Why do we feel shame when talking about money?

In this powerful episode of Break the Norm, we dive deep into the emotional side of money, community, and self-worth — and how breaking the silence around finances can heal not just our wallets, but our sense of belonging.

As two women of color on our empowerment journey, we sit down with Pamela Capalad, CFP® AFC® from Get Shameless to explore the mindset shifts needed to move from money anxiety and isolation to confidence, clarity, and connection.

From the loneliness of comparing wealth to rediscovering joy in our “wants,” this conversation will transform the way you see your relationship with money and values.

In this episode, we unpack:

How money shame and silence disconnect us from community

The paradox of feeling “too broke” or “too wealthy” to belong

The truth about wants vs. needs — and how desire can be an act of healing

The four types of wealth: financial, social, time, and embodied Why our values, not our bank balances, define real success

How to build a healthier money mindset and find empowerment through awareness

If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting more — freedom, joy, abundance — this episode is for you.

Join us as we reclaim the right to talk about money, heal our financial trauma, and redefine what wealth really means.

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Love, Ruth & Lily Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies. We're just your friends.

We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we've learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

What if the armor that once protected you is now the very thing keeping you from the connection you crave?

In this episode of Break the Norm, we sit down with Baily Hancock: speaker, connection strategist, and creator of The Overlap Collective-- to explore what it really means to build relationships rooted in authenticity, alignment, and empowerment.

Together, we unpack how healing, vulnerability, and self-awareness become the foundation for transformation—both personally and collectively.

We talk about the patterns that keep us stuck in hyper-independence, the fear of being seen and rejected, and the courage it takes to show up as your full self in a world that constantly asks you to perform.

Baily shares her powerful framework—know yourself, show yourself, and seek the overlap—to help us connect with others from a place of wholeness rather than need.

This conversation reminded us how deeply so many of us long for real community while still carrying the fear of rejection, exclusion, or past harm. We explore how to create safety in connection, how to find your people through curiosity and aligned action, and how authenticity becomes the key to sustainable empowerment

Baily shows us how true empowerment comes from vulnerability, community, and taking aligned action from a grounded sense of self.

What you'll Learn:

• The difference between circumstantial and curated community—and why both matter • How to find your people through curiosity, courage, and conscious connection

• Ways to build safety and authenticity in social spaces, even after past hurt

• How embracing your authentic self opens doors to deeper transformation

• Why rejection is often just redirection toward alignment

By the end of this episode, we all came to the same realization: when we hide who we are, our people can’t find us.

True empowerment begins when we allow ourselves to be seen—unfiltered, imperfect, and real. If you’ve ever struggled to find your place, to ask for help, or to show up authentically, this conversation is for you. It’s an invitation to break the norm of isolation, to heal through connection, and to rediscover the freedom that comes from being fully yourself.

What part of Baily’s story resonated most with you? Share your reflections in the comments—we’d love to hear what landed for you.

And if this conversation moved you, subscribe to Break the Norm for more real, soul-centered discussions on healing, personal growth, empowerment, and mindset shifts that create lasting transformation.

Thank you for listening, Like, Share and Subscribe!

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Love,

Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies.

We're just your friends. We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we've learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

“Sometimes the loudest voice holding you back… is your own.”

Fear of failure gets talked about a lot. But fear of success?

That’s the quiet weight many of us carry. In this episode, we go deep into the mind shift required to stop letting fear narrate your story — and start living the truth that’s already yours.

What it really means to follow your own path, even when it means outgrowing identities, communities, and comfort zones that once defined you.

We’re taught to fear failure, but success can feel just as terrifying. When stepping into who you’re meant to be threatens your sense of belonging, old identities and voices (internal and external) can pull you back.

Losing people along the way — friends, communities, or even past versions of yourself — can make the journey lonelier and more confronting than expected.

Real transformation happens when you choose to walk by faith, not sight. When you clear out everyone else’s opinions and hear your own voice again.

When you build a new comfort zone that holds your growth instead of your fear. This episode shares the mindset tools, spiritual perspective, and daily rituals that helped us push past fear and step fully into the lives we’re meant to create. In this episode you will learn:

1. “We brought out two perspectives; yours was physical and mine was spiritual.”

2. Navigating the fear of success and what it really costs 3. The story of losing a friend and redefining community

4. Clearing out external noise to find your own voice

5. Mindset shift tools: the snow analogy

6. How to talk to yourself differently & quiet the inner critic

7. Nature walks, emotional support, and self-connection

8. Why your old identity will keep calling you back — and how to respond with compassion

9. Faith vs. skepticism: why some people manifest with ease

Thank you for listening, Like, Share and Subscribe! 💐

Join the conversation: Comment below one kind thing you said to your body today.

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Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies.

We’re just your friends. We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

“The life you want isn’t waiting to find you — it’s waiting for you to see yourself first.”

This isn’t just another motivation talk.

This is the real, unfiltered conversation about stepping out of your head, honoring your purpose, and manifesting your transformation into the physical world.

Turning purpose and intention into inspired action — building the bridge between who you imagine yourself to be and who you become in real time.

So many of us live with dreams, ideas, and visions sitting quietly in the corners of our minds.

We wait for the “right time,” the “right version” of ourselves, or the “perfect plan.” But real transformation doesn’t happen in thought alone.

The real struggle begins when vision meets the resistance of self-doubt, fear, and discipline — when we have to actually step out and embody what we’ve only imagined. In this episode, we break down the nuts and bolts of what it takes to make change stick — from creating a new perspective rooted in intention to taking action without self-judgment. In this episode you will learn:

1. The power of seeing yourself first before the world does

2. From thought to 3D: completing your transformation story

3. Discipline vs. shame: why commitment isn’t a dirty word

4. Purpose and intention: reframing how we see action

5. Respecting your fluidity and honoring your energy

6. How to make change stick without burning out

Thank you for listening, Like, Share and Subscribe!

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/breakthenormpodcast/

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@breakthenormpodcast

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Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies.

We’re just your friends. We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

Get full access to Break the Norm Podcast at breakthenormpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

“Transformation isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about becoming more of who you’ve always been.”

In this powerful conversation, we unravel the journey of self-discovery, healing, and radical acceptance.

What does it truly mean to arrive when the destination keeps evolving?

Lily shares her own transformational story — from battling self-expectations and cultural timelines to embracing the beauty of becoming.

Transformation as a living, breathing process — the tension between who we are, who we’ve been told to be, and who we’re becoming.

So many of us grow up chasing a fixed image of “success” — careers, bodies, timelines, identities shaped by external pressures and media narratives.

We compare ourselves to icons and timelines that don’t tell the full story.

But what happens when that image no longer fits? How do we hold space for the in-between?

Through honest reflection, inner work, and courageous self-acceptance, we uncover that transformation isn’t a finish line — it’s an unfolding. We explore the difference between transformation, transmutation, and alchemy, and how aligning inner truth with outer expression can set you free to live unapologetically.

In this episode you will learn:

1. “Transformation is the idea of becoming yourself…” (3:21)

2. College expectations & celebrity timelines (5:50–6:26)

3. The power of inner/outer alignment (4:36–5:15)

4. Intergenerational trauma & identity healing (14:09–15:16)

5. New age concepts & spiritual growth (17:46–18:57)

6. Lily’s personal transformation & body journey (25:40–26:30) Thank you for listening,

Like, Share and Subscribe!

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/breakthenormpodcast/

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@breakthenormpodcast

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Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies.

We’re just your friends. We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

Get full access to Break the Norm Podcast at breakthenormpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Want to Succeed in Hollywood?

It’s More Than Just Manifesting.

Too many creatives get stuck in the dreaming phase — believing that alignment, vision boards, or “waiting for the right moment” will bring success.

But as Actor/Producer and currently starring on BET+’ Zatima, Guyviaud Joseph shares in this powerful interview, Hollywood doesn’t reward ideas — it rewards execution.

In this episode, you’ll learn: Why being spiritually aligned isn’t enough if you’re not doing the work

How to understand and navigate the ever-changing entertainment industry

The truth about perception, ego, and proving yourself without a “big break”

Why consistency and community are essential for long-term success

The mindset shift that turns your idea into impact

If you’re tired of waiting for permission, hoping for luck, or feeling stuck in the “potential” phase — this conversation will inspire you to take bold, daily action toward your goals.

Your dreams are valid.

But your work ethic makes them real.

Subscribe for more interviews with top creatives, actors, and entrepreneurs. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments — let’s build this creative community together.

Thank you for listening, Like, Share and Subscribe!

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/breakthenormpodcast/

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@breakthenormpodcast

Substack https://substack.com/@breakthenormpodcast?

Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies. We’re just your friends. We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

Get full access to Break the Norm Podcast at breakthenormpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

“Part of breaking the norm is healing. How many people are walking around every day who haven’t tackled anything that happened to them in childhood?”

This episode is for anyone still carrying what was never theirs to hold. It’s about finally facing what happened to you — and reclaiming who you were always meant to be.

So many of us — especially women of color — were raised to: Stay silent about abuse Confuse survival for self-worth Swallow pain to preserve family loyalty We were never told we were enough.

We were never taught to champion ourselves. We were expected to carry trauma and smile through it.

But what happens when we stop performing… and start healing? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, we share the moments that changed us forever:

Putting my abuser in prison

Walking away from toxic family ties

Owning my story, even when it terrified me

Chasing my dream, even when I was misunderstood

This episode is about taking your power back — and telling yourself: “I am enough.” What you’ll learn:

1. The moment we decided to take our power back — from putting an abuser in prison to walking away from toxic family ties

2. What courage looks like in real life — choosing justice, truth, and dreams, no matter the cost

3. How to deal with judgment and being misunderstood — especially when your path makes others uncomfortable

4. The importance of building emotional tools — and how to access the right coping skills when it matters most

5. How harmful inner dialogue shapes your identity — and what it takes to rewrite the story in your own voice

6. Why speaking your truth out loud is terrifying — and liberating

7. How learning to be proud of yourself changes everything — even if no one else ever says it

Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies. We’re just your friends.

We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

Get full access to Break the Norm Podcast at breakthenormpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

What makes you unconventional?

In our very first episode of Break the Norm we have a revealing conversation of being the first in our families to leave, first to speak up and first to dream big.

We both felt as ambitious, highly driven young women born to immigrant families, we realized that we weren’t fitting into the traditional box.

We realized that we’re not here to fit in — we’re here to become fully aligned with who we really are. In this episode we talk about owning our truth and re-writing our legacy.

This is for the women who’ve been underestimated, silenced, or told they were too much. In this episode you’ll learn about:

1. What being unconventional looks like

2. Breaking free from generational expectations

3. Self care amongst women of color

4. Dealing with judgement for being ambitious

Thank you for listening,

Like, Share and Subscribe!

Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies. We’re just your friends.

We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

Get full access to Break the Norm Podcast at breakthenormpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Empowerment is not a moment — it’s a becoming. It’s not just one bold act. It’s an ongoing process of choosing yourself again and again — even when it’s painful.

Especially when it’s painful. In this episode, we ask: What made you realize you had the power to cut the cord?

Letting go sounds easy, but what happens when the cord you’re cutting is tied to family, old identities, or guilt?

We share real moments:

The first Christmas we didn’t go home

The fear of being labeled “ungrateful” for choosing peace over family expectations

The shame of keeping secrets — and the life force they drain from you

Letting go isn’t about hate.

It’s about honoring your peace more than your past.

Cord cutting looks different for everyone. For one of us, it meant reconnection on new terms. For the other, it meant remaining cut off — and finally at peace.

We’re not offering one “right way.” We’re saying: This is what worked for us — try it if it resonates. If not, that’s okay too.

We walk you through:

What cord cutting really is (emotionally, not just spiritually)

The mindset shift that made it possible

Why gratitude was hard — and still necessary

The 3-part mantra we used to stay grounded through it all

What You’ll Learn

1. The small, everyday signs you’re ready to let go

2. How to release guilt for choosing peace over obligation

3. Why secrets can silently destroy your well-being

4. How to build a practice of letting go with love, not shame

5. Why self-love isn’t a cultural norm yet — and how we can change that

The power of gentleness, kindness, and commitment when walking away How plugging into your purpose turns pain into stepping stones

Thank you for listening,

Love, Ruth & Lily

Two unconventional women, one empowerment journey, zero apologies.

We’re just your friends. We are not licensed therapists, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. This podcast comes from the empowerment lessons we’ve learned from our lived experiences.

#authentic #vulnerability #empowermentpodcast #personaltransformation #strongfemalelead #mindsetcoach

Get full access to Break the Norm Podcast at breakthenormpodcast.substack.com/subscribe