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Have you ever felt stuck in the same patterns, despite doing extensive mindset work? You tell yourself to think differently, but the same reactions, fears, and habits keep showing up. That’s because true healing doesn’t start in the mind—it begins in the nervous system.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I sit down with Melissa Byers, a transformation coach and expert in parts work and nervous system regulation, to explore how our bodies hold on to the past—and how we can finally release it.

Melissa shares how “parts work” helped her reconnect with her authentic self. Together, we break down what it means to heal the fragmented parts of ourselves—those inner pieces that split off during moments of overwhelm or trauma—and how to invite them back into wholeness.

You’ll learn:

 —What “parts work” and Internal Family Systems (IFS) actually mean—and why it’s not about fixing yourself.

 —How trauma isn’t always an event, but a stored response in the body that needs gentle release.

—Why your fight, flight, freeze, or fawn patterns show up—and how to identify your “autonomic tone.”

—The difference between your nurturer and protector parts—and how to use both to reparent yourself.

There is also a live coaching session where I confront my own fear of being “not enough” and walk through a practical, body-led process for transforming it. This conversation is one of my most powerful yet—because it reminds us that healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about reconnection. When we learn the language of our nervous system, we discover how to feel safe, grounded, and free—no cape required.

Key Takeaways:

 ✨ Healing starts when you stop intellectualizing and start feeling.

 ✨ Your nervous system is always communicating with you—learn to listen.

 ✨ You don’t have to relive the past to release it.

 ✨ Reparenting yourself is an act of love, not correction.

Connect with Melissa Byers 

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Are you caught in the endless loop of doing, achieving, and proving yourself—yet still feeling unfulfilled? You’re not alone.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I sit down with coach and former corporate executive Zerina Derveni to explore a powerful shift: moving from constant performing to simply being.

We talk about why so many high-achieving women burn out chasing external validation—and how aligning with your core values allows you to lead and live with authenticity, confidence, and fulfillment.

Zerina shares her five-phase self-discovery journey that helps women unlearn old patterns, reconnect with their strengths, and step into lasting transformation. Along the way, we dig into:

-Why being yourself often attracts more success than endless doing.
-How EQ (emotional intelligence) creates clarity and deeper connections beyond IQ.
-The role of adaptability (AQ) in navigating change without losing yourself.
-Practical ways to identify your core values and use them as your decision-making compass.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels, this conversation is your invitation to pause, reflect, and tap into the power of being.

👉 Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to ditch burnout and embrace authenticity—because success isn’t about doing it all, it’s about becoming who you really are.

Connect with Zerina Derveni

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Let’s get real about something most women don’t talk about enough: perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

This stage of life isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings—it’s about identity, power, and permission. It’s about rewriting the old narrative that says women should just quietly endure this chapter. Menopause isn’t an ending—it’s a transformation.

That’s why I’m so excited to be joined by Alison Bladh, an award-winning registered nutritional therapist, hormone health expert, and author of Have a Magnificent Menopause: A Straightforward Guide to Looking Good and Feeling Great. With more than 35 years in the health and wellness industry, Alison brings an evidence-based, functional medicine approach to helping women thrive through these hormonal transitions.

In this conversation, we unpack:

• Why so many women don’t recognize perimenopause symptoms—and how to spot them.
• Alison’s practical, no-nonsense strategies to improve energy, focus, and sleep.
• The role of protein, hydration, and movement in supporting your body through hormonal changes.
• How to stop “chasing sleep” and finally rest like a queen.
• Why stress management and boundary setting are essential tools in this season of life.
• The importance of reducing ultra-processed foods and making sustainable swaps that actually fit into a busy lifestyle.

Alison also shares why knowledge is power when it comes to menopause and how to navigate the flood of (often conflicting) information out there. Her book isn’t about theory—it’s a hands-on guide with practical tools you can actually use.

Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, in the thick of it, or finding your rhythm on the other side, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and you absolutely have the power to embrace this transformation with confidence.

Connect with Alison Bladh

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What if the freedom you’ve been waiting for doesn’t require permission from anyone else?

In this episode of No Cape Required, I’m joined by solo traveler, speaker, and podcaster Tsvety Roo—a woman who traded a high-powered New York City career for a one-way ticket and a life of exploration. With 22 countries lived in and more than 30 visited, Tsvety has turned fear into fuel, loneliness into solitude, and strangers into lifelong friends.

Together, we dive into:
 ✨ The 3 life-changing questions Tsvety asked herself before she made the leap
 ✨ Why solitude isn’t the same as loneliness—and how it can actually recharge you
 ✨ How to build meaningful connections while traveling alone (without feeling awkward)
 ✨ Practical safety tips every solo traveler should know
 ✨ The surprising benefits of shedding “stuff” and embracing a minimalist lifestyle

This isn’t just about travel. It’s about giving yourself permission to chase the dream you’ve been stifling—and discovering what’s possible on the other side of fear. Whether you’re dreaming of Paris, Peru, or just a weekend away by yourself, this conversation will inspire you to say yes to yourself.

Resources & Takeaways:

• Ask yourself: What makes me feel alive? What dream have I been stifling? What would happen if I gave myself permission to go after it?
• Walk with intention. Confidence is one of your best safety tools.
• Solo travel doesn’t mean “solo forever”—stay open to deep, meaningful connections.

💡 If this episode sparks something in you, share it with a friend who’s been putting off their dream. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation.

Connect with Tsvety Roo:
🌍 tsvetyroo.com
📸 Instagram: @tsvetyroo

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Let me ask you something… have you ever felt like it’s all on you? Like if you don’t handle it—no one else will? If you’ve ever struggled with asking for help or felt like you had to wear the Superwoman cape just to keep everything from falling apart, you’re going to love today’s conversation.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I sit down with the incredible Dr. JaNee Mobley—a mom, pharmacist, speaker, and coach who shares how she went from homelessness to helping women profit from their purpose.

JaNee doesn’t hold back. She opens up about what it really took to shift her mindset, build her business, and lead her family—without burning out. We talk about why asking for help isn’t weakness (spoiler: it’s actually one of the boldest things you can do), how self-care goes far beyond bubble baths, and why we have to stop choosing to come last in our own lives.

If you’re feeling stretched thin or just need a reminder that you’re not meant to do it all alone, this one’s for you.

 What We Talk About:

• Why so many women struggle with asking for help
• How childhood and societal messaging fuels the “do it all” mentality
• Dr. JaNee’s powerful story of bouncing back from being fired and facing homelessness
• The mindset shift that changed everything (and how you can make it too)
• The difference between physical strength and real mental and emotional strength
• Practical ways to ask for and receive support without guilt
• What “being your own first name” really means—and why it matters
• A simple but powerful challenge to help you finally take off the cape

💡 Ask Yourself:

What’s one thing you can do this week to begin untying the Superwoman cape?

Connect with Dr. JaNee Mobley

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Welcome to No Cape Required—the space where we ditch the performative hustle, take off the masks, and start showing up as our true selves. In today’s episode, we’re spotlighting a group that often gets overlooked in leadership narratives: introverts.

Did you know that up to 50% of the population is introverted? And yet, our society still equates success with being the loudest voice in the room. Well, not anymore.

I’m joined by Stacey Chazin, who is rewriting the script on what leadership really looks like. Drawing on years of corporate and nonprofit experience, Stacey shares how introverted women can stop trying to “fix” themselves and instead leverage their natural strengths to lead powerfully and authentically.

We dive into:

• The most damaging myths about introverts (and why they’re flat-out wrong)
• How masking your true nature to appear more “extroverted” can sabotage your confidence and success
• Why visibility doesn’t have to mean being the loudest—it means being intentional
• Tangible ways introverted women can own their influence and create impact without burning out
• The leadership superpowers introverts bring to the table—and how organizations are finally waking up to their value

If you've ever been told you're “too quiet” to lead or felt like you had to perform to be taken seriously, this episode is your reminder: your quieter power isn’t just valid—it’s vital.

🔗 Connect with Stacey Chasen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazinconsulting/

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In this powerful episode, Dara Rossi explores why stepping back and taking intentional pauses can be the most productive thing you can do. After taking her own sabbatical from podcasting to write her upcoming book "No Cape Required," Dara shares why doing less can actually make you more productive, creative, and fulfilled.

Key Takeaways

• Rest is a radical act of reclaiming your power and saying no to burnout
• Growth doesn't always look like movement - sometimes it looks like stillness
• Stepping back isn't about giving up; it's about gathering strength like an archer pulling back a bow
• The real productivity hack is in reflection and intentional pausing
• Creativity is often fueled by downtime and quiet contemplation

The 3-2-1 Centering Practice

A powerful combo technique you can use anywhere, anytime:

3 Breaths: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, dropping shoulders with each breath

2 Things: Notice and silently name two things you see, hear, or feel in the present moment

1 Question: Ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" or "How do I want to show up in this moment?"

Takes less than a minute but creates a powerful shift

Three Areas Where Pausing Transforms Your Life

Career

• Shift from reacting to leading
• Get clear on opportunities that align with your goals and values
• Strategic thinking rather than constant doing

Relationships

• Show up more present and patient
• Become aware of your own patterns
• Ask better questions and listen more deeply

Inner Life

• Build clarity, confidence, and self-trust
• Hear your own voice above societal expectations
• Connect with what truly matters to you

Download the 5 Power Tools for Meaningful Pauses

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If you’ve ever made a big, bold decision and then immediately thought, What the heck did I just do?!—this one’s for you.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I’m joined by Sherry Yellin, an executive coach and leadership expert who shares the story of how a $35,000 investment (gulp!) completely changed the trajectory of her life and business.

From sitting on her office floor paralyzed by fear to leading with confidence and clarity, Sherry takes us behind the scenes of what real transformation looks like—and spoiler alert: it’s not always pretty.

We talk about:

• The neuroscience behind fear and why your brain resists change (not growth!)
• FOBU: Fear of Being Uncomfortable, Uncertain, or Unpopular—and how to overcome it
• How tunnel vision in your brain keeps you stuck (and how to get out of it)
• Simple tools that re-activate your decision-making power when you feel frozen
• Why investing in yourself isn’t just powerful—it’s generational

Sherry reminds us that fear isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal. And if we’re willing to move through discomfort, that’s where the magic and growth really happens.

Whether you're at a crossroads in your career or quietly wondering what’s next for me?, this episode will give you the clarity—and the courage—you need to take the next right step.

You can learn more about Sherry Yellin on her website or connect with her on LinkedIn

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Have you ever felt like a square peg in a round hole when it comes to your career? Maybe you're stuck in a job that doesn’t align with your strengths, or you're questioning whether your work truly reflects your values.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many women struggle with feeling out of place in their careers but don’t know how to take the first step toward change.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I sit down with Staci Witten, an ICF-certified coach specializing in career development, business growth, and leadership advancement. Together, we break down the signs that indicate you’re in the wrong role, how to navigate the fear of career change, and the strategies to help you thrive in your true genius zone. 

If you've ever experienced the Sunday Scaries or questioned your professional path, this conversation is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to recognize when your job isn’t the right fit
✅ Why your values play a key role in career satisfaction
✅ How to integrate work and life for a better balance
✅ Practical exercises to uncover your strengths and ideal career path
✅ The difference between a mentor and a coach—and which one you might need
✅ Strategies for making a career transition without fear

Guest Spotlight: Staci Witten
Staci Witten is an ICF-certified coach, consultant, and trainer with over 30 years of experience in human resources, executive leadership, and professional coaching. She helps clients achieve success through a strength-focused approach, guiding them toward careers and businesses that align with their passions and values. When she’s not coaching, she enjoys life as a wife, mother, and proud grandmother.

Connect with Staci Witten on LinkedIn. 

Download Staci's free timeline worksheet here. 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Did this episode resonate with you? Share it with a friend who might need to hear it! Also, if you’re loving the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us bring more insightful conversations your way.

Until next time, remember: You don’t need a cape to lead authentically and live with purpose!

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Let’s be real—networking can feel awkward, forced, and, honestly, a little cringey. If you’ve ever dreaded a networking event, you’re not alone.

But what if networking wasn’t about selling yourself or collecting business cards? What if it was simply about making genuine connections?

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lisa Ong, an award-winning executive coach and inclusion connector, to unpack a fresh, intentional approach to networking that feels natural, not transactional.

Lisa shares game-changing strategies to build trust, make meaningful connections, and navigate networking events (even if you’re an introvert).

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why traditional networking feels so uncomfortable—and what to do instead
✅ How to approach events with the mindset of serving, not selling
✅ The ROCKS method: a simple framework to make networking feel effortless
✅ Why being curious and asking the right questions builds instant rapport
✅ Powerful networking hacks, including Lisa’s genius “phone trick”
✅ How to cultivate long-term professional and personal relationships without overwhelm

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn or visit WishingOutLoud.com to learn more.

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