What if heritage wasn’t just what you inherited, but what you chose to carry forward?

In this expansive conversation, Emily Paulsen is joined by Laura Sura, founder of Heritage Within, to explore how legacy can be defined by presence, energy, and intention rather than tradition or biology. Together, they question the assumptions baked into words like “heritage” and “ancestor,” and open the door to more personal, inclusive, and empowered interpretations.

Rather than centering lineage in the traditional sense, this episode invites listeners to think about legacy as something everyone shapes—consciously or not. Emily and Laura reflect on how values, energy, and even ways of being can become part of what we pass on. They also challenge the pressure to “honor” what no longer feels aligned, and offer a compassionate, curious lens on how to decide what’s truly worth keeping.

For anyone who has ever wondered what it means to leave a mark, to honor the past without being bound by it, or to become the kind of ancestor they wish they’d had—this episode offers both clarity and possibility.

Key Takeaways:

• Heritage as an Intentional Inheritance: How to stop defaulting to what you were handed and begin curating what you’ll carry forward.

• Redefining Ancestry: Why ancestors don’t have to be blood-related—and how chosen influences shape our lives just as powerfully.

• Presence as a Legacy Practice: How the energy we bring into a room becomes part of what we leave behind.

• Letting Go of Obligation: The freedom that comes from releasing traditions or narratives that no longer resonate.

• Legacy Without Lineage: A powerful reminder that legacy isn’t reserved for parents—it’s created by how we live, connect, and show up every day.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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Laura Rike is the founder of Heritage Within, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals redefine legacy and identity beyond biological roots. An adoptee and lifelong advocate for purpose-driven living, Laura believes that true heritage is built through the lives we touch and the values we embody. Through Heritage Within, she creates a supportive space for personal growth, authenticity, and empowerment. Laura’s work inspires others to honor their stories, break free from societal expectations, and leave a legacy of love, courage, and impact.

Learn more about Heritage Within on their website: www.heritagewithin.org