In this episode of Life Check Yourself, I sat down with the brilliant behavioral expert and author Tracy Crossley to unpack the real root of relationship crisis. Whether you're stuck in an on-again, off-again dynamic, feeling emotionally unseen, or quietly questioning your future with someone—this is the conversation that will shift everything.

We explore the hidden habits that keep us stuck, the unconscious fear that fuels dysfunction, and how you can finally experience the kind of intimacy and power you’ve always wanted—without playing the blame game.

 

 

🎯 3 Powerful Takeaways:

1. Victim Thinking Blocks Healing

2. Emotional Intimacy Begins With Responsibility

3. You Can Outgrow Your Attachment Style

 

 

💡 Episode Topics & Time Stamps:

[03:33] Victim Language & “He Made Me” Thinking

“Whenever I hear 'he made me,' it’s always an attachment. It’s always a victim position.” This mindset limits any possibility of real change. Shifting out of blame and into self-responsibility is the first step to emotional freedom. Otherwise, you’ll keep attracting the same relationship dynamic in different clothing.

[09:17] How Fear Pretends to Keep You Safe

“I had a lot of bullshit excuses, but most of all—I had fear.” Fear isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s disguised as logic or control. But what it really does is trap you in indecision, making you believe you’re stuck when you’re actually just scared to want more.

[34:07] What To Do When You’re Always Thinking About The Problem

“You’re in the kitchen, doing dishes…what are your thoughts? They’re on a story about a relationship problem.” Most of us don’t realize how much mental energy we give to unspoken stories. Tracy explains how interrupting this cycle with awareness and curiosity—not accusation—can lead to more connection than any “fix it” talk.

 

 

🔥 Notable Quotes:

🗣️ “You’re punishing yourself when you’re stuck in blame.” 🗣️ “Most people aren’t afraid of being alone. They’re afraid of intimacy.” 🗣️ “If you don’t give your partner space to grow, they’ll stay trapped in the past version of themselves you keep projecting.”

 

 

🎯 Why This Episode Matters: This isn’t just about romantic relationships—it’s about reclaiming the emotional agency you’ve handed over. When you become the chooser in your life, your relationships naturally shift too. The path to peace doesn’t start by changing someone else—it starts by finally seeing yourself clearly.

Connections: Tracy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Insecure-Attachment-Recognizing-Relationships/dp/1646042506 Visit us: MarniBattista.Com Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With MeTake the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

 

✨ Introduction:

In this episode, I sit down with Christine Lang—former New York attorney turned intuitive healer, energy translator, and author of the upcoming book Ask Your Spirit: Receiving Life-Changing Wisdom from Your Elevated Intelligence. Christine has spent nearly 30 years helping people decode the messages from their body, spirit, and nervous system—so they can stop feeling stuck and finally start living in alignment.

We dive deep into how to shift from chronic pain and fear into clarity, confidence, and true prosperity—without bypassing the messy human stuff.

 

 

💡 3 Life-Changing Takeaways:

• Pain has a purpose—your discomfort is a wake-up call, not a punishment.

• When you stop outsourcing answers and tune in, you unlock your truest wisdom.

• Your nervous system holds the key to lasting abundance, not just mindset work.

 

 

🔑 Topics + Time Stamps + Explanations: 1. 🧠 The Real Reason We Stay Stuck in the Victim Pit

[05:48] “Make space to have the human reaction... when we try to cut that off by doing the spiritual thing of ‘I should just see it as beautiful,’ you're just doing suppression.” Suppressing emotion under the guise of spiritual bypassing keeps stress trapped in the body. When people allow their emotional "tantrum" without judgment, they regain access to their clarity and personal power. Real healing begins when we acknowledge our humanity instead of shaming it.

 

 

2. 💥 Shift the Question, Change Your Life

[17:40] “Ask: Who do I become around each person? And which version of me do I like better?” By focusing inward instead of asking disempowering questions like “Why are men like this?” or “What’s wrong with me?”, people begin to access elevated intelligence. Self-inquiry shifts from blame to embodiment—and choices become clearer and more aligned.

 

 

3. 🌀 Your Body is Speaking—Are You Listening?

[22:31] “Chronic symptoms are emotional stressors in concrete form. They hold a mirror to what you’ve stopped looking at.” Chronic pain isn’t random or “just aging.” It's often an unresolved emotional loop the body is holding as a signal. When that stressor is decoded, transformation isn’t just physical—it’s energetic. Energy returns, emotional freedom is restored, and decisions become easier to make.

 

 

🔁 Notable Quotes:

“Sometimes your gifts from the universe come in really shitty wrapping paper.” “Your spirit isn’t punishing you. It’s coaching you—lovingly—toward the freedom you keep asking for.” “Every time you say, ‘I have a bad picker,’ your spirit says, ‘No, you’re just not listening yet.’” “You don’t need to hustle to earn your healing. You need to receive the message.”

 

 

 

Connections

Christine’s website: https://www.christinelang.org/ Christine’s book: https://www.askyourspirit.com/book Visit us: MarniBattista.Com Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With MeTake the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

 

In this heartfelt and hilariously real episode of Life Check Yourself, I’m joined by my longtime friend and soul sister Bobbi Palmer. Bobbi became a first-time bride at 47, is now divorced, and back in the dating game at 66—this time with more confidence, peace, and joy than ever. She's a nationally recognized dating coach for women over 40, and in this conversation, we dive into the TRUTH about what dating looks like when you’re grown, wise, and absolutely done with BS.

Whether you’re single, newly divorced, or wondering if it’s “too late” for you (spoiler: it’s not), this episode will have you laughing, crying, and most importantly—believing again.

 

 

🔥 Top 3 Takeaways:

1. You’re Not Too Late—You’re Right on Time Love doesn’t expire. The moment you take responsibility and rediscover who you are, the game changes.

2. Fix Your "Man Picker" By Feeling, Not Listing It’s not about height, salary, or education. It’s about how you feel—safe, respected, sexy, and seen.

3. Control Is an Illusion—Let Go and Let Love In You don’t have to control how it happens. You just have to show up, do the work, and stay open.

 

 

💡 Core Topics + Time-Stamped Highlights

🕒 05:06 – Fall In Love With Your Grown-Up Self

“That woman you were before the hard marriage—she’s still there.” Before re-entering the dating world, Bobbi shares how the biggest challenge wasn’t external—it was about re-connecting with the part of herself that had been muted. The foundation of any new relationship starts with reclaiming your worth.

🕒 13:30 – How To Know If You’re “Too Picky” or Just Guarded

“You need to feel safe, respected, sexy… That’s what sustains a long-term relationship.” When fear drives the dating checklist, it turns into control. Real discernment means focusing on emotional connection—not resume details. Filtering by height or alma mater? That’s fear, not standards.

🕒 22:36 – Take Responsibility (Without Shame)

“I was the common denominator in all my failed relationships.” Healing happens when you stop pointing fingers and start asking better questions. Bobbi’s reframe around her 18-year marriage is powerful: “It wasn’t all bad. I chose it, I learned, I grew—and now I know better.”

 

 

✨ Notable Mic-Drop Moments

“Being brave isn’t not being afraid—it’s moving forward anyway.”

“It’s your fear of rejection that’s getting you rejected.”

“There is a man out there who will love you for exactly who you are.”

 

 

This is one of those episodes to bookmark, re-listen to, and send to your sister-friend who’s secretly lost hope.

Whether you’re in a small town, fresh out of a relationship, or feeling like all the good men are taken—Bobbi and I are here to remind you: hope is not foolish, it’s fuel.

🌟 Learn more about Bobbi and grab her free resources at datinglikeagrownup.com 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube for bangs-envy and bonus sass 💌 Subscribe for more episodes that will life check your heart, soul, and inbox

 

 

 

Connections

🌐 Learn more about Bobbi at https://datelikeagrownup.pages.ontraport.net/marni Visit us: MarniBattista.Com Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With MeTake the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

In this powerhouse episode of Life Check Yourself, I sit down with JM Ryerson—leadership coach, international speaker, and bestselling author of Let's Go Win and Upgrade. JM is the founder and CEO of Let's Go Win and has helped companies double (and sometimes triple!) their revenue by simplifying leadership, alignment, and performance. If you're navigating work stress, team dysfunction, or feeling stuck in victim-mode, this episode is a must-listen.

We dive deep into what it takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of work—especially if you're juggling it all in midlife. From mindset hacks to leadership strategies, JM shares no-fluff wisdom that’ll help you stop spinning your wheels and start winning with intention.

 

 

🔥 Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Stop Mistaking Activity for Alignment Being busy doesn’t mean you’re being effective. Clarity and simplicity are the secret weapons for massive growth.

2. Focus Creates Flow Interruptions are killing your productivity. Protect your energy and time like it’s sacred—because it is.

3. Boundaries Build Freedom Every 'yes' is a 'no' to something else. Learn how to say no without guilt, and watch your joy, health, and impact rise.

 

 

🧭 Key Moments & Topics Covered:

🕒 4:29 – Upgrade Your Mindset, Don’t Resist Change

“Write down how you're feeling… Once it’s out, we can focus on the upside.” Change is inevitable, but how we interpret it is optional. Writing out your resistance helps you move from reactive to reflective, allowing you to design your next move instead of defaulting to fear.

🕒 10:18 – Turn Off Notifications, Turn On Productivity

“Be intentional about setting boundaries with your time and tasks. It’s not rocket science, but it is discipline.” Productivity doesn't come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters, undistracted. Design your environment (like JM's no-distraction computer setup) to match your goals, not your temptations.

🕒 21:13 – Every 'Yes' Is a 'No' to Something Else

“People won’t say no to others, but they’ll say no to themselves all day long.” Boundaries aren't about being selfish—they’re about being in integrity. Saying yes to one more late call might mean saying no to your kids, your rest, or your creative flow. Get clear on your why so your no’s feel empowering, not scary.

 

 

💥 Mic-Drop Quote:

“Past is pain, future is anxiety, present is everything.” — JM Ryerson

This episode is your permission slip to slow down, get present, and start winning on your terms. Hit play, take notes, and then take one powerful action to create more harmony, courage, and clarity—starting today.

🎧 Listen now and remember: it’s your responsibility to Life Check Yourself.

 

 

Connections

📘 Grab JM’s book Let’s Go Win for FREE🌐 Learn more about JM at letsgowin.com📲 Follow him on all the platforms and check out his podcast Let’s Go Win Visit us: MarniBattista.Com Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With MeTake the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

 

👤 Guest Introduction: Sharon Pope is a Certified Master Life Coach, renowned relationship expert, and seven-time internationally bestselling author—including the hit book Stay or Go, which sold over 300,000 copies. She helps women and men heal, transform, or release struggling marriages with radical clarity and compassion. In this episode, Sharon and I unpack how to navigate midlife relationships, especially when you feel like the spark is gone and you’re stuck in a roommate marriage.

 

 

🔑 Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Clarity Begins with Ownership – Empowerment starts when you take responsibility for your role.

2. Conflict Isn’t the Problem—Avoidance Is – Difficult conversations are the doorway to deeper intimacy.

3. Connection Requires Intention – Communicate clearly, calmly, and with purpose.

 

 

💬 Main Topics + Timestamps:

1. Embracing Conflict to Deepen Connection 🕒 01:37

“If you're never arguing, that means one of you isn’t telling the full truth.” Disagreement isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an invitation. The absence of conflict often means someone is silencing their needs. When you choose to lean in instead of retreating, you create an opportunity to understand one another more deeply and build trust that’s rooted in truth.

2. Stop the Blame Loop: Take Radical Responsibility 🕒 04:44

“The minute you own your part... possibilities open up that don’t exist when it’s all someone else’s fault.” Waiting for someone else to change keeps you in victim mode. Real power comes when you take even partial ownership of your experience. That’s where your influence—and transformation—lives. It’s not about blame. It’s about reclaiming your power.

3. Mastering Difficult Conversations with Clarity & Calm 🕒 12:02

“Don’t follow them down the branch. Keep the main thing, the main thing.” When emotions escalate, it’s easy to veer off course. But maintaining your original intention keeps the conversation anchored. Set your intention, speak from your experience, and invite the other person to talk first. This keeps you grounded, diffuses defensiveness, and opens the door to genuine connection.

 

 

🔥 Notable Quote:

“Clear is kind. Direct doesn’t mean bitchy—it just means clear.” Being direct isn’t rude. It’s revolutionary. Women are taught to be accommodating, but clarity is one of the most loving things you can offer in any relationship. Especially when you're rewriting your marriage, communication is the cornerstone.

 

 

Whether you’re navigating empty nesting, midlife reinvention, or just wondering if your marriage is meant to last, this conversation gives you tools to reconnect—starting with yourself.

💌 For more wisdom from Sharon Pope, visit sharonpope.com or check out her free gift at sharonpopefreetraining.com

🛑 And remember: Avoidance isn’t peace—it’s delay. Speak. Heal. Connect. Repeat.

🖤 Until next time, keep life-checking yourself.

 

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com 

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future 

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• "Sharon's Latest Books - https://sharonpope.com/books 

• Website - https://www.sharonpope.com  

• Truth & Clarity Session - https://clarityformymarriage.com/truth-clarity?_atid=hNu1mk4d0r3qdkB4FZzahVywTftqZO 

 

👤 Guest Introduction: Lisa Copeland is a trailblazer in the world of midlife love and reinvention. An internationally recognized dating coach for women over 50, Lisa is the author of The Winning Dating Formula for Women Over 50 and has been featured on Dr. Phil, ABC, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more. After building a successful business, she found herself quietly tolerating things that no longer fit—until she decided to radically redesign her life.

 

 

🎙️ Episode Topic: In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the transformation that happens when you stop settling for a “good enough” life and start building a soul-aligned one—on your terms. From confronting people-pleasing patterns to redesigning her business and finding joy in solo travel, Lisa's journey shows what’s possible when you dare to start again—at any age.

 

 

✨ Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Freedom starts with redefining your schedule.

2. You don’t need permission to choose again.

3. Play and creativity are soul medicine.

 

 

🧭 Main Topics & Time Stamps:

1. Breaking Free from People-Pleasing & Redesigning Her Schedule (04:15) Lisa shares how she realized that her jam-packed, client-first schedule was draining her energy and stifling her creativity.

“We don't realize how much freedom we truly have.” ✅ When decisions are based on obligation, you lose power. Designing your day around your energy is the first act of reclaiming yourself.

2. Dismantling Old Beliefs Through Polarity and Somatic Work (07:48) Lisa fought through perfectionism and learned that she could hold two truths at once. Through deep polarity work and somatic release, she reprogrammed patterns rooted in childhood.

“I thought it had to be one way. I didn’t know I could choose again.” ✅ When stuck patterns feel logical, they often aren’t. Physical release opens the door to emotional transformation faster than overthinking ever could.

3. Experimenting With Fun, Art & Solo Travel to Reignite Joy (20:32) Lisa shares how solo travel, watercolor painting, and even doodling helped her reconnect with joy and creativity outside of productivity.

“My soul was screaming for me to do art… not scroll my phone.” ✅ Creativity is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Playful experimentation leads to identity expansion and unexpected breakthroughs.

 

 

📝 Notable Quote:

“You think you’re free—but you’re really living inside a box you never questioned.”

 

 

🎯 Why This Matters: This episode is a reminder that midlife is not a deadline—it’s a doorway. If you’re ready to stop bending like a pretzel to please others, reclaim your schedule, reawaken your creative spirit, and finally design the life that fits your soul—you’ll want to hit play now.

 

 

🧨 Bonus Insight: You can’t 10x your life by tolerating what no longer fits. Real freedom begins when you question what you thought was “just the way things are.”

 

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com 

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future 

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Lisa’s Website

 

Guest Introduction 

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Warren Farrell, a renowned Ph.D., internationally bestselling author, and one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders (as recognized by the Financial Times). His work has shaped both the women's and men’s movements, and his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, dives deep into the science and art of sustaining intimate relationships. Having been married for over 30 years, Dr. Farrell doesn’t just teach relationship transformation—he lives it. 

In this episode, we’re breaking down the critical shifts needed to move from just “coexisting” in relationships to truly thriving. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in recurring patterns with your partner, this conversation will change the way you approach love, communication, and intimacy. 

Three Powerful Takeaways 

✅ Criticism is a Relationship Killer—But You Can Change Your Response ✅ Boundaries and Emotional Safety Are the Foundations of Lasting Love ✅ Understanding Your Partner’s Emotional Needs Creates a Conflict-Free Zone 

Key Discussion Topics 

1️The Hidden Traps of Criticism and How to Overcome Them (⏱ 17:4

"If you respond to criticism by being defensive, that means you are human. That was functional for survival, but it’s dysfunctional for love." – Dr. Warren Farrell 

Criticism often triggers a fight-or-flight response, making even minor comments feel like personal attacks. Shifting the mindset from defensiveness to curiosity transforms relationships. Instead of reacting, creating a safe space for dialogue allows for deeper trust and connection. Learning to listen without taking things personally fosters emotional intimacy rather than eroding it. 

2️The Power of Boundaries in Love and Parenting (⏱ 05:0 

"Boys that are dad-deprived often lack postponed gratification, which is the single biggest predictor of success or failure." – Dr. Warren Farrell 

Boundaries aren’t about control; they are about creating safety and stability—whether in parenting, personal relationships, or partnerships. Clear and consistent boundaries help people feel respected and seen. Without them, relationships can spiral into resentment or chaos. When structure and accountability are present, it leads to a greater sense of self-worth, stronger partnerships, and deeper emotional security. 

3️Creating a Conflict-Free Zone in Relationships (⏱ 31:2 

"If your partner criticizes you, you can either argue back—where there’s a 100% chance you won’t be heard—or bring it up during structured time, where there’s a 100% chance you will." – Dr. Warren Farrell 

Most couples struggle with navigating conflict effectively, but structured communication—like weekly “caring and sharing” sessions—creates space for listening, appreciation, and deeper understanding. Shifting from reactive to intentional conversations reduces unnecessary tension and builds a foundation of trust, vulnerability, and long-term love.

Final Thought 

If you've ever felt frustrated by miscommunication in your relationships or wondered how to create deeper intimacy and understanding, this episode will be a game-changer. Dr. Farrell’s insights provide actionable strategies to transform your love life and build a partnership that feels safe, fulfilling, and truly connected. 

Grab his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, and start your journey toward a stronger, more fulfilling relationship today! 

Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs it! 

Introduction 

In this episode of Life Check Yourself, we sit down with the incredible Jen Crowley, a woman who has walked through love, loss, and the courageous journey of rediscovering herself. After losing her husband, Tyke, to cancer in 2015, Jen faced the overwhelming challenge of navigating dating again. With determination and a willingness to embrace new possibilities, she ultimately found love once more and is now engaged to Jeff. 

Jen’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that love exists when we are willing to heal, redefine what we truly need, and take intentional steps toward the right relationship. Today, we’re diving deep into the mindset shifts, dating strategies, and personal breakthroughs that helped Jen find her way back to love. 

3 Powerful Takeaways 

• Clarity is everything—knowing what you want changes the game.

• Online dating isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy and alignment. 

• The right relationship feels supportive, safe, and deeply fulfilling. 

Key Topics & Timestamps 

Defining Your Non-Negotiables & Dating with Clarity (12:05) 

“You have to know what you’re looking for—otherwise, you’ll keep settling.”

"The right relationship isn’t just about chemistry. It’s about shared values, mutual respect, and a future vision that aligns." 

Without a clear understanding of what truly matters, dating can feel like an endless cycle of trial and error. Defining non-negotiables isn’t about being picky—it’s about saving time and energy by only investing in people who align with what you genuinely need in a relationship. When you’re crystal clear on what matters, making dating decisions becomes easier and more intentional.

Overcoming the Fear of Online Dating & Taking Strategic Action (23:40) 

"I was afraid of being lied to, but I also knew there had to be a way to navigate this better." 

"Instead of dreading the process, I learned how to filter out the noise and focus on real connections." 

Fear often holds people back from fully embracing online dating. Worries about deception, wasted time, and rejection can create resistance to putting yourself out there. But instead of staying stuck, learning how to strategically approach dating—through filtering, discernment, and proactive engagement—makes all the difference. Taking control of the process means dating smarter, not harder. 

Building a Relationship That Feels Safe & Empowering (35:15) 

"The best relationships feel like a partnership, where both people give 80% rather than keeping score." 

"Communication should feel safe and open, where you can say what you need without fear of judgment." 

A truly fulfilling relationship is built on mutual support, generosity, and the ability to communicate honestly. When both partners are committed to creating a space of trust and appreciation, love naturally deepens. Rather than settling for surface-level connections, choosing someone who makes you feel valued and understood creates a foundation for lasting happiness. 

Final Thoughts 

Jen’s journey reminds us that love isn’t about waiting—it’s about taking action. When we heal, define our values, and approach dating with confidence, the right relationship can unfold in ways we never imagined. 

If you’ve been feeling stuck in love, this conversation is your sign to reset, get clear, and take the next step with intention. 

Listen to the full episode now and start creating the love story you truly deserve!

 

Connections: 

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com 

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me 

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future 

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Join The New Cohort Waitlist

• Tyke's book, Hungry for Air

• Dinner for One: Stories From Widows Without Children

• Pure Haven - www.purehaven.com/jencrowley

Episode Introduction: 

Welcome to another powerful episode of Life Check Yourself! Today, we’re diving deep into the art of boundary-setting, emotional resilience, and the power of reinvention with the incredible Jennifer Fable. After being diagnosed with over seven different mental health conditions by the age of 19, Jennifer embarked on a journey of radical healing that shaped her belief in one core truth: You are not broken. Now, she’s on a mission to help others reclaim their voice, set healthy boundaries, and build relationships that empower instead of drain. 

In this episode, we unpack the misconceptions about boundaries, how to communicate them without pushing people away, and why true transformation starts with our words. If you’ve ever struggled with setting limits, feeling heard, or navigating relationships without guilt, this conversation is for you! 

Top 3 Takeaways: 

✅ Boundaries Should Be Bridges, Not Walls – Setting limits isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about creating healthy relationships built on clear communication and mutual respect. 

✅ Your Words Shape Your Reality – The language you use in setting boundaries and advocating for yourself determines whether you build connection or create conflict. 

✅ Confidence Comes From Action, Not Readiness – You don’t need to feel 100% ready to set boundaries; you just need to start practicing them with self-trust. 

Key Topics & Time Stamps: 

1. The Power of Boundaries: How to Set Them Without Guilt (10:2 

“We think boundaries are about other people, but they’re really about knowing what we want and learning how to share it in a way that connects us instead of putting us on opposite teams.” 

Boundaries are often misunderstood as rigid rules that separate people, but real boundaries are about creating clarity and connection. Rather than seeing them as conditions, they should function as a living, flexible framework that grows as we evolve. When setting a boundary, the focus should be on self-ownership—knowing what you

need, expressing it clearly, and allowing space for a response without control or manipulation. 

2. Using Words to Strengthen (Not Sabotage) Your Boundaries (23:4 

“Instead of saying ‘You can’t talk to me that way,’ try ‘I would love to be spoken to in a more gentle tone.’ This shifts the conversation from control to collaboration.” 

Language is everything when it comes to setting boundaries effectively. Using empowering linguistic patterns prevents conversations from becoming adversarial. Avoiding words like “but” (which erases everything before it) and “try” (which presupposes failure) helps in creating agreements instead of ultimatums. Boundaries should invite negotiation, not opposition. Small changes in phrasing can dramatically shift how others receive and respond to our needs. 

3. The Confidence Myth: Why You Don’t Need to Feel Ready to Start (41:1 

“Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s competence demonstrated over time. You don’t need to feel ready to set boundaries; you just need to start practicing them.” 

One of the biggest myths about boundary-setting is that you need to be confident first. The truth? Confidence is built through action. Many people avoid speaking up because they fear rejection, but boundaries are about honoring yourself, not controlling others. 

The key is to embrace discomfort, take small steps, and trust that each conversation is a step toward greater self-respect and stronger relationships. 

Connections: 

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com 

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me 

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future 

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Jeniffer’s Book

 

Guest: Phil Weiss 

Phil Weiss is the founder of Apprise Wealth Management and a financial expert with over 25 years in personal finance and investment management. His mission? To help women take control of their financial futures, avoid regret, and create a life of abundance. Phil's deep personal connection to financial empowerment, shaped by his own family’s struggles, fuels his passion for educating and guiding women toward financial clarity and confidence. 

Episode Overview 

So many women find themselves in midlife realizing they don’t fully understand their financial picture. Whether they’ve built wealth but aren’t sure how to use it, or they’ve been relying on a partner to handle money matters, there comes a moment of reckoning: Do I truly know what I have, what I need, and what’s possible for me? 

In this episode, we dive into why financial empowerment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about avoiding regret, making aligned choices, and using money as a tool to live fully. Phil shares his expert insights on navigating financial transitions, life planning, and why NOW is the time to take control. 

3 Game-Changing Takeaways 

1. Money is a Tool, Not a Goal – Saving without a clear purpose leads to fear-based decisions. Financial confidence comes from aligning your resources with what truly matters. 

2. Time is the Most Limited Resource – Many believe money is finite and time is unlimited—but it’s actually the reverse. Making empowered financial choices frees up the most valuable resource: your time. 

3. Your Financial Power Starts with Clarity – Whether single, married, divorced, or widowed, knowing your financial reality gives you the freedom to make bold, intentional choices.

Key Topics & Timestamps 

1️Breaking Free from the “Build & Save” Mindset (12:3 

“I’ve been trying to build the biggest pile of money without ever thinking about how much I needed or what it was for.” 

So many people—especially women—spend years accumulating wealth without considering the purpose behind it. This leads to fear-based decision-making, where spending money (even on things that bring joy) feels uncomfortable. True financial empowerment happens when money is seen as a tool to build a meaningful life, rather than a security blanket. 

Why It Matters: Instead of focusing on “saving just in case,” align your financial plan with what you actually want to do. Whether it’s travel, career shifts, or early retirement, clarity turns financial anxiety into confidence. 

2️How to Stop Trading Time for Money (22:4 

“People have it all wrong. They think time is unlimited and money is finite. But really, time is what’s limited.” 

Many people hesitate to spend on things that could buy back their time—whether it’s hiring help, outsourcing tasks, or making investments that increase freedom. But when you truly grasp that time is the scarcest resource, financial decisions become clearer. 

Why It Matters: Shifting from a scarcity mindset to a life-design mindset means prioritizing time freedom over unnecessary financial hoarding. It’s not about reckless spending—it’s about making choices that expand your life rather than just your bank account. 

3️Financial Transitions: How to Prepare for Life’s Big Shifts “Life planning at its core is about avoiding regret.” 

Whether it’s divorce, the death of a spouse, an empty nest, or a career shift, major transitions require proactive financial awareness. Many women don’t engage with their finances until they’re forced to—but the best time to gain financial clarity is before a transition happens.

Why It Matters: Avoiding regret means understanding your financial standing now, rather than waiting until a crisis forces you to. Building financial confidence before a life shift happens allows for more choices, freedom, and security.

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