Make Some Noise with Andrea Owen

Okay y'all, this week’s guest, Cornell Thomas, is my new best friend. Seriously. He is also the perfect example of turning a loss into a win. One week before accomplishing his dream of playing professional basketball, he suffered a career ending injury. And rather than stay in, “Why me?” mode, he turned his attention to, “What now?,” instead. Today Cornell is a global speaker, multiple title author, mindset coach, corporate trainer, and social entrepreneur. And you know what else he is? He is funny, endearing and passionate about fostering a positive mindset to overcome adversity. I absolutely adore him and I know you will too.In this episode Cornell shares so poignantly his story of adversity and how he overcame it. He also provides some insight and advice to those who may be facing their own internal or external battles. Midway through the episode, Cornell and I both get fired up about writing and putting your story to paper. Just do it! We go on to talk about being resilient and how to actually practice resilience when a storm comes and knocks you on your ass. Finally, Cornell reminds us why gratitude is always the answer. Yes life is hard, but this episode is a reminder that you can be resilient and move past adversity with gratitude and grace.In this episode you’ll hear: Cornell’s story of adversity and how he turned “Why me?” into “What now?” (9:30) If you have story inside of you, get it out on paper! (24:08) Saying, “No,” to things you like to, in order to do the things you love (28:42) Some ways to practice resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of weathering life’s “storms” (31:40) Fatigue mindset: what it is, how to overcome it and finding your finish line (35:36) http://yourkickasslife.com/274  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first inkling of Spring is in the air and it’s got me pumped! You know what else has me pumped? Starting in April I’ll be rolling out something new over here at YKAL headquarters. If you like the podcast, then I think you will like what I am cooking up. I’m going to start sending short, to the point, “lift your day up” emails. They’ll be informative and kick-ass (obviously). They’ll go out to YKAL subscribers about 2-3 times a month. So, if you want in, you can click HERE to sign up. Alright, alright, alright, now onto this week’s episode! I welcome the ever lovely, L’Erin Alta. L’Erin is a personal growth facilitator for women. She teaches women how to stand in the brilliance of their own light. CAN I GET A HELL YES!? I followed her online for a long time and I am currently in a year-long program she is teaching. She is so wise and exudes so much peace. I just can’t get enough of her. I know you’ll love her just as much as I do!In this episode L’Erin and I talk about living your own truth and stepping into your sovereignty (plus what that all means). We also have an insightful conversation about getting comfortable with people being disappointed in you when you break out of your “good girl” shell. Plus, we talk about creating internal boundaries and why they are essential. Our conversation is one about growth, self-acceptance and expanding your curiosity; all without compromising who you were always meant to be.In this episode you’ll hear: What is a sovereign woman and how you can move towards becoming one (6:52) Why we fall into the trap of self-doubt and self-trust (8:14) Shatter points, what are they and what are some turtle steps to take when walking through them (14:16) Some ways to let the “good girl” die and set the world on fire and being comfortable with disappointing people (18:08) Creating healthy internal boundaries are essential, plus some examples (24:14) L’Erin’s routine and rituals that help keep her grounded (30:23) http://yourkickasslife.com/273  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I bring to you another conversation about shit that matters with unqualified people. My good friend Ella returns to the podcast to join me in a candid talk about the aging process. Ella is an Inspirational Speaker, a Personal Development Coach and the host of the popular On Air with Ella – a podcast about living better, starting now. She’s also an “IRL” friend, who lives locally to me.Ella and I are in this awkward and uncomfortable mid-life time in our lives. We know we’re just beginning into this “tipping point” into the aging process (I mean, the part where you see marked changes). This topic is something that comes up in our discussions every once in a while and, I thought it would be good to bring to the YKAL community. Take note, this is not a conversation between two women complaining about aging. I promise. These episodes are all about the real conversations I have with the women in my life. And serve as a reminder that like you, I don’t have everything figured out either. These episodes are here to help us all think a little bit more critically about life and look at things with a little bit of humor too.In this episode you’ll hear: Why conversations about aging are really about acceptance “Aging gracefully” and what we really think of the phrase In the weeds of the aging process and getting to a place of contentment Grappling with the idea of getting Botox or other aesthetics aging treatments The patriarchy, aging and becoming “unfuckable” The gray hair debate and going gray Not throwing in the towel: showing up as vital regardless of age  http://yourkickasslife.com/272 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the YKAL podcast, I am especially excited to introduce you to my guest, Susan Hyatt. Susan is a Master Certified Life Coach, weight loss expert and creator of the Bare™ process. And if you ever wondered who coaches me to be my absolute best professionally and even personally - it’s Mrs. Susan Hyatt! She holds a special place in my heart, plus we go waaaay back.This week Susan joins me to discuss her new book, BARE, and the seven-step process she outlines to help transform your body, get more energy, feel amazing and become the bravest version of yourself. Yes, Susan, YES! I wholeheartedly agree with everything she has to say in her latest book and cannot wait for you to hear our conversation.  But wait, there’s more! You’ll hear, in this episode, how you can win a free copy of Susan’s book, BARE, plus another bonus giveaway.In this episode Susan and I talk about diet culture in today’s society and the need for appreciating your body. We also touch on the importance of eating with attentiveness, a new approach to exercise and how to look at clothing in a whole new way. Finally we talk about practicing self-love with bravery and grace and the power to embody who you are without fear or regret - own it!In this episode you’ll hear: About the diet culture that exists today and the need to appreciate the body you’re in (3:54) Susan’s experience with a coach and the question that changed things for her life (7:51) Power foods and pleasure foods and the importance of eating with attentiveness (14:17) The benefits of exercise and a new approach to exercise (21:47) How to take a new look at your closet and the effect your clothing has on you (26:19) How to detox your mind and talk to yourself with love (29:03) Why it’s hard to stay consistent with healthy habits (36:09) The importance of reshaping your mind and your life and harnessing your energy for things that impact your life (39:01) http://yourkickasslife.com/271  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've read my books, you know I write about the inner critic a lot. In fact, you can't escape me talking about the inner critic in most of my work. And guess what, this week’s podcast episode is all about the inner critic too. Because the way you speak to yourself, the thoughts that run through your mind and even how you speak about yourself to other people, matters. It matters significantly.Managing your inner critic was one of the first real tools I learned in my coach training. It blew my mind that you can actually learn how to manage this voice in your head. And, I’ve come a long way, y’all. A long way. I do want to be clear, managing your inner critic is not about completely eradicating your negative self talk. That’s never going to happen. Sorry, not sorry.Sometimes when we listen to people on podcasts or we read their self-help books, we can think, ”Well, I'm sure they have it all together. They don’t have these problems anymore. They're so evolved and have kicked their inner critic to the curb.” I'm here to tell you I still have bouts of anxiety. I still have inner critic spirals. I still have compare and despair issues, at times.In this episode I share some stories from my own life about where my inner critic shows up and the tools I use to manage. While on the surface it can look like someone has it all together, we’re all doing the work, one day at a time. The good news is this: you can create new neural pathways in your brain, to where you can you catch your inner critic very quickly. Then you don’t have to go down those seemingly never ending spirals of negative self talk, again and again. Got it? Good.In this episode you’ll hear: About the time I found myself in an inner critic spiral at a red light Some ways I manage my inner critic About the Inner critic and how it can show up in relationships The importance of recognizing your triggers Last thing, if you haven’t applied to be a part of The Mentorship Masterclass, there’s still time and a handful of spots open? If you’re a woman who’s ready to implement all the tools you hear about on this podcast, have accountability, be guided by me and surrounded by other amazing, kick-ass woman, you need to get your booty over the info page, and if you’re heart is like YES, PLEASE, fill out an application. <3http://yourkickasslife.com/270  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, I am super pumped to share with you my conversation with Keith McArthur. Keith is the creator of My Instruction Manual, a website, podcast and book series providing high-quality personal development and content. He is also the author of the new book, “Winning Resolutions: Achieve Your Biggest Goals and Wildest Dreams Once and For All.” I’ve been on Keith’s podcast twice and know him to be an amazing interviewer. This week, y’all, the tables have turned and Keith is my guest!So back in January, I released an episode called, “New Year New You”, in which I said, loud and clear, that you do not need a morning routine or for that matter, any routine that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. But yet, I also realize that the new year can be overwhelming for many. That’s why I invited Keith to the show to talk about ways to calm the New Year overwhelm, help shift our mindset around goal setting, and share what he knows about our environment and how it can affect goal achieving. Plus, he shares what values, shame and commitment have to do with it all. In this episode you’ll hear: Why we put so much pressure on ourselves at the start of a new year and how shame comes into play (11:49) Keith’s take on the “New Year, New You” mentality (13:27) The biggest mistake people make when creating a goal or resolution. Plus, some science-based strategies for achieving your biggest, baddest goals (16:19) How an accountability partner can help you with goals and the science behind finding the right accountability partner (25:03) Some ways to get back on track if you lose sight or abandon a goal, hint: think ahead! (27:43) Taking control of your environment and some ways to structure your environment for goal success (40:34) Lastly, ummm...why haven’t you applied to be a part of The Mentorship Masterclass? I know many of you have, but if you’re a woman who’s ready to implement all the tools you know and love (well, maybe like), have accountability, be guided by me and surrounded by other amazing, kick-ass woman, you need to get your booty over the info page, and if you’re heart is like YES, PLEASE, fill out an application. <3http://yourkickasslife.com/269   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast I have something a little different. I know you like to hear stories from women in the YKAL community once in awhile, so I’ve brought you two of them. You might hear some of yourself in their stories! Both of these women have gone through my signature program, The Mentorship Masterclass, and I hope you’re inspired when you hear what they’ve gained in their lives.First we hear from Courtney. Courtney has struggled with shame, not even realizing it was such a driving force in her life. Courtney says when she would start to feel good in her life, her mind would automatically wander and take inventory of all the “bad things” she’d done (in psychology this is called “confirmation bias”-- the way we tend to search for or recall information that confirms our core beliefs. And often these core beliefs are negative.) You’ll hear what happened when Courtney was taught the steps of shame resilience and the tools to implement them on the regular.Honestly, this woman’s transformation brings tears to my eyes. I’ve had the honor to work with her most of 2018, seen the ups and downs of her journey, and her unwavering commitment to her growth-- albeit massively uncomfortable at times. I hope her story gives you hope for your own life as well.Then we hear from Karissa. Karissa is the type who stays “all up in her head”-- convinced she can think her way through things. Karissa says she was struggling with how to get from point A to point B when it came to personal development. Self-help to her, for a long time, was done through reading all the books and listening to all the podcasts. And as a perfectionist, she was really struggling with where to go next in her journey.Some of Karissa’s work focused on emotions, more specifically learning tools to walk through and process them, and trusting herself that she would be okay if she just let them ride.Both of these women share their journey from being a podcast listener and self-help book reader, to diving in deeper. We’re currently accepting applications for the next round of The Mentorship Masterclass, you can read all about it here and apply. I’d love to chat with you to see if it’s for you.http://yourkickasslife.com/268  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast we are talking about consent and some other extremely vulnerable topics with guest, Karen B.K. Chan. Karen is an award-winning sex and emotional literacy educator in Toronto, Canada, with over 20 years of experience. She is trained in creative facilitation, productive thinking and nonviolent communication. I have had Karen on my podcast guest wishlist for such a long time. I was so enthralled with her website. I read ALL.THE.THINGS. she has created, watched her YouTube channel and more. She is an amazing Emotional Intelligence educator and I'm excited for you to hear our conversation.In this episode Karen and I talk a lot about emotions, so much emotions y’all. But not only do we talk about emotions, Karen provides insightful advice and information on how to actually deal with emotions, how to feel our feelings and do the work. We also dive into sexual consent; how to navigate it, how to overcome emotional and social barriers relating to consent and letting go of guilt for creating boundaries around sexual intimacy.In this episode you’ll hear: Some ways to better deal with our emotions (8:42) How learning to navigate your feelings can lead to an outlet of creative expression, especially writing (11:24) How to deal with emotions when you are stressed or burnt out (16:01) Being innovative in your personal relationships as it relates to empathy, emotion, human connection and clarity (18:58) Working to decrease unconscious biases in our lives (28:37) Social and emotional barriers to sexual consent and how we can overcome them (37:14) How to let go of guilt for creating boundaries around sexual intimacy or sexual encounters (46:21) http://yourkickasslife.com/267  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey there, ass kickers! Solo pod episode today, WHOOP! I start today’s show with a question from one of the amazing supporters over on Patreon (btw, the show is now listener supported! Check it out here.) Erica asks, “How can we celebrate our small wins on our self-development journey? Could there be a podcast on different ways we can encourage ourselves to look at how far we have come instead of focusing on our shortcomings?”Such a great question! I go into 5 or 6 different ways you can do this. Then, it’s off to the main content!A few weeks ago I was listening to Scene on Radio, an excellent podcast. It was episode 10, in season 3 where it was a man telling a story about his son going to 6th grade and the changes that took place-- I’ll let you listen to it (it’s REALLY good, please go listen to both season 2 and 3).There was a particular part where Terry Real, psychologist was talking and said something in particular that stopped me, and I had to pause the podcast, and cry. He talks about how children are made to “halve” themselves, to cut off certain parts of themselves (generally speaking for boys, it’s emotions). He talks about a certain age when “the patriarchy hits kids, lands on them, the psychic results can be severe”. He goes on to say, “Now if you read the literature on girls and girls development, that trauma-- and I use that word on purpose-- is traumatic to excise, to cut off half of your humanity, that trauma lands on girls about 11, 12, 13-- the edge of adolescence. That’s when they learn what Carol Gilligan calls ‘the tyranny of the nice and kind’. They learn to over accommodate and resent it. That’s the traditional set up. Fifty years of the women’s movement has changed that for a lot of girls and women, but it’s still part of the culture.”So, in essence, as we enter puberty, (and btw, he goes on in this episode to talk about how it hits even younger for boys), we learn about how to be. We learn to be nice and kind and accommodating. We learn to put others’ feelings, wants and needs before ours.Join me in this podcast episode as I explore this more, and ask a series of questions for you to answer about your own life to get the parts of you back that you were conditioned to let go of.Download the worksheet that accompanies this episode: http://yourkickasslife.com/266  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Allana Pratt, relationship intimacy expert, joins me on the podcast. She inspires open-hearted, unapologetic living. Allana and I go waaay back. She embodies such an amazing energy and has a true intimacy with herself, both of which I truly admire. She is divine.In this episode Allana and I talk about being vulnerable in relationships, cultivating rich, intimate relationships with ourselves, as well as, listening to our intuition. We also talk about the aging process and some ways we can embrace it with grace and humor. Plus, we talk about how to better harness our anger and the importance of releasing it in healthy ways.In this episode you’ll hear: Cultivating intimate relationships with ourselves and “In To Me I See” (11:00) Lack of trust and vulnerability in relationships: what you can do (12:52) What intimacy looks like for Allana and how she went from “victim to goddess” (19:32) Allana shares some ways to embrace and find humor in the aging process (27:07) Valuing your own self-worth and knowing you are enough (36:28) How to better harness your anger and/or rage (41:50) http://yourkickasslife.com/265  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices