What if the strongest relationship you build with your child doesn’t begin with changing them... but with understanding yourself?

Meghann sits down with Becky Funk, creator of the Safe Place Parent Model, nervous system regulation coach, former educator, and recovering anxious perfectionist, for a conversation that every parent needs to hear.

Together, they explore what happens when we stop seeing our children’s behavior as something to fix and begin seeing it as an invitation to connect. Becky shares her own journey through anxiety, chronic illness, parenting teenagers, and discovering how nervous system regulation transformed not only her own life, but her relationships with her children.

Along the way, Meghann and Becky laugh about the messy reality of parenting, reflect on raising teenagers who are wonderfully different from us, and remind us that our goal isn’t to raise mini versions of ourselves. It’s to create a home where our kids feel safe enough to become fully themselves.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting parenting “right,” this conversation is a gentle reminder that your presence matters more than your perfection.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why people-pleasing, anxiety, and overreacting often begin as protective survival strategies.

• How nervous system regulation changes the way we parent, communicate, and respond during difficult moments.

• What it really means to become a “Safe Place Parent” for your teenager.

• Why teenagers naturally begin looking beyond their parents as they discover their own identity.

• How curiosity creates deeper connection than advice or control.

• The powerful role co-regulation plays in helping teens navigate big emotions.

• Why trusting your child sometimes means calming your own fears first.

• How personality differences between parents and children can strengthen relationships instead of creating conflict.

• Why letting go of expectations creates more room for authentic connection.

• How healing ourselves often becomes one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

Links & Resources

Join the messy conversation on Substack:www.theunperfectlife.substack.com

Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom:@MeghannDawson

Explore offerings to support your authentic becoming:www.theunperfectlife.com

Connect with Becky Funk

Website

https://www.thebeckyfunk.com/

How to Tell If It’s Anxiety or Just Typical Teen Stuffhttps://www.thebeckyfunk.com/anxiety-or-typical-teen-stuff

Nervous System Resethttps://www.thebeckyfunk.com/nervous-system-reset

Understand Your Teenhttps://www.thebeckyfunk.com/understand-your-teen

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/beckyfunkcoaching/

Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow parent who could use the reminder that connection matters more than perfection.

#BecomingIsMessy #ExamineYourChildhoodAsAnObserver #UnperfectLEVELUP #SafePlaceParent #NervousSystemRegulation #ConsciousParenting #ParentingTeens #EmotionalConnection #MessyMiddle #HealingGenerations #AuthenticRelationships #UnscriptedGrowth

What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want isn’t your circumstances, but the stories you’ve unknowingly accepted as true?

In this episode, Meghann sits down with international keynote speaker, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and creator of The More Mindset, Diana Pagano, for a conversation about breaking free from limiting beliefs, learning to trust yourself, and discovering what’s possible when you stop allowing your past to define your future.

Together, they explore why so many of us inherit beliefs about scarcity, success, and self-worth without ever questioning them, how awareness creates the space for change, and why becoming “more” isn’t about doing more, but about becoming more fully who you were always meant to be.

Along the way, they discuss self-sabotage, visualization, resilience, purpose, burnout, nervous system regulation, and the surprising power of simply changing the channel on the thoughts that no longer serve you.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re capable of more than the life you’ve been living, this conversation is an invitation to begin believing that you are.

In this conversation, they discuss:

· How the stories we inherit in childhood quietly shape the way we see ourselves as adults.

· Why awareness is the first step to breaking free from limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns.

· The difference between living from your current circumstances and imagining what’s truly possible.

· How to interrupt automatic negative thoughts and replace them with more empowering ones.

· Why building trust with yourself starts by following through on the small promises you make.

· The connection between purpose, resilience, and discovering the gifts hidden within your wounds.

· How visualization, gratitude, and intentional thinking can help create new neural pathways.

· Why success isn’t about achievement alone, but about living in alignment with who you were meant to become.

· The importance of caring for your nervous system, preventing burnout, and making yourself a priority.

· How choosing a “lens of possibility” can transform the way you experience both challenges and opportunities.

Links & Resources

Join the messy conversation on Substack: www.theunperfectlife.substack.com

Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.theunperfectlife.com

Connect with Diana Pagano: https://dianapagano.com/meet-diana/

Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #UnapologeticallyLoveYourAuthenticSelf #UnperfectLEVELUP #MoreMindset #LimitlessLiving #MindsetShift #BreakLimitingBeliefs #PurposeDrivenLife #AuthenticLiving #MessyMiddle #PersonalGrowth #UnscriptedGrowth

What if the life you were taught to want… isn’t actually the life meant for you?

In this expansive and deeply thought-provoking episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Maurice Philogene—entrepreneur, investor, coach, former federal agent, military officer, police officer, world traveler, and founder of Try Life On.

Together, they explore what it means to stop living on autopilot and begin intentionally designing a life rooted in freedom, alignment, creativity, and inner truth.

Mo shares his remarkable journey from growing up as the son of Haitian immigrants in Boston to building multiple careers, traveling the world, creating financial and geographic freedom, and ultimately helping others break out of “cookie cutter living” to create lives that actually feel meaningful.

In this conversation, they discuss:

· Why so many people lose touch with their inner voice

· How schools, careers, and society condition us toward compliance and competition

· The power of imagination and identity in shaping your future

· What it means to “try life on” before making massive changes

· Creating a life you don’t need a vacation from

· The importance of relationships, curiosity, and meaningful human connection

· Releasing old identities that no longer fit

· Why peace and freedom can exist now—not just in retirement

This episode is equal parts inspiring, grounding, and liberating. A reminder that you are allowed to build a life differently.

And sometimes the first step is simply believing that another way is possible.

Links & Resources

Join the messy conversation on Substack: www.theunperfectlife.substack.com

Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.theunperfectlife.com

Connect with Moe Philogene: https://www.trylifeon.com/

Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #LetYourInnerVoiceLead #ImperfectLEVELUP #IntentionalLiving #PersonalFreedom #MindsetShift #CreateYourReality #AuthenticLiving #LifeDesign #MessyMiddle #PurposeDrivenLife #UnscriptedGrowth

What if your body has been communicating with you all along… and you just haven’t been taught how to listen?

In this grounded and deeply insightful episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Dr. Liz Graves, founder of Back 2 Real Food, to explore the powerful connection between nourishment, nervous system regulation, emotional wellbeing, and learning to work with your body instead of against it.

From navigating her own professional burnout and transition season to helping women better understand metabolism, hormones, cravings, fasting, real food, and sustainable wellness, Dr. Liz shares a refreshingly compassionate approach to health that moves beyond perfectionism and quick fixes.

Together, Meghann and Dr. Liz discuss:

· What “real food” actually means

· Why modern life disconnects us from our body’s natural signals

· Cravings, blood sugar, and the hidden stress patterns affecting our health

· The relationship between emotional wellbeing and food

· Why one-size-fits-all wellness advice often fails

· Fasting, feasting, and adapting with your body through different seasons

· The importance of progress over perfection

· Learning to nourish yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be extreme.

Sometimes it begins with rest. Simplicity. Curiosity. And finally paying attention to what your body has been trying to say.

Links & Resources

Join the messy conversation on Substack: www.theunperfectlife.substack.com

Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.theunperfectlife.com

Connect with Dr. Liz Graves: https://back2realfood.com

Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #LeanIntoYourUniqueHealingNeeds #ImperfectLEVELUP #RealFood #HormoneHealth #NervousSystemHealing #MindBodyConnection #WellnessJourney #MetabolicHealth #ProgressOverPerfection #HealingJourney #UnscriptedGrowth

What if healing isn’t about becoming someone new… but remembering the parts of yourself you lost along the way?

In this heartfelt and deeply human episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Kim Lengling—author, podcast host of Let Fear Bounce, veteran advocate, and creative spirit whose perspective on life is equal parts grounded, playful, and wise.

Together, they explore what it means to move through grief, trauma, fear, and disconnection while slowly finding your way back to joy, awe, peace, and authenticity.

Kim shares stories from her journey through military trauma, emotional heaviness, faith, healing, and rediscovering the beauty in the little things—from music and nature to handwritten notes, dogs, shadows, and meaningful phrases that help anchor us back to ourselves.

In this conversation, they discuss:

· The emotional “gray” so many people are carrying right now

· Learning to notice the signs when you’re losing yourself

· Friendship, faith, and the people who help hold us up

· Why boundaries are essential for protecting your peace

· Letting fear “bounce” instead of absorbing negativity

· The healing power of nature, music, awe, and small rituals

· How authenticity can make life feel lighter again

· Why you don’t have to make sense to everyone else to be fully yourself

This episode is warm, honest, funny, thoughtful, and filled with gentle reminders that even in difficult seasons, there are still small moments of beauty waiting to bring us back to life.

Links & Resources

Join the messy conversation on Substack: www.theunperfectlife.substack.com

Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.theunperfectlife.com

Connect with Kim Lengling: https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com/

Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #LetYourInnerVoiceLead #ImperfectLEVELUP #LetFearBounce #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney #ProtectYourPeace #MindsetShift #MessyMiddle #PersonalTransformation #InnerPeace #UnscriptedGrowth

What happens when the version of yourself the world sees… isn’t the full story?

In this deeply honest episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Serena Mastin, entrepreneur, speaker, author of Exposed: You Can’t Heal When You Hide, and founder of Pulse Marketing and Heart of Creative.

From the outside, Serena had built a successful life and thriving business. But underneath the achievement was a lifetime of survival, silence, perfectionism, and carrying pain she rarely allowed others to see.

Together, Meghann and Serena explore what it means to stop hiding, release shame, and begin healing in a way that feels whole and honest.

* In this conversation, they discuss:

* The emotional toll of living a “split life”

* Why we protect others while abandoning ourselves

* How unresolved pain can show up physically in the body

* The role self-worth plays in the relationships we tolerate

* Grief, healing, and rebuilding after unimaginable loss

* Learning to stop pretending and start living authentically

* Finding joy again after heartbreak

This episode is raw, compassionate, and deeply human. A reminder that healing doesn’t happen by becoming perfect.

It happens when we finally allow ourselves to be fully seen.

🔗 Links & Resources

✨ Join the messy conversation on Substack: www.theunperfectlife.substack.com

✨ Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

✨ Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.theunperfectlife.com

✨ Shop the Messy Collection: www.meghanndawson.com/shop

🌿 Connect with Serena Mastin:

https://serenamastin.com/

💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #UnapologeticallyLoveYourAuthenticSelf #ImperfectLEVELUP #HealingJourney #EmotionalHealing #PersonalTransformation #SelfWorth #AuthenticLiving #InnerChildHealing #MessyMiddle #Resilience #UnscriptedGrowth

What if the answers you’ve been searching for… are already within you?

In this episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Debra Martin—energy healer, intuitive practitioner, and teacher—to explore what it really means to trust your inner voice.

Together, they unpack the connection between emotional, physical, and energetic well-being, and how learning to listen inward can shift the way we navigate uncertainty, fear, and healing.

Debra shares her own deeply personal journey through loss, illness, near-death experiences, and transformation—and how each chapter strengthened her ability to trust, surrender, and align with something greater.

In this conversation, they explore:

• How to recognize when you’re out of alignment
• The difference between anxiety and inner knowing
• Why fear disconnects us from our truth—and how to move through it
• Simple, grounded ways to reconnect with yourself
• The power of surrender, trust, and letting love lead

This episode is both deeply intuitive and incredibly practical—an invitation to slow down, listen, and begin rebuilding trust with yourself.

Because your inner voice isn’t something you have to find.

It’s something you begin to hear when you finally pause.

🔗 Links & Resources

✨ Join the Messy community on Instagram: @BecomingIsMessy

✨ Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

✨ Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.meghanndawson.com (sign up for Meghann's Messy Middle email)

✨ Shop the Messy Collection: www.meghanndawson.com/shop

🌿 Connect with Debra Martin:

• https://debramartinhealer.com/
  • Debra hosts a free monthly Zoom gathering called "Army for Love"
    • A safe space for people to share what they’re going through
    • Includes a collective healing session at the end

💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #LetYourInnerVoiceLead #ImperfectLEVELUP #ConversationalAlchemy #InnerKnowing #EnergyHealing #SelfTrust #EmotionalAwareness #MindBodyConnection #MessyMiddle #HealingJourney #UnscriptedGrowth

What if your relationship with money isn’t actually yours?

In this episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Mark Willis—a Certified Financial Planner™, three-time #1 bestselling author, and owner of Lake Growth Financial Services—to explore the powerful connection between money, freedom, and the stories we’ve inherited over time.

After graduating with six figures of student loan debt and witnessing the financial fallout of the 2008 crisis, Mark began questioning the conventional advice so many of us were taught to follow. That curiosity led him to a different approach—one centered on control, clarity, and long-term financial freedom.

Together, they unpack:

• How our earliest experiences shape the way we think about money
• The question that can shift everything: “Who taught you that?”
• Why many financial beliefs go unexamined for a lifetime
• The relationship between money, time, and personal freedom
• The difference between saving money and designing it to work for you
• How to begin thinking differently about your financial future

This conversation is an invitation to step back and examine the narratives you’ve been living by.

Because when you understand the story… you can decide whether to keep it.

🔗 Links & Resources

✨ Join the Messy community on Instagram: @BecomingIsMessy

✨ Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

✨ Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.meghanndawson.com (sign up for Meghann's Messy Middle email)

✨ Shop the Messy Collection: www.meghanndawson.com/shop

🌿 Connect with Mark Willis:

• https://lakegrowth.com/

💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #LetYourInnerVoiceLead #ImperfectLEVELUP #ConversationalAlchemy #MoneyMindset #FinancialFreedom #HumanBehavior #PersonalTransformation #MindBodyConnection #MessyMiddle #WealthWisdom #UnscriptedGrowth

You’ve done the work.

The therapy. The journaling. The healing. The breakthroughs.

So why doesn’t your life fully reflect it yet?

In this episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Nicole Frolick—an advanced mystic, transformational healer, and intuitive coach known for her work in collapsing time around transformation and helping clients move from insight into real, embodied results.

Through her frameworks like the Healing Exit Strategy and the Velocity Point Method, Nicole blends deep intuitive work with grounded strategy to help people shift not just how they think—but how they live.

Together, they explore the moment so many people quietly find themselves in—the space between awareness and embodiment.

The space where you’re no longer who you used to be… but you’re not fully living your next level yet.

In this conversation, they unpack what it actually takes for inner work to land in real life:

• Why awareness alone isn’t enough
• The shift from doing the work to becoming the person
• How identity—not effort—creates lasting change
• Why expansion often feels like everything is falling apart
• The difference between calling something in and being able to hold it

This episode is an invitation to trust the in-between.

Because that space?

It’s not stuck. It’s where everything is recalibrating.

And when it finally lands…nothing feels the same.

🔗 Links & Resources

✨ Join the Messy community on Instagram: @BecomingIsMessy

✨ Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

✨ Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.meghanndawson.com (sign up for Meghann's Messy Middle email)

✨ Shop the Messy Collection: www.meghanndawson.com/shop

🌿 Connect with Nicole Frolick:

• https://nicolefrolick.com/

💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #ExamineYourChildhood #ImperfectLEVELUP #ConversationalAlchemy #EmbodiedTransformation #IdentityShift #ExpansionSeason #QuantumLeap #MindBodyConnection #MessyMiddle #HealingJourney #UnscriptedGrowth

What if one simple question could completely change the way you handle conflict?

In this episode of Becoming is Messy, Meghann sits down with Elena Sophia Ruiz—human behavior expert, negotiator, and founder of multiple successful HR and leadership organizations—to explore how curiosity can transform the way we communicate, lead, and relate.

At the center of this conversation is a deceptively simple question:

“What makes you say that?”

Instead of reacting, defending, or escalating, this question creates space—for understanding, clarity, and connection.

Together, Meghann and Elena unpack:

• Why most conflict isn’t about the moment—it’s about the pattern beneath it
• How curiosity interrupts emotional reactivity
• The danger of labels and the power of focusing on facts
• How early conditioning shapes the way we communicate as adults
• What it really means to respond instead of react

This episode is an invitation to pause, get curious, and start seeing your interactions—and yourself—through a completely different lens.

Because when you shift from reaction to curiosity, everything changes.

🔗 Links & Resources

✨ Join the Messy community on Instagram: @BecomingIsMessy

✨ Follow Meghann for more real, raw, and messy wisdom: @MeghannDawson

✨ Explore coaching, workshops & more: www.meghanndawson.com (sign up for Meghann's Messy Middle email)

✨ Shop the Messy Collection: www.meghanndawson.com/shop

🌿 Connect with Elena Sophia Ruiz:

• https://www.intimateconversationswithmen.com/

💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Messy who needs to hear it!

#BecomingIsMessy #ExamineYourChildhood #ImperfectLEVELUP #ConversationalAlchemy #CuriosityOverReaction #HumanBehavior #ConsciousCommunication #EmotionalAwareness #PatternRecognition #MindBodyConnection #MessyMiddle #UnscriptedGrowth