In this powerful episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, host Rachel Beck sits down with renowned social scientist and author Dr. Bella DePaulo to explore what it really means to live a full, empowered, and joyful life as a single woman.

Together, they challenge the cultural myths around marriage, partnership, and “happily ever after.” Bella introduces her groundbreaking concept of being Single at Heart — a way of living that’s rooted in authenticity, freedom, and the refusal to settle.

They unpack:

• Why being single is not a problem to solve

• The difference between loneliness and chosen solitude

• How singleism (discrimination against singles) impacts everything from housing to healthcare

• Why solo living can be powerful, peaceful, and full of love

• And how to build a deeply meaningful life outside of traditional family structures

If you’ve ever felt “behind” because you’re not married, questioned whether partnership is right for you, or longed for validation that your single life is complete as it is, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Dr. DePaulo’s work has been featured in The Atlantic, TEDx, Psychology Today, The New York Times, and more — and today, she’s bringing her wisdom straight to this community of bold, independent, growth-minded women.

Listen now and discover why the most powerful love story might just be the one you write on your own.

Follow Dr. Bella DePaulo for the latest on Singlehood:

Social media:

X: @belladepaulo

Bluesky: @belladepaulo.bsky.social

IG: @bellasingleatheart

FB: @belladepaulo

YouTube: @BellaDePaulo

LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bella-depaulo/5/540/286

In this Feisty Fridays mini-sode, host Rachel Beck dives into the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth I—known as the “Virgin Queen”—and the bold choice that defined her reign: never marrying. Drawing from the BBC’s Why the Virgin Queen Never Married, (link to the article here.) Rachel explores how Elizabeth defied the intense pressure to wed, navigated political and personal challenges, and built a 44-year reign on her own terms.

From her rumored love for Robert Dudley to her famous declaration that she was “married to England,” Elizabeth’s story is a masterclass in self-sovereignty, personal power, and rewriting the rules for women.

Rachel connects Elizabeth’s 16th-century defiance to the pressures modern women face today—reminding listeners that choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s sovereign.

Perfect for fans of women’s history, personal empowerment, and the quiet rebellion of living life on your own terms.

Keywords: Queen Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen, women’s history, personal empowerment, choosing yourself, living single, historical women leaders, women and marriage, Cate Blanchett Elizabeth, sovereignty

In this deeply personal solo episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, host Rachel Beck shares her cautionary tale of falling back into a relationship with a narcissistic ex—and how it nearly cost her her sense of self.

From subtle red flags to emotional manipulation, Rachel takes us inside the emotional toll of dating a covert narcissist. She opens up about the gaslighting, the conditional affection, the shame spirals, and the brutal realization that love should never make you feel small.

If you've ever questioned your worth in a relationship, felt like you were constantly “not enough,” or stayed with someone who chipped away at your confidence—this episode is for you.

🎙️ You'll learn:

• What narcissistic abuse can really look like (it’s not always obvious)
  

• Why even smart, independent women can fall for these dynamics
  

• How internalized shame and the “expiring woman” narrative keep us stuck
  

• What it really means to reclaim your worth and walk away for good

  
  

🔍 Keywords: dating a narcissist, red flags in relationships, narcissistic abuse recovery, emotional abuse, gaslighting, women’s empowerment, leaving toxic relationships, solo podcast, relationship trauma, covert narcissist, healing after narcissism, self-worth, Feisty Heroines

YouTube: @thefeistyheroine

Website: thefeistyheroine.com

Email: [email protected]

In this week’s Feisty Fridays, we’re talking about… pockets. Yep. But don’t let the topic fool you—this one’s about freedom, function, and feminism.

Rachel dives into the surprising history behind why women’s clothes still lack real pockets—and why that matters more than you think. From fake pockets at work to navigating New York City without a bag, she weaves in her own experience and the work of Dr. Hannah Carlson (author of “Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close”).

You’ll learn how the removal of pockets has historically been a tool of control—and how reclaiming these “small freedoms” can be a radical act of independence.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
• Dr. Hannah Carlson’s book: Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close
• NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/books/review/pockets-hannah-carlson-fashion-history.html
• Podcast interview with Jonathan Van Ness and Dr. Hannah Carlson

If you’re tired of fake pockets, fake empowerment, and being told you don’t need space—this one’s for you.

✨ Stay feisty. Stay free. Stay you.

Stay Connected with me:

Instagram - @thefeistyheroine

Website - thefeistyheroine.com

Email - [email protected]

YouTube - @thefeistyheroine

In this powerful episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel sits down with Cheri Bergeron—author and founder of the nonprofit Cheri’s Choice—to unpack the messy, beautiful truth about motherhood on your own terms.

From navigating fertility treatments and donor conception, to challenging toxic relationships and outdated societal timelines, Cheri shares her personal journey to becoming a solo mom later in life—and the hard-earned wisdom that came with it.

Together, we explore:

• ​Fertility education and the myths women still aren't taught
• ​What it means to plan for motherhood without a partner
• ​The emotional and legal hurdles Cheri faced—and overcame
• ​Why trusting your instincts is the ultimate rebellion
• ​And how Cheri’s nonprofit is supporting women to choose motherhood with clarity, courage, and community

If you’ve ever questioned the fairytales we’re sold—or wondered if it’s “too late” to become a mom—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

🖊️ Grab her memoir Mission: Motherhood

Learn more about Cheri’s work at cheribergeron.com

Support women taking bold paths to parenthood at cherischoice.com

✨ Keywords: fertility education, motherhood after 40, solo parenting, Cheri Bergeron, donor conception, IVF, women’s empowerment, maternal health, nontraditional motherhood, personal resilience, planning for motherhood, reproductive freedom, Feisty Heroines Podcast, single mom by choice, life after toxic relationships

In this Feisty Fridays mini-sode, Rachel dives into the growing tension between two extremes of modern womanhood: the boss babe hustle and the tradwife trend. Both claim to empower women—but do they really offer freedom?

With the rise of right-wing female influencers and performative femininity on one side, and burnout culture on the other, Rachel calls for a new path—one where women reclaim their time, their voice, and their own damn lives.

She also shares a quick reflection on being featured in a recent Wall Street Journal article exploring how younger generations are redefining success—and why that redefinition matters now more than ever. Link to the article: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/why-success-is-quieter-for-younger-americans-6979e048?st=MaAZkG&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

If you're tired of trying to be everything for everyone—or shrinking yourself to fit outdated expectations—this one's for you.

✨ It’s not about choosing a side. It’s about choosing yourself.

🔑 Keywords: modern womanhood, tradwives, boss babe burnout, right-wing influencers, Wall Street Journal, redefining success, feminism, solo journey, financial independence, Feisty Heroines, women’s empowerment

What happens when a successful attorney trades the office for the open road? In this episode, Sara Wardlow (@justiceonthemove) shares her journey into van life and solo travel, revealing how a nomadic lifestyle opened the door to deep personal growth, healing, and radical self-discovery.

We talk about challenging societal expectations, redefining success, and the freedom that comes from living on your own terms. From balancing a legal career with adventure to understanding attachment styles and cultivating financial independence, Sara’s story is a bold reminder that women don’t have to follow the script—they can write their own.

🎙️ Topics we cover:

Van life and nomadic living

Solo female travel and empowerment

Financial independence and self-worth

Redefining success, career, and relationships

Reinvention, healing, and choosing freedom

Please follow/contact me at:

Instagram: @thefeistyheroine

Website: thefeistyheroine.com

Email: [email protected]

This week, I’m sharing what happened when I finally sat down to watch Barbie with my mom—and why it didn’t go the way I hoped. From smashed baby dolls to America Ferrera’s monologue, the film hit me in all the ways it was meant to… but for my mom? Not so much.

In this episode, I unpack the generational gap between women who grew up surviving patriarchy and those of us now daring to question it. We talk about marriage, independence, motherhood, and the quiet tension between honoring where we come from—and building something different.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood by your mother or struggled to explain your freedom to someone who didn’t have that luxury, this one's for you.

Follow me/contact me:

Instagram: @thefeistyheroine

Website: thefeistyheroine.com

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel Beck speaks with Janel Forsythe about her experiences as a single woman in her early thirties navigating societal expectations and cultural pressures regarding marriage and relationships. Janel shares her journey of self-discovery, the impact of literature on her perspective, and the importance of community and self-love. They discuss the evolving narrative around womanhood, the significance of embracing solitude, and the need for women to redefine their identities beyond traditional roles. Janel emphasizes the importance of setting personal terms for happiness and fulfillment, regardless of societal norms.

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Beck and Janel Forsythe explore the complexities of modern relationships, the joys of being single, and the transformative power of solo travel. They discuss their personal experiences with dating apps, the societal pressures surrounding singlehood, and the importance of self-discovery and community. Janel shares valuable advice for women navigating their own journeys, emphasizing the significance of trusting one's instincts and finding joy in life regardless of relationship status.

Follow and Contact The Feisty Heroine:

Instagram: @thefeistyheroine

Website: thefeistyheroine.com

Email: [email protected]

Keywords: singlehood, societal expectations, women empowerment, cultural differences, marriage, self-love, community, personal growth, solitude, redefining womanhood, dating apps, singlehood, solo travel, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, empowerment, happiness, community, life advice

Have you ever been called "too much" for simply showing up as your full self? In this Feisty Friday mini-sode, host Rachel Beck dives into what that label really means—and why it’s often more about others' discomfort than your truth.

From leveling up in life to facing fragile egos at work and in relationships, Rachel unpacks the pressure women face to shrink, soften, and silence themselves. She shares a personal story from her NYC career days, reminds us that speaking up isn’t a threat—it’s power—and offers a love note to every woman who’s ever been told to "tone it down."

💥 Whether you’re too loud, too direct, or just too real—this mini-sode is for you.

🎙 Topics: female empowerment, self-worth, emotional growth, people-pleasing, workplace sexism, fragile masculinity, personal boundaries, women’s voices, self-expression, identity
Follow me for more insp:

Instagram: @thefeistyheroine

Website: thefeistyheroine.com