The FEEL Podcast: Women’s Empowerment, Emotional Wellness and Self-Leadership with Melissa Crook

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcastIn this heart-centered episode of The FEEL Podcast, Jessica Vanrose of the Life After Trauma Podcast joins us for a powerful conversation on emotional regulation, nervous system healing, authenticity, and recovery after trauma. Following Melissa’s appearance on Jessica’s two-part series Choosing You: Self-Care, Boundaries, and Breaking the Good Girl Script, Jessica returns to share her own insights on emotional wellness, self-awareness, and learning how to stop shrinking yourself to fit the expectations of others.Together, we explore how emotional suppression can lead to burnout, overwhelm, and unresolved trauma patterns, especially for women conditioned to prioritize everyone else’s comfort over their own needs. Jessica explains why emotional health is not about “fixing” every feeling, but instead about acknowledging emotions with compassion and revisiting them when you have the capacity to process them safely.A central theme of this episode is nervous system regulation and the idea that regulation is better than resolution. Rather than constantly searching for answers or trying to solve every emotional experience immediately, Jessica encourages listeners to focus on creating emotional safety through mindfulness, movement, emotional check-ins, and healthy boundaries.We also dive into authenticity, people-pleasing recovery, and breaking free from the “good girl” script that teaches women to stay small, quiet, and accommodating. Jessica shares how embracing all parts of herself transformed her confidence, relationships, gratitude, and inner peace—reminding listeners that healing is not about perfection, but permission.This episode is for anyone navigating trauma healing, emotional overwhelm, self-love, or the journey toward authentic living and emotional resilience.Ways To Engage: The next time overwhelming emotions arise and you don’t have the space to process them fully, try saying:“I acknowledge these feelings, and I will revisit them when I have the capacity.”Then intentionally return to those emotions later with compassion, curiosity, and care. Healing begins when we stop abandoning ourselves.Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:49 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 7:49 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 12:41 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 18:06 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 23:51 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 25:09 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 30:03 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:30 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 53:07 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 54:18 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis#SelfCare #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthPodcast #EmotionalWellness #NervousSystemRegulation #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #SelfLoveJourney #BoundariesMatter #PeoplePleasingRecovery #MindsetShift #WomenEmpowerment #EmotionalHealing #InnerHealing #PodcastRecommendations #TherapyTalk #MindBodyConnection #HealingAfterTrauma #MentalHealthAwareness✨ Free Download: Embracing a FEEL Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7adIn this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.Want to be a guest on The FEEL Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcastIn this empowering solo episode of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa Crook explores what it truly means to Live Out FEEL (Finding Empowerment, Embracing Layers) and how embracing your authentic self can transform your mindset, relationships, emotional wellness, and everyday life.Through honest reflection and encouragement, Melissa dives into the importance of self-awareness, healthy boundaries, intentional self-care practices, and mindset transformation for women navigating personal growth and healing. This women empowerment podcast episode serves as a reminder that true empowerment begins internally — by reconnecting with who you are beneath societal expectations, pressure, and performance.Melissa shares how the self-love journey, healing journey, and personal transformation journey are deeply interconnected. By prioritizing your mental health and wellness, emotional resilience, spiritual and emotional healing, and overall well-being, you create space to live more intentionally and authentically.Listeners will walk away inspired to:• Embrace every layer of themselves — past, present, and future• Set and maintain healthy boundaries rooted in self-worth• Practice intentional self-care and self-love• Build confidence and emotional resilience• Live authentically without guilt or apology• Support and empower other women through authenticity and compassion• Create meaningful relationships grounded in honesty and alignment• Align daily decisions with personal values, purpose, and intentional livingThis episode also explores authentic self development, self-discovery journey practices, and how confidence and self-worth grow when you stop abandoning yourself to meet external expectations. Melissa reminds listeners that empowerment coaching and personal growth are not about perfection — they are about becoming more connected to your authentic self over time.Melissa also shares this powerful reminder:“You are worthy, you are valuable, and you get to choose.”Whether you are beginning your healing and growth journey or deepening your commitment to authentic living, this conversation offers grounded encouragement, practical reflection, and support for becoming the most aligned version of yourself.• Revisit previous solo empowerment episodes and reflect on your personal growth journey• Download the Embracing a FEEL Fueled Life freebie• Schedule a complimentary 30-minute session with Melissa for deeper support and empowerment • Reflect honestly on which areas of self-empowerment feel strongest and which need more nurturing#SelfLove#WomenEmpowerment#PersonalGrowth#MentalHealthAwareness#AuthenticSelf#SelfCareJourney#HealingJourney#EmpoweredWomen#MindsetShift#EmotionalWellness#HealthyBoundaries#ConfidenceBuilding#SpiritualGrowth#AuthenticLiving#SelfWorth✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7adBook a complimentary 30-minute session to deepen your healing journey - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa C⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠⁠In this deeply emotional episode of The FEEL Podcast, Tiffiny Newton shares her journey through emotional abuse, toxic relationships, self-harm, and trauma recovery; offering an honest look at the long-term mental health impact of surviving a controlling relationship. Her story sheds light on the hidden realities of emotional abuse, including gaslighting, manipulation, isolation, and the gradual loss of self-worth many survivors experience in silence.Tiffiny opens up about how abuse often goes unrecognized because it does not always leave physical marks. She reflects on the painful cycle of people-pleasing, self-blame, and emotional exhaustion that kept her trapped in an unhealthy relationship, constantly believing she needed to become “better” to avoid conflict or pain.This conversation explores the complexity of leaving abusive relationships and why healing after trauma requires more than simply walking away. Tiffiny shares the emotional strength, strategic planning, and support systems that helped her leave safely, while emphasizing the importance of domestic violence awareness, survivor resources, and compassionate support for those navigating similar situations.A major focus of this episode is rebuilding identity after abuse. Tiffiny discusses learning how to establish healthy boundaries, recognize controlling behaviors, and reconnect with herself after years of emotional invalidation. Her story highlights how boundaries protect mental health, emotional safety, and self-respect—and how healing begins when survivors stop minimizing their experiences and start honoring their truth.Tiffiny is also the author of Behind the Smile, written to help loved ones recognize the signs of emotional abuse and better support those suffering in silence.This episode is a reminder that your feelings are valid, healing is possible, and you deserve relationships rooted in safety, respect, and care.Ways to Engage:Take time to acknowledge your growth and resilience.Healing is not linear, and every step forward matters. Give yourself permission to honor your progress with compassion and grace.Resources & Support:Mental Health & Self-Harm Support📞 Call or Text 988Domestic Violence Support📞 Call 800-799-7233📱 Text BEGIN to 88788Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:34 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 16:26 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 19:48 )Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 27:57 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 33:05 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 41:31 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 44:20 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 47:29 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 51:48 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 54:38 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis#DomesticViolenceAwareness #EmotionalAbuse #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #SelfWorth #HealthyBoundaries #WomenEmpowerment #SelfCareJourney #ToxicRelationships #GaslightingAwareness #AbuseRecovery #BreakTheSilence #EmotionalHealing #SurvivorStory #SelfLove #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingFromTrauma #PersonalGrowth #RelationshipHealing✨ Free Download: Embracing a FEEL Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7adIn this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.Want to be a guest on The FEEL Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcastIn this powerful episode of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa Crook dives into the life-changing conversation around personal expectations, healthy boundaries, self-worth, and living authentically. So many people unconsciously shape their lives around societal expectations, family pressure, cultural conditioning, relationship dynamics, or career identities without ever pausing to ask themselves what they truly want.Melissa explores how external expectations influence our daily decisions, emotional wellness, relationships, and overall life direction. Through reflective questions and practical insight, this women’s empowerment podcast conversation encourages listeners to reconnect with their authentic self and begin living in alignment with their values instead of seeking validation from others.This episode invites you to pause and ask:• What do I actually care about?• What do I want my life to look like?• Am I living authentically?• Are my choices rooted in my values or someone else’s expectations?Melissa unpacks the importance of self-awareness, emotional healing, communication skills, and mindset transformation when breaking free from people pleasing and external pressure. She explains why unlearning unhealthy patterns can feel uncomfortable at first, but ultimately leads to greater confidence, freedom, and inner alignment.You’ll also hear practical encouragement on:• How to identify what genuinely nourishes your mind, body, and spirit• Why communication is essential when navigating life changes• The difference between healthy communication and overexplaining• How to stop people pleasing and start honoring yourself• Ways to align your calendar, actions, and energy with your authentic identity• Why choosing yourself is necessary for emotional wellness and sustainable growthIf you’ve struggled with burnout, identity loss, fear of disappointing others, or difficulty setting boundaries, this personal growth podcast episode offers grounded support and actionable reflection to help you reconnect with yourself and create a more intentional life.✨ In This Episode We Discuss• Living authentically• Personal expectations vs societal expectations• Healthy boundaries and confidence• Emotional healing and self-discovery• Communication in relationships• Identity, purpose, and intentional living• Breaking free from people pleasing• Honoring yourself unapologetically• Identify activities that genuinely nourish your life• Reflect on your core values and character traits• Ask yourself whether your daily life aligns with your authentic self• Practice communicating your needs clearly and confidently• Be patient with yourself as you unlearn unhealthy expectations#PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #AuthenticLiving #HealthyBoundaries #SelfAwareness #PeoplePleasing #MentalHealth #EmotionalWellness #HealingJourney #MindsetShift #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #IntentionalLiving #CommunicationSkills #SelfLoveJourneyWays to Engage: Identify activities that nourish you, name your character traits, and describe who you are. Does your calendar reflect this? Do your actions and activities align with who you are? Or does this come from other people? Be honest & patient with yourself on this journey . It isn’t easy to undo a lot of the learnings we’ve had. You get to choose to live your life the way you want to live it. ✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7adBook a complimentary 30-minute session to deepen your healing journey - ⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact⁠⁠Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Original Music by Valencia & Rio Saint-Louis

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠⁠In this empowering episode of The FEEL Podcast, Irina Helm shares her journey toward financial independence, authentic living, and redefining what it truly means to be “rich.” Drawing from her experiences living across the former Soviet Union, Germany, and Israel, Irina reflects on how cultural conditioning, gender expectations, and silence around money shaped her relationship with wealth, confidence, and self-worth.This conversation explores financial empowerment for women and the importance of breaking generational and societal money taboos that often leave women disconnected from financial literacy and long-term financial confidence. Irina opens up about overcoming financial fear, shifting her money mindset, and learning to advocate for her value in business and life.Together, we discuss practical strategies for saving money, building financial independence, and redefining success beyond outdated ideas of wealth and retirement. Rather than chasing external validation or perfection, Irina encourages women to create a lifestyle rooted in freedom, alignment, and intentional growth.This episode is for women seeking a healthier relationship with money, greater confidence in business, and a mindset rooted in empowerment rather than scarcity. Through vulnerability and wisdom, Irina reminds listeners that financial growth and personal growth are deeply connected, and that authentic success begins when you stop shrinking yourself and start owning your worth.In This Episode, You’ll Explore• Financial literacy and money mindset shifts for women• Overcoming financial fear and limiting beliefs• Building confidence in business and asking for your worth• Redefining wealth, retirement, and authentic success• Practical approaches to saving, growth, and financial independenceWays to Engage: What are some ways you can become more educated with finances? Take a class, reach out to an advisor, or listen to some of our past episodes that feature financial experts, coaches, or advisors. Where are some ways you can save? Start small. Take back your finances and your power. Timestamps:Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:49 )Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 4:40 )Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 8:56 )Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 23:04 )Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 35:39 )Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 37:21 )Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 42:41 )5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 47:12 )5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 47:50 )Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis#FinancialEmpowerment #WomenInFinance #MoneyMindset #FinancialFreedom #PersonalFinanceTips #WomenEmpowerment #SelfLoveJourney #AuthenticLiving #WealthBuilding #FinancialLiteracy #EntrepreneurMindset #PodcastForWomen #MoneyManagement #ConfidenceBuilding #WomenInBusiness #MindsetShift #FinancialIndependence #SelfGrowthPodcast #EmpoweredWomen✨ Free Download: Embracing a FEEL Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7adThis downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are, beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.Want to be a guest on The FEEL Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠