The RBF Podcast: Moving Forward When the World Tells You to Smile

Trigger Warning: In this series we are discussing religious trauma and deconstructing from high-control religions. I want to be clear that I deeply respect personal faith journeys, and this is absolutely not an attack on spirituality or mainstream religion. We are talking specifically about high-control groups—the ones that attempt to dictate your life by using fear, guilt, and shame to enforce compliance.

The Series Intro This is a special two-part series with therapist Christine Parker, who I originally found on TikTok because her content unpacking purity culture was entirely too relatable! We sit down to discuss the absolute fever dream that is leaving and healing from a high-control religion. We laugh a lot in these episodes —but the real value is Christine bringing actual clinical insight into how these environments can affect us long-term.

Part 1: The Damage Report T’sha, Christine, and I basically play a game of "You know you grew up in a high-control religion when..." We cover all the classics: chronic rapture anxiety, intense guilt over basic human connections, and the unnecessarily traumatic church plays we were all forced to watch.

Part 2: The Aftermath & Spicy Books In this episode, we move into the actual healing phase. You get to hear me have a real-time existential realization that I completely skipped the fun, casual part of dating in my teens. We also talk about what setting actual boundaries looks like, unlearning the guilt, and how we finally figured out how to experience joy (and read spicy books) without waiting for the sky to fall.

Christine Parker’s Bio: Christine Parker is a licensed therapist who specializes in religious trauma and purity culture recovery.  Having grown up in conservative evangelicalism herself, she brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding to her work. She works with clients who are reexamining long-held beliefs, navigating identity and sexuality, and learning how to trust themselves again after high-control religion.

Christine Parker’s Links: 

🔗 TikTok | Instagram

🔗 Website 

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn 

Trigger Warning: In this series we are discussing religious trauma and deconstructing from high-control religions. I want to be clear that I deeply respect personal faith journeys, and this is absolutely not an attack on spirituality or mainstream religion. We are talking specifically about high-control groups—the ones that attempt to dictate your life by using fear, guilt, and shame to enforce compliance.

The Series Intro This is a special two-part series with therapist Christine Parker, who I originally found on TikTok because her content unpacking purity culture was entirely too relatable! We sit down to discuss the absolute fever dream that is leaving and healing from a high-control religion. We laugh a lot in these episodes —but the real value is Christine bringing actual clinical insight into how these environments can affect us long-term.

Part 1: The Damage Report T’sha, Christine, and I basically play a game of "You know you grew up in a high-control religion when..." We cover all the classics: chronic rapture anxiety, intense guilt over basic human connections, and the unnecessarily traumatic church plays we were all forced to watch.

Part 2: The Aftermath & Spicy Books In this episode, we move into the actual healing phase. You get to hear me have a real-time existential realization that I completely skipped the fun, casual part of dating in my teens. We also talk about what setting actual boundaries looks like, unlearning the guilt, and how we finally figured out how to experience joy (and read spicy books) without waiting for the sky to fall.

Christine Parker’s Bio: Christine Parker is a licensed therapist who specializes in religious trauma and purity culture recovery.  Having grown up in conservative evangelicalism herself, she brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding to her work. She works with clients who are reexamining long-held beliefs, navigating identity and sexuality, and learning how to trust themselves again after high-control religion.

Christine Parker’s Links: 

🔗 TikTok | Instagram

🔗 Website 

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn 

Summary

Join me, Annie Walther and my sister in another fun episode! Annie Walther is a Fractional COO. She has over 25 years in Business Development through Corporate events, Corporate Planning and helping grow both product and service businesses beyond the 7 figure mark. This is the must listen episode for Solopreneurs! 

In addition, she is a good friend of mine and together we run the Solopreneur Networking Meetup in San Antonio! 

Follow Annie on Instagram here. 

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 The RBF Podcast Links

🔗 FREE Masterclass: The Solopreneur Quick-Start Checklist 

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Solopreneurship 02:52 The Importance of Straight Talk in Mentorship 03:03 Grit and Adaptability in Business 04:15 Navigating Growth and Scaling Challenges 07:14 The Shift from Friend to Leader in Business 09:05 The Rise of Solopreneurship 11:05 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture 14:10 Challenges of Solopreneurship 16:10 Time Management and Community Support 18:33 Finding Balance and Overcoming Isolation 26:05 The Importance of Networking and Collaboration 29:47 Understanding Funding and Investment Challenges 34:13 The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Motivation vs. Profit 36:47 The Importance of Research: Naming Your Business 38:37 Learning from Experience: The Value of Mentorship 41:34 Finding Balance: Defining Thriving in Business 46:24 Tools for Success: Resources and Recommendations

Key Topics

Summary

We did it: AI April is officially over, and we made it! it was one of my busiest months of the year, with  15+ events and 500+ attendees. T'sha and I are doing today's episode so we can debrief on the good, the bad, and the chaotic lessons learned from year two of this tech initiative.

Between the business takeaways, they are bringing you unfiltered life updates and share quick previews of the incredible guests joining the show this summer! 

 Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Makeup Discussion 

01:40 Personal Updates and Life Changes 

04:18 AI April Overview and Goals 

07:47 AI April Events and Community Engagement 1

1:40 Lessons Learned from AI April 

19:23 Reflections on Leadership and Feedback 

28:45 Reflecting on Event Experiences 

30:40 Living in the Future: Technology and Consumerism 

31:25 Inspiration and Connection 

31:54 Engagement and Resources   

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 FREE Masterclass: The Solopreneur Quick-Start Checklist 

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Summary

In this episode, Sharon and T'sha share practical advice and personal insights on starting therapy, finding the right therapist, and making the most of mental health journeys. They discuss the importance of being open, exploring different modalities, and the transformative power of therapy.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:57 Navigating Therapy: Finding the Right Fit

05:12 Understanding Therapy: Breaking Stigmas

07:02 The Importance of Professional Help

09:43 Preparing for Therapy: Tips and Strategies

12:46 The Value of Openness in Therapy

15:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

19:03 Navigating Honesty in Therapy

20:22 Processing Emotions Post-Therapy

22:29 Exploring Alternative Therapeutic Modalities

23:48 The Impact of EMDR on Trauma

27:54 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Therapy

29:47 Finding the Right Therapist: A Personal Journey

32:09 Embracing the Challenges of Therapy

35:23 The Journey Towards Healing and Hope

38:49 Inspiration and Connection

39:18 Engagement and Resources

39:20 NEWCHAPTER

Resources

psychologytoday.com - https://www.psychologytoday.com

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 FREE Masterclass: The Solopreneur Quick-Start Checklist 

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Skip to 16:30 to jump into the interview! 

Summary

I loved this conversation with Dr. Kim Hopkins and it is a must listen to or anyone who is actively dealing with PCOS, thinks they might have it or has a friend or partner who is living with it.

During out talk, Dr. Kim Hopkins shares her personal and professional journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), discussing the challenges she faced in the military and the stigma surrounding women's health issues. Personally, I walked away from this episode feeling so seen and inspired. She was able to share so much helpful information around self-advocacy and also the actual science of how PCOS affects your body. 

Dr. Kim Hopkins's Bio:
Dr. Dawnkimberly “Kim” Hopkins served as a 30-year United States Military member. During her 30 yrs of service to her country, Dr. Hopkins served with the US Army and US Air Force. As a women’s health nurse practitioner in the US Air Force, she noted a high number of her patients, particularly active duty members, were suffering from symptoms of PCOS that severely impacted their abilities to function effectively and efficiently within their occupations at their home duty stations and during their military deployments.Noting that these symptoms greatly impacted the total quality of life of these individuals, Dr. Hopkins began her quest to find answers and solutions by obtaining her PhD in nursing science with a focus on PCOS in the military.

She has published works on PCOS in the military, while completing a post-doctoral fellowship with NIH in the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH). During her post-doctoral fellowship, Dr. Hopkins published a NIH/ORWH-supported PCOS information booklet and participated in working-groups to help further the cause of PCOS initiatives. She has published works that have assessed the relationship between PCOS and obesity, as well as PCOS and pain.

Dr. Hopkins is passionate about facilitating and supporting PCOS endeavors, especially for early-stage investigators, to continue to develop relevant, patient-centered knowledge and interventions related to PCOS. As a dedicated advocate, she was a member of the International PCOS Network that updated the 2023 International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and is a scientific research committee co-Chair on the Patient Advisory Board of the PCOSChallenge -the national PCOS association.

Dr. Hopkins’ is married to Felix Hopkins’ who is a retired Navy pilot. They have 3 children, Anthony, Tanner and Reign. Dr. Hopkins’ is also the caregiver for her mother, who is a retired Army Quartermaster. In her free time, Dr. Hopkins enjoys reading and studying her Bible, spending time with her family, their three dogs, Marco, Jame-Cori and Pickle, and being outside in nature.

Chapters

00:00 - 16:30 Sharon & T'sha discuss Sharon's personal PCOS Journey and current frustrations 

17:01 Impact of Military Structure on PCOS Experience

21:09 Diagnosis Journey: From Patient to Provider

25:18 Understanding PCOS: Symptoms and Misconceptions

31:13 Advocacy and Research in PCOS

  40:40 Advocacy and Change in Women's Health

42:35 Defining Thriving with PCOS

44:42 Collaboration and Innovation in PCOS Research

 50:48 Life After the Military

   56:37 Engagement and Resources

Dr. Kim Hopkins Links: 

🔗 LinkedIn 

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

It is time to wrap this year UP, and T’sha is back to help me break down the highs and lows of 2025. We are trading in the stress of rigid goal-setting for a slower, more intentional approach to the new year. From navigating adult friendships to prioritizing creativity and self-care during the holidays, this conversation is all about moving forward with clarity. In the midst of a terrifying political situation, we are choosing to be optimistic and continue to find ways forward for 2026.

Highlights: 

03:25 Holiday Traditions and Intentional Gift Giving

11:12 Intentional Living and Community Engagement

13:41 Delegation and Leadership Growth

15:21 Visibility and Self-Promotion

21:44 Personal Growth and Community Involvement

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Eavesdrop on my conversation with Dr. Sadé about our personal journeys, the impact of capitalism, and the importance of financial therapy. One thing we have in common is having a lot of different ‘re-starts’ in life, and for Dr. Sadé this spans being a U.S. military officer and then in depth research on historical trauma and so much more! (Hint, just check out her bio!) In this episode we are discussing the intersection of psychology and financial well-being, and share actionable steps for sustainable living. 

Dr Sade’s Bio: Dr. Sadé is a psychologist, Certified Financial Therapist™, and former U.S. military officer whose work spans financial empowerment, leadership and DEI consulting, and research on historical trauma and resilience. Now expanding her impact as a full-time farmer, she is dedicated to increasing access to Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous medicinal plants while creating nature-based wellness experiences that honor healing, culture, and community.

The conversation emphasizes the need for community, understanding one's values, and the importance of having safe spaces to process experiences related to rights and equity.

 Chapters

00:00 - Actionable Steps for Sustainable Living

05:15 - Accessing Education and Self-Discovery

06:38 - Taking Action and Understanding Values

07:33 - Processing Conversations on Rights and Privilege

08:22 - Finding Safe Spaces for Expression

10:30 - The Importance of Processing Experiences

12:34 - Building Community and Collective Action

14:14 - Exciting Future Projects and Personal Growth

20:03 - Inspiration and Connection

20:33 - Engagement and Resources

Dr. Sade’s Links: 

🔗 Website 

🔗 Email Sade 

🔗 Follow Her Brand New Instagram @Dr.SadeTheFinPsychFarmer

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Join me for a candid conversation with Christian Molina, MA, NCC of At Socorro Counseling, and we discuss various shifts and perspectives and tools to deal with our volatile political climate. 

 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resting Bitch Face Podcast

02:00 Experiences with Resting Bitch Face

04:57 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

08:05 Mental Health Stigma in Marginalized Communities

09:53 Engaging with Marginalized Communities

12:01 Processing Current Events and Mental Health

14:56 Finding Balance in Awareness

17:03 Navigating Privilege and Perspective

19:03 Guilt in Entrepreneurship and Content Creation

21:19 Understanding Values and Boundaries

27:19 The Importance of Physical Awareness

35:00 Navigating the Therapy Journey

  Christians Links: 

🔗 www.socorrocounselingtx.com

🔗 Instagram & Facebook

Sharon's Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn 

This episode is my first episode ever recorded with my sister, T'sha. We chat about RBF, societies' fucked up expectations of women, the intention behind this podcast, my personal rebrand and dive in a little deeper into my origin story.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone

02:01 Personal Backgrounds and Family History

06:58 Exploring Resting Bitch Face (RBF) and Its Implications

16:59 Reclaiming RBF and Acknowledging Societal Pressures

21:03 Navigating Drive and Self-Destruction

23:02 The Turning Point: Choosing Empowerment

25:09 Facing Life's Challenges: Relationships and Growth

27:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

31:02 Embracing the Podcast Journey

34:04 Exploring Future Topics and Themes

Links: 

🔗 www.ComplimentsofSharon.com

🔗 14-Day Free Trial -- Pretty Simple: #1 Affordable Leads Tracking App

🔗 Sharon's Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn