From our choices to our looks, biology to identity, marriage to motherhood, careers to caregiving—women are often handed two options: defy or conform. But what if defying expectations isn’t about rebellion for rebellion’s sake? What if it’s about trusting yourself enough to say no when the world demands yes?

In this episode of This Is Woman’s Work, we’re talking about how to defy expectations with the brilliant Dr. Sunita Sah. Dr. Sah is an award-winning professor at Cornell University, an expert in organizational psychology, and a leading researcher on influence, authority, compliance, and defiance. Her new book, DEFY: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, is a rallying cry for ending submissive behavior and living authentically.

This conversation isn’t about being difficult—it’s about being true to yourself. Whether you’re standing up to societal pressures, breaking free of outdated norms, or simply giving yourself permission to live authentically, this episode will inspire you to rewrite the rules and embrace the power of no.

As women, we’re often taught to conform, but Dr. Sah shows us why defying expectations isn’t just an act of resistance—it’s an act of self-preservation and growth.

Connect with Dr. Sunita Sah:

Website: https://sunitasah.com/ 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Defy-Power-World-That-Demands/dp/0593793714 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsunitasah/ 

X: https://x.com/ProfSunitaSah 

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Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s becoming increasingly common but still manages to get a few raised eyebrows and a chorus of “but whyyy?” in social settings—being sober or sober curious. More and more people are taking a closer look at their relationship with alcohol and realizing it’s not one they want to keep.

This episode isn’t about judgment; it’s about empowerment. Our mission today is to help you make the best decisions for you. Because, ultimately, that is woman’s work.

Our guest, Amanda Kuda, is an alcohol-free lifestyle expert, holistic life coach, and author of Unbottled Potential: Break Up With Alcohol and Break Through to Your Best Life. Amanda’s mission is to help ambitious, soul-centered women let go of alcohol to step into their full potential. She’s here to show us how elective sobriety can unlock doors we didn’t even realize were closed and become a powerful tool for personal growth.

I encourage you to take time to reflect and be intentional about your choices. Whether it’s rethinking your relationship with alcohol, setting boundaries, or breaking free from habits that no longer serve you, the message remains the same: YOU are the decider.

Connect with Amanda Kuda: 

Website: https://www.amandakuda.com 

21-Day Challenge: amandakuda.com/challenge (code TIWW for free challenge)

Book: https://a.co/d/fHooI5M 

IG: instagram.com/amandakuda

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Feeling like anxiety and panic are running the show? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing—anxiety isn’t supposed to be part of what it means to be doing woman’s work. Yet, so many of us experience it that it feels like it’s become part of the job description.

In this episode, we’re flipping the narrative from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What is my body trying to tell me?”—because it’s time to panic less and live more.

Our guest, Dr. Nicole Cain, is a trailblazer in integrative mental and emotional wellness. With a degree in clinical psychology, training in EMDR, and a license as a Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Cain takes a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical, psychological, and holistic health. She’s also the author of Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever.

If you’ve been feeling like anxiety is calling the shots, this conversation is here to remind you—you get the final word. Your body isn’t betraying you; it’s communicating with you. Thanks to Dr. Cain, you’ll learn it’s not about fixing what’s "wrong" but about tuning in, listening, and giving your body exactly what it needs.

So here’s to living lighter, loving harder, and reminding anxiety that we’re the ones in charge.

Connect with Dr. Nicole Cain:

Website: https://drnicolecain.com/

Free quiz: https://drnicolecain.com/anxiety-quiz

Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737883/panic-proof-by-dr-nicole-cain/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolecain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNicoleCain/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe-hcFYhi5QMmXcR_kNippQ/

Podcast: https://drnicolecain.com/podcast/

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Tired of hearing "do more" or "work harder" as the solution to every problem? You're not alone. For women—especially moms—working in environments that don’t prioritize efficiency, burnout is almost inevitable.

Enter Dr. Mithu Storoni, a physician, neuroscience researcher, and author of Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work. Trained at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Storoni is an expert in mental performance and stress management, advising global corporations on how to work effectively without sacrificing well-being.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into her revolutionary insights on how to become hyperefficient. From avoiding decision fatigue to structuring your day for maximum impact, you’ll leave this conversation armed with tools to optimize your brain, rethink productivity, and stop glorifying busyness.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Connect with Mithu Storin: 

Website: https://www.mithustoroni.com/ 

Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mithu-storoni/hyperefficient/9780316566933/

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Breathing—something we do every moment of every day—sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet, the way we breathe can shape our mood, energy, focus, and even our sense of purpose.

In today’s episode, we explore the transformative power of conscious, intentional breathing with Francesca Sipma, founder of Mastry and creator of HypnoBreathwork®, a revolutionary approach to accessing flow state and unlocking potential. Francesca is also the author of Unblock Your Purpose: Breathwork, Intuition, and Flow State.

Francesca has worked with top-level executives, celebrities, and athletes, helping them uncover their purpose, break through mental blocks, and tap into the flow. Now, she’s bringing her expertise straight to your earbuds.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Connect with Francesca Sipma: 

Website: http://www.FrancescaSipma.com 

Mastry App: https://mastryexperience.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sipma

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@francescasipma3678

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-sipma-28956613

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Together, we're redefining what it means, looks and feels like, to be doing "woman's work" in the world today. With confidence and the occasional rant.

From boardrooms to studios, kitchens to coding dens, we explore the multifaceted experiences of today's woman, confirming that the new definition of "woman's work" is whatever feels authentic, true, and right for you.

We're shedding expectations, setting aside the "shoulds", giving our finger to the "supposed tos". We're torching the old playbook and writing our own rules.

Who runs the world? You decide.

Learn more at nicolekalil.com

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Have you been thinking about quitting something—or someone—but can’t decide if it’s the right time? In this episode, Nicole Kalil is joined by Goli Kalkhoran, Master Certified Life Coach and host of the Lessons from a Quitter podcast, to break down the stigma around quitting and show how it can be a path to clarity and fulfillment.

Quitting isn’t about giving up; it’s about recognizing when it’s time to stop pouring energy into things that no longer serve you. Goli shares tools and inspiration to pivot toward something intentional, aligned, and meaningful.

In this episode, we explore:

Quitting is brave—it’s not about failure but about prioritizing your time, energy, and happiness. Trust yourself enough to pivot toward the life, career, and relationships you truly deserve. 

Connect with Goli Kalkhoran: 

Website: www.lessonsfromaquitter.com 

Free masterclass on quitting: www.quitterclub.com/class 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromaquitter/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessonsfromaquitter 

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Travel can be transformational—especially when you do it solo. In this episode, we’re joined by Megan Grant, Founder & Chief Memory Creator for Cherish Tours, to explore the joys, challenges, and empowerment of solo travel for women. With experience spanning 40 countries, including over 10 solo adventures, Megan’s mission is to inspire women to embrace travel as a tool for personal growth and transformation.

Solo travel isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about giving yourself permission to be with YOU. From choosing where to eat (without sharing your fries!) to experiencing the world on your terms, it’s an adventure worth taking.

In this episode, we explore:

Solo travel is your chance to connect with yourself, embrace your independence, and experience the world on your terms. The world is waiting—plan your next adventure today!

Connect with Megan: 

Website: www.gocherishtours.com ($100 off promo code using TIWWTRAVEL)

IG: https://www.instagram.com/gocherishtours/ 

FB: www.facebook.com/gocherishtours 

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I’m beyond excited to bring you the BEST of 2024—a roundup of our most listened-to, loved, and impactful episodes of the year! This might just be my favorite episode to record each year because it’s a chance to reflect on the amazing content, incredible guests, and powerful lessons we’ve shared.

For those of you who are new to This Is Woman’s Work, this episode is the perfect starting point, highlighting the episodes that resonated the most with our community. And for our longtime listeners, it’s a fun trip down memory lane and a great reminder to revisit the conversations that made the biggest impact.

Podcast Board Of Directors Alert! 📣 Join PodBOD to help shape the future of This Is Woman’s Work and share in its exciting growth.

Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024 - Click the links to listen to the full episodes highlighted here today:

🔗 #5 - Be A Likeable Badass with Alison Fragale | 230

🔗 #4 - Holler At Your Dreams with Judi Holler | 211

🔗 #3 - Abundance: Secrets to Prosperity and Ease with Cathy Heller | 260

🔗 #2 - 7 Keys To Unlock Your Dynamic Drive with Molly Fletcher | 229

🔗 #1 - The Resilience Myth with Soraya Chemaly | 249

🌟 Bonus Links:

Learn more about the This Is Woman’s Work podcast Board of Directors: https://nicolekalil.myflodesk.com/podbod 

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Introducing What Really Happens During a Presidential Transition from Pod Save America.

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In this free preview of Crooked's Friends of the Pod subscription show "Inside 2024," (subscribe here) Dan Pfeiffer, Alyssa Mastromonaco, and Caroline Reston dive deep into the history and drama of presidential transitions, break down the latest moves from President-Elect Trump’s transition team, and share some behind-the-scenes stories from their early days as fresh-faced staffers in the 2008 Obama White House

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

For more exclusive content, and to support Crooked's mission of building independent progressive media, subscribe now at crooked.com/friends or through the Pod Save America feed on Apple Podcasts.

We’re offering 25% off new annual Friends of the Pod subscriptions for a limited time only, through January 1st. A Friends of the Pod subscription is the single best way to help Crooked Media continue our mission of building a progressive, independent media company. Plus get access to ad-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, a Discord community, and more. Sign up today at crooked.com/friends or through the Pod Save America feed on Apple Podcasts.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].