In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall chats with Crissie Leonard about her diverse roles, businesses, and experiences with trauma. Crissie highlights mental health awareness and the impact of trauma on relationships. They discuss addressing trauma, Crissie's journey to authorship, and overcoming ego in publishing. The conversation covers new opportunities, sharing personal stories, accepting differing opinions, and social media's influence. Crissie emphasizes personal branding, setting boundaries, and authenticity. The episode wraps up with audience questions and future conversation prospects.
In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with author, writing coach, and entrepreneur Crissie Leonard for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, healing, identity, and the power of using your story to create change.
Crissie opens up about her personal journey through trauma and the realization that while painful experiences may shape parts of our lives, they do not define who we are. Together, Vicki and Crissie explore the realities of mental health, the messy middle of healing, and the importance of having raw, honest conversations that many people are still afraid to have.
This episode dives into the pressure so many people feel to constantly perform, please others, and fit into expectations while silently struggling underneath it all. Crissie shares powerful insights on people-pleasing as a trauma response, learning to let go of the “what if” mindset, and finding the courage to fully step into your purpose.
Throughout the conversation, they discuss:
-Why trauma does not define your future
-The importance of mental health awareness and honest conversations
-Healing through the “messy middle” of life
-How people-pleasing can stem from unresolved trauma
-Moving from fear and “what if” thinking into action and growth
-Finding your niche, purpose, and authentic voice
-Why pain can become the catalyst for transformation
This episode is a reminder that healing is not linear, growth is uncomfortable, and your experiences, no matter how painful, can become the very thing that helps someone else feel less alone.
Crissie’s story is raw, empowering, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating healing, self-discovery, or personal transformation.
If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled with your mental health, or felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming… this conversation is for you.
Connect with Crissie Leonard:
Website: www.crissieleonard.com
Author of Letters to My Father
Owner of YMP Creations
Co-Owner of Humble Heartbeat Publishing, L.P.
(0:00) Introduction and guest Chrissie Leonard
(1:13) Chrissie’s roles, businesses, and experiences with trauma
(3:11) Chrissie’s story, background, and mental health awareness
(6:14) Understanding different perspectives and trauma
(7:07) Chrissie’s personal trauma and relationships
(10:58) Chrissie’s marriages and relationships
(13:09) Addressing trauma and healing
(17:04) Chrissie’s journey to becoming an author
(20:33) Chrissie’s battle with ego and publishing
(24:21) Overcoming ego and leveraging her book
(27:07) New opportunities, humility, and handling rejection
(30:18) Emotional impact of sharing personal stories
(32:16) Accepting differing opinions and focusing on purpose
(34:42) Parenting changes and societal norms
(37:21) Social media’s impact on mental health and business
(39:17) Drama, chaos, and personal growth
(42:57) Constructive conversations about trauma
(45:04) Personal branding and helping others
(49:01) Making personal choices and setting boundaries
(50:03) The trap of “what if” thinking and people-pleasing
(51:58) Ocean analogy and helping others
(53:06) Finding your purpose and authenticity
(54:09) Shifting perspectives and trauma bonding
(54:22) Wrapping up and future conversations
(55:10) Vicki’s mission and giving people a platform
(56:05) Audience questions and closing remarks