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What if instead of fighting your anxiety, perfectionism, or that voice that says you're not good enough, you could actually befriend them? Tina Hallis introduces us to Internal Family Systems—a framework that says all those "difficult" parts of you are actually just trying to help. We dive into why positive thinking sometimes backfires, how to recognize when your parts are running the show, and what it means to lead from your true self. Tina shares her journey from biotech to IFS advocate and gives us practical tools (like her ALIGN model) for making peace with ourselves. Spoiler: being human isn't for sissies, but this conversation helps.

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https://thepositiveedge.net/

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What's Really Happening with Dr. Tesa Jordens

You've been told you're fine. Your labs came back normal. But you're not sleeping. Your anxiety is through the roof. Your body doesn't feel like yours anymore. And no one is listening.

Dr. Tesa Jordens knows why: menopause wasn't taught in medical school. She's a physician who left "big box medicine" to create 1988 Wellness — a telehealth practice where women in midlife are finally heard, validated, and treated like the complex humans they are.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Why women are being gaslit in healthcare (and why it's not your doctor's fault)
• The symptoms doctors miss: heart palpitations, joint pain, early waking, and the anxiety you can't explain
• What "you're fine" really means (your labs are normal, but you're in perimenopause)
• Why 99.9% of women should be on vaginal estrogen (yes, really)
• How telehealth is giving women their power back
• Why 1988 matters (hint: it's the year women could finally get a business loan without a male co-signer)

If you've been told "it's just stress" or "you need to lose weight" one more time, this episode is for you.

Connect with Dr. Tesa Jordens: Instagram: @1988wellness  Website: 1988wellness.com

Resources Mentioned:

• 1988 Wellness: https://1988wellness.com/
• Dr. Tesa Jordens on Instagram: @1988wellness
• HR 5050: The 1988 bill that changed everything for women entrepreneurs

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Dena Frisch has watched countless businesses rise and fall over her 20-year career in media. The ones that survive? They build trust, stay consistent, and show up for their audience — even when the platforms keep changing. In this episode, Dena shares what separates brands that become institutions from ones that fade away, why Brava's Women in Business focus transformed everything, and how she's preparing for the AI-driven future while staying grounded in what actually matters: real connection, honest storytelling, and celebrating the people who deserve to be seen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust is built over time, not one campaign. The businesses that succeed with Brava stay consistent—showing up month after month, building recognition in front of the right audience.
2. Sales isn't about pushing—it's about listening. The best salespeople are creative problem-solvers who help clients grow, not transactional order-takers.
3. Women supporting women is Madison's competitive advantage. When educated, successful women decide to help each other, magic happens. Brava became a force by leaning into this.
4. Adapt or die—but stay grounded in what matters. Media has changed completely in 20 years (remember rushing home for 90210?), but the fundamentals remain: tell good stories, build trust, celebrate real people.
5. The future belongs to niche brands. Generic magazines are dying. Brands that speak directly to specific audiences—like Brava's focus on accomplished women in business—will thrive.

Connect with Dena:

• Brava Magazine: bravamagazine.com
• Instagram: @bravamagazine
• Subscribe to Brava for FREE at bravamagazine.com

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Brava Magazine's Women to Watch event
• Persona Magazine (new brand from Nye Turner Media Group)
• Magazines: Southern Living, Midwest Living, Magnolia Journal
• The Skin Care Company we talk about

Host Note from Stephanie: "I've admired Dena for years—not just for what she's built with Brava, but for how she brings women together in Madison. This conversation reminded me why I love what I do: we're both in the business of making accomplished women feel seen, heard, and celebrated. If you've been hiding in the background while making everyone else look good, this episode is for you."

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In this deeply honest conversation, Steph sits down with Christie Bemis—psychotherapist, somatic sex educator, and relationship coach—to explore one of the most taboo topics in the Midwest: sex and eroticism.

Christie shares her personal journey from feeling "broken" during menopause to discovering her own erotic aliveness, and how that transformation impacted every area of her life. This episode dives into practical tools for couples who want to improve their intimate connection, including:

• How to take responsibility for your own turn-on
• The importance of the "yes, no, maybe" exercise
• Understanding your erotic blueprint (and why it matters)
• Why scheduling sex can actually be more exciting than spontaneous encounters
• Negotiation and communication skills that translate to all areas of partnership
• The connection between eroticism, spirituality, and overall life satisfaction

Whether you're in a relationship that feels stuck, curious about deepening your connection with your partner, or simply wanting to reclaim your own sense of pleasure and aliveness, this conversation offers a beacon of hope and practical guidance.

Christie reminds us that our erotic life isn't just about what happens in the bedroom—it's about cultivating a full "erotic garden" that includes how we move our bodies, connect with ourselves, and show up in the world.

Learn more about Christie Bemis:
Website: www.christiebemis.com
Resources mentioned: "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski, Erotic Blueprints by Jaya, Betty Martin's Wheel of Consent

This episode is for anyone ready to break free from shame, explore their desires, and create the relationship they truly want—not just the one they have.

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Betsy returns for her second episode to talk about what really happens when you turn 45—starting with that surprise box in the mail and her eye-opening colonoscopy experience (spoiler: "virtual" doesn't mean what you think it means).

But this conversation goes so much deeper. We discuss why health screenings matter, the women who shaped us as business owners (shoutout to Katie Couric and Jen's Alpine Cafe), and what it means to lead the next generation of women entrepreneurs in small-town America.

We also get real about the exhausting expectations of modern motherhood, why Christmas cookie baking is actually a multi-day event, the power suits of the 80s versus where we are now, and how we're learning to pause, listen, and accept what we can and can't control.

This is an honest conversation about being 45—the health stuff nobody talks about, the business lessons we're still learning, and why doing a little better each day is enough.

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What happens when women stop waiting for permission and just get outside?

In this episode, I sit down with Dineo Dowd—hiker, author, and women's empowerment guide—to talk about finding freedom on the trail, building sisterhood in nature, and why showing up for yourself doesn't have to be that serious.

From growing up in South Africa where she wasn't allowed in national parks to leading life-changing hiking trips for women around the world, Dineo's story will inspire you to take that first step—literally and figuratively.

This one's for every woman who's been waiting to feel "ready." Spoiler: you already are.

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https://wiadventurefamily.com/

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In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Francesca, a New York-trained makeup artist with 35+ years of experience and a gift for helping women feel beautiful in the skin they’re in. Together they explore the truth about beauty as an inside-out energy, why confidence shifts as we age, and how professional hair and makeup can elevate not just your photos — but your sense of self. They also dive into synchronicity, manifesting aligned connections, and the power of raising your frequency to call in what you desire. This episode is a warm invitation to celebrate your beauty, your age, and your inner fire… right now.

Learn More About Francesca:

https://www.facebook.com/makeupbyfrancescaj

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Courtney Feigl lives between Plain and Sauk City, raises Texas Longhorns, and has built Green Pastures Cattle Co. into a 76K-follower community—all while battling the voice in her head that says she's not good enough. In this raw conversation, Stephanie and Courtney talk about imposter syndrome, the weird psychology of social media engagement, and why "just okay" is the perfect place to start. Courtney shares how she went from working ER weekends to opening Ranch and Root co-op with friend Becca, how a Facebook auction idea transformed her husband's taxidermy business, and how co-hosting "Ag's Most Okayist Farm Girls" podcast (4K followers) opened doors she never imagined. They also get real about posting vulnerable content, raising daughters who see you use your voice, and why scary decisions always lead somewhere good. Plus: details on Courtney's "Four Shits and Giggles" event on January 17th at The Vintage.

The Event --->. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/for-shts-and-giggles-tickets-1703062368389?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=

Ag's Most Okays Farm Girls Podcast --->. https://open.spotify.com/show/6gK7PVhq2WX7vl2GA073SH

https://www.instagram.com/okayestfarmgirls/?hl=en

Green Pastures Cattle Co. ----> http://www.greenpasturescattleco.com/

https://www.instagram.com/greenpasturescattle/?hl=en

Ranch and Root Store:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Ranch-and-Root-Sauk-61560544507312/

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What if the holidays didn't have to be something you just survive? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Lacey Steffes, owner of Spa Serenity in downtown Baraboo, to talk about creating a holiday season that actually brings you joy.

They dive into the real struggles of the season - from old family dynamics and unhealthy coping mechanisms to the pressure of meeting everyone's expectations. But more importantly, they share practical strategies for setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and finding those micro-moments of joy that make the holidays feel good again.

Whether you're navigating family gatherings sober for the first time, trying to break cycles from your family of origin, or simply want to show up as your authentic self this season, this conversation offers permission to do things differently. From changing the day of Thanksgiving to taking a bath instead of staying late at a party, Stephanie and Lacey remind us that creating holidays on your own terms isn't selfish - it's necessary.

Plus, they share why downtown Baraboo is the perfect place to find human connection and a little retail therapy during the holiday season.

Key Takeaways:

• How to set boundaries with family without burning bridges
• The importance of pre-planning and clear communication
• Why finding your "third place" matters for mental health
• Practical coping mechanisms that don't involve alcohol
• Giving yourself grace when you slip into old patterns

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In this deeply honest episode of Unwritten, I sit down with my friend Jessica Summers — an author, speaker, and coach who has turned her own pain into purpose.

We talk about the things most people avoid: shame, silence, trauma, and the stories we were told to hide. Jessica opens up about her journey through survival, healing, and reclaiming her voice after years of being told she was “too much.”

This conversation is real, emotional, and at times heavy — but it’s also filled with light. It’s about remembering that transformation doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from truth.

If you’ve ever carried pain quietly, questioned your worth, or wondered if you could ever start again, this one’s for you. Because healing begins the moment you decide to stop hiding.

⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussions of sexual trauma and violence. Please take care while listening.

Book A Free Call with Jessica

https://jessica-summers.com/

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 🌿 This month’s sponsor: Pause Facial Bar — use code STEPH20 for 20% off your next visit when you book before December 1, 2025.

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