The Empowering Real Talk Podcast

What if creativity could become a part of your healing journey? In this episode of Empowering Real Talk, we explore how art, movement, and reflection can help us reconnect with ourselves, embrace authenticity, and create space for emotional healing. We also talk about why healing is an ongoing journey and the importance of slowing down, letting go, and allowing ourselves to grow.

Meet My Guest

Meet Foila Thomas, creative healing facilitator, artist, and founder of Foila’s Journey Diary. Through her creative experiences, including Color, Reflect & Reset, Foila encourages people to use creativity as a tool for self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth. Her beautiful philosophy, “I heal. We heal. The world heals,” reminds us that healing begins within but extends beyond ourselves.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about embracing your journey, finding creative outlets, and learning to pour into yourself.

Connect with Foila:

Foila’s Journey Diary: https://foilasjourneydiary.com

Experience Color, Reflect & Reset: https://foilasjourneydiary.com/products/color-reflect-reset-online-experience

Explore the Reflection Coloring Cards: https://foilasjourneydiary.com/products/reflection-coloring-cards-collections

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foilasjourneydiary

Podcast Listener Gift: https://foilasjourneydiary.com/products/the-journey-within-reflection-coloring-page-foila-s-journey-diary-upgraded-mindsetz

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this powerful episode of The Empowering Real Talk Podcast, Author, Speaker, and Coach Melanie Cox opens up about her journey of faith, transformation, and rediscovering purpose through God’s love. She shares how true surrender, intentional gratitude, and embracing biblical truths can lead to deep healing, renewed identity, and a life aligned with God’s plan.
You’ll hear real, honest insight on:

• Surrender in faith and trusting God fully
• Gratitude, as a mindset shift that unlocks abundance
• Biblical truths that fuel personal transformation
• Overcoming shame through God’s unconditional love
• Building a personal relationship with God for empowered Christian living

****************ABOUT OUR GUEST: Melanie Cox is a passionate author, speaker, and marriage and business coach who helps women break free from shame, perfectionism, and religious striving. Melanie ministers from a place of radical authenticity, hope, and restoration. Her new book, You Have to Know, is a vulnerable and victorious journey from self-hatred to beloved identity. Through real-life stories, biblical truth, and soul-deep journaling prompts, Melanie helps readers encounter the Father’s love and reclaim their true voice.

Follow Melanie on Instagram

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:40 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Surrender
07:32 Helping Women Recognize Shame
09:28 The Power of Surrender
13:02 Rebuilding Relationships with God
16:48 Daily Practices for Freedom

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this powerful and soul-nourishing episode, Coach Kay sits down with transformational guide Lin Yuan‑Su to explore what it truly means to evolve from the inside out. Together, they dive into the deep work of personal transformation, mindset shifts, and the divine wisdom available to anyone willing to slow down, listen, and align with their highest self.

Whether you're building a business, healing old patterns, or stepping into a new season of purpose, this conversation is a reminder that you are not meant to navigate life on autopilot. You are designed to evolve, expand, and co-create with something greater than yourself. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empowering Real Talk
06:01 Awareness and Personal Development
11:40 Recognizing Signals for Change
18:05 Combining Science and Spirituality
23:00 Connecting with Your True Desires

ABOUT THE GUEST: Lin Yuan‑Su is a Mindset Trainer and Strategist who helps heart‑centered entrepreneurs create aligned, meaningful success with more ease and joy. After leaving a successful but unfulfilling career as a registered dietitian, she rebuilt her life through mindset mastery, inner awareness, and spiritual alignment. Through the Enlightened Success Institute, she now guides entrepreneurs to release old conditioning, unlock their potential, and build soul‑led lives and businesses that feel good inside and out. 

FREE GIFT ALERT! Success Oaths:  A powerful set of One-page Declarations to elevate Mindset, Confidence, and Alignment. 

Connect with Lin Yuan-Su!

Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Webinar | Programs https://cryunique.com

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Real Talk, Barbara McAfee shares her journey as a 'midwife for voices,' exploring how embracing our authentic voices can lead to personal growth and impactful communication.

Kisha and Barbara dive into the powerful journey of finding and owning your true voice, both the one people hear and the one that shapes how you move through the world. Other things in this episode include: '
Practical ways to move through stage fright and self‑doubt, and we break down
How the Five Elements framework—fire, water, metal, air, and earth—is a guide for understanding your unique vocal expression.

Sound and voice can become tools for healing, confidence, and transformation, and in this episode, we talk more about HOW.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Voice
05:13 The Connection Between Voice and Identity
07:48 Techniques for Vocal Empowerment
10:14 Authenticity vs. Performance in Communication
20:09 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Journey
23:04 Books and Resources for Vocal Development

 Thank you for watching and for subscribing to the Upgraded MindsetZ channel!

Check out Barbara's books and more! 

Full Voice: The Art and Practice of Vocal Presence -
Vocal Intelligence: The Art and Science of Voice and Leadership
Website - https://barbaramcafee.com

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this episode of Empowering Real Talk, Coach Kay sits down with Debbie Weiss, author, speaker, and a woman who finally got the courage to choose herself and rebuild her life after decades of caregiving. Debbie opens up about what it took to finally choose herself after 50, her journey through caregiving burnout, weight loss, letting the outdated things go, and the mindset shifts that helped her step into a life she actually wanted to live. She reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, rewrite your story, and take small steps toward real personal growth.

Debbie inspires women who’ve spent years taking care of everyone else to reclaim their resilience, shift their mindset, and move beyond the limitations that have held them back. Her message is simple and powerful: you can choose yourself, dream again, and begin again at any age.

Learn more about Debbie at https://www.debbierweiss.com/

Comment, Like, Share, SUBSCRIBE to the Upgraded MindsetZ Channel! 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction
04:39  That Pivotal Turning Point
06:05 Debbie's  Health and Weight Management
12:09 The Importance of Understanding Resilience
22:38 Discovering New Paths after 50
24:43 Empowerment Through Storytelling:
27:08 Embracing Your Authencity

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this transformative episode of Empowering Real Talk, Kisha sits down with Felicia Murray to explore how she moved from old habits rooted in survival to a new season of intentional healing. Felicia opens up about the health challenges, emotional weight, and mindset patterns she had to confront in order to rewrite her story from the inside out.

Through honest conversation and powerful reflection, Felicia shares how choosing herself again led to renewed well‑being, deeper self‑awareness, and the birth of her business, Sister Luv Salads. Together, they explore the roles of mental health, grief, support systems, and self-compassion in creating a life that feels aligned and sustainable.

This episode is a reminder that rewriting your story isn’t about perfection — it’s about courage, clarity, and the willingness to let go of what no longer serves you. If you’re ready to step into new healing and reclaim your narrative, this conversation will resonate deeply.

00:00 Introduction
02:03 The Health Scare That Started It All
05:34 Self-Care Struggles
10:48 Mental Health Importance
16:03 The Birth of Sister Luv Salads
20:22 Navigating Grief and Personal Relationships
24:17 Future Aspirations and Community Impact

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this raw, uncut episode of Empowering Real Talk, Kisha delivers an End‑of‑Year Reality Check to push you into real personal growth. If you’re serious about a success mindset, a New Year reset, and stepping into your next level, this one is for you.

This conversation cuts straight into the discipline, clarity, and accountability required to break survival mode and build a life — and business — that actually supports your growth. This is the kind of self‑improvement talk women entrepreneurs and leaders need as they prepare for 2026.

Kisha breaks down:

Why sitting with yourself is uncomfortable — but necessary for growth
Why your patterns keep repeating (and how to interrupt them)
Why the next version of you is waiting on one thing: your decision

If you’re ready to walk into 2026 with intention instead of excuses, this is your moment to tap in.
This rant might sting… but it’s exactly the truth you need before the new year hits.

Listen, comment, and share this with someone ready for a real reset and a real transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empowering Real Talk
00:40 Rethinking New Year's Resolutions
03:05 The Importance of Discipline Over Motivation
05:25 Creating Clarity in Your Life
06:18 The Dangers of Waiting for Permission
08:11 Accountability and Personal Growth
09:28 Navigating Chaos and Negative Thoughts
11:26 Breaking Free from Survival Mode

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

In this powerful conversation of Empowering Real Talk,  Coach Kay breaks down what it really means to rediscover your authentic self beyond roles, expectations, and the labels the world places on you. 

She explores the importance of 

• emotional expression, 
• taking aligned action, and 
• committing to the version of yourself you’ve been visualizing but hesitating to step into. 

If you’re ready to stop shrinking, start becoming, and step boldly into your next chapter, this conversation should be in your rotation.

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

Coach Kay sits down with Mitch Weisburgh for an inspiring conversation on the power of mindset. Together, they explore how resilience, resourcefulness, and collaboration can transform challenges into opportunities.

Mitch shares his journey from technology education to mindset coaching, revealing why sense‑making and self‑awareness are essential for growth. They break down the dangers of a survival mindset, how it impacts relationships and decision‑making, and offer practical strategies to shift toward thriving.

This episode closes with actionable insights on building compassionate spaces at home, at work, and in communities, empowering you to take charge of your story and create meaningful change.

Mitch Weisburgh is a longtime education innovator and cofounder of Academic Business Advisors (2005), where he helped organizations expand their impact and reach more students across U.S. schools. He has also launched nonprofit initiatives, including Games4Ed and Edchat Interactive, fostering collaboration and innovation in education.

In December 2024, Mitch released his book MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success, offering practical techniques to move from limiting mindsets to those that drive growth and fulfillment.

Since 2018, he has been creating content, teaching MindShifting and Sensemaking, and building a MindShifting Community for educators—empowering professionals to transform challenges into opportunities for authentic success.

Learn more about Mitch's book, blog, new endeavors, and more at: https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/

01:28 - Introduction
07:57 - A Journey into Education and Mindset
12:20 - The Importance of Sense-Making
20:32 - Survival Mindset vs. Resourceful Mindset
27:25 - Creating Compassionate Spaces in Relationships

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

 Forget the glow-up, it's time to do the grow-up. 

Episode Overview

 Growth isn’t about filters, hashtags, or curated glow‑ups — it’s about the inner work that fuels authentic transformation. In this episode of Empowering Real Talk, we cut through the noise and call out the performative side of “growth.” Forget chasing clout or external validation. Real growth is messy, uncomfortable, and deeply personal — and it demands accountability, consistency, and commitment. 

This isn’t about looking the part; it’s about living it.

Why This Episode Matters

 Too many people are performing growth — posting about it, talking about it, but not living it. This conversation strips away the BS and gets raw about what real transformation looks like. If you’re ready to stop performing and start transforming, this episode will challenge you to step into your truth and commit to the work that actually changes your life. 

Support the show

At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business. 

To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life