Ever feel like you’re endlessly “fixing” yourself, aiming for perfection as the path to healing? Today’s episode takes you into a powerful conversation with Lauren Polly, who shares her journey from high-functioning anxiety to true fulfillment. Together, we explore why traditional “fix it” mentalities often fall short, the importance of listening to your body’s wisdom, and practical ways to create calm from the inside out.

💫 What to Listen For:

• Why high-functioning anxiety can masquerade as success and how to identify it in your own life.
• The surprising link between trauma responses and perfectionism in daily habits.
• Physical signals—from sweating to shallow breathing—that may indicate nervous system dysregulation.
• Practical steps to create balance over burnout by grounding in your body’s wisdom.
• How to recognize when you’re operating from a place of fear rather than ease.
• The “stop, challenge, choose” method Lauren uses to interrupt anxiety-driven habits.
• Mindset shifts for moving from force to flow and inviting fulfillment naturally.
• Tips for noticing signs of high-stress states in the body and what to do about them.
• Why slowing down feels uncomfortable and how it can be the key to finding creative inspiration.
• Lauren’s experience of redefining success through inner peace rather than external validation.

Today’s conversation with Lauren reveals the path to true fulfillment doesn’t lie in perfectionism but in listening to the body’s subtle signals and embracing simplicity. As you begin to let go of control, you can create space for ease, joy, and a natural flow in your life. Hit play on this transformative episode, and be sure to subscribe to keep learning ways to shift from surviving to thriving.

🔗 Important Links

• Lauren’s Book & Website : The Other Side of Bipolar https://laurenpolly.com/
• Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilyevansrussell

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

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📌 In this inspiring episode, Emily Evans Russell takes us on a journey of self-exploration and experimentation, sharing her personal story of leaving a long-term job and stepping into the unknown. Emily's reflections on life and change encourage listeners to embrace their own experiments, allowing them to prioritize joy, fulfillment, and authenticity.

💫 Key Takeaways:

1. Joy of Experimentation: Emily reflects on her childhood creativity and emphasizes the importance of experimenting without fixed outcomes.
2. Defining Values: After her career change, she identified her core values such as friendship and personal growth, leading to a more meaningful daily routine.
3. Exploring Fears: She discusses empowering oneself by confronting worst-case scenarios, which helps to build confidence.
4. Growth Mindset: Emily highlights recognizing opportunities in disappointment, promoting resilience and unexpected joys.

🔗 Connect with Emily: If you have questions or feedback about this episode, reach out to Emily via email: hello@emilyevansrussell.com

🎉 Join the Conversation:

Have you tried experimenting with your own life? What are your biggest takeaways from this episode? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! Also please be sure to tag me @emilyevansrussell on Instagram and share this episode with your community to spread the word if you or someone you know has benefited from this conversation!

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
And if you loved this episode, follow me on Instagram @emilyevansrussell & let me know by leaving a review!

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This week, we are joined once again by the fabulous Irina for a lively discussion about finding joy in dating. As summer comes to a close, we reflect on our exciting adventures and how we can approach dating with a playful mindset that enhances our personal and professional lives.

📌 In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of creating joy rather than waiting for happiness to come from a relationship. Irina and I explore:

• The importance of dating the experience instead of solely focusing on the person.
• How to build moments of joy into our dating lives.
• The key differences between joy and happiness, and why understanding this distinction can free us from the pressure of dating.
• Practical tips to embrace vulnerability while maintaining emotional detachment from the outcome, enhancing both dating and professional experiences.
• The connection between dating, self-discovery, and personal growth, and how we can apply lessons learned in dating to our careers.
  
  

Join us for this rich conversation that not only lightens the dating load but offers strategies for living joyfully in every area of life!

💫 Key Takeaways:

• Joy is created in the moment, while happiness is often a long-term state.
• Approach dating with curiosity and a light-hearted spirit for a better experience.
• Detach your worth from dating outcomes – it's about enjoying the moment and learning from each interaction.
• Build a supportive community and appreciate the joy that friends and experiences bring to your life.

🔗 Connect with Emily: If you have questions about this episode or the upcoming retreat, reach out to Emily via:

• Email: hello@emilyevansrussell.com
• Website: EmilyEvansRussell.com

Thank you for tuning in, and remember — enjoy your dating adventures! 🎉 🥳

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
And if you loved this episode, follow me on Instagram @emilyevansrussell & let me know by leaving a review!

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All other courses/offerings: https://www.emilyevansrussell.com

📌 In this episode, we explore the journey from stress and burnout to finding balance and joy in our everyday lives. Emily dives deep into how our nervous system works, the balance between the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) states, and how to expand our capacity for both rest and energy. She shares personal stories about her own experiences with burnout and the practices she’s used to build resilience, such as breathwork, yoga, and taking intentional breaks.

💫 What You'll Learn:

• The stages and signs of burnout (it's not just extreme exhaustion)
• How to expand your nervous system's capacity for relaxation and peace
• The difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Why both "putting on the gas" and "hitting the brakes" are crucial for nervous system health
• Practical tips for regulating your nervous system using breathwork, yoga, and more
• The importance of titration (slow, measured growth) to avoid nervous system overwhelm

🍃 Featured Topic:

Emily shares the inspiration behind her upcoming retreat in Costa Rica, "Pura Vida Retreat" (November 14-19, 2024), where participants can fully immerse themselves in nature, enjoy gentle yoga, breathwork, and meaningful connection. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to step back from the hustle and reconnect with your body's needs in a serene rainforest setting.

⭐️ Retreat Highlights:

• Morning yoga and gentle stretching to ease into the day
• Relaxing evenings with sound and sensory journeys to promote deep rest
• Optional outdoor activities like river rafting and nature walks
• Spacious time for reflection, journaling, and soaking in the beauty of the rainforest
• Thoughtful facilitation by experienced yoga and meditation practitioners

📆 Upcoming Events:

• Pura Vida Retreat: November 14-19, 2024, at El Lugar Resort, Costa Rica.
• Limited spots available! For more information and to reserve your spot, visit EmilyEvansRussell.com/Retreat
  
  

🔗 Connect with Emily: If you have questions about this episode or the upcoming retreat, reach out to Emily via:

• Email: hello@emilyevansrussell.com
• Website: EmilyEvansRussell.com

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
And if you loved this episode, follow me on Instagram @emilyevansrussell & let me know by leaving a review!

+ Share with a friend you think could benefit from this message!

Connect with others and Emily in her FREE ‘Thrive with Emily’ Community - get behind the scenes videos about the show, inspiration, and other freebies at https://thrivewithemily.com/share


All other courses/offerings: https://www.emilyevansrussell.com

📌 In this solo episode Emily delves deep into the transformative practice of regulating our nervous systems through conscious relationship building. Drawing inspiration from a powerful quote, Emily explores the idea of surrounding ourselves with people who feel like home—those who allow our nervous systems to breathe, cultivate a sense of safety, and nurture our growth.

Hear Emily share her personal journey of co-regulation and how our interactions—both in-person and online—affect our well-being. Discover how attuning to your body’s signals can guide you in curating your social media experience and relationships to include supportive and uplifting individuals, while tuning out those that contribute to stress and overwhelm.

Throughout the episode, Emily discusses:

• The concept of co-regulation and its impact on our nervous systems
• The significance of recognizing the sensations in our bodies when interacting with others
• Simple yet effective strategies for decluttering your social media feeds and enhancing your in-person connections
• Practical tools to help you transition from a state of survival to a place of creativity, relaxation, and expanded potential

🎉 Join Emily as she invites you to embark on an experiment in relationship curation, encouraging you to consciously choose connections that bring joy, peace, and a sense of belonging. Tune in and learn how nurturing the right relationships can lead to a more relaxed, revitalized, and fulfilling life!

Please be sure to tag me @emilyevansrussell on Instagram and share this episode with your community to spread the word if you or someone you know has benefited from this conversation!

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
And if you loved this episode, follow me on Instagram @emilyevansrussell & let me know by leaving a review!

+ Share with a friend you think could benefit from this message!

Connect with others and Emily in her FREE ‘Thrive with Emily’ Community - get behind the scenes videos about the show, inspiration, and other freebies at https://thrivewithemily.com/share


All other courses/offerings: https://www.emilyevansrussell.com

Join us in this enlightening episode as Amanda Chils, a licensed clinical theorist and nervous system expert, unpacks the profound difference between complacency and contentment. From sharing personal anecdotes about their friendship’s serendipitous beginnings to diving deep into the dynamics of trauma and growth, whether you’re navigating feelings of complacency or seeking to create a more expansive life, this episode offers practical insights and relatable humor to inspire your journey.

📌 Episode Highlights:

• Complacency vs. Contentment: Understand the essential differences between complacency and contentment, and how to navigate your emotional landscape effectively.
• Nervous System Regulation: Discover the impact of a dysregulated nervous system on our choices and how building resilience can lead to healthier decision-making.
• Self-Sabotage vs. Self-Protection: Delve into the reasons behind self-sabotage and understand that protective instincts may often mask deeper desires.
• Curiosity Over Self-Criticism: Learn to approach personal challenges with curiosity rather than criticism, allowing for deeper understanding and healing.

💫 Key Takeaways:

• Recognize Your Patterns: Understand the energetic signatures of complacency and contentment to make more informed choices.
• Questioning is Key: Start asking yourself—"Am I good with this all the way down?" to identify hidden conflicts in your decisions.
• Embrace Embodiment: Learning to listen to and trust your body can guide you toward greater ease and alignment in life.
• Normalize Your Experience: Everyone's process is unique; there’s great power in normalizing struggles rather than feeling framed as broken or flawed.
• Seek Joy in the Process: Remind yourself that growth can feel light and joyful, so lean into humor and gratitude throughout your journey.

🔗 Connect with Amanda Chills:

• Instagram: @Amanda_Chils
• Website: AmandaChils.co

🎉 Join the Conversation:

Please be sure to tag me @emilyevansrussell on Instagram and share this episode with your community to spread the word if you or someone you know has benefited from this conversation!

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
And if you loved this episode, follow me on Instagram @emilyevansrussell & let me know by leaving a review!

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Connect with others and Emily in her FREE ‘Thrive with Emily’ Community - get behind the scenes videos about the show, inspiration, and other freebies at https://thrivewithemily.com/share


All other courses/offerings: https://www.emilyevansrussell.com

In this captivating episode, we welcome the insightful Michal to discuss the profound question: Why aren’t we happy despite having everything we seemingly need? Michal, a recently published author of "Becoming Soulful," delves deep into the core of happiness, exploring the disconnect many of us feel even when our lives appear perfect on the surface.

📌 Episode Highlights:

• The Happiness Paradox: Why do we crave more even when we have a loving family, fulfilling job, and stable life?
• Defining the Soul: Michal offers a compelling explanation of the soul, its purpose, and how it contributes to our overall sense of well-being.
• Intellect vs. Soul Guidance: How to differentiate between decisions driven by intellect and those guided by the soul.

💫 Key Takeaways:

• Soulful Living: Embrace practices that nurture your soul to unlock a more authentic and fulfilling life.
• Internal Guidance: Learn to trust your inner voice and distinguish it from the noise of the intellect.
• Support Systems: The importance of having a tribe or sisterhood to support you through life’s transitions.
• Spiritual Connection: Developing a spiritual practice can provide strength and clarity during times of uncertainty.

👉 Quotes from the Episode:

• “Happiness from within is not dependent upon our external circumstances.”
• “The soul's purpose is to learn, grow, and expand through our life experiences.”
• “Living authentically means connecting to the pure essence of who we are, our soul’s spark.”

🔗 Connect with Michal:

• Website: Beacons of Change
• Book: Becoming Soulful

🎉 Join the Conversation:

We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode or ask questions for future episodes by connecting with us on social media:

• Instagram: @emilyevansrussell

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
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All other courses/offerings: https://www.emilyevansrussell.com

📌 In this brief and intimate episode, I share a voice note originally sent to a client who asked what inspires me to start my day.

Join me for a 7-minute reflection on the essential questions I ask myself every morning—What can I create today? What lights me up? Where is the energy flowing?

By focusing on what's working and aligning with my core values, I trust the universe to guide me towards what is meant for me and surrendering into however that shows up.

Tune in to discover how you can connect with your inner wisdom and follow the energy that inspires you to create impact every day.

💫Get daily support with Emily’s Fearless Femmes audio coaching program. Save $25 by using code: PODCASTFEARLESS at https://www.emilyevansrussell.com/fearless

Get notifications when new episodes drop by tapping the "follow" button!
And if you loved this episode, follow me on Instagram @emilyevansrussell & let me know by leaving a review!

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Connect with others and Emily in her FREE ‘Thrive with Emily’ Community - get behind the scenes videos about the show, inspiration, and other freebies at https://thrivewithemily.com/share


All other courses/offerings: https://www.emilyevansrussell.com