Micaéla Verrelien does it all: creative direction, hosting, modeling, content creation, and today, she graces the Too Smart For This pod to discuss investing in yourself, chasing your dreams, and more!

Show Notes:

• 4:09 Forging your own path rather than being swayed by the opinion of others
• 5:18 Your creative ambitions deserve your all or nothing
• 7:01 Leave what no longer serves you, but always have a plan
• 10:56 Book yourself for things you really want to do – invest in yourself
• 11:11 Doing what you need to do to get where you want to be
• 11:21 “No” means “Not right now”
• 16:40 Importance of being present and living moment to moment
• 18:36 How intuitive thinking allows you to make better decisions
• 19:11 Navigating the unhappiness of landing your “dream job”
• 19:24 Viewing the unknown with excitement, rather than trepidation
• 20:11 Finding comfort in the balance between happy and sad – regarding and accepting each emotion with equal weight
• 24:00 Accepting your body as is, not comparing yourself to others
• 25:25 Looking forward (not left, right, or to social media) for validation
• 27:20 You are your own competition
• 27:51 Finding inspiration in others
• 28:20 Importance of looking forward to what’s to come rather than lamenting the past
• 30:04 Finding the determination to pursue your dream even on bad days

Resources/Mentioned:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own by Shonda Rhimes
UnPrisoned on Hulu

Keep up with Micaéla!
@micaelaverrelien on Instagram
@micaelaverrelien on TikTok
@micaelaverrelien on Pinterest
@MVerrelien on Twitter
Micaéla Verrelien’s Website


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If Q1 didn't quite go the way you expected, this one's for you! In another solo episode, Alexis talks Q1 coming to an end, looking excitedly to Q2, business school, and her current lifestyle favorites!

Show Notes:
1:57 Life update
2:12 Dealing with burnout
3:13 Q1 goals didn’t quite come into fruition, but that’s okay!
4:27 Struggled to find structure and feel inspired amidst fluidity
5:26 Viewing these recent experiences as a new challenge or skill, not as something to overcome
6:27 A brief recap of getting into Wharton
8:37 Everything happens for a reason
12:04 Important of expanding your network in a product-based industry
14:17 Q1 Faves!
14:51 The benefits of meditating as soon as you wake up
16:30 Sleep routine
18:39 Regaining a sense of normalcy and connection with your body post-Birth Control
19:10 Hormone talk – listening to your body
21:21 Bodycare
23:13 Tips for dealing with Eczema
23:41 Skincare
25:53 Skin cycling to combat hyperpigmentation
26:01 Retinol, Faded Topicals, Lactic Acid, Moisturizer, Repeat
26:51 Hair struggles
28:39 Clothing I practically live in
29:26 Using Pinterest as a source of outfit inspo
29:43 What I’ve been eating!
30:24 The power of protein
30:37 Separate TikTok for inspiring content – workouts, recipes, motivation, etc
32:19 Two ways to get extra protein in your day!
33:21 Final Q1 favorite
33:30 Q2 Goals!

Mentioned:
Superhuman Meditations App: https://rb.gy/wqry
Chani App: https://rb.gy/5kvq
Headspace App: https://rb.gy/y9lr
Alive App: https://rb.gy/mpmg
Beam Dream Sleep Powder: https://rb.gy/rgd6
Oura Ring: https://rb.gy/haxu
In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life: https://rb.gy/3avs
JSHealth Magnesium Vitamins: https://rb.gy/wyay
L'occitane Shea Butter: https://rb.gy/wl6x
Ouai St Barths Body Cleanser: https://rb.gy/e5p7
Ouai St Barths Body Scrub: https://rb.gy/adnj
Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial Treatment by Joanna Vargas: https://rb.gy/i4yf
Summer Fridays Retinol: https://rb.gy/l16r
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid: https://rb.gy/6i9a
Topicals Faded Serum: https://rb.gy/d2l2
Laneige Moisturizer: https://rb.gy/1tsm
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: https://rb.gy/994i
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Creme: https://rb.gy/0tyi
Alo Yoga Sweatshirt: https://rb.gy/4c1n
Alo Yoga Sweatpants: https://rb.gy/t0xf
Beyond Yoga Top: https://rb.gy/vwze
Trader Joe’s Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings: https://rb.gy/sg8f
Ratio Protein Yogurt: https://rb.gy/kf5a
Premier Protein Shakes: https://rb.gy/553k
YSL Black Opium Perfume: https://rb.gy/7t0r

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
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This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

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With March coming to an end, it’s time to check in on how much progress you’ve made in your professional/personal goals! In today’s solo episode, Alexis dives into the strategies that allow her to both reflect on the past quarter, and make the most of the next.

Show Notes:
1:09 Planning goals in quarters allows you a flexibility that annual plans don’t offer
1:30 Think of each season as a quarter
2:25 Personal Q1 recap
3:27 Comparison is the thief of joy
3:45 Perfection is paralyzing
5:05 Ask yourself questions, check in with yourself, rather than being self-critical
5:55 Reframe your shortcomings – they aren’t setbacks but valuable information
6:11 Grant yourself grace
6:54 “Spring Reset” should come from a place of positivity rather than negativity
8:04 5 Steps to ensure a successful Spring Reset
8:06 #1 Spring cleaning; decluttering
9:22 Prioritize when it comes to cleaning out your closet
10:43 Reflect on these past few months: What went well? What didn’t?
11:38 #2 Intentionally journal: How are you feeling now? How have you been feeling? How do you want to feel in the future?
12:00 Acting vs feeling – how to go about cultivating the emotions you want
12:34 #3 Set minimum, viable goals that you’re more likely to accomplish
13:02 The world is not happening TO you, you create your own destiny
13:57 Spring as a time for “good enough” goals
16:36 #4 Create a quarterly vision board
18:01 #5 Social media detox – mute, unfollow, remove what doesn’t benefit you
22:06 PR product giveaway!

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Let’s talk time management! In today's solo episode, Alexis continues The Smart Girl’s Guide.

Show Notes:

1:24 Embracing discomfort after a big decision
3:22 Three pillars of time management: longtime goal setting, prioritization, boundaries
4:34 Setting ~realistic ~ goals
5:05 Think about how you want to feel, not what the outcome is
9:33 Boundaries as an act of self-preservation in achieving your future goals
9:50 Time management tips!
9:57 #1: Time Blocking
12:21 #2: Bookend your day with morning and evening rituals
12:34 Evening routines are essential for: planning, reflection, and pouring into yourself
13:04 Remember to show love to yourself
15:22 Monday Hour One
16:21 Scheduling gives you the confidence to take on your week
17:09 Grouping tasks as a way to promote efficiency
19:15 Using technology to become the You, you aspire to be
24:23 Audible vs Tangible reminders
24:45 Digital vs Physical calendar
25:48 Having a backup plan to avoid feeling overwhelmed

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Body acceptance - is it possible? Alexis is diving in in this new solo episode format!

Show Notes:
0:40 Let’s talk about loving your body!
3:32 Struggling with one’s appearance is a universal experience
3:50 Where do these unrealistic standards come from?
3:58 Before we pass judgement on others, we must heal first
4:04 What forces are women up against?
4:50 Society’s priorities for thinness don’t have to be our priorities
5:20 Questioning our backgrounds as a means to divest from societal body expectations
5:34 Let’s analyze body trends of the past few years!
6:23 Rampant fatphobia pervaded 2013 - 2016
6:55 Our perception of what was “large” was incredibly warped by the media
8:34 We’ve been exposed to dangerous rhetoric not just on the Internet, but also through tabloids in the grocery store line
9:05 What we glamorize online becomes the norm
9:58 Events like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show applauded thinness – making us believe our accomplishments didn’t matter if we weren’t thin
10:25 Impossible to discuss body trends without mentioning how the Kardashians have (negatively) impacted our culture
11:22 From 2016 - 2020 we saw a dialogue opening about women’s bodies – due in part to harmful things said by Trump
12:06 Comparing your body to others is a slippery, harmful slope
13:27 Despite models like Ashley Graham entering the mainstream, the belief that we can cultivate a body positive culture was cracking
14:16 Since 2020, we’ve entered a positivity era!
15:54 Podcast was started to reject belief that I need to look a certain way in order to be successful
16:26 2023 has brought open talks of plastic surgery and Ozempic use – people are unhappy with what they look like and are changing accordingly
17:01 Pressure of looking good or being thin has never left the mainstream
17:37 It’s impossible to let go of inner biases when we’re constantly told you need to look a certain way
17:52 It’s naive to think all women will accept themselves and not want to change further when society tells us to operate otherwise
22:19 Important to forgive yourself for having toxic thoughts – it’s natural to want to resemble the norm
24:54 We dont give our bodies enough credit!
25:11 You can’t hate yourself into loving yourself
25:30 Learn to trust your own intuition about your body
25:47 Give yourself grace! How can I be nicer to myself?
26:06 Do some research – knowing more about your body leads to a healthier life
27:25 Uncouple the idea that success and happiness are connected to what you look like
28:21 Need to consciously change your opinion on what bodies are “supposed” to look like

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
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Welcome back to TSFT ladies! Today we're diving into the popular concept of LUCKY GIRL SYNDROME!

2:00 Feeling “lucky” even without wealth
3:13 What does Lucky Girl Syndrome (LGS) look like?
3:33 Using LGS as a means of introducing positive thinking into your life
3:57 If you believe you’re lucky, you will be
4:12 Manifestation is imperative
7:13 Using vision boards and The Law of Assumption to create your own luck
9:14 Altering your mindset to mirror what you’re trying to manifest/attract
11:19 The more positive energy you throw into the universe, the more positive energy it gives you back
12:48 Setbacks can bring about new and positive possibilities
14:06 Everything works out in the way it’s supposed to
14:50 #1 Create the subconscious belief that you’re a lucky person
14:54 #2 Utilize the Law of Attraction to manifest your dream life
15:05 #3 Trust the process – everything is happening FOR you, not TO you
15:26 Utilizing daily affirmations to ground yourself
15:58 You are your greatest asset – start each day by checking in and reminding yourself what you want

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
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Are you arguing for your limitations? This week, Alexis is on the mic solo discussing a major mindset shift.

Show Notes:
(0:40) Being solutions-oriented is more worthwhile than dwelling on the negativity
(1:55) Finding balance amidst uncertainty
(2:40) Granting yourself grace is imperative
(5:33) Argue for your opportunities, not your limitations
(6:30) Using historical reflections as a vehicle for self-assurance
(7:18) Avoid resorting to negativity as a coping mechanism
(7:56) How self-doubt hinders your growth
(8:36) Emphasize the positive instead of the negatives
(9:04) Focusing on what could/does go wrong isn’t fruitful
(9:36) Importance of getting out of your comfort zone
(10:59) How to recognize and combat defeatist mindsets
(12:39) Using positive framing to embrace all that lies on the horizon
(13:23) You’ve come so far, and you’ve got to keep going
(15:30) You are your biggest and best advocate

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Get Daily Affirmation Texts: toocollective.norby.live
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Hi Baddies! OMG! It's the 100th Episode of TSFT! Plus we have the most exciting life update, maybe ever? Head to our IG where we're doing a giveaway to celebrate 100 episodes now :)

Show Notes:

4:35 What do you do when your dream job doesn’t fulfill you?
4:48 Understanding when to quit and walk away
5:30 Decide what, in your life, is most fulfilling and chase after it
9:59 Embarking on the lifelong journey of self-love, self-care, and self-discovery
11:52 Navigating the stress of post-graduate life without a strong familial support system
13:00 Four pieces of advice that have allowed me to navigate the confusion and chaos of the past few years
13:08 Have a plan, but be flexible!
13:42 Learning to adapt is essential for your growth and happiness
14:17 How to view setbacks as learning opportunities
14:54 Bigger and better things are always on the horizon
16:14 When you invest in yourself, that money always comes back to you
16:21 Viewing everything you do with the utmost importance will only allow you to succeed 17:23 Importance of taking time to connect with yourself
17:29 Morning and night routines are essential in building self-confidence
17:39 Doing things for yourself, not for others
18:37 How to bet on yourself

Resources/Mentioned
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

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Hello my friends and welcome back to Too Smart For This! This week's episode is with New York Times Bestselling Author Melody Beattie, who wrote the critically acclaimed CODEPENDENT NO MORE: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Since its publication in 1986, the book has sold over 7 million copies and continues to help countless readers heal. For the first time, Beattie unflinchingly reveals her personal story. She also addresses trauma and anxiety in an all-new chapter—subjects she has long felt necessary to address within the context of codependency. She has broadened the lens to address a wide range of compulsive behaviors—making the book even more relevant today than it was when it first entered the national conversation over 35 years ago. Glennon Doyle, Jen Hatmaker, Brené Brown, Whitney Cummings, and many others have been vocal about the importance of CODEPENDENT NO MORE in their lives—and this new edition is poised to reach a new generation of readers. Melody Beattie's compassionate and insightful look into codependency—the concept of losing oneself in the name of helping another—has guided millions of readers toward the understanding that they are powerless to change anyone but themselves and that caring for the self is where healing begins. With personal reflections, exercises, and instructive stories drawn from Beattie's own life and the lives of those she's counseled, CODEPENDENT NO MORE helps you break old patterns and maintain healthy boundaries, and offers a clear and achievable path to healing, hope, freedom, and happiness. For the book, shop here: https://amzn.to/3ROs7BJ   Shop Too Collective with discount code VALENTINES for 20% off this week: toocollective.com Get daily affirmation texts that remind you you’re THAT GIRL: toocollective.norby.live Subscribe to our Newsletter: toocollective.norby.live Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

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Hello my beautiful friends and welcome back to Too Smart For This! This week's guest is the incredible Olamide Olowe, CEO and founder of Topicals! Olamide Olowe is a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles where she was a pre-Med student and received a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Race, Ethnicity, and Politics and a minor in Entrepreneurship. In 2015, Olamide co-founded the beauty brand SheaGIRL, in partnership with SheaMoisture. Sundial Brands, parent company of SheaGIRL, was later acquired by Unilever in 2017. Currently, Olamide is the founder and CEO of Topicals, a skincare company transforming the way people feel about skin through effective products for eczema and hyperpigmentation. Olamide is passionate about harnessing the power of culture, technology, and science to improve the relationship between women of color and the beauty industry. She has received notable recognition from Harvard Business School, Google, the PAC12, and the UCLA Alumni Association. The platform she mentioned re: her entrepreneurial advice launches next week, and we will update the show notes then! Follow Olamide: https://www.instagram.com/olamideaolowe/ Follow Topicals: https://www.instagram.com/topicals/ Shop Topicals: https://mytopicals.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2RlbW1Q37-dptyOOUySuM264Qsm2LhaxKxNbMvt_AhYDgNpCi-7bAqYaAj7nEALw_wcB Shop Too Collective: https://toocollective.com/ [use code PODCAST15 for a discount at checkout!] Follow Too Collective: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/ Follow Alexis: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/ 


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