Unblocked

When was the last time you held back what you really wanted to say because you didn’t like how you sounded? Worried you’d be “too much”? Not enough? Too emotional, too aggressive, too soft?In this firecracker of a conversation, I am joined by the brilliant Samara Bay - Hollywood speech coach, bestselling author of Permission to Speak, and a leading voice in helping people reclaim their own.Samara has coached Oscar-winning actors, presidential candidates, Fortune 500 executives, and everyday folks ready to stop performing and start connecting. And today, she’s here to help you ditch the vocal shame, drop the people-pleasing, and start speaking from your full, unapologetic self.This episode is not about how to sound polished. It’s about how to sound like YOU with power, presence, and purpose.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear:Why so many of us hate the sound of our own voice, and how to shift that narrativeHow the myth of the “sound of power” has kept us smallWhat public speaking really is (hint: it’s not performance, it’s connection)Why authenticity is your greatest communication superpowerHow to show up with strength and warmth, even when your nervous system is freaking outSamara breaks it all down with heart, humor, and a permission slip to show up fully. You’ll walk away with tools to stop editing yourself and start leading with your real voice.And if your voice has been hiding, let today be the day you call it back. Start small. Start scared. Just start.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Samara:Website: www.permissiontospreak.comBook: Permission to Speak (Available wherever books are sold)Instagram & LinkedIn: @samarabayLet’s Get Unblocked! 

In this episode, I’m joined by Carey Davidson, founder of Harmin Labs and author of The Five Archetypes. Carey brings a transformative lens to understanding yourself and others by integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine, neuroscience, and behavioral science into a powerful system of self-awareness and relational healing.If you’ve ever felt stuck in reactive patterns, misunderstood in your relationships, or unsure of how to access your full potential, this conversation will give you the framework and tools to shift, gently and powerfully.We explore:The difference between personality types and the Five Archetypes as a dynamic energy systemWhat each of the five elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood) represents and how they show up in your day-to-day lifeHow to recognize when you're operating from stress and how to course-correctThe connection between your dominant archetype and your emotional safety strategiesThe one practice Carey recommends to immediately begin using this framework in your lifeWhether you’re a self-growth junkie or curious about what’s been getting in the way of feeling whole and in flow, this episode offers deep insights and actionable strategies to break free from inner blocks and reclaim your personal power.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Let’s Get Unblocked! Resources Mentioned:Discover your Five Archetypes - Take the assessment here!The Five Archetypes by Carey Davidson – Buy the BookConnect with Carey at www.careydavidson.com or on Instagram @careydavidsonofficial

Are you gripping tightly to beliefs, behaviors, or identities that are holding you back from becoming who you were designed to be?In this episode of Unblocked, we're diving deep into the real reasons why letting go feels so hard—even when we know something isn't serving us anymore. We explore the neuroscience, the psychology, and the emotional truth behind why we stay stuck in people-pleasing, scarcity, shame, validation-seeking, and other protective patterns.Inspired by a powerful question from Rachel Hollis’ book, “What must I let go of in order to be the person I want to be?”—this conversation breaks down the hidden blocks and provides a tangible path to freedom.Inside this episode:Why your brain sees the familiar as safe, even if it’s painfulThe grief and identity loss that comes with letting goThe 8-step Letting Go Map to help you release with intentionA powerful walk-through using people-pleasing as a real-life exampleThought-provoking reflection questions to move forward in purposePlus, I’m giving you a free companion worksheet to help you implement the letting go process in your own life. You’ll find the link below Download the FREE Letting Go Reflection Guide [Link to guide]If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Are you ready to REALLY let go? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Let’s Get Unblocked! 

On this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro, we are joined by the radiant and resilient Dr. Mecca Nelson—a Gold Star spouse, wellness entrepreneur, author, and founder of Mecca’s City of Wholeness.After losing her husband, Army Sergeant Mario Nelson, in 2006, Mecca embarked on a powerful journey of grief, growth, and transformation. In this deeply moving conversation, she opens up about navigating trauma, reconnecting with her faith, and building a life rooted in purpose and holistic healing.Dr. Mecca shares how she turned profound loss into a legacy of empowerment, creating The YOMA Method—a unique blend of yoga, martial arts, mindfulness, and meditation—and guiding others through grief, energy healing, and spiritual renewal. From founding a wellness center to becoming a Department of Education vendor, Mecca’s story is one of aligned action, divine timing, and unwavering resilience.We talk about:What it means to be a Gold Star spouseThe spiritual and emotional toll of trauma, and the power of naming itHow Mecca rebuilt her life through intuition, energy work, and radical self-trustLearning to pause, pivot, and protect your energyThe importance of releasing your story in order to receive your blessingThe power of goals, spiritual alignment, and speaking life into your bodyThis episode is a sacred reminder that you can be blessed and hurt in life, and still rise. You’ll leave this conversation feeling inspired to trust your process, follow divine nudges, and choose yourself fully.Featured Guest:Dr. Mecca Nelson Founder of Mecca’s City of Wholeness Co-Author of Blessed Not Broken and Still I Thrive IG: @the_yoma_method and @drmeccanelsonIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Are you ready to revive and thrive? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Let’s Get Unblocked! 

Have you ever made a decision, stood by it, committed to it, only to later question if it was the right one? Have you ever worried that changing your mind would make you seem flaky, unreliable, or like you failed?In this episode of Unblocked, we’re tackling the fear and stigma around changing your mind. We explore: ✅ The real reason changing your mind feels so hard ✅ The guilt of breaking a commitment ✅ Why staying in something that no longer fits doesn’t redeem the past, it just steals from the future ✅ How to reframe changing your mind as wisdom, not failure ✅ Practical questions to ask yourself when you’re resisting changeThank you for tuning in to this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Are you ready to make bold decisions without second-guessing yourself? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Let’s Get Unblocked! 

The biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances but, rather, the way you think about them. In this episode of Unblocked, I'm introducing you to what I call Thought Alchemy. This is the process of transforming your thoughts to create the results you actually want.This is not about toxic positivity or wishing your way into success. It’s about real, actionable mental rewiring and learning how to shift your thoughts so they drive the emotions, actions, and outcomes you desire. Because when you change your mind first, everything else follows.Join me as we break down:✅ Why external changes (new job, new partner, more money) won’t fix internal limitations✅ How to stop self-sabotage by recognizing thought loops that keep you stuck✅ A powerful Thought Alchemy framework to reshape limiting beliefs into action-driving thoughts✅ The key to choosing thoughts that actually feel real so you can embody and act on them✅ How small mindset shifts can create huge changes in your career, relationships, and confidenceThank you for tuning in to this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Links and Resources:Let's work together!  Are you ready to create emotional freedom and clarity in your life? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Complimentary Resources: Get your copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Let’s Get Unblocked! 

Have you ever felt awkward, guilty, or even unworthy when someone compliments you? Do you instinctively deflect praise or feel like agreeing with it makes you arrogant? If so, you're not alone. Many high achievers, perfectionists, and recovering people-pleasers struggle with receiving recognition without discomfort.In this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro, we break down why praise can feel so uncomfortable and, more importantly, how to shift your mindset so you can own your strengths with confidence.Using neuroscience-backed strategies and practical tools, we’ll cover:✅ Why our brains are wired to reject praise (hint: negativity bias is real!)✅ How cultural conditioning (especially for women) makes us uncomfortable with recognition✅ The hidden cost of downplaying your achievements and how it keeps you small✅ The 4-step framework to receive compliments with ease and rewire your brain for confidenceBy the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete strategies to accept praise without feeling awkward and maybe even start believing in your own greatness. Links and Resources:Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked JournalJoin My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Let’s Get Unblocked! 

In today’s episode, I’m addressing a listener’s reaction to my discussion on B-minus work and why this concept is so misunderstood. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism or felt like you couldn’t put something out into the world unless it was flawless, this episode is for you.We’ll explore why perfectionism is not the same as excellence, how it actually slows us down, and why allowing B-minus work can lead to better results, less stress, and more impact.And of course, we’ll talk about when A+ work is necessary (because no one wants "B-minus" brakes on their car!) and how to strike the right balance between high standards and actually getting things done.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between excellence and perfectionismHow perfectionism slows down productivity, innovation, and decision-makingWhy B-minus work leads to more success than perfectionism ever couldHow to shift your mindset from overthinking to actionPractical strategies for applying B-minus work in business and lifeLinks and Resources:Let's work together!  Are you ready to create emotional freedom and clarity in your life? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Complimentary Resources: Download the D.I.L.I. Workbook for support on iterative work. Download here.Get your copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Let’s Get Unblocked! 

Are you trying to do all the things but feeling like you’re spinning your wheels and running 100 miles an hour in different directions?  In this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro, we’re tackling the buffet mentality. This is that urge to say yes to everything, take on every opportunity, and fill your plate to the brim.While it might feel like you’re being productive, the truth is, spreading yourself too thin often works against your goals. Today, we’ll break down why the buffet mentality feels so appealing (hello, FOMO and restless energy!) and how it might actually be keeping you stuck. Plus, I’ll share actionable strategies to embrace the power of constraint and focus so you can achieve more by doing less.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What the buffet mentality is and why it’s so tempting.How curiosity, FOMO, and a restless zest for life contribute to overwhelm.The real reason you’re saying yes to too much, and what you’re actually seeking.Why doing less isn’t about limitation; it’s about amplification.A simple 4-step process to embrace focus, break free from the buffet mindset, and make meaningful progress.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Positive Intelligence Saboteur Quiz (for those restless folks who relate to this struggle!)My coaching programs for mastering focus and mindset. [Link to website]Past podcast episodes for overcoming overwhelm and building intentional habits.Links and Resources:Are you ready to get free from the buffet mentality? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to how fear is impacting your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Click HERE for the Positive Intelligence Saboteur Quiz mentioned in the episode.  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Let’s Get Unblocked! 

Fear is something we all experience, but it doesn’t have to stop us. In this episode I cover some powerful ways we can reframe fear and use it as a compass to guide us toward what really matters.You’ll learn why fear feels so paralyzing, how to ask the right questions to uncover its hidden messages, and practical tools like fear-setting to turn fear into your ally. Whether you’re facing a career decision, struggling with self-doubt, or stepping into the unknown, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward, fear and all.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why fear feels so paralyzing and how it’s wired into our brains.How to reframe fear as a guide rather than a stop sign.Practical tools to manage and overcome fear.Why the things that scare us the most are often the things that mean the most to us.The power of taking small, intentional steps to quiet fear and build momentum.Links and Resources:Are you ready to get free from fear? Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to how fear is impacting your life.Join My Do The Thing Community  Let’s Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unblocked with Jessica Smarro! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Let’s Get Unblocked!