The FEEL Podcast: Women’s Empowerment, Emotional Wellness and Self-Leadership with Melissa Crook

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠⁠ In this powerful and deeply moving episode of  The Embracing Layers Network , we welcome back  Vallen Webb , a pregnancy loss educator, podcaster, and advocate for grief-informed healing. Vallen previously appeared on our  Together We F.E.E.L  YouTube panel discussing  processing grief  and h...

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here - ⁠⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠⁠ In this solo episode of  The FEEL Podcast , Melissa Crook introduces  The Boundary Blueprint,  a practical, compassionate framework for setting clear yeses and nos in your life without guilt or over-explaining. If the word  boundaries  feels triggering, Melissa reframes it as a  platform, fram...

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here - ⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠ In this powerful episode of  The F.E.E.L. Podcast , we sit down with  Laura Bratton , a courageous speaker, advocate, and inspiration whose story redefines resilience, confidence, and self-belief. Discovered through  Podmatch , Laura brings a deeply moving perspective shaped by losing her eyesig...

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here - ⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠ Welcome to a brand-new year and a brand-new rhythm on  The FEEL Podcast  with host  Melissa Crook . As we step into  2026 , Melissa introduces an exciting new format designed to support women with  quick, practical encouragement  they can apply right away. Starting this year, you’ll hear  short,...

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber Here  - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠⁠ We’re opening 2026  with a powerful and inspiring converesation. Our New Year's Day guest,  Janie Jurkovich , a member of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce, brings a practical and refreshing perspective. Like many women, Janie didn’t realize boundaries were something she was...

Support our work by becoming a Paid Substack Suscriber Here - ⁠⁠ https://substack.com/@thefeelpodcast⁠ We’re closing out  2025  with a powerful and inspiring discussion on  The Embracing Layers Network with   Maureen Considine. Maureen Considine describes herself as courageous, adventurous, driven, and of service. She shares a meaningful reframe on boundaries:  it’s not about what you say no to, i...

Trigger Warning: Abuse (Emotional & Spiritual) In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we sit down with  Daphne McGee , a writer, podcaster, and advocate for women reclaiming their faith, autonomy, and self-worth. Recommended by  Neva Talladen , editor of  Embracing Layers Unapologetically , Daphne is no stranger to courageous conversations and has previously joined us on panel discussions...

In this inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we welcome our Podmatch guest Shannon Russell, host of Second Act Success and a shining example of what it looks like to boldly reinvent your life. Shannon radiates positivity, ambition, and courage as she shares her journey of leaving a successful 16-year career in television to pursue a new passion: helping others create meaningful second acts of...

In this week’s empowering episode, we sit down with Barbara Howlin, a creative, passionate, and deeply intuitive human who guides us through what it truly means to shed expectations and embrace your authentic self. Barbara opens up about dismantling “good girl syndrome,” breaking free from external validation, and learning to live life from the inside out. Through her vulnerable storytelling, Barb...

In today’s empowering episode, we welcome the radiant Corine LaFont, host of Between the Lines, who joins Melissa for an uplifting and deeply reflective conversation on embracing identity, honoring boundaries, and protecting your inner light. Corine describes herself as young, cute, and sexy, a reminder that self-definition is powerful at every age. Corine shares her transformative journey of leav...

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder In this deeply insightful episode, we welcome Alexandra Birch, a holistic wellness guide who blends mind–body–spirit healing with science-backed practices. Alexandra’s journey began when “self-care” was still treated like a trendy buzzword centered on purchases rather than personal truth. Through her evolution as a former competitive athlete and someone who lost he...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Teresa Rosario-Hernandez, a powerful voice from Podmatch who embodies resilience, independence, hope, and authentic growth. As the holiday season amplifies stress and emotional overload, Teresa opens up about her journey through trauma, burnout, and the moment she realized she no longer recognized herself. She shares how ignoring emotional and mental wellness...

Trigger Warning: Abuse In this powerful double-feature episode, we sit down with Deana Lynn and Lizzie Jane, hosts of the Surviving Toxic Relationships podcast. These two remarkable women share a deeply personal and transformative story. One rooted in emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, healing, and ultimately, empowerment. Deana describes herself as energetic, extroverted, empathetic, and...

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder In this powerful episode, we sit down with Briana Bowley, an Australia-based former competitive bodybuilder who openly shares her personal journey through burnout, boundaries, body image, and holistic self-healing. Briana describes herself as innovative, driven, and inspired, and this conversation proves exactly why. Briana reflects on her years in competitive body...

This week on The F.E.E.L Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Kara Vaval, powerhouse entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and host of the Unfiltered Podcast. You may remember her from our crossover episode, “How to F.E.E.L Your Way to Freedom with Melissa Crook.” Kara is bold, raw, and unapologetically herself, the definition of reinvention and resilience. In this inspiring conversation, Kara and Mel...

Trigger Warnings: Depression, suicidal ideation In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, host Melissa welcomes Michelle Campbell, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and author of Bluebird: A Memoir. Michelle opens up about her emotional and financial struggles, sharing her powerful story of overcoming depression, suicidal ideation, and a toxic relationship with mon...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, trauma, abuse, and assault. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources listed below. You are not alone. Description: In this deeply powerful and compassionate episode, Melissa is joined by Karen Robinson, the inspiring host of the Heal, Thrive, Dream Podcast. Karen is a t...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome the incredible Njideka Olatunde, a holistic healer, educator, and advocate for alternative pain relief and whole-body wellness. Describing herself as an evolving butterfly, Njideka shares her transformative journey from childhood home remedies to pioneering Touchology, a healing approach that bridges the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Discover how...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Julie Marty-Pearson, an empathetic, authentic, and empowering leader who’s helping women live unapologetically and find their voices through storytelling and podcasting. Julie shares her deeply personal journey from battling illness as a child to transforming her love for animals into a thriving show, The Story of My Pet Podcast, now a top 5% global podc...

In this empowering episode, we welcome the incredible Coach Kay, host of the Bringing Intimacy Back podcast and mother of five, who shares her wisdom on creating healthy boundaries, embracing self-care, and finding balance between mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Coach Kay opens up about her journey as a serial entrepreneur, mom, and advocate for holistic health, explaining how setting bo...

In this inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, we sit down with the multitalented and creative Foster Wilson, who describes herself as compassionate, creative, nerdy, and weird. Through her open-hearted conversation, Foster dives deep into how she reconnects with her “why” and filters her life decisions through her core values of connection, growth, self-expression, and freedom. Foster shares h...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, our friend Teresa Vesneske returns to share how her journey of emotional healing, self-discovery, and personal growth has evolved since we last spoke in Season 4, Episode 7, “Emotional Health & Physical Health Healing.” Teresa opens up about what it means to live life for yourself, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize mental, emo...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sudden loss and emotional trauma. Joining us from Australia, Marie Alessi brings quiet strength and heartfelt wisdom to this conversation on grief, healing, and personal boundaries. When Marie’s husband passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm at just 45, she was thrust into sudden widowhood, left to raise her two young sons alone. With clarity and vul...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Please prioritize your emotional safety while listening. In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Kristin Duncombe , a psychotherapist, author, and survivor who has transformed her pain into purpose. Kristin bravely shares her journey through a relationship marked by emotional neglect , imbalanced partnership , and psychological...

Trigger Warning:  This episode contains discussions of  alcoholism ,  emotional abuse , and  grief . Please listen with care. Description: This week’s episode is a deeply moving and empowering conversation with  Gina Economopoulos,  a resilient, faith-filled woman who has walked a winding road of identity, loss, and healing. Gina shares her powerful story of breaking away from toxic environments,...