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In episode 147 of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down with Becky Vollmer, a speaker, yoga teacher, and author to unpack what it truly means to be "stuck"—and more importantly, how to move beyond it. Through humor, vulnerability, and powerful insights, they explore self-trust, questioning societal expectations, and embracing personal evolution. As the creator of You Are Not Stuck, a movement that empowers people to pursue the lives they most deeply desire, Becky is a leading voice in the sobriety and recovery community, guiding individuals and groups through movement, breathwork, self-exploration, and action planning across the country. This conversation dives into self-trust, questioning societal expectations, and embracing personal evolution. From tackling fears and limiting beliefs to redefining success and self-worth, this episode is an invitation to step into freedom, trust your inner stardust, and live a life that aligns with your values.

"The opposite of fear isn’t just courage—it’s choice." - Becky Vollmer

Key Takeaways
🔹 The Difference Between Stagnation and Stuckness – You're not actually stuck; you might just be facing fear, uncertainty, or difficult choices.
🔹 The Power of Reflection – We don’t learn from experience alone, but from reflecting on it.
🔹 Trust Your Stardust – We all have an inner wisdom guiding us—if we learn to trust it.
🔹 Permission to Feel and Accept – Healing starts with acknowledging wounds instead of covering them with band-aids.
🔹 The Myth of Other People’s Expectations – So many of the "rules" we follow aren't even ours. Question them.
🔹 Aligning with Evolved Values – Our values shift as we grow, and our lives should evolve with them.

Key Moments
[00:00] – Introductions and celebrating unexpected free time
[03:42] – Embracing “unspecified outcome time” and releasing expectations
[07:09] – The difference between feeling stuck and actually being stuck
[10:31] – Shifting from fear to choice as a path to empowerment
[15:18] – Aligning with evolving values and reassessing priorities
[18:20] – Questioning societal expectations and redefining success
[26:18] – Trusting your stardust and embracing self-discovery
[34:35] – Letting go of emotional band-aids and facing discomfort
[39:47] – Using self-inquiry and reflection to spark transformation
[48:23] – Choosing freedom and giving yourself permission to evolve

Learn More About Becky:
🌟 Website: YouAreNotStuck.com
🌟 LinkedIn: Becky Vollmer
🌟 Instagram:

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

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In episode 146 of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise are joined by Michele Heyward—engineer, tech CEO, and fierce advocate reshaping the landscape for Black, Latina, and Indigenous women in STEM. Michele shares her journey from her early days mentoring engineering students to leading a company that champions underrepresented voices in tech. She invites us to look beyond who fills our rooms to who waits at the threshold—a shift that transforms how we solve problems and build our future. This conversation is a loving reminder that empowerment isn't about permission—it's about recognizing the authority that already lives within us. Because real change blossoms when someone—perhaps you—chooses to speak up, step into the room, and reshape it with their presence.

"It's not about who you are talking about, but who you aren't talking about." - Michele Heyward

Key Takeaways

🔹 Take action—don’t wait for permission. Change happens when we step up and push forward, even when the system isn’t ready.
🔹 Ask better questions. Instead of “Who’s in the room?” ask, “Who isn’t—and why?” Real inclusion starts with addressing exclusion.
🔹 Inclusion is essential. Retaining and supporting underrepresented groups strengthens our communities and workplaces.
🔹 Advocates and sponsors matter. Mentorship and sponsorship can be game-changers—seek them out and pay it forward.
🔹 Meet communities where they are. If people aren’t engaging, rethink outreach—it’s about access, not interest.
🔹 Small changes drive impact. Simple solutions, like curb cuts or better workplace benefits, create lasting transformation.
🔹 You have power—use it. Knowing your worth and challenging norms can spark real change.

Key Moments

• [00:00] – Introductions and celebrations
• [06:34] – The power of mentorship
• [09:33] – The difference between mentoring individuals and creating systemic change
• [13:04] – How organizations can identify who they are excluding.
• [18:23] – Finding advocates and sponsors within organizations to create real career opportunities.
• [26:18] – The labor shortage crisis in AEC: Why keeping women in the industry is critical.
• [34:06] – The consequences of exclusion
• [39:47] – Rethinking community engagement
• [49:44] – How professionals can use their influence for good
• [55:22] – Final thoughts

Connect With Michele:

Website: https://PositiveHire.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecheyward/

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

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In this episode, co-hosts Kim Romain and Louise Neil are joined by Dennise M. Kowalczyk, also known as The Adventure Broad, for a deep and inspiring conversation about living life with intentionality, embracing joy, and reclaiming personal power at any stage of life. Together, they explore how we can detach from external expectations, combat self-sabotage, and make empowered choices by tuning into our inner wisdom. Dennise shares her journey of breaking free from limiting beliefs, stepping into new possibilities, and embracing midlife with confidence. If you're seeking insights on healing, self-trust, and personal growth while navigating a chaotic world, this episode will leave you inspired to live fully and intentionally.

"Lean into the discomfort—it’s often not as bad as you think, and it’s the key to moving forward." – Dennise M. Kowalczyk

Key Takeaways

• Intentionality combats autopilot: When we pause and reflect, we can challenge false narratives and external expectations that no longer serve us.
• Releasing attachment to outcomes: Detaching from expectations allows us to enjoy the process and embrace the joy of possibility, even if things don’t go as planned.
• Healing through self-awareness: Acknowledging discomfort and fear is key to personal growth and reclaiming confidence.
• Self-sabotage awareness: Recognize when saboteurs are holding you back, and choose to rewrite your story to create opportunities for joy and success.
• Redefining beauty at any age: Challenge societal norms and reclaim your own narrative around beauty, age, and self-worth.
• Empowerment through choice: Every moment offers an opportunity to choose alignment, joy, and embodiment in the face of chaos or discomfort.

Key Moments
[00:00] – Introductions
[01:42] – The power of laughter and finding joy in chaos
[03:42] – Avoiding disappointment and being stuck to outcomes
[07:09] – Celebrating groundedness and intentional living
[10:31] – Embracing risk, choice, and letting go of control
[15:18] – "Eating the frog" by tackling the hardest task of the day first builds confidence and shifts energy
[18:20] – How detaching from outcomes and intentional decision-making create empowerment
[26:18] – Challenging societal narratives of aging
[34:35] – Defining beauty on our own terms
[39:47] – The power of stillness and intentional pauses
[48:23] – Grace and connection in relationships

Learn More About Dennise:
You can find Dennise online at TheAdventureBroad.com and on Instagram @TheAdventureBroad to learn more

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

Send us a Message

In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down for a heartfelt and insightful tête-à-tête, discussing how to navigate chaos with laughter, self-trust, and a deeper connection to ourselves. They explore what it truly means to connect with your body’s innate wisdom, heal from within, and embrace empowerment as a way of being. Through candid reflections and personal stories, Kim and Louise uncover how embodiment can guide us toward greater well-being, mental health, and personal growth—even in the most challenging times. If you’ve been searching for ways to reconnect with yourself, rediscover joy, and cultivate deeper alignment in your life, this episode is a beautiful reminder of the power that lies within you.

"In the midst of darkness, there’s always light." - Kim Romain
"Our bodies hold so much knowledge and power, helping us unlock who we are meant to be." - Louise Neil

Key Takeaways:

• Laughter is a powerful tool for healing, well-being, and finding light in challenging times.
• True empowerment comes from integrating your mind, body, and soul.
• Self-trust is a cornerstone of mental health and personal development.
• Reflection and self-inquiry help us uncover internalized systems of oppression and redefine success and well-being on our own terms.
• Finding joy and light, even in small moments, can provide the strength to face life's difficulties.

Key Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction
[01:22] – Laughter is an essential part of empowerment and healing
[04:29] – How your body holds wisdom beyond what your mind can process
[06:59] – Louise shares her menopause journey to self-trust and honoring the wisdom of her body
[11:43] – How somatic healing can help you cultivate self-love
[14:13] – Kim shares her personal story of disconnecting from her body due to shame
[19:16] – Connection between mindset, rest, and embodiment
[27:03] – Exploring systems of oppression and its ties to disempowerment
[32:36] – How small moments of joy help us reclaim our well-being
[34:35] – Integrating internal reflection with external experiences for personal growth
[39:07] – Reflections and good-byes

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

Send us a Message

In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise are joined by Steff Gallante, self-care coach, yoga teacher, and advocate for liberation and social justice. Together, they dive into the transformative power of self-liberation, exploring how we can create sustainable self-care practices, honor our energy, and embody our values in a world that often leaves us overwhelmed and disconnected. From navigating burnout to redefining rest and stepping into radical self-nourishment, this episode offers actionable insights to help you move through life’s challenges with ease and intention. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself—because how you show up for you is how you show up for the world.

"Ease isn’t about avoiding hard things; it’s about finding small ways to hold yourself through them." – Steff Gallante

Key Takeaways

• Self-Liberation as Self-Care: Traditional self-care has become white noise; it’s time to reframe it as liberatory care that centers on nourishing and soothing ourselves.
• Ask the Right Questions: Begin with “How do I want to feel?” and allow your answers to guide small, intentional steps toward ease and alignment.
• Redefining Rest: Explore the seven types of rest (physical, emotional, creative, etc.) and discover what soothes your unique energy without needing to “earn” it.
• Creating Space: Silence can be uncomfortable but necessary for reconnecting with yourself. Start small—turn off the radio during your commute or ditch the earbuds while doing housework.
• Collective Healing Starts Within: True community care begins with showing up for yourself. By mitigating harm within, you create space to engage with the world in healthier, more impactful ways.

Key Moments

[00:03] Introduction and celebrating bold moves

[06:26] Honoring humanity in a year of transition

[12:29] Self care vs. liberatory care

[16:39] Who are you outside the labels?

[23:28] The power of silence and creating space

[27:33] Redefining rest

[32:18] Mitigating harm as collective care

[39:13] The overwhelm of cognitive load

[44:28] Radical self-nourishment

[50:07] Collective liberation starts within

Connect with Steff Gallante

• Instagram: @steffgallante
• Website: steffgallante.com
• Podcast: Humaning: The Shit We Need to Talk About

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

Send us a Message

In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise are joined by somatic healer and certified love, sex, and relationship coach Melanie Bonk to explore how we can reconnect with our bodies, redefine pleasure, and embrace empowerment through sensuality. From separating sexuality from sensuality to uncovering the deep wisdom held in our bodies, Melanie shares her expertise in helping individuals and couples reclaim their birthright of ecstatic pleasure and connection. Together, they dive into conversations around self-worth, community, and the powerful, primal language of our bodies through stripping away societal narratives and starting small to unlock deeper levels of self-trust, pleasure and joy.

Join Kim, Louise, and Melanie for this empowering discussion, and discover the tools to begin reconnecting with your body, embracing pleasure, and stepping into your fullest self.

"When we meet ourselves with love and connection, we reclaim our worthiness and our power." – Melanie Bonk

Key Takeaways

• Sensuality vs. Sexuality: Separate these two concepts and discover what each truly means to you.
• Start Small: Reconnecting with your body doesn’t require grand gestures—begin with simple, pleasurable moments like savoring your breath or enjoying a cup of tea.
• Community Is Essential: Safe, supportive spaces for women (or anyone) create powerful opportunities for healing, connection, and self-expression.
• Your Body Holds Wisdom: Listen to the sensations in your body; they are the gateway to your intuition and truth.
• Pleasure is Your Birthright: Pleasure doesn’t need to be tied to an outcome like orgasm—it’s about enjoying your senses and being fully present in the moment.

Key Moments

[00:00] Celebrating life transitions and the power of sisterhood

[07:10] Redefining pleasure as a pathway to empowerment

[13:45] Exploring the connection between the body and intuition

[24:55] The impact of societal conditioning on body connection

[36:40] Unlocking primal love and the wisdom of your body

[41:10] The power of small practices

[46:00] Practical ways to reconnect with your body

[50:28] Upcoming opportunities and closing reflections

Connect with Melanie Bonk

Website: MelanieBonk.com

Instagram: @BonkBetter

Resources Mentioned

• Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
• The Wild Feminine by Tami Lynn Kent

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

Send us a Message

In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down with Lizzy Palmer, founder of Sync N, about how syncing with our bodies can help us redefine empowerment and release the shame that keeps us from fully accepting ourselves. From breaking free of societal "shoulds" to finding strength in self-advocacy, Lizzy shares her journey as a fitness professional and entrepreneur in the femtech space. Together, they explore how embracing each phase of our cycle—physically and emotionally—can help us move past judgment, rediscover joy, and truly connect with ourselves. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to redefine empowerment, reconnect with their body, and embrace their personal rhythm.

"The only absolute is what resonates with you. Empowerment begins with honoring that truth." – Lizzy Palmer

Key Takeaways:

• Your Cycle, Your Strength: Our bodies aren’t cookie-cutter, and neither should our workouts be. Learn to adapt fitness and self-care to where you are in your unique rhythm.
• Release Shame, Find Empowerment: Empowerment is an inside job. Letting go of shame and misinformation about our bodies is key to reclaiming that power.
• Fitness as Self-Advocacy: Speaking up for what your body needs—even in a group fitness class—can be a profound act of self-care.
• Anger Is Valid: Every emotion, including anger, is a valid part of your cyclical journey. Channeling it can help you release and reconnect.
• Choice is Empowerment: With the right tools and knowledge, you can make intentional choices that align with your goals, values, and needs.

Key Moments:
[00:00] Celebrating connection, kindness, and bravery
[07:49] What does syncing with your body really mean?
[09:37] Why accepting your body is the hardest step—and how to start
[15:34] Releasing shame: The foundation of empowerment
[22:11] Breaking free from the “one right way” myth in fitness
[30:12] How self-advocacy in fitness translates into other areas of life
[35:10] Embracing all your emotions
[41:10] The power of understanding your body’s data

Connect with Lizzy Palmer

• Website: Sync N
• Instagram: @syncnapp
• Twitter: @syncnapp
• Podcast: Let That Sync In

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

Send us a Message

In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise talk about being present, embracing uniqueness, emphasize the journey of self-discovery and the significance of trusting yourself. They explore how to navigate personal growth at your own pace—whether it’s marinating in your “idea babies” or finding joy amid life’s challenges. Together, they reflect on the lessons of 2024 and share insights for stepping into 2025 with curiosity, softness, and a deeper connection to yourself. This episode is your invitation to embrace the beauty of your evolving self, let go of external pressures, and trust your intuition as your ultimate guide.

Key Takeaways
- Trust Yourself First: True empowerment comes from building self-trust and listening to your body’s cues, even when external voices are loud.
- Celebrate Being: Growth doesn’t always mean “doing.” Sometimes it’s about slowing down, staying present, and letting yourself be.
- Groundedness Doesn’t Equal Stuck: Reframe grounding as a tether that lets you float and explore, not something that holds you down.
- Unique Paths, Unique Tools: Whether it’s human design, meditation, or simple reflection, use the tools that feel right for you.
- Life Isn’t About Soundbites: Growth and empowerment happen in the lived experience, not in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all advice.

Key Moments
[00:00] Celebrating the present moment
[10:23] Groundedness redefined: How it can feel light and free
[14:41] Trusting your intuition
[19:11] Honor your own rhythms instead of following societal expectations
[24:14] Reflection as a tool for growth: How unpacking the past helps reveal what to carry forward
[27:17] Contemplation and intuition for personal growth
[31:30] Embracing your uniqueness
[41:10] Redefining empowerment: Trusting yourself to find your unique way forward
[45:17] Empowerment comes from your lived experiences
[46:15] Wrapping up with gratitude for growth and excitement for what’s ahead

“When we trust ourselves, we’re not only empowering ourselves but also showing up in service to the world.” - Kim Romain

“The more I trust myself, the more I realize I don’t need anyone else’s permission to live or grow my way.” - Louise Neil

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
  
  
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com