What if chronic pain isn’t just physical? In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Patricia Nesler, a chronic pain specialist, shares her powerful journey of overcoming fear, trauma, and physical suffering to reclaim her life. From navigating a traumatic birth experience to discovering the mind-body connection in healing, Trish reveals the unexpected truths about pain, resilience, and the power of self-awareness. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of stress and symptoms, this episode will challenge what you think you know about healing and empower you to take control of your body and your future.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Pain Isn’t Your Enemy—It’s a Messenger
• 00:00:45 - Welcome to Finding Your Fierce: Meet Trish Nesler
• 00:02:22 - Trish’s Story: From Struggle to Strength
• 00:03:36 - Healing Through Vulnerability: The Power of Alchemy
• 00:04:10 - Breaking Free: How Trish Helps People Overcome Chronic Pain
• 00:05:17 - Parenting, Trauma, and the Stress We Carry
• 00:05:55 - A Birth Experience That Changed Everything
• 00:07:13 - When the Body Breaks Down: Searching for Answers
• 00:14:07 - Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection
• 00:15:22 - How Repressed Emotions and Anger Manifest in Pain
• 00:16:58 - The Hidden Impact of the Fawning Response
• 00:18:46 - How to Recognize and Overcome Fawning
• 00:19:54 - Why People-Pleasing Might Be Holding You Back
• 00:21:04 - The Science of Pain: Amygdala, Fear, and Social Exclusion
• 00:22:29 - How Your Brain Shapes Your Pain Experience
• 00:26:07 - Somatic Healing: Moving Beyond the Pain Cycle
• 00:35:20 - The BFF Framework: Breathe, Focus, Take Fierce Action
• 00:40:55 - Healing, Connection, and Reclaiming Your Power

Links and Resources:

• Peaceful Warrior Website
• Greenhouse Holistic Co-op Center
• Trish on Instagram

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Carolyn sits down with Pam Dunwald, a veteran nurse turned fierce advocate for aging adults. With over 40 years in healthcare, Pam has seen it all—families lost in medical jargon, patients overlooked, and a system that often forgets its most vulnerable. She shares moments from challenges she faced standing up in a broken system, and how she found her voice as a nurse advocate. From confronting ageism to fighting for better patient care, Pam’s mission is clear: no one should navigate healthcare alone.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Empathy: The Superpower We Don’t Talk About Enough
• 00:00:39 – Kicking Off with Fierce Energy
• 00:01:33 – From Weak Stomach to Fierce Advocate
• 00:03:49 – A Bingo Hall, A Life-Changing Moment, and a Nursing Career Born
• 00:06:04 – The Secret to Staying Resilient (Even When It’s Hard)
• 00:07:42 – Why Aging Adults Deserve More—and How to Fight for It
• 00:09:17 – The Nursing Stories That Changed Everything
• 00:11:04 – Spit On, Cursed At, Ignored—The Truth About Being a Nurse
• 00:14:16 – Want to Be an Advocate? Here’s What You Need to Know
• 00:20:08 – How to Find Your Fierce in 5 Minutes at a Time
• 00:24:43 – The Self-Assessment Trick That Changes Everything
• 00:27:14 – The Final Word: One Fierce Mission, One Powerful Legacy

Links and Resources:

• Pam on LinkedIn
• Your Nurse Advocate Consulting, LLC

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Carolyn sits down with Jan Dégallier, a strategic business coach and consultant who transitioned from a long corporate finance career to entrepreneurship. Jan shares how she stepped away from a secure, traditional path to build a business centered on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners understand their numbers and make evidence-based decisions. She explains the power of tools like scorecards and weekly metrics in driving clarity and growth. Carolyn and Jan discuss resilience, faith, and the importance of staying uncomfortable to keep growing. Jan’s story is a testament to taking bold action, embracing curiosity, and building a business rooted in purpose and clarity.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – When Safe Isn’t Secure: The Moment Jan Stepped Off the Traditional Path
• 00:01:02 – Behind the Numbers: Meet Jan Dégallier
• 00:01:36 – Audit to Awakening: A 30-Year Career in Retrospect
• 00:02:47 – Faith vs. Fear: The Decision That Changed Everything
• 00:03:26 – Know Your Numbers, Know Your Future: Jan’s Mission for Entrepreneurs
• 00:09:02 – The Scorecard Revolution: Measuring What Truly Matters
• 00:15:11 – Accountability Partners Aren’t Just Buzzwords – They’re Lifelines
• 00:16:41 – Resilience, Faith, and the Relentless Pursuit of Growth
• 00:19:09 – The Pause Before the Leap: Wrapping Up with Jan Dégallier

Links and Resources

• Jan on LinkedIn
• Catipult 
• Dégallier Leadership Solutions

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Holly Hibbard is an expert in emotional intelligence, relationships, mindfulness, and leadership, and she has a coaching and consulting practice. She is sharing her story about moving from survival mode to a forward-looking visionary mindset. Carolyn and Holly discuss how asking the right questions—not just of others but of yourself—can lead to profound breakthroughs. Holly shares her knowledge from her leadership training and life lessons, pointing out the importance of making sure you know what you’re running toward and how to trust yourself along the way. This conversation will teach you how to find strength, clarity, and connection in life’s tough moments.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Quest for Authentic Connection Begins
• 00:00:59 - Cracking Open Fierce Conversations
• 00:01:53 - Who is Holly Hibbard? A Catalyst for Change
• 00:04:32 - Unlocking Life’s Hidden Answers
• 00:07:41 - From Hardship to Hero: Discovering Fierce
• 00:10:33 - The Pessimist’s Leap to Visionary Thinking
• 00:14:12 - Breaking the Pessimist’s Cycle
• 00:18:45 - Fierce Action: Moving One Yard at a Time
• 00:23:19 - The Hidden Power of Small Wins
• 00:27:07 - Defining Success: What Do You Want?
• 00:30:51 - Reclaiming Self-Trust in a Doubtful World
• 00:37:15 - The Final Word: Fueling Connection and Growth

Links and Resources

• Holly on LinkedIn
• Holly on Instagram
• 30 Done-for-You Social Media Content Ideas
• The Holly Hibbard Show
• YouTube
• LinkTree

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Jeff Lindley shares his remarkable journey from a 25-year career in construction to founding his own bookkeeping and CFO services business for tradespeople. Jeff opens up about the years he spent paralyzed by fear of failure, the pivotal moments that sparked his leap into entrepreneurship, and the unrelenting drive that keeps him moving forward. He delves into the power of clear processes, digital tools, and vision boards to empower small business owners. Jeff’s story is an inspiring reminder that regret often outweighs the risk of failure—and that freedom comes from taking charge of your own future.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Fear’s Grip and Breaking Free
• 00:00:23 - Welcome to Finding Your Fierce
• 00:00:48 - A Blue Collar Visionary
• 00:01:52 - Balancing Family and Bold Decisions
• 00:02:31 - The Spark Behind Jeff’s Bookkeeping Business
• 00:03:37 - Facing Challenges and Claiming Wins
• 00:06:39 - How Processes Can Save Your Business
• 00:10:32 - Staying Inspired in the Face of Doubt
• 00:17:49 - Vision Boards: Mapping Dreams into Reality
• 00:22:34 - Parting Wisdom: Living Without Regret

Links and Resources

• Jeff on LinkedIn
• JL Bookkeeping Design

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Cathy Christen is an author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur here to share her journey where she overcame challenges early on and began to thrive in business and life. She talks about the power of mentorship, community, and intentional living. She also explains how embracing collaboration shifted her approach to success. Cathy lets us in on the tools and strategies she’s used to get through difficult transitions, balance work and personal life, and empower others to find their own path. 

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - A Spark of Growth: What Begins the Journey
• 00:00:30 - Stepping Into Fear: The Start of Something Bold
• 00:01:00 - Meet Cathy: A Story of Strength and Resilience
• 00:02:33 - The Road Less Traveled: Early Struggles That Define Us
• 00:04:16 - The Unseen Force: Mentorship and Connection
• 00:08:11 - Crossing the Bridge: Tools for Life’s Transitions
• 00:14:47 - The Juggling Act: Balancing Work, Passion, and Life
• 00:18:43 - Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Way
• 00:25:58 - Find Your Tribe: The Power of Community
• 00:31:55 - Looking Ahead: Kathy’s Vision for Tomorrow
• 00:35:02 - Final Words: A Reflection on Courage

Links and Resources

• Cathy Christen
• Cathy on LinkedIn
• Cathy on Instagram
• Goals + Greatness Unleashed Podcast
• Goals + Greatness on YouTube
• GoBundance Women

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Carolyn sits down with Kylee Leota to discuss the life-changing results of self-leadership. Kylee shares her journey from overcoming adversity to building a life rooted in alignment and intentional choices. She talks about how recognizing unconscious patterns, taking small but meaningful steps, and embracing personal and professional harmony can lead to profound change. Kylee also points out the importance of nurturing an ecosystem that supports growth and stepping into opportunities, even when they feel uncertain. This conversation is a reminder of the strength that comes from choosing again and leading from within.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Beginning: Finding Fierce with Carolyn
• 00:00:44 - Meet Kylee: From Brisbane to Global Impact
• 00:01:58 - Early Life: Resilience Through Challenges
• 00:03:12 - Navigating Complex Careers and Personal Struggles
• 00:04:17 - A Sudden Injury and the Start of a New Chapter
• 00:06:57 - Unpacking the Power of Self-Leadership
• 00:10:37 - Turning Setbacks into Strengths
• 00:11:10 - The Quiet Power of Conscious Choices
• 00:18:43 - Building Safe Spaces for Courageous Growth
• 00:21:50 - The Symphony of Life: Finding Harmony
• 00:22:37 - Work, Family, Health: A Balancing Act
• 00:24:57 - Infinite Growth: Starting with Identity
• 00:25:27 - Reflection Without Judgment
• 00:26:30 - The Freedom of Choosing the Right Support
• 00:31:17 - Seeing Opportunities in Chaos
• 00:34:58 - Aligning Your Ecosystem for Success
• 00:38:09 - Empowerment Through Connection
• 00:40:43 - Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts on Fierce Living

Links and Resources

• Kylee on LinkedIn
• Elements 4 Success

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Carolyn sits down with Mike Vera to discuss how values shape our health choices, often without us realizing. Mike wants you to question what you think you know about health and explore how unseen influences, from societal norms to corporate messaging, can steer your decisions. Together, they talk about the importance of self-advocacy, why it’s crucial to develop a healthy sense of skepticism, and how aligning choices with core values can lead to genuine empowerment. This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice, inviting you to ask harder questions, take ownership, and navigate your health journey with purpose.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Unpacking Core Values and Their Origins
• 00:01:00 - Opening Remarks and the Quest for Fierceness
• 00:01:17 - Breaking Norms: Mike’s Journey Begins
• 00:03:39 - Health Under the Lens of Propaganda
• 00:06:24 - Motivation and Influence
• 00:13:04 - How Values Steer Health Decisions
• 00:17:17 - Making Sense of Health Choices
• 00:22:20 - Embracing Skepticism
• 00:23:12 - Self-Advocacy as a Path to Growth
• 00:24:56 - Handling Conflicting Information
• 00:28:42 - Aligning Daily Actions with Core Beliefs
• 00:31:46 - The Call to Challenge Healthcare Norms
• 00:32:46 - Guiding Families to Ask the Right Questions
• 00:36:50 - Striking a Balance: Expertise vs. Choice
• 00:39:17 - Reflecting on Empowerment and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources

• Mike Vera
• Mike on LinkedIn
• Healthy and Awake Podcast
• Healthy and Awake Podcast on YouTube
• Avantia Health Optimization

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Carolyn sits down with EmmyLou Houston, a woman whose journey from chronic illness to vibrant health and purpose inspires a new approach to fierce living. EmmyLou shares the pivotal moments that pushed her to break free from a life of "checking boxes" and step into a life filled with faith, health, and intentional growth. They talk about the importance of community, the power of nourishing the body and soul, and the steps EmmyLou took to transform her mindset and her health. She will give you a brand-new outlook on finding strength in adversity and choosing to live with abundance, connection, and purpose!

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Struggles
• 00:00:50 - Welcoming EmmyLou to the Conversation
• 00:01:27 - Unpacking EmmyLou’s Background
• 00:03:50 - Chronic Illness and Life-Altering Realizations
• 00:09:18 - Navigating Faith and Family Challenges
• 00:12:43 - A Surprising Path to a New Lifestyle
• 00:20:03 - Finding Strength in a Supportive Community
• 00:22:38 - Embracing Purposeful Choices
• 00:25:39 - Facing Health Obstacles Head-On
• 00:26:31 - The Role of Quality Supplementation
• 00:32:27 - EmmyLou’s Mission to Empower Others
• 00:38:45 - Partnering and the Power of Sponsorship
• 00:46:06 - Final Thoughts and Expressions of Gratitude

Links and Resources

• EmmyLou | Joy in the Journey
• EmmyLou on Instagram
• EmmyLou on Facebook
• Isagenix
• Love Life with Lou

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Mia J. Hanks shares her powerful journey of surviving 29 years of marriage to a covert narcissist. She discusses how covert narcissism differs from the more overt type, explaining the silent manipulation and emotional control she endured. Mia reveals the turning point that led her to leave the relationship, the challenges of escaping such a deeply controlling environment, and how she rebuilt her life after the trauma. Through her story, you’ll gain insight into the complexities of narcissistic abuse, the healing process, and the importance of recognizing the signs early.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Unveiling Narcissism’s True Face
• 00:01:07 - Meet Mia: Her Journey Begins
• 00:02:00 - The Hidden Damage of Narcissistic Abuse
• 00:02:42 - What Exactly is Covert Narcissism?
• 00:04:54 - Empathy’s Absence: Narcissism Unmasked
• 00:11:37 - A Moment of Realization and Change
• 00:16:46 - Freedom Beyond Narcissistic Control
• 00:19:01 - Practical Advice for Breaking Free
• 00:20:12 - Mia’s Book: A Survivor’s Guide
• 00:24:10 - Final Reflections on Healing and Hope

Links and Resources

• Mia J. Hanks
• Mia on Instagram
• Mia on TikTok
• Bride-Made: A Memoir by Mia J. Hanks
• Mia’s blog
• Mia’s LinkTree

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Finding Your Fierce? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!