The Unlock Lab

Letting go isn’t just about releasing what holds us back, it’s about making space for what we truly want. In this episode, I share what it really takes to let go, because spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as motivational memes makes it seem. We’re not in a Disney movie, and there’s no magical three step process. But there are real, tangible tools including somatic body work, journaling, movement, and even shifting our actions, that can help us release old patterns and step into a new version of ourselves. From relationship dynamics to breaking free from limiting beliefs, I share my personal experiences and the messy, real life process of letting go. This one’s for anyone who’s ready to stop white knuckling life so you can move forward with more ease.

Episode Highlights:

🦉The truth about letting go, it’s not a one and done deal, but an ongoing process that evolves with you.

🦉How your body holds onto emotions and why physical movement, energy work, and somatic healing can be game changers.

🦉A simple but powerful shift, instead of just trying with all your might to release something.

Quotables:

[00:04:58]

"Your process and needs for letting go will likely evolve over time. What you may have needed the last time you were in a certain situation is different than maybe what you need now because you're constantly evolving and you may need different tools to access for letting go of different situations."

[00:14:24]

"The intention of letting things go is really powerful. And then the action that you take to support that intention. You can play with it, have fun with it and experiment with it."

[00:23:46]

"What's in our control is doing the best we can to take the actions to change our own life. because it is our choice, nobody else's choice. We are not going to get rescued by a knight in shining armor. We have got to do it for ourselves."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing

We spend so much time fixing what’s wrong, but what if we put just as much energy into understanding what’s actually working? In this week's episode, I talk about the power of reviewing our wins, not just to celebrate them, but to uncover the patterns that can help us create even more success. Inspired by a client session, I break down how external wins often start with internal shifts, the role that persistence plays, and why honoring our own process makes all the difference. Whether you're in a season of success or searching for your next big breakthrough, this conversation is all about tapping into the truth that you have what it takes already!

Episode highlights:

1. How reviewing your wins helps you repeat success (instead of leaving it to chance).

2. The unexpected connection between personal well-being and professional achievements.

3. Why your energy and intent shapes how others respond to you and how to use that to your advantage.

Quotables:

[00:02:23]

"We have got to take the time to look at what is part of the success of our life. What are the tools in our toolbox that have allowed us to experience the good times, that have allowed us to gain the wins. And by looking at these patterns, we have a better chance at repeating them because we're conscious and aware of what we're doing that's leading to the big wins."

[00:10:29]

"Reviewing your success is about giving time and space to the good in your life."

[00:12:10]

"We all have these aha's in our life that we can unlock when we pay attention to them. But if we're just moving through life and we're not stopping and saying what's working when it is working, then we're missing a huge opportunity."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing

I’m celebrating episode 50 of The Unlock Lab by sharing what it really means to say yes to your big dreams, whether that’s booking a solo trip to the Caribbean or stepping into something that once felt totally out of reach. In this episode, I’m telling two personal stories about pushing past resistance and embracing the unknown. From giving myself permission to rest and recharge to taking a bold step toward a lifelong dream, I break down the mindset shifts, the inner work, and the actions that make dreams happen. If you’ve been holding yourself back, consider this your sign, it’s time to trust yourself, shake off the fear, and go for it.

Episode Highlights:

1. The power of recognising what you truly need and saying yes to it, even when it feels indulgent.

2. Reframing fear and resistance. How I went from an immediate "no" to stepping into an opportunity that aligns with my bigger vision.

3. The importance of taking action, even when the path isn't clear, and learning to detach from the outcome.

Quotables:

[00:09:00]

"I knew it was a yes for me because I would rather do this thing and be disappointed, even feel rejected, than not give myself the opportunity to play the biggest possible game I could play in my own life."

[00:13:51]

"I believe in my body that if I can dream it, then I can be it. But if I don’t push the envelope of my comfort, if I don’t allow myself to be vulnerable at the risk of disappointment, then I’m just talking a big game but not doing anything about it."

[00:17:18]

"Now is the time to tap into your potential. Now is the time to say yes to your big dreams. Say yes to the action that is right in front of you, even if you have no idea if that’s the actual pathway to where you want to be, because I believe the universe will nudge you toward what’s meant for you."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

Sign up for Tosca's Newsletter: https://toscadimatteo.com/optin/

Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing

Networking doesn’t have to suck. In fact, it can be fun, meaningful, and even life-changing. In this episode, I chat with Julie Brown, networking badass and author of This Sh!t Works, to talk about how to build real connections with more fun and ease. We cover a lot of ground including the messy middle of career transitions, why rejection isn’t personal, and how playing the long game in networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Whether you love meeting new people or would rather hide in the corner, Julie’s direct and passionate approach will change the way you think about building relationships.

Julie Brown knows how to make networking work, especially for women navigating male dominated industries. She’s a business strategist, networking expert, and the no-BS author of This Sh!t Works: A No-Nonsense Guide to Networking Your Way to More Friends, More Adventures, and More Success. Julie keeps it real, breaking down the barriers to building authentic connections without the awkward small talk. She’s also the host of the This Sh!t Works podcast, where she blends humor, straight talk, and expert insights to help you grow your network, and actually enjoy it.

Episode Highlights:

1. Why your most valuable career opportunities often come from the people you know least.

2. How to create meaningful connections by talking about the things that make you, you.

3. How to overcome rejection, embrace the long game, and show up with confidence in any room.

Quotables:

[00:09:36] - Julie

"People always like to say life is short, life isn't short, life is long. Your career is long, you will not build this network overnight. Don't try, you'll burn yourself out and you'll be a pretty shitty networker."

[00:21:42] - Tosca

"One of the things I love about your book is that very early on you have all kinds of things that you can talk about. That's not about what you do, but about who you are and what you're interested in."

[00:46:14] - Julie

"You can intend to send a thank you card. You can intend to send flowers. You can intend to check in on somebody. Intending will get you nowhere. Action will get you everything. And the way to do action is to do it together."

Julie Brown's Links:

This Sh!t Works Podcast

Julie's Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

Sign up for Tosca's Newsletter:https://toscadimatteo.com/optin/

Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by:Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by:Landis Podcast Editing

In this final part of the series on relationships, I dig into the hardest questions, are we willing to do the hard things for the relationships that truly matter? Whether it's a difficult boss or a loved one, relationships require effort, accountability, and openness. I share personal stories about standing up for myself, learning how to apologize, and navigating the gray areas of connection that often lead to the deepest bonds. This work isn’t easy, but it’s the key to building the kind of relationships that bring meaning and magic to our lives.

Episode Highlights:

1. The hard things in relationships. Are you showing up and putting in the work, even when it’s uncomfortable?

2. The power of speaking up. How addressing the way someone labelled me changed supported my needs.

3. The importance of acceptance and repair. Why staying open, learning how to apologize, and embracing differences leads to stronger, more fulfilling connections.

Quotables:

[00:08:11]

"I want you to see what's possible in relationships that feel difficult. Because oftentimes, it's those relationships where we've been through tough times where we've had to repair, we've had to rebuild respect and trust."

[00:13:01]

"Sometimes we learn the hard way who's really meant for us and who's not, but we aren't going to figure that out if we don't share ourselves fully with another person."

[00:17:30]

"We can easily dismiss someone within seven seconds of meeting them because we just didn't get a good vibe."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

Sign up for Tosca's Newsletter:https://toscadimatteo.com/optin/

Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by:Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by:Landis Podcast Editing

Building meaningful relationships isn’t just about who’s in your life, it’s about how you show up in them. In this episode (part 2 of 3), I dig into the difference between being relational versus transactional, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of generosity in connection. I’m fired up about this topic because relationships, whether personal or professional, require intention, time, and investment and is the true foundation of our feeling connected and fulfilled. We live in a world that pushes productivity over people, but what happens when we slow down and actually prioritize the people in our lives? What shifts when we assess who’s lifting us up and who’s draining us? If you’re ready to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

Quotables;

[00:03:22]

"Knowing what your patterns are is so helpful because you can start to either take advantage of what your strengths are or work on what isn't working."

[00:07:50]

"My biggest counsel in all of this honestly is to slow freaking down in your life and take the time, build meaningful relationships, because gosh, we're human and how we feel fulfilled is about feeling connected to other people."

[00:15:17]

"Doors will open when you are helping open doors for other people. Open doors to your heart and open doors to opportunities."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

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Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing

In this episode of The Unlock Lab, I introduce the idea of building intentional relationships, a topic that’s been a major theme throughout my life and work. Relationships shape how we feel about ourselves, if we feel a sense of support how, and reflect how we move through our personal and professional journeys. I dig into why setting intentions for your relationships is essential and how doing an honest assessment of the people in your life can bring clarity. Whether it’s about creating stronger bonds or letting go of what no longer serves you, I share practical tips and personal insights to help you align your relationships with your goals for the year.

Episode Highlights:

Quotables:

[00:05:52]

"Personal growth leads to professional breakthroughs and what that means is on your journey of personal growth, not everyone is meant to come to the next level with you."

[00:12:57]

"The next step after your intent is to do an honest assessment. Are you in relationships for the potentiality of what they could be? Or are you in relationships based on who they are being right now in your life?"

[00:20:55]

I love this conversation because it's so important, you deserve to be surrounded by people that support you and uplift you."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

Sign up for Tosca's Newsletter: https://toscadimatteo.com/optin/

Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing

In this first episode of 2025, I reflect on what it means to navigate life when it feels like everything is burning down around you. Inspired by the fires in Los Angeles, I talk about the bigger themes of loss, grief, and how we can reclaim our power in the face of life's hardest moments. This episode is about finding your way forward when everything feels uncertain. It’s about learning to let go, honoring what you’re bringing with you from your last chapter and stepping into new beginnings. It’s an episode for you whether you’re not sure which way is up or down, ready to jump into what’s next or feeling the weight of the world.

Episode Highlights:

Quotables:

[00:08:12]

"I've been watching all these images from the LA fires and I've been in deep reflection about that. To lose all your belongings. How do you rebuild? How do you grieve? What is that process? How do you find hope?"

[00:14:27]

"This idea of what now is about taking your power back. It's about giving yourself space to grieve and cry it out when things have happened in your life that you have no control over. It's about remembering that tomorrow is not yet created, and it doesn't serve us to write a story before it's been written."

[00:15:12]

"What now is about finding glimmers of gratitude in your life, even in the hardest moments as a grounding, as a recentering, as an honoring that in this moment."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

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Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing

In this final episode of 2024 I talk about how to rediscover hope during life’s hardest moments. I share tools that help me stay grounded, and how I have found light and possibility even when everything feels dark. From connecting with others to embracing nature, I talk about what keeps me moving forward and why hope is always within reach. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this episode is my way of saying, “You’re not alone, and brighter days are ahead."

Highlights:

Quotables:

[00:04:43]

"When I think of hope, I think of it as something that's hard fought. It's not something that we circumvent and bypass our hard feelings, our difficult emotions. But it's something that we cultivate because we know the journey is difficult and we also know that there's great possibilities."

[00:08:33]

"Just remember that if you are listening and you're feeling so down and out, that this is just a blip in a moment of time. That when you look at the wholeness of your life experience this is going to be just a minute moment in time. It's not going to last forever."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing  

In this week's episode of The Unlock Lab, I talk about how to close out your year - or any chapter of life that you may be in. Finding closure helps us to be able to start new chapters of our life in new, elevated energy. With this intent, we will explore the power of reflection, gratitude, and celebrating, while finding the lessons in and letting go of what didn’t go so well. I’ll walk you through practical ways to find closure and set yourself up for an exciting new beginning, whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Let’s tie this season up with a bow and make space for what’s next.

Highlights:

Quotables:

[00:06:45]

"So first and foremost in this, it's really important to remember what your priorities were for the season and also realizing when those priorities may have shifted. Because what can happen is we get to the end of the year or the end of the chapter, and we start beating ourselves up on what we didn't do and what we didn't accomplish."

[00:10:10]

"Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves because we're like, 'but nothing major happened this year'. But if you had little things come up here and there and there, they add up. And they became these quote, unquote 'distractions', but you also had to address them, then we must honor that."

[00:15:48]

"One way that we can close our chapter is to be in gratitude for what you have, for what is, for what you appreciate. You can create laundry lists here and acknowledge what you have, because we so often focus on the lack. Our inner critics can have us focus on the scarcity and what we don't have."

Tosca’s Links and Resources:

Sign up for Tosca's Newsletter: https://toscadimatteo.com/optin/

Tosca’s Website

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Giving Flowers To:

Theme music by: Adrian DiMatteo

Podcast edited by: Landis Podcast Editing