The MAXINE Unapologetically Authentic

This episode of The MAXINE Unapologetically Authentic Podcast confronts an uncomfortable reality: why are single mothers judged, excluded and treated as though they are less deserving of love, friendship and respect? Why do some mothers become the very people who shame other women for being single mothers? Why are sons so fiercely protected from forming friendships or relationships with single mom...

A Single Mom's War Against Society Society is quick to judge single mothers but slow to acknowledge the battles they fight. From children being humiliated at school for not having a dad, to mothers being questioned about their choices and judged for struggling financially, the weight of society's expectations can break a woman's spirit. But who asks what she's going through? Who sees her sacrifice...

Reaching a turning point in your life isn't a midlife crisis. It's you releasing the old narrative about yourself and growing into the person you have silently and slowly stopped becoming because of life's struggles, past pains, other people's expectations, and the version shaped by conforming to this world's standards of what's acceptable. Subscribe to  @MaxineCSmith  for...

What if you stopped measuring your worth by your achievements, career, relationships, income or how much you do for everyone else? You are enough—not because you have everything figured out, but because your worth was never dependent on what you achieve. In this coaching conversation, Maxine C Smith explores the pressure we place on ourselves to constantly do more, be more and prove ourselves. If...

You can be successful, ambitious and completely exhausted. But what happens when you finally ask: Is the life I'm working so hard for actually the life I'm living? She was still working. From a hospital bed. Laptop open. Phone beside her. Work still getting done. And at first glance, it might look like dedication. Commitment. Strength. But what if there is another story underneath it? What...

CALLED OUT ON YOUR BS. This one might make you uncomfortable. Because what if you’re not actually stuck? What if you’re hiding behind the story you keep telling yourself? “I’m waiting for the right time.” “I’m doing it for my family.” “I’m just tired.” “That’s just how I am.” “I’ll deal with it later.” But what if those aren't reasons? What if they're excuses? In this episode, we're getting brutal...

In this episode, we uncover what it looks like when you have reached the ceiling of your life. When you have no strength left to pursue your daily routines, your hobbies, or your job because the weight you carry seems to be getting heavier each passing day, and you can't seem to get back to who you are and live the way you used to. https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MaxineCSmith⁩ Author, Coach and Ent...

In this episode, we unpack what workplace intimidation and office politics can look like. You don't change yourself to fit into the blurred lenses you're being scrutinised through. Know your worth and values. Believe in yourself and know your truth. Not everyone has your best interests at heart and will try to tear you down for who you are and what you stand for. I've shared coaching t...

"Your voice is more than a sound. It's a tool for influence, a catalyst for change, and one of the most powerful assets you'll ever bring to your business." In this episode, we talk about women in business and how they give up when they don't get support and feel the guilt of being ambitious. We acknowledge that starting or running a business can be hard and lonely, but find a mentor, attend and e...

In this episode, we unpack how to manage performance review setbacks when the reward is not monetary: no increase, No Bonus, No Promotion. We explore the mindset and how to shift your focus from a financial setback by investing in yourself through expanding your knowledge base to set you up for the future. You also have options, whether to pursue your current role or open yourself up to more oppor...

In this episode, we uncover what makes and breaks interviews and how to navigate through these challenges. With tips on body language, posture, hand gestures and breathing techniques. Remember, you are marketing yourself as a brand to enter the workplace; do it confidently through preparation, research and lead the interview by providing real-time scenarios that you excelled in to showcase your sk...

Face It. Heal It. Free Your Future. What if the life you're longing for is waiting on the other side of the pain you've spent years avoiding? Ultimate Showdown With Your Past is more than a podcast—it's an invitation to stop surviving and start healing. Hosted by Maxine C. Smith , this powerful series takes you beneath the surface of success, busyness, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and emotional...

The bathroom is one of the sacred spaces where you release your thoughts and feelings out loud and unapologetically. The unplanned movement your body involuntarily makes to the loud siren in your inner world you can no longer ignore. There is hope in the silence and comfort acknowledging your pains, struggles and overcoming them with honesty, unfiltered awareness and the idea that there is a way t...

What if vulnerability isn't your weakness, but your greatest strength? In this inspiring episode of The MAXINE Unapologetically Authentic Podcast , Maxine C. Smith explores how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper self-awareness, personal growth, emotional healing, and authentic living. Drawing from her book, The Work of Wisdom , Maxine shares practical insights on how awareness, respons...

We all carry a version of ourselves that the world never truly sees — a carefully crafted persona built to hide the pain, shame, and wounds we’re afraid to expose. In this episode of Wisdom Part 1 , we explore the masks we wear, why we create them, and how they silently shape our relationships, identity, and sense of worth. This conversation is for anyone who has ever: Pretended to be “strong” whi...

There comes a moment in every human journey when the internal shift becomes louder than the external noise. When the energy inside you rises, expands, and clears out the illusions you once believed were truth — something powerful happens. This video explores the depth of internal transformation :how positive energy feels in the body,how it rewires your thinking,how it dissolves delusional beliefs...

Child custody battles can be incredibly challenging, often involving complex legal battles and difficult family court proceedings. This video questions the disparity in vetting between biological and adoptive parents, particularly concerning child protection. We discuss why a rigorous process is essential, especially when considering the potential for child abuse and the role of child protective s...

Change doesn’t start with a new week, a new month, or a new year — it starts with a new choice . When you shift your mindset, your habits, and your daily decisions, your entire lifestyle begins to transform. This episode is your reminder that better outcomes are built from small, consistent changes that align with the future you want. If you’re ready for better — mentally, emotionally, financially...

A bully boss can make you question your worth, your skills, and your sanity. But the truth is simple: their behavior is a reflection of them, not you. This video empowers you to reclaim your voice and recognize the red flags of toxic leadership.

In this episode, we challenge the culture of gatekeeping and explore why real leaders lift as they climb. Learn how mentoring newcomers strengthens teams, builds trust, and shapes a legacy of leadership that outlives your job title. Perfect for professionals, managers, and anyone committed to building a healthier workplace culture

Inner Work dives into one of the hardest healing decisions: cutting off toxic family and friends to protect your mental health, emotional well-being, and growth. In this episode, we explore why letting go of people who constantly drain, manipulate, or disrespect your boundaries is sometimes necessary for deep inner healing. This conversation is for anyone navigating guilt, grief, or judgment after...

From leading teams in corporate to leading people into transformation, allow me to reintroduce myself After decades in corporate leadership, I’ve shifted from managing projects to empowering people. I’m stepping into this new chapter as a Life, Personal & Professional Development Coach—bringing together strategy, intuition, and lived experience to help you rise into your next season. Welcome t...

In “You Said You Loved Me, But Why Did You Hurt Me,” we sit with the ache of loving someone whose actions caused deep pain. This episode unpacks the confusion that comes when words say “love,” but behaviour tells a different story. We talk about emotional wounds, unmet expectations, betrayal, and the slow process of understanding what real love should feel like. If you’ve ever questioned your wort...

IT doesn’t have to feel intimidating or out of reach. In this episode, I share my real journey into tech and break down practical, free resources you can use to start learning software testing, no degree or fancy background required. If you’re ready to shift your mindset, build confidence, and take actionable steps toward a career in IT, this one’s for you.

“IT is not for me.” “I didn’t study.” “I don’t know computers.” “I’m not smart enough.” Sound familiar? Think again. A career in IT or Software Testing isn’t reserved for geniuses or people with degrees. It’s built by curiosity, consistency, and the courage to start even when you’re unsure. I entered the IT world without a degree, without knowing everything, and without having it all figured out....