The Beauty in the Mess

In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, Michele talks with Erica Wiederlight, confidence coach, embodiment expert, and founder of We The Light, LLC. Erica helps women go from disconnected and burned out to fully present, joyful, and confident — not through pressure or perfection, but through presence and pleasure.

Erica shares how self-love can start in the middle of chaos, how pleasure is about so much more than sex, and why micro-moments of embodiment might be the most healing practice we have.

Her message is loud and clear: You don’t have to be fixed to be fabulous — you just have to start where you are.

[02:30] – Meet Erica Wiederlight and how her “mess” led to her mission

[06:00] – From performer to coach: what burnout revealed

[09:15] – What embodiment really means — and why it matters

[12:30] – Why pleasure isn’t selfish and how it heals

[15:45] – Micro-moments of self-connection (yes, even with kids screaming in the back)

[18:15] – You don’t need a retreat to feel worthy — you just need a breath

[21:30] – Erica’s favorite tools to calm the nervous system and get present

[25:00] – The truth about confidence (it’s not about being loud or perfect)

[28:30] – Embodiment and healing when you’re burned out and tired

[31:45] – How to stop waiting for permission and take up space

[35:00] – Final thoughts on starting small, practicing daily, and trusting yourself

• 📚 Connect with Erica:
• Website: wethelight.org
• Instagram: @wethelight_llc
• Podcast: Welcome to the Wiederlife

• 📱 Connect with Michele Simms:
• Website: thebeautyinthemess.com
• Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess
• Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Community
• 
  

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In this episode, Michele sits down with Utkarsh Narang, an executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Ignited Neurons, for a deep, honest conversation about identity, fear, and fulfillment.

With a background encompassing physiotherapy, content creation, and startup leadership, Utkarsh has lived many lives, and each reinvention taught him how to strip away false identities and show up with intentionality. Now, he helps others do the same.

This episode explores what it means to live aligned with your values, how to embrace fear as a guidepost, and why presence — not perfection — is the most powerful discipline of all.

• [02:05] – Intro to Utkarsh: From physiotherapist to executive coach
• [06:10] – Letting go of your job title and rediscovering who you really are
• [10:25] – When discomfort becomes the doorway to growth
• [14:45] – Fear as fuel: how Utkarsh reframed anxiety into action
• [18:00] – The “last lunch” metaphor: living each moment like it matters
• [21:35] – The five values that anchor Utkarsh’s life and work
• [25:00] – Real discipline vs. performative motivation
• [29:15] – The trap of chasing goals without checking alignment
• [32:40] – How presence outperforms pressure every time
• [36:10] – Journaling, parenting, and practicing what you teach
• [39:45] – Why most people avoid stillness — and how to embrace it
• [43:20] – Redefining success: from impact to intention

🔗 Connect with Utkarsh Narang:

• 🌐 Website: ignitedneurons.com
• 📸 Instagram: @ignitedneurons
• 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang
• 🎥 YouTube: Ignited Neurons Channel

🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess

• Website: https://thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/
• Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/

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In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, host Michele is joined by Saril Vasquez, a triple-certified functional medicine practitioner and the founder of Belle Organix and the Bellechanics Method.

After a decade of struggling with hair loss and being told there was no cure, Saril discovered something deeper: her body was trying to speak — and hair loss was the message. The solution wasn’t in prescriptions or topicals, but in identifying the root dysfunctions and restoring her system naturally.

Now, Saril helps women around the world reverse hair loss through detoxification, gut healing, hormone balance, and personalized nutrition. This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about hair loss, and offer real hope for those who’ve been told “this is just how it is.”

• [02:30] – Meet Saril: Her personal journey with hair loss and functional medicine
• [05:30] – Why toxins, hormone imbalances, and scar tissue are major root causes
• [08:45] – Hair loss as a detox mechanism: what your body is trying to say
• [11:15] – Estrogen dominance, liver health, and the surprising role of bowel movements
• [14:30] – Breakups, birth control, and the emotional spark that led to healing
• [17:45] – Scar tissue: how it strangles follicles and how to reverse it
• [21:00] – Functional medicine vs. conventional approaches to alopecia
• [24:15] – Why your hair follicles likely aren’t “dead” — just buried under dysfunction
• [27:30] – How stress and sugar instantly impact hair health
• [30:45] – The five non-negotiables for reversing hair loss naturally
• [34:00] – How Saril supports balance without perfection
• [37:30] – Why no two women get the same plan
• [41:00] – The power of group coaching and real-life results
• [44:15] – Why castor oil on the liver beats castor oil on the scalp
• [47:30] – Busting the “it’s just genetics” myth
• [50:00] – What every woman should know about her body and healing

• Website: bellechanics.com
• Free Book: Becoming a Bellechanic
• Take the Quiz: bellechanics.com/quiz
• Facebook Group: Reversing Hair Loss Naturally
• Instagram: @bellechanics
• Testimonials & Before/After: bellechanics.com/testimonials

• Website: thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook Group: Join the Community
• LinkedIn: Michele Simms
• Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess

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What if the version of success you’ve been chasing… was never really yours?

In this powerful episode of The Beauty In The Mess, host Michele sits down with Nina Zapala — award-winning hospitality professional, speaker, author, and the creator of Spiritual Personality Typing — a modern, mystical reimagining of traditional personality systems.

After decades in high-powered branding and luxury travel, Nina had what she calls a “life tsunami.” Everything fell apart — and yet, everything began. Her breakdown became a breakthrough, one that led her to help women rediscover the WHO of who they really are: not society’s version, but their real, unfiltered self.

Together, we explore:

• How burnout may be your soul’s signal to realign
• Why fulfillment leads to purpose — not the other way around
• The surprising way your personality type holds spiritual wisdom
• What it means to follow your “North Star” trait and finally feel at home in yourself

With humor, heart, and so much truth, Nina invites us to slow down, tune in, and stop outsourcing our answers. If you’ve ever wondered who you really are beneath the hustle — this conversation is for you.

[02:40] – Meet Nina Zapala

[06:00] – The onstage moment that sparked a total life unraveling

[10:15] – Why “success” didn’t feel like success — and what came next

[14:30] – What is Spiritual Personality Typing, and how is it different?

[18:50] – The "North Star trait" and why it matters more than dominance

[24:00] – Hearing your soul’s whispers vs. your ego’s demands

[29:10] – How your personality shows up in travel, relationships, and resistance

[34:30] – The myths of authenticity and the truth about fulfillment

[38:45] – Learning to trust yourself — even when no one else gets it

[43:00] – Women, aging, and being unapologetically audacious

[47:20] – Nina’s book Unpack Your Personality and how travel can reveal the real you

[52:00] – Everyday steps to reconnect with your inner voice

[56:30] – Final thoughts: You’re not broken — you’re buried under conditioning

🔗 Connect with Nina Zapala

• Website: https://www.ninazapala.com
• Book: Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide
•  Nina’s rescued poodle: Oliver (yes, he gets a shoutout!)
•  Learn more about Spiritual Personality Typing on Nina’s blog

🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess

• Website: https://thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/
• Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/

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What if stepping into a boxing ring wasn’t about fighting — but about healing?

In this powerful conversation, host Michele sits down with coach, speaker, personal trainer, and podcaster Tiffanee Cook to unpack how boxing — an intense, physical sport — became the unlikely catalyst for emotional healing and deep self-awareness.

Tiffanee opens up about childhood trauma, identity, the power of boundaries, and how vulnerability became her true strength — inside and outside the ring.

[02:35] – Introduction to Tiffanee and her unexpected journey into boxing

[06:30] – The first boxing match: adrenaline, ego, and awakening

[10:00] – How boxing unearthed long-buried childhood trauma

[13:45] – The emotional safety of the ring: boundaries, honesty, and self-reliance

[18:00] – Dissociation, emotional armor, and reconnecting with feeling

[24:00] – Therapy, vulnerability, and the internal shift that changed everything

[31:00] – Podcasting as a second “ring” for healing and self-expression

[38:20] – Identity, reinvention, and choosing who you want to become

[44:10] – People-pleasing, self-awareness, and how trauma shapes behavior

[51:00] – Growth, community, and the courage to change your narrative

[57:30] – What self-love really means and why naivety can be a gift

[1:01:00] – Closing thoughts: choosing your story, healing through passion

🔗 Connect with Tiffanee Cook

• Website: https://www.tiffcook.com
• Podcast: Roll With the Punches
• 
  

🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess

• Website: https://thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/
• Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/

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In this powerful episode, Michele sits down with Ryan Skinner—financial professional, coach, and former heroin addict—who opens up about his journey through addiction, recovery, spiritual transformation, and fatherhood. From rock bottom to building a thriving business and becoming a devoted single dad to a daughter with autism, Ryan’s story is brutally honest, deeply human, and wildly inspiring. He shares how systems, service, and spirituality became the cornerstones of his success—and why mindset matters more than money.

When Ryan’s not podcasting, he's diligently working as a retirement specialist. Ryan helps clients to preserve their nest egg and create reliable retirement income. Since he began his career helping others develop strategies to address their financial concerns, he has understood that every person is unique.  

[02:23] – Meet Ryan

[03:23] – The Spiral Into Addiction

[04:23] – The Power of People

[06:23] – Staying Sober

[08:23] – That Voice in Your Head

[11:23] – His Morning System

[13:23] – Single Dad Life

[16:23] – Rock Bottom & Redemption

[19:23] – Rebuilding with Intention

[22:23] – Social Media Detox

[25:23] – Coaching Others

[29:23] – Addiction Advice

[33:23] – Cracking the Code

[36:23] – Real Success

[39:23] – Final Reflections

🔗 Connect with Ryan Skinner

• Podcast: Cracking The Code
• Website: https://crackingthecodewithryanskinner.com/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crackingthecodewithryan
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crackingthecodewithryanskinner
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaep2AwIS8U36-X1OyCKuIg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryansskinner/

🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess

• Website: https://thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/
• Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/

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[02:10] – Welcome & Introduction

• Amy’s background: From engineering to fitness coach.
• Her early passion for health and fitness.

[05:10] – Taking the Leap into Fitness

• How a Jack Canfield book sparked her new path.

[09:10] – The Shift Women Over 50 Must Make

• Why traditional workouts stop working.
• The hidden dangers of over-exercising.

[12:40] – Strength Training vs. Cardio

• The role of estrogen in muscle loss.
• Why long cardio may sabotage progress.

[15:10] – Amy’s Weekly Fitness Formula

• 2 full-body strength days (Mon/Fri)
• Optional core or light strength day (Wed)
• Cardio and fun movement (Tue/Thu/Sat)
• Sunday = recovery + mobility

[19:10] – Adapting to Menopause & Hormone Shifts

• Amy’s experience with HRT and breast cancer.
• How lack of estrogen impacts joints, energy, and recovery.
• Motion is lotion, but recovery is key.

[23:10] – Common Midlife Joint Issues

• The difference between joint pain and injury.
• Strengthening knees and shoulders safely.
• When to rest and when to move through discomfort.

[28:10] – Balance, Flexibility & Posture

• Simple ways to train agility and coordination.

[33:10] – Nutrition: 80% of the Equation

• Why Amy never tells anyone to exercise to lose weight.
• The surprising impact of sugar on inflammation.

[38:10] – Building Motivation & Creating Habits

• How to get unstuck: Amy’s “5 Minutes for 5 Days” trick.
• Creating a strong “why” and personal motivation statement.

[43:10] – Advice for Beginners

• Start with walking.
• Bodyweight movement and chair exercises as entry points.
• How to layer in resistance safely over time.

[48:10] – Can You Exercise Your Face?

• Amy’s honest take on face yoga and red-light masks.

[50:10] – Be Healthy Enough: Amy’s Mission

• What you’ll find in her membership and on social.
• Free YouTube workouts, challenges, and more.

[52:10] – Final Thoughts

• Trust your body and your intuition.
• Be your own health advocate.
• Aging well is about independence, not aesthetics.

🔗 Connect with Amy Van Liew

• Website: https://behealthyenough.com
• YouTube: Be Healthy Enough
• Instagram: @behealthyenough
• TikTok: @behealthyenough

🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess

• Website: https://thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/
• Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess

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Jo Weatherford, an addiction expert, mindset coach, and TEDx speaker, shares her personal history with addiction, starting from a childhood overshadowed by familial alcoholism to her own struggle that began at age 12. Jo discusses her journey to becoming an addiction and trauma specialist, highlighting various therapeutic methods, including somatic therapy, psychotherapeutic treatment like EMDR, and the transformative effects of plant medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca. She underscores the importance of self-awareness, the distinction between guilt and shame, and strategies for fostering self-love and emotional sobriety. The conversation provides insight into alternative addiction treatments and practical tips for self-care and healing.

From Playboy to Professor, Jo was a drug and alcohol addicted model in her 20s, partying with celebrities in Hollywood. After an arrest and a failed suicide attempt, she knew it was time to get clean. She earned her master's degree in Human Development and spent 12 years teaching addiction courses at the University of Nevada. She is now a renowned TedX speaker, addressing the root cause of addiction through non-traditional approaches to recovery. She is 12 years sober and is proof that radical change is always possible. Her specialty is helping others break free from the stuff holding them back.

02:40 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:50 Personal Journey and Early Struggles

03:49 Family Dynamics and Addiction

06:19 Understanding Addiction and Self-Worth

11:55 Therapeutic Approaches and Healing

12:57 Plant Medicine and Addiction

23:22 Guilt vs. Shame

24:54 Learning to Ask for Help

26:12 Society's Impact on Self-Worth

26:50 The Illusion of Social Media

28:03 Redefining Happiness and Self-Love

29:39 The Dangers of Quick Fixes

31:36 Practical Steps to Self-Love

38:31 The Importance of Self-Awareness

40:18 EFT Tapping: A Powerful Tool

42:20 About My Coaching Services

44:14 Final Thoughts on Self-Love

Connect with Jo Weatherford:

·        https://youtu.be/OJY4GkpRc7U

·        https://www.facebook.com/jo.harvey.547

·        https://www.instagram.com/jo.weatherford/

·        https://www.joweatherford.com/

·         https://recoveryremix.com/

Let's Connect!

·        The Beauty In The Mess

·        https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906

·        https://thebeautyinthemess.com/

·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/

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In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' guest Matt Potratz recounts his harrowing experience as a former professional snowmobile athlete who survived a life-altering avalanche in March 2009. Matt describes the extreme conditions he faced, how he was rescued, and his long road to recovery after sustaining severe injuries. Despite being declared brain dead and facing insurmountable odds, Matt made a miraculous recovery supported by faith, family, and sheer willpower. He now shares his story as a motivational speaker, emphasizing the importance of resilience, responsibility, and focusing on what one can change. His journey of overcoming physical, emotional, and mental trauma serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit and the power of hope.

Matt has since written a book titled Two Hands: A Life Radically Changed in 12 Seconds. He is currently working on another. He hosts a podcast and writes a blog as well as hosting his motivational speaking events at churches, schools, and work places. He loves spending time with his family as well.

.

03:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:53 The Life-Changing Accident

04:49 The Rescue and Immediate Aftermath

07:12 Hospitalization and Miraculous Recovery

15:11 Rehabilitation and Returning Home

21:11 Reflecting on Faith and Motivation

23:27 Living an Active Life Post-Injury

24:58 Therapy and Daily Routines

24:38 Focusing on What You Can Change

25:28 Facing and Overcoming Fear of Death

26:22 Chosen to Share a Message

26:47 Battling Suicidal Thoughts

31:27 Reevaluating Life Priorities

33:57 Proper Response to Adversity

37:26 Becoming a Motivational Speaker

39:20 Taking Responsibility and Future Plans

41:20 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Matt Potratz:

·        https://mattmotivates.com/

·        https://www.liferadicallychanged.com

·        https://www.facebook.com/liferadicallychanged/

·        https://youtu.be/J00eLhPzf5M?si=8K-WaqoCW6yHTaVS

Let's Connect!

·        The Beauty In The Mess

·        https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906

·        https://thebeautyinthemess.com/

·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/

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Host Michele welcomes relationship coach, Michelle Hoffmann, to discuss the profound intricacies of forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They delve into the importance of understanding and learning from life's messes to fast-track personal growth. Michelle shares invaluable insights into aligning core values, communication skills, and the importance of being 'relationship ready.' The conversation also covers techniques for reigniting the spark in long-term relationships and emphasizes the significance of developing a strong relationship with oneself.

Michelle's journey from widowhood, sole parent and single to profound insight into human dynamics has been transformative. Having experienced the depths of loneliness and the highs of finding love, building a life, and navigating loss, she now empowers others to embark on their own journey to love and genuine connection. Through a simple process born from her personal experiences and expertise, Michelle has helped countless individuals transition from loneliness to love.

02:40 Introduction

02:57 The Value of Shared Experiences

04:32 Michelle's Journey to Becoming a Relationship Coach

07:31 Finding the Right Partner

09:06 Coping with Loss and Helping Others

10:34 Writing the Book and Becoming a Coach

11:52 Navigating Relationships During the Pandemic

15:37 The Importance of Being Relationship Ready

17:15 Understanding Authentic Self in Relationships

20:02 The Three Steps to a Positive Relationship

28:22 Helping Socially Awkward Individuals

30:09 The Chemistry, Casual, and Committed Phases

38:06 Revitalizing Long-Term Relationships

40:21 Embarking on New Adventures

40:39 Philanthropy and Travel

41:06 The Chemistry of Relationships

42:18 Understanding Self-Relationship

43:58 The Seven Essentials for Balance

45:36 Attachment Styles and Their Impact

47:19 Building Secure Attachments

61:57 Navigating Grief and Loss

01:09:18 The Art of Relationshipping

Connect with Michelle Hoffmann:

·        https://WWW.Relationshipping101.com

·        https://theartofrelationshipping.com/

·        https://www.thewidowguide.com

·        https://newmanagementblueprint.com/

·        https://WWW.MichelleHoffmanncoach.com

 Let's Connect!

·        The Beauty In The Mess

·        https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906

·        https://thebeautyinthemess.com/

·        https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/

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