What if purpose isn't something you find — it's something you become?

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Liza Rankow — activist, spiritual teacher, educator, and author of Soul Medicine for a Fractured World: Healing Justice and the Path of Wholeness — for one of those conversations that makes you want to pull over and just sit with it for a minute.

Dr. Liza has spent decades at the intersection of healing, spirituality, and social justice. She's worked in pediatric oncology, LGBTQ health advocacy, and ran a nonprofit providing spiritual care for frontline activists for nearly 20 years. She knows burnout intimately — and she's found her way through it.

We talk about what it means to live with purpose not as a destination or a checklist, but as a quality of being. We get into how to stay rooted when the world feels like it's unraveling, why disconnecting is not actually the answer even when everything in you wants to, and what it looks like to be — as she puts it — good shoulders for the generations coming after us.

In this episode we cover:

• Why purpose is a way of being, not a thing to accomplish
• The false separation between inner healing and outer activism
• How to stay informed without doom-scrolling yourself into uselessness
• The worldview shift from separation to belonging — and why it matters more than any single policy win
• What intergenerational responsibility actually looks like in practice
• Finding meaning in a time of collapse without bypassing the reality of it
• Practices for going deep so you can show up fully

"The doing comes from the being. Who are we called to be? And as we be who we are here to be — the doing arises from there." — Dr. Liza Rankow

Connect with Dr. Liza Rankow:

• Website: https://www.lizarankow.org/soulmedicine
• Substack: https://lizarankow.substack.com/
• Grab Soul Medicine from the NWN Book Shop HERE

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New World Normal: Challenging Norms and Embracing Authenticity

In this episode of the New World Normal Podcast, host Debbie Harrell returns after a year-long hiatus to explore the concept of living in alignment as a form of activism. She discusses the podcast's mission to question societal and personal norms that keep us stuck and overwhelmed. Debbie reflects on the chaotic events of the past year, including Trump's return to office, personal struggles like caring for an aging dog and dealing with a severe eye issue, and emphasizes the need for intentional actions in a chaotic world. The new season focuses on building community, resisting harmful policies, and imagining a better world. Listeners can expect a mix of solo episodes and guest interviews centered on themes of norms, alignment, values, and collective creation.

00:00 Introduction to New World Normal

01:35 Welcome Back and Personal Updates

02:32 Reflecting on Challenges and Growth

04:19 Intentional Living and Community Building

06:44 Looking Forward: New Season Themes

08:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

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Are you ready to challenge the conventional norms of parenting and embrace a new approach? 

In this episode of New World Normal the podcast, host Debbie Harrell, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Luz, a seasoned life coach for young parents with nearly 30 years of child-development experience. Together, they explore the idea of redefining parenting beyond mere survival, focusing instead on personal growth and self-awareness to raise resilient and empowered (badass) children.

Highlights/Takeaways:

• Redefining Parenting Norms: Dr. Luz and Debbie discuss the importance of moving past outdated societal expectations and embracing a more holistic approach to parenting.
• Emotional Honesty: The conversation underscores the value of being emotionally honest with children, which helps in modeling healthy behaviors.
• Personal Growth: Both speakers emphasize the necessity for parents to prioritize their own development, creating a nurturing environment where children can flourish.
• Empowerment and Resilience: By focusing on self-awareness, parents can raise children who are not only resilient but also empowered to face the challenges of the modern world.

This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to foster a supportive and thriving environment for their families.

About Dr Luz Casquejo-Johnston: 

Dr. Luz is a Life Coach for Moms, dedicated to helping them discover their INNER Parenting Manual. Through her 8-week individual coaching program, she combines nearly 30 years of experience in education with a powerful life coaching toolbox, guiding parents to embrace their unique approach to raising resilient children. She helps moms reclaim parts of themselves they’ve hidden or let go of, break free from limiting beliefs, and step into their full power as parents. Her mission is captured in her motto: Be Human. Raise Badass Humans: Parent Resilient Children while Becoming a Badass Yourself.

Connect with Dr Luz:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisebadasshumanswithdr.luz/
• All Links - https://drluz.live/links

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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How to Stay Informed, Engaged & Sane in a World That Feels Like a Dumpster Fire

If you’ve ever felt like staying informed means signing up for constant anxiety, you’re not alone. In today’s world, it’s easy to go from "I just want to know what’s happening" to "I need to lie down in a dark room for a week." But what if there was a better way?

In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay engaged without spiraling into stress and overwhelm. Because let’s be real—tuning out completely isn’t an option for those of us who care about making a difference. But neither is burnout.

In this conversation, we cover:
💡 The biggest mistakes people make when trying to stay informed
💡 How to engage with the news without drowning in negativity
💡 Simple mindset shifts that help you balance awareness with well-being
💡 Practical strategies to protect your energy while staying connected

The world needs thoughtful, engaged, and sane people—so let’s talk about how to be one.

💬 Join the conversation! What’s your approach to staying informed without burning out? Let’s chat over on IG or TT  - or use the comment section on NWN Website (links below)

🎧 Hit play now and take control of your news consumption—without letting it control you!

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

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for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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In this insightful episode of the New World Normal Podcast, host Debbie Harrell converses with Michelle Steiner about her life with an invisible disability. Michelle shares her inspiring story about growing up with a learning disability, dealing with stereotypes, and finding ways to succeed. They discuss the importance of advocating for oneself, how societal perceptions are shifting, and the need for customized educational support. Michelle's passionate perspective and her work as a paraeducator and advocate offer deep reflections on turning challenges into opportunities.

00:30 Introduction to the New World Normal Podcast

01:34 Meet Michelle Steiner: Living with an Invisible Disability

03:57 Childhood Struggles and Early Diagnosis

05:18 Navigating Education with a Learning Disability

07:01 Finding Support and Overcoming Stigmas

16:36 Advocating for Accommodations in Higher Education

21:42 Career Path and Current Role

22:51 Empowering Self-Advocacy

22:59 Michelle's Creative Outlets

23:20 Finding Beauty in Limitations

24:31 Nature as a Metaphor

26:38 Changes in Disability Support

27:39 The Need for Customized Education

30:48 The Importance of Listening

38:30 Misconceptions About Disabilities

41:27 Encouraging Unique Paths to Success

43:44 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Michelle:
Blog: https://www.mrsmichellesmission.com/

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200

Instagram:
www.instagram.com/steiner7250/

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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License code: 3X75RMDC4ETRX21K

Get information on the Personalized Vision Statement  offer HERE 

In this episode of the "New World Normal" podcast, host Debbie Harrell, the "question normal coach," delivers her first solo episode. She encourages listeners to shift from setting traditional resolutions to focusing on how they want to show up in life, emphasizing the importance of aligning with core values and understanding the broader impact of their actions. Debbie discusses the limitations of rigid goals and the influence of societal pressures, advocating for a more intentional approach. She provides a framework for reflection, choosing intentions, considering impacts, and taking action, aiming to foster personal growth and community connection.

Exploring How You Want to Be (00:00:00)
Debbie discusses focusing on how we want to show up in life rather than just goals.

Welcome to the Podcast (00:00:43)
Introduction to the podcast's mission of questioning societal and personal norms.

Debbie's First Solo Episode (00:01:45)
Debbie shares her excitement and nervousness about hosting her first solo episode.

Reflection on Resolutions (00:02:35)
Debbie reflects on the challenges of traditional resolutions and their effectiveness.

The Importance of Structure (00:03:57)
Discussion on finding the right balance of structure in goal-setting.

Connecting Goals to Core Values (00:05:08)
Emphasizing the need to align goals with personal values for sustainability.

Unintended Impacts of Goals (00:06:15)
Debbie encourages considering both intended and unintended impacts of new goals.

The Power of Intention Words (00:07:34)
Debbie discusses using intention words to guide personal growth throughout the year.

Reflecting on Past Experiences (00:10:00)
A framework for reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the future.

Choosing Your Intention (00:11:05)
Encouragement to select an intention for the new year and consider its impact.

Setting Boundaries for Calm (00:12:36)
Debbie shares her goal of embodying calm and setting boundaries for mental health.

Year-End Special Offer (00:15:27)
Debbie introduces a special offer for creating a personal vision statement.

Closing Thoughts on Progress (00:16:36)
Debbie emphasizes progress over perfection as we approach the new year.

Thank You for Listening (00:17:11)
The unnamed speaker expresses gratitude to listeners and encourages sharing the podcast.

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

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Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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What happens when you mix gratitude with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of honest reflection? That's exactly what my co-host Melissa Chureau and I, explore as we navigate the complex emotions of love, fear, gratitude, and privilege. We get candid about the challenges of performative gratitude and share our own quirky experiences, like the unexpected costs of getting new glasses. Our discussion weaves through the importance of finding joy in everyday life and how questioning societal norms can lead to a richer understanding of gratitude, especially as November brings our focus to appreciation.

Together, we unravel the intricate relationship between emotions that many believe can't coexist. We challenge these notions by illustrating how true gratitude can shine like an eclipse, overshadowing fear without dismissing it entirely. Our conversation also touches on the profound impact media consumption has on our mindset and the importance of choosing content that uplifts. We delve into understanding privilege using relatable analogies, like the Monopoly game, and highlight the significance of authentic connections in today's world. With personal anecdotes and plans for live breathwork sessions focused on gratitude, this episode promises to leave you with a fresh perspective and a reminder to offer yourself grace during life's trials.

Connect with Melissa Chureau of The Fully Mindful
website: https://www.thefullymindful.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fully_mindful/

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Living nontoxically isn't just a lifestyle choice—it's a commitment to protect ourselves and our loved ones. In today’s episode, I am joined by Sarah Clark, a dedicated Non-Toxic Living Consultant who helps people navigate the complex journey of reducing toxins in their personal care products, food, and homes. We dive into the world of nontoxic living. Sarah explores the societal norms that shape our daily product choices and reveals simple, affordable shifts toward healthier habits. She provides practical tools to help us avoid hidden toxins and highlights shocking facts like the limited number of banned personal care ingredients in the U.S. Sarah’s insights empower us to advocate for ourselves, be wary of misleading “pink label” products, and make intentional choices toward healthier living. Tune in and learn how Sarah shares her wealth of knowledge on how we can make meaningful, health-centered changes that won’t break the bank.

Timestamps

[04:20] About Sarah Clark

[05:07] Societal norms Sarah is excited to explore

[11:14] Ways people can shift to themselves without breaking the bank

[16:51] Tools to ensure you are using safer products

[23:38] Only 30 personal care products ingredients are banned in America

[28:28] Personal care product ingredients to keep an eye on

[33:13] How Sarah supports people in the journey of nontoxic living

[39:50] About products with pink labels

[46:26] Advocating for ourselves in action

Notable Quotes

• “Too much can be problematic.” - Sarah Clark [19:36]
• “The system is problematic in a lot of areas.” - Debbie Harrell [23:25]
• “It is on us to try to make those healthier and safer decisions.” - Sarah Clark [38:58]

Resources Mentioned

Clearya (Nontoxic Shopping): https://www.clearya.com/

Connect With The Guest: 

Sarah Clark

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

Website: https://betterhealthwithsarah.com/

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

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of lives worldwide, challenging our perception of what is "normal" in relationships and society. In today's episode, I am joined by Lisa Croke, a remarkable survivor of domestic violence who transformed her harrowing experience into a mission of empowerment and healing. Lisa Croke is a beacon of resilience and transformation, with over 25 years of experience supporting leaders and teams across various sectors. Her personal story of emerging from a 20-plus-year abusive marriage at the age of 42 and rebuilding her life from the ground up is both inspiring and instructive. As we explore Lisa's transition from survivor to life coach, we uncover the pervasive nature of domestic violence, its impact on individuals and society, and the crucial steps toward breaking free from abusive relationships. This conversation challenges our perceptions of "normal" in relationships, highlights the importance of personal growth and community support, and offers valuable insights for those seeking to escape domestic violence and thrive beyond it.

Timestamps

[07:18] About Lisa Croke

[11:09] Disrupting domestic violence

[14:27] Traditional values: How Lisa’s abusive relationship started

[21:58] Seeking counselling to be a better wife

[25:50] Physical, financial, technological, sexual, and psychological abuse

[30:40] How Lisa worked to feel her anger

[33:43] How Lisa got herself out of her abusive marriage

[39:58] Attempts to leave before

[43:26] Things that contributed to successfully leaving the abusive relationship

[51:13] Things that kept Lisa safe are benefiting her in different ways

[54:32] Advice to women in abusive relationships

Notable Quotes

• “One in four women have been impacted by intimate partner abuse.” - Lisa Croke [11:48]
• “Those skills that kept us alive also when reframed can help us thrive and move beyond.” - Lisa Croke [12:13]
• “You are not going to heal if you don’t allow yourself to feel it and to move through it.” - Lisa Croke [31:31]
• “There are women that don’t get to walk away, there are women that die.” - Lisa Croke [52:59]

Resources Mentioned

Book: When The Body Says No by Dr Gabor Mate: https://bookshop.org/a/87658/9780470923351

National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

Helping Survivors https://helpingsurvivors.org/

Connect With The Guest:

Lisa Croke

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-c-369bb726/

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that disproportionately affects women, and when coupled with narcissistic abuse, it takes on an even more insidious nature. In today's episode, I am joined by Laura Richards, an international podcaster, #1 bestselling author, and speaker dedicated to empowering women. Through her global podcast, "That's Where I'm At," Laura has become a beacon of hope for survivors of narcissistic abuse. She talks about her transition from survivor to advocate, uncovering the insidious nature of narcissistic abuse within domestic violence, its profound impact on women, and the crucial steps toward breaking free from these toxic relationships. This conversation challenges our perceptions of "normal" in relationships. It highlights the importance of personal growth and community support, offering valuable insights for those seeking to escape narcissistic abuse and thrive beyond it

Timestamps

[03:39] About Laura Richards

[08:47]Women are trained to be co-dependent

[11:46] Taking the time to think about our lives and trauma

[13:47] Laura’s narcissistic relationship

[17:42] Red flags that Laura boldly painted green

[22:11] Times when Laura realized her ex-husband was narcissistic

[28:36] How Laura got out of the narcissistic relationship

[35:00] Tuning into ourselves

[43:15] Advice to women going through narcissistic relationships

Notable Quotes

• “If nothing changed in your life right now, are you happy? Would you be happy like this for the rest of your life?.” - Laura Richards [07:47]
• “When you are in abuse for a long time, you don’t have the clarity in your brain to even know what’s going on.” - Laura Richards [15:18]
• “Once you see the matrix, you can’t unsee it.” - Debbie Harrell [28:18]
• “You don’t have to do exactly what the world thinks is normal, do what is best for you.” - Laura Richards [47:00]

Resources Mentioned

Book: Married To A “Nice” Guy by Laura Richards: https://www.amazon.com/Married-Nice-Guy-Getting-Narcissistic/dp/B0D73PT1GB

National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

Helping Survivors https://helpingsurvivors.org/

Connect With The Guest

Laura Richards

Freebie: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast

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

Let me know how you are questioning normal in your life!!

Are Ready to Question Normal in Your Life? - grab the free resource

Reclaim Your Energy A Free Guide for Women Drowning in Everyone Else's Priorities - Your first step in questioning normal in your life.

Download this simple framework to figure out what actually deserves your time, energy and attention... so you can stop drowning in everyone else's demands and start focusing on what you can actually control and influence. Grab the Guide

Support the Show

Visit the NWN Website: https://www.newworldnormal.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworldnormal_

for episodes after May 1, 2026: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/augustine/morning-delight
License code: 3X75RMDC4ETRX21K