In this episode, psychotherapist Sarah Dosanjh and coach/somatic practitioner Stefanie Michele unpack the messy truth about personal growth.

Can we actually change who we are, or are we just managing symptoms with nicer language?

They get real about procrastination, personality quirks, self-perception, and the parts of us that therapy just won't touch.

Through personal stories and client insights, they explore the line between acceptance and accountability — and why some things evolve, while others might be here to stay.

It's not a self-help pep talk.

It's a nuanced look at what we can shift… and what we might need to stop fighting.

Stefanie Michele:

• Instagram
• Substack
• Website: Work With Me
• Wednesday Emails

Sarah Dosanjh:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Website
• Book: I Can't Stop Eating

00:09 Exploring the Topic of Change 00:44 Personal Reflections on Change 02:22 Stories of Transformation 05:32 Challenges in Personal Growth 09:06 Acceptance and Self-Compassion 15:21 Balancing Acceptance and Accountability 24:50 Dating and Relationship Insights 26:14 Embracing Acceptance Over Fear 26:36 The Struggle with Victimization 27:24 Grounded Decisions and Avoidance 27:50 Ambivalence Towards Relationships 28:28 The Role of Fear in Decision Making 30:50 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections 32:34 Perceptions and Self-Identity 33:53 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth 34:55 The Challenge of Changing Self-Perception 39:41 Desires for Self-Improvement 46:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode, Stef and Sarah—one a lifelong extrovert, the other a card-carrying introvert—dive into the messy, often misunderstood world of personality types. They break down common myths (no, not all introverts are shy, and not all extroverts are party animals) and explore how these traits actually play out in real life: in social situations, relationships, and the awkward in-between moments like transitions or obligations we'd rather skip.

This isn't just a surface-level chat about "people who like people" versus "people who like books." It's a deeper conversation about nervous system regulation, attachment styles, and how anxiety sometimes disguises itself as personality. With personal stories, curiosity, and some well-placed eye-rolls at pop psychology tropes, they unpack the emotional terrain of introversion and extroversion—and why it matters.

If you've ever felt misunderstood in your need for space or your need for connection, or you're navigating relationships where your energy doesn't quite match someone else's, this episode offers insight, compassion, and some much-needed clarity.

00:41 Introverts vs Extroverts: Debunking Myths 01:18 Characteristics of Extroverts 02:48 Personal Experiences with Introversion and Extroversion 04:15 Exploring Introversion 05:02 Social Perceptions and Misunderstandings 13:21 Balancing Social Interactions 23:04 Struggles with Lighthearted Socializing 23:32 Admiration for Extroverts 24:15 Navigating Social Situations 25:00 The Challenge of Small Talk 32:17 Transitioning Out of Social Events 38:16 Energy Dynamics 40:39 Friendship Dynamics Work With Stef Work With Sarah

In this episode, Stef & Sarah (the duo behind Life After Diets) kick off a new podcast project exploring emotional awareness, self-understanding, and mental wellness.

Drawing inspiration from Carl Jung and Eckhart Tolle, they unpack how we actually experience our emotions — especially the tangled web between anger, sadness, and shame. Through personal stories and candid reflections, they explore how emotions shape our behaviors, relationships, and sense of self.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your feelings or unsure what you're even feeling in the first place, this episode will resonate. With their signature mix of depth, humor, and honesty, Stef & Sarah open the door to both intellectual and embodied healing — one emotional insight at a time.

TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Background 01:05 Quotes That Inspire Us 01:29 Exploring Feelings and Self-Awareness 05:35 The Role of Anger and Sadness 07:38 Personal Experiences with Anger 20:15 Shame and Its Impact 23:11 Exploring Cognitive and Embodied Shame 23:58 Is It Possible to Fully Eradicate Shame? 24:36 The Human Experience of Shame 27:33 Reducing Shame Levels 29:51 Shame, Anger, and Blame 39:04 The Role of Self-Compassion and Advocacy 40:00 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

WORK WITH US:

Work with Sarah Dosanjh, Psychotherapist

Work with Stefanie Michele, Coach