What if pleasure was more than a luxury and shadow work was the portal to reclaiming it?

This week, I’m joined by Latoya Dixon Smith (she/her)—boudoir photographer, embodiment coach, and founder of Greenville Boudoir and One Union Studios—to explore how shadow work, nervous system healing, and sensual embodiment can radically transform how we live, love, and lead.

We unpack the ways control, burnout, and the pressure to stay “nice” disconnect us from our truth—and how shadow work, sensual embodiment, and creative rebellion can guide us back to authenticity and power.

Whether you’re tired of pretending you’re fine, craving deeper connection with your body, or finally ready to take up space without apology—this episode invites you to slow down, get curious, and return to yourself.

What you’ll hear about:

• How Latoya went from corporate engineer to boudoir photographer and sensual embodiment coach
• The role of shadow work in reclaiming power, boundaries, and authenticity
• Why pleasure is a revolutionary act—especially for women and femmes of color
• The difference between individualistic pleasure and pleasure in community
• How breathwork and nervous system healing support emotional regulation and self-trust
• What it means to stop hiding, start integrating, and live life as your whole self

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Latoya Dixon Smith:
  • Take Latoya’s Rebelle Archetype Quiz: greenvilleboudoir.co/rebelle
  • Join Latoya for Nice for What: The Art of Sacred Rebellion, a free live workshop on April 18th and April 25th for those ready to trade performance for presence and let their light take up the space it was always meant to 
  • Learn more about Vacation Boudoir School happening July 11–13 at One Union Studios
  • The Iconic Woman Oracle Deck — a creative self-reflection tool by Latoya Dixon Smith
  • Follow Latoya on Instagram: @latoyadixonsmith @greenvilleboudoir @oneunionstudios
  • Explore more at Greenville Boudoir, One Union Studios
• Read the full blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/reclaiming-pleasure-shadow-work-latoya-dixon-smith
• Follow ALD on Instagram: @alifedifferently

Subscribe & Review:

Until next time, keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep choosing something different.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

 Music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay

Warning: This one’s a little vent-y, a little cursy, and a whole lotta honest.

In this Let's Talk About It episode, I get real about what “keeping the peace” actually costs—especially in family dynamics where silence is expected and boundaries are nonexistent. I’m telling the story of a recent family incident that shook me, plus unpacking the emotional aftermath and how often we betray ourselves just to avoid rocking the boat. If you’ve ever walked away from a situation thinking “Why didn’t I say something?”—this one’s for you. Come for the truth bombs, stay for the Petty Prayer™.

• The difference between peacekeeping and self-abandonment
• Why silence isn't always noble—and when it's just survival
• How your nervous system stores unspoken moments (and how to release them)
• A real-life family story that will make you feel seen, heated, and not alone
• The internal battle between being petty and being purposeful
• Why boundaries matter especially when it comes to family
• A petty prayer for anyone who’s had to endure toxic energy in silence

Resources & Links:

• Read the full blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/keeping-the-peace
• Follow me on Instagram: @alifedifferently
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
• Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Until next time, keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep choosing something different.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Music by musicproductionkeys from Pixabay

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right and still swimming upstream? Like no matter how hard you try, life just won’t flow? In this episode, I sit down with Seer and Creative Consultant Jameer Hart (he/they) to help you understand why that might be happening—and how your Human Design chart may hold the key to moving through life with more ease, clarity, and alignment.

We break down what Human Design actually is, how to read your chart, and why understanding your unique energetic blueprint can help you stop forcing and start flowing. Jameer walks us through the five Human Design types and gives real-life examples of how honoring your design can improve decision-making, reduce stress, and help you feel more you.

✨ Quick Tip: Before you listen, head to Jameer’s website to get your free Human Design chart so you have your own example to view as you follow along.

• What human design is and how it can help you live in alignment
• Why you might feel stuck, drained, or out of sync
• The 5 Human Design types explained
• How embracing rest and honoring your energy flow can lead to greater success and fulfillment

Resources & Links:

• Start here, get your free Human Design Chart → https://omegathorpecreative.com
• SPECIAL OFFER: Receive 20% off a 1st Time Cycle Reading with Jameer using Code:ALD20
• Connect with Jameer Hart: https://www.instagram.com/omegathorpecreative 
• Read the full blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/human-design-chart-jameer-hart
• Follow me on Instagram: @alifedifferently
• Learn more about the Wholehearted Life Coaching Certification

Ready to quiet your mind, release tension, and reconnect with yourself?

Join me for a moment of stillness–a guided virtual workshop designed to help you pause, breathe, and find clarity with intention. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in constant “doing” mode, this is your chance to experience the power and necessity of stillness and discover how ease and alignment cna flow from within.

Save your spot before April 6th here: alifedifferently.com/stillness

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations! Also, leaving a review helps more people discover a life differently—and I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Until next time, keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep choosing something different.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

 Music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay

How can you align with the energy of spring without falling back into hustle mode?

Let’s explore the natural transition from winter to spring and why seasonal shifts matter for your mindset and well-being. Learn why growth requires stillness first and how resting through winter creates the foundation for renewal. I’m sharing insights on seasonal cycles, cultural spring traditions like Norooz and Holi, and how to reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms.

What you'll hear about hear:

• Why growth requires rest and how winter fuels spring energy
• How to embrace seasonal cycles without falling into hustle culture
• Cultural significance of spring (Norooz, Holi, Easter, and more)
• Practical ways to align with spring’s energy for greater ease and creativity

Ready to quiet your mind, release tension, and reconnect with yourself?

Join me for a moment of stillness –a guided virtual workshop designed to help you pause, breathe, and find clarity with intention. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in constant “doing” mode, this is your chance to experience the power and necessity of stillness and discover how ease and alignment cna flow from within.

Save your spot here: alifedifferently.com/stillness

Resources from this episode:

• Read the full blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/aligning-with-seasons-spring-guided-meditation
• Listen to a Spring Equinox episode of Wholehearted Coaching: The Podcast with Shirin Eskandani: wholehearted-coaching.com/podcast/spring-equinox
• Learn more about my virtual workshop, a moment of stillness: alifedifferently.com/stillness
• Follow a life differently on Instagram: @alifedifferently

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone! Your support helps more people find the show and feel empowered in their journey toward authenticity.

Credits:

Show Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Meditation Music by Leigh Robinson from Pixabay

How do you build a relationship that reflects your values and a life that aligns with them?

In part 2 of this interview, Latia Curtis (she/her) explores the deep connection between love, integrity, and shared values in relationships. She shares how she met her husband, Jason, and how their relationship thrives on mutual respect, alignment in values, and the willingness to grow together—even when they don’t agree on everything.

Latia is also a passionate political advocate. We discuss why good character and integrity matter not only in personal relationships but also in the leaders we choose. Latia highlights why staying informed about reproductive rights, DE&I policies, and politics is essential for building a better future.

If you've ever wondered how to find a partner who truly reflects your values or how to engage with the political system in meaningful ways, this episode will inspire you to take action.

Things you'll hear about:

• Finding a partner with integrity and strong character
• How Latia and Jason navigate differences in values and perspectives
• Why mutual respect and commitment—not just compliance—matter in relationships
• Why staying informed about reproductive rights, DE&I policies, and politics matters
• How to engage with your local political system and make your voice heard

Things mentioned in this episode:

• Read the full blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/life-that-works-for-you-latia-curtis
• Download the South Carolina State Legislature app
• Planned Parenthood Votes South Atlantic
  • *Correction: the 3 states covered are South Carolina, North Carolina, and West Virginia
• Democratic Socialists of America – dsausa.org
• Bloomberg Connects app – Access audio tours from museums worldwide – bloombergconnects.org
• Arie’s Cheesecakes – Black woman-owned cheesecake shop in Augusta, GA
• Follow Latia Curtis on Instagram: @LatiaMH, @latiahmh_fineartbeauty
• Follow a life differently on Instagram: @alifedifferently

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone! Your support helps more people find the show and feel empowered in their journey toward authenticity.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay

How do you build a life that’s not just successful—but aligned with who you truly are?

In this interview, I sit down with the incredible Latia Curtis (she/her)—an award-winning makeup artist, creative powerhouse, small business owner, producer, mother, political advocate, and more—who has built a life, family, marriage, and career that challenges the status quo.

Latia shares her journey from single motherhood and working multiple jobs just to survive, to becoming a sought-after makeup artist and creative in a competitive industry. We dive into the bold choices that helped her build a career she loves, balance family and self-expression, and redefine success and life on her own terms. If you've ever struggled to align your work, relationships, and values, this conversation is for you.

A Preview of What’s in This Episode:

• Building a life that reflects your values and passions
• How Latia carved out a successful career in makeup artistry while navigating an industry that often overlooks diverse talent
• The role her husband, Jason, plays in helping her balance career and family
• Embracing your multifaceted identity and strengths

Ready to quiet your mind, release tension, and reconnect with yourself?

Join me for a moment of stillness, a guided workshop designed to help you pause, breathe, and find clarity with intention. If you've been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in constant 'doing' mode, this is your chance to experience the power and necessity of stillness and discover how ease and alignment can flow from within.

Save your spot here: alifedifferently.com/stillness

Resources & Links:

• Read the full blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/life-that-works-for-you-latia-curtis
• Follow Latia Curtis on Instagram: @LatiaMH, @latiahmh_fineartbeauty
• Download the South Carolina State Legislature app
• Planned Parenthood Votes South Atlantic
• Follow a life differently on Instagram: @alifedifferently

Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone! Your support helps more people find the show and feel empowered in their journey toward authenticity.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

In case you're wondering, here's a quick note on what's going on at the moment. I hope it's a nice, little reminder that it's ok and absolutely necessary to give yourself grace, to take a step back when things get a little heavy and overwhelming, even in the best of ways. 

Today’s episode was completely unexpected, but so is the nature of grief, right?

Grief isn’t linear and it’s not always the most predictable thing. As waves of grief have come over me lately, I decided to sit and share my experience in the midst of things. I open up about the grief of losing my brother, Xavier, the emotions that have been surfacing lately, and some of some of the things currently helping me through. This isn’t just about sadness—it’s about regret, guilt, and the struggle of holding space for emotions that feel too big to bear.

This episode is an invitation to explore grief at your own pace, to set down the weight even momentarily, and to recognize that you are not alone in this experience.

A Preview of What’s in This Episode:

• The slow, heavy grief that doesn’t move on a specific timeline
• The guilt and regret that come with sibling loss
• The fear of fully feeling grief—and how you can try to navigate it
• Why putting boundaries on grief can help you process overwhelming emotions
• The weight of being the eldest after losing a sibling

Resources & Links:

• Read the blog post: https://alifedifferently.com/podcast/grief-overwhelming-emotions 
• Always a Sibling by Annie Sclaver Orenstein
• The Workout Witch’s Healing Somatics Workshop
• Follow a life differently on Instagram: @alifedifferently

• Subscribe or follow the show wherever you listen
• Leave a review
• Share this with someone!
• Buy your host a coffee! → https://buymeacoffee.com/alifedifferently

Your support helps more people find the show and feel empowered in their journey toward authenticity.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Ever had a life-changing realization, teaching, or a-ha moment and felt the urge to share it with someone only to be met with resistance? Let’s talk about the deep desire to “fix” others (especially when we’re in the early stages of our growth and healing journey), why it often backfires, and what we can do instead to actually help those we love. If you’ve ever struggled with watching loved ones stay stuck while you grow, this episode is for you.

What to expect here:

• Why we feel the urge to fix others
• The hidden fears behind this impulse (eldest sibling syndrome, fear of outgrowing people, etc.)
• How trying to change people can create distance instead of connection
• What to do instead—practical, heart-centered approaches
• The power of leading by example (and how it creates real transformation)

Resources & Links:

• Read the blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/why-you-cant-fix-others
• Follow @alifedifferently on Instagram

• Subscribe or follow the show wherever you listen
• Leave a review
• Share this with someone!
• Buy your host a coffee! → https://buymeacoffee.com/alifedifferently

Your support helps more people find the show and feel empowered in their journey toward authenticity.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

What does it mean to live authentically when the world tells you you don’t belong?

Today I want to introduce you to fellow life coach (and my dear friend) Vanessa Marquez, a.k.a. Coach Nane (she/her/ella). Together, we explore the realities of defining your identity, core values, and sense of belonging—especially through the lens of being an immigrant and a person of the global majority during uncertain times.

Nane shares her raw, unfiltered journey of navigating life between cultures, confronting internalized conditioning, and reclaiming her sense of self—without guilt or shame. 

You’re gonna walk away with:

• A different definition of core values (hint: it’s not a corporate buzzword!)
• How to define your core values in a way that reflects you
• The power of questioning inherited beliefs and defining success on your own terms
• How to honor and live by your core values, even in difficult times

Read the Blog Post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/core-values-coach-nane

Connect with Coach Nane on Instagram and TikTok: @coachnane

Learn more about her coaching: www.coachnane.com

*If you’re interested in working with Nane, mention “a life differently” for 4 sessions at a discounted price of $150.

Join me on Instagram: @alifedifferently

• Subscribe or follow the show wherever you listen
• Leave a review
• Share this with someone!
• Buy your host a coffee! → https://buymeacoffee.com/alifedifferently

Your support helps more people find the show and feel empowered in their journey toward authenticity.

Credits:

Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Music by Jose Luligo from Pixabay