The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast

If 2025 has felt like one long highlight reel of L’s, this episode is for you. But here’s the reframe: L’s don’t just stand for “losses,” they stand for lessons . And the year isn’t over yet—you still have time to stack up some meaningful wins. In this episode, I share a story from 2020 when the world felt upside down. Instead of waiting for “January” or a perfect moment, I set what felt like an i...

Growth is not a straight line—it’s a spiral. In this episode, we explore why life keeps bringing us back to familiar lessons, not to punish us, but to invite us deeper into truth. Each return is a chance to embody wisdom on a new level, to see with fresh eyes, and to meet ourselves with greater compassion. Through the lens of the Five Transformative Shifts from An Ordinary Girl’s Journey to Self-L...

Being anti-fragile isn’t just about surviving hard things…It’s about using them to become stronger, wiser, more rooted .⠀This episode is for the ones who’ve been stretched—Who’ve walked through the fireAnd came out with deeper self-trust,Not because it was easy…But because they didn’t quit. ⠀Inside:→ Fragile vs Anti-fragile mindsets→ Why discomfort is your training ground→ How to rise with compass...

In this short but powerful episode, I unpack one of the most sacred truths: Your intuition cannot be outsourced. We live in a world overflowing with advice — from books, podcasts, influencers, and well-meaning mentors. But in the midst of it all, there’s a guiding voice within you that only you can hear. Your intuition is more than a gut feeling. It’s a divinely placed compass, a light from your C...

We’ve all told ourselves, “I just need more discipline.” But what if that’s not actually what you need? In this episode, I unpack the myths surrounding discipline and introduce two underrated skills that truly disciplined people rely on—especially when life feels heavy or unpredictable. You’ll learn why white-knuckling your way through isn’t sustainable and how to pivot with grace instead of guilt...

What happens when God calls you to do something completely outside your timeline, comfort zone, and logic? In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of how—during one of the most chaotic and unsteady seasons of my life—God clearly told me to write a book. No outline, no plan, no idea where to start. Just a divine whisper that interrupted my ordinary day and awakened a long-buried dream. I...

In this episode of the Extraordinary Self podcast, Maria discusses the pressures of personal growth and the importance of redefining success. She emphasizes that growth is a personal journey, often invisible to others, and encourages listeners to appreciate their progress, no matter how small. By reflecting on a pivotal question about personal change over the past year, Maria aims to shift perspec...

In this episode of the Extraordinary Self podcast, Maria interviews Cass, a professional bodybuilder and posing coach. They discuss Cass’ journey into bodybuilding, the importance of background and experience, and the emotional aspects of competing. Cass shares insights on preparing for competitions, the role of support systems, and the significance of mindset and self-love. They also touch on the...

In this episode of the Extraordinary Self podcast, Maria reflects on the different stages of life, culminating in a heartfelt letter from her future self. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, love, and living authentically, encouraging listeners to envision their future selves and the wisdom they would impart. The conversation invites listeners to embrace their journey and recognize t...

In this episode of The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast , we explore the wild, winding path of your 20s and 30s—a time often filled with pressure, comparison, chaos, and deep transformation. Maria reflects on why she calls everything before 40 “research” and unpacks the real work of early adulthood: detaching from who you were told to be, experimenting with identity, healing in relationships, navigating...

In this episode of the Extraordinary Self podcast, Maria interviews Kevin Harris about his teenage years, exploring the challenges he faced growing up in a rough neighborhood, the influence of family and community, and the role of sports and faith in shaping his identity. Kevin shares his experiences with gang life, the importance of acceptance, and the consequences of his choices, including a tra...

In this introspective episode, we journey back to the earliest chapter of our lives—childhood. Far from mere nostalgia, this reflection offers vital clues to who we truly are underneath the layers of societal conditioning. We explore how our earliest environments shaped our subconscious beliefs, the impact of family dynamics, and how even subtle childhood experiences leave lasting scripts. Whether...

In this deeply personal and mind-expanding episode, we explore the difference between Chronos and Kairos—clock time and divine timing—and how understanding this can radically shift your relationship with the present moment. Through spiritual insight, personal story, and a touch of physics and psychology, you'll discover how to harmonize hustle with holy rest, and learn to recognize the sacred invi...

Episode Summary: In this soul-stirring episode, we explore what it means to alchemize your past —to transform pain, disappointment, and trauma into personal power, purpose, and peace. We journey through the emotional, spiritual, and even scientific dimensions of healing, connecting quantum physics , faith in Christ , and nervous system regulation as allies in the process. This isn’t about pretendi...

Do you ever feel inexplicably drained, like your energy is slipping away—but you don’t know why? In this episode, we explore the hidden energy leaks that silently siphon your strength, joy, and creativity: from seeking validation, to ruminating on the past, gossiping, waiting to be happy “when,” and more. I’ll share a deeply personal story about our home being broken into—and how I turned potentia...

In this powerful episode of The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast , we explore the misunderstood but life-changing concept of detachment —what it really means to let go, love without control, and live with outcome-independent motivation. You’ll hear a personal story from motherhood that reveals the sacred practice of releasing expectations. We unpack the paradox of detachment: how you can care deeply wit...

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, we explore one of the most important relationships you’ll ever have: your relationship with food. I share how my lifelong curiosity about food, health, and healing led me to become a certified nutrition coach — and why true transformation goes far beyond dieting. We dive into three key layers: * Conceptual: How our first experience with food (even in t...

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to build a new habit and thought, “Maybe I’m just not disciplined enough,” this episode is for you. What if the problem isn’t your willpower—but your self-identity? In this powerful conversation, we bust 7 of the most common (and damaging) myths about habits—from relying on willpower and mindset hacks to chasing goals that don’t align with who you really are. Drawi...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we explore the female body image journey across the decades — from childhood to motherhood and beyond. Host Maria shares her own evolving relationship with her body, tracing the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages that shaped how she saw herself. We dive into the early impact of family comments, the toxic beauty ideals of the ‘90s, the challenges of po...

In this deeply educational and eye-opening episode, we explore the male side of body image — a topic often overlooked but increasingly urgent. Using the four key components of body image (perceptual, affective, cognitive, and behavioral), we uncover how boys and men are silently struggling with unrealistic ideals, muscularity pressure, and shame. We share shocking statistics, research from the New...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the rapidly evolving relationship between humanity, artificial intelligence, and social media. Far from sounding the alarm, this conversation brings a refreshing and grounded perspective: AI isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to release us. As the world transforms, our most valuable assets won’t be our job titles or follower counts—they’ll be our energ...

🎙️ Episode Title: The Art of Pivoting — How to Align with Your True Path Faster In this episode of The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast , we're diving deep into the art of pivoting —not just in business, but in every area of your life. Whether it’s your career, relationships, fitness journey, or spiritual growth, pivoting is the secret weapon to faster alignment with your true purpose. I share how my ow...

In this episode of The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast , Maria Del Gaiso challenges the deeply ingrained belief that success must come through struggle and hard work. She explores the concept of flow, emphasizing that ease and alignment can lead to greater productivity and fulfillment. Maria provides practical strategies for shifting from a mindset of struggle to one of flow, encouraging listeners to e...

In this episode of The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast , we dive deep into the complexities of friendships—why they fade, how to recognize when it’s time to walk away, and how to let go without guilt. We’ll explore the difference between natural growth and betrayal, red and green flags in friendships, and the emotional journey of healing after a toxic relationship. If you’ve ever struggled with outgrow...

In this episode of The ExtraOrdinary Self Podcast , we sit down with Cali Fournier, OCB Wellness World Champion , to explore the deeper connection between bodybuilding, faith, and self-love. Cali shares her inspiring journey—how she built not just physical strength but also mental resilience and unwavering self-belief. She opens up about the role of faith in her fitness journey, overcoming self-do...