Have you ever had to have a difficult conversation with someone about something you're doing or feeling? Something that you've never shared with this person, or maybe with anyone, ever? Or perhaps you're currently preparing yourself to have a challenging conversation. One you envision won't go well, and will result in enormous hurt on both sides. In fact, you believe this conversation will go so poorly that you've been avoiding it altogether. In this episode, I uncover the real reason people tend to avoid difficult conversations. I also share a proven script you can say to ensure you are heard and that you feel safe expressing your true, authentic self. By the end of this episode, you will feel empowered to share your truth with anyone in your life no matter what.

What's one thing the workplace and friendships have in common? They're both areas where people have trouble creating healthy boundaries. In this episode of Your Permission Prescription, I coach Sue, Kaitlin, and Priyash. Sue is exhausted between working full-time and building her business, but she's scared to scale back and lose clients. Priyash is overwhelmed at work but struggles to say no to any request. And Kaitlin is struggling to maintain friendships now that she's a mother and can't be the same "fun friend" anymore. If you have a similar dilemma, I hope this episode gives you the boost you need to make a change.

I'm thrilled to bring my dear friend Bari Tessler onto Your Permission Prescription. Bari is a financial therapist and the author of The Art of Money: A Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness. Her methodology weaves together emotional literacy and financial literacy to heal and empower your relationship to money. She talks about the in-the-moment power of doing body check-ins when dealing with money issues, explains the transformational practice of "money dates," and much more. If you want to feel less stressed and more empowered when it comes to all things financial, this episode is for you.

I've been thinking a lot about something Laurie Wagner said in episode 18 of Your Permission Prescription. She talked about letting your belly hang over your jeans… and that was never something I felt safe doing. Growing up, my body was scrutinized. Then, in my marriage, my body was scrutinized. Having a thin, toned body was the be-all, end-all. Until it wasn't. People often say of a woman, "She's let herself go." But that's not accurate. We don't let ourselves go — we let go. In this solo episode, I reflect on letting go and loving my body as it is.

"Just when you have something figured out, it completely changes again." That's what Maria Aleandra says about life since her husband, Jules, was diagnosed with ALS in March 2020. In this episode of Your Permission Prescription, I talk to Maria about what she's learned since caring for her husband over the past year and a half. How does life change when you or your partner has a degenerative disease? Also in this conversation is my sister, Kate Aks, who has lived with MS for 10 years and whose husband, Allan, has Parkinson's Disease. Together, their partnership and family are thriving amidst challenging conditions. If you or someone you love has received a similar diagnosis, I hope this episode supports you on your path.

How do you balance embracing your feelings and protecting them? In this episode of Your Permission Prescription, I coach Karen, Patty, and Peg through three very different dilemmas. Karen is struggling with a dear friend whose focus on the negative brings her down. Patty just started LLCA and is afraid she won't let herself truly feel her feelings and therefore won't get out of the program what she wants. And Peg is feeling lost after shake-ups in her relationship and business have her starting over yet again.

The way we wake up sets the tone for the whole day — so in this episode of Your Permission Prescription, I'm sharing my non-negotiable morning routine! Learn how carving out even a little bit of time for yourself first thing can bring a measure of calm to your morning. (And here's a secret: This is really about intentionality, so if a chaotic a.m. is unavoidable right now, don't worry… your "morning routine" can come later in the day!) Whatever your circumstances, I promise this one shift can change your whole day.

Do you ever struggle to give yourself what you need in order to thrive? In this episode of Your Permission Prescription podcast, I coach Joy, Anna, and Jane on prioritizing your well-being when you're being pulled in a million directions, making a career change in midlife, and finding the courage to express yourself without fear of judgment. The throughline in their questions? How to take care of yourself while handling life's big challenges, whether you're caring for your parents or kids, reimagining work amidst family obligations, or learning how to speak up with confidence.

"I think of it as a writing practice, but it's a healing practice." That's what the author, teacher, and artist Laurie Wagner says about wild writing — a process in which you write as fast as possible for 15 minutes, pushing past your inner critic, your ego, and your desire to look good so you you can connect with your real self and let your wild, authentic voice come forward. In this episode of Your Permission Prescription, Laurie and I talk about the therapeutic benefits of wild writing, the power of poetry, and why everyone has the right to write. Laurie just opened the doors to her FREE 4-day Wild Writing Series. Click here to sign up.