She's So Lucky

How to Create Change Without Burning Out with Alencia Johnson

Mar 11, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Alencia Johnson—an award-winning cultural commentator and author of 'Flip the Tables'—dives into the essence of being a cultural disruptor. She shares insights on balancing personal joy with societal challenges and the transformative power of creativity for personal growth. Alencia emphasizes the importance of resilience, supportive friendships, and self-care in navigating life’s uncertainties. Listeners will appreciate her practical tips for advocacy without burnout and the courage to embrace vulnerability in public.

01:01:50

Episode guests

Alencia Johnson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Alencia Johnson emphasizes the importance of joy as a vital counterbalance to societal challenges, fueling resilience and empowerment for social progress.

The podcast advocates for embracing creativity through activities like improv as a means to enhance personal growth and forge connections within communities.

Listeners are encouraged to prioritize self-care and establish boundaries to prevent burnout, ensuring sustained engagement in activism and meaningful contributions.

Deep dives

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of 2025

The start of 2025 has been marked by both notable highs and significant lows, creating a complicated emotional landscape. The speaker shares the joy of releasing a new book amidst a tumultuous political climate, emphasizing the importance of recognizing personal triumphs while grappling with collective despair. Highlights such as the Super Bowl victory and celebrated artists' achievements contrast sharply with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety stemming from ongoing socio-political issues. This duality exemplifies how individuals can experience joy on a personal level while still being deeply affected by broader societal challenges.

Intro

2min

Joy in Struggle: Nurturing Happiness

8min

Simplifying Skincare and Enjoying Healthy Eating

3min

Embracing Creativity for Personal Growth

13min

Navigating Friendships and Personal Wellness

6min

Embracing Uncertainty: A Journey Toward Advocacy

14min

Navigating Life's Distractions and Mindfulness

8min

The Power of Sharing Personal Stories

6min

Embracing Authenticity in Personal Growth

3min

#282: In a chaotic world, how do you stay grounded, fuel your creativity, and create real change?

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning cultural commentator, author, and political advisor Alencia Johnson to explore what it means to be a cultural disrupter, how to stand out without burning out, and the keys to thriving—even in uncertain times.

We also talk about:

Building relationships that help you feel seen, heard, and supported
Prioritizing self-care, community, and clear actions for lasting change
Maintaining resilience while facing decision fatigue
Reconnecting with your creative self through actionable steps
Alencia’s approach to standing up for yourself
The courage to try and fail in public

Resources:

Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
Alencia’s new book: Flip the Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

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