Shows
Free To Be MeEpisode 29: A Radical Rest Revolution with guest Karen BrodyHost, Karen Pawley, interviews Karen Brody, founder of the community Daring to Rest. Karen Brody emphasizes the importance of rest and introduces Yoga Nidra as a powerful sleep meditation practice that leads to deep rest and transformation. Karen Brody shares her personal journey from experiencing chronic panic attacks and exhaustion to discovering Yoga Nidra, which profoundly improved her well-being. She highlights the challenges of overcoming societal pressures that undervalue rest and explains how rest can help reclaim one's true nature, often lost in our fast-paced, productivity-driven culture.
The conversation touches on the heroine’s journey concept from Ma...
2024-12-121h 02
Free To Be MeEpisode 28: Navigating Neurodiversity with guest Caghrey WestIn this episode of the Free-to-Be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley introduces a friend Caghrey West, who shares her transformative journey following a late-life neurodiversity diagnosis of autism. Caghrey, at 48, discovered her diagnosis after her daughter received a similar one, which led her to reconsidering her family's dynamics, communication styles, and previous notions of normalcy. Her journey from suffering anxiety unknowingly since childhood to understanding her identity through the lens of autism has been revelatory, providing a sense of belonging and making sense of her lifelong feelings of alienation. Caghrey's story emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, the relief in understanding...
2024-12-0556 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 27: Unlocking Love with guest Rose ViggianoIn this episode we delve into the complexities of self-discovery and relationships, highlighting both personal growth and interconnectedness. Host, Karen Pawley reflects on the year's journey toward understanding herself better, uncovering that deep insights often arise through relationships. Guest, Rose Viggiano, a relationship coach and attachment specialist, shares her transformative journey from challenging and unsatisfactory relationships rooted in childhood experiences to healing and building healthy, supportive connections. Together, they emphasize the role of attachment styles and the importance of evolving from codependent behaviors towards secure, interdependent relationships, underscoring the balance of self-awareness and mutual support. Rose candidly discusses her p...
2024-11-2858 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 26: Trapped in Silence with guest Kim BallantineIn this engaging podcast episode, host Karen Pawley introduces Kim Ballantine, a remarkable woman who has overcome tremendous challenges in her life. The discussion traverses the profound impact of spasmodic dysphonia on Kim, a condition that severely affected her ability to speak. Despite the devastation and isolation that came with losing her voice, Kim shares how she was able to maintain hope and humor through her journey. She talks about the importance of choosing a positive response amidst adversity, highlighting the role of her supportive family and her choices to continue engaging with the world. Kim also reflects on...
2024-11-211h 02
Free To Be MeEpisode 25: Becoming Your Own Bridge with guest Kristin QuattlebaumIn this episode host Karen Pawley initiates an exploration of personal authenticity and self-discovery, setting a reflective tone for listeners on their own journeys. Karen shares her experiences of recent life transitions, particularly the notion of 'purging'—a process of letting go of the unnecessary to create room for self-awareness and healing, which can initially evoke feelings of insecurity or loss. She encourages listeners to introspect on the reasons behind their attachments and the underlying fears of rejection or inadequacy, proposing that such self-probing can ultimately lead to self-acceptance and love. Karen is joined by guest Kristin Quattlebaum, who sh...
2024-11-1458 min
Stefanie Joseph Podcast - Remembrance of WholenessEP. 37 - Projector’s Path: Coaching and Human Design with Karen PawleyIn this episode, I sit down with Karen Pawley, a health coach and spiritual guide who has navigated tremendous personal and professional transitions. Karen shares her insights on personal growth through grace, learning, and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to experience the full range of emotions. We delve into the concepts of embodiment, Human Design, and the non-linear journey of healing and self-reclamation.
Join us as we explore Karen's incredible journey, from her expedited move from South Africa to the Bay Area during the COVID-19 pandemic, to her deep reflections on identity, spirituality, and creating...
2024-11-0853 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 24: Magical De-conditioning with guest Kim KnievelThe focus of this conversation between host, Karen Pawley and guest Kim Knievel rests on the process of deconditioning and how it allows individuals to become creators of their own life experiences. Karen emphasizes the importance of living life fully every day rather than postponing happiness and fulfillment to a distant future or rare moments free from responsibility. Karen reflects on her own journey through conditioned beliefs that kept her confined within an unsatisfying lifestyle. Highlighting the profound influence of human design on her deconditioning journey, Karen introduces her guest Kim, an intuitive coach with a background in corporate...
2024-11-071h 05
Free To Be MeEpisode 23: Joyful Surrender with guest Nikki WilsonIn this episode of the Free-to-be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley celebrates three years of living in the U.S. and reflects on the unpredictable nature of life, emphasizing how its unexpected twists and turns can lead to personal growth, resilience, and clarity. She welcomes guest Nikki Wilson, who shares her own journey through significant life changes, including a career shift and navigating midlife as a breast cancer survivor. Nikki, now the Director of Studies at the Health Coaches Academy and a Director for a group of dialysis clinics, discusses the importance of balance, self-care, and the lessons learned from...
2024-10-3157 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 22: Connoisseur of Transformation with guest Danielle PetroThis episode features a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Petro, a transformation coach and Reiki master, who shares her transformative journey through life's adversities, including the loss of her best friend, personal trauma, and the struggle with self-worth and limiting beliefs. Through her narrative, Danielle emphasizes the significance of internal healing, the power of storytelling, and the journey back to one's true self. She advocates for the importance of inner work, self-compassion, and the realization that individuals possess the strength and capability to heal themselves. This podcast episode serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the resilience...
2024-10-2458 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 21: Genuinely Empowered with guest Gucci ErasmusThis episode shines a light on the transformative power of self-discovery, the importance of mental health, and the impact of mentoring and supporting women through their struggles and journeys toward self-acceptance and empowerment. Host Karen Pawley, alongside guest Gucci Erasmus, delve into the realms of inner work, women empowerment, and the power of embracing one's true self. Karen sets the stage by sharing profound words by Nicola Jane Hobbs, emphasizing the desire to be remembered not for stress or exhaustion but for joy, compassion, and living peacefully and authentically. Gucci shares her remarkable journey, including the origin of her...
2024-10-171h 00
Free To Be MeEpisode 20: Connecting the Planets with guest Anya KotzubaIn this episode of the "Free-to-be-me" podcast, host Karen Pawley engages in a captivating exploration of astrology with special guest Anya Kotzuba, a seasoned astrologer and coach. The discussion dives into the significance of understanding one's birth chart, emphasizing the importance of the sun, moon, and rising signs as the foundational elements that shape individuals' personalities and life paths. Anya shares her personal journey into astrology, highlighting how this ancient practice helped her navigate life's challenges and transitions, particularly during motherhood and significant global shifts like the lockdown. The conversation also touches upon the practical application of astrology in...
2024-10-1049 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 19: Introduction and Season 2 Update by Host Karen PawleyIn the latest episode of the "Free To Be Me" podcast, host Karen joyously kicks off season two after a brief hiatus, during which she launched a new website, health2healing.com. The website offers various resources like human design charts and transformation coaching sessions, aiming to guide listeners toward living their healthiest, happiest, and most authentic lives. Karen reflects on the journey of the podcast so far, sharing the profound impact it has had not only on her personal growth but also on her guests and listeners, with powerful stories of transformation and self-discovery emerging through the conversations...
2024-10-0311 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 18: A Journey to Sobriety with guest Sarah RusbatchIn this insightful episode, host Karen Pawley interviews Sarah Rusbatch, a distinguished coach specializing in navigating Grey Area Drinking, particularly among women. Sarah, author of the bestselling book "Beyond Booze," shares her personal journey from regular and consistent alcohol consumption to embracing sobriety, illustrating the transformative impact it had on her life and career. Beyond the anticipated physical benefits like weight loss, improved sleep, and better liver health, Sarah emphasizes the profound emotional and mental gains, such as increased self-esteem, confidence, and a deeper connection to oneself. She discusses the importance of understanding the reasons behind one's drinking habits...
2024-06-2756 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 17: Beauty as Medicine with guest Shelagh LenonHost Karen Pawley warmly invites us into a heartfelt dialogue with guest Shelagh Lenon, affectionately known as the resident fairy godmother and a mentor in the Daring to Rest Yoga Nidra Facilitators Program. Shelagh shares her personal journey from battling cancer and the transformative power of rest and self-care that led her to embrace a life fully aligned with her essence. Shelagh embodies a blend of the practical and the magical, supporting women in embracing their one wild and precious life through heart-centered entrepreneurship, nurturing rest practices, and the deep healing wisdom of aromatherapy. Through her story of resilience...
2024-06-2057 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 16: Embracing Wholeheartedness with guest Rosy CrescitelliRosy Crescitelli shares her journey and insights on overcoming inadequacy, exploring Human Design, and embracing wholeheartedness. Growing up in a rigid, conservative Christian environment, Rosy faced struggles with shame and not feeling enough. Her life transformed through encounters with Human Design, where she discovered she was a 'Projector', along with the works of Brene Brown, which led her to embrace wholehearted living. Rosy has lived across the United States due to her husband's military career, raised four children, and delved into various professions from teaching to clinical aromatherapy, always driven by a desire to understand human energetics and emotions. D...
2024-06-1355 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 15: Joyous Creation with guest Christine IstedHost Karen Pawley engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with her long-term friend Christine, exploring themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of facing life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Christine shares her journey of becoming her own best friend, learning to listen to her inner voice, and embracing the beauty of life's struggle without letting it define her. With a focus on the importance of self-belief, the nurturing of creativity, and the significance of allowing oneself moments of stillness and fun, Christine's story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the co...
2024-06-0653 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 14: Journey of Remembrance with guest Stefanie JosephIn this episode host Karen Pawley engages in a deeply moving conversation with guest Stefanie Joseph on the intricate dance of emotions around shame, grief, and acceptance. Stefanie, a life and business coach with a focus on intuitive and somatic practices, shares her transformative journey through personal losses, including the profound impact of her sister Jen's unexpected passing in 2022. She discusses how somatic work and her engagement with the Gene Keys and Human Design have played pivotal roles in her healing process and personal evolution. Stefanie's story is a testament to the power of staying present, embracing one's natural...
2024-05-3059 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 13: The Fork in the Road with guest Jessica GoldIn this episode of the Free To Be Me podcast, guest, Jessica Gold, embodies the essence of being free from self-imposed limitations, negative thought patterns, and societal expectations to live authentically. Jessica shares her journey of gender transition at the age of 40, detailing the challenges and the deep-seated realization that transitioning was not merely a desire but a fundamental aspect of her identity. She discusses the significant decisions and pivot points in her life, including the end of her marriage and the beginning of her journey as Jessica, highlighting the importance of self-compassion during this transformative period. The conversation...
2024-05-2349 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 12: Living in the Mystery with guest Karen EldarIn this episode of the "Free To Be Me" podcast, guest Karen Eldar shares her journey in finding calm amid chaos through various practices such as Yoga Nidra and her unique backgrounds in Chinese medicine, spiritual psychology, and a profound love for understanding consciousness through patterns and archetypes. The conversation delves into Karen's transformative experiences and insights on nurturing inner peace, the role of love in achieving calmness, and the therapeutic effects of embracing one's path without succumbing to societal pressures or self-doubt. The discussion is interwoven with references to Elizabeth Gilbert's insights on finding calm within oneself rather...
2024-05-1655 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 11: Moving Forward with guest Tamara McPhersonIn this podcast, we listen to Karen in conversation with Tamara MacPherson, who shares her life experiences, emphasizing the significance of growth, change, and acceptance. Tamara opens up about her journey from growing up in an abusive household to making choices out of fear, leading her through three marriages and to a point of self-discovery and realization. She discusses how crucial support from friends and family has been throughout her life and how she navigates the balance between routine and fluidity. With an open emotional center, Tamara reflects on her ability to distinguish between her emotions and those of...
2024-05-0957 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 10: Savoring Life with guest Jessie CarrGuest, Jessie Carr shares her journey of transformation, emphasizing the significance of pause and mindfulness in navigating life's changes. Initially driven by external achievements and the corporate grind at Google, Jessie experienced a profound shift when she decided to leave her job and travel the world without a concrete plan. This decision was met with mixed reactions from others but marked the beginning of her exploration into a more mindful and fulfilling life. Through her studies, including a recent course on the science of mindfulness, Jessie has deepened her understanding of the importance of pause and awareness in personal...
2024-05-021h 01
Free To Be MeEpisode 9: Creating Legacies of Love with guest Uma GirishIn this episode of the podcast, Uma Girish shares her deeply moving journey through grief, transformation, and her path to finding purpose and meaning in life. Having moved from southern India to the United States in 2008, Uma's life took an unexpected turn when her mother was diagnosed with, and soon passed away from stage 4 breast cancer. This loss propelled Uma into a profound period of self-reflection and healing, during which she explored the depths of grief, the importance of storytelling, and ultimately found her calling in supporting others through their grief and helping them discover their life's purpose. Uma...
2024-04-2559 minFree To Be MeEpisode 8: From Doing to Being with guest Robyn CohenIn this episode I dive into the nuances of bravery versus courage with guest Robyn Cohen, a yoga instructor from Metta Yoga in Marin. We discuss how bravery is about acting in the moment, while courage involves facing fears with conscious decision-making. I share a reading from Brené Brown's book "Rising Strong," emphasizing the transformative power of courage on our emotional being. Robyn, revealing her personal journey and struggles, including a childhood marked by fear and a deep desire to be liked, reflects on the impact of early heartbreaks and her path to finding strength and courage. She opens u...
2024-04-1857 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 7: Aging is a Privilege with guest Sonja McKaiserIn this in-depth, heartfelt episode, Sonja McKaiser, a vibrant Cape Town-based life coach passionate about empowering women over 40 to redefine midlife as a groundbreaking, revolutionary phase, joins me for an enlightening conversation. Delving into topics of radical self-love, emotional expression, and societal pressures, Sonja shares her journey from feeling invisible and shrinking herself to embracing her larger-than-life presence with unapologetic confidence. She highlights the transformative power of granting oneself permission to take up space, to feel deeply, and to express emotions freely, advocating for the healing potential of community, vulnerability, and authentic connection. Through practices like gratitude, intentional moon...
2024-04-1158 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 6: Rest is a Lifestyle with guest Zoe KanatThis week's Free to Be Me podcast episode features Zoe Kanat, a certified meditation teacher and yoga nidra guide. We discuss the importance of women becoming the creative leaders of their lives by acknowledging their feelings and being present in their bodies.Through personal anecdotes and discussions the episode encourages listeners to embrace rest, playfulness, and creativity to thrive and make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. Zoe's work, including her courses on Insight Timer, aim to awaken the beauty within each person and spread it to the world, highlighting the power of connection, storytelling, and mutual...
2024-04-041h 00
Free To Be MeEpisode 5: A Creative Journey with guest AbigailIn this podcast, Abigail shares her journey of embracing change, exploring creativity, and navigating life's transitions. Initially focused on her photographic business, she highlighted the importance of letting go and being open to new experiences. The move to the United States, where she couldn't work due to visa restrictions, propelled her into a period of self-discovery and experimentation. This period led her to write a children's book, inspired by her pet sitting adventures and connections with nature. Abigail's story is a testament to finding one's path through change and embracing the seasons of life. She emphasizes the significance of...
2024-03-2859 minFree To Be MeEpisode 4: Setting the World on Fire with guest Karen LoweIn the episode of the Free To Be Me podcast, Karen shares an engaging and heartfelt conversation with her long-time friend Karen Lowe. They delve into a range of topics from embracing life's journey, reflections on personal growth, to the significance of rest and dreaming big. Karen speaks candidly about her experiences with friendship, the pressures of the working world, and finding joy in creativity, strategy, and connections. She reveals her aspiration for a future where women experience a sustainable work environment that doesn't compromise their capacities. Karen also highlights the importance of allowing oneself to dream and the...
2024-03-2153 minFree To Be MeEpisode 3: Getting Out of Our Own Way with guest Dr Sharon HoffmanThis episode of the podcast features a deep and insightful conversation between the host, Karen, and Dr. Sharon Hoffman, focusing on the journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and authentic living. Dr. Hoffman shares her journey from being highly curious and questioning the world around her, through her academic pursuits in psychology and consciousness, to her career transitions from clinical training, corporate America, and eventually finding her current path in public speaking, writing, and mentoring. She emphasizes the importance of aligning with one's authentic self, leveraging intuition, and embracing the present moment to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. The discussion...
2024-03-141h 01Free To Be MeEpisode 2: I am the Expert on Myself with guest Kara OkaneIn this episode of the Free to be Me Podcast, I invite Kara Okane to discuss the intertwining of various life aspects such as psychological health and self-realization through a balance of action and reflection. Kara, a mom and wife living in LA, has worn many hats over the years such as a marriage and family therapist, a yoga instructor and a retreat host. She shares her journey of growth and self discovery from feeling misunderstood, isolated and emotionally shut down to one of healing and harmony. We delve into the concept of human design, specifically the Reflector type which...
2024-03-0758 min
Free To Be MeEpisode 1: An Introduction & Intention for the Podcast from host Karen PawleyIn the inaugural episode of the Free to be Me Podcast, I, Karen Pawley introduce the essence of the show and my vision for sharing women's stories. As a South African born holistic health and wellness coach now residing in the Bay Area of California, I aim to explore the multifaceted life experiences of women, embracing both their struggles and their triumphs. With a personal history steeped in a love for stories and reading, I believe that conversations can weave a rich tapestry of perspectives, and this belief serves as the foundation for this podcast. The podcast promises to cover a...
2024-02-2910 min