What are you hiding to stay loved, and what is it costing you? In this episode, Courtney Schoch explores the connection between shame, authenticity, and healing in this powerful continuation of her conversation with mindfulness coach and author Krista Oakes. Krista opens up about her path—from growing up with gay parents to reclaiming her voice after divorce—and how mindfulness helped her shed the shame. If you’ve ever wondered whether your true self is enough, this episode is for you.

Connect with Krista Oakes

Krista's Website - Retreats, Yoga, Events, Speaking and so much more!

Krista's Book - Shedding Shame: Finding Freedom to Live an Authentic Life

Facebook @yogawithkristaoakes

Instagram @daytonayoga

YouTube @DaytonaYogawithKrista

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch

Are you holding onto something you are ashamed of? What would happen if you shared your secret? 

In this episode of 'Life After Fear,' host Courtney Schoch welcomes special guest Krista Oakes, a mindfulness coach, author, public speaker and yoga teacher who shares her journey of overcoming shame and embracing authenticity. Krista shares the profound impact of her book, 'Shedding Shame: Finding Freedom to Live An Authentic Life,' which explores her life as a child of two gay parents during a time of deep societal stigma and secrecy. Krista provides insights into the writing process, her emotional challenges, and the cathartic experience of revisiting her past.

Connect with Krista Oakes

Krista's Website 

Krista's Book - Shedding Shame: Finding Freedom to Live an Authentic Life

Facebook @yogawithkristaoakes

Instagram @daytonayoga

YouTube @DaytonaYogawithKrista

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch

Have you ever held back because you feared the consequences? In this episode of Life After Fear, Courtney Schoch explores the fear of retaliation, a common yet paralyzing barrier. She discusses its origins, from childhood conditioning to past trauma, and its short-term pros and long-term cons. Courtney offers practical steps to overcome this fear, such as doing a reality check, using powerful phrases, and creating an exit plan. She encourages listeners to start small, speak up, and gradually build confidence. Join Courtney in redefining your limits and living a more courageous life.

References and Tools

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

“Fear of Retaliation as a Barrier to Reporting Misconduct” – Harvard Business Review (2019)

Dr. Nicole LePera (@the.holistic.psychologist)

Assertiveness Scripts – From “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall Rosenberg

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Why do so many of us pull back just when life gets good? Why does joy feel unsafe? In this episode, host Courtney Schoch touches on a surprisingly common topic but rarely talked about. It's an emotional block: the fear of happiness, also known as cherophobia. 

Courtney unpacks the hidden reasons we sabotage our own joy, from past trauma and cultural conditioning to fear of vulnerability and loss. Through a blend of storytelling, science, and strategies, she invites listeners to challenge the quiet voice that whispers, “Don’t get too happy—it won’t last.”

You’ll walk away with powerful mindset flips, real-life tools like “joy resilience,” and the encouragement to let happiness actually land—no guilt, no self-sabotage, just one brave breath at a time.

Recommended Podcasts & Talks

 - Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Episode: “Joy is Unbearable. Why?”
 - Ten Percent Happier Podcast with Dan Harris
 - The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Books & Tools

 - Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
 - Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
 - Emotional Agility by Susan David
 - Apps: Insight Timer, Headspace, Calm
 - Practices: Savoring Walk, Gratitude Journaling

Mentions & References

1. Joshanloo, M. & Weijers, D. (2014). Aversion to Happiness Across Cultures: A Review of Where and Why People are Averse to Happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-013-9489-9

2. Gilbert, P. (2009). The Compassionate Mind. Constable.

3. Brené Brown (2010). The Power of Vulnerability. TED Talk & book (Daring Greatly).

4. Tara Brach (2020). Radical Compassion.

5. The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (2007).

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Have you ever felt paralyzed by regret, questioning whether you made the right decision? In Episode 20 of 'Life After Fear,' Courtney explores the psychology of regret, explaining how our fear of losses often outweighs the joy of gains due to cognitive biases like loss aversion. While emphasizing the benefits of regret, such as its potential as a learning tool and motivator for change, the episode also addresses its challenges, including decision fatigue and emotional drain. Courtney offers actionable strategies: embrace good enough decisions, visualize your future self, practice self-compassion, and apply the 'What If-Then' method to navigate regret effectively. Take action today to reduce regret and build confidence.

MENTIONS & RESOURCES 

Dr. Daniel Kahneman

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch

What if the fear of flying is rooted in something deeper? In episode 19 of Life After Fear, Courtney Schoch discusses the reasons behind the fear of flying, addressing the psychology related to control, media influence, and the uncertainties of aviation. Courtney proposes three strategies to combat flight anxiety and shares her perspective as an airline pilot. 

Mentions & Resources

Schoch, C. (2020) This Is Your Captain Speaking - Reaching for the Sky Despite a Lifetime of Abuse, Depression and Fear

American Psychological Association. (2022). The Impact of Breathing Techniques on Anxiety Reduction.

Bunn, T. (2021). SOAR: The Breakthrough Treatment for Fear of Flying

Griffith Institute for Tourism. (2022). The Influence of Media on the Perception of Air Travel Safety. Griffith University, Australia

National Safety Council. (2023). Odds of Dying: Life’s Risks Visualized

Seif, M., & Winston, S. (2019). Neuroradiology and Fear: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Anxiety Disorders

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In episode 18 of 'Life After Fear: Redefine Your Limits' with Courtney Schoch, the discussion revolves around the often-overlooked fear of success. Courtney examines why individuals fear success, addressing concepts such as the upper limit problem, self-sabotage, and imposter syndrome. She suggests strategies and actions that can be taken to overcome the fear of success. 

MENTIONS & RESOURCES 

The Big Leap - G. Hendricks

Toward a Theory of Achievement-Related Conflicts in Women. Journal of Social Issues - M.S. Horner

Daring Greatly - B. Brown

The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice -Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Dweck, C.

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch

Life After Fear: Confronting Anxiety and Turning It into Fuel

In episode 17 of Life After Fear, host Courtney Schoch addresses the pressing topic of anxiety, discussing its prevalence and impact. She shares insights on what anxiety is, why it is so common today, and practical tools for managing it. The episode explores the benefits and drawbacks of anxiety, highlights the importance of mental health awareness, and offers five key strategies for managing it. Additionally, Courtney provides advice on supporting loved ones struggling with anxiety.

REFERENCES& MENTIONS

American Psychological Association

World Health Organization

Anxiety and Its Disorders: The Nature and Treatment of Anxiety and Panic

National Institute of Mental Health Anxiety Disorders

Harvard Health Publishing 

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch

Episode 16 of 'Life After Fear' with Courtney Schoch focuses on the often unspoken fear of loneliness. Courtney explores various types of loneliness, such as emotional, social, situational, and existential, and discusses the pros and cons of these feelings. She provides strategies for dealing with loneliness, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, taking small steps towards connection, joining communities, practicing gratitude, and seeking professional help if necessary. Courtney encourages viewers to transform loneliness into a source of strength and personal growth. The episode ends with a sneak peek at the next episode, focusing on tackling anxiety.

RESOURCES & MENTIONS

Brené Brown’s Work on Vulnerability and Loneliness

American Psychological Association - The Risks of Social Isolation

John Cacioppo’s Research on Loneliness Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection

Mindfulness Resources - Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley

Mental Health Organizations  - Mental Health America 

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch

In episode 15 of "Life After Fear: Redefine Your Limits," Courtney explores the powerful and often misunderstood concept of vulnerability. She discusses how vulnerability is essential for personal growth, building deeper connections, and enhancing resilience. Have you ever considered how vulnerability can lead to stronger relationships in your own life? The episode addresses vulnerability's benefits and potential downsides while providing practical tips for embracing this concept. Courtney encourages listeners to take small steps toward vulnerability and to confront their fears of rejection and judgment. What fears are holding you back from being more vulnerable? She emphasizes the importance of viewing vulnerability as a strength and an integral part of leading a meaningful life.

RESOURCES

Brené Brown

The Power of Vulnerability -  Teachings on Authenticity, Connection and Courage 

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch