The Beauty in the Mess

In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Michele talks with Nisha Srivastava, the Director of Pilates Manchester & Northwest Pilates & Yoga Centre, who brings over 30 years of experience in movement, mindfulness, and holistic health. Nisha shares her story of how physical and emotional healing are deeply connected, and how true wellness begins when we stop ignoring the signals our bodies send us. From her own challenges with stress and imbalance to decades of helping others, she explains why we can’t separate the body from the mind, and how awareness, breath, and self-compassion can transform both. This conversation dives into what stress really does to the body, how to move through it with intention, and why slowing down is often the most powerful medicine of all. Nisha also leaves listeners with simple, practical tools to restore balance, whole foods, clean water, breathwork, and rest. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, exhausted, or out of rhythm, this episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be honest.  [00:02:20] Nisha’s journey from dancer to holistic healer  [00:06:20] How Pilates and yoga helped her rebuild from burnout  [00:10:20] The connection between emotions and physical health  [00:14:20] When the body whispers—and when it starts to scream  [00:18:20] The cost of pushing through stress  [00:23:20] How awareness creates space for healing  [00:28:20] The power of breath as the body’s first medicine  [00:33:20] Releasing perfection and returning to balance  [00:38:20] Simple, everyday habits that build real wellness  [00:43:20] Final thoughts on self-love, presence, and rest ✨Connect with Nisha Srivastava: · Website: https://www.pilatesmanchester.co.uk · Studio: Northwest Pilates & Yoga Centre · Instagram: @northwestpilates ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.messMichele Simms #TheBeautyInTheMess #NishaSrivastava #HolisticHealing #MindBodyConnection #WellnessJourney #Pilates #HealingFromWithin #SelfAwareness #AuthenticLiving 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Michele talks with Chris Abdey, a procrastination coach who helps people stop beating themselves up and start getting things done with compassion and clarity. Chris shares how procrastination isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline, it’s often your brain’s way of protecting you from discomfort or fear. Drawing from his own burnout story and years of coaching experience, Chris breaks down what’s really behind chronic delay, why motivation doesn’t work the way we think it does, and how to start creating momentum by working with your brain instead of against it. This conversation digs into the emotional roots of procrastination, the difference between avoidance and rest, and why self-compassion might be the most productive mindset shift of all. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by your own inaction, this episode will help you see procrastination not as a flaw, but as a message that something deeper needs your attention.  [00:02:30] Chris’s journey from burnout to breakthrough  [00:06:30] What procrastination really is (and isn’t)  [00:10:30] The emotional root of avoidance  [00:14:30] Why fear and perfectionism keep us stuck  [00:19:30] Learning to work with your brain, not against it  [00:24:30] When procrastination is actually protection  [00:29:30] How self-compassion creates momentum  [00:34:30] Chris’s simple reset steps for when you freeze up  [00:39:30] How to stop judging yourself and start moving again  [00:44:30] Final thoughts: finding progress in imperfection ✨Connect with Chris Abdey: · Website: https://www.procrastinationstation.ca/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisabdey/ · Community: Procrastinator’s Pitstop ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #TheBeautyInTheMess #ChrisAbdey #ProcrastinationCoach #StopProcrastinating #SelfCompassion #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #ProductivityTips #Motivation #EmotionalHealth #Wellbeing #AuthenticLiving #Mindfulness #RealTalk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Michele talks with David Lederman, a speaker, author, and executive coach, who helps high-achievers find real fulfillment without burning out. After years leading in the tech world, David hit a breaking point trying to live up to all the advice about how to “do it all.” Be ambitious but stay calm. Lead selflessly but take care of yourself. It sounds doable—until you actually try to live it. That struggle nearly cost him everything, but it also pushed him to find a better way. David spent eight years diving into neuroscience, psychology, and ancient wisdom to figure out how peace and purpose fit into modern life. Now, through his coaching and his upcoming book Trust Life?, he teaches people how to align what they do with who they really are—what he calls the Zone of Fulfillment. This conversation gets real about burnout, paradox, and how to finally feel grounded even when life’s moving fast.  [00:02:20] When success stops feeling successful  [00:06:20] The contradictions that drain high-achievers  [00:10:20] The moment David hit burnout and what changed  [00:14:20] How neuroscience and ancient wisdom overlap  [00:18:20] What fulfillment really looks like today  [00:23:20] The 4 Life Paradoxes explained  [00:27:20] The “Zone of Fulfillment” and how to find it  [00:33:20] Learning to trust life again  [00:38:20] Behind his upcoming book and TEDx Talk  [00:42:20] Final thoughts on slowing down to move forward ✨Connect with David Lederman: · Website: https://magicandawe.com/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelederman/ · TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/59230?utm_source=chatgpt.com · Book: Trust Life? ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.comInstagram: @the.beauty.in.the.messFacebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #TheBeautyInTheMess #DavidLederman #Leadership #Fulfillment #Burnout #TrustLife #RealTalk #AuthenticLeadership #Growth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arma Benoit has spent more than 25 years shaping stories in film, television, and now comedy. She started out producing iconic Atlanta rap videos for Outkast, Ludacris, and Goodie Mob, moved into eight seasons on The Vampire Diaries, and worked on projects like Genius: Aretha and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. Today, she’s also the owner of Atlanta Breakaway, the only female-owned rubber glass and breakaway bottle company on the East Coast, and a rising stand-up comic using humor to reclaim her own voice. In this conversation, Arma shares her early spark for filmmaking at age eight, the reality of breaking into a male-dominated industry, and the resilience it takes to keep chasing goals even after decades of success. We cover her philosophy of creating opportunities, why comedy has become a powerful outlet, and what it really looks like to balance creativity, business, and life.  [00:02:15] Arma’s childhood dream of filmmaking and first steps into the industry  [00:04:15] Breaking into sports broadcasting and music videos in Atlanta  [00:07:15] Producing iconic rap videos and the whirlwind of the 90s scene  [00:11:15] The long run on The Vampire Diaries and raising kids alongside a TV career  [00:15:15] From Genius: Aretha to Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis  [00:18:15] Facing fear, anxiety, and learning to focus on the process  [00:22:15] Directing her own short film Amaia and lessons from the festival circuit  [00:26:15] Turning to stand-up comedy as a way to tell her own stories  [00:31:15] Building Atlanta Breakaway and creating movie magic props  [00:37:15] Teaching at Georgia Film Academy and mentoring new talent  [00:41:15] The truth about meritocracy and why “nobody’s coming”  [00:46:15] Self-love, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms ✨Connect with Arma Benoit: · Website: https://www.armabenoit.com · Website: https://www.atlantabreakaway.com · Production Company: group129.com · Instagram: @armabenoit | @group129 · YouTube: Group129 ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess #TheBeautyInTheMess #ArmaBenoit #WomenInFilm #FemaleFilmmakers #ComedyLife #CreativeJourney #Outkast #TheVampireDiaries #Storytelling #WomenInComedy #WomenInEntertainment #StorytellingMatters #Resilience #FilmIndustry #Group129 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses addiction, mental health struggles, and suicide. International model, personal trainer, and wellness advocate Jonathan Niziol joins The Beauty In The Mess to share how he turned unimaginable loss into a mission to help others. After losing his mom the day before his 21st birthday, Jonathan spiraled into alcohol and drug addiction, depression, and anxiety, until a near-death experience at 25 forced a complete reset. Now 16 years alcohol-free and 6½ years free from all substances, Jonathan opens up about the inner work that saved him, the male mental-health stigma he’s determined to break, and how he rebuilt a thriving life and career. This conversation is raw, practical, and full of hope for anyone facing hidden battles. · [02:25] Early life in Canada and the tragedy that changed everything · [11:25] Spiraling into alcohol, drugs, and depression · [20:25] A near-death hospital stay and the decision to live · [30:25] From addiction to international modeling and fitness · [40:25] Confronting body dysmorphia and eating disorders · [50:25] Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health · [59:25] Daily practices for staying sober and grounded · [68:25] Words of encouragement for anyone who feels stuck Connect with Jonathan Niziol · Website: https://www.jonathanniziolofficial.com · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanniziol · Agency Profile: https://www.sutherlandmodels.com/men/110-jonathan-niziol/bio/ ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! If you or someone you know is struggling, you are never alone. In the U.S., call or text 988 anytime for confidential support. #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #TheBeautyInTheMess #HealingJourney #MenAndMentalHealth #JonathanNiziol #BreakTheStigma #MensMentalHealth #HealingJourney #SobrietySuccess #Resilience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. In this deeply moving conversation, Rachel Zehden shares how profound loss became a calling to help others heal. A certified somatic attachment practitioner and life coach, Rachel opens up about losing her father suddenly and her mother to suicide while she was pregnant—then transforming that pain into purpose. We dive into somatic healing, how the body holds trauma, and what “high-functioning depression” really looks like. Rachel explains how generational trauma is passed down, why awareness is the first step to change, and how to rewrite the stories we inherit. If you’ve ever felt trapped in old fears or family patterns, this episode offers tools to release, rebuild, and move forward. · [02:35] Rachel’s early path: from marketing to music to children’s books · [09:35] The loss of her father and how writing helped her heal · [18:35] Mother’s suicide during pregnancy: shock, grief, and seeking purpose · [28:35] Discovering somatic healing and training on a suicide prevention hotline · [38:35] High-functioning depression and why signs are often missed · [47:35] Generational trauma, epigenetics, and reprogramming the nervous system · [56:35] Somatic tools to calm anxiety and rewrite your story · [65:35] Rachel’s programs: one-on-one coaching, group work, and workshops · [73:35] Final message of hope and resources for anyone struggling 🌿 Connect with Rachel Zehden: · Website & programs: https://rewindwithrachel.com · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewindwithrachel · Email: rachel@rewindwithrachel.com ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! If you or someone you know is struggling, you are never alone. In the U.S., call or text 988 anytime for confidential support. #TheBeautyInTheMess #RachelZehden #HealingJourney #SomaticHealing #HighFunctioningDepression #RewriteYourStory #GenerationalTrauma #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaRecovery #BreakTheCycle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three unexpected phone calls. A verse in James that would not let go. A cargo van full of winter boots. That’s how April Jurgensen knew she had been called to act. As founder and executive director of The Boaz Project, April has spent more than 25 years serving orphans by strengthening caregivers and supporting whole homes instead of individual sponsorships. In this conversation, she shares the origin story, the power of trauma-informed care, the challenges of carrying heartbreaking stories, and why this work ministers to both children and the heart of God. 🌿 Connect with April Jurgensen: https://boazproject.org/The Orphan’s AbbaWhen God is Your Father ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #TheBeautyInTheMess #BoazProject #OrphanCare #TraumaInformedCare #FaithInAction #AprilJurgensen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Mary Alice Mina, Harvard-trained, double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, says skincare is whole-body care. What you eat, how you sleep, and how you manage stress show up on your skin as much as any cream. Hydration is important for overall health, but water alone won’t moisturize skin. “Clean beauty” is mostly marketing, and preservatives are necessary to prevent mold and bacteria. Stick with tested brands, be consistent, and avoid hopping from product to product. Perimenopause brings dryness and collagen loss; sleep and lifestyle matter, and HRT or topical estrogen may help. Red light therapy and exosomes show promise but require consistency and caution. Beware of “instant firming” creams; true laxity often needs surgical solutions. Most importantly, match the tool to the job and choose providers with skill and integrity. The Skin Real 🌿 Connect with Dr. Mina: https://theskinreal.com/· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLggCqJEOBz0NUIcMeJDIaw · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin · Free Habits Guide: https://hi.theskinreal.com/habits ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #Skincare #Dermatology #SkinHealth #Eczema #Perimenopause #RedLightTherapy #Exosomes #ChemicalPeel #Facelift #EvidenceBased #Dr.MaryAliceMina #TheBeautyInTheMess Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Claire Davis, The Midlife Mentors, reframe midlife as reinvention, not decline. They share how values shift in this season, why relationships become a catalyst for growth, and how coaching helps uncover the “script” that drives self-talk and habits. They break down behavior change into beliefs, identity, and environment, then layer in practical hormones, nutrition, movement, and mindset strategies. The message is simple and hopeful. Start with one high-leverage area, build accountability, and let small daily choices compound into energy, clarity, and purpose. 2:25 Intro & backstory – journalism to caregiver magazine. 4:25 “Caregiver trauma” – PTSD, missed signs, why acknowledgment matters. 6:25 Burnout, depression, decision fatigue. 8:25 Hidden epidemic – 40M caregivers, isolation, speaking up. 9:25 Senior care costs, fewer caregivers, corporatization. 11:25 Lack of quality activities in facilities. 13:25 Planning ahead & lobbying roadblocks. 15:25 Financial strain & overmedication. 16:25 Unpaid caregivers & aid limits. 18:25 Resources – state agencies, respite care. 20:25 Gap that inspired Reverse Magazine. 22:25 Elder law, Medicare, Medicaid help. 24:25 Caregivers’ 63% higher mortality risk. 25:25 Dementia care & communication. 27:25 Guilt over taking breaks. 29:25 Self-care as survival. 30:25 Opposite-sex caregiving & dignity. 31:25 Family planning talks. 33:25 Downsizing & emotional impact. 35:25 Taking away the keys as freedom. 38:25 Finding beauty in the mess. 40:25 Connect with Anna – Reverse Magazine, FB, LinkedIn. 🌿 Connect with James and Claire Davis: https://themidlifementors.com/· TikTok: @themidlifementors · Instagram: @midlifementors ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #MidlifeMentors #MidlifeReinvention #MidlifeHealth #MenopauseSupport #AndropauseAwareness #MindsetMatters #StrongerTogether #SelfWorthHealing #ReinventYourLife #BeautyInTheMessPodcast #James&ClaireDavis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caregiving is one of the toughest, most overlooked roles, often done in silence. In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Anna Edmonds shares her journey from journalist to founder of a caregiver-focused magazine and podcast. She opens up about “caregiver trauma,” the toll of caring for a loved one, and the broken systems that make the role even harder. We cover burnout, financial strain, isolation, and the need for families to plan ahead. Anna also shares practical advice on resources, self-care, and tough conversations—reminding us there is beauty in caregiving, even in the mess. Content Advisory: This episode discusses caregiver burnout, dementia-related changes, emotional strain, and end-of-life care. While not graphic, it includes emotionally heavy content. 2:25 Intro & backstory – journalism to caregiver magazine. 4:25 “Caregiver trauma” – PTSD, missed signs, why acknowledgment matters. 6:25 Burnout, depression, decision fatigue. 8:25 Hidden epidemic – 40M caregivers, isolation, speaking up. 9:25 Senior care costs, fewer caregivers, corporatization. 11:25 Lack of quality activities in facilities. 13:25 Planning ahead & lobbying roadblocks. 15:25 Financial strain & overmedication. 16:25 Unpaid caregivers & aid limits. 18:25 Resources – state agencies, respite care. 20:25 Gap that inspired Reverse Magazine. 22:25 Elder law, Medicare, Medicaid help. 24:25 Caregivers’ 63% higher mortality risk. 25:25 Dementia care & communication. 27:25 Guilt over taking breaks. 29:25 Self-care as survival. 30:25 Opposite-sex caregiving & dignity. 31:25 Family planning talks. 33:25 Downsizing & emotional impact. 35:25 Taking away the keys as freedom. 38:25 Finding beauty in the mess. 40:25 Connect with Anna – Reverse Magazine, FB, LinkedIn. 🌿 Connect with Anna Edmonds: https://reversemagazine.ushttps://facebook.com/reversemagazine· LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/reverse-magazine ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with a friend who could use some gentle encouragement. You are not alone There is support and resources out there. 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #HealingJourney #TheBeautyInTheMess #WellnessPodcast #SarinaHelen #SelfLove #HolisticWellness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, intuitive healer and certified coach Roya Mattis shares how five pivotal turning points shaped her 25-year journey mentoring entrepreneurs. Roya explains how subconscious rewiring, energetic alignment, and body-mind-soul integration can unlock deep healing, success, and personal power. She dives into overcoming burnout, reframing failure, reclaiming feminine energy, and collapsing time through intuitive and practical breakthroughs. Whether you’re craving peace, purpose, or transformation, this episode is a powerful reminder that your next breakthrough starts within.🔑 🌿 Connect with Roya Mattis: www.callwithroya.comwww.she-ness.com ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with a friend who could use some gentle encouragement. 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! #TheBeautyInTheMess #RoyaMattis #BurnoutRecovery #SubconsciousHealing #WomenWhoLead #PurposeDriven Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this soul-nourishing episode, Michele Simms welcomes holistic wellness coach and entrepreneur Sarina Helen, the powerhouse behind The Juice Parlor in Los Angeles. Sarina opens up about her decade-long struggle with burnout and how it ultimately led her to a deeper journey of self-connection, self-worth, and inner alignment. Her story is proof that we can’t pour into others until we start filling ourselves first. From green juices to mindset shifts, Sarina shares the essential tools that helped her heal—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and now she helps other women do the same through her holistic coaching. Whether you're navigating stress, trying to break toxic patterns, or simply looking for a path to more energy and peace, this conversation is a permission slip to start again. 🎁 Free Gift for Listeners: Download Sarina’s Vitality Detox Guide and start your journey to a more vibrant, aligned you: 👉 https://www.bewellbysarina.com/The-Vitality-Detox-Guide Connect with Sarina Helen: www.bewellbysarina.com@bewellbysarinaConnect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.mess 💬 If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with a friend who could use some gentle encouragement. You are not alone, and you’re never too far gone to come back home to yourself. #HealingJourney #TheBeautyInTheMess #WellnessPodcast #SarinaHelen #SelfLove #HolisticWellness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Michele Simms sits down with Amy, a holistic healing advocate who turned her decades-long battle with chronic illness into a mission to help others align with their inner peace, self-worth, and true potential. Amy opens up about the journey from surviving to thriving and how healing the internal world impacts everything on the outside. She shares how self-awareness, holistic practices, and small daily shifts can lead to deep transformation. Whether you're dealing with illness, emotional burnout, or just trying to find your way back to yourself, Amy’s honest wisdom will resonate. [00:02:20] Amy's background and journey with chronic illness [00:04:35] What led her to holistic healing [00:06:45] The connection between internal and external environments [00:09:05] Breaking free from limiting beliefs and cycles [00:11:15] Defining health, success, and peace on your own terms [00:13:25] Why awareness is the gateway to change [00:15:40] Building self-belief and self-worth [00:17:50] How healing is never linear [00:20:10] The myth of being “broken” [00:22:20] Learning to tune into your body’s signals [00:24:30] What true self-care looks like beyond trends [00:26:45] Amy’s message to anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed [00:29:00] Final thoughts on purpose and alignment 🔗 Connect with Amy Lenius 🔗 Instagram: @amylynnwellness 📱 Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.messThe Beauty in the Mess Community 🎧 If this episode helped you feel seen or sparked something new, share it with someone who needs it. You’re not alone — and you’re never too far gone to begin again. #HealingJourney #HolisticLiving #TheBeautyInTheMess #AmyLenius #SelfDiscovery 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of The Beauty in the Mess, host Michele Simms talks with Blanca E. Rodriguez, Owner/CEO of Wounded Healer, LLC. Blanca shares how early trauma—including the murder of her father, sexual assault, and generational silence—led to years of darkness, but ultimately inspired a life of healing, service, and transformation. Blanca is a holistic life coach, licensed massage therapist, Amazon bestselling co-author, and passionate speaker. She mentors through Toastmasters and volunteers with organizations like The Inner Truth Project and The Pet Cottage. Her story is a compelling reminder that no matter your past, change is possible—and healing can begin today. [00:02:15][00:04:20][00:06:30][00:08:45][00:10:50][00:13:00][00:15:10][00:17:20][00:19:25][00:21:30][00:24:00][00:26:05][00:28:15][00:30:30][00:32:45][00:35:00][00:37:10][00:39:20][00:41:30][00:46:00][00:48:15][00:49:50]🌟 Connect with Blanca E. Rodriguez: Website:www.woundedhealerblancae.comEmail:Instagram:@woundedhealer.blancaeFacebook (Personal):Facebook (Business):TikTok / Threads:LinkedIn:💌 To book your free coaching session with Blanca, send her a direct message on any platform above. 📱 Connect with Michele Simms: Website:thebeautyinthemess.comInstagram:@the.beauty.in.the.messFacebook Group:The Beauty in the Mess Community🎧 If this conversation moved you or reminded you you're not alone, please share it. You never know who might need to hear it today.. #TheBeautyInTheMess #WoundedHealer #HealingIsPossible #Forgiveness #LifeAfterTrauma #BlancaE.Rodriguez #HolisticHealing #RealConversations #ResilientWomen #UrgencyToHeal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping and courageous episode, Michele talks with Mia Hanks, a survivor of 29 years of covert narcissistic abuse. Now an author and advocate, Mia opens up about the subtle manipulation, control, and emotional gaslighting that kept her trapped in an invisible prison for nearly three decades. Through her memoir Bride Made and her growing public platform, Mia is shining a light on what so many silently endure, and showing that freedom and healing are possible. Whether you’ve been through something similar or want to better understand and support someone who has, this conversation will stay with you. [02:20] – Mia shares her story: 29 years married to a covert narcissist [04:40] – What narcissistic abuse really looks like (and why it’s misunderstood) [07:10] – How narcissism develops and why lack of empathy is the red flag [09:30] – Total control: from finances to sleep and time [12:00] – Why covert narcissists are the hardest to spot — and most dangerous [14:30] – Can narcissists change? And why most don’t [17:00] – The silent weapon of gaslighting and how it erodes self-trust [19:45] – How abuse affects children and family dynamics [22:10] – When physical symptoms show up from emotional stress [24:40] – Is it narcissism, sociopathy, or something worse? [27:00] – Why victims normalize abuse — and how to begin seeing clearly [29:30] – Preparing to leave: finances, fear, and finding support [32:00] – Mia’s exit strategy: what worked and what she wishes she knew [34:40] – What helped most in healing: therapy, writing, and sharing [37:10] – Learning to trust again, set boundaries, and rebuild self-worth [39:50] – How covert narcissists protect their image through smear campaigns [42:20] – Writing her memoir Bride Made — and why it’s not just for survivors [44:40] – Final message: you’re not stuck — there’s life and healing after abuse 🔗 Connect with Mia Hanks: miajhanks.comBride MadeBride Made: A Memoir 📱 Connect with Michele Simms: thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.messThe Beauty in the Mess Community 🎧 If this episode helped you feel seen or sparked something new, share it with someone who needs it. You’re not alone — and you’re never too far gone to begin again. #TheBeautyInTheMess #MiaHanks #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #BrideMade #CovertNarcissism #Gaslighting #EmotionalHealing #WomensVoices 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Michele sits down with Dr. Mark A. Hicks, counselor, speaker, and author of Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last. With decades of experience in psychology, divinity, and human relationships, Dr. Hicks offers real, accessible guidance on how to truly love, starting with yourself. He shares his personal story of loss and renewal, along with a five-part framework for building stronger, healthier, more fulfilling connections — whether with your partner, kids, friends, or even coworkers. This conversation is heartfelt, deeply relatable, and filled with tools for anyone who’s ever wondered: “Can I really learn to love well… even after the mess?” [02:20] – Meet Dr. Mark Hicks and what led him to write Learning Love [05:40] – Why love is a skill, not just a feeling [09:10] – His five components of learning love (G.E.A.P.P.) [12:30] – Why grief is the starting point for healthy connection [15:45] – Understanding emotional literacy and why it matters [19:10] – How practical love helps relationships last [22:25] – The role of acceptance in healing relationships [25:30] – Passion isn’t about fireworks — it’s about presence [28:40] – “You can’t love someone more than you love yourself” [32:15] – How your self-talk shapes your relationships [35:30] – What healthy love looks like in parenting [38:50] – Loving again after loss, betrayal, or divorce [42:00] – Why love isn’t reserved for the lucky — it’s for the willing [45:10] – Final thoughts: You are worthy of learning love 🔗 Connect with Dr. Mark A. Hicks:Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Lastdrmarkahicks.com@drmarkahicksMark Hicks – Learning Love thebeautyinthemess.com@the.beauty.in.the.messThe Beauty in the Mess Community #TheBeautyInTheMess #LearningLove #MarkAHicks #SelfWorth #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalHealth #HealingAfterHeartbreak #RelationshipTools 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, Michele talks with Erica Wiederlight, confidence coach, embodiment expert, and founder of We The Light, LLC. Erica helps women go from disconnected and burned out to fully present, joyful, and confident — not through pressure or perfection, but through presence and pleasure. Erica shares how self-love can start in the middle of chaos, how pleasure is about so much more than sex, and why micro-moments of embodiment might be the most healing practice we have. Her message is loud and clear: You don’t have to be fixed to be fabulous — you just have to start where you are. [02:30] – Meet Erica Wiederlight and how her “mess” led to her mission [06:00] – From performer to coach: what burnout revealed [09:15] – What embodiment really means — and why it matters [12:30] – Why pleasure isn’t selfish and how it heals [15:45] – Micro-moments of self-connection (yes, even with kids screaming in the back) [18:15] – You don’t need a retreat to feel worthy — you just need a breath [21:30] – Erica’s favorite tools to calm the nervous system and get present [25:00] – The truth about confidence (it’s not about being loud or perfect) [28:30] – Embodiment and healing when you’re burned out and tired [31:45] – How to stop waiting for permission and take up space [35:00] – Final thoughts on starting small, practicing daily, and trusting yourself 📚 Connect with Erica:Website: wethelight.orgInstagram: @wethelight_llcPodcast: Welcome to the Wiederlife 📱 Connect with Michele Simms:Website: thebeautyinthemess.comInstagram: @the.beauty.in.the.messFacebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Community 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michele sits down with Utkarsh Narang, an executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Ignited Neurons, for a deep, honest conversation about identity, fear, and fulfillment. With a background encompassing physiotherapy, content creation, and startup leadership, Utkarsh has lived many lives, and each reinvention taught him how to strip away false identities and show up with intentionality. Now, he helps others do the same. This episode explores what it means to live aligned with your values, how to embrace fear as a guidepost, and why presence — not perfection — is the most powerful discipline of all. [02:05] – Intro to Utkarsh: From physiotherapist to executive coach[06:10] – Letting go of your job title and rediscovering who you really are[10:25] – When discomfort becomes the doorway to growth[14:45] – Fear as fuel: how Utkarsh reframed anxiety into action[18:00] – The “last lunch” metaphor: living each moment like it matters[21:35] – The five values that anchor Utkarsh’s life and work[25:00] – Real discipline vs. performative motivation[29:15] – The trap of chasing goals without checking alignment[32:40] – How presence outperforms pressure every time[36:10] – Journaling, parenting, and practicing what you teach[39:45] – Why most people avoid stillness — and how to embrace it[43:20] – Redefining success: from impact to intention 🔗 Connect with Utkarsh Narang: 🌐 Website: ignitedneurons.com📸 Instagram: @ignitedneurons💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎥 YouTube: Ignited Neurons Channel 🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess https://thebeautyinthemess.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/ 💬 Rate & Review Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, host Michele is joined by Saril Vasquez, a triple-certified functional medicine practitioner and the founder of Belle Organix and the Bellechanics Method. After a decade of struggling with hair loss and being told there was no cure, Saril discovered something deeper: her body was trying to speak — and hair loss was the message. The solution wasn’t in prescriptions or topicals, but in identifying the root dysfunctions and restoring her system naturally. Now, Saril helps women around the world reverse hair loss through detoxification, gut healing, hormone balance, and personalized nutrition. This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about hair loss, and offer real hope for those who’ve been told “this is just how it is.” [02:30][05:30][08:45][11:15][14:30][17:45][21:00][24:15][27:30][30:45][34:00][37:30][41:00][44:15][47:30][50:00]🔗 Connect with Saril Vasquez: bellechanics.comBecoming a BellechanicReversing Hair Loss Naturally@bellechanics🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty in the Mess: thebeautyinthemess.comJoin the CommunityMichele Simms@the.beauty.in.the.mess Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the version of success you’ve been chasing… was never really yours? In this powerful episode of The Beauty In The Mess, host Michele sits down with Nina Zapala — award-winning hospitality professional, speaker, author, and the creator of Spiritual Personality Typing — a modern, mystical reimagining of traditional personality systems. After decades in high-powered branding and luxury travel, Nina had what she calls a “life tsunami.” Everything fell apart — and yet, everything began. Her breakdown became a breakthrough, one that led her to help women rediscover the WHO of who they really are: not society’s version, but their real, unfiltered self. Together, we explore: With humor, heart, and so much truth, Nina invites us to slow down, tune in, and stop outsourcing our answers. If you’ve ever wondered who you really are beneath the hustle — this conversation is for you. [02:40] – Meet Nina Zapala [06:00] – The onstage moment that sparked a total life unraveling [10:15] – Why “success” didn’t feel like success — and what came next [14:30] – What is Spiritual Personality Typing, and how is it different? [18:50] – The "North Star trait" and why it matters more than dominance [24:00] – Hearing your soul’s whispers vs. your ego’s demands [29:10] – How your personality shows up in travel, relationships, and resistance [34:30] – The myths of authenticity and the truth about fulfillment [38:45] – Learning to trust yourself — even when no one else gets it [43:00] – Women, aging, and being unapologetically audacious [47:20] – Nina’s book Unpack Your Personality and how travel can reveal the real you [52:00] – Everyday steps to reconnect with your inner voice [56:30] – Final thoughts: You’re not broken — you’re buried under conditioning 🔗 Connect with Nina Zapala https://www.ninazapala.comUnpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide : 🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess https://thebeautyinthemess.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/· 💬 Rate & Review · Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.