Episode 624: Radical Self-Love and Body Empowerment with Sonya Renee Taylor

Earlier this week I posted on both Instagram and TikTok for suicide prevention month. Because I only get 90 seconds there, I wanted to come here on the podcast and talk more at length about it.  What you’ll hear in this minisode are the stories of three different occasions where I thought about taking my own life.  The last time it happened, in the summer of 2023, which is where I spend the most time, especially those acute moments…when you don’t have anything to distract you and you’re alone with your thoughts.  I hope your takeaways can be one of two things. One, that you feel less alone if this is you or you have been here, or help you understand what happens to people when they enter this place.  If you need help, please call or text 988. Resources from this episode: The Daring Way retreat info and early notification list Getting Damn Good at Life audio program Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/628 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to stop settling, set boundaries, and reclaim your personal power? Nakeia Homer’s wisdom in this episode will help guide you. Nakeia is a well-being educator, author, and the founder of Heal & Grow Daily—a community dedicated to helping people sustain their well-being and live in their brilliance. Nakeia’s mission? Empowering others to show up as the best versions of themselves, both in their lives and work.  We dive into how to navigate healing and operate from a place of peace. You’ll hear why healing isn’t linear, how boundaries can be a proactive step toward connection, and how self-care ties into our sense of worthiness. We also explore the habit of letting go to create space for the new. While some topics may be familiar, I always love having guests bring fresh perspectives on the themes you care about most. You’ll hear: Why Nakeia’s book, Habits for Healing: Reclaim Your Purpose, Peace, and Power, is broken into three key parts and how each of these pillars supports your healing journey (5:05) How to stop taking things so personally (8:06) Why setting boundaries is a proactive act and how it heals our relationship with connection: “The reason people struggle with boundaries is that by the time they set them, they’re already pissed” (13:36) The concept of “protecting your energy” and how to apply it in your life (17:45) Why we settle, whether it’s ever okay to settle, and how to avoid it when it’s not (22:00) The habit of letting go and why it’s not a failure to let go (25:50) How meeting your own needs is the key to no longer living in deficit, and how self-care heals our relationship with worthiness (28:16) Resources: Sign up for early notification for the next Daring Way™ retreat Nakeia’s website Nakeia’s books The Four Agreements (book) Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/627 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corinne Zupko is the author of the best-selling book, From Anxiety to Love: A Radical New Approach For Letting Go of Fear and Finding Lasting Peace. Today we are revisiting our conversation about anxiety. Anxiety-focused episodes are the most popular episodes of the podcast. So, I know it’s what many of you want to hear about! We discussed Corinne’s book and her inspiration to write it on this topic. She shared openly about her personal experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias; and how her introduction to a particular kind of spirituality helped her recover from her anxiety and panic disorder.   You’ll hear: Corinne’s inspiration to write a book on anxiety   Corinne’s take on spirituality and her work with anxiety and healing   Distinguishing between the inner therapist voice (intuition) and the ego voice (inner critic)   A three-step recipe for healing Resources: Private Coaching with Andrea Corinne’s website Corinne’s book Episode 153: Listener Q & A on anxiety and what to do about it Corinne’s podcast episode with John Mark Straud: Episode 8: “How to ‘hear’ guidance” Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/626 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably tuned into countless podcasts, read dozens of books, and done a ton of self-work based on everything you've learned. But, in this rebroadcast, I’m asking you to go a little further. Sometimes we look at the metaview of how we want our life to change and it seems too daunting. Sometimes we look at other people’s lives and wonder how we will ever get to the place where we’re like them (well, the story we make up that is their life). Sometimes we feel like there are so many moving parts to personal development, where one thing leads to another and so on and so forth and where is the end to all this growth? (Hint: there isn’t an end.) So, I compiled a short list of small actions you can do today or this week or sometime soon that will make a difference. As you’ve heard me say over and over again, courage (even in the face of fear) brings confidence– the knowledge that we can do hard things and even if we do the hard thing and fall on our face, we then realize we’ll live through it. In no particular order… Having a hard conversation. Who is the person you need to talk to? What is the thing you are afraid to say? What can you do this week to take a step in that direction? Controlled emoting. You may remember me talking about this in How To Stop Feeling Like Shit about controlled emoting. That thing you’ve been stuffing down? Feel it. Writing a letter you’ll never send. It can be to anyone or anything. It can be angry, sad, full of rage, I hate you, anything and everything you’re feeling about something happening. Write it to your mom, your president, your ex, your fear, the patriarchy, anything that brings up the uncomfortable feelings you’re trying not to feel. Researching starting your own business. Whether you want it to be a complete career change, a hobby, or a side hustle, so many people want to do this and never start. Research is the first step.   Go to that poetry reading. Or open mic comedy night. Or political meeting. That place you’ve been thinking about that makes you uncomfortable but is the source of the fire in your belly. Throw out all the stuff from your ex that you’ve been meaning to throw away. Whatever you need to do to cleanse old energy. Maybe it’s just cleaning out your closet or your garage. Out with the old.   Start that creative project you’ve been thinking about for forever. Too many times we put off creativity as a luxury, or being unproductive. If you wait until it doesn’t feel like that, you’ll wait forever. Just carve out 30 minutes and do it. Resources Sign up for early notification for The Daring Way Retreat Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/625 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re rebroadcasting one of our standout episodes this week featuring the incredible Sonya Renee Taylor. We dive into the transformative power of radical self-love and body empowerment, and how these principles can drive global change. Sonya is an author, poet, spoken word artist, speaker, humanitarian, social justice activist, educator, and the founder of The Body is Not An Apology.  While self-love can sometimes seem like a simple, feel-good concept in the personal development world, Sonya reminds us that "Nothing grows without discomfort." Radical self-love challenges our beliefs and systems, pushing us toward real transformation. This episode is a powerful exploration of how embracing radical self-love can reshape our perspectives and impact the world. I’m thrilled to bring back this enlightening conversation with Sonya Renee Taylor. Enjoy the episode! You’ll hear: Sonya’s journey and how she became a recognized change agent (6:06) The role of radical self-love and body empowerment in social justice and global transformation (8:11) Insights into body shaming, overcoming it, and spreading body empowerment (15:40) The body positivity movement: where it started, why Sonya thinks it’s a “nice white lady,” and ways in which it can be harmful (24:25) Resources: Episode 623: Gene Keys, Personal Discovery, and Purpose with Tracie Cornell Sonya’s website  Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes Too) Sonya on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/624 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m chatting with Tracie Cornell about gene key profiles and how they help uncover what is holding you back and help you move forward. Tracie is a former corporate leadership coach who took the plunge into entrepreneurship and hasn’t looked back. After spending over two decades leading teams at a global bank, Tracie realized she wasn’t truly living her purpose. It wasn’t until she explored Human Design and Gene Keys that the lightbulb finally went off.  In this conversation, Tracie breaks down what a Gene Key profile is, why self-awareness is key to making life changes, and how understanding your public role can completely shift how you show up in the world. If you’re curious about what all this means for you, head over to The She Experience and schedule a free call with Tracie. Trust me, you’re going to want to dig into this. It’s truly fascinating work and information to have about yourself!  You’ll hear: How a Gene Key profile reveals your unique gifts and aligns you with your life’s purpose and life’s work (7:12) Human Design and Gene Keys are lifelong journeys of self-discovery—not quick fixes (9:43) How self-study helps you bridge the gap between knowing and taking action (20:11) Learn what Gene Keys are and what insights a profile might uncover (24:57) How doubt surfaces during life changes and what it reveals in your Gene Key profile (36:39) Explore your public role and how it shapes the way others experience you (42:05) Resources: Schedule a free call with Tracie! Andrea’s Gene Keys Profile PDF! Episode 308: Coaching Sessions: Answering Your Soul’s Calling with Tracie Episode 604: A Deep Dive into Human Design Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/623 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to discover your personal style? This week’s episode is just for you! Michelle Thomas, a renowned celebrity fashion stylist, custom tailor, and designer, joins me on the show! Michelle’s unique designs have graced the red carpets, iconic events, and top fashion magazines around the world. In this episode, we explore the essentials of building a wardrobe that’s uniquely yours and simple DIY tips to tailor your style. Michelle also shares her creative process when designing standout pieces, discusses how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your fashion choices, and gives pointers on transitioning into bolder styles with confidence.  You’ll hear: How to create a personalized wardrobe (5:03) Why you should know your measurements and what to look for when buying clothes for your body (8:04) Michelle walks us through her creative process when designing a piece that must both stand out and stay true to a client's personality (13:01) Incorporating eco-friendly practices into the fashion design and production process + how to make clothes shopping more efficient (15:34) Resources: Sign up for early notification for the next Daring Way™ retreat Michelle’s website Michelle on Instagram Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/622 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the common things clients bring to me for coaching is overwhelm and work/life balance. They feel like they’re doing too much, for too many people, and the resentments are starting to set in, not to mention the exhaustion.  We get down to business and the end result is them saying no more often, and setting some boundaries and having hard, but necessary conversations.  In this minisode I’ll help you DIY this by taking inventory of unhealthy or unnecessary tolerations, and committing to making changes there, as well as noticing what you say YES to when you take that action. Resources from this episode: Sign up for early notification for the next Daring Way™ retreat Cait Donovan on burnout recovery Cait Donovan on work/life balance Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/621 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're diving into the world of organization with guest Lisa Woodruff, the Founder and CEO of Organize 365. Whether it's dealing with the clutter or managing the mental load, Lisa’s insights are a game-changer. In this episode and through her work; she shines a light on the unique challenges women face when it comes to keeping our lives and homes in order. As you listen you’ll hear how organization isn’t an innate quality - it’s a learned skill. More importantly, organization isn't one-size-fits-all- that’s okay. If you're ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling empowered, listen to my conversation with Lisa. You’ll hear: Why all work isn’t created equal and how understanding this can change how you organize your life (3:47) The idea that “organized” is subjective and tips on setting your own goals (6:55) The connection between time management, planning, organization, and executive functions (13:53) Simple weekly routines that can help reduce anxiety and let you be fully present (16:14) Practical steps to reclaim your home—one cabinet and drawer at a time (28:43) Resources: Private Coaching with Andrea Lisa’s website Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode link: http://andreaowen.com/620 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re diving into the transformative magic of Light Work, as a launching pad to reclaim our power and shed past versions of ourselves. My guest, Jessica Zweig, breaks down what it means to embody our full light identity, exploring our inner light, outer light, and future light (and, yes, she’s got the scoop on what that actually means). Jessica also takes us through the importance of shadow work, healing, and facing the darker parts of ourselves with courage instead of avoidance. Whether you're just learning about Light Work or you're a seasoned spiritual seeker, Jessica's real and relatable approach is bound to resonate and empower you. You’ll hear: Light Work: what it is and how it can help us light up our world (4:11) Inner Light, Outer Light, and Future Light: stepping into your full light identity (10:56) Exploring Self and your shadows: healing and embracing by going in, not around (15:24) Thanking and releasing past versions of ourselves (23:17) "Part of the path of personal growth requires a lot of grace." (33:49) Resources: Private Coaching with Andrea Jessica’s book, Reclaim Your Feminine Power, Live Your Cosmic Truth and Illuminate The World Jessica’s website Nikita Gill poem (I’m so sorry y’all I can’t find it!) Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!   MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/ Episode Link: http://andreaowen.com/619 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices