Rock the Damn Boat

In this episode of RTDB, we’re diving into midlife nutrition through a lens that doesn’t get talked about enough: stress, hormones, and how your body is actually responding behind the scenes.

I’m joined by Erika Hewlett of Compassion Wellness Nutrition to unpack what’s really happening during midlife—especially when it comes to adrenal function, declining estrogen levels, and the ripple effect they have on your energy, metabolism, mood, and overall health.

If you’ve been feeling more fatigued, wired-but-tired, or like your body just isn’t responding the way it used to, this conversation will help you understand why.

We talk about:

• How chronic stress impacts adrenal gland function and energy levels
• What drops in estrogen actually do to your body in midlife
• Why protein becomes even more essential for muscle, metabolism, and stability
• What HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) testing can reveal about your body
• Why mindfulness isn’t optional—it’s a critical tool for managing stress and supporting hormone health

This episode is about moving out of confusion and into clarity—so you can stop guessing and start supporting your body in a way that actually works for this season of life.

If you’re a thoughtful woman navigating midlife changes and looking for grounded, practical guidance, this conversation will give you a new perspective—and a way forward.

Work with Erika at compassionwellnessnutrition.com

Her favorite midlife experts:

Dr. Mindy Pelz https://www.drmindypelz.com/

Dr. Lisa Mosconi https://www.lisamosconi.com/

Dr. Sara Gottfried https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/

Alisa Vitti floliving.com

Maisie Hill https://maisiehill.com/

Regena Thomashauer https://mamagenas.com/

Learn more about working with Christy at

thrivewithchristy.com

In this episode of RTDB, we’re unpacking impostor syndrome—the quiet, persistent voice that makes capable women question whether they really belong.

The truth? You’re not alone. Research suggests up to 70% of people experience these thoughts at some point, often despite clear evidence of their competence.

Drawing from insights in TIME, we break down the five common ways impostor syndrome shows up—and why it has less to do with your ability and more to do with how you interpret challenges.

You’ll hear how impostor syndrome can look like:

• Perfectionism – believing anything less than flawless means failure
• Overworking – trying to “earn” your place through exhaustion
• Self-doubt loops – questioning your competence even after success
• Avoiding help – fearing that asking exposes you as a fraud
• Downplaying wins – crediting luck instead of your ability

We’ll also reframe what’s really happening: impostor syndrome isn’t proof you’re unqualified—it’s a pattern of thinking. And the difference between those who feel like impostors and those who don’t often comes down to how they respond to challenges, not their actual capability.

If you’ve ever thought, “Who am I to do this?”—this episode will help you recognize the pattern, challenge it, and take your next step with steadier confidence.

TIME Article: https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/

Visit thrivewithchristy.com to learn more about ways to implement the THRIVE framework to overcome impostor syndrome and pursue your dream!

In this episode of RTDB, Christy Hughes sits down with Dr. Kathryn Jacob of The Archway to discuss the realities of domestic violence, systemic abuse, and victim advocacy within the criminal justice system.

I offer a trigger warning for anyone who is sensitive to this topic.

This conversation is deeply personal for Christy. During college, she experienced abuse in a violent relationship—an experience that shaped her understanding of how complicated, isolating, and confusing abusive dynamics can be. That history is part of why raising awareness about domestic violence prevention and survivor support is so important to her today.

Dr. Jacob explains how organizations like The Archway support survivors in ways that go far beyond providing emergency shelter. From legal advocacy and safety planning to counseling and community partnerships, their work helps victims navigate the legal system, find safety, and begin rebuilding their lives.

We also talk about the warning signs of abusive relationships, why leaving can be so difficult, and the importance of accessible resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which offers confidential support for anyone who believes they—or someone they care about—may be experiencing abuse.

This episode is an honest and compassionate conversation about domestic violence awareness, survivor advocacy, and the systems working to protect victims.

Key Topics in This Episode

• Christy’s personal experience with an abusive college relationship
• Understanding systemic abuse and why it’s often misunderstood
• How domestic violence organizations work with victims and the justice system
• Services available beyond emergency shelter
• Warning signs of abusive relationships
• How the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help victims and loved ones

If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.

Learn more about The Archway at https://www.thearchwaytx.org/ and reach their hotline in Tarrant County by calling 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-877-701-7233

During March Women's History Month, donate $25 to get a "Don't Mess with Texas Women" sticker, and check the website for ways to volunteer.

In this bonus episode of Rock the Damn Boat (RTDB), Christy shares a behind-the-scenes reflection on her spontaneous decision to attend the Create & Cultivate conference in Austin, Texas—alone. What started as a last-minute leap turned into a powerful reminder that growth often begins with simply showing up.

Surrounded by ambitious founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs, Christy listened to inspiring speakers including Jonathan Van Ness and Emily McDonald, founder of Mindcraft, and walked away with a renewed belief in her ability to step into rooms that once felt intimidating.

This episode explores what it means to take brave steps—even as an introvert or self-described “quiet woman”—and why courage doesn’t always look loud or confident. Sometimes it just looks like booking the ticket, walking through the door, and trusting that you belong there.

Christy also reflects on how experiences like this shape her mission to help other thoughtful, capable women find their voice through the Rock the Damn Boat podcast and her upcoming women’s retreats.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take a leap, attend an event alone, or step into a new community, this conversation is for you.

Discussion Highlights:

• Why Christy made a spontaneous decision to attend Create & Cultivate Austin
• What it felt like to walk into a networking event alone
• Insights from speakers including Jonathan Van Ness and Emily McDonald of Mindcraft
• The quiet courage it takes to show up in unfamiliar spaces
• How stepping outside your comfort zone builds confidence over time
• Why Christy believes more introverted and thoughtful women deserve spaces to grow their voice
• How retreats, storytelling, and community can empower women to take brave steps forward

  
  Create & Cultivate Austin, women’s networking events, Jonathan Van Ness speaking event, Emily McDonald Mindcraft, women entrepreneurs conference, overcoming introversion in networking, confidence building for women, solo travel for conferences, women empowering women, Rock the Damn Boat podcast

  
  If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend who’s ready to take a brave step of her own. And don’t forget to follow Rock the Damn Boat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube for more conversations that inspire people-pleasers and quiet leaders to use their voice—even when it makes waves.

In this Sunday Shortie episode of RTDB (Rock the Damn Boat), Christy shares her excitement about attending the Women in Publishing Summit and reflects on the personal journey that led her deeper into writing.

What began as a potential biography after the death of her grandmother Polly eventually transformed into something entirely different, a deeply personal memoir about Christy's sobriety journey and the influence of her beloved grandmother.

Christy also reflects on how learning more about her grandmother Gladys’ experience working in a WWII shipyard during the Rosie the Riveter era inspired an entirely new creative project five years later. It is a broader narrative about the women who stepped into unconventional roles during the war—echoing the spirit behind this month’s Women’s History Month conversations on RTDB.

If you’ve ever thought about writing your own story, Christy shares an encouraging reminder: writing isn’t reserved for a select few. Anyone can learn the craft if they’re willing to study the process, stay curious, and keep showing up to the page.

Key moments in this episode:

• Christy’s excitement about attending the Women in Publishing Summit
• How the loss of her grandmother Polly sparked the idea for her original memoir
• The surprising transformation of that book into a completely new creative project
• How learning more about her grandmother Gladys’ WWII shipyard work inspired a new project and new genre: historical fiction
• How these stories connect to RTDB’s Women’s History Month series celebrating women who rocked the boat in unconventional careers
• Why writing is a skill anyone can learn with patience and practice
• How the THRIVE framework can help you move from idea to action and start writing your own story

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a family historian, or someone feeling the quiet nudge to finally put your story on paper, this episode will encourage you to step up to the starting line and begin.

In this episode of RTDB, we celebrate Women’s History Month with a conversation that proves you don’t have to be famous to make history—you just have to be willing to rock the boat.

Our guest, Cindy Sims, was nominated by her daughter Courtney and selected as our Women’s History Month honoree for her remarkable life in unconventional roles. From running a small-town newspaper to working as a welder in a traditionally male trade, Cindy has spent decades quietly challenging expectations and showing what women are capable of.

With humor, heart, and plenty of stories, Cindy shares what it was like growing up in a small Texas town, stepping into jobs few women held at the time, and building a life fueled by curiosity and determination. Her energy and quick wit make this one of the most entertaining conversations we’ve had on the show.

We also talk about the women who inspired her—including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Cindy’s ultimate boat-rocking role model.

If you love stories about women breaking barriers, small-town resilience, and the courage to try something unexpected, this episode will leave you smiling.

In this episode of RTDB, we discuss:

• What it was like being a woman working as a welder
• How she came to own a small-town newspaper
• Growing up in rural Texas and the power of community
• Her unconventional career paths and what she learned as an American Sign Language interpreter
• Cindy’s Women’s History Month inspiration: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Sometimes the most powerful boat-rockers are the ones who never set out to be famous—just brave enough to follow their own path.

In this Sunday Shortie, Christy shares a raw and honest reflection on what keeps her moving forward in the uncertain world of solopreneurship. Building something of your own can feel lonely, especially when the income isn’t predictable and the people around you don’t always understand the vision.

In this episode of RTDB, Christy talks about three simple but powerful mindsets helping her stay grounded during the messy middle of entrepreneurship: learning to live frugally and separate wants from true needs, taking the journey one step at a time—much like the “one day at a time” philosophy in sobriety—and choosing to believe in herself even when external validation is nowhere to be found.

If you’re navigating a career pivot, building a business from scratch, or standing at the starting line of something uncertain, this conversation is a reminder that progress often looks like quiet persistence.

In this episode:

• Why redefining wants vs. needs can reduce financial pressure while building a business
• How the “one day at a time” mindset helps solopreneurs keep moving forward
• The courage it takes to believe in yourself when others doubt your path
• Why persistence—not perfection—is what gets you to the next chapter

A short, honest pep talk for anyone walking the long road of entrepreneurship.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this episode of RTDB, I’m joined by my former college roommate and co-host of The Screening Lounge, also Christy, for a lively and layered conversation about women in film and television — the trailblazers who rocked the boat, the milestones that changed Hollywood, and the representation gaps we’re still working to close.

We talk about historic Oscar milestones, unforgettable movie scenes that shaped cultural conversations, and the actresses who have built long, enduring careers in an industry that hasn’t always made that easy for women. From the early pioneers to modern powerhouses, we explore how storytelling both reflects and reshapes what women believe is possible.

This episode is equal parts celebration and reality check.

Yes, women have broken barriers in directing, screenwriting, producing, and acting. But equal representation, diverse voices, pay equity, and decision-making power remain ongoing conversations.

If you care about women’s leadership, media representation, Hollywood history, and the cultural power of storytelling, this conversation will remind you why it matters who gets to tell the story.

• Historic Oscar award milestones for women directors and actresses
• The firsts that paved the way — and the barriers that linger
• Memorable movie scenes that redefined female agency on screen
• Actresses who have built decades-long careers in Hollywood
• How representation in film and TV shapes identity, ambition, and voice
• Where the industry still has significant strides to make

Listen to Christy's show, The Screening Lounge, for weekly recommendations of binge-worthy TV shows and new films.

Some of the movies and filmmakers we discuss:

The Hurt Locker - Kathryn Bigelow

Nomadland - Chloe Zhao

Hamnet - Chloe Zhao

Norma Rae - Sally Fields

When Harry Met Sally - Meg Ryan

Barbie - Greta Gerwig

Black Panther - Rachel Morrison

In this episode of RTDB, we’re reclaiming a word that many women were taught to fear: assertive.

If you’ve ever confused assertiveness with being rude, selfish, or unkind, this conversation will shift that belief. For people-pleasers, Enneagram 2's, and high-capacity women, staying quiet, over-explaining, or softening every request can feel safer. But over time, that pattern leads to burnout, resentment, and feeling invisible.

In this Sunday Shortie, I break down how to move from passive to direct — without becoming harsh — and share five practical ways to build assertive communication skills:

• Use “I” statements and direct language. Clearly state your needs with ownership: “I feel…” “I need…” Be honest and concise instead of meandering or over-explaining.
• Learn to say no. Healthy boundaries don’t require long justifications. “No” is a complete sentence when it protects your time and energy.
• Adopt confident body language. Stand tall, maintain eye contact, keep your posture open, and let your nonverbal cues match your message.
• Start with low-stakes practice. Build confidence in small moments — ask for a different table at a restaurant or clarify a scheduling mix-up — before tackling bigger conflicts.
• Manage emotions and stay calm. Pause, breathe, and regulate. Assertiveness is grounded clarity — not frustration spilling over into aggression.

Assertiveness isn’t about dominating a room. It’s about respecting yourself enough to be clear. And clarity, as we know, is kind.

If you’re ready to stop being the doormat and start communicating with calm, steady confidence, this episode will give you the mindset and language to begin.

SEO Keywords: assertive communication skills, how to be more assertive, people-pleasing recovery, setting healthy boundaries, how to say no without guilt, confident body language, overcoming fear of conflict, women and leadership communication, burnout prevention.

In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Marin Nelson, founder of Sobrynth.com, for a powerful conversation about creating recovery-friendly workplaces and challenging the unspoken role alcohol plays in professional culture.

Approaching eight years of sobriety from alcohol herself, Christy shares incredibly vulnerable stories about her own sober-curious days and how she ultimately got and stayed sober. It is why she believes so passionately in Marin's mission.

After more than 15 years in enterprise tech and navigating her own sober journey, Marin founded Sobrynth to help organizations and professionals rethink how alcohol shows up at work — from networking events to leadership norms.

Her mission is clear: build workplace cultures where recovery, sober curiosity, and alcohol-free living are respected, normalized, and supported.

Together, Christy and Marin explore:

• What it actually means to create a recovery-friendly workplace
• The impact of workplace drinking culture on women’s leadership and advancement
• How high-performing professionals quietly question their relationship with alcohol
• The difference between sobriety, sober curiosity, and mindful drinking
• How leaders can build inclusive environments without relying on alcohol-centered connection

If you’re a leader, HR professional, entrepreneur, or ambitious woman navigating corporate culture, this episode will expand your thinking about inclusion, performance, and authenticity.

Learn more about Sobrynth at www.sobrynth.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/sobrynth/

Keywords: recovery-friendly workplace, sober curious, alcohol-free lifestyle, workplace drinking culture, women in leadership, corporate inclusion, sobriety journey, HR leadership, workplace wellness.