In My Non-Expert Opinion

265: "I came to a point of realization that everything here is made up. And why I couldn't be just another human being that is going to make something up? I have this audacity within me...I'm very courageous. I love to experiment and see if it's gonna work out. And so far, so good. I feel very supported in these bold choices." Klara Hascakova is a systems designer for geniuses, innovator, Name Patterns expert, and 5/1 Oxford-educated Reflector helping people gamify their lives, play with consciousness and operate outside of traditional conditioning.In this episode, Chelsea and Klara dive into the power of name patterns, why identity is more flexible than we think, how to gamify everything in life, and how designing personal systems can put you in an energetic surplus.Klara shares how changing her name for four years reshaped her self-perception, why she believes everything in life is made up, and how embracing bold experimentation can lead to radical freedom. Talk about AUDACITY!Snippets from the episode:"Identity is a flexible thing. We have way more control over it than we think.""If you outsource too much, you can lose touch with reality. ""The dominant systems we operate in were not designed for women's bodies. We need to learn how to move within them in a way that actually supports us.""I design my own systems—from the way I eat to the way I run my business—so they energize me instead of draining me.""I literally made it up. Everything here is made up. So why couldn’t I be just another human being who makes something up?"Connect with Klara:💻 ⁠Website⁠📲 ⁠Instagram⁠🔗 LinkedIn🧩 ⁠Name Patterns Site⁠Connect with Chelsea:💻 Website🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch co🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

264: "“You believe in that shit?!” my date blurted out, eyebrows furrowing in disbelief. The cat was out of the bag: I was one of THOSE girls."LADIES - why the hell are men so triggered by astrology???I enlisted the help of on an astrologer who married a scientist to help me answer this question: Jaz Borri.Pssst - having these conversations is exactly how you take down the patriarchy... one witchy yap sesh at a time ;)This podcast is repurposed from my Substack: Slight Turbulence. Check it out!Did ya know... this isn’t the first time Jaz and I fell into a conversational whirlwind. Catch her on this ep of In My Non-Expert Opinion from 2023.I also got to appear on her show, The Esoteric Entrepreneur, TWICE last year (can you tell we’re a teensy bit obsessed with each other?) - tune in below:💳 REALITY CHECK: Paying Off $9K of Credit Card Debt🫖 STORY-TELLING: How to Tell a Tasty Tale & Spill Your Tea with GraceCONNECT WITH JAZCONNECT WITH CHELSEA:💻 Website 🎙 1:1 Podcast Coaching🎤 Launch yo🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

263: "You can make a choice and still want to do the other thing. It’s not going to be like, 'Oh, it's all gone. The desire is gone.' I think that’s also a misconception because I made this choice, that means I’m all okay with it. Well, no, there are still parts of it that were fun, even though the majority of it was not fine. Let’s be honest here." — Nisha PatelIn this episode, Chelsea sits down with transformative Sobriety Coach and Licensed Counselor Nisha Patel to discuss the complexities of sobriety, especially in a booze-heavy culture where drinking is deeply ingrained in socializing, dating, and celebrating. They tackle everything from the emotional and psychological rollercoasters going sober puts you on, dodging relentless peer pressure, retooling relationships, and proving that you can have a blast without ever reaching for a drink.Snippets from the episode: If you’re in a business dinner or a social event, you don’t have to announce your sobriety to the world. You can just say, ‘I’m on a health kick,’ or ‘I don’t feel like drinking tonight.’ You don’t owe anyone an explanation. If someone is really pushing back on your choice not to drink, I’d throw it back on them—‘Why does my decision make you so uncomfortable?’ Often, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. Dating sober is comical. You start realizing how much alcohol was masking genuine compatibility—or the lack of it. And yes, sober sex is different, but it’s also deeper and more connected. Celebration doesn’t have to mean alcohol. It could mean buying yourself your favorite dark chocolate, hosting a themed dinner with friends, or just sitting in gratitude and acknowledging your success. If you’re judging people who are drinking, ask yourself: What about their behavior is triggering me? Sometimes, it’s not judgment—it’s just recognizing a version of yourself that you’ve outgrown.Sobriety is not about deprivation; it’s about clarity, self-discovery, and redefining what truly brings joy and connection. Whether you’re sober-curious or fully committed, this conversation is a reminder that your journey is yours alone, and it’s okay to take it one day at a time.Resources: Marco Polo App 🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

262: “Social media is like sprinkles on top. It's nice to have, but it's not necessary. You would not fill an entire ice cream cone with only sprinkles unless you were high!”In this raw, unfiltered episode, Chelsea unpacks the question on everyone's mind: What the F is going on with social media? She explores the political undercurrents shaping platforms like Meta and TikTok, examines algorithm shifts, questions the ethics of AI, and highlights why diversifying your content strategy is more important than ever.**Snippets** from the episode: We cannot avoid the fact that social media is political. When you look at its founders, how they operate, their board members, where their money goes—you can easily see their values. I want to be known for creating “moving mountains-level” content, not just quick, funny videos. Social media is the sprinkles, but podcasts and newsletters? That’s the actual ice cream. It started to feel like a toxic relationship where Instagram brings you flowers after treating you like shit. These platforms don’t care about your mental health or your income—they care about keeping you addicted. AI-generated models look flawless, but is it ethical? A skincare brand using AI images isn’t the same as seeing a real person using the product. It’s like selling a dream that doesn’t exist. Platforms can disappear overnight. MySpace didn’t resurge. Vine didn’t come back. If you’re building your whole business on TikTok, what happens if it DOES get banned again?This is for you if you’re an entrepreneur or creator navigating the chaos of social media. It’s a reminder that we control our digital footprint—and it’s time to invest in platforms we own, create content with purpose, and align our online presence with our core values.Resources:SubstackSlack & DiscordPatreonWhatsAppEp. 242 The History of Instagram… Time to Delete It?Ep. 244 - Selling Without Social Media🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

261: “Leisure is one of my number one values. Friendships are some of my most important relationships and I would rather cut back on working and maybe sacrifice some income to be able to spend more time with my friends.”It’s here – the annual BUSINESS YEAR IN REVIEW! (Did I learn anything, or am I still winging it?)This time, I’m unpacking it all: losing a platinum client (ouch), a Christmas miracle pipeline save, de-centering urgency (hello, chill mornings!), and why contracts are basically your business bestie. Oh, and the mindset shifts that got me to $140k while taking nearly 2 months + Fridays off (because burnout? Not on my watch).This one’s raw, honest, and full of receipts – LFG.Snippets from the episode:On Boundaries and Rest:I didn’t want to dive into work right after the holidays. Cape Town summer is finite, and prioritizing friendships and memories felt more valuable than rushing into tasks.On Diversifying Income:If one-on-one work is your primary revenue stream, losing one client can disrupt your entire system. Diversifying offers, like group programs, can provide stability.On Contracts and Policies:Late fees, pause clauses, and cancellation notices are not just practical—they protect your time, energy, and resources.On Imposter Syndrome:If someone fills out your application or books a discovery call, they’re talking to you for a reason. Don’t say no to yourself before they even have the chance to.On Simplifying Launches:I reframed launching as just telling people about my offer for a concentrated time. I made it easy by using what I love—emails, podcasts, and simple visuals.Ending note:This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs who value authenticity, strategic planning, andoo rest. Chelsea reminds us that running a business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your peace or personal relationships.Resources mentioned: FocusMate to GSD Zencastr for guest podcasting Descript🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

260: “I don't do well with vague, fluffy information. So when people just say, 'Oh, you know, I had a hard time and I learned a lesson and did some therapy and did this and that. And then I just woke up and I just realized it was gone.' I'm like, what did you do? How long did it take? How much money did you spend? What support systems did you have? Those are the nitty gritty details that have helped me. And so to be in service, I want to offer that to you too."It's your favorite episode of the year - the annual HONEST YEAR IN REVIEW: Personal Edition (be sure to ⁠⁠check out 2023's recap episode⁠⁠ and compare notes - was there actual progress made?)Chelsea invites all her 2024 skeletons in the closet onto the airwaves today, sharing everything from situationships (not again! didn't we learn?!), casual sex (or lack thereof), sober (kinda), and the inner demons she's tackling head on.Snippets from the episode: On Relationships:"The lesson I learned from this is that you do need to communicate early on and often, and you cannot use physical intimacy as the glue and the prayer, if you will, that you're going to end up together." On Sobriety:"Being sober, you have no excuse to say, 'OMG, I just said that because I was drunk.' It makes you reflect a lot." On Financial Goals:"Set a goal that is beyond yourself. Paying off debt and getting to zero is cool, but I needed something more emotional, like taking my family to Japan." On Travel and Intentionality:" If you're trying to pick a place to live, think about somewhere that you like who you are or you feel expanded or inspired to become who you want to be." On Budgeting:"Budgeting is just planning out your finances and putting your money where you want it to go. It’s about controlling your money instead of your money controlling you."This episode is full of the nitty gritty of Chelsea's personal life, so if you want to know what goes on BTS of a digital nomad, entrepreneur, writer, podcast host and lover of life - this episode is for you.Resources mentioned: Books:🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

259: This isn't your normal episode - it's a vlog from Chelsea's Substack: Slight Turbulence. ST is the wild child, rebellious, chaotic sister of In My Non-Expert Opinion; a creative playground where no topic is off limits. This vlog is about how Chelsea is doing the most - and hating it.If you enjoyed this vlog, you'll love other Slight Turbulence posts like: How TF Did I get into Berghain? - a full behind the scenes of how Chelsea got into Berlin (and the world’s) most exclusive nightclub dressed like a young mom shopping at a local farmer’s market Jellyfish Energy - searing poetry about an ex - you'll need ice to cool off after reading Or the infamous “The Grief Glowup” - the person the piece was written upgraded to the paid tier to access the post (yikes!)By paying $5/mo, or the price of an iced almond milk latte, you’ll get access to Chelsea’s most vulnerable writing, BTS posts and subscriber-only chats (and coming soon - workshops!)Subscribe to Slight Turbulence right HERE!PITCH PERFECT will be back in Spring 2025 - don’t worry! Join the waitlist now, and you'll be the first to know when doors reopen.Connect with Chelsea: Website 1:1 Podcast Coaching Book a 90 Min Co🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

258: “What if you died tomorrow? What regrets would you have? And what decisions can you make in this present moment to live a non-regrettable life?” - Chelsea RiffeIn this solo episode, Chelsea explores the concept of living a non-regrettable life, breaking down how intentional decision-making can lead to a life filled with meaning and joy. She shares her own non-regrettable decisions, like quitting a job, moving abroad and starting a podcast, and lays out practical steps for aligning your actions with your dreams, no matter how big or small.**Snippets** from the episode: The word 'decide' literally means to cut off—when you make a decision, you’re cutting off something to make space for something new. If I died tomorrow, I’d be so happy with what I’ve created for myself and the people around me because I designed my life intentionally. We live under this illusion that we have endless time, but the truth is, opportunities, your body, and your mind don’t wait forever. Build your life like a video game—drag and drop the things you love, delete what doesn’t serve you, and create your utopia. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up in a way that your future self will look back on and say, 'F yes, I’m so proud of us.'Your life is happening now, not someday in the future. Start making decisions that align with life you want to create, and live in a way that leaves no room for regret. Your story matters, expert or not. Resources:Personal Development Tools: The Wheel of LifeApps: The Libby app for free audiobooksMentions: Flynn SkidmoreDigital Tools: ChatGPT- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Did you miss out on **PITCH PERFECT**? Don’t worry! Join 🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

257: “There is like a deeper, deeper wisdom and voice calling me to be like ‘Chelsea, there is a next version of you waiting to unlock and it is sitting there ready to f***ing go. It has like a fire burning and it just needs you to be clear and focus and bright and zesty’. And I don't think of any of those words when I think of me drunk. ” - Chelsea Riffe In this episode, Chelsea opens up about her journey to becoming sober-ish, from her party-girl college days to navigating sobriety as an adult. She shares what prompted her to reexamine her relationship with alcohol and how she's building a life that truly aligns with her values.Snippets from the episode: "I realized that my identity was so tied to drinking—it was how I socialized, celebrated, and even coped with emotions I didn’t want to face." "When I started tracking my spending, I saw how much money I was pouring into nights out, hangover food, and Ubers. It wasn’t aligned with my financial or personal goals." "Morocco was a turning point—it showed me I could live a full and joyful life without alcohol being the center of everything." "I’ve started pouring my energy into hobbies like pottery, boxing, and soap-making—activities that fill my time and make me feel more connected to myself." "The more I step into this sober-ish journey, the more I see how supportive and understanding my community can be—it’s a reminder that you don’t have to do this alone."Sobriety isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing what aligns with your values and the life you want to create. Take it step by step, and remember that every small win is a vote for your authentic self! Resources: How to Take a Break From Alcohol - Tips After 142 Days- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Did you miss out on PITCH PERFECT? Don’t worry! Join the waitlist now, and you'll be the first to know when doors reopen.Connect with Chelsea: Website 🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...

256: “I was ready to see a new way of life... there are other countries where I could be happy and experience a similar, if not greater, quality of life than I had.” - Chelsea Riffe For those of you curious about living abroad, I’m sharing today what it truly takes to live overseas, from lessons, logistics, emotional whiplash to rewarding transformations that come with expat life. **Snippets** from the episode: “Leaving the U.S. was about finding a different rhythm of life, testing out if a new culture could offer more fulfillment." "Moving abroad isn’t always easy; you’re adjusting to new norms, letting go of familiar conveniences, and learning to live without the constant hustle." "If you don't speak the language, treat it like a business challenge—take a class, hire a tutor, and immerse yourself as much as possible." "Building relationships with local landlords or AirBnB hosts can go a long way in securing affordable, longer-term stays." "Think of yourself as a visitor with a purpose—whether you're in South America, Europe, or Africa, respect the culture and adapt instead of expecting it to change for you."Wherever you go, go with an open mind and an adventurous heart. Taking the leap to live abroad isn’t just about escaping routine. Life abroad can be a beautiful transformation if you're willing to let go and embrace the journey (and Americans, there are other places to live!)Resources:Financial Tools: Capital One, Apple Card, Bluevine business checking, PayPalAccommodation Platforms: Airbnb, VRBO, booking.com, Bumble BFF for connectingLanguage Learning Tools: 🔗 Pitch Perfect starts October 13th! Just 2 spots left - snatch one of the final spots HERE. Connect with Chelsea: 💻 Website 🪐 Pitch Perfect 🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching 🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! 📲 Instagram 📲 ✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats 👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE. ☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠. 🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency. 🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE...