Your Kick Ass Life Podcast

I’m back with Lesson 5 in my Coming Home to Yourself series, sharing what I’ve found to be the seven essential foundations for building a healthy, lasting, and loving relationship. I also talk about how some of these foundations have helped shape my relationship with my new partner, Dr. Fox (not his real name…more on that later)! As I get ready to celebrate my 50th birthday in April, I’ve been reflecting on the biggest life lessons I’ve learned about love, partnership, and personal growth.  The health of our relationships has a huge impact on our overall well-being, which is why choosing the right partner, whether you decide to get married or not, is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. A thriving relationship isn’t just about chemistry; it takes emotional maturity, communication, self-trust, resilience, and daily effort. In fact, love isn’t just about finding the right person, it’s about being the right person.  Download this episode’s worksheet at http://andreaowen.com/664 What you’ll hear

If you’ve ever wondered what life coaching really looks like, this minisode is a little glimpse into the process. Kathryn, a former client (and mental health therapist), suggested she come on to share her experience, because coaching is different for everyone. She opens up about navigating what was next for her, breaking free from people-pleasing, and finally giving herself permission to take big, bold steps, including a move to another state and launching a jewelry business. Plus, she shares the simple morning ritual that reignited her spark that she co-created in her work with Andrea.  Sometimes, all it takes is saying your dreams out loud, like Kathryn did. Because, the universe might just be waiting for you to take that first step. Resources from this episode: Coaching with me!  Sign up to make sure you don’t miss any of my birthday episodes! Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. C

Welcome to Lesson 4, where we explore the deeper meaning behind Coming Home to Yourself and challenge the idea that purpose, like love, success, and happiness, comes from outside of us. At (almost) 50, I've come to realize that our real purpose isn't about what we do, it's about who we become.  In this episode, I’ll explore how culture and society shape our need to seek purpose and external validation—and whether that truly serves us. I'll also break down what it means to truly come home to yourself and how to shift from seeking to simply being. Lastly, I’ll share practical ways to start this journey. Coming home to yourself isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong practice. It’s about unlearning the belief that you must be more to be enough. Download this episode’s worksheet at http://andreaowen.com/662! What you’ll hear in this episode: The Search for Purpose: How culture conditions us to seek love, worth, and belonging through achievements, people-pleasing, and validation, yet never truly feel fulfilled.

Surrender isn’t about giving up—it’s about letting go. In Lesson 3, we’re exploring the magic of surrender. What does it mean to surrender and what does it look like in personal growth as well as in relationships? Surrender is the deep trust in the unfolding of your path. Surrender in relationships isn’t about rolling over or giving up your needs—it’s about loosening your grip on control, allowing love to evolve naturally, and trusting the process of connection.  Surrender is not a weakness, passivity, or resignation.  Learning to surrender is a process and it doesn’t have to be a massive life shift. You can practice in small ways. These life lessons are often learned the hard way and they become our greatest teachers. My hope is that by sharing my experiences in my special 10-week “Coming Home to Yourself” podcast series, you’ll recognize these universal truths in your own journey and move through them with a little more ease..  Download this episode’s worksheet at http://andreaowen.com/661 What you’ll hear

Before we jump into today’s podcast episode, I want to remind you that Write Your Way Through It is currently open for registration! Join us now and take advantage of the early bird price. We start at the end of this month! This week's minisode comes from a direct message I received from a podcast listener. She sent me a message saying that she related to something I was going through and admires me for the way I seem to handle it. [Visit AndreaOwen.com/660 to see the direct message] I'll be honest with you, this one made me very emotional. Partly, because I always love receiving messages like these from listeners, partly because it always feels amazing to be validated for your own growth, and partly because I knew I wanted to come on the podcast and be honest with you about what that particular journey has really looked like. Do I always move through challenges like these with steadiness? Not at all. Tune into the podcast where I open up about this, talking specifically about values work, self trust, and the

“Emotional fluency is your path to power.” Welcome to Lesson 2, where I explore what I call the four holy emotions—grief, terror, rage, and shame—and how they can unlock your power. But like any personal growth journey, we need to lay the groundwork first. I’ll share why we resist these emotions, explore how to stop resisting them, and finally, see them as sacred messengers rather than obstacles. If you’re new to my special 10-week “Coming Home to Yourself” podcast series leading up to my 50th birthday, welcome! Every Wednesday, I’m sharing a life lesson that has shaped my personal growth over the last 50 years. I put a lot of thought into what has truly propelled me forward. And because birthdays (and personal growth) deserve to be celebrated, don’t forget that I’m giving away a copy of one of my books each week on Instagram!

I am kicking off a special 10-week podcast series leading up to my 50th birthday! Every Wednesday, I’m diving into a different life lesson which includes reflections on personal growth, resilience, and what it truly means to come home to yourself. Because birthdays (and personal growth) should be celebrated, I am also giving away a copy of one of my books each week on Instagram!

If you’re living in the United States (and even if you don’t), the last few weeks have been a doozy. Between the fires in Los Angeles, and the changes that are happening that our government has been pushing forward, current events have been enough to not only make our heads spin, but cause peak levels of anxiety.  And boy do I feel you.  I recorded a short minisode sharing with you two things I’ve found online that have been enormously helpful. There’s no shortage of information out there about what’s happening (whether that information is reliable or not), and I wanted to bring you something about where we go from here.  Last, starting on Wednesday, you’ll see something new land in your inbox and in the podcast feed: Ten weekly life lessons I’ll be creating episodes about, as I approach my 50th birthday in April! I’ll be giving a book away every week, so stay tuned for details on how to win

“You just need to ask for help!” Sure, sounds easy—until you actually try to do it. This week, we’re tackling the real reasons setting boundaries is hard and why the mental load still falls disproportionately on women. My guest, Dr. Kat Kaeni, is a perinatal mental health-certified psychologist and host of the podcast Mom & Mind. She’s here to break down how our conditioning keeps us stuck in burnout mode and what we can do to shift out of it. We talk about the mental weight of keeping everything running and why self-compassion and boundaries aren’t just fluffy concepts—they’re essential for protecting your peace and wellbeing.  What you’ll hear: The truth about boundaries and why they’re so hard to keep (5:55) How shame and self-compassion affect mental health (20:38) Strategies to help you improve your overall mental well-being, today (30:25) Why the mental load tends to fall on women and what to do about it (33:08) Resources: Sign up for my email list Dr. Kat Kaeni’s website Book recommendations: I l

“A lot of days it feels like standing in a pile of rubble and trying to figure it all out.” In this coaching session, I sit down with Lisa, a listener who’s grappling with self-abandonment and the exhaustion that comes from always putting others first. In fact, during this session you’ll hear me talk about how Lisa has “mastered the art of walking away from herself to shield from walking away from others”. Together, we unpack her struggles and explore how small, intentional steps can help her rebuild a stronger connection to herself. If you’ve ever felt stuck, resentful, or unsure how to set boundaries, this conversation will resonate. I’m sharing practical tools and insight to help you shift your mindset, examine your relationship with resentment and anger; and take meaningful steps toward the life you deserve. What You’ll Hear The emotional weight of prioritizing everyone else and losing yourself in the process Why anger often masks deeper feelings like resentment and hurt—and how to unpack them Doing th

I’m thrilled to welcome Asha Frost, an indigenous medicine woman, bestselling author of You Are the Medicine, and creator of the newly released Animal Elders Oracle Deck. Asha and I dive into the transformative power of reconnecting with our roots, embracing the wisdom of the seasons, and learning to trust the medicine within ourselves. We talk about the beauty of slowing down, connecting with nature, and the magic of awe and wonder. As you listen, I hope you’ll be inspired to embrace your own cycles of growth and healing with compassion and curiosity What you’ll hear: How vulnerability can become a powerful tool for healing and supporting others (3:55) Reclaiming your inner medicine (“medicine sparks”) and reconnecting with Self (5:26) Rediscovering and honoring your ancestral roots and healing generational trauma (12:04) Ways to align your evolution with the natural rhythms and cycles of the earth (30:21) Resources: Join me for free group coaching calls in January! Sign up for my email list Asha’s web

As the new year kicks off, it can be helpful to spend some time reflecting, intention-setting, and embracing fresh opportunities for growth. In this minisode, we explore why celebrating small wins matters more than ever and how they can create a ripple effect of positivity and progress, even in challenging times. What you’ll hear in this episode: The Psychology of Small Wins: Learn how celebrating even the tiniest accomplishments activates your brain's reward system and fosters motivation. Momentum Over Perfection: Small victories build momentum and help combat the all-or-nothing mindset that often hinders your progress. Practical Ways to Celebrate: From journaling to a little dance, discover how to make celebrating small wins a meaningful (and fun!) habit. The Ripple Effect: Understand how small wins accumulate to create lasting change and success in the bigger picture. What it looks like: Explore examples of what small wins in personal growth can look like.  As we navigate the early days of thi

I’m thrilled to welcome back Jessica Graham, an incredible author, trauma expert, and meditation teacher, to talk about their brand-new book, Being (Sick) Enough: Thoughts on Invisible Illness, Childhood Trauma, and Living Well When Surviving is Hard. If you’ve ever felt the weight of trauma, chronic illness, or just navigating life in a challenging world, Jessica’s wisdom will resonate deeply. In this conversation, we explore the complexities of healing, mindfulness, and finding balance in a world that often feels overwhelming. After listening, my hope is that you’ll walk away with not only a better understanding of the connection between trauma and physical health but also actionable insights for living well—even when surviving feels hard. What you’ll hear: What sparked Jessica’s new book and how it supports those navigating trauma and chronic illness (17:52) Why we often need science to trust ourselves and what that reveals about healing (21:29) The science of “limbic resonance” and how rewiring our att

Heather Chauvin is back, and we’re exploring what it really means to step into your power—especially when life feels overwhelming. As a leadership coach, Heather helps ‘successful’ women live, work, and parent with courage and authenticity, on their own terms. Through her podcast, Emotionally Uncomfortable, and her work, she offers practical tools and fresh perspectives on what it takes to not just survive, but truly thrive. We talk about what happens when you stop running from life’s storms and start facing them instead. Heather shares how tuning into your body’s signals can transform your relationship with fear, anxiety, and overwhelm—and help you create a life that feels grounded, even when the world around you feels chaotic. What you’ll hear: Why running toward challenges (like a buffalo) can help you move through them faster (9:44) How to recognize the difference between inner wisdom and external noise (15:16) Simple prompts to guide self-trust and decision-making (17:01) What your body might be tryi

In this minisode, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for so many of us (me too!): letting go of control and surrendering outcomes. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of overthinking, micromanaging, or gripping too tightly to people or situations, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll explore why control can feel so comforting, yet so exhausting, and how we can begin to release it in ways that empower, rather than paralyze, us. Because this is an enormous topic for me in my own healing and growth, I got the word “surrender” tattooed on my arm in my own handwriting in 2016. How much energy do you spend trying to control situations, people, or outcomes that are simply out of your hands? This episode is an invitation to rethink the way we approach control and surrender. We’ll walk through the telltale signs of over-control, the fears that drive it, and tangible steps to cultivate detachment without giving up on what matters most. What you’ll hear: We often try to control out of fe

I have another coaching podcast episode for you based on chapter two in 52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life—all about taking responsibility for your life! This episode asks the big question, “Am I on the right path?” Jenna joined me to discuss her journey and the challenges of staying committed to a path when self-doubt and competing ideas creep in. We’ve all felt that uncertainty about whether we’re heading in the right direction or second-guessed decisions we’ve made. Jenna’s experience is a reminder that growth and direction come when we embrace the process—even when it feels messy. What You’ll Hear Jenna’s struggle with staying the course when doubts creep in How to stay patient with yourself during life’s highs and lows The challenge of committing to a path when other options seem tempting Encouragement for trusting your journey  Resources:

I have a coaching podcast episode for you—based on chapter three in 52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life– all on stepping out of your comfort zone. In this episode, Christina shares her journey of launching her business and the challenges she faces when it comes to putting herself out there. You might not struggle with the same thing as Christina, but pay attention and look for the universal parts of her story. We all get stuck in our heads, worrying about a problem that isn't the problem. Christina’s experience is a reminder that, no matter where we are in our journey, it's easy to distract ourselves from what matters most. What You’ll Hear Christina’s struggle with the fear of visibility and taking bold steps forward How distractions often take priority over the things that matter most The internal battle between knowing what to do and avoiding it The emotional journey of building a business and confronting the discomfort of being seen  Resources:

Happy New Year

Radical self-love and self-acceptance take center stage as writer and social media creator Heidi Clements shares her inspiring journey of reinvention in her 60s. Heidi uses her TikTok and Instagram platforms to connect with women of all ages, sharing stories, style, and the wisdom she's gained through her unique experiences. An advocate for more stories about women in their 50s, she challenges societal norms and celebrates the pursuit of happiness on your own terms. In this episode, Heidi opens up about her experiences in Hollywood and how they shaped her views on self-acceptance, aging, and beauty. We discuss the journey of cultivating self-love and radical self-acceptance, embracing every part of yourself—the good, the bad, and the messy. Plus, we explore the empowering connection between dressing for yourself and building unshakable confidence. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Heidi started TikTok and Instagram to share her style and life stories. (4:50) How Hollywood shaped Heidi’s views on aging,

Terri Cole is back for her 7th appearance—yes, 7th—to dive into high-functioning codependency and boundaries. Her latest book, Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency, is a game-changer and I am thrilled to welcome Terri back to the show! Together we unpack the myth of what codependency is—especially for high-achieving women—and give us a clear picture of high-functioning codependency (HFC). We’re talking about things like auto advice-giving and running everyone else’s life at the expense of your sanity. Terri and I also break down tools such as resentment inventory and the art of detachment (she explains what these are - don’t worry!). And we also talk about boundaries, of course! Specifically how healthy boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about letting yourself breathe.  What you’ll hear in this episode: What is high-functioning codependency and how does it show up? (6:11) Where it all begins: understanding root causes and the need for control (17:38) Ma