Lies My Ego Told Me

Lilo reconnects with her friend and former Air Force comrade, John "Rain" Waters, a fighter pilot turned podcast host. Rain shares the personal lie that propelled him through his storied aviation career—“I’m invincible”—and the humbling lessons he learned along the way. From his experiences in the high-stakes world of military aviation to his journey through personal loss and resilience, Rain opens up about the alter ego and his mental health journey that helped him succeed and the transition to life beyond the cockpit. In this episode:Introduction and BackgroundJourney to Becoming a Fighter PilotInvincible Mindset in AviationRole of Ego in Fighter Pilot CultureImportance of Call SignsBalancing Public Persona and Personal IdentityReality of Air Show PerformancesReflections on Risk and LossTransitioning from Military to Civilian LifeEmotional Toll of MiscarriageEmpathy Through Shared GriefLife's Fragility and InvincibilityLearn more at https://liesmyego.comFor more resources: liesmyego.com

Lilo sits down with JoAnne “Jo” Bass, the first woman to serve as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, to talk about the lie that nearly derailed her career: I’m not good enough. Jo shares her journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance, breaking barriers as a woman, a mother, and a leader in a male-dominated world. Together, Lilo and Jo unpack the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of preserving the military’s history of diversity, and how true strength comes from embracing both resilience and compassion.In this episode:Introduction to Resilience and LeadershipCultural Influences, Personal Identity and Mental HealthImpact of Parenting and Generational ExpectationsNavigating Doubts in LeadershipCompassion in Leadership: A Shift in PerspectiveBalancing Military Life and ParenthoodImportance of Community SupportOvercoming Self-Doubt and Embracing LeadershipPublic Scrutiny and Personal GrowthThe Importance of Diversity and Military HistoryUnderstanding Veteran TransitionsLearn more at https://liesmyego.comFor more resources: liesmyego.com

In this first episode of Lies My Ego Told Me, Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie exposes the biggest lie she believed: that she could “have it all.” As a combat veteran, mother, and recovering high achiever, she shares her unfiltered story of ambition, burnout, and the moment she realized her ego was calling the shots. With sharp wit and hard-won wisdom, Lilo invites you to confront your own ego and embrace the truth beneath the chaos. Take a deep breath, don your oxygen mask, and join her for a journey from breakdown to breakthrough.In this episode:Introduction to Lilo’s personal journey and mental healthDefinition and impact of ego—both positive and negativeThe “having it all” lie and its effect on personal identityLilo’s military and aviation backgroundThe intersection of professional ambition and motherhoodThe challenges of work-life balance and the toxic myth of having it allBurnout and the breaking pointThe role of mental health and seeking helpRedefining success on personal termsLearn more at https://liesmyego.comFor more resources: liesmyego.com

Lies My Ego Told Me is a bold and deeply human podcast hosted by Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie—a military veteran, leader, and mother who knows firsthand how the ego can be both a fierce protector and a persistent saboteur.In each episode, Lilo sits down with guests from all walks of life to explore the pivotal moments when ego-driven stories began to unravel—and the deeper truths that emerged in their place.With raw honesty, vulnerability, and occasional humor, these conversations dive into the personal lies we tell ourselves to feel safe, strong, or worthy—and the courage it takes to outgrow them. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery, healing, or personal growth, this podcast will inspire you to challenge your own narrative and reclaim your truth.Show launches in June 2025.For more resources: liesmyego.com