Over This Should

Over This Should

By Pamela MeadowsBusiness
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Over This Should episodes

  • The Invisible Moment You Started Abandoning Yourself

    There is a moment most high-achieving women can’t name.

    It doesn’t look dramatic.
     It doesn’t look reckless.
     It looks responsible.

    In this episode, Pamela explores the subtle, invisible pattern that quietly erodes confidence, fuels resentment, and leaves capable women feeling exhausted while still appearing wildly competent.

    We’re talking about self-abandonment.

    Not quitting your job.
     Not blowing up your life.
     But the micro-moments where you override your own needs to preserve peace, prove value, or avoid being “too much.”

    Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

    • The research behind self-silencing and why women internalize stress
     • How over-consenting disguises itself as leadership
     • Why adaptability is both your superpower and your risk
     • The early conditioning that trains high performers to disappear
     • A simple awareness shift that rebuilds self-trust

    If you’ve ever said:
     “I’m fine.”
     “I can handle it.”
     “It’s easier if I just do it.”

    …this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way.

    This is not about becoming someone new.

    It’s about noticing the moment you left yourself — and choosing differently.

    Welcome back to Over This Should.

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    7 min
  • Breaking the Silence: This Survivor's Journey

    In this episode, Pamela Meadows discusses her personal experiences with sexual assault, the impact of societal narratives on victims, and the importance of empowering survivors. She addresses current media coverage, systemic issues in the justice system, and the pervasive culture of victim blaming. The conversation highlights the importance of accountability, support for survivors, and a call to action for listeners to take a stand for change.

    Takeaways

    • This episode contains a trigger warning for sensitive topics.
    • Pamela shares her personal story of sexual assault.
    • The impact of societal narratives on victims is profound.
    • Media coverage often perpetuates victim-blaming.
    • Statistics reveal systemic issues in handling sexual assault cases.
    • Victim blaming is reinforced through cultural narratives.
    • Empowering survivors is crucial for healing and advocacy.
    • Anger can be transformed into actionable strategies.
    • Support for survivors should be prioritized in policies.
    • We must challenge the narratives that silence victims.


    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    17 min
  • When Speaking Up Feels Like a Risk: Feminism, DEI, and Still Finding My Voice in 2025

    In today's episode, I'm getting real about something I've been wrestling with: how do you raise your voice for what’s right without alienating the people you want to reach?

    This episode is not a perfectly polished TED Talk. It's messy. It's real. It’s the tug-of-war between anger and hope. Between truth and fear. And if you’ve ever felt like your passion might make you "too much," this one’s for you.

    Key Topics We Cover:

    • The truth behind the Arlington National Cemetery website changes
    • The 2025 crackdown on DEI language in federal grants and public universities
    • Why being “palatable” can sometimes be a trap
    • How to find your voice—and your power—when the world wants you quiet
    • Balancing righteous anger with the desire for connection and change

    Quotes to Remember:
    “You can be kind and disruptive. You can love people and still hold them accountable. Truth doesn’t require you to whisper.”
     

    Loved this episode?
    🔥 Share it with someone who’s finding their voice right now.
    🔥 Leave a review to help more women break free from the "shoulds."
    🔥 Connect with me on Instagram at @thepamelameadows and tell me what part resonated most.

    Let’s keep showing up—loud, soft, messy, brilliant—and everything in between.

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    17 min
  • Invisible No More: Women Need to Be in All the Rooms

    In today’s powerful solo episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the invisible forces shaping our world—and not in a good way. Inspired by the bestselling book Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez (plus a whole lot of mind-blowing research), we’re talking about the gender data gap and how it creates real-life consequences for women—from car crashes to medical misdiagnoses to tech that just won’t listen to our voices.

    We dive into:

    ✅ How crash test dummies and medical trials are failing women
     ✅ The life-threatening consequences of biased data in health and safety
     ✅ Why women’s unpaid labor is the invisible engine of the global economy
     ✅ What happens when women’s voices are literally misunderstood by AI
     ✅ Why inclusive data isn't “nice to have”—it's essential

    And most importantly, we explore the solution: getting more women in STEM, leadership, and policy creation. Because when women lead, everyone benefits.

    💡 This episode is for you if…

    • You’ve ever felt like the world wasn’t designed with you in mind
    • You care about inclusive innovation, safety, and representation
    • You’re raising, mentoring, or supporting future women leaders
    • You work in tech, policy, education, or leadership and want to do better
    • You love a good mic-drop moment backed by data and sass

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    9 min
  • Tall Poppy Syndrome: Why Women Get Cut Down for Standing Tall

    Have you ever felt the sting of being called “too much,” “too confident,” or “too ambitious”? Sis, you’re not imagining it—that’s Tall Poppy Syndrome at work, and this episode is here to slice it at the root.

    In this episode of Over This Should, we’re diving into why women are often criticized for their success—and how we can fight back with fierce self-awareness, mindset shifts, and community support.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • What Tall Poppy Syndrome is (and how it shows up at work, home, and online)
    • The real research behind why successful women face backlash
    • How to spot the signs (in yourself and others)
    • Why this is a symptom of patriarchal programming
    • The mindset and communication tools you need to own your brilliance

    Featuring real-life stories, stats that’ll make your jaw drop, and action steps to reclaim your power.

    This episode is part pep talk, part data drop, and all about helping women rise—without guilt, shame, or apologies.

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    9 min
  • Unlocking Your Inner Wisdom: A Conversation with Meghan Gifford

    What happens when a high-achieving corporate executive trades spreadsheets and deadlines for breathwork and deep healing? In this transformative episode, Meghan Gifford opens up about her bold pivot from corporate success to becoming a breathwork facilitator and transformation coach.

    Meghan gets real about the burnout that led to her breakthrough—and how she found herself not in another promotion, but in the stillness of her own breath. We explore the power of embodiment, why women don’t have to pick just one passion, and how listening to your body is the most radical form of self-love.

    She breaks down how the female nervous system needs something different, how boundaries create freedom, and why external validation is a trap so many ambitious women fall into. If you’ve ever felt like you were made for more, this one will breathe new life into your journey.

    💡 Key Takeaways

    • Meghan’s journey from corporate success to inner transformation is a masterclass in self-reinvention.
    • Breathwork helped her reconnect with her body, intuition, and purpose.
    • Authenticity is found within—not in titles, accolades, or others’ approval.
    • Women are multi-dimensional: you can honor all your passions.
    • Boundaries aren't selfish—they're sacred.
    • Awareness of your thoughts and emotions is the starting point of healing.
    • The female nervous system deserves a unique approach to wellness and rest.
    • Breathwork is a tool to access deeper emotional healing and intuitive clarity.
    • Wellness isn’t rigid—it should be flexible and intuitive.
    • Trusting yourself is the most powerful act of self-love you can choose.

    Learn more about Meghan here:

    ARRIVE - A free masterclass for high-achievers ready to trade hustle for heart. Happening on Zoom April 9

    https://www.yourfrqncy.com/arrive

    TRUE NORTH - Join the waitlist for this 5-Week Group Coaching Program to help high-achievers break free from the chase and reclaim their inner truth
    https://frqncy.myflodesk.com/true-north-waitlist
    Work with Meghan 1:1 - https://www.yourfrqncy.com/for-you

    Connect with Meghan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfrqncy/



    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    45 min
  • Confidence—How to Show Up Like a Leader (Even When You Don’t Feel Like One)

    Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. In this powerful episode of Over This Should, Pamela Meadows dives deep into what it really means to show up like a leader, even on the days you feel anything but confident.

    You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, take up space, and use science-backed strategies (like the Batman Effect) to own your power in any room. Whether you’re walking into a meeting, negotiating a raise, or just trying to silence that annoying inner critic—we’ve got you.

    Get ready for real talk, real stories, and real tools to help you lead like a badass—even when you’re shaking in your heels.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why confidence is more important than competence for leadership success (hello, Harvard Business Review!)
    • How the Batman Effect can instantly boost your performance and presence
    • What Beyoncé, Kobe Bryant, and even Adele can teach you about stepping into a powerful alter ego
    • How to use body language, mindset, and self-distancing to combat imposter syndrome
    • Actionable ways to retrain your brain to lead with confidence—even if you don’t feel it (yet!)

    Ready to Level Up Your Confidence?

    Explore Pamela’s coaching programs and resources at www.pamelameadows.com


    Let’s build confidence that sticks, not just spikes.

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    13 min
  • From Fear to Flourish: Transitioning with Confidence featuring Barb Scala

    In this empowering episode of the Over This Should podcast, host Pamela Meadows sits down with Barb Scala, a seasoned transition coach for women who helps ambitious women navigate life and career changes with purpose and power. If you’re feeling stuck in your career, questioning your next chapter, or struggling to reclaim your voice, this conversation is your wake-up call.

    Pamela and Barb dive deep into what holds women back from making bold moves—spoiler alert: it’s not a lack of skill. It’s the inner voice of doubt, fear of success (yes, that’s real), and lack of community support. Together, they explore how to break free from those “shoulds,” reframe negative self-talk, and build the confidence to pivot careers, reinvent yourself, and bloom into your full potential.

    Barb brings years of wisdom to the table and shares practical tools to help women own their power, set boundaries, and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re in the middle of a transition or just starting to wonder “what’s next,” this episode is packed with perspective shifts and permission slips.

    Top Takeaways from This Episode:

    • 🌸 Barb Scala specializes in helping women rediscover their purpose and make meaningful life transitions.
    • 🚫 Fear of both failure and success is a silent dream killer for many women.
    • 🧠 Negative self-talk is one of the biggest barriers to growth—but it’s totally rewire-able.
    • 💪 Building courage and confidence is a muscle, not magic. You can train it.
    • 👯‍♀️ Community matters. Surrounding yourself with empowering women creates momentum.
    • 💼 Transitioning careers? Start by owning your skills, strengths, and story.
    • 🛑 Boundaries in relationships are key to sustaining personal growth.
    • 🌱 Growth doesn’t have a finish line. The journey is the point.

    If you’ve ever thought, “I want more, but I don’t know where to start,” this one’s for you.


    If you are interested in learning more about Barb then check out her Masterclass- Reclaim Your Balance: Work Smarter, Embrace Your Value and Grow a Sustainable Business: https://youtu.be/0Lul-XRzseo

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    44 min
  • Emotional Intelligence—The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders

    Ever wonder why some leaders command trust, inspire action, and handle tough situations like pros—while others crash and burn in real time (looking at you, awkward leadership moments on global display)? The answer is Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

    In this episode, we’re diving deep into why EQ is the #1 leadership superpower—and what happens when leaders don’t have it (spoiler: it’s not pretty). From self-awareness and self-regulation to empathy and social skills, we’ll explore how great leaders master their emotions, read the room, and lead with impact. Plus, we’re breaking down the viral Zelenskyy-Trump-Vance meeting as a real-life example of what not to do.

    What You’ll Learn:

    ✅ What emotional intelligence really is (and why it’s a must-have, not a nice-to-have).
     ✅ The 5 key components of EQ and how they impact leadership.
     ✅ Real-world examples of EQ fails—including the leadership lesson from the Zelenskyy-Trump-Vance moment.
     ✅ Practical steps to develop and strengthen your own EQ (so you can lead with confidence, not chaos).
    ✅ A simple challenge to boost your emotional intelligence this week!

    Resources & Links:

    💡 Take Action: Which EQ skill are you working on this week? DM me on Instagram and let’s chat! → @thepamelameadows

    📩 Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter for leadership insights & real-talk strategies: www.pamelameadows.com

    🔗 Share this Episode: Know a leader who desperately needs an EQ check? Send them this episode! 🎧

    ⭐️ Love the Show? Leave a 5-star review & help others discover Over This Should!

    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    14 min
  • Breaking Free from Anxiety & Perfectionism with Trish Gent

    In this episode of Over This Should, Pamela Meadows sits down with Trish Gent, an integrative life coach who transitioned from a career in nursing to helping individuals reclaim their emotional well-being. Trish unpacks the critical differences between stress and anxiety, the hidden dangers of perfectionism, and how Kundalini yoga can be a game-changer in managing anxiety. She also shares powerful insights on nervous system regulation, self-discovery, and the importance of trusting your instincts. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an endless loop of stress, self-doubt, or unrealistic expectations, this episode is your roadmap to breaking free.

    💡 Key Takeaways:
    ✅ Anxiety vs. Stress – Knowing the difference can change how you manage both.
    ✅ Perfectionism Trap – Societal expectations often fuel anxiety, keeping you stuck.
    ✅ The Power of Kundalini Yoga – A transformative tool for nervous system regulation.
    ✅ Meditation is a Skill – It takes practice, but it's worth it.
    ✅ Self-Discovery is Key – Personal growth starts with understanding yourself.
    ✅ Regulate Your Nervous System – Techniques to reconnect with your body and emotions.
    ✅ Trust Yourself – Learning to follow your instincts leads to empowered decisions.
    ✅ Helping the Next Generation – Creating a stress-aware environment for children.

    🚀 Resources & Next Steps:
    🔹 Connect with Trish Gent:  www.instgram.com/coach_trishgent.com
    🔹 Learn More About Trish's podcast: The Wellness Empowerment Project: Two nurses exploring the art and science of holistic modalities. (pod.link)

      Download Trish's Free Guide: Kundalini to Calm Anxiety


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    Love this conversation? Follow Over This Should and share the episode with a woman who is ready to get over the expectations keeping her stuck. Learn more about Pamela Meadows, coaching, speaking, and upcoming programs at https://www.pamelameadows.com/.

    57 min

About Over This Should

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Over This Should, the podcast where we ditch societal expectations, challenge the "shoulds" holding women back, and embrace life on your own terms. Hosted by Pamela Meadows,…