Free To Be Me

Host, 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-be...

In 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...

In 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 f...

In 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 a...

In 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...

The 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 j...

In 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 midli...

This 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 th...

This 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 s...

In 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 p...

In 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 journ...

In 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 th...

Host 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 b...

Rosy 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...

Host 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 let...

In 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 d...

In 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...

In 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 nurturin...

In 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 fr...

Guest, 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...

In 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-re...

In 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, reveal...

In 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 em...

This 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 mak...

In 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. Th...