It's Not Just Hair: The Hidden Mental Health Impact of Female Hair Loss with Emily Shea

It's Not Just Hair: The Hidden Mental Health Impact of Female Hair Loss with Emily Shea

Hair loss is often dismissed as "just cosmetic." But for many women, including host Tami Wong, it affects every part of their lives. In this episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami sits down with Emily Shea, founder of Flox Hair, a wig brand in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to talk about her decades-long journey with hair loss, the devastating impact it had on her mental health, and how she turned her biggest insecurity into her life's purpose. Emily shares what it was like to lose half her hair as a teenager, the years spent searching for answers from doctors, the depression and isolation that followed, and the moment she finally found hope through alternative hair. We also talk about: • Why hair loss is so much more than a cosmetic issue • The emotional toll of being told "it's not that bad" • Learning to advocate for yourself in the medical system • The role community plays in healing • Why no one is actually looking at your hairline • How sharing your story helps others find the courage to share theirs • Turning your biggest insecurity into your greatest purpose Whether you've experienced hair loss yourself or love someone who has, this conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence, healing, and connection are possible.

From Heartbreak to Purpose: Libby's Story of Pregnancy Loss and Healing

After losing her son Fletcher at 20 weeks pregnant, Libby Baxter's world came to a standstill. While everyone around her seemed to move on, she was left navigating unimaginable grief, unanswered questions, and the painful reality of returning to a life that no longer felt familiar. In this deeply moving conversation, Libby shares her experience of stillbirth, the isolation that often follows pregnancy loss, and the years-long journey of learning how to live with grief rather than trying to "get over it." Together, we discuss: • The heartbreak of receiving devastating news at a routine pregnancy scan • What people often don't understand about stillbirth and pregnancy loss • The shame, guilt, and self-blame many women carry after loss • Why grief doesn't follow a timeline • How alcohol, therapy, travel, and self-discovery shaped Libby's healing journey • The powerful analogy that changed how she views grief forever • Why asking for help is one of the bravest things we can do • How she transformed her pain into purpose through her support group, I Feel It Too, and The Little Bear Project This episode is a reminder that grief is not something we move on from. It is something we learn to carry. And even in our darkest moments, healing, connection, and purpose are still possible. Whether you've experienced pregnancy loss yourself, love someone who has, or simply want to better understand the realities of grief, this conversation is filled with compassion, honesty, and hope. To learn more about Libby's work, the I Feel It Too support group, The Little Bear Project, and her children's book Fletcher and Bear, connect with her through the links below. IG: https://www.instagram.com/ifeelittoo_peersupport/ [https://www.instagram.com/ifeelittoo_peersupport/] and Other Resources: Canada: https://www.babysbreathcanada.ca/ [https://www.babysbreathcanada.ca/] United States: https://rtzhope.org/ [https://rtzhope.org/] and https://www.marchofdimes.org/ [https://www.marchofdimes.org/] UK: https://www.sands.org.uk/ [https://www.sands.org.uk/] Australia: https://stillbirthfoundation.org.au/ [https://stillbirthfoundation.org.au/]

Breaking Free from Childhood Labels: Brittney Ashley on Dyslexia, ADHD & Self-Worth

What happens when you're labeled "not smart enough" as a child and spend years trying to prove everyone wrong? In this episode of Shedding the Shame, I sit down with business strategist, certified Imposter Syndrome Coach, and founder of Creative Dynamics Virtual Services, Brittney Ashley, for an honest conversation about growing up with dyslexia, navigating ADHD, and learning to challenge the stories we tell ourselves about our worth. Brittney shares how being labeled "dumb" by teachers shaped her confidence, why imposter syndrome still shows up despite her success, and how she built a thriving business while raising two young children. Together, we explore the realities of motherhood, postpartum struggles, people-pleasing, burnout, perfectionism, and the pressure women face to be everything to everyone. This conversation is a reminder that you don't have to earn your worth through achievement, productivity, or perfection. You are already enough. In this episode, we discuss: • Growing up with dyslexia and the lasting impact of being labeled "dumb" • How imposter syndrome shows up for high-achieving women and entrepreneurs • ADHD, neurodivergence, and creating systems that work with your brain • Postpartum depression, anxiety, and asking for support • The pressure of motherhood and why so many women feel like they're failing • Setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and letting go of perfectionism • Why success doesn't have to look like hustle culture • What it really means to shed shame and step into your own power If you've ever felt behind, not enough, or like you're carrying the weight of impossible expectations, this episode is for you.

Rewriting Your Money Story with Krista Lee

Money is one of the most emotionally loaded topics for so many women, yet it’s something we’re rarely taught to talk about openly. In this episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami sits down with financial planner, coach, and financial literacy advocate Krista Lee Hynes for a powerful conversation about money stories, financial shame, and why so many women struggle with fear, guilt, scarcity, and feeling “behind.” Krista shares how our childhood experiences, family dynamics, culture, and societal conditioning shape the way we think about money, often without us even realizing it. We talk about the emotional side of finances, the connection between trauma and money habits, and why financial literacy is deeply tied to confidence, freedom, and self-worth. We also discuss: • What a “money story” actually is • How childhood experiences shape financial behaviors • Why women often feel shame, fear, or guilt around money • The connection between perfectionism, scarcity, and financial anxiety • Why financial literacy was historically kept from women • How to begin rewriting unhealthy money beliefs • Journaling prompts to uncover your own money story • Budgeting tips and practical first steps toward financial clarity • Why financial independence matters in relationships and life transitions • The importance of wills, insurance, emergency planning, and transparency • How social media and constant economic fear impact our mindset • Why money itself isn’t bad, and how it can become a tool for freedom, care, and choice Krista also shares practical tools women can start using today to feel more confident and empowered financially, while reminding us that being “behind” financially is often a harmful myth rooted in unrealistic societal expectations. This conversation is honest, validating, educational, and incredibly important. If money has ever felt overwhelming, shameful, confusing, or emotionally heavy for you, this episode will make you feel far less alone. Financial confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, choice, and learning that you deserve to feel safe, informed, and empowered. Find Krista Lee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kristaleehynes/ [https://www.instagram.com/kristaleehynes/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-lee-4709b232a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-lee-4709b232a/] Krista's article in By The North: https://www.bythenorth.ca/articles/5-smart-financial-moves [https://www.bythenorth.ca/articles/5-smart-financial-moves] Financial Planning Pyramid: https://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/money-and-finances/saving-for-retirement/what-is-a-financial-plan-and-do-i-really-need-one/ [https://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/money-and-finances/saving-for-retirement/what-is-a-financial-plan-and-do-i-really-need-one/]

Give Less F*cks, Have More Fun: Healing & Learning to Stop Shrinking Myself

In this deeply personal bonus solo episode of Shedding the Shame, host Tami Wong opens up about her current experience with EMDR therapy, living with CPTSD, and what it really looks like to heal from abandonment wounds, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and years of staying small to keep others comfortable. She shares why she finally decided to start EMDR, what the process has actually been like emotionally, and how therapy continues to challenge and transform her after years of doing inner work. From difficult dreams and grief, to learning how to let herself be silly again, this episode is an honest conversation about mental health, resilience, and reclaiming the parts of ourselves we were taught to hide. Tami also talks about: * The emotional exhaustion and breakthroughs that can come with trauma therapy * How childhood experiences shape perfectionism and fear of abandonment * Why people-pleasing no longer serves her * Grieving relationships, loss, and the pressure to appear “okay” * Learning to trust herself and take up space unapologetically * The importance of safe relationships, therapy, and emotional honesty * Why her motto for 45 is: give less f*cks and have more fun If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “too much,” not enough, or afraid to fully be yourself, let this episode remind you that healing is possible and you are not alone.