It's Time To Be YOU

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Dash, human resources expert, executive coach, and creator of Healing Work Hurt, to talk about the workplace experiences we carry with us—and how we can begin to heal from them.

We dive into how work hurt can show up through Sunday-night dread, micromanagement, unemployment, difficult coworkers, toxic environments, and even our own choices at work. Ashley also shares her incredible journey from unemployment and financial hardship to accepting a global human resources role in Japan.

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that your job title is not your identity. A difficult work experience may affect how you see yourself, but it does not determine your worth, your capabilities, or what is possible for you next.

If you've been questioning yourself because of something that happened at work, feeling stuck in a role that no longer fits, or discounting yourself before applying for a new opportunity, I hope this conversation reminds you that where you are is not always indicative of where you're going.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What work hurt is and how it can affect you
• The signs that you may be carrying unresolved workplace pain
• Why Sunday-night dread shouldn't automatically be considered normal
• Separating your identity and self-worth from your job title
• Taking accountability for your choices without blaming yourself for everything
• Being honest about where you are and what you truly want
• Protecting your dreams from other people's fears and opinions
• Applying for opportunities even when you don't feel fully qualified
• How Dr. Ashly went from unemployment to working in Japan
• Asking for mentorship and allowing others to support your growth
• Moving through the messy middle when your circumstances haven't changed yet
• Trusting that a difficult season does not have to become your permanent story

CONNECT WITH DR. ASHLEY DASH

Website: drashleydash.com

Resume ATM: resumeatm.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drashleydash/

CONNECT WITH ARIEL VAUGHAN

Website: itstimetobeyou.com

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick and @itstimetobeyoupodcast

Have you ever felt like you were meant for something more, but kept questioning whether your voice really mattered?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Marcea Whitaker, physician, life and business architect, international speaker, and author, to talk about what it really means to unmute yourself.

We dive into overcoming imposter syndrome, trusting yourself, leaving relationships and environments that no longer serve you, and why your story matters—even if someone else is already sharing a similar message.

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that confidence doesn't come before taking action. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is choose yourself before you feel ready.

If you've been playing small, waiting for permission, or questioning whether your voice matters, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're capable of so much more than you realize.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it really means to "unmute yourself"
• Why your story matters and how it can become your purpose
• Overcoming people-pleasing and learning to trust yourself
• The difference between clean pain and dirty pain
• Why confidence comes from taking action—not waiting to feel ready
• Moving through your comfort zone to experience real growth
• How to stop waiting for external validation and start making decisions for yourself
• Taking empowered action to create the life you want
• Why choosing yourself can change everything

Connect with Dr. Marcea Whitaker

Website: https://drmarcea.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcea.whitaker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifecoachmarcea/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrMarcea

Free Stage Builder Bootcamp: https://drmarcea.com/stagebuilder

Free Resource

If trusting yourself is something you're working on, download my FREE Trust Yourself Guide to start building confidence from the inside out. Click here

Connect with Ariel Vaughan

Website: itstimetobeyou.com

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick and @itstimetobeyoupodcast

What if your body has been trying to tell you something all along?

We often think of stress as something that lives in our minds, but it can show up in our bodies too. Tight shoulders, headaches, jaw tension, fatigue, or chronic pain may be more than just physical symptoms—they could be signals that something deeper needs your attention.

In this episode, I'm joined by health coach and pain management specialist Caryn Ranney to explore the connection between stress, emotions, people-pleasing, and physical pain. We discuss why so many of us ignore our body's signals, how stress can manifest physically, and why learning to check in with yourself is one of the most important forms of self-care.

Whether you're navigating chronic pain or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, this conversation is a reminder that your body isn't working against you—it's communicating with you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why stress and emotions can contribute to physical pain
• The connection between people-pleasing and physical tension
• What the biopsychosocial model of pain means—and why it matters
• How to build awareness of your body's signals
• Practical ways to check in with yourself throughout the day
• Why slowing down can actually help you move forward

Connect with Caryn Ranney

Website: ranneycoaching.co

Instagram: @ranneycoaching

Connect with Ariel Vaughan

Website: itstimetobeyou.com

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick and @itstimetobeyoupodcast

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like you've lost yourself?

Maybe your body has changed. Maybe your life has changed. Maybe you've spent so much time taking care of everyone else that you've stopped paying attention to what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and like you.

In this episode, I sit down with Crystal Napier, image consultant, stylist, professional bra fitter, and founder of Renee's Boutique, for a conversation about confidence, body image, authenticity, and why style is about so much more than clothes.

Crystal shares her personal journey of navigating body image struggles, growing up feeling like she needed to hide parts of herself, finding confidence as a young leader, and learning how to embrace who she is through every season of life.

We also talk about: • The connection between style and self-confidence • Why so many women struggle to feel comfortable in their bodies • Balancing authenticity and professionalism • Learning to appreciate your body exactly as it is today

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that confidence isn't something we magically wake up with one day. It's something we cultivate through the way we speak to ourselves, care for ourselves, and show up for ourselves.

If you've been feeling disconnected from yourself, hiding behind clothes that don't feel like you anymore, or simply ready to show up with more confidence, this episode is for you.

Connect with Crystal Napier

Website: ReneesBoutiqueLLC.com

Instagram: @ReneesBoutiqueLLC

Facebook: Renees Boutique LLC

LinkedIn: Crystal Napier

Ready for more clarity and confidence?

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com

Schedule your complimentary clarity session here: https://calendly.com/arielbv/be-you-breakthrough-session

What if your life changed the moment you stopped trying to make everyone else happy?

In today's episode, I sit down with Amy Hager — messaging and marketing mentor, speaker, and overall incredible human — for a conversation that goes far beyond business.

Amy shares how racing go-karts at nine years old taught her about visibility, resilience, relationship building, and showing up even when you don't win. From there, we dive into people pleasing, perfectionism, authenticity, boundaries, vulnerability, and learning how to stop carrying responsibility for everyone else's emotions.

This episode is full of honest reflections, mindset shifts, and reminders that you do not have to be perfect to be impactful.

We also talk about:

• Why no one "bats 1,000" and why that's okay
• Learning to focus on what you can control
• The emotional and physical cost of living out of alignment
• How to know what's yours to carry — and what isn't
• Setting boundaries with family and difficult relationships
• Why your message should attract and repel
• The power of "I am" statements and asking yourself: "What do I stand for?"
• Showing up authentically in business and life
• Why vulnerability doesn't mean being an open book
• The importance of reflection, self-awareness, and self-trust

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is the reminder that authenticity is not about being perfect — it's about being honest with yourself and allowing yourself to evolve.

Amy brings such a grounded, refreshing perspective to this conversation, and I know so many of you are going to feel seen by what she shares.

Connect with Amy: Facebook: Amy Hager LinkedIn: Amy Hager, CAE-IOM

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com

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This is a deeply vulnerable and important conversation.

Before listening, please note that this episode includes discussions of trauma, abuse, and human trafficking.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Gwen Cassady, who shares parts of her story in an effort to raise awareness, advocate for change, and help others feel less alone in their own experiences.

This conversation explores what it means to survive, to rebuild, and to find purpose after experiencing unimaginable hardship. We talk about how people pleasing can develop as a survival response, the impact trauma can have on self-worth and identity, and what it looks like to begin choosing yourself after years of putting others first.

We cover some heavy topics in this episode, but they are important to discuss for awareness, change and moving forward.

Inside this episode:

• How people pleasing can begin as a survival pattern
• The long-term impact of trauma on self-worth and identity
• What it means to rebuild your life after loss and instability
• The role of resilience and perseverance in healing
• Learning to use your voice after being silenced
• Turning pain into purpose and advocacy

Learn more about Gwen Cassady's work and advocacy:

• Blue Mosiac
• https://www.facebook.com/gwen.cassady/
• www.instagram.com/gwen.cassady/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-cassady-14944124/

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com

In this episode, I'm joined by Kay Ford, who I've known since we were kids, and we dive into what it really looks like to trust yourself, take a leap, and build a life that feels aligned, even when it's uncomfortable.

From walking away from expectations, to moving across the world, to pursuing her dreams, Kay shares her journey of learning to quiet outside noise and finally listen to herself.

We talk about the fear that comes with making big decisions, the pressure to do what's expected, and how easy it is to lose trust in yourself. We explore self confidence, choosing yourself and following your passions.

If you've been feeling stuck, unsure, or afraid of making the "wrong" move… this conversation will meet you there.

Connect with Kay:

Instagram: @kayfordva

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KayFordVA/

Website: www.kayfordva.com

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com

If you've ever thought, "I just want everyone to be okay"… this episode is for you.

Because what we don't always realize is that people pleasing isn't just about being nice or going with the flow. Sometimes, it's tied to control, safety, and the ways we've learned to navigate the world.

In this conversation, I'm joined by Elysia Buss, a Transformative Confidence Coach and Founder of Playful Pivot, and we go deeper into what's really underneath people pleasing.

We talk about how control can show up in ways we don't expect, why overthinking keeps us stuck, and what it actually looks like to start choosing yourself—without making yourself wrong for where you've been.

This is one of those conversations that invites you to slow down, reflect, and get a little more honest with yourself.

Not from a place of judgment, but from a place of curiosity.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The connection between people pleasing and control
• Why people pleasing can feel like safety
• How overthinking keeps you stuck (and what to do instead)
• The discomfort of setting boundaries—and why that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong
• Learning to trust yourself and your needs
• Letting go of the need to be liked by everyone
• Reconnecting with your authentic self through curiosity and play

Connect with Elysia Buss:

playfulpivot.com

Instagram: @playfulpivot

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com

This is my 100th episode… and it's not what I thought it would be.

I felt pressure for this to be something big and impactful, and instead I found myself overthinking, procrastinating, and getting in my own way. So this episode isn't perfect—but it is honest.

In this episode, I'm sharing what this journey has really looked like, how perfectionism and people pleasing have shown up, and what it means to keep going anyway.

We talk about redefining your "best self," and how choosing yourself can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first. But hard doesn't mean wrong.

Being yourself isn't something you always just know—it's something you uncover. And that process will feel messy and imperfect.

This is your reminder to stop waiting, get out of your head, and take the next step… even if it's not perfect.

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com

This episode is a real and honest conversation about something a lot of us avoid—admitting what we actually want.

When you've spent years people pleasing, following expectations, and doing what keeps you accepted, it can feel really uncomfortable to pause and ask yourself, what do I want? And even more uncomfortable to answer it honestly.

In this episode, I'm sharing my own struggle with setting goals, because the truth is, owning what you want comes with risk. It means you might not get it. It means you might have to wait. It might even mean being alone or giving things up.

But avoiding what you want doesn't protect you—it just keeps you stuck.

This episode discusses:

• Why people pleasers struggle to name what they want
• The fear of setting goals and not reaching them
• Letting go of the idea that there's a "right" path
• How to start building self-trust through honest, small steps

This episode is your reminder that you don't need to have it all figured out to start being honest with yourself.

You just need to be willing to tell yourself the truth—and take one step from there.

Connect with me, Ariel Vaughan:

Instagram: @beyoutifulchick

Instagram: @itstimetobeyoupodcast

For more, visit: itstimetobeyou.com