Imperfectly Human™ | Athlete Identity & Life After Sport

We looked successful. Strong. Disciplined. In control. Behind closed doors? We were at war with food. In this episode, Janine Stella sits down with psychotherapist Rachel Blogg, LCSW, and for the first time, both women speak publicly about their personal battles with bulimia and disordered eating. Not the version you see in after-school specials — the high-functioning version. The “she just works out a lot” version. The food journals, the rigid schedules, the bathroom escapes, the exercise that wasn’t about health but about control...with no REAL control.

Connect with Rachel:

LinkedIn, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Slide into the Black Sheep’s DMs – Janine’s waiting.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stellamix.com

Produced by StellaMix

Rachel Blogg sits down with motivational music artist and podcast host Brooklyn Boon for a conversation that goes far beyond music. What begins as a discussion about his event in Miami turns into an honest reflection on betrayal, shame, faith, and the kind of forgiveness that does not come easily.

After discovering his wife was HIV positive, Brooklyn was forced to confront anger, resentment, and the weight of his own family history with addiction and loss. Instead of walking away, he chose to stay. Together, they talk about what it really means to ask “how are you holding up,” the difference between happiness and joy, and how faith and internal work can transform pain into purpose.

This episode is about hard conversations, second chances, and the quiet strength it takes to build a family when it would be easier to run.

In this episode, I’m talking about a kind of loneliness that doesn’t get enough attention — the quiet, In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, we dive into Tara Hayes’ journey from anxiety and self-doubt to purpose and entrepreneurship. Tara opens up about growing up feeling introverted and unseen, struggling with anxiety and fear of judgment, and choosing a “safe” career in accounting that never truly felt aligned. After being laid off twice, she was forced to reevaluate everything — and that turning point led her to write her first book and ultimately build a business helping others share their stories.

We talk about what it really means to live with anxiety — not as something to eliminate, but something to understand. Tara shares how she faced the fear of being visible, navigated entrepreneurship as someone who once avoided the spotlight, and learned to “befriend” her anxiety instead of letting it control her. This episode is an honest reminder that you don’t have to feel fearless to move forward — you just have to be willing.

Tara Hayes is the founder of Tarafied Publishing, where she guides coaches and consultants through the publishing process from idea to finished book. With over six years of experience in the publishing space, Tara provides structured support, practical guidance, and honest feedback to help authors transform their drafts into polished, professional books they’re proud to share.

At the core of Tara’s work is the belief that every story matters. Having experienced firsthand the healing power of writing and sharing her own journey with anxiety, she is passionate about helping others find confidence in their voice and clarity in their message. Through her work, she empowers authors to move beyond fear, trust their stories, and step fully into their purpose.

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-m-hayes

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In this episode: In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, we dive into the real story behind Division I athletics. Weston shares what it was like to dedicate his life to football from the age of five, compete at the highest collegiate level, and navigate the intense pressure that comes with it. We talk about the physical toll of multiple injuries, the mental battles of rehab and uncertainty, the realities of NIL opportunities, and the courage it takes to advocate for yourself when your body and heart are asking for something different.

This episode goes beyond the game. It’s about identity, resilience, mental health, and making one of the hardest decisions of your life — walking away from something you’ve worked for since childhood in order to choose long-term happiness and well-being.

Meet my guest: Weston Wolff is a former Division I football player who competed at the University of Maryland and the University of South Florida. After battling multiple injuries throughout his college career, he demonstrated incredible discipline and perseverance — ultimately earning his degree in accounting while navigating the highs and lows of elite athletics.

Now stepping into his next chapter, Weston is passionate about financial literacy for athletes, particularly in the evolving NIL era. His story is one of strength, growth, and maturity — and a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest move isn’t pushing through, but knowing when it’s time to turn the page.

You can follow Weston’s journey here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westonwolff/

Twitter: https://x.com/WesWolff

TikTok: @bigggwesss

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Perfectly Imperfect Me 365, I sit down with my longtime friend Laura Reiss for a powerful conversation about kindness, resilience, and what it truly means to be human in today’s world. We explore how kindness goes far beyond being “nice” — it’s a practice, a mindset, and a tool for emotional and mental well-being. Laura shares how intentional acts of kindness, starting with ourselves, can create meaningful change in our homes, relationships, and communities.

Together, we talk about the science behind compassion, the importance of self-kindness, and how even the smallest moments — a smile, a text, a moment of gratitude — can have a lasting ripple effect. This episode is grounding, hopeful, and deeply reflective, especially for anyone feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. It’s a reminder that kindness is not passive — it’s powerful.

Meet my guest

Laura Reiss is a social entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of the Kindness Matters Foundation, a global movement rooted in the belief that kindness is an essential human capacity. What began as a small after-school club in Boca Raton has grown into an international initiative supporting children, families, schools, workplaces, and communities through education, service, and connection.

Drawing from lived experience and evidence-based insight, Laura’s work focuses on strengthening resilience, deepening empathy, and reconnecting people to our shared humanity — especially during times of change and uncertainty. Through storytelling, service, and community partnership, she empowers people of all ages to live with greater compassion, courage, and purpose from the inside out.

Laura is also a TEDx speaker, taking the stage on February 4, 2026, where she will share her powerful message on kindness, resilience, and human connection.

Connect with Laura & Kindness Matters:

Website: www.kindnessmatters365.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurawaldorfreiss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.w.reiss

In this episode

I’m joined by my dear friend and colleague Jill Bershad for an honest conversation about grief, trauma, and resilience. We explore how loss impacts the brain and nervous system, the role of self-compassion and boundaries, and why healing is rarely linear.

Jill shares powerful insights and lived experience, offering hope and perspective for anyone navigating grief, trauma, or major life transitions. This episode is a reminder that even after deep pain, growth and meaning are still possible.

Meet my guest

Jill Bershad is a licensed psychotherapist and certified addictions professional with specialized training in EMDR, trauma therapy, hypnotherapy, reiki, and sound healing. She is also the host of The Present Moment Project Podcast, where she facilitates thoughtful, grounded conversations centered on healing, presence, and personal growth.

What sets Jill apart is her ability to seamlessly integrate clinical expertise with lived experience. She shows up with warmth, authenticity, and deep compassion, creating a space where people feel seen, understood, and supported. Through her work, Jill helps others reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and move forward with intention—especially after trauma, grief, or significant life transitions.

Learn more about Jill and her work at jillbershad.com

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In this episode

Dr. Kiki Fehling is a clinical psychologist, author, and Linehan-Board-Certified expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Known for her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical, usable tools, Kiki is deeply committed to making evidence-based mental health care accessible and compassionate. Her work focuses on emotion regulation, trauma, suicide prevention, and LGBTQ+ mental health, and she speaks nationally to both medical and community audiences. Beyond her clinical and educational work, Kiki shares evidence-based mental health information with more than 75,000 followers across her social media platforms, helping people apply DBT skills in real, everyday moments.

You can connect with Dr. Kiki here:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dbtkiki

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbtkiki

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In this episode:

What if the voice in your head didn’t criticize you—but supported you instead? In this solo episode, Rachel Blogg dives into the impact of negative self-talk, self-blame, and self-criticism, exploring how these patterns can quietly block personal growth. Drawing on both therapy insights and her own experiences, Rachel discusses why constantly tearing yourself down doesn’t create lasting change—and how responding to yourself with compassion can completely shift the healing process.

Listeners will learn why creating a safe inner space is essential for growth, how to begin shifting their internal dialogue, and why treating yourself with kindness isn’t a sign of weakness, but a powerful tool for transformation. This episode is a reminder that the way we speak to ourselves matters—and that choosing self-compassion can open the door to real healing and positive change.

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In this solo episode, Rachel Blogg explores Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder (DPDR), an experience that leaves many people feeling disconnected from themselves or from the world around them—and often misunderstood by the mental health system. Rachel breaks down what DPDR actually is, including the difference between depersonalization and derealization, and why these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed or minimized. She explains why DPDR is not a personal failure or a mindset problem, but a nervous system response rooted in trauma and chronic stress.

Rachel also discusses why finding the right support matters so much when it comes to healing. She shares why many therapists are not trained to treat dissociation, what makes trauma-informed care essential, and how approaches like DBT can help regulate symptoms and restore a sense of safety in the body. Throughout the episode, Rachel offers reassurance, clarity, and hope—reminding listeners that they are not crazy, not broken, and not alone, and that healing from DPDR is possible with the right understanding and support.

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

In this solo episode, Rachel, licensed psychotherapist, dives into the differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks. She shares her personal experiences and provides clear insights into what’s happening in your mind and body during these intense moments. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why these experiences can feel overwhelming and learn how to distinguish one from the other.

Rachel also offers practical strategies to help manage anxiety attacks in real time. From calming breathing techniques to grounding exercises, she equips listeners with tools to regain control and feel more centered when anxiety strikes. This episode is a guide for anyone looking to better understand their mental health, take control of their anxiety, and approach their well-being with compassion and confidence.

The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.