Happiness Unscripted

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In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza reflects on the inspiring journey of Ashley Iduda, who transitioned from a stay-at-home mom about to embark on a teaching career to her unscripted life filled with podcasting, makeup workshops, and coaching programs. Ashley's story emphasizes trusting oneself and taking the first step without seeing the entire path ahead. Kristin reflects on how her conversation with Ashley highlighted how embracing imperfections allows for authentic living and deeper fulfillment. By sharing her own experience, Ashley encouraged listeners to pursue their passions courageously and authentically.

00:00 Intro

00:54 Reflections from Ashley - First Steps

02:09 You can handle the challenge

03:13 You don't need to have it all figured out to begin

06:59 An Unexpected Outcome - Giving others permission to be themselves

09:56 Kristin's Self Reflection

12:47 Kristin's Wrap Up

15:08 Closing

15:55 Outro

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

Reflections from Ashley Iduda: Embracing Authenticity and Finding One's Self

In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, Kristin DeSouza highlights the inspiring transformation of Ashley Iduda, who reclaimed her true self. Ashley's journey demonstrates the courage to acknowledge personal struggles, confront codependency, and combat shame to find genuine happiness. Her story underscores the importance of self-honesty, self-love, and embracing one's inherent worth. The episode concludes with practical advice for rewiring the mind for positivity and the value of spiritual encounters in nurturing self-acceptance and authentic living.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Happiness Unscripted
01:43 Ashley's Journey to Authenticity
03:21 The Power of Vulnerability
07:08 Breaking Free from People Pleasing
12:06 Confronting and Overcoming Shame
16:14 A Spiritual Awakening
24:10 Daily Practices for Happiness
30:12 Embracing Inherent Worth
34:09 Outro & Closing

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

Exploring Trauma-Informed Coaching with Kena Siu

In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, Kristin DeSouza hosts Kena Siu, a self-love and empowerment guide behind Midlife Butterfly. Kena specializes in helping women navigate through life's challenging transitions such as divorce, loss, and soul awakening using trauma-informed coaching practices like shadow work, inner child work, and somatic awareness. The discussion dives into what these practices entail, how they help in healing and personal transformation, and the importance of understanding and processing emotions to avoid physical manifestations of unresolved feelings. Kena also shares her experience as a digital nomad and how it enriches her life. The episode ends with practical advice on how individuals can begin their journey toward self-acceptance and holistic self-care.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Happiness Unscripted

00:49 Introducing Kena Siu: Self-Love and Empowerment Guide

01:43 Catching up: Recap of part 1 & Launching into Kena's Coaching

02:49 Understanding Trauma-Informed Coaching

03:39 Exploring Shadow Work, Inner Child Healing and Somatic Awareness

07:39 The Importance of Somatic Awareness

17:43 Digital Nomad Lifestyle and Its Benefits

20:37 Building Community and Retreats

21:44 Midlife Butterfly: Programs and Offerings

25:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

29:49 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Connect with Kena Siu:

🌐 midlifebutterfly.ca

📱 Social Media: instagram.com/midlifebutterfly 

🎙️Podcast: midlifebutterfly.ca/podcast

✨ Offerings:

• Freebie: The Midlife Butterfly Guide: 5 Practices for the Woman Going Through Life Transitions & Need to Heal Herself and Reclaim Her Power. midlifebutterfly.ca/theguide
• Offer: Join her at the First You. A 3-Day Experience from November 19-21: https://midlifebutterfly.ca/firstyouexperience 

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

Kena Siu: Navigating Life's Transitions with Midlife Butterfly

In this episode of 'Happiness Unscripted,' host Kristin DeSouza talks with Kena Siu, the self-love and empowerment guide behind Midlife Butterfly. Kena shares her journey through significant life transitions, including multiple marriages, moving to different countries, and profound personal losses. She discusses how these experiences led her to launch the Midlife Butterfly brand and become a guide for women navigating midlife transformations. Kena emphasizes the importance of self-love, breaking free from old patterns, and embracing life's 'sacred in-between' moments. She also highlights the critical role of self-care, mindfulness, and creating new habits in achieving a fulfilling and joyful life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Opening

00:49 Kena Siu's Introduction

05:44 Kena's rich life, full of transitions

09:50 Questioning everything

13:35 "What do I have to shift to heal?"

15:32 "I didn't love myself like I thought I did."

17:32 Becoming your own best friend

19:26 Little Tweaks can lead to a lifestyle of self-care

21:36 Midlife Butterfly born from the 'messy middle'

28:43 Using personal metamorphesis to help guide others

35:26 Midlife Butterfly: Discovering who you are becoming

39:39 The Sacred Inbetween: The space where we are always evolving and changing

46:58 Outro

47:29 Closing

Connect with Kena Siu:

🌐 midlifebutterfly.ca

📱 Social Media: instagram.com/midlifebutterfly 

🎙️Podcast: midlifebutterfly.ca/podcast

✨ Offerings:

• Freebie: The Midlife Butterfly Guide: 5 Practices for the Woman Going Through Life Transitions & Need to Heal Herself and Reclaim Her Power. midlifebutterfly.ca/theguide
• Offer: Join her at the First You. A 3-Day Experience from November 19-21: https://midlifebutterfly.ca/firstyouexperience 

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza interviews Ashley Iduda, a Christian woman's empowerment coach and podcast host of 'Her Identity Project.' Ashley shares her personal journey of overcoming shame, insecurities, and identity struggles. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and combating limiting beliefs, understanding one's true worth in God, and living authentically. Ashley speaks about how her experiences have influenced her work in helping other women, through her podcast and Designed To Glow workshops, to embrace their God-given beauty and confidence. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of societal pressures and the significance of self-love and acceptance in a profound and holistic sense.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome

00:50 Ashley Iduda Intro

02:15 Purpose and Plan for Ashley's Life

02:43 Identifying from where limiting beliefs spring

06:50 Shame Thrives in the Dark

09:27 Turning Shame into Purpose

17:01 Ashley's surprising source of motivation

19:31 Living with Intention

21:31 Her Identity Project & Women Who Glow Workshop

28:44 Created unique with purpose, on purpose

30:22 Outro & Closing

Connect with Ashley

📱 Social Media: 

• Instagram: @ashleyiduda
• Facebook (faith, podcast + makeup lessons): Ashley Iduda
• Facebook (makeup artistry + lessons): Ashley’s Business Page

🎙️ Podcast:

• Her Identity Project Podcast — available on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms
• https://heridentityproject.buzzsprout.com

👥 Contact

• ✉️ Email: [email protected]

✨ Offers:

• 💄 Five-Minute Radiance: (Oct 2 & 4, only $17)
• 💄 Grow in confidence & beauty from the inside out & get a quick, simple routine to feel like the best version of yourself.  
• 🌐: https://heridentityproject.kit.com/c8cd5f8cc9

🗓️ Book a free call to explore makeup lessons & beauty coaching:

• https://calendly.com/hello-ashleyiduda

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

Embracing Self-Worth Through Faith with Ashley Iduda

 In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza delves into a deep conversation with Ashley Iduda, a Christian women's empowerment coach and podcast host. Ashley shares her remarkable journey overcoming identity struggles, imposter syndrome, and feelings of insecurity through a transformative encounter with God's love. She emphasizes the importance of building a personal relationship with God, choosing to believe in one's worth as defined by biblical teachings, and focusing on being rather than doing. Ashley's story offers profound insights into moving from intellectual belief to heartfelt conviction and highlights practical steps, like daily reaffirmations and prayer, to help women embrace their true identity and confidence.

 Key Timestamps

00:00 Welcome

00:49 Intro on Ashley

02:26 Recap of Ashley's experience with God

06:30 Reflections on Ashley's experience with God

11:28 'I am a Creation of God and I choose love'

17:43 Choosing Trust

20:44 Going all in on the journey

25:40 A relationship with God is a relationship with a friend

26:09 Focus on simply Becoming

32:26 Outro-next episode

Connect with Ashley

📱 Social Media: 

• Instagram: @ashleyiduda
• Facebook (faith, podcast + makeup lessons): Ashley Iduda
• Facebook (makeup artistry + lessons): Ashley’s Business Page

🎙️ Podcast:

• Her Identity Project Podcast — available on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms
• https://heridentityproject.buzzsprout.com

👥 Contact

• ✉️ Email: [email protected]

✨ Offers:

• 💄 Five-Minute Radiance: (Oct 2 & 4, only $17)
• 💄 Grow in confidence & beauty from the inside out & get a quick, simple routine to feel like the best version of yourself.  
• 🌐: https://heridentityproject.kit.com/c8cd5f8cc9

🗓️ Book a free call to explore makeup lessons & beauty coaching:

• https://calendly.com/hello-ashleyiduda

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

Finding Identity and Faith with Ashley Iduda of Her Identity Project Podcast

 In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza talks with Ashley Iduda, a Christian woman's empowerment coach and podcast host of 'Her Identity Project.' Ashley shares her transformative journey of overcoming identity struggles, imposter syndrome, and feelings of shame. 

 She discusses her career transition from a makeup artist to a stay-at-home mom, revealing how she grappled with lost identity and insecurity. Ashley's powerful encounter with God's love led her to a profound healing process, ultimately helping her embrace her inner and outer beauty, which led her to help other women do the same. This inspiring conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, courage, and faith in achieving true self-acceptance and happiness.

Key Timestamps 

00:00 Finding Identity and Faith with Ashley Iduda 21Jul25_Oct25

00:57 Ashley Iduda Intro

02:23 Ashley's Background story

03:58 Ashley's Struggles with Identity

10:27 The Start of Ashley's Journey to Understand Her Identity

15:20 Kristin Relates to Realizing It Is Time To Make Changes

18:23 Ashley's Transformative Experience with God

25:51 Outro-See You Next Time as We Continue with Ashley

 Connect with Ashley

📱 Social Media: 

• Instagram: @ashleyiduda
• Facebook (faith, podcast + makeup lessons): Ashley Iduda
• Facebook (makeup artistry + lessons): Ashley’s Business Page

🎙️ Podcast:

• Her Identity Project Podcast — available on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms
• https://heridentityproject.buzzsprout.com

👥 Contact

• ✉️ Email: [email protected]

✨ Offers:

• 💄 Five-Minute Radiance: (Oct 2 & 4, only $17)
• 💄 Grow in confidence & beauty from the inside out & get a quick, simple routine to feel like the best version of yourself.  
• 🌐: https://heridentityproject.kit.com/c8cd5f8cc9

🗓️ Book a free call to explore makeup lessons & beauty coaching:

• https://calendly.com/hello-ashleyiduda

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza reflects on the inspiring journey of her friend Elaine Vandiver. From a carefree college graduate to a fulfilled farmer in Walla Walla, Washington, Elaine’s story exemplifies how happiness emerges through courage, openness, and trust in navigating life's uncertainties. Kristin discusses key themes from her conversation with Elaine, including the value of 'purposeful flexibility,' noticing what energizes versus drains, and making trust-based decisions over fear-driven ones. Through real stories and examples, Kristin highlights how Elaine's proactive receptivity, engaging actively with life’s possibilities, and sequential clarity led her to an authentic and fulfilling life. The episode encourages listeners to embrace similar values on their path toward happiness.

00:00 Welcome to Happiness Unscripted

00:49 Reflecting on Elaine Vandiver's Journey

02:09 Embracing Uncertainty and Purposeful Flexibility

04:57 The Power of Saying Yes

06:44 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

13:00 Fear-Based vs. Trust-Based Decisions

24:46 Insights from Elaine's Story

31:00 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

Elaine Vandiver's Journey to Sustainable Farming

In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza concludes an insightful conversation with Elaine Vandiver, a military veteran turned full-time farmer and entrepreneur. Elaine, who operates Old Homestead Alpacas and Gholson Gardens in Walla Walla, Washington, shares her remarkable journey from working in an engaging yet technical, high-stress job to embracing the therapeutic and fulfilling life of a farmer. Elaine discusses her gradual transition into farming, the challenges and triumphs of managing her businesses, and the profound joy she finds in working with nature. The dialogue highlights the importance of following one's passion, the impact of seasonal changes on daily farm life, and the value of creating tangible, useful products.

Key Timestamps

01:36 Receptivity & Pulling on the thread

04:33 Building Gholson Gardens

28:15 The Therapy of Farming

31:53 Can't Freeze Time

35:32 Connecting with Elaine and the Farm

39:52 Looking back and Looking Forward

Connect with Elaine:

🌐 Websites:

• https://www.gholsongardens.com
• https://www.oldhomesteadalpacas.com/

📱Social Media:

• facebook.com/OldHomesteadAlpacas
• instagram.com/oldhomesteadalpacas/
• facebook.com/gholsongardens
• instagram.com/gholsongardens/

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

Send us Fan Mail

From Military Service to Farming: Elaine Vandiver's Unplanned Path to Fulfillment

In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin Dea continues her conversation with Elaine Vandiver, a military veteran turned first-generation farmer. Elaine recounts her journey from serving in Iraq to operating Old Homestead Alpacas and Gholson Gardens in Walla Walla, Washington, alongside her husband Mike. She shares her transition from pursuing a conventional suburban life to embracing a more fulfilling, albeit unexpected, path in agriculture. Elaine also discusses the challenges of infertility, the serendipitous acquisition of their farm, and their initial foray into craft beer brewing, which later pivoted to raising alpacas and cultivating flowers. Tune in to hear how Elaine found meaning and joy through farming and her unique approach to integrating natural dyeing into her fiber arts.

Key Time Stamps:

00:00 Audio-Elaine V_Ep3-Pt 2_Land calls & Leap of Faith

03:31 Leaving the Military & Infertility Journey

09:37 Searching for Land

13:05 A Hideaway & a project

17:47 Alpacas instead of a tractor

22:35 From a Brewery to Alpacas

28:36 What to do with Alpaca Yarn?

Connect with Elaine:

🌐 Websites:

• https://www.gholsongardens.com
• https://www.oldhomesteadalpacas.com/

📱Social Media:

• facebook.com/OldHomesteadAlpacas
• instagram.com/oldhomesteadalpacas/
• facebook.com/gholsongardens
• instagram.com/gholsongardens/

Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

✉️: [email protected]

🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

      On Spotify      

https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

       On Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

• Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

📱 Social Media:

• facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
• instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - just a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!