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Why can we spot every red flag in our friends’ relationships but completely miss—or ignore—the same patterns in our own? In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Sabrina Zohar, dating coach, entrepreneur, podcast host, and debut author of Why Am I Like This?, for an honest conversation about the patterns we repeat in dating, where they actually come from, and what it takes to finally break them. Before becoming a leading voice in the dating and relationship space, Sabrina found herself repeatedly dating emotionally unavailable men and struggling with many of the same patterns she now helps others understand. A devastating personal loss became a turning point that pushed her deeper into therapy, self-reflection, and eventually content creation. What started with TikTok videos evolved into a top-ranked podcast, a community of people ready to "do the work," and ultimately her first book. Sabrina and Brianna unpack why understanding your patterns intellectually isn't always enough to change them, how early experiences influence the relationships we choose as adults, and why taking radical responsibility doesn't mean blaming yourself for everything that's happened to you. They also get into one of the most misunderstood topics in modern dating: boundaries. Sabrina explains the difference between a boundary, a request, and a wall—and why protecting yourself so aggressively that nobody can get close isn't necessarily healing. From attachment and emotional triggers to Disney movies, family dynamics, self-worth, and the neuroscience behind our reactions, this episode is about getting curious about the question so many of us have asked ourselves: Why am I like this? And, more importantly: What am I going to do about it? In This Episode, We Discuss: Sabrina’s journey from unhealthy dating patterns to becoming a dating coach and authorThe personal loss that became a catalyst for changing her lifeHow therapy helped Sabrina recognize her own patternsThe unexpected TikTok journey that eventually led to her podcast and bookWhy we repeatedly choose emotionally unavailable partnersThe “b******t blueprint” of early developmental maladaptive coping mechanismsHow childhood and early experiences influence adult relationshipsWhy knowing better doesn’t automatically mean we do betterHow intellectualizing our emotions can keep us disconnected from what we're actually feelingWhy it’s easier to identify someone else’s red flags than our ownWhat radical responsibility looks like in relationshipsWhy taking responsibility is different from taking blameHow your relationship with yourself impacts the relationships you build with othersThe difference between boundaries, walls, and requestsWhy overly rigid boundaries can sometimes become another form of self-protectionThe neuroscience behind emotional triggers and relationship patternsHow the prefrontal cortex and amygdala influence our reactionsThe surprising ways movies, media, and cultural narratives shape our expectations of loveWhy healing isn't something you eventually “finish”Therapy, journaling, relationships, and other ways we can continue healingSabrina’s experience writing honestly about her own family dynamicsWhy sharing vulnerable personal stories can help other people feel less aloneWhat Sabrina hopes readers take away from Why Am I Like This?Memorable Quote “Healthy love starts with the relationship you have with yourself.” — Sabrina ZoharKey Takeaways Understanding Your Pattern Isn't the Same as Changing It You can read the books, go to therapy, listen to podcasts, and understand exactly why you behave the way you do—and still find yourself repeating the same patterns. Sabrina explains that many of our reactions aren't simply conscious decisions. They're connected to coping mechanisms and behaviors we learned much earlier in life. Recognizing the pattern matters, but changing it requires more than intellectual awareness. Radical Responsibility Is Where Your Power Lives It's easy to focus exclusively on what another person did wrong: the red flags they showed, the way they communicated, or the ways they disappointed us. But Sabrina challenges us to also ask harder questions about ourselves. Why did I stay? What was I attracted to? What did this dynamic activate in me? What patterns am I bringing into this relationship? Radical responsibility isn't about blaming yourself for someone else's behavior. It's about identifying the part you can control so you can make a different choice next time. A Boundary Is Not a Wall Boundaries have become a major part of conversations around relationships and healing—but not everything labeled a boundary is actually one. There is a difference between communicating what you need, establishing what you will do to protect your well-being, and constructing a wall that prevents anyone from getting close enough to hurt you. Healthy relationships require boundaries, but they also require communication, vulnerability, and flexibility. Your Brain Has a History Our responses in relationships don't happen in a vacuum. Sabrina discusses how early experiences shape learned behaviors and coping mechanisms that can continue showing up long after the original circumstances are gone. When something triggers us, the emotional part of the brain can react before the rational part has fully caught up. Understanding where a behavior originated can help us stop treating it as proof that something is fundamentally wrong with us—and start deciding whether that behavior still serves us. Even Our Ideas About Love Were Learned Somewhere Family dynamics aren't the only things shaping our expectations about relationships. Movies, television, social media, and even the stories many of us consumed as children can influence what we believe romance is supposed to look like. Part of breaking your relationship blueprint means getting curious about where your expectations came from in the first place—and deciding whether they're actually compatible with the kind of relationship you want today. Healing Is Not a Finish Line There isn't a magical moment where you become completely “healed” and never get triggered, insecure, anxious, or hurt again. Healing is ongoing. Sometimes it looks like therapy or journaling. Sometimes it's recognizing a pattern a little faster than you did before. Sometimes it's spending time with people you love, making a healthier decision, or responding differently to something that once would have completely derailed you. Progress doesn't require perfection. Your Story Can Make Someone Else Feel Less Alone Writing Why Am I Like This? required Sabrina to get vulnerable about her own relationships, family dynamics, and experiences. That vulnerability serves a bigger purpose. When we're willing to talk honestly about the messy parts of our lives, someone else gets the opportunity to recognize themselves in our story. Shame thrives in isolation. Connection reminds us that many of the things we thought were uniquely wrong with us are deeply human experiences. About Why Am I Like This? In her debut book, Sabrina Zohar explores the patterns, coping mechanisms, experiences, and beliefs that influence how we show up in relationships. Rather than simply telling readers what they should or shouldn't do when dating, Sabrina aims to give them a practical roadmap for understanding why they behave the way they do, where those patterns came from, and how they can begin making different choices. If you've ever found yourself asking: Why do I keep choosing the same type of person? Why can I see the red flags but still stay? Why do I react this way when I'm triggered? Why am I like this? This one's for you. Connect with Sabrina Zohar 📱 Instagram: @sabrina.zohar 🎵 TikTok: @sabrina.zohar 🌐 Website: sabrinazohar.com 📚 Book: Why Am I Like This? Follow Sabrina for conversations about dating, relationships, attachment, boundaries, self-worth, healing, and breaking the patterns keeping you stuck. Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike If this episode made you recognize a pattern you've been repeating—or finally gave you language for something you've been trying to understand—send it to the friend who's been having the same conversations with you for years. Follow and subscribe to Badass Basic Bitch wherever you listen, and leave a review to help more women discover the show. We'll see you next week!

Are you actually searching for a new life—or are you searching for permission to become who you already are? In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Dr. Sarah Webb, author, channeler, spiritual coach, and internationally recognized expert on colorism, for a powerful conversation about identity, worthiness, self-awareness, spirituality, and learning to distinguish the life you truly want from the one you've been conditioned to live. Dr. Sarah's path began in academia as an English professor working in the humanities and exploring complex social issues. Her work eventually evolved into a deeper examination of colorism, identity, healing, and spirituality. She is the author of Colorism: The Politics of Skin Tone and How We Get Free and now works with people through channeled coaching and dream journeys, guiding them on a heart-led mission to transform their lives from the inside out. Brianna and Dr. Sarah explore how much of our identity is consciously chosen versus inherited from our families, cultures, communities, and societal expectations. Dr. Sarah explains why the body can be one of our greatest sources of information when determining whether we're living authentically—and why tension, discomfort, expansion, dreams, and even daydreams deserve our attention. They also dive into colorism and the ways skin-tone bias can shape identity and worthiness, sometimes without people consciously recognizing its influence. Dr. Sarah shares why healing isn't only about understanding what happened to us, but recognizing the agency we have now to interrupt patterns and prevent pain from continuing into future generations. This conversation is an invitation to become curious about your own story: How much of your life reflects who you really are—and how much of it was handed to you? In This Episode, We Discuss: How to recognize whether you're living your own story or one that was handed to youThe difference between authentic desire and societal expectationWhy your body can reveal whether your life feels alignedHow identity can be both inherited and intentionally createdWhy changing your life doesn't always mean completely starting overDr. Sarah's journey from English professor to author, channeler, and spiritual coachHow childhood experiences with bullying shaped her compassion and workWhy she became passionate about helping people recognize their unrealized potentialWhat colorism is and why it's important to talk about itHow skin-tone discrimination can occur within the same racial or ethnic communityWhy colorism is a global issue that crosses culturesThe connection between colorism, internalized bias, and worthinessHow societal biases can influence identity without us consciously realizing itWhy healing our relationship with ourselves is foundationalWhat spirituality means outside of traditional religious definitionsHow dreams, daydreams, journaling, and self-reflection can deepen self-awarenessWhat Dr. Sarah means by a “dream journey”How dreams can provide information about our emotions, desires, and directionUsing body scans to recognize tension, expansion, and other physical signalsWhy noticing patterns is more powerful than analyzing one isolated experienceHow inherited and systemic wounds can continue across generationsThe role of agency in breaking cycles of trauma and painWhy becoming more self-aware can change what we pass down to the next generationMemorable Quote “Sometimes we don't need to move out of the house. Sometimes we need to renovate.” — Dr. Sarah WebbKey Takeaways Your Body Knows When Something Doesn't Fit One of the simplest ways to begin questioning whether you're living authentically is to notice how your life actually feels. Rather than only asking, Does my life look successful? or Am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing?, Dr. Sarah encourages us to pay attention to what happens inside our bodies as we move through our days. Where do you feel tension? Where do you feel expansive? What drains you? What makes you feel more alive? Your body can provide information that your conscious mind has learned to ignore. You Can Honor Your Circumstances Without Being Defined by Them Not every aspect of our lives is something we consciously chose. We inherit families, cultures, circumstances, expectations, identities, and experiences. But Dr. Sarah explains that recognizing what we've inherited doesn't mean we have no agency over what happens next. Sometimes transformation doesn't require abandoning everything and becoming someone completely different. Like renovating a house, we can examine what's already there, decide what still serves us, and intentionally rebuild the parts that don't. Colorism Is About More Than Skin Tone Dr. Sarah defines colorism as discrimination based on skin tone, including discrimination that happens among people within the same racial or ethnic group. But the impact goes deeper than appearance. Colorism can influence how people are perceived, treated, valued, and how they eventually learn to perceive themselves. Because these messages can become deeply internalized, people may not recognize the role colorism has played in their identity until much later in life. Worthiness Starts With Your Relationship With Yourself External biases can eventually become internal beliefs. When we're repeatedly exposed to messages about which appearances, identities, or characteristics are considered more valuable, those ideas can shape our sense of worth—even when we consciously disagree with them. Healing requires examining not only how the world has treated us, but also the beliefs we've absorbed and the relationship we've developed with ourselves as a result. Your Dreams May Be Telling You Something Dream work doesn't have to mean finding a mystical interpretation for every detail of a dream. Dr. Sarah encourages people to simply begin paying attention. Keep a journal beside your bed. Write down what you remember. Notice your daydreams too. What were you thinking about? What was happening immediately before it? What emotions came up? Over time, patterns may emerge that help reveal desires, fears, needs, and possibilities that aren't getting your attention during everyday life. Self-Awareness Can Start With a Simple Body Scan You don't need an elaborate spiritual practice to become more connected to yourself. Pause and scan your body. Notice your jaw, shoulders, chest, stomach, hands, and legs. Where are you holding tension? Where do you feel relaxed? What happens in your body when you think about certain people, decisions, or areas of your life? The goal isn't to immediately fix what you notice. It's to start listening. Healing Gives Us an Opportunity to Break the Cycle We may inherit wounds, biases, beliefs, behaviors, and coping mechanisms from the people and systems that came before us. But inheritance doesn't have to equal destiny. Dr. Sarah emphasizes the importance of recognizing our agency. We may not have chosen what happened to us or what was passed down to us, but becoming conscious of those patterns gives us an opportunity to make different choices—and change what gets passed forward. A Simple Self-Awareness Practice If you want to begin exploring some of the ideas from this episode, Dr. Sarah suggests starting small: Keep a dream journal. Write down what you remember when you wake up, even if it's only a few details. Pay attention to your daydreams. Notice not only what you're imagining, but what was happening when your mind went there. Scan your body. Notice tension, discomfort, relaxation, and expansion without immediately trying to change any of it. Look for patterns. One dream, thought, or sensation may not mean much by itself. Pay attention to what keeps returning. Get curious about your story. Ask yourself which parts of your life feel consciously chosen and which might reflect expectations or identities you've inherited. The goal isn't to have all the answers. It's to become more aware of the information you're already receiving. Connect with Dr. Sarah Webb Dr. Sarah Webb is an author, channeler, spiritual coach, and internationally recognized expert on colorism. Through channeled coaching and dream journeys, she guides students on a heart-led mission to transform their world from the inside out. 📱 Instagram: @drsarahlwebb 🌐 Website: drsarahlwebb.com 📚 Book: Colorism: The Politics of Skin Tone and How We Get Free ✨ Learn more about Dr. Sarah's coaching, dream journeys, writing, and Dream Studio through her website and social platforms. Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike If this episode made you question which parts of your life you've consciously chosen—and which parts you've simply inherited—share it with someone who's doing the work of becoming more of who they already are. Follow and subscribe to Badass Basic Bitch wherever you listen, and leave a review to help more women discover the show. We'll see you next week!

What if having less could actually give you more—more time, more energy, more creativity, and more freedom? In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Courtney Carver, founder of Be More with Less and creator of the Project 333 Challenge, to talk about simplifying your life, letting go of what’s weighing you down, and redefining what “enough” really looks like. Courtney’s journey toward simplicity began after a life-changing health diagnosis forced her to take a closer look at the stress in her life. What started with addressing debt, clutter, and an overwhelming career eventually became a completely different way of living—and a movement that has inspired people around the world to rethink their relationship with their stuff. Courtney breaks down her famous Project 333 Challenge: dressing with just 33 items or less for three months. But as Brianna and Courtney explore, this conversation is about much more than cleaning out your closet. They dive into the emotional reasons we hold onto things, how shopping can become a way of coping with discomfort, the influence of social media and algorithms on consumerism, and the surprising mental freedom that comes from having fewer decisions to make every day. From designer handbags and kids’ clutter to online shopping and decision fatigue, this episode will have you looking around your house—and maybe opening your closet—the second it’s over. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Courtney’s journey toward simplicity beganWhy reducing stress became the catalyst for changing her lifeThe creation of Be More with Less and Project 333How the Project 333 Challenge worksWhat is—and isn’t—included in your 33 itemsWhy Project 333 isn’t about deprivation or sufferingHow having less helps redefine what “enough” actually meansThe emotional attachment we develop to clothes, handbags, and possessionsA simple trick for letting go of items you’re emotionally attached toBrianna’s experience letting go of designer bags and simplifying her wardrobeHow shopping can become a coping mechanism when other parts of life feel outside our controlWhy clutter isn’t always made up of things we dislikeThe challenge of managing clutter when you have kidsHow fewer choices can benefit children, tooReducing decision fatigue through a simplified wardrobeWhy fewer possessions can create more room for creativityManaging your energy instead of constantly trying to manage your timeUsing services like Rent the Runway without falling back into overconsumptionHow Instagram, TikTok, algorithms, and online shopping influence what we think we needWhy Courtney intentionally reduced her own social media consumptionThe surprising realization that most people aren’t paying attention to what you wearHow simplifying one area of your life can inspire changes everywhere elseMemorable Quote “One of the biggest benefits is realizing that nobody notices what you’re doing.” — Courtney CarverKey Takeaways Simplicity Isn’t About Deprivation Project 333 isn't designed to make you suffer through three months with nothing to wear. The challenge is an experiment in discovering how much you actually need. By choosing 33 items—including clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories—and living with them for three months, you get the opportunity to step away from the constant cycle of wanting more and discover what you genuinely enjoy wearing. Sometimes You Need Space Before You Can Let Go Getting rid of something can feel surprisingly emotional, especially when the item represents a memory, identity, accomplishment, or version of yourself. Courtney suggests removing items from sight before deciding whether to permanently let them go. Creating distance can weaken the emotional connection and help you recognize whether you actually miss the item—or simply felt uncomfortable getting rid of it. Clutter Costs More Than Money Everything we own requires something from us. We have to organize it, clean it, maintain it, store it, think about it, or decide what to do with it. Reducing what you own isn't simply about having a cleaner closet. It can reduce decision fatigue and free up mental energy for creativity, relationships, work, problem-solving, and the things that matter more. Shopping Can Give Us the Illusion of Control When something painful or stressful is happening outside of our control, focusing on something we can control—like what we buy—can feel comforting. But that temporary relief can eventually create another source of stress through clutter, spending, and the constant pressure to acquire more. Recognizing why you're reaching for something can be just as important as deciding whether to buy it. Social Media Is Constantly Telling Us We Need More Instagram, TikTok, online shopping, and personalized algorithms have created an environment where we're constantly being introduced to the next thing we're supposed to want. Courtney shares why she's intentionally reduced her own time on certain platforms and why becoming more conscious about what we're consuming digitally can help change what we consume physically. Fewer Decisions Can Create More Creativity When you remove dozens of unnecessary decisions from your day, that energy doesn't disappear—it becomes available for something else. Courtney has found that simplifying areas like her wardrobe gives her more capacity for writing, business, problem-solving, and creativity. Sometimes creating more space in your life literally begins by removing things from it. Nobody Is Paying as Much Attention as You Think One of the unexpected lessons from Project 333 is discovering how little other people notice what you're wearing. The fear that someone will notice you repeating an outfit or wearing fewer things is often much bigger in our minds than it is in reality. Letting go of that perceived judgment can create freedom far beyond your closet. Ready to Try Project 333? For three months, dress with 33 items or less, including: ClothingJewelryAccessoriesShoesItems such as underwear, sleepwear, workout clothing used specifically for exercise, and special-occasion pieces aren't included in the 33. The goal isn't to find the perfect 33 pieces. It's to experiment with less and pay attention to what changes—your mornings, your decisions, your spending, your energy, and potentially much more. Connect with Courtney Carver Courtney Carver is the founder of Be More with Less and creator of the Project 333 Challenge. Through her books, writing, courses, and The Simplicity Space Community, Courtney helps people live with less and let go of what's weighing them down. 📱 Instagram: @bemorewithless 🌐 Website: bemorewithless.com 📚 Explore Courtney’s books, blog, Project 333 resources, courses, and The Simplicity Space Community through Be More with Less. Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike If this episode has you staring at your closet thinking, Okay, maybe I don't need all of this, send it to the friend who needs a decluttering intervention too. Follow and subscribe to Badass Basic Bitch wherever you listen, and leave a review to help more women discover the show. We'll see you next week!

What happens when a random creative idea turns into a viral series, a thriving online community, a book, a podcast, and eventually an entire business? In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Christa Innis, an author, podcast host, content creator, wife, and toddler mom who has built a community around storytelling, humor, and navigating some of life's messiest moments. Christa is the author of Here Comes the Drama and host of the Here Comes the Drama podcast, where she dives into relationships, family dynamics, and the stories that remind us we're never alone in our chaos. Through her viral skits and relatable content, Christa encourages women to set boundaries, embrace authenticity, and find laughter even in the drama. Christa's journey started with a seemingly random idea for a wedding skit on TikTok. What began as a creative outlet while she was on maternity leave quickly took off, eventually becoming multiple seasons of viral content and inspiring an entirely new chapter of her career. Brianna and Christa talk about what it really takes to turn content creation into a business, grow an engaged audience, stay authentic online, and protect your personal life when your job exists on your phone. Christa also takes us behind the scenes of writing and self-publishing Here Comes the Drama, what she learned from doing it herself, and what's next as she continues writing the series. They also get into the reality of building a business while being a wife and working mom—and why success isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about knowing what matters, creating boundaries, staying consistent, and being willing to put yourself out there before you know exactly where it's going. In This Episode, We Discuss: How a spontaneous wedding skit turned into viral content and an unexpected careerStarting to create content while on maternity leaveChrista's background in social media marketing and how it influenced her approachWhy she initially kept her growing TikTok account a secretThe moment she realized content creation could become a legitimate businessGrowing an audience through consistency, authenticity, and genuine engagementBuilding a community instead of simply chasing followersWhy relatable, imperfect content can be more powerful than polished productionWhat actually happens behind the scenes of scripting, filming, editing, and posting viral contentTurning a creative outlet into a full-time businessExpanding into brand partnerships and social media coachingBalancing entrepreneurship, content creation, marriage, and motherhoodCreating boundaries when your entire business lives on your phoneProtecting family time and keeping parts of your life offlineTurning viral wedding drama into her book, Here Comes the DramaWhy Christa decided to self-publish her first bookWhat nobody tells you about writing, editing, publishing, and marketing your own bookThe importance of having multiple people review your work before publishingWhat Christa learned from self-publishing and how she's applying it to her next bookHer advice for aspiring creators, authors, and entrepreneurs who are afraid to startMemorable Quote "Don't overcomplicate it. Focus on what you're passionate about, stay authentic, and keep showing up consistently." — Christa InnisKey Takeaways You Don't Need to Know Where an Idea Will Lead Christa didn't start making wedding skits because she had a perfectly constructed business plan. She had an idea, followed her creativity, and gave herself permission to experiment. That one decision eventually grew into an audience, business, podcast, and book. Sometimes you don't need to know what step ten looks like. You just need to be willing to take step one. Authenticity Will Take You Further Than Perfection You don't need the perfect camera, elaborate production, or meticulously curated life to connect with people online. Christa's success reinforces something creators often forget: people connect with people. Relatable, authentic content gives your audience a reason to see themselves in your stories—and a reason to keep coming back. Build a Community, Not Just a Following Growing on social media isn't only about posting consistently. Christa actively engages with the people consuming her content, responds to comments, listens to feedback, and makes her audience feel like they're part of the experience. Followers are a number. Community is a relationship. Your Business Needs Boundaries Too When your career revolves around social media, your workplace is always within reach. There is no office door to close at the end of the day. As a wife and toddler mom, Christa has had to intentionally establish boundaries between her work, content, and family life. Building something successful shouldn't require sacrificing your ability to actually be present for the life you're building it around. Writing the Book Is Only Part of Self-Publishing Christa chose to self-publish Here Comes the Drama, giving her firsthand experience with everything that happens after the manuscript is written. Editing, feedback, marketing, promotion, and getting the book in front of readers all matter. One of her biggest lessons is the importance of having multiple eyes on your work and recognizing that a great book still needs a strong strategy behind it. Stop Overcomplicating Content Creation For anyone waiting for the right idea, equipment, strategy, or moment to start creating, Christa's advice is simple: focus on what you genuinely care about and start. Consistency matters. Authenticity matters. Connecting with your audience matters. Perfection doesn't. And when you need a break? Take one. Connect with Christa Innis 📱 Instagram: @HeyChristaInnis 🎵 TikTok: @HeyChristaInnis ▶️ YouTube: @HeyChristaInnis 🌐 Website: christainnis.com 🎙️ Podcast: Here Comes the Drama 📚 Book: Here Comes the Drama Follow Christa for viral skits, storytelling, humor, relationship and family drama, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on what's coming next. Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike If this episode resonated with you—or you've been sitting on an idea because you're waiting until everything is perfectly figured out—send this episode to someone who needs the reminder to just start. Follow and subscribe to Badass Basic Bitch wherever you listen, and don't forget to leave a review. We'll see you next week!

In this thought-provoking episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Karolina Rzadkowolska, alcohol-free empowerment expert, bestselling author of Euphoric, and founder of Euphoric AF, to explore why so many of today’s highest performers are choosing to live alcohol-free—and how that decision is transforming every area of their lives. Karolina shares her own journey from climbing the corporate ladder while feeling deeply unfulfilled to building a thriving business after questioning her relationship with alcohol. Together, she and Brianna unpack the surprising connection between alcohol, purpose, confidence, entrepreneurship, and neuroplasticity, revealing why removing alcohol often unlocks clarity, creativity, and the courage to pursue the life you actually want. Whether you drink regularly, occasionally, or are simply curious about your relationship with alcohol, this episode isn’t about labels or shame—it’s about asking a powerful question: Is alcohol helping you become the person you’re meant to be? In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Why so many successful entrepreneurs and high performers choose not to drink ✨ The surprising connection between alcohol and purpose ✨ How alcohol impacts neuroplasticity, creativity, and decision-making ✨ Why “taking the edge off” may actually be keeping you stuck ✨ The difference between wanting a drink and needing one ✨ How alcohol can mask dissatisfaction with your career or life ✨ Why confidence is built—not poured into a glass ✨ The science behind why alcohol-free living can feel euphoric ✨ How taking a break from alcohol can unlock new ideas, passions, and opportunities ✨ Why questioning your relationship with alcohol doesn’t mean you have a drinking problem Memorable Quote “Alcohol never solved it. If anything, it only made the problem worse.” — Karolina Rzadkowolska Key Takeaways High Performance Thrives on Clarity Many of today’s most successful entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders have one thing in common—they’ve minimized or eliminated alcohol. Operating at your highest level requires energy, creativity, and mental clarity that alcohol often quietly steals. Alcohol Can Become a Band-Aid for a Bigger Problem Whether it’s stress, burnout, insecurity, or feeling disconnected from your purpose, alcohol often numbs emotions instead of resolving them. Lasting fulfillment comes from addressing what’s underneath—not escaping it. Confidence Comes From Keeping Promises to Yourself One of the greatest transformations people experience during an alcohol-free journey isn’t simply feeling healthier—it’s rebuilding self-trust. Every decision to honor your goals strengthens your confidence and reinforces the belief that you’re capable of creating meaningful change. Your Brain Is More Powerful Than You Think Karolina explains how taking a break from alcohol creates a unique window of neuroplasticity, allowing your brain to form new habits, challenge limiting beliefs, and become more open to pursuing opportunities that once felt impossible. You Don’t Have to Quit Forever to Learn Something New Questioning your relationship with alcohol isn’t about labels or restrictions. Sometimes the most valuable first step is simply taking a break long enough to discover how you think, feel, create, and connect without it. Connect with Karolina Rzadkowolska 📱 Instagram: @euphoric.af 🎵 TikTok: @euphoric.af 🌐 Website: www.euphoricaf.com 📚 Book: Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You 🎁 Free Resource: Visit EuphoricAF.com to download Karolina’s free guide to exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle. Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙 Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike

What happens when a nurse who has spent her career caring for patients suddenly becomes the patient herself? In this deeply personal episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Natasha Parker, a nurse, breast cancer thriver, mother of four, speaker, author, and founder of Radiant Transformations. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 37 years old, Natasha experienced healthcare from both sides of the stethoscope—and discovered firsthand just how powerful patient advocacy can be. After finding a lump during a self-exam, Natasha underwent her first mammogram and ultrasound and was ultimately diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. What followed was an intense treatment journey that included 16 rounds of IV chemotherapy, 17 rounds of IV immunotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 25 rounds of radiation. Today, Natasha is cancer-free and using both her 20 years of nursing experience and her lived experience as a patient to help others navigate cancer with more knowledge, confidence, and support. Brianna and Natasha have an honest conversation about what it means to truly advocate for yourself within the healthcare system. They discuss why patients shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, request second opinions, research their options, or even find a new provider when they don't feel heard. They also explore the parts of cancer that extend far beyond treatment: telling your children you're sick, accepting help when you're used to caring for everyone else, navigating survivorship, dealing with unexpected emotional triggers, and learning how to move forward after your entire perspective on life has changed. Through Radiant Transformations and her upcoming book, In Full Support, Natasha is now transforming one of the hardest experiences of her life into resources designed to make someone else's cancer journey a little less overwhelming. This episode is ultimately about one of the most powerful tools every patient already has: their voice. In This Episode, We Discuss: Being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 37 years oldHow Natasha discovered the lump that led to her diagnosisUnderstanding triple-negative breast cancerUndergoing 16 rounds of IV chemotherapy and 17 rounds of IV immunotherapyHer double mastectomy and 25 rounds of radiationExperiencing healthcare from both sides of the stethoscopeHow being a nurse changed Natasha's experience as a cancer patientWhy even healthcare professionals have to advocate for themselvesKnowing your body and trusting yourself when something feels wrongWhy asking questions doesn't make you a difficult patientThe importance of seeking a second opinionWhy it's okay to change providers when you don't feel heardResearching treatment options while working collaboratively with your medical teamHow rapidly cancer research and treatment options can evolveWhy old statistics shouldn't automatically determine your outlookThe importance of individualized, patient-centered healthcareNavigating breast cancer treatment while raising four daughtersThe emotional reality of telling your children you have cancerHow Natasha's family supported her throughout treatmentLearning to accept help when you're accustomed to taking care of everyone elseCommunicating honestly with children while protecting their sense of stabilityWhy survivorship can bring an entirely new set of emotional challengesThe cancer-related triggers people may encounter unexpectedly in everyday lifeWhy Natasha founded Radiant TransformationsTurning her nursing knowledge and patient experience into resources for othersSupporting patients, breasties, survivors, and previvors through education and advocacyThe inspiration behind her upcoming book, In Full SupportCreating a future resource to help people identify cancer-related triggers in books, movies, and televisionTurning a life-changing diagnosis into a mission to help others use their voicesMemorable Quote “Know your body. If something feels off, advocate for yourself.” — Natasha ParkerKey Takeaways Your Voice Is One of Your Most Powerful Tools in Healthcare Natasha spent years working within healthcare before suddenly finding herself on the other side of it. That experience reinforced something every patient needs to hear: you are an active participant in your own care. Ask questions. Ask why a treatment is being recommended. Ask about alternatives. Ask what the research says. Ask what happens next. You don't need a medical degree to deserve an explanation you understand. You Know Your Body Natasha's diagnosis began because she noticed something different and acted on it. If something in your body changes or simply doesn't feel right, don't dismiss your concern because you're young, healthy, busy, or don't fit the picture you have in your mind of someone who could become seriously ill. Pay attention. Speak up. Keep asking until you feel like your concern has been appropriately addressed. A Second Opinion Is Part of Advocacy Seeking another medical opinion doesn't mean you're disrespecting or betraying your current provider. It means you're gathering information before making decisions about your health. Natasha encourages patients to seek additional perspectives when necessary and remember that they're also allowed to change providers entirely if they don't feel heard, respected, or comfortable with their care. Being a Healthcare Professional Doesn't Make Being a Patient Easy Natasha understood medical terminology, knew how healthcare systems operated, and had spent approximately two decades caring for other people. None of that eliminated the fear or emotional weight of becoming a cancer patient herself. Her experience gave her a unique understanding of the gap that can exist between knowing healthcare professionally and experiencing it personally. Being a Mom Doesn't Stop When You Become a Patient Some of Natasha's hardest moments weren't treatments or procedures. They were conversations with her children. As a mother of four, she had to navigate how much to tell her daughters, how to prepare them for what they might see, and how to remain emotionally present while going through an incredibly difficult experience herself. She also had to learn something many mothers struggle with: allowing other people to help. Cancer-Free Doesn't Mean the Experience Is Over Survivorship can be complicated. When active treatment ends, everyone around you may be ready to celebrate and move forward. But the person who experienced cancer may still be processing fear, uncertainty, physical changes, emotional triggers, and the reality of what happened. Natasha's story reminds us that support shouldn't automatically end when treatment does. Medical Information Changes—Stay Informed Cancer research and treatment continue to evolve. Natasha encourages patients to stay informed, ask their medical teams about current research and treatment options, and be cautious about allowing outdated information or statistics to define their expectations for the future. Hope and information can coexist. Advocacy Isn't Only for Yourself Natasha's experience ultimately expanded her definition of advocacy. Today, she's using what she learned as both a nurse and patient to support other patients, breasties, survivors, previvors, and families navigating their own journeys. Sometimes using your voice begins with advocating for yourself. Eventually, it can become a way of making the system easier to navigate for the people coming behind you. About Radiant Transformations Natasha founded Radiant Transformations to combine her professional healthcare experience with everything she learned personally while navigating breast cancer. Through education, storytelling, and practical resources, she's helping patients and families better understand the realities of treatment, advocate for themselves, and feel less alone throughout the process. Natasha is also developing a website/app resource designed to help users identify cancer-related triggers in books, television shows, and movies—something inspired by her own experiences encountering unexpected cancer content during treatment and survivorship. Coming Soon: In Full Support Natasha is currently writing In Full Support, an upcoming resource guide for cancer patients and their families. Drawing from her experiences on both sides of the stethoscope, the book is designed to provide practical guidance and support for people navigating the realities of diagnosis and treatment. In Full Support is planned for 2027, and we'll share more with the Badass Basic Bitch community as the official release approaches. Connect with Natasha Parker Natasha Parker is a nurse, breast cancer thriver, mother of four, speaker, author, and founder of Radiant Transformations. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37, Natasha experienced healthcare from both sides of the stethoscope. 📱 Instagram: @radianttransformations 🌐 Website: Radiant-tramsformations.com 📚 Upcoming Book: In Full Support Follow Natasha and Radiant Transformations for patient advocacy, breast cancer education, survivorship conversations, practical resources, and updates on In Full Support and the additi

What if the goal of motherhood isn't to finally get everything under control—but to learn how to manage your mind when everything inevitably feels out of control? In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Natalie Bacon, mom of three, professionally certified coach, and host of the #1 podcast Mom On Purpose with Natalie Bacon, for a conversation about the mental load of motherhood, overwhelm, frustration, thought work, and what it actually takes to feel better without waiting for your circumstances—or your kids—to change. Natalie has more than eight years of coaching experience and has worked with over 2,000 moms on their mental, emotional, and physical health. But before becoming a coach and entrepreneur, Natalie was an attorney and certified financial planner with the same high-achieving, overthinking tendencies so many women bring into motherhood. Then came three boys in three years. Rather than trying to eliminate the chaos of raising three young children, Natalie began applying brain management and thought work to the way she experienced motherhood. She learned to recognize the thoughts creating frustration, loosen her need for control, and intentionally develop new thought patterns that allowed her to parent with more confidence, connection, and curiosity. Brianna and Natalie unpack what "thought work" actually means, why practicing it outside of stressful moments matters, and how moms can begin separating what's happening around them from the story their brain is telling them about it. Natalie also shares how these same tools played a role in another major personal transformation: losing 50 pounds after having her third child. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, she focused on one goal at a time and used thought work to change the questions she was asking herself and the identity she was creating. This isn't about becoming a perfectly calm mom who never gets frustrated. It's about realizing that while you can't control every meltdown, homework battle, sleepless night, or chaotic afternoon, you can build the skills to better manage what happens inside of you when they happen. In This Episode, We Discuss: Natalie's journey from attorney and certified financial planner to coach and entrepreneurBecoming a mom to three boys in three yearsWhy Natalie shifted her business toward motherhood and mental and emotional healthThe creation of Mom On PurposeWhy so many moms feel like they're constantly drowningThe invisible mental load of motherhoodWhat brain management actually meansHow thought work can change the way we experience parentingNatalie's three-part framework for identifying and managing thoughtsThe connection between thoughts, emotions, and our reactionsWhy high-achieving women can struggle with overthinking and controlHow societal expectations influence the way we think motherhood "should" lookWhy a child's difficult emotions don't mean something has gone wrongApplying thought work during meltdowns, homework struggles, and everyday parenting challengesWhy the most effective thought work often happens outside the stressful momentCreating new neural pathways through intentional practiceHow frustration can reveal the expectations we're bringing into a situationWhy trying to control our children's emotions can increase our own overwhelmUsing confidence, connection, and curiosity in parentingHow to identify the thought underneath an uncomfortable emotionWhy Natalie says not to believe your nighttime thoughtsAsking your brain better questions instead of allowing it to default to worst-case scenariosHow thought work helped Natalie transform her relationship with herselfNatalie's 50-pound weight-loss journey after having her third babyWhy she focused on one goal instead of changing everything at onceThe power of simplicity when pursuing a health goalHow our thoughts influence the identity we're creatingWhy validation and self-compassion still matter when you're working to change your thinkingMemorable Quote “You don't have to control everything around you to change how you experience your life.” — Natalie BaconKey Takeaways Motherhood Doesn't Have to Become Less Chaotic for You to Feel Less Overwhelmed Three boys in three years means Natalie isn't teaching these tools from a life without noise, messes, big emotions, or competing demands. Her approach isn't about creating circumstances where nothing stressful happens. It's about developing the mental and emotional skills to respond differently when it does. That distinction matters because if your peace depends on everyone around you behaving the way you want, you're constantly handing control of your emotional experience to circumstances you can't actually control. Your Thoughts Aren't Automatically Facts We experience thoughts so quickly that it's easy to treat them as objective descriptions of reality. This shouldn't be happening. He should know how to do this. I can't handle another thing. Why is everything so hard? Thought work creates space between having a thought and automatically believing it. When you feel frustration building, Natalie encourages becoming curious about what's underneath it: What am I thinking right now? That awareness gives you the opportunity to decide whether the thought is helping you—or whether you want to practice a different one. Do the Work Before You Need the Work Trying to completely change your thinking in the middle of a child's meltdown isn't always realistic. Natalie emphasizes practicing thought work outside of the moment. When things are calm, revisit the situation. Identify what happened, what you thought about it, and how those thoughts made you feel. Then consider how you'd like to think about a similar situation in the future. Practicing ahead of time helps create new mental pathways that become easier to access when the next difficult moment arrives. Your Child's Frustration Doesn't Have to Become Your Frustration If your child is upset about homework, having a meltdown, or experiencing disappointment, your instinct may be to make the emotion disappear. But what if nothing has actually gone wrong? Natalie encourages moms to become more comfortable allowing their children to experience difficult emotions without immediately interpreting those emotions as a parenting problem that needs to be solved. Instead of jumping straight into control mode, we can approach our kids with confidence, connection, and curiosity. Stop Letting Your Brain Ask All the Questions Our brains are incredibly good at generating questions that lead directly toward anxiety: What if this doesn't work? What if I'm doing this wrong? Why can't I get it together? Natalie talks about intentionally asking questions that direct your brain toward possibility and solutions instead. The questions you repeatedly ask yourself influence what your brain looks for—and changing those questions can change what you begin to see. Don't Believe Everything You Think at Night Everything can feel significantly worse when you're exhausted. One of Natalie's practical pieces of advice is simple: don't believe your nighttime thoughts. If your brain starts spiraling when you're depleted, you don't necessarily need to solve your life at 2 a.m. Recognize the pattern, use tools that help you settle your mind, and revisit the problem when you're rested enough to think more clearly. One Goal Can Be More Powerful Than Ten After having her third child, Natalie lost 50 pounds without making exercise the centerpiece of the process or attempting to overhaul every aspect of her life at once. Instead, she focused on simplicity and pursued one goal at a time. For high achievers, doing less can feel counterintuitive. We're often tempted to create the perfect workout schedule, eating plan, morning routine, sleep schedule, and wellness strategy simultaneously. Natalie's experience demonstrates the power of narrowing your focus and allowing consistency to do more of the work. Thought Work Is Also Identity Work Thought work isn't simply about replacing "negative" thoughts with positive ones. It's about becoming intentional about who you're becoming. How would the version of you who feels confident as a mother think about this situation? What would she make this moment mean? How would she respond to a mistake? How would she speak to herself? Over time, practicing new thoughts can help create a different relationship with yourself—and a different way of showing up in your life. A Simple Thought Work Practice for Moms The next time you notice yourself feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or out of control, start with awareness instead of immediately trying to fix the feeling. 1. Name the emotion. What are you actually feeling—frustrated, anxious, resentful, overwhelmed, embarrassed, disappointed? 2. Ask what you're thinking. What sentence is running through your mind right now? 3. Separate the circumstance from the story. What objectively happened, and what meaning are you adding to it? 4. Get curious. Is this the only way to think about what happened? 5. Practice intentionally. Consider what thought you'd like to build inste

In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Jessica Moorhouse—certified financial counselor, bestselling author, and host of the More Money Podcast—to explore why our biggest financial struggles often have very little to do with money itself. Jessica explains how childhood experiences, family dynamics, trauma, relationships, and societal expectations shape the way we earn, spend, save, and invest. Together, Brianna and Jessica challenge the traditional conversation around personal finance, revealing that building wealth isn’t just about budgeting and investing—it’s about understanding the beliefs and behaviors driving our financial decisions. The conversation takes a powerful turn as they discuss women and money, why financial independence matters regardless of your relationship status, and the financial conversations every couple should be having long before life throws them unexpected challenges. If you’ve ever wondered why money feels emotional, why financial habits are so hard to change, or how to create true financial fulfillment instead of constantly chasing “more,” this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Why money is rarely the real problem ✨ How childhood experiences shape your relationship with money ✨ The hidden money beliefs that keep people financially stuck ✨ The difference between financial freedom and financial fulfillment ✨ Why women need to be active participants in their household finances ✨ Financial conversations every couple should have before marriage ✨ The dangers of outsourcing your financial knowledge to a partner ✨ How to teach children healthy money habits from an early age ✨ The connection between trauma, self-worth, and financial decisions ✨ Why healing your relationship with money starts with understanding yourself Memorable Quote “Most people’s struggles with money are about everything but money.” — Jessica Moorhouse Key Takeaways Your Relationship With Money Starts Long Before You Earn Your First Paycheck The way your parents handled money, the conversations you overheard, and the experiences you had growing up all shape your financial habits as an adult. Understanding those early influences is often the first step toward changing them. Financial Fulfillment Is More Powerful Than Financial Freedom Instead of constantly chasing more money, Jessica encourages us to define what “enough” actually looks like. Financial fulfillment is about having the resources to support the life you truly want—not endlessly pursuing wealth for wealth’s sake. Every Woman Should Know Her Numbers Whether you’re single, married, or a stay-at-home parent, understanding your finances isn’t optional. Knowing where your money is, how your assets are structured, and how your household finances work creates confidence, security, and independence. Money Is Emotional—Not Just Mathematical Budgets and investment strategies matter, but they can’t fix beliefs rooted in fear, trauma, or scarcity. Real financial growth often begins by healing your relationship with money before trying to change your bank account. Teaching Kids About Money Is One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give Them Financial literacy doesn’t have to wait until adulthood. Helping children earn, save, invest, and understand the value of money early gives them confidence and skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Connect with Jessica Moorhouse 📱 Instagram: @jessicaimorehouse 🌐 Website: www.jessicamoorhouse.com 📚 Book: Everything But Money — available wherever books are sold. 🎙 Podcast: More Money Podcast Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙 Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike

In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Sarah Jenks—Ordained Priestess, teacher, and co-founder of Living Temple—to explore the power of ceremony, sacred femininity, and what happens when women reconnect with themselves instead of constantly performing for everyone else. Sarah shares her journey from building a successful business while feeling deeply unfulfilled to discovering Sacred Feminine Ceremony—a transformative practice that helped her reconnect with her body, soul, intuition, and life’s deeper purpose. Together, Brianna and Sarah unpack why so many women feel burned out despite checking every box society tells them should make them happy, and why slowing down may be the very thing we’ve been conditioned to avoid. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living someone else’s version of success, constantly busy but somehow disconnected from yourself, this conversation will challenge the way you think about purpose, healing, ambition, and what it truly means to live authentically. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ What Sacred Feminine Ceremony actually is—and what happens during one ✨ Why so many high-achieving women feel successful but deeply unfulfilled ✨ The difference between connecting with your body versus connecting with your soul ✨ How ritual, movement, music, journaling, and ceremony create transformation ✨ Why women naturally crave community, ritual, and deeper meaning ✨ Patriarchal conditioning and how it shapes the way women see themselves ✨ The connection between intuition, purpose, and leadership ✨ Why wanting “more” isn’t selfish—it may be your soul asking for expansion ✨ The difference between living from your truth versus living from conditioning ✨ How women can begin reconnecting with themselves without completely changing their lives Memorable Quote “Ritual and ceremony are part of our human existence—and it was taken away from us.” — Sarah Jenks Key Takeaways Your Success Doesn’t Guarantee Fulfillment Many women achieve everything they thought they wanted—successful careers, families, financial stability—only to discover something still feels missing. That feeling isn’t failure; it may simply be an invitation to reconnect with yourself. Ceremony Creates Space to Hear Your Own Voice In a world filled with constant distractions, ritual gives us permission to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with our intuition. Sometimes the answers we’re searching for have been within us all along—we’ve just never created enough space to hear them. Authenticity Requires Courage Living your truth often feels uncomfortable because it means stepping outside the expectations placed on you by family, culture, or society. But that discomfort is often a sign you’re moving toward who you were always meant to become. We Were Never Meant to Do Life Alone For thousands of years, women gathered in community through ritual, storytelling, movement, and ceremony. Rebuilding those connections isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about reclaiming something deeply human that many of us have been missing. Purpose Begins With Presence Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or simply trying to navigate everyday life, your greatest ideas and deepest clarity often come when you slow down enough to reconnect with yourself. Connect with Sarah Jenks 📱 Instagram: @sarahjenks 🌐 Website: www.livingtemplehq.com 🎁 Free Resource: Download the Sacred Start Guide, a guided morning ritual designed to help you reconnect with yourself and begin your day with greater clarity, presence, and intention. Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙 Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike

In this thoughtful and surprisingly funny episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with New York Times bestselling author, relationship coach, and mental health advocate Allison Raskin to unpack what healthy relationships actually look like in today’s world. From modern marriage and dating culture to anxiety, OCD, and the unrealistic expectations we place on our partners, Allison shares why relationships aren’t something we’re simply born knowing how to navigate—they’re skills we learn over time. The conversation also dives into Allison’s upcoming romantic comedy, Compulsively Yours, which offers an authentic portrayal of OCD through the lens of love. Together, Brianna and Allison discuss the difference between Hollywood romance and real relationships, why reassurance can become addictive, and how understanding your own mental health is one of the greatest gifts you can give your partner. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing relationships right,” struggled with anxiety in love, or wondered if modern dating has made finding a healthy partnership more difficult, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ How modern marriage has evolved—and why that’s actually a good thing ✨ Why healthy relationships are built through skills, not luck ✨ The unrealistic expectations we place on romantic partners ✨ Why “If they wanted to, they would” isn’t always healthy relationship advice ✨ How anxiety and OCD show up differently inside relationships ✨ The truth about relationship OCD and constant reassurance seeking ✨ Why communication matters more than mind-reading ✨ How dating apps and social media shape today’s relationships ✨ The inspiration behind Allison’s new rom-com, Compulsively Yours ✨ Why learning your own attachment patterns can change your relationships forever Memorable Quote “Being a partner is a skill, and we can get better at it.” — Allison Raskin Key Takeaways Modern Marriage Is Built on Choice, Not Necessity Unlike previous generations, today’s marriages are increasingly formed because people genuinely want to build a life together—not because society expects them to. That shift has created opportunities for healthier, more intentional relationships. Healthy Relationships Require Communication The right partner isn’t someone who magically knows exactly what you need. The healthiest relationships are built when both people communicate openly, listen to each other, and continue learning how to love one another well. Anxiety Can Change the Way We Experience Love For people living with anxiety or OCD, relationships can become filled with uncertainty, intrusive thoughts, and the constant search for reassurance. Understanding these patterns helps reduce shame and creates space for healthier connections. Comparison Is One of the Biggest Relationship Traps Whether it’s dating apps creating endless options or social media showcasing curated relationships, comparison often distracts us from appreciating what’s actually in front of us. Real relationships are built behind closed doors—not on highlight reels. Great Relationships Are Built by Two People Willing to Grow No partnership is effortless. The strongest relationships happen when both people are committed to learning, improving, and working through challenges together rather than expecting perfection. Connect with Allison Raskin 📱 Instagram: @allisonraskin 🎵 TikTok: @allisonraskinbaby 🌐 Website: www.allisonraskin.com 📚 Books: Compulsively Yours (coming soon) and Save the Date—available wherever books are sold. 🎙 Podcast: Starter Marriage Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram: @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙 Hosted by: Brianna Dunbar-DeMike

In this powerful episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with neuroscience health coach Alyssa Chang, creator of The Regulation Method, to explore the hidden ways chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation impact our lives. Alyssa shares why so many high-achieving women feel stuck despite doing “all the right things”—therapy, self-help books, productivity hacks, and personal development work. Together, they unpack the science behind survival mode, why healing can actually feel uncomfortable, and how to build genuine safety within the body instead of simply understanding it intellectually. The conversation gets deeply personal as Brianna shares her own experiences with healing, anxiety, and recovery from an eating disorder, opening up about what happens when life finally feels calm—and why that can sometimes be the most uncomfortable feeling of all. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, hyper-vigilant, or unable to truly relax, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ What nervous system regulation actually means ✨ Why chronic stress can become your comfort zone ✨ The connection between childhood experiences, trauma, and adult survival patterns ✨ Understanding your personal “stress bucket” ✨ How anxiety, migraines, chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms may be signals—not flaws ✨ Why slowing down can initially feel unsafe ✨ The difference between knowing you’re safe and feeling safe ✨ Hidden signs of nervous system dysregulation ✨ Practical tools to reconnect your body and mind ✨ Social media’s impact on overstimulation and regulation ✨ How high-functioning women unknowingly stay trapped in survival mode Memorable Quote “Healing often feels very unsafe at first, even when we’re trying to move toward safety. The nervous system often isn’t familiar with slowing down as being safe.” — Alyssa Chang   Key Takeaways Your Brain Is Always Trying to Protect You Many symptoms we experience—anxiety, chronic pain, fatigue, migraines, panic attacks—may actually be protective signals from the nervous system rather than evidence that something is “wrong” with us. Survival Mode Can Become Familiar When you’ve spent years operating under stress, urgency, productivity, and pressure, your brain learns that those states are safe and predictable. Peace and calm can feel foreign—even threatening. Regulation Is Not About Being Calm All the Time True nervous system regulation means having the capacity to recover from stress, tolerate discomfort, and move through life without constantly anticipating danger. Awareness Is the First Step Learning to notice your body’s signals—whether that’s nail biting, skin picking, jaw clenching, leg shaking, or feeling disconnected—is often the beginning of healing. Connect with Alyssa Chang 📱 Instagram:  @coachalyssachang 🌐 Website:  www.coachalyssachang.com 🎁 Free Resource:  Visit Alyssa’s website to access her free 45-minute masterclass:  “Heal Stubborn Pain with Your Brain” Connect with Badass Basic Bitch 📱 Instagram:  @badassbasicbitchpodcast 🎙 Hosted by:  Brianna Dunbar-DeMike

In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Amanda Kuda, an alcohol-free lifestyle expert, holistic life coach, speaker, and author of Unbottled Potential: Break Up With Alcohol And Break Through To Your Best Life. Amanda shares how her own alcohol-free journey began not because of addiction or rock bottom, but because she felt disconnected from her full potential. Despite having a successful career, active social life, and doing all the “right” personal development work, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was holding her back. What she discovered changed the trajectory of her life—and ultimately became her life’s work. Together, Brianna and Amanda dive into the sober-curious movement, the hidden role alcohol plays in the lives of ambitious women, and why removing alcohol can unlock greater self-trust, intuition, confidence, and fulfillment. Whether you’re completely alcohol-free, sober-curious, or simply questioning your relationship with drinking, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what becomes possible when you stop numbing and start living intentionally. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to quit drinkingThe difference between addiction recovery and elective sobrietyHow alcohol can quietly block personal growth and self-actualizationThe connection between alcohol, perfectionism, and high-achieving womenWhy so many ambitious women use alcohol to cope with stressThe rise of the sober-curious movementHow alcohol impacts intuition, creativity, and self-trustThe emotional challenges and rewards of going alcohol-freeWhy Dry January isn’t always enough to experience the full benefitsHow sobriety can transform relationships and friendshipsPractical first steps for anyone curious about exploring an alcohol-free lifestyleKey Takeaways Alcohol doesn’t have to be an obvious problem to be holding you back.Many women use alcohol as a socially accepted coping mechanism without realizing it.Removing alcohol creates space to develop healthier tools for managing stress, emotions, and confidence.True self-trust and intuition often become more accessible when alcohol is removed.Sobriety isn’t about deprivation—it’s about expanding what’s possible in your life.Memorable Moments Amanda shares how she realized alcohol was the one thing left to remove after years of personal development work weren’t creating the results she wanted.Brianna discusses the generational shift toward sober curiosity and how younger generations are redefining their relationship with alcohol.A powerful conversation about using alcohol as a “cheat code” for confidence, relaxation, and social comfort.Amanda explains why alcohol can feel like it’s helping in the moment while actually keeping people stuck in patterns they want to outgrow.The discussion around intuition, authenticity, and learning to trust yourself without external crutches.Website: https://amandakuda.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakuda/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amanda.kuda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandakuda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakuda/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandakuda Book - Unbottled Potential: https://amzn.to/3MTmW2S Podcast - Unbottled Potential: https://www.amandakuda.com/podcast Quiz - Is Alcohol Blocking Your Potential?: https://amandakuda.com/quiz Free Mini-Course - Awakened without Alcohol: https://amandakuda.podia.com/awakened-without-alcohol-free-series

In this powerful and insightful episode, we sit down with licensed therapist and mental health expert Jordanne Sculler, LMHC, who brings a bold, relational approach to therapy that blends compassion with candid introspection. Based in New York City, Jordanne specializes in helping individuals and couples uncover patterns, build self-awareness, and cultivate more authentic relationships—with others and themselves. Jordanne doesn’t believe in staying comfortable—she believes in doing the work. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your dating life, navigating anxiety, or simply ready to confront the parts of your life that need clarity and healing, Jordanne’s guidance offers a path toward real transformation. We talk about how to identify the right therapist, what it really means to grow through discomfort, and why self-awareness is the foundation of lasting change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why relationships are the mirror for personal growthThe difference between challenging vs. nurturing therapy stylesHow past experiences shape current behaviors—and how to break the cycleWhy self-awareness is often the missing link in dating strugglesWhat to expect in a first therapy session and how to find the right matchHow therapy can improve everything from sleep and anxiety to work and intimacyResources & Links: [Jordanne Sculler, LMHC – Website or contact info here if desired]Follow Jordanne on @Jordannesculler and Jordannescullerlmhc.comLearn more about starting therapy with Jordanne, including a free 15-minute consultationJordanne Sculler, LMHC is a New York City-based licensed therapist who helps individuals and couples develop deeper self-awareness, break unhealthy patterns, and create more fulfilling relationships. Known for her warm yet challenging style, Jordanne uses a relational lens to guide clients toward growth—asking the tough questions and offering direct feedback with care and compassion. Her multifaceted approach explores not just relationships with others, but also the inner dynamics between clients and their bodies, money, work, and personal values. Jordanne specializes in helping clients uncover the root of their struggles through introspective work, and she empowers them to take ownership of their healing journey. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, or personal transitions, Jordanne offers therapy grounded in clarity, honesty, and trust—because real change doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Kate Saint Clair, a Human Intuition Expert, Psychic Medium, and Intuitive Advocate who has been teaching intuition as a practical, embodied skill since 2007. Kate shares how intuition has shaped her life since childhood — from sensing things she couldn’t explain, to suppressing her gifts, to eventually learning how to trust and teach them. Through her grounded and validating approach, Kate helps normalize intuition as something everyone can access, understand, and strengthen. Together, Brianna and Kate explore the connection between intuition, trauma, self-trust, energy awareness, and the “Clairs” — clear knowing, feeling, seeing, hearing, and sensing. This conversation is both spiritual and deeply practical, offering listeners a fresh way to think about their inner guidance. In This Episode, We Talk About: •Kate’s journey from suppressing her intuition to teaching it professionally •How childhood experiences and trauma can impact self-trust •Why intuition is a practical, embodied skill •The difference between intuition, psychic senses, and mediumship •The Clairs: clear knowing, feeling, seeing, hearing, and sensing •Why people second-guess their inner guidance •How energy sensitivity shows up in everyday life •What it means to move from self-doubt to self-trust •Common misconceptions about psychic mediums •How to reconnect with your intuition in a grounded way Memorable Moments •Kate shares the moment she realized her toddler sensed the same intuitive warning she did. •Brianna reflects on how trauma can heighten awareness and intuition. •Kate explains why intuition is not reserved for a chosen few — it is a natural language of the soul. •A powerful discussion on grounding, boundaries, sensitivity, and learning to trust what you know. About Kate Saint Clair Kate Saint Clair is a Human Intuition Expert, Psychic Medium, and Intuitive Advocate who has been teaching intuition as a practical, embodied skill since 2007. Her work is devoted to normalizing intuition and helping people trust their inner guidance with clarity and confidence. Through her books, live programs, and communities like The Clair Club, Kate supports individuals in understanding how intuition communicates through the Clairs — clear knowing, feeling, seeing, hearing, and sensing. Known for her grounded, validating approach and direct insight, Kate empowers people to move from self-doubt to self-trust and live guided from the inside out. Connect with Kate •Website: https://www.katesaintclair.com •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katesaintclair/ •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katestclair •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014002215835 Follow Badass Basic Bitch on Instagram: @badassbasicbitch

In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with journalist and author Stefanie O’Connell to unpack the hidden double standards women still face in the workplace — despite decades of “girl power” messaging. Stefanie shares insights from her new book, The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up — and Then Pushes Them Down, exploring how women are often encouraged to be ambitious, confident, assertive, and outspoken… only to face backlash the moment they actually are. Together, Brianna and Stefanie dive into the systemic realities behind the gender pay gap, workplace bias, leadership dynamics, negotiation myths, and the emotional toll of constantly being told women simply need to “lean in” harder. This conversation is validating, eye-opening, and deeply relevant for any woman who has ever felt punished for taking up space. In This Episode, We Talk About: •Why confidence alone doesn’t close the gender pay gap •The hidden backlash women face for negotiating salaries •How ambition is perceived differently in men vs. women •The “girl boss” myth and why empowerment messaging can be misleading •Why women are often penalized for leadership traits rewarded in men •Workplace systems that quietly reinforce inequality •The emotional impact of internalizing professional rejection •Why collective power and community matter more than ever •How tokenism in leadership affects women at every level •The difference between individual empowerment and systemic change Memorable Moments From the Episode •Stefanie shares the story that inspired her research: a woman who lost a job offer simply for negotiating her salary. •Brianna opens up about being denied a raise, quitting her corporate job, and ultimately building a multimillion-dollar business. •A powerful discussion around why women are conditioned to blame themselves instead of questioning broken systems. •Stefanie explains how workplaces often shift “what matters” depending on who holds the qualifications. About Stefanie O’Connell Stefanie O’Connell is a journalist focused on debunking the myths that keep women from equal pay, leadership, and power — one data point at a time. She has spent over a decade reporting on women, work, money, and inequality. Her new book, The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up — and Then Pushes Them Down, examines the disconnect between empowerment messaging and the realities women face in modern workplaces. Connect with Stefanie •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieoconnell/ •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefaniemoconnell •Newsletter/Substack: https://tooambitious.substack.com/ •Book: https://tooambitious.com/book/ Follow the Podcast Follow Badass Basic Bitch on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new episodes: •Instagram: @badassbasicbitch If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation.