The Confident Woman Podcast

Feeling stuck under the weight of perfectionism or unrealistic expectations?

In this solo episode, Rachel Brooks opens up about her personal journey of breaking free from burnout and perfectionism. She shares practical steps to help you let go, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim control of your time and energy. Discover how prioritizing your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being can lead to true freedom and a more fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Freedom isn’t about doing more—it’s about letting go of what's holding you back.
• Perfectionism is a major barrier to freedom and leads to burnout.
• Setting boundaries around your time and energy is essential for reclaiming control.
• Prioritizing your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being is necessary for true freedom.
• Trusting the process is key to overcoming challenges and setbacks on your journey.
• Small, intentional steps forward lead to big transformations over time.

Action Steps:

1. Release the pressure to be perfect and embrace progress over perfection.
2. Set boundaries around your time, energy, and commitments to protect your well-being.
3. Prioritize your health—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
4. Reflect on your life, identify what's holding you back, and take one step toward freedom.
5. Celebrate the small wins along the way and trust the process.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction: Finding Freedom in a World of Perfectionism
• [02:00] Rachel’s Personal Journey: Chasing Perfection and Burnout
• [04:00] The Importance of Letting Go to Find Freedom
• [06:00] Releasing the Pressure to Be Perfect
• [08:00] Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Time and Energy
• [10:00] Prioritizing Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Well-being
• [14:00] Trusting the Process: Freedom as an Ongoing Journey
• [16:00] Celebrating Small Wins and Progress
• [19:00] Actionable Steps: How to Start Finding Freedom Today
• [22:00] Conclusion: Reclaim Your Power and Create Your Own Story

Ready to let go and step into your power? Hit play and tune in!

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Community, Resources & Links:

• Join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE.
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Books: iamrachelbrooks.com/books

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Are you tired of feeling like you're never enough?

Discover just what might be sabotaging your confidence and learn how to create unshakeable confidence and self-worth.

In this episode, host Rachel Brooks chats with Talia Bombola, a confidence and assertiveness coach, certified psychodynamic licensed psychotherapist, and relationship mentor for women—a game-changer for any woman who's ever doubted her value or struggled with imposter syndrome.

Together, they explore:

• The roots of confidence and self-worth
• How childhood experiences shape adult behavior and relationships
• Understanding attachment styles and their impact
• Strategies for overcoming the "not enough" mentality
• Building self-assurance in all areas of life

Key Topics:

• Confidence and self-worth
• Attachment theory
• Childhood influences on adult behavior
• Self-compassion and personal growth
• Balancing self-validation with external validation

Time Stamps:

[00:01:00] - Introduction to Talia Bombola and her background

[00:06:00] - Overcoming the "not enough" mentality

[00:15:00] - Exploring different perceptions of time and productivity

[00:25:00] - Deep dive into attachment styles

[00:37:00] - Childhood influences on adult behavior and self-worth

[00:47:00] - Confidence in relationships, business, and personal life

[00:54:00] - Talia's offerings and how to connect with her

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE.
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
• Build a legacy & start an online business that aligns with YOU - CLICK HERE.

Connect with Talia Bombola:

Website: therapywithtalia.com, taliabombola.com

Instagram

Book: "A Secure Base" - John Bowlby

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Books: iamrachelbrooks.com/books

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode, host Rachel Brooks interviews Diane Strand, an award-winning serial entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, and coach. Diane shares her journey from a dyslexic child to a successful entrepreneur.

Together, they discuss:

• Overcoming personal challenges & turning them into strengths
• Importance of community & networking in business
• Strategies for turning creative passions into profitable ventures
• Building a personal brand & providing value to others
• Power of gratitude & self-belief in entrepreneurship

Time Stamps:

[00:01:00] - Introduction to Diane Strand & her background

[00:08:00] - Diane's biggest breakthroughs in entrepreneurship

[00:15:00] - Importance of personal branding in marketing

[00:20:00] - Building community & networking as an entrepreneur

[00:24:00] - Women supporting women in business

[00:31:00] - Power of gratitude in entrepreneurship

[00:35:00] - Advice for turning creative passions into profitable businesses

[00:41:00] - Leveraging money & marketing as an entrepreneur

[00:45:00] - Diane's DREAM acronym & final thoughts

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE.
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
• Build a legacy & start an online business that aligns with YOU - CLICK HERE.

Connect with Diane Strand:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode, Rachel Brooks sits down with Jenna Hermans, author of "Chaos to Calm," to explore the journey from overwhelm to inner peace. Jenna shares her personal story of transformation and offers practical strategies for managing stress, redefining success, and cultivating a sense of calm in our busy lives.

Timestamps:

[00:00:58] Introduction to Jenna Hermans and her book "Chaos to Calm"

[00:02:00] Jenna's personal journey from chaos to calm

[00:05:00] Defining 'calm' and its importance in daily life

[00:08:58] The interplay between internal and external chaos

[00:11:00] Authentic sharing on social media as authors and creators

[00:21:00] Redefining success and finding meaning beyond achievements

[00:25:00] The art of letting go to create space for new opportunities

[00:31:00] Practical strategies for moving from chaos to calm

[00:33:00] Reactive vs. proactive approaches to achieving calm

[00:36:00] Importance of self-awareness and recognizing patterns

[00:38:00] Tips for organizing thoughts through writing and voice memos

[00:39:00] Key takeaways: embracing impermanence and allowing time for growth

Quotes: "When we recognize that we're actually safe, and we see that, it's like, I'm okay. Everything around me is okay. This is all temporary. I can handle it." - Jenna Hermans

"Things take the time they take... We can't force the ripening of fruit on the vine." - Jenna Hermans

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE.
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Jenna Hermans:

Website: jennahermans.com

Freebie Downloads: https://jennahermans.com/downloads/

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

Book: "Chaos to Calm"

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant hustle and grind?

In this episode, host Rachel Brooks dives deep into the topic of finding freedom by slowing down and embracing rest. Drawing from her personal experiences, Rachel discusses:

• The trap of hustle culture and its impact on our well-being
• Redefining success beyond external achievements
• The importance of rest and recovery in achieving true freedom
• Practical strategies for slowing down and prioritizing self-care
• How to create a life of meaning and fulfillment

Key takeaways:

• Finding freedom through rest
• Redefining success
• Overcoming burnout
• Mindfulness and self-care practices
• Creating boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being

Time Stamps:

[00:01:00] - Introduction to the concept of finding freedom

[00:03:00] - Rachel's personal journey and redefining success

[00:08:00] - Strategies for embracing rest and recovery

[00:12:00] - The importance of mindfulness and intentional practices

[00:15:00] - Embracing imperfection and focusing on progress

[00:17:00] - Reflecting and reassessing priorities

[00:19:00] - Challenge yourself to slow down and find freedom

Ready to go slow and let go? Hit play and tune in!

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE.
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode of The Confident Woman Podcast, host Rachel Brooks interviews Becky Kiser, a certified life coach, author, and host of the "More Than Ordinary with Becky Kiser" podcast. Becky shares insights from her book "But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly." They discuss the importance of self-love, the difference between religion and relationship with God, and how to find freedom in Christ.

Together, they discuss:

• The myth of "enoughness" and finding identity in Christ
• Balancing self-love with faith
• Understanding the difference between religion and relationship with God
• Practical steps for cultivating self-love and freedom in Christ

Time Stamps:

[00:01:00] - Introduction to Becky Kiser and her background

[00:06:00] - Discussion on the concept of "enoughness"

[00:15:00] - Exploring the difference between religion and relationship

[00:21:00] - The importance of self-love in Christian faith

[00:31:00] - Practical steps for cultivating self-love

[00:37:00] - Becoming more Christ-like through daily choices

[00:41:00] - Overview of Becky's book "But God Can"

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Share your biggest takeaways, and join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Cherylanne Skolnicki:

Website: https://www.beckykiser.com

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

Book: "But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly"

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode of The Confident Woman Podcast, host Rachel Brooks interviews Chengi Tobun, founder and CEO of the Black Swan Relationship Academy. Chengi shares her powerful journey from a painful marriage to becoming a relationship expert, helping women find love within themselves and cultivate fulfilling relationships.

Together they discuss:

• Finding purpose through pain
• The importance of self-love and self-compassion
• Recognizing yourself as your own soulmate
• Understanding core needs in relationships
• The role of faith in personal healing and growth

Time Stamps:

[00:01:00] - Chengi's personal story and journey

[00:15:00] - Common relationship challenges women face

[00:19:00] - The concept of being your own soulmate

[00:30:00] - The importance of self-love in marriage

[00:37:00] - Practicing self-compassion and forgiveness

Ready to discover the true foundation of love? Tune in and learn more.

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Share your biggest takeaways, and join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Amanda Watson Johnson:

Website: https://blackswanrelationshipacademy.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackswanrelationshipacademy

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

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode of The Confident Woman Podcast, host Rachel Brooks welcomes guest Cherylanne Skolnicki, an expert on easing the tension between women's ambitions and their family lives. They dive deep into the myth of "having it all" and discuss practical strategies for achieving balance without burning out.

Time Stamps:

[00:01:00] - Cherylanne's background and journey

[00:03:00] - The pressure to "have it all" and its consequences

[00:05:00] - The importance of making choices and understanding trade-offs

[00:07:00] - Benefits of embracing a "less is more" approach

[00:09:00] - Reengineering daily routines to reduce stress

[00:11:00] - The reality behind social media perfection

[00:13:00] - Balancing priorities and accepting trade-offs in different life seasons

[00:16:00] - Adapting to life changes and staying flexible

[00:19:00] - The importance of self-prioritization and self-care

[00:24:00] - Balancing ambition with self-care and family responsibilities

[00:27:00] - Debunking the "supermom" myth

[00:31:00] - Recognizing and avoiding burnout

[00:34:00] - Making difficult choices to prevent burnout

[00:37:00] - Tips for lightening the load and avoiding burnout (SOS model)

[00:41:00] - Managing time expectations and creating margin in schedules

[00:43:00] - Where to find Cherylanne and her resources

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Share your biggest takeaways, and join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Cherylanne Skolnicki:

Website: brilliant-balance.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherylanneskolnickiofficial

Download: brilliant-balance.com/playlist

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Have you ever felt that pressure? To achieve more, be more, do more? Only to find yourself burned out, exhausted, and drained? In this episode, Rachel Brooks dives deep into the societal obsession with "going big" and how it affects our well-being and spiritual life. She offers a refreshing perspective on finding joy in life's simple moments and aligning our goals with God's purpose.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the episode's theme

01:00 The pressure to produce, perform, and perfect

03:00 Society's obsession with "big" and its impact on our identity

05:00 Rachel's personal experience with redefining "big plans"

07:00 The benefits of embracing a "less is more" approach

08:00Freedom as the ultimate goal beyond worldly success

09:00 Scripture reference: Philippians 4:11-12 on contentment

10:00 Reflection questions for listeners

11:00 The importance of connecting with our true purpose

12:00 Reminder that we are human beings, not human doers

13:00 Moving beyond the hustle mentality

:14:00 Finding peace in God's grace regardless of circumstances

15:00 Encouragement to embrace our true identity

Ready to go Beyond the Hustle and RediscoverJoy in a 'Go Big' World? Hit play and tune in!

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode of The Confident Woman Podcast, host Rachel Brooks sits down with Amanda Watson Johnson, an alignment and wellness coach, flower essence alchemist, and podcaster. They discuss Amanda's journey from a hustle-driven lifestyle in Memphis to embracing a quieter, more intentional life in North Carolina. Amanda shares how a divine download led her to homeschool her son, travel, and eventually create a flower essence line called Forest of the Ferns Botanicals. They explore the importance of tapping into intuition, letting go of toxic behaviors, and embracing a life of being overdoing. Amanda also talks about the significance of listening to and trusting the natural world for healing and alignment.

00:00 Welcome to The Confident Woman Podcast

00:24 Introducing Amanda Watson Johnson

02:37 Amanda's Life-Changing Decision

05:18 The Journey of Homeschooling and Traveling

09:02 Finding Solitude in Nature

10:53 Discovering the Power of Flower Essences

15:26 Creating Forest of the Ferns Botanicals

20:50 The Healing Power of Nature

23:23 A Divine Intervention in Real Estate

23:59 The Power of Shedding and Intentional Living

25:58 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Behaviors

27:50 The Importance of Being Present

31:06 Manifesting Success Through Stillness

39:27 Finding Happiness and Divine Presence

43:14 Connecting with Amanda Watson Johnson

Ready to get back to basics and align with your true self? Tune in and learn more.

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE

Community, Resources & Links:

• Share your biggest takeaways, and join us inside The Confident Woman Community.
• We would LOVE to hear from you! Leave your questions or messages RIGHT HERE
• Sign Up For MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Connect with Amanda Watson Johnson:

Website: https://amandawatsonjohnson.com

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

Connect with Rachel:

Website: iamrachelbrooks.com

Book: "Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, & Self-Love"

Journals:

"Fit From Within: 60 Days to Finding Freedom"

"Create Your Own Story"

Social Media:

Instagram

LinkedIn