Building Belief with Abby Skeans

In this episode of the Building Belief Podcast, we sit down with Marine Corps Captain Riley Tejcek, an athlete and servicewoman whose journey is deeply rooted in her Christian faith. Riley shares the pivotal moments from her early life that set her on a path of discipline, service, and unwavering belief in God’s plan for her. She opens up about overcoming significant challenges and how her faith in Christ has been her anchor through it all, guiding her through the highs and lows of both athletic competition and military life. Throughout the conversation, Riley discusses the struggles facing Gen Z women, particularly the growing sense of uncertainty and lack of confidence. She offers her perspective on how faith can be a powerful tool for young women seeking to build a strong sense of belief in themselves. With stories from her time in the military, she reveals how her Christian values have shaped her confidence, leadership, and approach to adversity. Riley also shares practical tools and practices that have helped her shift from limiting beliefs to a mindset of growth, emphasizing the power of prayer, scripture, and trust in God’s timing. She leaves listeners with an inspiring message about the importance of perseverance, faith, and the belief that God’s purpose for each of us is bigger than our challenges. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself through the strength of one’s relationship with Christ. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will encourage you to lean into faith as you pursue your purpose. Links:  To learn more about Riley’s work, follow her on Instagram at @riley.tejcek.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from Abby’s heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow Abby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

In this special episode of the Building Belief podcast, host Abby Skeans takes us on a deep dive into the transformative power of belief as we observe World Mental Health Day.  The impact of belief on mental health is profound. Limiting beliefs create a kind of “inner prison,” where anxiety, depression, and self-doubt flourish. But by adopting new, empowering beliefs—such as the belief that we are worthy of love, growth, and happiness—our mental state can dramatically shift. Abby delves into the process of shifting from fear to love, explaining that this is not just a spiritual concept but a practical approach to mental well-being. Throughout the episode, Abby shares practical steps for dissolving limiting beliefs, which often form early in life based on painful or confusing experiences. By bringing awareness to these beliefs, questioning their validity, and replacing them with empowering narratives, we can change our mental and emotional patterns for the better. The conversation also touches on the scientific side of belief work, discussing the concept of neuroplasticity and how our thoughts and beliefs physically shape the structure of our brains. By consciously choosing new beliefs, we can rewire our neural pathways, reinforcing healthier and more empowering mental states. Abby concludes the episode by inviting listeners to reflect on their own beliefs—asking whether these beliefs are serving their mental well-being or holding them back. She emphasizes that belief is the foundation of healing, and that shifting from fear to love allows us to live with greater purpose and emotional freedom. On this World Mental Health Day, this episode of Building Belief serves as a reminder that mental health is not just about managing symptoms, but transforming how we see ourselves and the world. By changing our beliefs, we have the power to change our lives. Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation on the power of belief and its role in shaping mental well-being. Links:  To go deeper on these concepts, check out work by Dr. Carol Dweck on Growth Mindset, transforming your life from the inside out by Dr. Wayne Dyer, and how to receive divine love in your life by Dr. Joe Dispenza.  For daily practices that will build your belief, join the RITUAL community at Belief Statements. . . . . Follow Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow Abby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

In this episode, we sit down with Jenn Hoos Rothberg, the visionary Executive Director behind Einhorn Collaborative, a foundation committed to fostering empathy, connection, and collaboration in our increasingly divided world. Jenn has spent years navigating the social impact sector, leading efforts in pluralism, community-engaged learning, and early relational health. Her passion for creating a world that values human connection, understanding, and collaboration across lines of difference shines through as we explore the deep-seated concerns that have shaped her work. We delve into the root causes of societal division and how they mirror the inner conflicts many of us face. Jenn shares her own journey of personal transformation, highlighting how our relationships with ourselves and each other are vital to leading and inspiring change in the world. Her thoughtful reflections on spiritual practices and rituals offer guidance for those seeking to practice build connections across differences and practice repair to create a positive impact. With practical tools and frameworks, Jenn provides inspiration for women who want to lead with confidence and purpose. Join us as we explore the intersection of personal growth and societal healing, and how we can all play a part in repairing the world. Links:  To learn more about Jenn’s work at the Einhorn Collaborative, you can visit their website here or follow them on social @einhorncollaborative. And don’t forget to follow Jenn on IG @jennrothberg.  If you’re interested in learning more about the work of Jenn’s spiritual mentor Parker Palmer, you can find that here.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from Abby’s heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow Abby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

Becca Stevens is the visionary founder of Thistle Farms, a sanctuary for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Becca's journey of healing and empowerment began with a deep personal mission to create a community where women could find refuge and reclaim their lives. But what drives this mission, and how has her work at Thistle Farms not only transformed the lives of countless women but also reshaped her own beliefs and understanding of the sacred? Join us as Becca shares the core mission and vision of Thistle Farms, revealing the deeply personal experiences that sparked this movement. We explore the universal beliefs and challenges that women face, particularly those who have endured unimaginable trauma, and how Thistle Farms has become a beacon of hope and healing through holistic practices. Delving into the heart of holistic healing, Becca shares poignant stories that embody the transformative power of these approaches, offering listeners a glimpse into the profound impact Thistle Farms has had on the lives of so many women. As a priest and global advocate for women, Becca's unique perspective on the sacred and spiritual aspects of healing provides a fresh lens through which we can understand the light within ourselves and the world around us. She offers practical insights into connecting with the sacred, empowering us to incorporate rituals and practices that foster self-belief and spiritual growth in our everyday lives. Whether you are familiar with Thistle Farms or discovering it for the first time, this episode is a moving exploration of resilience, faith, and the boundless possibilities of healing. Links:  To learn more about Becca’s work visit her website here: https://beccastevens.org/ and you can learn more about you can be support Thistle Farms at https://thistlefarms.org/.  And don’t forget to follow get Becca’s latest book, Practically Divine, and follow her on Instagram @beccastevens and Thistle Farms @thistlefarms.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from Abby’s heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow Abby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

Heidi Powell is a renowned fitness expert, transformation specialist, and former co-host of the hit TV show "Extreme Weight Loss." Perhaps most importantly, she is a mom to her four incredible kids – Matix, Marley, Cash & Ruby. Heidi has dedicated her life to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals, and her journey of self-love has been a cornerstone of her success. Heidi's message of self-love found me at a dark time, reshaping my understanding and nurturing my spirit. Join us as we delve into Heidi's personal journey and the wisdom she has garnered along the way. We begin this conversation by exploring the distinction between self-care and self-love—understanding it, nurturing it, and living in it. Heidi's message has illuminated the path for many, especially those who once believed that self-love was selfish. For those struggling with this concept, Heidi offers a fresh perspective, shedding light on how self-love is foundational to our relationships with others and our purpose on this planet. Heidi and I discuss the vital role of somatic experiencing and the mind-body-soul connection, emphasizing that our bodies are positive tools for healing. From sleep and hydration to movement and body work, Heidi explains how caring for our bodies directly affects our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. She shares her personal experiences and offers key practices to support ourselves as we build our self-belief. Join us for a conversation that promises to enlighten and empower, offering profound insights into the journey of self-love, the power of beliefs, and the importance of caring for our bodies.  Links:  Don’t forget to follow Heidi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realheidipowell/  For access to her Fitness program on the Show Up App, visit here: https://www.showupfit.app/.  For game changing wellness supplements, pick up Heidi’s picks at TransformHQ.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from Abby’s heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow Abby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

Join me for a dive deep into the world of health, bioscience, and consciousness with the extraordinary Dr. Molly Maloof. Known for her groundbreaking work on vitality and human connection, Dr. Molly shares her personal journey and the inspirations that led her to become a leading voice in the new health movement.  If you've ever felt drained and depleted, this segment is for you. Dr. Molly addresses the energy crisis many women face and offers insight on how we can reclaim our vitality. Learn about the common barriers to energy and practical steps to unlock your inner power. Dr. Molly explains the profound impact of caring for ourselves and the significant difference it makes on how we can impact the world around us.   We delve into Dr. Molly’s latest venture, Adamo Bioscience, which focuses on human connection and intimacy. She discusses the crisis of connection we are currently facing and how our energy is intricately linked to our intimate relationships. Gain insights on cultivating more love and connection, even when it feels like it’s been lost. Join us as Dr. Molly empowers us with the knowledge and tools to build belief in ourselves and unlock our fullest potential through connection to mind, body and heart.  Links:  To learn more about Dr. Molly’s work and to work with her, visit her website here: https://drmolly.co/.  To learn more about The Adamo Method, visit the site here: https://www.livingadamo.com/ and follow them on Instagram here.  Sign up here for The Adamo Method program and receive 15% off with code ABBY.   And don’t forget to follow Dr. Molly at: https://www.instagram.com/drmolly.co/?hl=en.  To get her book, “The Spark Factor,” you can pick it up on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3zG2Q7U.   . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from my heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

In this episode, we sit down with Krista Stryker, a renowned fitness expert and the creator of the 12 Minute Athlete. Krista's innovative approach to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has inspired countless individuals to embrace fitness as a lifestyle, no matter how busy their schedules are. Krista shares her evolution from an "accidental athlete" to a fitness expert, highlighting how fitness can create personal agency and empower lives. Krista discusses the importance of agency, especially for women, and the impact of externalizing power and limiting beliefs. She offers practical advice on small, daily actions to build personal sovereignty and reclaim control over our lives. We also delve into the concept of passion, with Krista sharing insights from her upcoming book. She explores how to identify and cultivate passion, the benefits of doing so, and strategies to overcome periods when passion wanes. Learn how to build resilience and maintain your passion through challenging times. Addressing the unique challenges women face, Krista provides tools and rituals to overcome shame, fear, and guilt, helping women navigate their creative paths with confidence and joy. Tune in to hear Krista Stryker's inspiring story and gain actionable insights on building belief, finding passion, and creating a fulfilling life. This empowering episode equips you with the tools to become the best version of yourself. Links:  To learn more about Krista’s work visit her website here: https://www.12minuteathlete.com/  and subscribe to her substack, Fully Alive: https://kristastryker.substack.com/.  And don’t forget to follow her on Instagram: @12minuteathlete  To get David Epstein’s book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph In A Specialized World, you can pick it up on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4cPVixF.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from my heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

Jill Phillips Gullahorn is a gifted musician, artist, and storyteller, as well as a Nashville-based therapist dedicated to helping individuals achieve health and freedom in their relationships. She guides clients toward greater self-awareness and clarity about their identities, desires, and needs for flourishing in their lives. In our conversation, Jill shared her expertise in using a range of therapeutic approaches, from the Enneagram to EMDR, to facilitate self-discovery and inner transformation. She delved into the concept of "superhuman syndrome," exploring the origins of overfunctioning in women and how to cultivate self-compassion and freedom. Jill also discussed how shame manifests in our bodies and the power of somatic modalities to enhance self-acceptance. Together, we reflected on our shared spiritual backgrounds and the challenges we’ve faced regarding mental well-being within Christianity. Jill highlighted the stark contrast between these experiences and the teachings of Biblical scripture, emphasizing Jesus’ example of embracing the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll leave this conversation feeling deeply encouraged by Jill’s wisdom, kindness, and practical insights, which offer grace-filled guidance for everyday life. Links:  To learn more about Jill’s music visit her website here: http://www.jillphillips.com/ and buy her album “Deeper Into Love.”  To explore a therapy relationship with Jill, you can reach her here: https://jillgullahorn.com/meet-jill/.  And don’t forget to follow her at: https://www.instagram.com/iamjillphillips/.  To learn more about Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion, visit: https://self-compassion.org/.  To get Dr. Lindsay Gibson’s book on reparenting our inner child, you can pick it up on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Adult-Children-Emotionally-Immature-Parents/dp/1626251703.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from my heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

A couple of years ago, during a dark period of my journey with depression, my Dad recommended a book by former Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine called “Unbeatable Mind.” That book transformed the way I understand my inner life by giving me the tools to change my thoughts by tapping into innate power, which I felt like I had lost access to.   Mark is a severely impressive entrepreneur, leader, and coach. He’s the founder of SEALFIT, and a New York Times bestselling author known for his expertise in leadership, resilience, and mental toughness. After graduating as Honor Man of his SEAL BUD/S class, Mark served in the SEALs for 20 years, both on active duty and in the reserves, where he led numerous operations worldwide. His distinguished military career laid the foundation for his unique approach to personal and professional development. Mark is the author of several influential books, including "The Way of the SEAL," "Unbeatable Mind," (the one that changed things for me!) and "Staring Down the Wolf," which provide actionable insights into achieving peak performance and developing an unbeatable mind. His SEALFIT training programs and Unbeatable Mind Academy have empowered thousands of individuals to push beyond their limits, enhance their physical and mental capabilities, and achieve extraordinary success in all areas of life. A sought-after speaker and coach, Mark Divine combines his extensive military experience with a deep understanding of human potential. His work continues to inspire and equip individuals worldwide to navigate life's challenges with strength and clarity, embodying the warrior spirit in every endeavor. I’m excited to share this conversation in honor of Father’s Day because it was my Dad who first connected me to Mark’s life-changing work. I hope this conversation inspires you and leaves you feeling empowered to stare down the wolf in your own life and unleash the warrior spirit within you that’s aching to set you free.  Links:  For more about Mark’s work, please visit his website: https://markdivine.com/. There you’ll find information about his books, courses, coaching, and podcasts. I encourage you to dig into his resources – they are some of the most robust and powerful tools on mindset that I’ve ever encountered.  . . . . Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from my heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/

In many ways, this episode is the foundation for all others before it -- the inspiration for this entire podcast. And, I almost didn't record it. Not because the story isn't important; quite the opposite. But because telling such a deeply personal story took courage that it feels like I've spent years summoning. In this episode, I share my personal struggle with depression. It has lasted more than twenty years, and has brought with it shame, hopelessness, and layers of pain. However, in early 2022, I learned a valuable insight that changed my perspective on my mental and emotional health and wellbeing. I unpack this learning and it's catalytic effect on who I am today as a means of sharing hope and knowledge with you. If you, or someone you know, struggles with anxiety or depression, I hope you'll share this episode with them. If it touches one life, it will have done its job. Above all. I want to say out loud that “you’re not alone.” Please reach out anytime. The world not only wants you, it needs your light, desperately. Links:  Be the first to get BIG news, secret drops & all the details from my heart to your inbox.  . . . . For additional thoughts and tools, join the Belief Statements journal on ⁠Substack⁠. . . . . Join the Building Belief community by subscribing to RITUAL. . . . . Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyskeans/ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailskeans/