In this raw, unfiltered episode of From Mess to Progress, Amy dives deep into what it really takes to own your truth — even when it makes other people squirm. From her own powerful story of being silenced at 16, to the psychology and nervous system science behind why speaking up feels so risky, Amy unpacks the patterns that keep us quiet: attachment styles, polyvagal theory, self-determination, cognitive dissonance, learned helplessness, and gaslighting. You’ll hear relatable real-life scenarios, classic research studies, and practical tools to regulate your body, find your voice, and speak your truth with courage. With journal prompts, inspiring case studies, and an empowering call to action, this episode is both a masterclass in confidence and a love letter to every woman who’s ever swallowed her words. 

In this raw and unfiltered episode of From Mess to Progress, Amy Simms dismantles one of the biggest lies we’ve been told: that confidence is something you’re either born with or you’re not. With a mix of personal storytelling, trauma-informed insights, and actionable tools, Amy shares how confidence is built — brick by brick, choice by choice — even when life has knocked you down.

From her childhood struggles to finding courage in a school play, to joining the Navy and working her butt off to pass boot camp, Amy opens up about the moments that shaped her sense of self-worth. She also reveals how trauma and addiction shattered her confidence and left her feeling like she couldn’t trust herself or her decisions — and how she’s been rebuilding that trust one step at a time.

Through a blend of science and soul, Amy explores:
•Why trauma rewires the brain and impacts self-worth
•The truth about confidence myths that keep us stuck
•Practical daily habits to rebuild self-trust and confidence
•The powerful link between micro-bravery, action, and lasting belief in yourself

You’ll also hear about her favorite book for this week — The Confidence Code — and get journal prompts and a guided exercise to help you start building real, unshakable confidence today.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ll never “be that confident person,” this episode will remind you that you don’t have to wait until you’re ready — you just have to start.

You know the type.

The one who smiles through the pain. Who plays by the rules. Who never rocks the boat, keeps the peace, gets the grades, says “I’m sorry” even when it’s not her fault. Who silences her truth to make others comfortable.

Yeah… that was me. Until it almost killed me.

In this raw and real first episode of From Mess to Progress, I’m laying it all out. No filters. No sugarcoating. Just the honest, gritty truth of what it meant to be the “good girl” growing up in a home full of secrets. I’ll take you back to that quiet little girl—an only child who learned early how to shrink herself, perform for love, and fawn her way into feeling safe.

And then I’ll walk you through how that role followed me into adulthood: into toxic relationships, addiction, self-destruction, and rock-bottom moments—including the death of my best friend that shattered what little peace I had left.

But this episode isn’t about staying stuck in the story. It’s about choosing to rewrite it.

We’ll talk:
•How childhood trauma can hardwire us to seek approval instead of authenticity
•What the “fawn response” really is (and how it shows up in everyday life)
•Why being loud for others but silent for yourself is a trauma pattern in disguise
•The moment I realized I had to choose: keep playing nice… or finally speak up

If you’ve ever felt like your worth was something you had to earn…
If you’ve ever lost yourself in the process of keeping others happy…
If you’ve ever been told you were “too much,” “too emotional,” or “too messy”…

Then this episode is for you, sister

Welcome to From Mess to Progress — the unfiltered podcast for women who are tired of pretending everything’s fine when it’s really falling apart.

I’m your host, Amy Simms — Navy vet, trauma survivor, confidence coach, and former good girl turned truth-teller.

This trailer is your official permission slip to drop the mask, ditch the people-pleasing, and say the quiet parts out loud.

In this quick preview, I’ll share why I created this podcast, the truth behind my own messy middle (think trauma, addiction, living with my mom ‘til 45), and what to expect in future episodes. We’re diving deep into confidence, healing, identity, boundaries, and owning your story — even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’re done shrinking to fit, ready to rise from the wreckage, and craving a space where it’s safe to be messy and magnificent — hit play.

This is your sign, bestie.
It’s time to rebuild from the inside out.

No filters. No fluff. Just progress