Free To Be Me

Host, Karen Pawley, interviews Karen Brody, founder of the community Daring to Rest. Karen Brody emphasizes the importance of rest and introduces Yoga Nidra as a powerful sleep meditation practice that leads to deep rest and transformation. Karen Brody shares her personal journey from experiencing chronic panic attacks and exhaustion to discovering Yoga Nidra, which profoundly improved her well-being. She highlights the challenges of overcoming societal pressures that undervalue rest and explains how rest can help reclaim one's true nature, often lost in our fast-paced, productivity-driven culture.

The conversation touches on the heroine’s journey concept from Maureen Murdoch, contrasting it with the traditional hero's journey. It describes a pathway for women to rediscover their essence through challenges like burnout or health crises, leading to a deep connection with the divine feminine and a more authentic, restful life. Karen Brody also emphasizes the role of the body in finding wisdom and advocates for embodied practices to connect more deeply with oneself. She proposes creating rest doulas to hold space for rest, allowing people to explore new, rested ways of being before reaching a crisis point. The conversation concludes with a vision for communities to value and facilitate rest, fostering healthier cultures and households.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Karen Brody Instagram

Book Daring to Rest

2025 Daring to Rest 40-Day Program

Daring to Rest Facilitator Training

In this episode of the Free-to-Be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley introduces a friend Caghrey West, who shares her transformative journey following a late-life neurodiversity diagnosis of autism. Caghrey, at 48, discovered her diagnosis after her daughter received a similar one, which led her to reconsidering her family's dynamics, communication styles, and previous notions of normalcy. Her journey from suffering anxiety unknowingly since childhood to understanding her identity through the lens of autism has been revelatory, providing a sense of belonging and making sense of her lifelong feelings of alienation. Caghrey's story emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, the relief in understanding oneself, and the courage it takes to live authentically, challenging societal norms. Through this personal story, the podcast illustrates a broader message about the strength required to question the status quo and the beauty of embracing one's true self.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Caghrey West Instagram & Facebook

Psychiatric Clinic Optima Rustenvrede in Stellenbosch 

The Neuro Diversity Centre

In this episode we delve into the complexities of self-discovery and relationships, highlighting both personal growth and interconnectedness. Host, Karen Pawley reflects on the year's journey toward understanding herself better, uncovering that deep insights often arise through relationships. Guest,  Rose Viggiano, a relationship coach and attachment specialist, shares her transformative journey from challenging and unsatisfactory relationships rooted in childhood experiences to healing and building healthy, supportive connections. Together, they emphasize the role of attachment styles and the importance of evolving from codependent behaviors towards secure, interdependent relationships, underscoring the balance of self-awareness and mutual support. Rose candidly discusses her personal healing journey, emphasizing how relationships can drive significant personal growth and advocating for a holistic approach to repair and nurture lasting, authentic bonds. Rose also shares her insights on attachment theory, the importance of awareness in breaking unhealthy patterns, and the power of community in healing. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or seeking to deepen your connections, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of love and finding personal fulfillment.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Rose Viggiano Website & Instagram & YouTube

Know Your Attachment Style  Free Mini-Quiz

In this engaging podcast episode, host Karen Pawley introduces Kim Ballantine, a remarkable woman who has overcome tremendous challenges in her life. The discussion traverses the profound impact of spasmodic dysphonia on Kim, a condition that severely affected her ability to speak. Despite the devastation and isolation that came with losing her voice, Kim shares how she was able to maintain hope and humor through her journey. She talks about the importance of choosing a positive response amidst adversity, highlighting the role of her supportive family and her choices to continue engaging with the world. Kim also reflects on the public's varied reactions to her condition and shares anecdotes that illustrate her resilience and determination to maintain a sense of normalcy and joy in her life. Through her experiences, Kim demonstrates the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive community in overcoming life's challenges.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Kim Ballantine Website & Instagram & Facebook & YouTube Story

Book: Hot Tea & Apricots written by Kim Ballantine

In this episode host Karen Pawley initiates an exploration of personal authenticity and self-discovery, setting a reflective tone for listeners on their own journeys. Karen shares her experiences of recent life transitions, particularly the notion of 'purging'—a process of letting go of the unnecessary to create room for self-awareness and healing, which can initially evoke feelings of insecurity or loss. She encourages listeners to introspect on the reasons behind their attachments and the underlying fears of rejection or inadequacy, proposing that such self-probing can ultimately lead to self-acceptance and love. Karen is joined by guest Kristin Quattlebaum, who shares her transformative journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighted by a shift in her professional identity from a 'purpose guide and healer' to a 'truth seer and shadow alchemist.' Kristin delves into her nomadic lifestyle post-2020, emphasizing how it enabled her to deepen her self-trust, connect with diverse people, and experience spiritual growth by interacting with different lands. Through their dialogue, they underscore the importance of embracing life's uncertainties, allowing intuition to guide personal and professional evolutions.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Kristin Quattlebaum Website & Instagram & YouTube & Podcast

The focus of this conversation between host, Karen Pawley and guest Kim Knievel rests on the process of deconditioning and how it allows individuals to become creators of their own life experiences. Karen emphasizes the importance of living life fully every day rather than postponing happiness and fulfillment to a distant future or rare moments free from responsibility. Karen reflects on her own journey through conditioned beliefs that kept her confined within an unsatisfying lifestyle. Highlighting the profound influence of human design on her deconditioning journey, Karen introduces her guest Kim, an intuitive coach with a background in corporate communications and athletics. Kim shares her transformative journey, detailing how she transitioned from a corporate career driven by external validation to pursuing spiritual practices and eventually launching her own business centered on the Akashic Records—a practice she found profoundly impactful. Together, Karen and Kim explore themes of intuition, the courage to act on inner insights, and the necessity of deconditioning from societal expectations to embrace a life grounded in authenticity and self-awareness.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Kim Knievel Website & Substack

Book: How to Read the Akashic Records by Linda Howe

In this episode of the Free-to-be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley celebrates three years of living in the U.S. and reflects on the unpredictable nature of life, emphasizing how its unexpected twists and turns can lead to personal growth, resilience, and clarity. She welcomes guest Nikki Wilson, who shares her own journey through significant life changes, including a career shift and navigating midlife as a breast cancer survivor. Nikki, now the Director of Studies at the Health Coaches Academy and a Director for a group of dialysis clinics, discusses the importance of balance, self-care, and the lessons learned from both professional and personal experiences. She highlights how facing health challenges spurred her to reassess her priorities, leading to a deeper appreciation for life and the motivation to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The conversation between Karen and Nikki encapsulates the podcast's mission to explore the light and dark of life's journey, underscoring the power of stories and the connections forged through shared experiences and resilience.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Nikki Wilson Facebook

Renal-SA Facebook

Health Coaches Academy Facebook

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Petro, a transformation coach and Reiki master, who shares her transformative journey through life's adversities, including the loss of her best friend, personal trauma, and the struggle with self-worth and limiting beliefs. Through her narrative, Danielle emphasizes the significance of internal healing, the power of storytelling, and the journey back to one's true self. She advocates for the importance of inner work, self-compassion, and the realization that individuals possess the strength and capability to heal themselves. This podcast episode serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the resilience and transformation possible when individuals embrace their authentic selves and embark on a path of healing and self-discovery.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Danielle Petro Website & Instagram

This episode shines a light on the transformative power of self-discovery, the importance of mental health, and the impact of mentoring and supporting women through their struggles and journeys toward self-acceptance and empowerment. Host Karen Pawley, alongside guest Gucci Erasmus, delve into the realms of inner work, women empowerment, and the power of embracing one's true self. Karen sets the stage by sharing profound words by Nicola Jane Hobbs, emphasizing the desire to be remembered not for stress or exhaustion but for joy, compassion, and living peacefully and authentically. Gucci shares her remarkable journey, including the origin of her unique name, her experiences living across different cultures, and how she became a beacon of resilience and change management. Her story intertwines personal challenges, professional growth, and the commitment to mental health and women's empowerment, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to leverage her experiences for the betterment of others. 

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Gucci Erasmus Website & Instagram & Substack

In this episode of the "Free-to-be-me" podcast, host Karen Pawley engages in a captivating exploration of astrology with special guest Anya Kotzuba, a seasoned astrologer and coach. The discussion dives into the significance of understanding one's birth chart, emphasizing the importance of the sun, moon, and rising signs as the foundational elements that shape individuals' personalities and life paths. Anya shares her personal journey into astrology, highlighting how this ancient practice helped her navigate life's challenges and transitions, particularly during motherhood and significant global shifts like the lockdown. The conversation also touches upon the practical application of astrology in daily life, offering insights into navigating retrogrades and understanding planetary influences. Karen and Anya's exchange illuminates the empowering aspects of astrology, showcasing it as a tool for deep self-awareness, healing, and personal growth, all while grounding the discussion in relatable experiences and tangible examples that demystify astrology for the modern listener.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Anya Kotzuba Website & Instagram & Facebook