Why is it so hard to choose ourselves - even when we know it’s the right thing to do? Andrea Owen, bestselling author of How to Stop Feeling Like Shit and Make Some Noise, joins Kara to unpack what’s really behind self-abandonment, the cost of ignoring our intuition, and how to start setting better boundaries.

In this honest, funny, and empowering episode, Kara and Andrea talk about how our culture teaches women to put everyone else first, why self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism, and what it actually looks like to build a life you’re proud of.

Listen in for insights on:

The hidden cost of putting others first

Why self-compassion outperforms tough love

How to listen to your intuition (and act on it)

Building boundaries and letting go of resentment

What it really takes to transform your life

Chapters:

(00:03:15) Meet Andrea Owen: Author, Speaker, and Women’s Coach

(00:04:05) Why We Ignore Intuition and Choose Self-Abandonment

(00:06:20) How Culture Teaches Women to Put Others First

(00:10:50) Listening to Intuition and Learning to Trust Yourself

(00:14:00) The Role of Coaching in Identity and Transformation

(00:17:55) Boundaries, Resentment, and Emotional Labor

(00:21:20) Why Self-Compassion Works Better Than Tough Love

(00:26:40) What to Do When Your Relationships Aren’t Growing

(00:31:35) How to Tell When It’s Time to Walk Away

(00:34:50) Entrepreneurship, Success, and Self-Worth

(00:44:40) Creating Safety and Living Intentionally

(00:50:10) What Andrea’s Rebuilding and Kara’s Final Reflection

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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