Inner Rebel

Send us a text What starts as a rapid-fire game (chaotic snacks, loud walking, haunted-house ghosts with a sense of humour) opens into a deeper conversation about growth, marriage, leadership, friendship, and the kind of self-honesty that Inner Rebel is known for.  Melissa reflects on a season of big transition — shedding what no longer fits, learning to lead without abandoning her softness, healing long-held stories about intimacy, and discovering what it actually means to be fully seen by the people who matter most. Jess shares her own edges: new love, new levels of honesty, and the uncomfortable beauty of letting someone mirror the parts of you you’ve tried to hide. It’s a finale filled with levity, tenderness, permission slips, personal revelations, fake poop pranks, inner toddlers having meltdowns, creative pivots, and an unexpected amount of wisdom about what it means to grow up spiritually, relationally, and professionally — without losing the joy or the weird. IN THIS EPISODE: Rapid-fire questions: chaotic snacks, ghost pranks, musical bed routines The levity we forget to bring into our personal growth Learning to be a CEO without burning out or living in chaos The difference between implosions and proactive change Intimacy in long-term partnership: taking walls down after years of defense Religious conditioning, belonging, and being the “black sheep” in your family Honesty, mirroring, and being deeply seen in relationship Visibility, vulnerability, and sharing publicly  Tiny things that shift everything (ear piercings, rituals, play) Parenting, silliness, and the parts of us only our families see Why fun and levity matter in deep work and leadership What we learned this season — and our vision for Season 3 Our “Snoop Dogg acceptance speeches” and the art of self-celebration Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free virtual monthly community call on the 3rd Thursday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight & @thenovaglobal Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess or connect through her website http:/www.bydesignwithjess.com Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a part of our "Novalution" https://thenovaglobal.com/ Download...

Send us a text In this wildly honest and unexpectedly hilarious episode, we sit down with four-time Emmy-nominated TV producer, PR strategist, and professional truth-teller Erin Saxton — a woman whose inner rebel is not “inner” at all. What begins as a conversation about career, reinvention, and authenticity quickly turns into a masterclass on self-awareness, courage, and the messy, tender, deeply human work of becoming yourself. Erin shares the story behind her 100-pound weight loss, the inner voices she had to meet along the way, and the surprising rituals (including alarms in the pantry and silent retreats where she’s not allowed to make friends) that helped her rebuild trust with herself from the inside out. We explore what it really means to lead — in business, in branding, in visibility, and in your own life. Erin reveals the “velvet steamroller” gift she honed under Barbara Walters, why confidence can coexist with anxiety, and how our sharpest gifts often turn inward as our greatest struggles. This conversation is honest, disarming, laugh-out-loud funny, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating identity, self-trust, visibility, or the uncomfortable edges of personal transformation. EPISODE TOPICSThe inner rebel as leadership: courage, honesty, and discomfort Weight, self-trust & the long game of rebuilding your inner world Using structure, accountability, and self-awareness to change your life The “turtle” metaphor: sticking your neck out to move forward Anxiety, autopilot, and the ways we all dissociate Why confidence can mask internal chaos The art of asking hard questions (Barbara Walters style) Authenticity vs branding — and how to know the difference Calling bullshit with love Imposter syndrome in visibility & leadership Marketing as sleight-of-hand: what’s honest, what’s strategy Connect with Erin Saxton Instagram: @saxtonerin — https://www.instagram.com/saxtonerin/ Website: The Erin Network — https://www.theerinnetwork.com/ Episode Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free virtual monthly community call on the 3rd Thursday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight & @thenovaglobal Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess or connect through her website http:/www.bydesignwithjess.com Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a part of our "Novalution" https://thenovaglobal.com/ Download...

Send us a text This isn’t another Human Design 101. In this profound and provocative conversation, Melissa flips the mic toward Jessica Rose—Inner Rebel co-host, Human Design expert, and Deconditioning Coach—to explore beyond the buzzwords of Human Design and into the transformative—and often confronting—work of living it. What follows is a deep excavation of identity and illusion: how deconditioning means confronting the stories you’ve believed about who you are. From the stories we tell ourselves to the ones shaping the world, Jess and Melissa explore how deconditioning isn’t just personal work—it’s how we dismantle the collective fictions that fuel everything from self-abandonment to global conflict. They illuminate how trusting the body over the mind becomes the ultimate rebellion in a world addicted to certainty, how following your “joy breadcrumbs” leads you home to purpose, and how our greatest fears aren’t obstacles but doorways into who we’re becoming. Intimate, philosophical, and fiercely honest, this episode is a masterclass in the art of waking up. Topics Covered The true purpose of Human Design What “deconditioning” actually means and asks of us The radical rebellion of listening to your body over your mind Why we “agree to be crazy together”: exploring the collective fictions that shape our lives How fear becomes a portal for transformation (and what it reveals about who we’re becoming) The illusion of control and the cultural addiction to certainty The reason why “following your strategy and authority” will change your life The radical act of following your body’s yes and no in a world that glorifies over-efforting The Importance of Human Design in Team Dynamics To Connect with Jess: To book a Human Design reading or dive deeper into deconditioning work, visit bydesignwithjess.com or follow Jess on Instagram at @bydesignwithjess. Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free virtual monthly community call on the 3rd Thursday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight & @thenovaglobal Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a part of our "Novalution" https://thenovaglobal.com/ Download our FREE Reclamation Rituals to become unmasked, unboxed, and rise together.

Send us a text What if performance, health, and leadership all come down to one thing: safety in your body? In this transformative episode, nervous system specialist and founder of Lumera Leadership Lab Carrie Montgomery breaks down how regulation—not force—is the true foundation of resilience and power. We explore how trauma imprints affect our capacity, why nervous system work is the missing link in healing and business, and how you can start rewiring your system with simple, science-backed practices. Carrie’s story of surviving medical trauma and rebuilding her life from the inside out is a powerful testament to what’s possible when we stop pushing—and start listening. Topics: Nervous system regulation 101 Somatics + applied neurology Burnout, illness, and the collapse before clarity Wealth and capacity Codependency + fawning Creating internal safety Redefining power and leadership Building resilience through the body Learn more about Carrie’s work at carriemontgomery.com or connect with her on Instagram at @realcarriemontgomery . Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free virtual monthly community call on the 3rd Thursday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight & @thenovaglobal Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a part of our "Novalution" https://thenovaglobal.com/ Download our FREE Reclamation Rituals to become unmasked, unboxed, and rise together.

Send us a text What happens when the person who's spent decades getting everyone else ready for the spotlight finally steps into it herself? In this powerful and tender conversation, we sit down with journalist, bestselling ghostwriter, and media coach Linya Floyd—who’s spent decades helping other people shine—to talk about what happens when it’s finally your turn to take the stage. From a behind-the-scenes media career to a long-delayed pitch that changed everything, Linya shares her story of becoming visible in a whole new way—while caregiving, grieving, growing, and learning to tell the truth about who she is and what she wants. She reflects on the evolution from performance to presence, the quiet fear of being truly seen, and the sacred space required to let our stories come alive. TOPICS WE EXPLORE: What it really means to be seen Performance identity vs. true presence Visibility fears (and what we’re actually afraid of) Why your story matters more than you think The courage to stop hiding (even behind success) Vulnerability as a gateway to connection The slow, sacred timing of creative becoming Support vs. self-sufficiency: why you don’t need to do it alone The 5-second rule that changes everything Linea's Oprah Daily Article: "What I Learned From My 10-Year Dating Gap" - The vulnerable personal essay Linea discusses in this episode Edited by: Shoshana Wilder Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text What does your relationship with food reveal about your relationship with yourself? We sit down with functional nutritionist and food psychology specialist Sue Van Raes to explore the powerful intersection of nourishment, identity, and self-trust. We talk about emotional eating, the cultural narratives around control and discipline, and how reclaiming pleasure and intuition in how we eat can ripple into every other area of our lives. Whether you’ve struggled with food or are simply ready for a more integrated and joyful relationship with your body, this episode offers both insight and real permission. Topics: Food psychology + emotional eating Women’s relationship with nourishment Stress + hormone regulation Nervous system patterns around food Reclaiming pleasure + intuitive eating Identity and body trust Healing through nourishment Letting go of all-or-nothing thinking Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:25 Sue's Background and Achievements 01:02 Developing a Sacred Friendship 02:10 Exploring the Inner Rebel 06:53 Sue's Journey of Self-Discovery 08:57 Food and Emotional Well-being 22:40 Navigating Expansion and Visibility 26:53 Serendipitous Connections and Opportunities 28:39 Overcoming Podcast Nerves 29:56 Embracing Fun and Freedom in Book Launch 31:18 Slowing Down for Authentic Expansion 32:21 Questioning Limiting Beliefs 35:21 Understanding Sensations and Food Relationships 40:08 Exploring Different Types of Hunger 46:18 The Pleasure of Reminiscing 49:39 Living with Purpose and Aliveness Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text In this rare and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Jeff Salzenstein — former top-100 tennis player turned executive performance coach — for a soulful exploration of identity, grief, resilience, and the emotional reckoning that comes when success is no longer the point. Jeff opens up about the moment he knew it was time to leave tennis, the trauma that called him into coaching, and the recent experiences that are humbling him back into his body — and back into his heart. Together, we unpack what it means to be truly seen, the edges of emotional risk that no one talks about, and the surprising places the inner rebel shows up in midlife. This one’s for the over-functioners, the fixers, the seekers, and the late bloomers. For anyone wondering if it’s too late to change your story — or be truly seen in the one you’re already living. Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text In this special episode, we turn the mic toward Inner Rebel co-host Melissa Bauknight — and what unfolds is a deeply honest, powerful conversation about identity, expansion, and the kind of community that changes everything. Melissa shares the story of her becoming — from high-achieving corporate sales leader silently battling imposter syndrome, to spiritual seeker, coach, and ultimately the founder of The Nova, a global women’s collective redefining leadership, belonging, and power. Through her lived experience, she offers a grounded and generous roadmap for what it really takes to come home to yourself — especially when the world you grew up in taught you to conform. This episode explores what it means to be truly seen — and how that simple act can unlock lifetimes of untapped potential. We talk about the role of chosen family, the discomfort of being witnessed in your fullness, and the sacred rebellion of building a life that reflects who you really are. If you’ve ever felt like the black sheep, or you’re navigating your own next chapter — in business, identity, or belonging — Melissa’s story is a reminder that transformation is rarely linear, community is never optional, and who you’re becoming is already in motion. TOPICS: Navigating spiritual awakening and expanding beyond the rules we’re raised by How being witnessed changes everything The slow, courageous unraveling of identity and friendships The birth of a soul business rooted in alignment and integrity Redefining belonging through chosen family and conscious community Why community is oxygen — and how to create the village you long for Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text At 17, Ruthie Lindsey was hit by an ambulance and given a 1% chance of survival. What followed was decades of physical and emotional pain, masked by perfectionism and a desperate need to be liked. In this bold and tender episode, Ruthie shares how she slowly dismantled her pain story, abandoned the “basic bitch” mask she used to wear, and began reclaiming joy, creativity, and weirdness on her own terms. We talk about trauma, truth-telling, the deep grief that followed fame, and learning to live in your body again. This one is for anyone who has lost themselves in trying to be lovable—and is ready to come home to their weird, wonderful self. Topics: Chronic pain and trauma healing The cost of people-pleasing and perfectionism Letting go of being “likable” Creativity as reclamation Choosing joy after survival Living without needing to perform Beauty, grief, and aliveness Rebuilding identity after collapse Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text Shazia Imam is back, and we’re going deep—again. Our first recurring guest brings her signature joy, wisdom, and grounded truth-telling to this long-overdue conversation about money. We explore the emotional reality behind wealth, the power of honesty in transforming financial shame, and why your nervous system might be the most important player in your bank account. From spreadsheet jokes to perimenopause truths, this episode is equal parts practical, hilarious, and healing. If money feels like the last frontier in your personal growth, this one is for you. Topics: Money wounds and emotional spending Visibility, shame, and wealth Nervous system regulation around money Earning from ease vs. overdrive Identity shifts as income grows Scarcity mindset vs. overflow Spiritual bypassing around finances Humor + honesty in money healing Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text What happens when the life you worked tirelessly to build no longer fits? In this special bonus episode, Melissa sits down with Gena Chieco—former White House attorney turned soulful leadership coach—for a conversation that travels from burnout and breakdown to bold reinvention. Together, they trace Gena’s journey from prestigious public service and clean tech leadership to walking away from it all, taking a one-way flight to Paris, and rebuilding her life from the inside out. They talk about the moment when “success” stopped feeling like enough, the sacred discomfort of not knowing who you are anymore, and the transformation that comes when you finally stop chasing external approval and start following your own resonance. This episode is a love letter to anyone who feels like they’re circling around a next chapter but can’t quite leap. It’s about trust, truth, nervous system healing, and the unexpected freedom that lives on the other side of letting go. ✨ If this conversation speaks to you, doors for ORBIT are open until July 19th. Learn more and apply at thenovaglobal.com/nova-orbit Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text We’re back! In this intimate season opener, Jess and Melissa reunite to reflect on what the past twelve months demanded of them—personally, professionally, and spiritually. What began as a short break after Season 1 turned into a deep reckoning: with ambition, burnout, the myth of “readiness,” and the humbling reality of what it takes to live your dream. Melissa shares the unfiltered journey of launching The Nova, a soul-centered community for women, and the hard-earned lessons of leadership that no business book prepares you for. Jess opens up about surrender, stillness, and the surprising love story that arrived on the other side of letting go. Together, they reflect on the growth that comes through challenge, the illusion of being “ready,” and how being a “bummer dreamer” (yes, that’s a thing) can still lead to magic—and how everything aligned with your truth eventually finds its way to you. This episode is a raw and hopeful reminder that even when it looks like things are falling apart, life may be quietly rearranging itself in your favor. Topics: Burnout and rebuilding Starting (and restarting) a soul business The myth of “readiness” Surrender and the creative void Falling in love later in life Trusting uncertain timing Nervous system capacity and growth Life not going as planned—and still unfolding beautifully Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Send us a text What if the Universe isn’t punishing you—it just wants to spoil you? In this vibrant, high-frequency conversation, manifestation coach and quantum embodiment guide Christine Michelle Hayes shares the bold, joy-filled practices that transformed her relationship with money, time, and possibility. She shares her signature “Aligned Soul” process for collapsing timelines, embodying your future self, and attracting abundance from a place of love—not lack. From shimmying your way into overflow to singing your affirmations out loud, Christine reminds us that playfulness is power—and life wants to blow your mind, if you let it. Exclusive Offer for Inner Rebel Listeners! Our guest Christine is offering a special discount on her signature course, the Rapid Alignment Method — a powerful tool to help you quantum shift your energy, clear blocks, and create change from the inside out. 🎧 Just for our listeners: Get it for $97 (regularly $333) Explore the Rapid Alignment Method → Topics: Manifestation without pressure Energetic alignment and play Money stories and financial expansion The “Aligned Soul” method Collapsing timelines through joy Shifting out of hustle Affirmations as song + somatic anchoring Radical self-permission and creativity Support the show If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @melissa-bauknight Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a member https://thenovaglobal.com/

Season 1 is a wrap! And we are so excited to celebrate with the launch of Melissa’s soul baby, The Nova — an innovative membership community designed for conscious corporate women, visionary entrepreneurs, and budding change-makers. As we reflect on this season and key takeaways from our guests, we also dive deep into the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes of Melissa’s journey of finally bringing her vision to life. We talk through navigating fear, surrendering control, the courage it takes to speak our dreams out loud, and navigating the tricky terrain of personal growth with (or without) our partners. Jessica also shares her newest realizations about what she’s been hiding from the world, why she no longer has a five-year plan, and why life takes us through seismic initiations en route to our dreams… Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our dreams don't seamlessly unfold like we imagined. But with unwavering belief in ourselves, support from this community, and the courage to stretch beyond our comfort zones, we believe anything is possible. Our gratitude extends to you, our loyal listeners, for joining us on this incredible ride. We couldn't have done it without your support and enthusiasm. And if you're looking to be a founding member of The Nova Community and continue your journey of self-discovery, you can learn more and join The Nova Community membership at www.thenovalution.com. If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Check out The Nova Community and become a founding member https://thenovalution.com/

"If your body is rejecting this world, if your body is rejecting the way society is treating the earth, that's a compliment. It's a compliment to be a canary. It's a compliment to be sensitive. It's a compliment to be sick in a toxic world." In our last interview of the season (whaa) we sit down with one of Jessica's dearest friends and biggest inspirations, Kaeley Pruitt-Hamm of KPH & The Canary Collective.  From the heart of D.C., nonprofit activism to shaking up systems from the confines of bed, Kaeley’s journey of rebellion is unlike any other story we've shared.  Battling debilitating illness for five years, Kaeley comes to the mic to teach us about what it means to be a “canary” — and how to let our vulnerability out of the cage.  This conversation is a call to acknowledge the many inconvenient truths we tend to ignore—from systemic gaslighting in healthcare to the undeniable connection between our bodies and this earth.  We explore how to have compassion for all parts of ourselves, stepping out of the "chill girlfriend" archetype, challenging our definitions of power, and so, so much more. This episode encourages introspection, self-trust, and a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of existence, serving as a reminder to listen deeply—to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. Songs in this episode by KPH & The Canary Collective: No is not enough Believe Her Disobey Topics in this episode: The concept of "quiet power"  Trusting one's intuition in a gaslighting world Acknowledging inconvenient truths The interconnectedness of all beings The importance of listening to the voices of "canaries" and marginalized communities. Embracing our multifaceted selves Lyme Disease, Endometriosis, Gall Bladder Disease What orcas are teaching us Navigating the complexities of following one's inner truth within obstructive systems. Sensitivity as strength Healing oneself and the world in tandem The power of artistry Advocating for a better world through self-trust and holistic thinking Connect with KPH & The Canary Collective: Website: http://www.canarycollective.org/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/kphcanarycollective/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kph If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Join the Inner Rebel Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerrebelpodcast/

What if hitting rock bottom was the best thing that ever happened to you? What would you do if you lost everything that supposedly 'defined' you?  Today we're chatting with the ever-inspiring Shazia Imam: Award-Winning Speaker, ICF Certified Professional Coach, and host of the Top 12 Podcast - Feminine & Fulfilled. After facing devastating personal losses, Shazia shares how she learned to surrender to the divine push leading her to live her REAL life.  She provides a riveting account of the pressure to maintain the "perfect-on-paper" persona, the hidden power of letting go, and the magic of embodying your true essence.  This episode is a masterclass on self-worth, feminine power, and how to pivot when life falls apart. We explore actionable strategies for aligning your actions with your authentic self, how to create abundance and self-worth, and the importance of taking small steps toward big dreams --  even before we feel "ready".  This raw conversation takes us to the edge of despair and then lifts us up, teaching us how to surrender, recalibrate, and emerge stronger than ever. Shazia's Dream Template: https://www.thelifeengineer.com/dreams.html Topics Discussed: The role of external validation in shaping our lives Overcoming the tragedy of losing a child and a marriage The transformative power of hitting rock bottom Embracing authenticity and dismantling societal norms The journey from self-doubt to self-worth The role of surrender in personal transformation The dangers of "toxic positivity" Actionable steps towards reclaiming your life Feminine perspectives on wealth and success The impact of aligning with your deepest desires and needs.  Connect with Shazia: Website: https://www.thelifeengineer.com/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/thelifeengineer/ If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Join the Inner Rebel Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerrebelpodcast/

In a world where conformity reigns supreme, how can we harness our inner rebel to make lasting change? We sit down with the dynamic Fabienne  Jacquet, a scientist, innovator, and author, with a flair for challenging the status quo. As the founder of Innoviv and author of "Venus Genius: The Feminine Prescription for Innovation," Fabienne provides us with a new paradigm for redefining innovation by harmonizing both feminine and masculine energies  to achieve groundbreaking results (wait... is she innovating innvovation?!) This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of rebellion and innovation and the transformative power of feminine energy. We explore  how to foster environments that  allow us rebels to thrive, uncover our untapped potential, and be empowered to make a difference. Fabienne emphasizes the significance of qualities like empathy, nurturing, inclusivity, and collaboration in the innovation process, and how giving these traits the patience to develop can transform the world around us. We also talk about how to embrace our authentic self in a world saturated with algorithms, fostering self-respect, and why we need to listen to our bodies.  Whether you are looking to spark more joy and creativity in your work or personal life, this episode is packed with valuable wisdom. Through her captivating stories and thought-provoking discussions, Fabienne illustrates that true innovation is not just about breaking the mold but doing so authentically, intuitively, and with purpose. This  episode is an essential listen for anyone yearning to break free from the status quo and make a lasting impact on the world. If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Join the Inner Rebel Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerrebelpodcast/

How do we unlearn what we've been taught? Are you ready to challenge the stories you tell yourself? Unpacking and rewriting our limiting beliefs is the key to transformation and empowerment. And no one does it better than Atarah Valentine. Atarah is a certified hypnotherapist and mindset coach with specialized training in inner child healing, trauma recovery, neurolinguistic programming, and more. In this raw and vulnerable exploration, he shares transformational insights on how to uncover and rewrite the internal narratives that keep us from reaching our fullest potential. Drawing from neurolinguistic programming and other cutting-edge techniques, he lays out a new framework for shifting our mindset and developing healthier relationships—with ourselves and others.  Packed with actionable tips, practical advice, and profound wisdom, Atarah guides us deep into the roots of our conditioning. Together, we explore how to practically identify and change limiting beliefs, disrupt negative thought patterns, and so much more. The episode is brimming with insights that will help you swap out self-doubt for self-compassion, fear for courage, and stagnation for authentic growth. You'll walk away with a toolkit of strategies for self-empowerment, a deeper understanding of your own conditioning, and a newfound enthusiasm for the transformative power of curiosity.  Topics in this episode: The Roots of Conditioning Identifying Disempowering Narratives Fear of Being with Ourselves Victim Mentality Addressing the Subconscious Mind The Nature of Reality The Process of Proactive Change The Importance of Curiosity Motivation to Change Addressing All-or-Nothing Mentality Addressing Limiting Beliefs Without Searching for a "Root" The Value of Feedback and Hearing the Truth Bravery and Vulnerability  Techniques to Reframe Problems and Move Through Discomfort  Exercises to Disassemble Belief Systems Connect with Atarah: Check out Atarah: https://www.theseedlevel.com/ Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/atarahvalentine/ If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Join the Inner Rebel Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerrebelpodcast/

We have a deep and thought-provoking conversation with Alignment Marketing & Business Strategist, Karna Liv Nau, as she leads an exploration into the realms of trauma, healing, authenticity, and the transformative power of vulnerability in today's digital age. Karna's flipping the script on marketing, daring us to see it as a way to connect for real, embrace our power, chase down our dreams, and lay ourselves bare -- no sales pitch needed. Whether you're hustling as an entrepreneur, expressing your art, or just long to share who you are, Karna throws this question out there: What if marketing wasn't about a sale-driven agenda, but fully owning who you are? The talk spills over into staying true to our values, navigating discomfort zones, and the art of balancing emotional well-being with professional drive and success. Together, we unravel questions like: How do we show up more fully in the world as ourselves and feel safe? How do we navigate the tension between the need for visibility in business and letting go of an agenda? How do we participate in a system while also seeking to transform it? How does healing from trauma and conditioning play a role in all of this? How do we practice more discernment and remain in integrity as both marketers and consumers?  We cover the gamut—from the emotional wounds that shape our lives, to the art of 'slowing down', tuning into emotional intelligence for better decision-making, and so much more. We question the entrenched norms of capitalism, and explore practical steps to dismantle oppressive ideologies that hold us back. If you've ever felt the tug between fitting in and standing out, or crave a more authentic and spiritual path through the digital landscape, this conversation offers a new paradigm. It's a call to liberate ourselves from the old marketing spiel, redefine success beyond immediate results, and do the deep work to not only transform our businesses but ourselves. In the intersection of entrepreneurship, authenticity, and spiritual growth, this episode is for every fierce, authentic soul stepping into the world with courage and integrity. Trigger warning: please note this episode discusses sexual trauma. CONNECT WITH KARNA Check out Karna: https://karnalivnau.com/ Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_alignmentmarketing_/ If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Join the Inner Rebel Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerrebelpodcast/

Leading isn't just about guiding others; it's also about steering our own lives, driven by purpose and passion. In this captivating episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the extraordinary Douglas Scherer -- workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Forged: 6 Practices for Leaders in Volatile Times. With his unique blend of mindfulness and leadership expertise, Douglas helps us explore the  symbiotic relationship between rebellion and leadership -- two forces that seem to be intrinsically intertwined. Both leaders and rebels require qualities of courage, resilience, a willingness to defy expectations, think outside the box, and challenge the status quo. This conversation is packed with mind-expanding ideas on how to nurture these qualities in ourselves, even when we battle imposter syndrome and self-doubt. From trusting our intuition to embracing discomfort, Douglas shares valuable insights on how leaders think and act that are applicable to us rebels who want to forge our own paths, honor authentic visions, and create meaningful change in the world. Our conversation with Douglas explores the transformative power of discomfort as a catalyst for growth, how to lean into uncertainty, rewrite your "personal playbook", as well as how to challenge the mental habits and behaviors that keep us stuck in order to bring change and transformation to our own lives and those around us. We also learn about the role of self-compassion in unleashing your creativity, what it means to cultivate a "growth mindset", how to stay grounded and centered amidst chaos, the vast potential of nothingness -- and so much more.  This episode will inspire you to take up more space, dance outside the edges of your comfort zone, and lean a little deeper into the messy and grey areas of life. Key Topics Covered: The intertwining of rebellion and leadership Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth and creativity. Shifting from rigid mental patterns to exploration of new possibilities. Cultivating self-compassion for fostering innovation  Embracing uncertainty Techniques for challenging ingrained thought patterns. Nurturing a growth mindset Leaning into discomfort  Resilience  Strategies for grounding yourself amidst chaos Pushing societal boundaries, embracing self-discovery, and expanding your comfort zone If you loved today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on Instagram! We also have a free monthly community call on the first Wednesday of every month, join here! CONNECT WITH INNER REBEL Follow Inner Rebel Podcast: @innerrebelpodcast Follow Melissa: @therippleconnection Follow Jessica: @bydesignwithjess Visit the Inner Rebel website Join the Inner Rebel Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerrebelpodcast/