today is Madison Hoagland, host of the Dare to Share podcast, who believes in the power of sharing personal experiences, even if you aren't willing to put your name to every story. We go on an insightful journey, exploring the freedom that comes from airing our secrets, the impact they have on our identities, and how cathartic storytelling can be.
In our discussion, we dissect the risks and rewards of sharing personal narratives. Madison's podcast not only creates a safe haven for listeners to anonymously share their secrets and stories, but it also sparks essential conversations and fosters personal growth. We discuss the significance of trust and setting boundaries, and the role of sharing in personal development. Madison shares her experiences candidly, illustrating how she uses her platform to effect change.
As we wrap up our lively chat, we reflect on the concept of 'traveling lighter' and delve into the intriguing process of re-parenting ourselves. We explore the importance of self-assessment, and areas of our lives we either adore or struggle with. You'll be inspired by Madison's advice, and possibly walk away with some practical tools, including the wheel of life assessment and Dare to Share podcast prompts. Prepare for an episode teeming with thought-provoking insights and stories that may make you chuckle, and perhaps view yourself a touch more clearly.
Find Madison and the Dare 2 Share Podcast on Instagram @dare2sharepodcast.
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What if the key to personal growth is not to shy away from negative emotions but to embrace them? This intriguing idea is at the heart of our conversation with Angela, a self-proclaimed feeling advocate and author of the transformative book, "Traveling Light." Angela shares her eye-opening journey of writing her book, where she discovered the profound influence of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for uncomfortable feelings. More than just a path to empathy, this fresh perspective challenges the norm of positive thinking and reveals how confronting our inner critics can lead to exciting breakthroughs.
Imagine a world where we don't rely on past experiences to shape our perception. Angela urges us to remove our metaphorical glasses and see life from a fresh viewpoint. She shares her mantra “Be Freaking Awesome” and how it powered her advocacy for understanding our emotions. In the realm of the working world, Angela advocates for self-trust and emphasizes the necessity to validate our feelings. She explains how acceptance, rather than control, is instrumental in our growth and helps navigate through our personal forests of fear.
Angela also gives us a glimpse into her vibrant launch team and the upcoming events. She underscores how her book "Traveling Light" has paved the way for her own evolution, reinforcing the significance of acceptance in life's journey.
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In this illuminating conversation, we sit down with Maureen Zappala, an experienced former rocket scientist at NASA, who, despite her impressive background, intimately understands the struggle of imposter syndrome.
Drawing on Maureen's vast experience, we discuss how to approach intimidating tasks with confidence and resilience, and how to embrace failures as essential stepping stones rather than setbacks. Together, we provide actionable insights and strategies designed to help you shift your mindset, empower yourself, and ultimately, conquer imposter syndrome.
Lastly, we turn our attention to the workplace, exploring the critical role of leaders in tackling imposter syndrome within their teams. We delve into the dangers of inadvertently encouraging imposter syndrome, such as increased stress and burnout among employees. In contrast, we underscore the value of vulnerability and open discussions in fostering an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, equipping you with the tools to create a thriving, resilient team. We believe that through these conversations, we can challenge the status quo, empower individuals, and collectively, reach new heights. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a former NASA rocket scientist, as we navigate the intricacies of imposter syndrome and its impact on our personal and professional lives.
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Welcome to a special episode of Be Freaking Awesome! Today, we have a treat for all our listeners as we present an exclusive sneak peek at chapter one of the highly anticipated book, "Traveling Light: Free Yourself from the Crap in Your Head" by the incredible author, Angela Belford.
"Traveling Light" delves deep into the core of our beings, urging us to confront our emotional baggage head-on and liberate ourselves from the chains of toxic beliefs that have been holding us back.
This episode offers you a glimpse into the thought-provoking and powerful words Angela has penned for her readers. It's an opportunity to experience her captivating writing style and the profound insights that await you within the pages of her book.
Mark your calendars, because "Traveling Light" is set to be released on August 29, 2023. We can hardly contain our excitement for this gem that promises to be a life-changing read for anyone ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Are you eager to embark on this transformational expedition with Angela? Then join us in pre-ordering "Traveling Light" today, and be among the first to unravel the secrets of emotional liberation and empowerment.
Remember, you deserve to be freaking awesome!
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Step into the world of eudaimonia with us, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford. The ancient wisdom encapsulated in this enduring philosophy, handed down from Socrates and Aristotle, extends beyond mere happiness—it's a pursuit, a journey towards life satisfaction. And we promise you, in this episode, you'll discover how relevant this age-old concept still is, how it's essential for living a well-intentioned life, and how it continually nudges us to learn, grow, and evolve.
We also set sail on a voyage of self-discovery, sharing insights on how understanding oneself can lead to joy and fulfillment. We face off against the inner critic, a nemesis that can often create roadblocks on our path, and explore how to tackle it with confidence.
In the pursuit of personal fulfillment, we highlight the transformative power of hobbies—how they can be a conduit to explore our passions, sharpen our skills, and most importantly, bring joy. From discussing the pursuit of meaningful goals to sharing our excitement for the inspirational book 'Traveling Light,' we invite you to join us on this enriching exploration of self-discovery, personal fulfillment, and the pursuit of eudaimonia. Tune in and begin your pursuit of a well-rounded life.
Mentioned in the episode:
"Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor
"The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life" by Chris Guillebeau
Catherine Moore, P. What is eudaimonia? Aristotle and Eudaimonic Wellbeing. https://positivepsychology.com/eudaimonia/
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, we dive deep into the concept of "Ask" Culture and "Guess" Culture, evaluating what the advantages and disadvantages are of each in various situations. Our guest, the astute Ashlyn Simmons, a licensed clinical social worker and best friend of Sami, shares her personal journey navigating through this concept. This episode walks you through an enriching discussion on the dynamics of these two cultures and how they play out in our everyday lives - from the four walls of our homes to the corridors of our workplaces and even our friendships.
As we wrap up this vivid conversation, Ashlyn brings to light how the 'ask and guess' cultures play out in various communities, underlining the importance of sensitivity and empathy when dealing with people from different backgrounds.
Let's navigate these cultures together and learn to communicate our needs while being empathetic and considerate of others.
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We're igniting the spark of celebration for Independence Day, as your hosts, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford. Amidst our shared love for the holiday, we also gear up for the much-anticipated release of Angela's new book, "Traveling Light." Join us as we reveal the exhilarating journey of Angela's book writing, while also unmasking our deep personal connections to the holiday.
Ever wondered how mastering emotional control can catapult your life? Look no further as we unravel the mysteries of emotional intelligence using uncanny analogies of a drawbridge and a remote control. Alongside, we'll also venture into the realms of navigating hurtful words and setting boundaries. Let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, from the depths of our inner critic to the power of compassion and the freedom it brings.
As if that's not enough, we'll also take you back to the roots of democracy, capitalism, and freedom, while dissecting our complex feelings about these systems. From the lessons of history to the unique freedoms America offers, we leave no stone unturned. To top it all off, we dive into the profound power of love and how it offers freedom. So, brace yourself for an episode bursting with personal stories, insights, and thought-provoking discussions.
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Join Sami and Angela in this captivating episode of the podcast as they delve into the popular notion that you become like the five people you spend the most time with. Drawing inspiration from the "Be Freaking Awesome" book (which you can download for free on AngelaBelford.com) they embark on a deep exploration of this concept.
In a thought-provoking and occasionally lighthearted conversation, Sami and Angela candidly share their own thoughts, personal experiences, and thoughtful critiques of the concept. They examine both the benefits of aligning with influential individuals and the potential limitations it may impose on personal growth.
As Angela often emphasizes, this podcast strives to expose listeners to new ideas and perspectives. In this episode, Sami and Angela aim to challenge your preconceived notions about the influence others have on you and the influence you have on them. Prepare for a captivating journey as they unravel the influential puzzle and encourage you to think differently about the dynamics of personal growth.
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Have you ever dreamed of turning your passion into a full-time career? Our inspiring guest, Jessica Formicola, did just that! From a psychotherapist to a successful chef, recipe developer, and writer, Jessica's journey shows us that it's possible to follow your heart and find balance in work and family life.
As a stay-at-home mom, Jessica candidly shares the struggles and triumphs of navigating self-care, her children's well-being, and her ever-growing business. She discovered that quality time outweighed quantity, leading to a more fulfilling life. Join us as Jessica, Angela, and Sami discuss the challenges of balancing work and stay-at-home parenting, seeking the right support system, and finding like-minded individuals to create a supportive community.
In this empowering conversation, we delve into the importance of emotional well-being, teaching our children resilience, and making well-informed decisions for our families amidst public scrutiny. Jessica's story is a testament to the power of prioritizing personal happiness and embracing opportunities that come our way. Get ready to be inspired, and learn how you too can be freaking awesome in your own life!
Talked about in the episode:
A Little Spot: My First Emotions by Diane Alber
More About Jessica Formicola:
Jessica left her job as a psychotherapist to pursue her passions: family, food, and travel. She lives with her wonderful husband and daughter, whom they lovingly call our Chicken, and son, Thomas, also known as Tata. She is an author, chef, and teacher. Find more from Jessica at savoryexperiments.com. Thanks to Expert Bookers for connecting us.
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Ever wondered how your decision-making process affects your life and the paths you choose? Join us in this insightful episode, where we share our personal experiences in decision-making, from the two-year journey of writing a book to witnessing the growth of our coaching clients. Discover the relief and joy of completing a project and the excitement of having someone to share it with.
We also dive into the concept of attraction in house hunting, as Angela and I share the story of how we found our house by following intuition and taking a few unexpected turns. Reflect on your own decision-making processes and learn how to gain clarity on your own path. Furthermore, we touch on the struggles of setting goals, the process of writing a book, and finding a good editor.
Lastly, we focus on moving forward and the importance of considering factors like convenience, joy, and money when making decisions. Learn how we use filters to narrow down our options and how we gather research and feedback from friends to inform our choices. Don't miss this enlightening episode where we explore the journey of creating something out of nothing and the rewards of helping others navigate their own paths.
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Ever feel like life comes at you in seasons? As if each chapter brings different challenges and triumphs? Join us, Sami and Angela, as we uncover the secret to living a "Freaking Awesome" life, embracing the season we're in, and finding joy in every moment.
Tired of comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate? We chat about navigating comparisons, peer pressure, and staying true to ourselves. Hear stories about Samis sassy, self-expressive childhood and Angela's journey of healing and growth that began when she was only 19. We also discuss the importance of vulnerability in healing, embracing uncomfortable moments, and fostering self-awareness.
From the preschool years to caring for aging parents, we explore the importance of seizing opportunities in every season of life. By focusing on gratitude and staying present, we can appreciate the good and the bad, and cherish the fleeting moments that make our lives "Freaking Awesome." So grab a cup of coffee, and let's find joy in our own unique seasons together!
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In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Nathan Wainwright returns for a follow-up conversation that brings hope and renewed perspective. Nathan, who previously believed he was nearing the end of his life due to cancer, shares his remarkable update: he continues to live each day with new-found energy. Angela engages in a heartfelt conversation with Nathan, exploring the unexpected complexities of his new circumstances and the profound lessons he has learned along the way.
Throughout the episode, Angela and Nathan offer practical insights and perspectives on living life, even when that means you live it in a "eat the crust first" kind of way.
In this unexpected episode, "It's Okay to Live," Nathan Wainwright's remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder that even amidst adversity, hope and purpose can flourish. Through candid conversations, valuable advice, and profound reflections, Angela and Nathan empower listeners to approach each day purposefully, appreciating the beauty of life and living it to the fullest.
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Welcome to the Be Freaking Awesome podcast! In this powerful discussion, originally aired on the Authentically Raw podcast with Jamie Berris, Angela's unwavering determination to overcome her hardships becomes evident. Through her inspiring tale, she reveals how she made a conscious decision to break free from the shackles of her past, embarking on a transformative path toward self-awareness, personal growth, and genuine empowerment.
Angela's journey serves as a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit and a profound reminder that we all have the capacity to rise above our challenges. As she reveals the transformative power of forgiveness, Angela offers practical strategies and thought-provoking insights to help listeners embark on their own healing journeys.
In this syndicated conversation, Jamie and Angela share their authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering optimism. Tune in to discover how you, too, can unleash your inner strength, rewrite your narrative, and embrace a life filled with purpose, joy, and unwavering resilience. Get ready to be inspired and empowered on your journey to be freaking awesome!
More About Jamie:
Jamie Berris was a guest on Episode 39 of Be Freaking Awesome, Writing Your Own Permission Slip. You can find her online at jamieberris.com.
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In this episode, Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison sit down with Felicia LaTour to explore the world of travel-volunteering, and how it can be an affordable way to explore new places while also making a positive impact.
Felicia shares her personal experiences with travel-volunteering, detailing the amazing places she's been to and the rewarding work she's done to help others. She explains how travel-volunteering can be an incredibly enriching experience, not just because it allows you to see new places, but also because it provides an opportunity to connect with local communities and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Throughout the conversation, Felicia offers practical advice on finding affordable travel-volunteering opportunities and making the most of your experience. She also shares stories of some of her challenges along the way, including dealing with cultural differences and unexpected obstacles.
With inspiring anecdotes and useful tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring new cultures in an affordable way, while making a difference. So join us and discover how you can be freaking awesome by embarking on your own travel-volunteering adventure and discovering the world in a whole new way.
Find Felicia LaTour on Instagram, @la_tower_of_babble & @f.lamour.drag
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In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of family systems theory with Corinna Dranow, a licensed therapist. We talk about how our families impact who we are and model examples of how we can process events from our past to better serve us in the future.
Drawing on her background in family systems theory, Corinna provides insightful perspectives on how our family relationships and relationships with groups around us shape our lives and impact our mental health. She shares her own experiences, using a family systems approach to help navigate challenging situations and find new ways of relating to one another. Sami and Angela share stories from their past and the healing that can come from reframing events in our childhood and how they shape us in the present day.
With practical advice and real-life examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of family dynamics and the ways in which they impact our lives. Join us and discover how you can use the insights of family systems theory to build stronger, healthier relationships with your loved ones and create a more fulfilling life for yourself.
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In this special episode, we're celebrating a milestone birthday for one of our hosts - Angela is turning 50!
Angela shares her insights on life, aging, and personal growth. She reflects on the lessons she's learned and how she's grown as a person. She also talks about how fifty isn't as big of a deal as we make it.
Join us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation as we honor Angela on her 50th birthday. Whether you're already in your 50s or that milestone feels forever away, this episode provides great advice on aging and staying youthful. Learn how to embrace aging at all stages, stay positive, and pursue your dreams, no matter your age.
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Welcome to Be Freaking Awesome! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mekel Harris, a licensed psychologist with a long-standing career in mental health, to explore the topic of navigating tough conversations with kids about grief, death, and loss.
Dr. Harris shares her insights and experience on how to approach difficult conversations about death and loss with children in a way that is compassionate, empathetic, and age-appropriate. She discusses the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for children to express their emotions and feelings about loss, as well as providing guidance on how to respond to their questions and concerns.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Harris emphasizes the value of holistic well-being in the process of navigating tough conversations about loss with kids. She touches on the different ways that grief can manifest in children and how parents can help their kids cope with their emotions and develop resilience in the face of loss.
Even if you don't have kids you interact with regularly, much of the advice and inspiring anecdotes can help adults navigate loss in a kind, compassionate, and grace-filled way. Join us and discover how you can navigate tough conversations about death.
Bio:Dr. Mekel Harris is a Memphis-based licensed psychologist who loves helping other perfectly imperfect folks navigate life's challenges in order to grow in lifestyle, love, leadership, and loyalties to God, self, and others.
Find her online at mekelharrisphd.com or on Instagram @drmekel.
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In this episode, we sit down with Greg Murray, life coach, to explore the meaning of belonging and how it can impact our personal and professional lives.
Throughout the conversation, Greg shares his insights on different levels of belonging, from building a sense of camaraderie in sports teams to fostering a community in the corporate world. He also highlights the importance of sharing wins and challenges and how vulnerability can lead to deeper connections with others.
However, Greg also delves into the darker side of belonging, pointing out how it can be used for manipulation and how our internal critic can affect our ability to feel a sense of belonging. He encourages listeners to take small steps to build the muscle of belonging, starting with belonging to oneself.
With practical advice and inspiring anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate a sense of belonging in their personal and professional lives. So join us and discover how you can be freaking awesome by embracing the power of belonging.
More about Greg:
Greg Murray currently resides in Los Angeles, CA and is the Founder of Human Creative Coaching, a life coaching practice and mental health movement. He empowers others to live their most fully alive selves and believes creativity and joy can overcome life’s greatest challenges. He has credentials from the Center for Professional Development and is trained through Dr. John Townsend’s Leadership Institute in Orange County, CA. When he’s not building the coaching practice, you can find him producing music for Covell, with friends in Malibu, or taking a long neighborhood walk with a cup of coffee in-hand.You can find him at humancreativecoaching.com or on IG or LinkedIn: @humancreativecoaching. His personal Instagram is @gregomurray.
Resources:
10 Elements that Contribute to Belonging from Ties Center
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In this episode, we sit down with Sami and Angela to explore the topic of cultivating meaningful friendships in adulthood.
Sami and Angela share their experiences and insights on how to navigate the ups and downs of making and maintaining friendships as adults. They discuss the importance of being intentional about cultivating meaningful connections, the value of vulnerability and authenticity in building deep relationships, and the challenges of balancing friendships with busy lives and competing priorities.
Throughout the conversation, Sami and Angela provide practical tips and advice on how to overcome common obstacles to cultivating meaningful friendships, including social anxiety, fear of rejection, and feeling like you don't have enough time. They also share their own stories of the joys and rewards of building lasting friendships that enrich their lives and bring them joy.
With inspiring anecdotes and down-to-earth wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their connections with others and cultivate meaningful friendships in adulthood. So join us and discover how you can be freaking awesome by building a supportive and fulfilling network of friends that enriches your life and brings you joy.
Links:
Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First by Laura Tremaine
We're Not Really Strangers Game
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In this episode, Sami and Angela explore the challenges of making friends as an adult. They share their own personal experiences of trying to build meaningful connections and offer practical advice for listeners who may be struggling to make friends or find a sense of community.
Throughout the episode, Sami and Angela provide a range of strategies for overcoming these obstacles and building meaningful connections with others. They offer tips for finding new social opportunities, making the most of existing friendships, and embracing the "norm of reciprocity" to attract new friends into your life.
Whether you're struggling to connect with people in your current community or simply looking to expand your social circle, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories to help you navigate the often-challenging world of adult friendship.
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On today's special episode of the podcast, Angela is joined by Nathan Wainwright in a challenging, educating, and funny episode (no really, it is!!) about what it's like to die. Whether you want to know what to tell people in hard situations or need some perspective on living while knowing that we will all die one day (whether from cancer or just walking down the street), this episode is for you.
If you're interested in supporting Nathan and his family financially during this time, reach out to podcast@bfreakingawesome.com for more info!
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Angela shares lessons that she gathered during her recent, month-long trip to Costa Rica and her and Sami discuss how the lessons we pick up along the way while traveling can help us improve how we live our everyday life.
Whether you are a travel junkie or just want to live life more in the present, you're sure to find some lessons you can pick up and add to your toolkit.
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This week, Angela and Sami talk about having hard conversations, why it matters, and how you can approach tough talks. They share some stories about their hard conversations and real tips for how to handle hard convos.
If you want to join the hard conversations workshop on March 16, sign up at bfreakingawesome.com/workshop.
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"From a business standpoint, one of the biggest tragedies there is are people who don't get ideas out there that can improve the world because they have fear. They're afraid and I just don't want to see that. Too many ideas go to the grave. I want to make sure they get out there." - Michael Davis
Angela and Sami are joined by Michael Davis for a conversation on the art of storytelling: what it is, why it matters, and how to get better. Listen in to hear some great stories and learn how to sharpen your storytelling skills and get your ideas out there in the world.
You can find Michael at SpeakingCPR.com and email him at mike@speakingcpr.com. He is also on LinkedIn.
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Has anyone ever called you foolish for chasing your dreams? Or, have you ever thought someone else was being a fool for not choosing the "traditional" path? This inspiring episode with Alex "Nemo" Hanse, author of "Foolies Approved: How to change the world with a foolish dream and zero in your pocket" and creator of Foolies Approved, has a message to inspire the dreamers out there and encourage those of us who may have stepped back from our dreams to reconnect with the blueprints inside of ourselves.
Angela, Sami, and Nemo have a great conversation about their own journeys, how to bootstrap marketing, and how to rekindle the fire inside of you.
You can find Nemo online at thefoolies.com,
on Instagram @foolies,
or you can buy him a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/alexnemohanse.
His books, Foolies Approved: Dope Affirmations for my homies and Foolies Approved: How to change the world with a foolish dream and zero in your pocket, are available on Amazon.
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Angela and Sami are joined by their husbands, Barry Belford and Chris Kinnison, to talk about relationships and marriage advice. Listen in to this fun, Valentine's themed episode where Angela and Sami put their husbands on the hot seat.
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Sarah Mac joins Angela and Sami to talk about our relationship with money, one of the few relationships we can never really walk away from. Listen as they talk about how your childhood experiences with money can impact your money beliefs today. They provide tips on how to improve the quality of your relationship with money so that you can improve the quality of your life.
You can find Sarah online, on social media, and on her podcast, Creative Magic Club.
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Angela and Sami finish up the syndrome vs. superpower series and discuss perfectionism. From the pros, the cons, how to address it, and their personal stories about how perfectionism has impacted both of these women, the episode is full of great nuggets to wrap up this series.
Be sure to sign up for our giveaway at our website, bfreakingawesome.com!
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Sami and Angela continue the conversation about "Syndrome or Superpower" and discuss ADHD, the impacts it has had on their lives, and lessons and coping skills that they've picked up along the way.
Mentioned in the Episode:
"ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer's World" by Thom Hartman
ADDitude Magazine
The transcript for the episode can be found at bfreakingawesome.com/podcast.
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Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison start a new series: Syndrome or Superpower. In the first of three episodes, they talk about imposter syndrome. What it is, why it can be bad for you, and how it can actually help you succeed. Listen in to learn more about overcoming imposter syndrome and find out whether it's a syndrome to hold you back or a superpower to launch you forward.
Mentioned in the Episode:
The Gap and The Gain by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/imposter-syndrome-hiring-tyler-cowen.html
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Join Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford as they reflect on the new year of Be Freaking Awesome. Whether you already have detailed goals lined out for the year or you still can't believe it's already 2023, you'll find some wisdom and gentleness to support your own reflections.
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Listen to the last episode of Be Freaking Awesome Season 1. We reflect back on some of our favorite moments, lessons learned, and transition hosts from Josh to Sami, as Josh takes on a new role in the new year.
Some of the episodes mentioned as favorites are below:
Episode 17: Raising Adults
Episode 18: See Your Parents as Humans
Episode 24: Conquer Fear
Episode 35: Toxic Masculinity
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Josh Belford hosts Angela Belford and Gwen Rockwood as they discuss what editing a book is like. Whether you're editing a book or not, you can find a way to apply the editing process to reflect on your life.
You can read more of Gwen's work online at therockwoodfiles.com. Below are the books that Gwen mentioned in the podcast:
- Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
- Story Genius by Lisa Cron
- Intuitive Editing by Tiffany Yates Martin
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Angela is joined by Corrine Sudar to revisit what it means to Be Freaking Awesome. Listen in as these two talk about so many different things, including what it's like to work somewhere with your name on the door, being who you are confidently, and building your support network.
Find Corrine online at Sudar Group, www.sudargroup.com and on every social media at The Sudar Group.
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Angela Belford hosts Josh Belford and Joe Zollo in a conversation about marketing, sports, and success. Listen in to hear Josh and Joe get nerdy excited about fantasy football and Angela challenge ideas about success.
Connect more with Joe Zollo in a variety of ways! His podcast about fantasy football is Club Fantasy, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. You can also connect with @Joe_Zollo on Twitter and Instagram. Lastly, the Bismark Larks can be found at @BismarkLarks on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn.
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Join us for a second conversation about Intuitive Eating, this time with Josh Belford and guests, Angela Belford and Meghan Cahill. Listen in as they weave together eating habits, social justice, and emotional regulation.
Follow Meghan Cahill on Instagram @cahillwellness to connect with her more!
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@thebelfordgroup.com.
Josh Belford is joined by Angela Belford and Ashley George to talk about intuitive eating. Listen to the conversation as they talk about what it means to process our emotions around food and eat in a way that makes sense to our bodies.
Connect with Ashley at CuratedHealthAR.com or on social media @CuratedHealthAR!
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@thebelfordgroup.com.
Josh Belford is joined by Angela Belford and Amy Fairchild to talk about a plethora of things, really! From toxic positivity to encouraging others, join the discussion to think about how we can uplift the people around us in the best ways.
Find Amy @the_encourage_project on Instagram and on LinkedIn, and listen to The Encourage Project on all major podcast platforms. You can also find more information at the website: https://theencourageproject.com/
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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@thebelfordgroup.com.
Josh Belford is joined by author, speaker, and coach, Angela Belford, and producer, director, and filmmaker, Anthony Bommarito. Together, they discuss how to improve your communication skills, whether through sports, work, or creative projects.
Connect with Anthony Bommarito!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-bommarito-2824051b/
https://www.positiveyou.net/
https://www.woodwardoriginal.com/bomm
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Listen to hear Josh, Angela, and guest, Dara Zycherman, talk about minimalism and how it can impact your life and worldview. The discussion covered everything from what is minimalism to how to think about gift-giving, especially for the minimalist in your life.
You can find more from Dara Zycherman at whylessequalsmore.com, including the ultimate guide to simplifying your life and home.
Follow The Belford Group on Facebook and Instagram, @thebelfordgroup.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@thebelfordgroup.com.
Josh Belford is joined by permanent guest, Angela Belford and this week's guest, Sami Kinnison to talk about Elevate, a new professional development division of The Belford Group. Listen in as they talk about making work suck less, philosophy on business, and funny stories from Sami and Josh's childhood.
Follow The Belford Group on Facebook and Instagram, @thebelfordgroup.
Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@thebelfordgroup.com.
Learn more about the motivational triad, a theory about human behavior and how our brain works, with Josh Belford and Angela Belford in this episode of the Be Freaking Awesome podcast.
Have a question from a previous episode or something you'd like to hear discussed? Send us your questions to podcast@thebelfordgroup.com or to Angela's DMs on Instagram. Go to AngelaBelford.com to download and read the book, "Be Freaking Awesome.
Jamie Berris joins our series regulars, Josh and Angela Belford, to talk about making a relationship with yourself and writing your own permission slip. In addition, they also pass on their best marriage advice. Listen in for your challenge to write your own permission slip!
Find her books, coaching info, and latest updates at jamieberrisbooks.com.
Josh and Angela return from a hiatus to discuss setting "New Year's Resolutions" in September instead of January. Listen to learn more about goals and habits, how your brain works, and improving your life by 1% at a time.
Join Josh Belford and his mom, Angela as they take a deep dive on what is the messy middle and Angela acts as a guide through what can be a really difficult situation.
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Kristen Girard who is a luminary artist discuss "dragons", which are illnesses and traumatic injuries that leave you very different from who you were before, and how to deal with them.
The best place to learn more about Kristen's work is at radianceandgrit.com
She can also be found on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Join us for a conversation between host, Josh Belford; permanent guest, Angela Belford; and this week's guest, Jeff Harry, as we talk about what toxic masculinity is, how it impacts our day-to-day, and how we can incorporate playfulness into what we can do about it. We dive deep and find a few soap boxes along the way.
Jeff can be found online at rediscoveryourplay.com and on social media @JeffHarryPlays.
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Lisa McFadden who is a mindset coach who works with women writers who are blocked as they discuss how to deal with your inner critic which will not only help you get that book written - it will change your life.
Find out more about Lisa at https://www.lisamcfaddenfilm.com/
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Dr. Mikel Harris, who describes herself as a perfectly imperfect woman trying to navigate life and is an expert on grief - both through real-life experiences and education, as they discuss grief and how to be supportive to yourself and others who are navigating those often troubled waters.
During the discussion she talks about three grounding questions and reminds us not to judge the answers - they just give us information:
Where are my thoughts taking me?
What am I noticing in my body?
What emotions are rising to the surface?
Dr. Mekel's favorite social media hangout is https://www.instagram.com/drmekel/ where she has a thirty-minute webinar "How to Show Up for Someone Who's Grieving" and she can also be found on https://www.facebook.com/DrMekel. She has her own website - www.mekelharrisphd.com. This is her book https://www.amazon.com/Relaxing-into-Pain-Journey-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0794SX8KR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3R5EJ0XQ1E2SC&keywords=Relaxing+into+the+pain&qid=1658270162&sprefix=relaxing+into+the+pain%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-1
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Dr. Amber Tichenor who has a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology and has written "Behind Frenemy Lines" as they discuss female rivalry in the workplace.
For more information about Dr. Amber visit her website www.tobecoachingandconsulting.com, find her on Instagram as dr.ambertichenor.phd and on Twitter as @TichenorAmber.
As we begin to think about the book launch in October, 2022, we would like to introduce you to the concepts of the book. In April 2022, Angela gave this keynote speech to District 43 Toastmasters virtually.
Follow her on Instagram @AngelaBelford
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Dr. Cathy Holway, internationally recognized physical therapist, educator, and author in the healthcare field of integrative manual therapies as they discuss body-brain wiring structures and functions.
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Liz Harris, trauma-informed breathwork facilitator for women entrepreneurs as they talk about the power of breathwork, what it is and how to get started if you have not ever tried it.
You can learn more about Liz's work with the following links:
https://www.instagram.com/growingembodiment/
https://www.growingembodiment.com/
https://www.facebook.com/growingembodiment
https://www.facebook.com/groups/growingembodiment
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/growing-embodiment/id1606643468
https://www.audible.com/pd/Growing-Embodiment-Podcast/B09R1M53TR
https://open.spotify.com/show/3wOq14xWxbctQTOh9RChwM
Join Josh Belford and his Mom, Angela as they discuss their coaching journeys - Josh as a soccer coach and Angela as a life coach.
Get a free download of Angela's book - "Be Freaking Awesome" when you visit you visit her website www.angelabelford.com and sign up for her newsletter.
Join Josh Belford, his mom, Angela, and their guest Jessica Brown, co-owner of the Station Theater as they talk about how improv principles can help you with life including how developing the ability to understand your nervous system will help with perseverance.
Check out the Station Theater website for more information on their new location as well as the classes and shows they offer.
Stay tuned if you enjoy bloopers during the credits.
Join Josh Belford and his mom Angela Belford with their special guest Amy Angelilli who specializes in improv and shares an overview of how improv works and how these concepts can help your relationships if you use them.
Check out the painting Josh talks about at the end here.
Connect with Amy Angelilli:
Website: https://adventure-project.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/theadventurepro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadventurepro/
Join Josh Belford and his Mom Angela Belford with their special guest Tammie Polk who has written over 146 books (and counting) including Girl Go Eat a Cookie. In this episode, she shares her 5 G's of Success including how important it can be to know when to release people who are toxic in your life.
Learn more about Tammie Polk and how to handle business after eating a cookie at https://www.girlgoeatacookie.lol/
Host Josh Belford volunteers to go through Pauline's process of overcoming fear by sharing an example from his own life of when judgment may come up. Permanent guest Angela Belford, Josh and Pauline define and discuss fear in a fun, lively and helpful way.
To learn more about Pauline check out the following links.
Business website: www.journey2fulfilment.com
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/journey2fulfilment
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/paulinej2f/
IG: www.instagram.com/paulinej2f_/
Join Josh Belford and his Mom Angela Belford as they discuss how things we thought were features of our personality can actually be fear of abandonment, and how we can work through this so that we can live our lives more fully and be more authentic.
We have our first repeat guest, Ryan Davis, LCSW to talk about attachment styles. Angela gets a bit of free therapy, Josh gets put on the spot for a moment, and how attachment styles are more of a spectrum than a linear box.
Resources shared: John Bowlby, British researchers
Attached: Are you Anxious, Avoidant or Secure? How the science of adult attachment can help you find – and keep – love by by Amir Levine, Rachel Heller
Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson
Ryan Davis, LCSW - http://www.midtown-counseling.com/ryan-davis
In this episode of the Be Freaking Awesome podcast, Josh Belford and Angela Belford finish up their series on branding by talking about "your why," both personally and professionally. Listen in to hear how they think about answering the question why do you do what you do and why does it matter.
If you have questions or comments, we'd love for you to email us! Reach out at podcast@thebelfordgroup.com
In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Josh Belford and Angela Belford continue their discussion on branding and explore the idea of "what do you do" and how that impacts your personal and professional brand. Listen in to think about what branding means and how to apply it to your own life, whether you're personally looking to develop your brand or you're developing the brand of a business.
Josh Belford and his mom, Angela Belford, start a 3 part series on branding. Listen in as they kick off the series and discuss what is a brand, both personally and professionally. You'll learn more about Josh's friends, Lion King, and get a jump start on planning your 90th birthday party in this episode introducing branding.
Join us as we flip the script and Angela Belford interviews her kids, Josh Belford and Sami Kinnison, as we talk about what it's like to transition to seeing your parents as real humans and not just all-knowing grown-ups.
On this episode, host Josh Belford and permanent guest Angela Belford come together to talk about what it's like to raise adults and parent teenagers. Listen in as Angela provides a lot of tips, perspectives, and metaphors on raising adults, not raising children.
Host Josh Belford is joined by Angela Belford and Molly Ovenden to talk about perseverance. Listen to the conversation as they discuss what it looks like to push through hard things, growing perseverance in your life, and how to help encourage your inner teenager. In addition, you can find Molly and some of the resources that she shares below!
Molly’s website: https://mollyovenden.com/
Write Results Landing Page: https://mollyovenden.com/write-results/
Silliness Prompts Free Download: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6217bdc2a41d78f73c50116d
Creative Writing Making it a Habit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativewritingmakingitahabit
Join the conversation about self-promotion with host, Josh Belford, and his mom, author and coach, Angela Belford. In this episode, Josh and Angela discuss the nuances involved in self-promotion, what makes it hard, and some practical tips to make it easier.
Josh Belford and his mom, Angela Belford, wrap up the Wheel of Life series discussing spirituality and personal fulfillment, providing some guiding questions on how to evaluate this area of your life. Join as they discuss everything from the difference between happiness and fulfillment, how sports are like religion, and the value of boredom in your life.
Angela Belford joins guest host, Sami Kinnison, and Certified Humor Professional, Psychotherapist, and Entrepreneur, Megan Werner, for the 3rd episode in the Wheel of Life mini-series to talk about cognitive and esthetic needs. We talk about how these needs are related to the wheel of life categories of play & fun, and aesthetic and creative. Listen to learn how to count to five in French, enjoy some dark humor, and creatively explore what it looks like to be creative in your life.
Join Josh Belford and his mom, Angela Belford come together to continue their conversations about the "Wheel of Life." In this episode, they discuss what it means to be loved as someone not in a relationship, picking your family, and contributing to society.
Host, Josh Belford, and permanent guest and life coach, Angela Belford, talk about the "Wheel of Life" and how to use this tool to reflect on different categories within our human experience. Check out part one of this series as they dig into the categories that loosely relate to the "Safety Needs" of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. You'll learn more about how to assess and think about the areas of your life related to health & body, wealth & finances, and business & career.
Join Josh and his mother Angela as they talk with local business owners, Ryan and Dustin Davis, about working with family in business.
To learn more about their businesses, check out their websites:
Ambassador Home Maintenance - https://ambassadorhomemaintenance.com/
Ryan Davis, LCSW - https://www.ryanydavis.com/
Join Josh and his mother and permanent guest Angela as they discuss judgement, self-judgement, and woolly mammoths.
Join Josh Belford and his mom Angela Belford as they talk about what the definition for success is (if there is one), how failure is intertwined with success, and how killer whales are apex predators.
Listen to Josh and his mother Angela discuss what GRAND goals are, how they are different from SMART goals, and celebrating goals.
Join Josh Belford and his mom Angela Belford as they discuss four types of self awareness, the pitfalls of self awareness, and three words to describe themselves.
Join Josh and his mother, Angela, as they discuss practicing doing hard things with their first guest and author of The Riverman’s Guide to the Kings River, Doug Allen. Listen in while they talk about what it was like owning a restaurant during a pandemic, childhood memories, and an eighteen wheeler full of ice cream.
Join Josh and his mom Angela as they discuss how your mindset, your wording, and the way you think about things can impact your feelings.
Want some Be Freaking Awesome Gear? Go to www.AngelaBelford.com/shop
On this episode of the Be Freaking Awesome Podcast Josh and his mother Angela talk about the difference between feelings and emotions, how this can impact yourself and others, and a few ways to try to work through these emotions.
Books referenced: Grief Recovery Method by John James and Russell Friedman
Want some Be Freaking Awesome Gear? Go to www.AngelaBelford.com/shop
Josh Belford joined by his mother and author of Be Freaking Awesome Angela Belford discuss their interpretations of the out of 10 rating scale, what makes us nerds, and the wheel of life.
Want some Be Freaking Awesome Gear? Go to www.AngelaBelford.com/shop
Listen in to mother and son duo Josh and Angela Belford talk about what it means to them to Be Freaking Awesome in the first episode of their new podcast; The Be Freaking Awesome Podcast.
Want some Be Freaking Awesome Gear? Go to www.AngelaBelford.com/shop