The Bigger Braver Life Show

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Bigger Braver Life Show. I’m Angela Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and leadership mindset coach, and this season, I’m exploring something I care deeply about: the intersection of leadership, mental health, creativity, and nervous-system capacity.In today’s episode, I’m sharing a special collaborative conversation originally recorded on Jacqueline Paumier’s podcast, Default Disrupted — a show for the chain breakers and change makers who are challenging the default settings in their industries.Jacqueline (brand whisperer + creative visionary) invited me into a powerful discussion about what it really looks like to lead through identity shifts, navigate the “messy middle” of becoming more visible, and stop letting nervous-system fear disguise itself as perfectionism, procrastination, or “waiting for the right time.”We also talk about why internal work and external brand work shouldn’t live in separate silos — and how our collaboration supports leaders who are building bold brands without abandoning their authenticity, humanity, or capacity.This conversation is honest, high-impact, and deeply validating — especially if you’re in a season where you’re evolving, expanding, and feeling the internal resistance that comes with stepping into the next version of you.In This Episode, We Discuss:🔥 Disrupting the Default Version of YouWhat changes when you introduce yourself as who you truly are — not the watered-down, “status quo” version.🧠 Identity Shifts & Nervous-System ResistanceWhy even desired growth can trigger fear, avoidance, and shutdown — and how to recognize the signs.⏳ Perfectionism as Self-Protection“Do it ugly, not perfect” — and how waiting for the perfect moment can actually be your nervous system trying to keep you safe.🚫 Self-Sabotage Patterns That Look Like “Rest”How procrastination, avoidance, overthinking, and emotional numbing can quietly block your next level.💬 Unfiltered Branding & Being Fully SeenWhy leaders often show 80–90% of themselves publicly — and how the last 10% can be the key to breaking through the ceiling.🤝 The Power of Holistic SupportWhy brand work + mindset work together creates faster clarity, deeper confidence, and more sustainable expansion.🌿 Marketing Without Losing Your IntegrityReframing visibility, selling, and storytelling as connection and problem-solving — not performance or pressure.Resources & Next StepsStart your self-development journey with Angela:1:1 Leadership & Mindset Coaching🌐 Website: https://angelamarie.co📩 Join the newsletter for weekly leadership + nervous-system insightsConnect with Jacqueline Paumier & Default Disrupted:🎙️ Podcast: Default Disrupted🌐 Collaborative offers + brand direction: https://emboldenproductions.comIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to subscribe to The Bigger Braver Life Show and leave a review — it helps more leaders find these conversations and gives the show room to grow.And if you’re listening thinking, “This is me — I’m in the messy middle of becoming.”You’re not behind. You’re in the becoming.Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Podcast and leave a review so it reaches more leaders like you!You can reach Angela here: Instagram & LinkedIn @theangelamariewilliamsLearn more, add more resources to your toolkit, and apply to work with Angela here: https://www.angelamarie.co/Music Credit: Produced by G-Rod*While Angela is a licensed psychotherapist, this show is purely for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health advice.

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Bigger Braver Life Show. I’m Angela Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and leadership mindset coach, and this season, I’m exploring something I care deeply about: the intersection of leadership, mental health, creativity, and nervous-system capacity.In this episode, I’m joined by Hélène Parker, founder and CEO of Hélène Parker Consulting, a programmatic media solutions company that offers training and workshops for teams who want to become more knowledgeable, confident, and efficient in the world of digital advertising and programmatic media.Hélène is also personally special to this show because she was one of the inspiring forces behind this podcast launch. She encouraged me to start before I felt “ready,” reminding me that someone needed to hear these conversations now, not later — and that perfectionism is often just fear dressed up as strategy. Her message was simple and powerful: do it ugly, not perfect — then adjust and optimize.Hélène's journey as an entrepreneur is rooted in both skill and resilience. After years working in ad agencies and navigating the reality of being a woman of color whose voice was often minimized, she chose to build something of her own. What started as freelance programmatic support quickly evolved into a thriving consulting company, a training accelerator program for junior talent, and a bigger mission: helping people grow their skills, expand their opportunities, and step into work that fits their strengths and lifestyle.This conversation is equal parts practical and empowering — especially for founders, CEOs, and emerging leaders who are building offers, learning marketing, and working through the mindset shifts required to grow something sustainable.In This Episode, We Discuss:📣 Do It Ugly, Not PerfectWhy waiting for the “right time” keeps you stuck — and how momentum is built through action, not perfection.🎯 What Programmatic Advertising Actually IsA clear breakdown of programmatic media (and where you’re seeing it every day — streaming platforms, apps, digital screens, and more).📈 Marketing Strategy for Business OwnersWhy paid ads shouldn’t replace organic marketing — and how to use ads to complement strong content and outreach.🧠 Mindset, Coaching & Leadership GrowthWhy talent isn’t enough without mindset support — and how coaching accelerates clarity, confidence, and execution.💼 From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Led BusinessEllen’s shift from agency life and code-switching to building a business rooted in her voice, expertise, and values.🌱 Building & Scaling a Training ProgramHow Ellen’s “start small, improve as you go” approach helped her create a successful accelerator — and why iteration is the real path to growth.✨ Purpose Over PressureWhy no market is truly saturated — and how finding your purpose (or “zone of genius”) makes it easier to stay consistent through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.Resources & Next StepsStart your self-development journey with Angela:1:1 Leadership & Mindset CoachingConnect with Hélène Parker & Hélène Parker Consulting:🌐 Website: https://heleneparker.com📩 Email: [email protected]🎙️ Podcast: Programmatic Digest📸 Instagram: @programmaticdigestpodcastIf this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe to The Bigger Braver Life Show and leave a review — it helps more leaders find these conversations and keeps this work growing.For questions, collaborations, or coaching inquiries, contact Angela at [email protected] and join the newsletter for weekly leadership and nervous-system insights.Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Podcast and leave a review so it reaches more leaders like you!You can reach Angela here: Instagram & LinkedIn @theangelamariewilliamsLearn more, add more resources to your toolkit, and apply to work with Angela here: https://www.angelamarie.co/Music Credit: Produced by G-Rod*While Angela is a licensed psychotherapist, this show is purely for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health advice.

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Bigger Braver Life Show. I’m Angela Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and leadership mindset coach, and this season, I’m exploring something I care deeply about: the intersection of leadership, mental health, creativity, embodiment, and nervous-system capacity.In this episode, I’m joined by Bunny Divine, a burlesque performer, showgirl, choreographer, show producer, teacher, and visionary — and the headmistress of a one-of-a-kind Showgirls School in Switzerland. Through the art of burlesque and striptease, Bunny empowers women to bring fun, confidence, and embodied self-trust back into their lives.Bunny’s journey into burlesque began just a few years ago, challenging the belief that creativity, dance, or self-expression must start early in life. What began as curiosity quickly became expansion — leading to the creation of her own school, performance troupe, online programs, and a growing international community of students.Her work is rooted in the belief that embodiment, play, and pleasure are not indulgences — they are pathways to confidence, intuition, and personal power. Through safe, consent-centered spaces, Bunny helps women reconnect with their bodies, trust their instincts, and explore all facets of who they are.This conversation is playful, expansive, and deeply affirming — especially for leaders, creatives, and women who want to reclaim joy, confidence, and intuitive leadership in a world that often demands constant productivity.In This Episode, We Discuss:💃 Embodied Leadership & Burlesque as Self-ExpressionHow burlesque shifts women from object to subject — reclaiming agency, choice, and power.🔥 Starting Later & Expanding AnywayWhy it’s never too late to begin something new — and how desire and curiosity fuel growth.🧠 Embodiment, Intuition & Nervous-System TrustHow listening to your body strengthens boundaries, decision-making, and leadership confidence.🎨 Creativity, Play & ConfidenceWhy fun is not frivolous — and how play builds resilience, magnetism, and self-trust.👠 Feminine Power Without ShameReframing femininity as strong, wise, and powerful — not weak or performative.🌍 Community, Safety & Self-ExpressionHow Bunny created inclusive spaces for exploration, consent, and creative freedom — both in person and online.✨ The Three Rules of Burlesque (and Life)Have fun. Have fun. And remember: everything is a can, nothing is a must.Resources & Next StepsStart your self-development journey with Angela:1:1 Leadership & Mindset CoachingConnect with Bunny Divine:📸 Instagram: @bunnydivine🎭 Patreon: Burlesque with Bunny (online classes & embodiment practices)If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe to The Bigger Braver Life Show and leave a review — it helps more leaders find these conversations.For questions, collaborations, or coaching inquiries, contact Angela at [email protected] and join the newsletter for weekly leadership and nervous-system insights.This episode is a reminder: leadership doesn’t have to be rigid — it can be playful, embodied, and deeply human.Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Podcast and leave a review so it reaches more leaders like you!You can reach Angela here: Instagram & LinkedIn @theangelamariewilliamsLearn more, add more resources to your toolkit, and apply to work with Angela here: https://www.angelamarie.co/Music Credit: Produced by G-Rod*While Angela is a licensed psychotherapist, this show is purely for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health advice.

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Bigger Braver Life Show. I’m Angela Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and leadership mindset coach, and this season, I’m exploring something I care deeply about: the intersection of leadership, mental health, creativity, and nervous-system capacity.In this episode, I’m joined by Michele Selon Miles, an occupational therapist, menopause coach, and founder of She’s Balanced. Michele offers holistic support for women navigating perimenopause and menopause — especially leaders balancing careers, families, faith, and personal well-being during major life transitions.Michele’s work was inspired by her own lived experience with perimenopause and the realization that far too many women are struggling in silence. Through education, coaching, and community, her mission is to help women care for their health, regulate their nervous systems, and move forward with clarity, compassion, and balance.She’s Balanced welcomes women of all backgrounds and is rooted in faith, understanding, and whole-person wellness. Michele is also a wife, mother of three, and a passionate advocate for mental health, community support, and honest conversations about women’s health.This conversation is practical, compassionate, and deeply validating — especially for women leaders who feel pressure to “do it all” while quietly managing physical, emotional, and hormonal changes.**Michele's note for a correction in the podcast: Women of color experience more menopausal symptoms and issues with this transition due to environmental and social economic conditions and racial issues. See more here: https://news.umich.edu/25-years-of-research-shows-insidious-effect-of-racism-on-black-womens-menopausal-transition-health/In This Episode, We Discuss:🌿 Leadership Through Life TransitionsWhy menopause and perimenopause are leadership issues — and how health directly impacts decision-making, focus, and resilience.🧠 Perimenopause Symptoms & Nervous-System AwarenessBrain fog, sleep disruption, emotional shifts, and why lab work doesn’t always tell the full story.💬 Permission to Ask for SupportWhy community, coaching, therapy, and professional guidance are essential — not optional — during high-stress seasons.🏃🏾‍♀️ Holistic Menopause SupportHormonal and non-hormonal options, supplements, acupuncture, movement, strength training, and nervous-system regulation tools.🤝 Community, Connection & Leadership HealthHow isolation impacts women post-COVID and why in-person networking and aligned support systems matter more than ever.💛 Mental Health Without ShameBreaking cultural taboos around counseling, emotional support, and asking for help as a high-capacity woman.🌱 Balance, Faith & IdentityMichelle shares how faith, prayer, and self-compassion shape her leadership and coaching philosophy.Resources & Next StepsStart your self-development journey with Angela:1:1 Leadership & Mindset CoachingConnect with Michele Miles & She’s Balance:🌐 Website: https://shesbalanced.com📸 Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & Facebook: @ShesBalancedMichele also offers a free 20-minute consultation for women looking for personalized menopause and perimenopause support.For questions, collaborations, or coaching inquiries, contact Angela at [email protected] and join the newsletter for weekly leadership and nervous-system insights.This episode is a reminder: you don’t need to be superwoman, you need support, awareness, and permission to care for yourself fully.Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Podcast and leave a review so it reaches more leaders like you!You can reach Angela here: Instagram & LinkedIn @theangelamariewilliamsLearn more, add more resources to your toolkit, and apply to work with Angela here: https://www.angelamarie.co/Music Credit: Produced by G-Rod*While Angela is a licensed psychotherapist, this show is purely for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health advice.

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Bigger Braver Life Show. I’m Angela Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and leadership mindset coach, and this season, I’m exploring something I care deeply about: the intersection of leadership, mental health, creativity, and nervous-system capacity.I’m honored to welcome Marlys Woods, a board-certified music therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist (CA & CO). Marlys holds an undergraduate degree in music with an emphasis in music therapy and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University.She is the founder and CEO of Get In Tune Inc, a music therapy practice specializing in mental health treatment. Her team provides services in person throughout CA and CO, and globally via telehealth. Their mission is powerful and clear: to teach anyone struggling with mental health how to use creativity to accelerate their healing, regulate their nervous system, and transform their lives.Marlys envisions a world where every one of us knows how to feel and face our emotions not suppress them so we can create true freedom in our lives.Through individual sessions, DIY music therapy resources, treatment center partnerships, and therapist trainings, Marlys and her team are making that vision a reality.She is also a devoted community mental health advocate, collaborating with clinicians, speaking at conferences, and sharing her work on podcasts across the country.This conversation is rich, honest, and deeply human especially for leaders, creatives, parents, and anyone who feels like they’re “doing everything right” while quietly holding emotional weight.In This Episode, We Discuss:🎵 Music as Medicine & MirrorHow music naturally brings buried emotions to the surface — and how to use it intentionally rather than unconsciously.🌱 The Feel It → Face It → Freedom MethodThe therapeutic process Marlys created to help people identify emotions, process them creatively, and then communicate what’s truly happening inside.👤 Inner Child LeadershipWhy stress pulls your younger self to the surface — and why addressing the emotional needs of that younger self is essential for adult leadership.🎨 Creativity as Self-AwarenessWhy creativity isn’t just for “artists” — and how cooking, movement, music, journaling, or even problem-solving can help regulate your nervous system.🧠 Nervous-System LeadershipHow music becomes an “audio hug,” grounding your body, expanding capacity, and helping you lead from clarity rather than panic.🌍 Burnout, Permission & Rediscovering JoyMarlys shares how burnout reshaped her identity, how she gave herself permission to step back from music, and how traveling the world as a digital nomad rebuilt her relationship to creativity and emotion.✨ Reclaiming Your VoiceHer journey from hiding her voice to using it as a tool for healing for herself and for others.Resources & Next StepsStart your self-development journey with Angela:1:1 Leadership & Mindset CoachingConnect with Marlys Woods & Get In TuneWebsite: https://getintunemusictherapy.comSocial Media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/getintunemusictherapyFacebook: https://facebook.com/getintunemusictherapyContact Angela at [email protected] and join the newsletter today!Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Podcast and leave a review so it reaches more leaders like you!You can reach Angela here: Instagram & LinkedIn @theangelamariewilliamsLearn more, add more resources to your toolkit, and apply to work with Angela here: https://www.angelamarie.co/Music Credit: Produced by G-Rod*While Angela is a licensed psychotherapist, this show is purely for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health advice.