Becoming You (after Winning Wednesday)

What happens when a licensed therapist integrates astrology and sound healing into practice? Carly J Riddle, LCSW, is revolutionizing mental health by combining evidence-based therapy with alternative healing modalities. For the spiritually exhausted and overwhelmed who crave real change beyond traditional approaches.

What You’ll Learn:

Key Focus Areas:

Carly’s Approach:

Perfect If You’re:

Carly’s Philosophy:

ABOUT CARLY J RIDDLE, LCSW:

ABOUT BECOMING YOU:

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom

#SoundHealing #AlternativeTherapy #TraumaHealing #HolisticMentalHealth #LCSW #VibrationalMedicine #TherapyInnovation #MentalHealthSupport #HealingCommunity #IntegrativeTherapy #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen

Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring innovative approaches to healing and personal transformation!

What happens when you treat your brain like a Labrador? Dr. Ginny Baro, TEDx speaker and best-selling author, reveals why your mind needs a “stick” to chase – and what happens when it doesn’t have one. From breaking poverty cycles to building million-dollar businesses, discover the patterns that create lasting success. What You’ll Learn: The “Labrador brain” concept that changes how you think about focus Why patterns in one area of your life show up everywhere else How to connect your current role to changing the world (even in corporate) The difference between self-confidence and self-worth that changes everything 3 major strategies to unlock your potential through self-investment Key Moments: 1:13 – How AI transformation mirrors pandemic workplace changes 5:08 – “How is my current role impacting the world?” – The purpose question 10:23 – From field study to book: How Dr. Ginny discovers writing topics 11:15 – TEDx announcement: “My TED talk got picked!” 13:06 – “Do you ever have crunchy days?” – Behind the effortless facade 21:29 – The Labrador brain analogy that will change your focus forever Dr. Ginny’s Journey: Dominican Republic village → Corporate America → Executive Coach & TEDx Speaker 26 years in corporate climbing to executive levels Best-selling author of 3 books including “Dearest Women at Work” Upcoming TEDx talk at University of Northern Iowa Runs Executive Bound mastermind (rebranding to “Elevate Her”) Perfect If You’re: Feeling like you’re on autopilot in your career Struggling to see how your work makes a difference Wanting tools to navigate “crunchy” times with grace Ready to invest in yourself but unsure where to start Looking for your compelling vision for the next 12 months Dr. Ginny’s Wisdom: “The patterns that we notice in our lives tend to show up in different areas” “It’s not what’s happening that takes us down – it’s the meaning we give it” “When your brain has no stick to chase, it turns on you” ABOUT DR. GINNY BARO: ‪@drginnybaro‬ TEDx Speaker | Best-selling author of 3 books | Executive coach with 30+ years experience | Founder of Executive Bound mastermind CONNECT WITH DR. GINNY: LinkedIn:   / ginnybaro   Books: “Healing Leadership: How to lead, love, and thrive in business and life” “Fearless Women at Work: Five Powerful Strategies to Thrive in Your Career and Life!” Website: [https://drginnybaro.com] ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Patterns that shape our lives 02:56 AI transformation vs pandemic changes 05:08 How your work impacts the world 07:19 From ideas to bestselling books 10:23 The accidental field study method 11:15 TEDx talk announcement 13:06 Behind the “effortless” success 15:54 Yacht vs dingy: Navigating life storms 18:00 Self-worth stripped of achievements 21:29 The Labrador brain concept 24:38 What chapter are you in? RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 61: Katrina Fuhrman – Grace & Space for Yourself Original Episode: Dr. Ginny Baro – Winning Wednesday (Executive Coach & Published Author) #connectorqueen TEDxSpeaker #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #Mindset #Leadership #CareerGrowth #SelfWorth #BecomingYou #ProfessionalDevelopment #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your biggest career transition might be your greatest breakthrough!

What happens when you’re gay, religious, and working in corporate America? Jenna Pershin shares her powerful journey of learning that “two things can be true at once” – and how hiding parts of yourself at work literally steals 65% of your brain power. From faith vs. sexuality to networking your way to world-changing opportunities. What You’ll Learn: The “sunshine” concept that transforms how you show up authentically everywhere Why hiding your identity at work blocks 65% of your cognitive capacity How to navigate conflicting parts of your identity without choosing sides The yellow resume strategy that changed a career trajectory overnight Simple language changes that make meetings instantly more inclusive Key Moments: 3:22 – “Can you be gay and religious?” – Wrestling with conflicting identities 11:04 – Coming out at work: “You can do that?” – The moment everything changed 14:50 – “It unlocked 65% of my work brain” – The power of authentic presence 18:25 – “Thanks guys” problem: Small language changes with big impact 21:25 – The red apple meeting phenomenon every woman recognizes 27:54 – “Joe’s pizza, we’re out of pepperoni” – The accidental career-changing call 35:00 – Building bridges of stone, not sticks Jenna’s Journey: Reconciling faith and sexuality through intensive research and self-acceptance Corporate underwriter → World-changing opportunity via bold networking Board member making summer camp free for 125+ kids annually LGBTQIA+ advocate creating representation where none existed before Perfect If You’re: Hiding parts of your identity at work and feeling drained Struggling with conflicting aspects of who you are Wanting to network boldly but feeling uncertain how Looking for ways to be more inclusive in your daily language Ready to find your “sunshine” and carry it everywhere Jenna’s Wisdom: “Two things can be true at once – and you don’t need acceptance from others to live them” “You don’t realize how restrictive hiding is until you step into your full self” “Network up, down, and sideways – build bridges of stone, not sticks” ABOUT JENNA PERSHIN: Corporate professional | LGBTQIA+ advocate | Board member making camp accessible to all kids | Believer in authentic networking and inclusive workplaces CONNECT WITH JENNA: LinkedIn:   / jenna-pershin-59343482   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Two things can be true at once 02:40 Can you be gay and religious? 05:48 12-hour Sundays researching faith and identity 11:04 Meeting the first out lesbian at work 14:50 How hiding blocks your brain power 18:25 Inclusive language that actually works 21:25 The red apple meeting phenomenon 27:54 The yellow resume that changed everything 32:00 Networking in all directions 35:00 Building bridges of stone 38:12 Avenues of love and world-building RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose Ep. 61: Katrina Fuhrman – Grace & Space for Yourself #LGBTQ #WorkplaceAuthenticity #InclusiveLeadership #Networking #PersonalBrand #TwoThingsCanBeTrue #FindingYourSunshine #CorporateInclusion #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #FaithAndIdentity #WorkplaceDiversity Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when the world stops and forces you to think? Devon McCarroll shares her journey from prescribed religious upbringing to questioning everything at 23, plus how approaching 2 years sober taught her that authenticity beats perfection every time. From panic attacks to therapy breakthroughs to simple grounding techniques that actually work. What You’ll Learn: How the pandemic became a 2-year identity reconstruction process Why questioning everything you were taught is scarier than staying comfortable The difference between therapy as crisis management vs. life optimization tool Simple grounding techniques using everyday items (like hand lotion!) How to interview therapists like you’re hiring them (because you are) Key Moments: 4:53 – “I’d rather be crazy because I’ve never felt more alive” – Breaking the housewife mold 19:33 – The pandemic identity crisis: “I didn’t know anything – and that was scarier” 21:07 – Two camps of people: comfort seekers vs. compulsive questioners 25:14 – “I’d rather be anxious than choose not to think” – The cost of curiosity 30:16 – When panic attacks made college impossible to navigate 46:13 – The hand lotion hack: Instant grounding through your senses Devon’s Journey: Prescribed religious upbringing → Pandemic questioning → Authentic self-discovery Approaching 2 years sober in March 2025 Multiple therapy experiences from high school through present From comfort zone to embracing the uncomfortable growth process Perfect If You’re: Questioning beliefs you were raised with but afraid to explore Struggling with anxiety or panic attacks in your 20s Looking for practical therapy tips and grounding techniques Feeling caught between comfort and growth Interested in sobriety stories and mental health journeys Devon’s Wisdom: “I’d rather extract exactly what I think and why, even if I never get to an answer” “It’s comfortable to sit with what you know, but what don’t you know you don’t know?” “Little things that bring instantaneous joy make a huge difference throughout the day” ABOUT DEVON MCCARROLL: 2+ years sober | Mental health advocate | Former prescribed-life questioner turned authentic truth-seeker | Believer in therapy as life optimization CONNECT WITH DEVON: LinkedIn: LinkedIn:   / devonmccarroll   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Authenticity in a curated world 04:53 The housewife who chose “crazy” over comfort 11:17 Spaghetti brains vs. waffle brains explained 19:33 Pandemic identity reconstruction at 23 25:14 Why some people can’t stay comfortable 30:16 Three distinct therapy journeys 34:57 How to interview and hire your therapist 46:13 Hand lotion grounding technique 48:39 Simple daily practices for mental health RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness HASHTAGS: #Sobriety #MentalHealth #TherapyJourney #PandemicReflection #QuestioningBeliefs #AnxietySupport #GroundingTechniques #AuthenticLiving #PersonalGrowth #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #SelfDiscovery Subscribe for weekly episodes proving that your biggest questions lead to your most authentic answers!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: A vulnerable solo reflection on 5 years of podcasting evolution, pandemic-driven personal growth, and the ongoing journey of becoming. Recorded as both gratitude to guests and potential closure to the series. SPECIAL THANKS: Shout-out to Dredd De Jesus for masterful editing throughout this season! ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: @connectorqueen

Subscribe for authentic stories of transformation and the courage to keep becoming!

What happens when cystic acne forces you to confront your deepest insecurities? Zan Carver went from being bullied as an overweight kid to becoming a financial advisor and competitive bodybuilder. His journey through severe acne, public ridicule, and hormonal struggles revealed the mindset that now makes him unstoppable. What You’ll Learn: How childhood bullying shaped a relentless drive for transformation Why “balance or being your best” – you can’t have both (controversial take) The testosterone replacement therapy mistake that led to severe cystic acne How public ridicule on social media built unshakeable confidence Why “I’m tired” is a cop-out answer that reveals misalignment Key Moments: 4:07 – From Hawaii back to New Jersey: How losing sports led to weight gain 18:41 – “You either pick balance or being your best, but you can’t have both” 23:33 – The testosterone mistake that destroyed his skin for 4 months 26:59 – Getting roasted on YouTube while being vulnerable about acne 27:32 – “I could take any criticism now – I don’t care what anybody says” 32:08 – Swimming upstream: Why he does the opposite of popular culture 42:51 – “We’re all tired – how else are you doing? Are you happy?” Zan’s Transformation: Overweight kid → D3 college football player → Wall Street bodybuilder Family legacy: Dad (Duke grad/attorney), sister (overcame addiction) Career focus: Financial advisor specializing in fitness industry Content creator: Provocative takes on work-life balance and authenticity Bodybuilding competitor: Used stage to overcome childhood insecurities Perfect If You’re: Struggling with body image or past bullying trauma Questioning work-life balance vs. peak performance Dealing with skin issues or appearance-related confidence Ready to swim upstream against cultural norms Looking for authentic masculinity content without toxic messaging Zan’s Philosophy: “I never want to let down the people who sacrificed for me” “Going through tough times was the best thing that ever happened to me” “I want people to feel better about themselves, not think about me” “Are you aligned, are you happy, are you clear about who you are?” ABOUT ZAN CARVER: Financial advisor specializing in fitness industry | Competitive bodybuilder | Content creator challenging cultural norms | Wall Street professional who refuses to dim his personality CONNECT WITH ZAN: Website: zancarver.com TikTok: @zancarver Instagram: @zancarver LinkedIn: Zan Carver IV   / zan-carver-iv   YouTube: @zan_carver ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Never letting down family sacrifice 01:05 Bergen County connections and high-achieving family 03:50 Sports as identity: From Hawaii back to New Jersey football 07:08 D1 vs D3 choice: Balancing athletics with personal growth 10:04 Sibling dynamics: Sister’s recovery inspiring his drive 13:57 Family expectations without pressure 15:43 Future vision: Real estate investments with sister 17:48 Controversial take: Balance OR being your best 22:05 Provocative content strategy and authentic messaging 23:05 The testosterone mistake that changed everything 27:28 Becoming fearlessly unbothered after public ridicule 30:55 Swimming upstream: Rest days still at the gym 36:47 Bodybuilding triumph over childhood trauma 41:41 Final thoughts: Moving beyond “I’m tired” RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom #BodyTransformation #CysticAcne #WorkLifeBalance #Bodybuilding #FinancialAdvisor #MentalHealth #BullyingRecovery #AuthenticMasculinity #WallStreet #FitnessMotivation #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic stories of transformation that prove your biggest struggles become your greatest strengths!

What happens when you follow open doors instead of forcing closed ones? Julian Curi ( ‪@Righteous_Robot‬ ) went from struggling LA actor to viral filmmaker creating intricate paper-cut animations. His 3-year solo project “Gruff” taught him why sharing process beats perfected products every time. What You’ll Learn: Why chasing trends kills authenticity (and what to do instead) How sharing behind-the-scenes process builds stronger following than finished work The difference between mimicry and influence in creative development Why following “open doors” leads to bigger opportunities than forcing locked ones How growing up in strict Catholic environment accidentally fueled artistic vision Key Moments: 8:17 – LA reality check: “The quality mainly sucks” – culture shock from college theater 13:54 – “More value put on chasing trends than finding your truth” 16:29 – “Don’t try to be the best, simply do your best – someday you might become the best” 19:24 – From copying Across the Universe art to finding unique voice 29:03 – Accidental discovery: “People are attracted to process, not product” 37:01 – 3-year grind mentality: “Complete today’s tasks, not the whole project” Julian’s Journey: Strict Catholic upbringing where arts weren’t considered viable profession College theater success → LA acting struggles → Behind-camera discovery Fine art commissions paid better than acting roles (following open doors) 3-year solo animation project funded by crowdfunding community Viral success from sharing process, not just polished final products Perfect If You’re: Creative struggling between commercial vs. authentic artistic expression Feeling stuck chasing trends instead of developing unique voice Wondering whether to share work-in-process or wait for perfection Navigating career pivots in creative industries Balancing hobby passion with full-time work demands Julian’s Creative Philosophy: “Follow the open doors, don’t force the locked ones” “People invest in journeys, not products” “Your combination of influences is what makes you unique” “Being vulnerable about struggle attracts more following than perfected work” ABOUT JULIAN CURI ( ‪@Righteous_Robot‬ ): Filmmaker and visual artist known for intricate paper-cut animation | Creator of viral short film “Gruff” | Former LA actor turned behind-camera storyteller | Advocates for authentic artistic voice over trend-chasing CONNECT WITH JULIAN: YouTube: @Righteous_Robot Instagram: @righteousrobot LinkedIn: Julian Curi   / julian-curi-8766766a   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Chasing trends vs. finding truth 00:56 College connection and creative evolution 04:44 Strict Catholic upbringing shaped escapist art 06:13 College theater to LA acting reality check 09:35 Quality control in oversaturated creative market 12:48 Rick Rubin’s influence: Art for self vs. commercial 17:20 From mimicry to authentic influence development 21:11 Combining multiple influences creates uniqueness 24:26 Creativity in corporate environments 28:59 Sharing process vs. polished products strategy 33:45 Science behind satisfying skill demonstration 36:40 3-year project: Daily tasks vs. mountain mentality 39:31 Following open doors in creative career 44:52 Permission to pace when passion becomes profession 48:01 Final wisdom: Truth over trends, process over product RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 70: Zan Carver – From Overweight Kid to Wall Street Bodybuilder Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness #FilmMaking #PaperCutAnimation #CreativeProcess #LAActing #IndependentFilm #ArtisticAuthenticity #CreativeEntrepreneur #FilmProduction #VisualArt #StoryTelling #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic creative journeys that prove following your truth beats chasing trends every time!

What happens when 150% effort at work leads to clinical burnout symptoms? Yana Spivak went from medical school dropout to healthcare administrator, carrying guilt that drove her to dangerous overwork. Her breakdown at 50+ reveals why choosing careers to avoid trauma – not follow passion – creates the perfect burnout storm. What You’ll Learn: Why burnout is now hitting people in their 20s and 30s (epidemic proportions) How trauma-based career choices set you up for compassion fatigue The difference between boundaries (self-protection) vs rules (controlling others) Why “I’m so busy” is socially acceptable but “I took a bubble bath” isn’t Clinical symptoms that force your body to stop when you won’t Key Moments: 0:24 – “If you don’t take time for wellness, your illness will make sure you do” 10:32 – Boundary revelation: “Your day has ended – stop checking emails” 22:52 – Wrong profession trap: Prominent doctors burning out despite success 30:44 – Society’s judgment: “I spent an hour on the couch” vs “I’m so busy” 41:22 – Physical breakdown: Falling asleep at red lights, throwing up before work 52:26 – Wall Street lawyer’s 1000-page brief over holiday weekends Yana’s Journey: Medical school dropout → Healthcare administrator carrying parental guilt 150% effort philosophy leading to dangerous overwork patterns Clinical burnout symptoms forcing body shutdown in mid-50s Nonprofit founder: “A Bridge 2 Thrive” supporting burnout recovery Accidental athlete at 50 discovering fitness during recovery Perfect If You’re: Working 60+ hours weekly and calling it “dedication” Choosing careers to please others or avoid trauma Experiencing chronic fatigue, disengagement, or relationship strain Unable to establish work-life boundaries Mid-career and questioning if this is sustainable Yana’s Hard-Won Wisdom: “Only you know what you need – don’t be afraid to put yourself first” “We normalize recharging devices but not ourselves” “People who enter wrong professions burn out despite external success” “Burnout divides people into two categories: burned out or on the way” ABOUT YANA SPIVAK: Healthcare administrator turned burnout advocate | Founder of “A Bridge 2 Thrive” nonprofit | Survived clinical burnout in mid-50s | Helps professionals recognize early warning signs CONNECT WITH YANA: LinkedIn: Yana Spivak   / yana-spivak-222ba5222   Nonprofit: A Bridge 2 Thrive https://abridge2thrive.org/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: If you don’t take time for wellness… 00:56 Burnout epidemic affecting younger generations 04:10 Women’s monthly cycles vs. men’s 24-hour energy reset 10:09 Establishing boundaries: Where your workday ends 14:44 Overextending and people-pleasing patterns 19:16 110% effort at work: Ambition or destruction? 25:00 Trauma-driven career choices and wrong professions 30:40 Social judgment: “I spent an hour on the couch” 35:29 Society’s structure blaming individuals 39:21 Clinical symptoms requiring tangible help 43:40 Resources and nonprofit work for burnout recovery 47:24 Constructive feedback and self-awareness 52:24 Wall Street lawyer’s impossible weekend briefs 54:41 Final wisdom: Put yourself first RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything #Burnout #HealthcareWorkers #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #ClinicalBurnout #WomensHealth #CareerTrauma #OverworkCulture #SelfCare #BoundariesAtWork #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic stories that prove putting yourself first isn’t selfish – it’s survival!