The Best Brand Is Being You: A Tribute to Dolly Parton & Gloria Steinem

Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem looked nothing alike, but they mastered the same rare skill: they stayed themselves for decades while the whole world tried to hand them a script. That contrast is where we start, because it shines a light on a question so many of us carry quietly, especially in midlife and beyond: when did I stop being a person and start acting like a “brand”?  We pull a surprising lesson from Ted Lasso, where the advice to “package it right” gets flipped into something truer: the best brand is just being yourself. From there, we unpack how social media, career identity, caregiving roles, and constant visibility pressure can turn women into careful performers. I share why “Empress energy” is not a costume, a crown, or another label to chase, but an embodiment of confidence, self-trust, and self-leadership that already exists under the layers.  You’ll hear practical language for getting back to your center through values, not image management. We talk about values as compass points and name the ones that come up again and again in women’s wisdom years: authenticity, sovereignty, connection, freedom, creativity, groundedness, integrity, vitality, service, and wisdom. You’ll also get a simple prompt to challenge old labels and make one decision this week from what’s non-negotiable for you, not what’s familiar.  If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s tired of performing, and leave a review so more women can find Chat Off the Mat. What’s one value you’re choosing to live by right now? Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging. Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience. For Women Ready to Rise. 📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging.  If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat. ⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts Sum Of All Skin Care Affiliate Link: https://sumofall.com/?ref=ROSEWIPPICH  Use code: RoseW10 for 10% off Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat © 2026 Rose Wippich