Your Kick Ass Life Podcast

This week, we have a repeat guest as Dr. John Duffy returns to the show! We explore mental health and the difference between young men and women. Dr. Duffy also shares insights from his work and book Rescuing Our Sons: 8 Solutions to Our Crisis of Disaffected Teen Boys (A Psychologist's Roadmap). But wait - this episode is not just for parents. For non-parent listeners, we also talk about the effects of anxiety and how to manage it as well as what to say (and not say) when it comes to grief and interacting with those who are grieving.  Dr. John Duffy is a Chicago-based clinical psychologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and national media expert. He has been in vigorous private practice for 25 years, specializing in work with adolescents, young adults, and their parents.  You’ll hear: Exploring the nuances of therapy sessions between young women and young men, plus factors contributing to these disparities (5:19) What Dr. Duffy means when he says we are experiencing a "crisis of disaffected boys" (

You’ve probably heard me mention here and there on various podcast episodes about psychedelic therapy. I’ve had a few experts who talk about its benefits (episodes 551 with Dr. Ellen Vora and 560 with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi).  It’s been an incredibly interesting topic to me, but as someone in long-term recovery, I assumed it wasn’t for me.  However, after doing extensive research and finding out that a) There is a community of people in recovery who support each other in their journey towards using psychedelics for addiction and recovery, b) the research shows psychedelics are not addictive, and 3) psychedelics when used properly have been shown to help people who struggle with anxiety, addiction, depression, ADHD and other mental health challenges, I decided to take the plunge.  If you’d like to follow along in my journey, I’m making a private podcast feed to chronicle it all. I’ll go more in depth as to why I’ve chosen to do this, talk about the different options, tell you how my experience was with each one, an

Brendan Fitzgibbons returns to the podcast this week as we explore his transformative experience with psychedelic therapy. Brendan shares his personal journey as to why he chose to take the psychedelic therapy route and how it has profoundly impacted him. Brendan is the host of the popular podcast, “Spiritual Asshole,” writer, and actor.  If you are a frequent listener, you are familiar with my endless curiosity about psychedelic therapy. My conversation with Brendan was truly enlightening. Tune in as we chat about psychedelics and their potential as a catalyst for healing and personal growth. And you’ll hear about my decision to start this myself and take you on my journey!  You’ll hear: Why Brendan chose to take the psychedelic therapy route (7:30) The importance of experiencing psychedelic therapy in a safe and supportive environment (16:00) How has Mushrooms, and Ketamine Therapy helped Brendan with rumination and worry? What has integration looked like? (30:19) Resources:  Write Your Way Through It

Vanessa Cornell joins me for a conversation about the complexities women face in balancing personal identity, ambition, and self-care. Through her work, Vanessa has become a curious observer of the human condition and a leading voice in parenting empowerment, helping moms to overcome the constant guilt, shame, and pressures that plague modern motherhood to live a fully actualized life free from mom-guilt and mom-burnout. Our conversation is not just for moms but all women trying to find the balance between work, life, and self-care.  In this episode, Vanessa shares her journey and insights on redefining success, the cultural pressures women navigate, and the importance of self-awareness and setting boundaries. We also explore societal expectations of women, the challenge of 'having it all,' and advice for cultivating joy. You’ll hear: How do you “do it all” and not lose your relationship with yourself? (6:03) The crisis of loneliness (18:25) What self-care looks like for women in 2024 (19:22) Living a lif

If you’ve listened to the podcast for any length of time, you know I’m a fan of journaling. My relationship with journaling has ebbed and flowed over the years, but one thing always remains the same: When I do it, it’s always helpful to me.  Creating art this way makes meaning of what’s happening in your life. The things you’re struggling with, the things that confuse you, feelings and emotions, and really anything.  I’ve compiled a list of questions for you to journal on, no matter where you are in your life. I’ve also made a handy-dandy PDF for you to print out (or use online) to dig even deeper (the PDF has 5 follow-up questions for you to answer for each question).  Visit http://andreaowen.com/593 to download the PDF! What am I hiding from?  Where do I want to be headed?  What kind of person do I want to be?  Resources for this episode:  Write Your Way Through It is open for registration!  Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of b

Coaching episodes are back! This week, I coached Michelle about shame resilience, the distinction between feeling and thinking about emotions, and how to practice self-compassion. I walk Michelle through these crucial aspects of personal growth, offering insights and strategies to navigate the challenges of self-discovery. At the end, you'll also hear an update from me about Michelle's openness to taking action toward her desired outcome. In this episode, we explore The feeling of being less than or unworthy (7:46) A crash course on shame resilience (11:57) Figuring out and naming your values (33:36) What feeling your emotions looks like versus thinking about them (35:00) How to practice self-compassion and give yourself grace while doing the work (37:48) Resources:  Write Your Way Through It Registration is Open! Apply to be coached on the podcast How to Stop Feeling Like Shit Kristen Neff Burnout, Emily Nagoski PhD, Amelia Nagoski DMA Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and

Brett Larkin joins me for a conversation about yoga. If you’ve followed me for some time then you know all about my push-pull relationship with yoga. What I love about Brett is that she talks about and teaches yoga from a practical standpoint. Brett is the founder of Uplifted Yoga® and the author of Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos. Her book, Yoga Life, explores finding the ritual, poses, and breathing that works for you—as opposed to subscribing to a specific yoga modality or practice, which we also discussed throughout our conversation.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Brett’s definition of yoga. TLDR: it’s not about poses; it’s about awareness. (5:18) Fun yoga habits anyone can practice without getting on a mat, like: “Forget the poses. Focus on your breathing.” (10:00) Belly breathing, how to do it, and the benefits of breathing (16:35) Brett answers, “What is the Chakra System?” (22:30) The benefit of designing your own yoga ritual rather than following along wi

This week, I am excited to introduce you to Casey O’Roarty as she joins me for a conversation about parenting and the complexities of adolescence, strategies for emotional regulation, and how to shift behaviors for personal growth.  Whether you’re a parent of teens or not, this episode is definitely worth a listen. While we do discuss some of the obstacles and life lessons we face as parents, we also explore how to recognize behavior patterns we wish to change and how to strengthen the variety of relationships in our lives. Casey is a facilitator of personal growth and development whose work encourages parents of teens to discover the purpose of their journey while also providing them with tools and a shift of mindset that allows them to deepen their relationships with themselves and their families. In this episode, you’ll hear: Centering the relationship you have with your teens: what this means and what it looks like (5:06) Adolescence presents a challenging phase - it's not a reflection of your parentin

As you probably have heard by now, I’m going through a major life change (if you missed that minisode in July, check out episode 540 HERE.) A few weeks ago I released a minisode (episode 586 HERE) about how I’m getting through it, and today’s episode is part two where I’m taking you with me around more of the how.  In this minisode, I’m revealing what I’m doing to get myself to where I want to go. I’m hoping it can be helpful for you to see what the work looks like in real time.  First up, is getting really clear on what I want. I’ve broken my life into parts, and every day I do some journaling focusing on those parts:  My kids My home My income  My health My love life  As well as what I’m grateful for.  I also talk about how in this part of my life, for the first time, I’m betting on myself. I’m leaning into all parts of myself, which includes all of my emotions. I’m feeling my feelings full out. The joy, the sadness, the anger and sometimes rage, the hope, the fear too. I’m learning to really, truly trust m

Courtney Meyers joins me on the podcast for a conversation about owning your story, expressing yourself through journaling, and navigating change. Courtney is an Emmy Nominated Writer and Producer, best-selling ghostwriter, and host of the Intentional Living with Courtney Meyers breakout podcast. Tune in to this episode as we discuss embracing change, self-expression, and the transformative power of storytelling. In this episode, you’ll hear: The power of sharing your story and its role in fostering connections (4:06) Are you hesitant to write a memoir because of how it might involve or impact others? Courtney offers advice on dealing with sensitive topics in storytelling (12:35)  Navigating change: We’re constantly navigating it and have to embrace it. For complex changes, you must give time to mourn and grieve what was and is becoming. (15:19) The benefits of journaling and how it can assist with self-discovery and growth. (20:00) Manifesting and being aware of the opportunities in front of us (24:39)

I welcome guest Anna Tsui, and together, we discuss concepts around manifesting, self-trust, and tapping into our genius. Anna, a seasoned leadership coach and international speaker, shares her profound insights into the natural manifestation of our existence and the pivotal role self-trust plays in believing in ourselves. Throughout our conversation, Anna draws from her experience as an entrepreneur and author to empower others to be their true selves. We explore the transformative power of self-trust and embracing one's unique genius, challenging conventional views and offering invaluable wisdom for those seeking self-discovery in the face of life's challenges. In this episode, you’ll hear: About manifestation as a natural outcome of our existence (3:28) The act of self-trust and believing in yourself (9:16) Anna explains her belief that the patriarchy has co-opted the word genius. (13:38) How to tap into your genius and the link between genius and authenticity (14:52) Shadow patterns and how they show

“Maybe you can’t see it yet, but you can feel it. You can sense it. Somewhere deep within, you know—something is happening that you can’t quite see. Energy that is working in your favor. Tiny synchronicities aligning in perfect timing. A shift happening in the universe that you can feel deep down in your bones.

I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramani Durvasula as we explore healing from narcissistic relationships. It’s been a minute since we covered this topic and my guest today has a plethora of insight. Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles and the author of her upcoming book, “It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People.” She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. "Narcissistic" has become a prevalent buzzword in today's social media landscape. In this episode, Dr. Ramani discusses common harmful behaviors in relationships, regardless of narcissistic traits. She explains trauma bonding and its distinct nature. Additionally, she offers insights into post-narcissistic relationship dynamics and addresses the role of codependence in healing. In this episode, you’ll hear: The behaviors Dr. Ramani sees most often that are harmful in relationships – whether the person perpetuating them is a narcissist or not. (4:09) Trauma bonding and how

I have a guest duo episode for you this week! Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, hosts of the acclaimed podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood, join me for a conversation about navigating family drama.  In this episode, Amy and Margaret unravel the complexities of relationships and setting boundaries in a world filled with chaos makers. Tune in as we explore strategies for identifying and dealing with these challenging individuals, discuss the nuances of conflict resolution, and delve into the delicate art of establishing boundaries.   Join us for an insightful conversation with wisdom, laughter, and practical advice! In this episode, you’ll hear: Identifying and dealing with the “crazymakers” in your life (4:27) Conflict avoidant? Hear what we think about the term and how we handle conflict that comes up in our lives (13:23) Boundaries and having hard conversations (23:05) When is it time to go no contact with someone who creates chaos in your life? (37:56) Resources:  Subscribe to my n

With so much advice out there on journaling, and with so many options, I thought it might be helpful to talk about my daily journaling routine.  In this short episode, you’ll hear me riff on how I’ve been inconsistent with my own journaling practice, and how grace is the key to keep getting back into it when you need it.  My current journaling practice takes me less than 5 minutes a day (and tbh, I don’t do it every day), but based on my history, can certainly make a huge impact in both my personal and professional life.  Last, you’ll hear me make a special announcement

I am excited to welcome guest Stefani Goerlich to the podcast this week! We discuss the intricate nuances of kink, vanilla, and everything in between. Stefani is a seasoned sex therapist and master social worker renowned for her expertise in gender, sexuality, and relationships.  Stefani explores the evolving landscape of sexual expression, challenging conventional norms and offering profound insights into the diverse spectrum of human desire. Throughout the episode, Stefani eloquently unpacks the multifaceted world of kink, debunking myths and misconceptions. With candor and compassion, she addresses the apprehensions surrounding discussions of kink, offering practical strategies for introducing alternative sexual practices within relationships and dismantling stigmas associated with BDSM and ethical non-monogamy.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Stefani defines kink as anything unusual for a specific place or time. She explains how the definition of kinky often evolves and varies across cultures (4:23) High

I have another listener request episode for you! Megan Hadley returns to tackle the sensitive topic of disordered eating, including some of the common symptoms high-achieving women experience and tools about how to get help.  Megan provides practical advice on recognizing when to seek help, offering hope for those navigating the complexities of their relationship with food and body image. Whether grappling with disordered eating or seeking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers invaluable insights and a roadmap toward healing. In this episode, you’ll hear: The most common Eating Disorder in high-achieving women (6:13) Megan answers, “When should someone seek help, and what might that look like?” (9:28) If you know you have a problem, Megan provides insight on the best route for getting help (17:28) What the “other side” of eating disorder recovery looks like (28:08) Body image and what we should be striving for (40:16) The Health At Every Size Movement (44:11) Resources:  Private Coachi

We have another listener request minisode! She asked for a theme on taking up space and everything that comes along with it.  Since this is one of my favorite topics and I just happened to write a book– Make Some Noise–  that contains a chapter with this topic, I thought I’d read a few excerpts from it, and riff on those niche topics.  First up, I get into what taking up space really looks like, and how it shows up in our lives.  Then is why we don’t take up space and what it’s costing us. Like, why does it matter?  And finally, I spend some time talking about the how. How do we take up space and what does it look like to do the work to get us there!  Thanks so much for tuning in, and please look for two things coming up– group programs to be released, and our podcast listener/community survey!  Resources from this episode:  Make Some Noise 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 ou

Dr. Ellen Vora returns to the podcast! You may remember her from our previous episode about anxiety, insomnia, and depression. You can think of this as part two of the conversation, where we talk a little bit more about anxiety and also dig deeper into hormone health and autoimmune disease.   Ellen Vora, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and author of The Anatomy of Anxiety. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Listen to gain practical strategies for your holistic health and well-being. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The landscape for healing your gut can be overwhelming - Dr. Ellen explains some steps to get started(12:23) Advice for taking action on causes that matter and balancing the anxiety that usually comes with it (17:35) Some ways to gently nudge yourself back toward better hormone balance (15:16) Dr. Ellen provides an overview of some of the endocrine disrupters we shoul

This week, we are diving into therapeutic modalities with Crystle A. Lampitt, a licensed therapist, speaker, and trauma specialist. Crystle's journey from self-sabotage, burnout, and dysfunctional relationships to becoming an advocate for alignment and self-trust is truly inspiring. In this episode, discover the power of NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model), a therapeutic approach that blends somatic and cognitive theories to guide individuals through trauma processing and integration. Plus, Crystle sheds light on the intricacies of self-sabotage, unraveling its origins and impact on our lives.  Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into healing, understanding self-sabotage, and embracing the path to self-trust. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Crystle introduces us to the therapeutic modality NARM, which incorporates both somatic (body-informed) and cognitive theories to help us process and integrate trauma. (5:10) Self-sabotage: what is it, and how can we stop? (24:00) Our adaptive survival strate