Ever feel like your dream is floating just out of reach—beautiful, but foggy and far away? In this episode, we bring it down to earth with a grounded, sensory practice: writing a Day in the Life of your Wildest YES Life through all five senses. Because when you can see it, hear it, and feel it, your brain starts wiring it as real.

This isn’t about fantasy—it’s an energetic rehearsal for the future you’re creating. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between imagination and memory, so each vivid detail becomes a cue that builds confidence and momentum.

Now it’s your turn: What does a day in your Wildest YES Life look like? Where do you wake up? What fills your day with purpose and joy? Write it like it’s already happening—and let it become your blueprint for the life you’re calling in.

Courage doesn’t wait for readiness. It meets you in the daily discomfort.
And that’s where your magic begins.

Subscribe for more episodes of The Confidence Shortcut, where we turn daily discomfort into big breakthroughs. Share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and drop a review with your 72-hour action: What brave step will you take today?

If this conversation sparked something, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, then subscribe and leave a quick review so more creatives find their courage faster. Ready for more? Grab the free Confidence Kickstart in the show notes and get first dibs on my book, "The Confidence Shortcut" when it launches in December 2025, sign up below to be the first in line. 

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What if the thing holding you back isn’t a lack of talent, time, or luck—but a vision that’s still too blurry to move you? We walk you through a clear, practical way to turn foggy goals into a vivid plan you can see, feel, and act on, even while you’re still nervous. This is about crafting your Wildest Yes Life, not the safe, watered-down version you’ve been settling for.

We start with a quick recap of the Confidence Shortcut framework: the four-area life audit (health, relationships, career and creative expression, fun and adventure) and the three lists that change everything—STAR (role models to reverse engineer), SCARED (opportunities you’ve dodged that point to your true path), and SUCCESS (receipts proving you can do hard things). 

Then we anchor it all in core values, the compass that saves you from achieving goals that drain your soul. When your choices honor what you value—family, freedom, authenticity, joy, connection, growth—you stop overthinking and start moving.

From there, we model what a fully claimed vision sounds like: a present-tense, sensory-rich narrative that engages all five senses and teaches your brain what to look for. You’ll hear how to reframe fear as fire, using that charge to accelerate instead of stall. 

We give you guided prompts to name your calling, design daily feelings across health and relationships, and speak your future as if it’s here now. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s fidelity between who you are and what you do.

By the end, you’ll know your what and why—and you’ll have a first next step that feels brave and specific. Courage comes first; confidence follows. If this conversation sparks something, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review with the one bold yes you’re taking this week. Your clarity creates momentum—let’s go.

If this conversation sparked something, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, then subscribe and leave a quick review so more creatives find their courage faster. 

Ready for more? Grab the free Confidence Kickstart in the show notes and get first dibs on my book, "The Confidence Shortcut" when it launches in December 2025, sign up below to be the first in line. 

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New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

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What if confidence isn’t something you find, but something you feel when your life finally matches your values? We go straight at the heart of fear, numbness, and overthinking to show how clarity and courage can flip the switch from “fine” to fully alive. Through personal stories of depression, exposure therapy, and creative risks, we map the three values that rebuilt a brave life—joy, connection, and growth—and explain why alignment is the real shortcut to confidence.

You’ll hear how shutting down feelings to avoid pain also shuts out joy, and how carefully leaning into fear can create post-challenge elation (hello, whitewater rapids). We talk about dropping lifelong walls to reconnect with partners, kids, clients, and audiences, and we unpack the simple mindset shift that turns failure into feedback so you can move from endless prep to shipping your work. Along the way, we offer a clear values list—adventure, authenticity, autonomy, courage, creativity, family, faith, freedom, honesty, impact, integrity, joy, love, play, service, vulnerability—and three prompts to translate those words into daily action: where you’re aligned, where you’re not, and one small step this week to close the gap.

If you’ve felt stuck in perfection or numb behind a polished life, this conversation offers a practical compass and gentle fire to move again. Come choose values that feel like home, trade performance for presence, and stand your sacred ground—without shrinking or puffing up. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more creators and entrepreneurs find their own compass for clarity.

Ready for more? Grab the free Confidence Kickstart Morning Routine in the show notes and get first dibs on my book, "The Confidence Shortcut" when it launches in December 2025, sign up below to be the first in line. 

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New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

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What if the fastest way to confidence isn’t waiting to feel ready, but modeling what already works? In this episode, we explore The Success STAR Model, a repeatable process for reverse-engineering the paths of Issa Rae, Brené Brown, and Ed Sheeran into Soul Goals you can act on this week.

It’s not about copying, it’s about alignment: matching your values to proven patterns so you can start messy, share boldly, and turn consistency into courage.

We’ll break down:
Issa Rae’s self-starter approach, how to launch with what you have right now
Brené Brown’s storytelling method, how to shape a signature story that connects
Ed Sheeran’s practice-in-public mindset, how to turn nerves into presence

You’ll get specific: two Soul Goals from each model, plus three concrete actions to help you choose your story, create your first draft, and share it out loud, whether that means posting a video, pitching your idea, or stepping onto a stage, within 72 hours.

Along the way, we’ll teach the ACE Mindset Routine to manage fear and move forward fast:

• Acknowledge the fear (“This feeling means it matters to me.”)
• Clear the mind with a neutral statement (“I move before I feel ready.”)
• Elevate your energy with how you want to feel (“I am joyful. I am magnetic. The crowd loves me and they lean in when I share my story.”)

You’ll leave with reflection prompts to identify your top three Success STARs, clarity on the one Soul Goal to pursue next, and a simple rhythm that makes momentum inevitable.

If you’ve been over-preparing, second-guessing, or waiting for the perfect plan, this is your cue to move first and let confidence follow.

Subscribe for more episodes of The Confidence Shortcut, where we turn daily discomfort into big breakthroughs. Share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and drop a review with your 72-hour action: What brave step will you take today?

If this conversation sparked something, share it with a friend who needs a nudge. Subscribe and leave a quick review so more creatives find their courage faster. Ready for more? Grab the free Confidence Kickstart in the show notes and get first dibs on my book, "The Confidence Shortcut" when it launches in December 2025, sign up below to be the first in line. 

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New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

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Episode 20 is Season 2 Episode 2. 

Your dream has been leaving clues—names you can’t stop admiring, ideas that scare you in all the right ways, and moments when you surprised yourself with courage. We unpack a simple framework to spot those clues and turn them into action you can actually take today: the star list, the scared list, and the success list. Think of it as a real-time map from overthinking to motion, where writing down what matters trains your brain to recognize opportunities and claim them.

We start by decoding admiration and even jealousy as signals, not shame. The people on your star list reveal values, styles, and paths that might be yours to try on. Then we get honest about fear. The scared list reframes nerves as a compass pointing straight at what you want—speaking on stage, starting that business, writing the song, having the conversation. Instead of waiting for confidence, we build it with reps, embracing good cringe and choosing the smallest step that keeps you moving. Finally, the success list collects your receipts: the risks you took, the practice you logged, the wins you earned. On tough days, these entries shift your self-talk from “I can’t” to “I’ve done this before,” anchoring an identity of follow-through and resilience.

Along the way, we lean on neuroscience—how handwriting activates encoding, turning nebulous dreams into concrete intentions your attention system can track. We talk curation, too: protect your feed, unfollow what spikes comparison, and prioritize inputs that help you show up fully rather than shrink. You’ll leave with clear prompts, a challenge to complete all three lists, and permission to be “too much” in the best, most authentic way.

If this conversation sparked something, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, then subscribe and leave a quick review so more creatives find their courage faster. Ready for more? Grab the free Confidence Kickstart in the show notes and get first dibs on my book, "The Confidence Shortcut" when it launches in December 2025, sign up below to be the first in line. 

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New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

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Episode 19 is the PREMIERE of Season 2!!!

If you had all the confidence, time, energy, and money in the world, what would you be doing? When I asked 110 people this question, most gave surprisingly safe answers. They'd tucked away their wildest dreams just like I once did.

Remember when you were a child and dreamed without limits? Watching Julia Roberts made me want to be an actor. Seeing Paula Abdul sing and dance on MTV sparked my desire to perform. Witnessing Oprah's transformative conversations lit something up in my soul. But fear led me to hide these dreams for years, until a health crisis forced me to confront what I truly wanted.

Through retraining my brain from fear loops to growth loops, I discovered what I call the "Dream Detective" method. This powerful exercise helps you map the gap between your current reality and your desires across four key areas: health, relationships, career/creative expression, and fun/adventure. That gap isn't failure—it's your personal roadmap showing exactly where courage belongs in your life.

The most transformative insight I've gained? Confidence doesn't come first, courage does. We don't wait to feel ready before taking action—the action itself creates the confidence. This is the essence of the Confidence Shortcut that I teach my clients and live my life by. Whether you're pursuing creative dreams, building relationships, or seeking adventure, the principles remain the same: get specific about what you want, identify the gaps, and take courageous action every day.

Ready to become a Dream Detective in your own life? Grab paper and a pen, follow along with the exercise in this episode, and start mapping your path to the life you truly desire. And if you're ready for more, my book "The Confidence Shortcut" launches this December—sign up below to be first in line.

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New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

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Ever feel like money is that dusty corner of your life nobody taught you how to clean? You're not alone. In this enlightening conversation with Lindsay Cressy, Oxford graduate, dual-qualified lawyer and teacher, and financial empowerment coach, we shine a light on why women's relationship with money deserves a complete makeover.

Lindsay reveals the startling truth: despite receiving elite education, she was never taught about money. "I had the highest education you could go for, and yet at no point was I taught about money," she shares. This educational blind spot leaves most of us operating from childhood beliefs about finances that no longer serve us as adults.

The revelation that stopped me in my tracks? Women actually make better long-term investors than men. We're naturally inclined to invest in alignment with our values and stay the course rather than reactively trading. Yet the "bro language" of finance, with its emphasis on risk and complicated jargon, creates unnecessary barriers that keep women from stepping into their financial power.

What if investing could be as enjoyable as shopping? Lindsay suggests starting by "dating your money", creating pleasant experiences around financial planning rather than dreading it. She offers brilliant practical strategies like investing in companies you already patronize: "Instead of just going to your favorite store, why not buy some of their shares? Then when you're spending money there, you're investing in your own company."

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur struggling to charge what you're worth or someone who's never considered investing, Lindsay's approach makes financial empowerment accessible and even fun. By sending your money "out to work for you while you sleep" through simple automated investments, you can build wealth without stress.

Ready to break the money taboo and start creating financial freedom on your own terms? This episode will transform how you think about money, from something to fear into a powerful tool for creating the life you deserve.

Connect with Lindsay here: 

JOIN Lindsay's VIP Email: Get first notice of her new Money Mindset Program

Website: https://lindsaycressey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsay_cressey

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-cressey-471418170

For Private Coaching, contact: [email protected]

New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

📌 Subscribe + share if you're ready to stop overthinking and finally move forward.

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Emmy-winning casting director Cathy Reinking pulls back the curtain on what really happens in the audition room and reveals the unexpected career path that took her from NBC's casting offices to coaching actors on creating their own breakthrough opportunities.

Drawing from her decades casting iconic shows like "Frasier," "The Office," and "Arrested Development," Cathy shares the intimate details of how actors were discovered in the pre-self-tape era. She vividly describes the electric atmosphere of in-person auditions at Paramount Studios, where she would personally direct actors before bringing the most promising candidates to face network executives. Her insights illuminate why authenticity consistently trumps technique, explaining that casting directors aren't looking for "characters" but for real people comfortable bringing their full humanity—flaws included—to every role.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Cathy reveals the personal and professional pivots that shaped her journey, including a battle with cancer that transformed her perspective on life and career. After navigating the highest echelons of network television, Cathy now channels her expertise into helping actors take control of their careers through storytelling and live performance. She makes a compelling case for why actors should create their own content, noting that industry icons from Whoopi Goldberg to Phoebe Waller-Bridge launched their careers through self-created one-person shows.

With warmth and candor, Cathy defines confidence not as fearlessness but as moving forward despite fear—a philosophy that's guided her through countless bold moves. Her story reminds us that the entertainment industry rewards those brave enough to show up authentically, both on stage and in life. Whether you're an aspiring actor or someone navigating your own career transitions, Cathy's journey offers wisdom on embracing vulnerability, silencing your inner critic, and finding the courage to create your own spotlight.

Ready to take charge of your creative journey? Follow Cathy @cathycasting on Instagram to learn about her workshops and upcoming "In My Shoes" storytelling show, where performers share their authentic stories on stage.

For more information on Cathy Reinking:

Follow Cathy on Instagram 

Follow Cathy on Facebook

Follow Cathy on YouTube

Pick up Cathy's book on Amazon: How To Book Acting Jobs 3.0

Tickets to see In My Shoes on September 18, 2025 at 8 PM in ATL

New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

📌 Subscribe + share if you're ready to stop overthinking and finally move forward.

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Every artist knows the feeling - that persistent call of a dream you've set aside. For Pam Heffler, it was dance. Though she began her career as a professional dancer, confidence struggles led her to walk away from movement entirely in her mid-twenties. But the dream never disappeared.

During one of life's most challenging chapters when she "could have lost everything," Pam experienced a profound realization: "I need to dance again." This awakening not only rekindled her relationship with movement but transformed into something even more powerful - a methodology for helping others connect with their bodies' innate wisdom.

As Pam reveals in this heartfelt conversation, our bodies hold extraordinary knowledge that often goes untapped. "Our bodies know our pleasure, our passion," she explains. "They hold on to the pain that we've had and, if we listen, the opportunities to really let go of what no longer serves you through movement and to really claim passionately what you want to be manifesting in your life."

This philosophy became the foundation for her AWAKEN method - a powerful embodiment coaching approach that guides clients through meditation, journaling, and movement to release blocks and reconnect with authentic desires. Now, Pam is bringing her journey full circle with her short film "Dancing Home," starring opposite Emmy winner Max Gale, where she explores themes of family, dementia, and the healing power of dreams.

Perhaps most inspiring is Pam's definition of confidence as "expansion, getting outside yourself and really showing up in a big way." Rather than viewing confidence as something we must possess before taking action, she frames it as the result of courageous choices - especially those aligned with our deepest passions.

Whether you're an artist who's abandoned a creative calling, someone struggling with confidence, or simply curious about the wisdom your body might hold, this conversation offers a compelling reminder: "The dream that you're meant for will continue to call until you answer." And as Pam's story beautifully demonstrates, it's never too late to respond.

Connect with Pam Heffler through these links:

Check out her "Dancing Home" film page

Dance Your Life with Pam website

Book a Complimentary Embodiment Sesh w/Pam

Follow her on Facebook

Follow her on Instagram 

Pam Heffler on IMDB

Pam Heffler on Actors Access

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New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

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Big news—Jesse Jensen’s debut book, Throw Your Hat Over The Fence, launches on Amazon this Thursday, August 28th! 

In this week’s episode of The Confidence Shortcut, Jesse shares the life philosophy behind the book—a simple but powerful commitment mechanism that can propel you toward your biggest dreams.

What if the secret to achieving your dreams isn't waiting until you feel confident, but taking action that forces you to move forward? In this illuminating conversation, Jesse reveals how "throwing your hat over the fence" creates a powerful commitment mechanism that propels you toward your goals.

Jesse shares the origins of this philosophy—a piece of wisdom from his grandfather that became the title of his debut book of illustrated poems. By creating situations that demand follow-through, Jesse transformed from a mechanical engineer into a multi-faceted achiever: sales executive, private pilot, patent holder, entrepreneur, comedian, and certified executive leadership coach.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Jesse recounts his catastrophic early attempt at stand-up comedy, opening for a professional comedian with zero preparation. Rather than letting this painful experience define him, he eventually returned to comedy decades later, proving that failure provides invaluable lessons when approached with honesty and reflection.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is Jesse's emphasis on defining success on your own terms. Early in his marriage, he wrote down specific goals that mattered to him personally. Years later, he discovered this list and realized he had accomplished most items—a testament to the power of clear intention and consistent action.

For anyone feeling stuck or uncertain, Jesse offers practical wisdom: write down what truly matters to you, create commitments that force action, take small daily steps regardless of how you feel, and view setbacks as learning opportunities. His approach challenges the common belief that confidence precedes action, suggesting instead that bold moves create confidence.

Ready to throw your own hat over the fence? Listen now, then grab your copy of Jesse’s new book on Amazon August 28th—and share which commitment you’ll make today to move closer to the life you want.

For more information on Jesse's new book of illustrated poems:

https://www.throwthathat.com/

To purchase a copy of the book, Throw Your Hat Over The Fence, The Poems of Jesse Jensen, Illustrated by Jashton Gieser, head over to Amazon on August 28th!

You can find Jesse on Linked In: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessewjensen/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@throwyourhatoverthefence?lang=en

On Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/throwthathat/

To contact Jesse: 

[email protected]

New episodes every week — packed with honest conversations, mindset tools, and real-life shortcuts to help you silence your inner critic, build true confidence, and take bold action.

📌 Subscribe + share if you're ready to stop overthinking and finally move forward.

💛 For freebies and updates, Join The Confidence Shortcut Community

✨ Grab your free Confidence Kickstart Guide.