Your Comfort Zone Has Friends. And They Are Holding You Back.

What to Say When Someone Crosses the Line: Stop Overthinking and Start Speaking Up!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558801/fan_mail/new] Stop Rehearsing Arguments in Your Head: How to Speak Up Without Starting a Fight Ever leave a meeting thinking: "I should have said something..." Then spend the next three days replaying the conversation, writing imaginary comebacks in your head, and getting progressively more annoyed? Welcome to the club. In this listener-powered episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges professionals face: speaking up when something feels off. From feeling dismissed by a manager to handling inappropriate comments, setting boundaries, advocating for yourself, and navigating difficult workplace conversations, we're answering real listener questions and sharing practical communication tools you can use immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to address a disrespectful comment after the fact  ✅ Why clarity beats confrontation every time  ✅ The communication mistake that causes resentment to build  ✅ How to stand up for yourself without sounding aggressive  ✅ Questions that instantly de-escalate tense conversations  ✅ Why assumptions create conflict and curiosity creates solutions  ✅ The secret to maintaining your composure when emotions are running high  ✅ How to advocate for yourself with confidence—even when you're talking to your boss You'll also hear Julie's favorite communication techniques, including the powerful "Acknowledge and Transition" method, the 48-hour rule for difficult conversations, and the simple default questions that can help you stay calm and professional when you're caught off guard. If you've ever worried about being seen as difficult, stayed quiet to keep the peace, or found yourself replaying a conversation wishing you'd handled it differently, this episode is for you. Because healthy communication isn't about having the perfect comeback. It's about having the confidence to ask the right questions. In This Episode: *  Speaking up at work  *  Setting healthy boundaries  *  Handling workplace conflict  *  Emotional intelligence and communication  *  Professional communication skills  *  Difficult conversations  *  Self-advocacy  *  Conflict resolution  *  Leadership communication  *  Workplace relationships  Remember: Your silence isn't keeping the peace. It's often just keeping the tension. Tune in and learn how to communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact. 🎙️💥 #BreakthroughWithMalloryAndJulie #CommunicationSkills #WorkplaceCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #ConflictResolution #ProfessionalDevelopment #SelfAdvocacy #PersonalGrowth www.breakthroughwmj.com Follow us on your favorite social media channel! @Breakthroughwmj mallory@herrinhr.com julie@julieburch.com

Your Comfort Zone Has Friends. And They Are Holding You Back.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558801/fan_mail/new] Who’s influencing your decisions… and should they even have access to your energy in the first place? In this bold, honest, and slightly spicy episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, Julie and Mallory tackle one of the biggest hidden reasons people stay stuck: the people surrounding them. From negative workplaces and draining friendships to outgrowing networking groups, toxic comfort zones, and the fear of evolving beyond other people’s expectations — this episode is your wake-up call to do a serious “circle audit.” Because here’s the truth:  You cannot build a bigger life while constantly taking advice from people committed to staying small. Julie and Mallory dive into: *  Why your circle directly impacts your mindset, confidence, growth, and success  *  How negative energy quietly keeps people stuck  *  The difference between your circle and your network *  Why successful people often outgrow relationships and rooms  *  Setting boundaries without guilt  *  The “crab mentality” story that will absolutely stick with you  *  Why protecting your energy is not selfish — it’s necessary  *  How to stop people-pleasing and start choosing yourself  This episode is part tough love, part empowerment, and part loving kick in the mindset. If you’ve been feeling drained, stuck, uninspired, or like you’re shrinking yourself to fit the people around you… this episode is your sign that it’s time to upgrade the room. Because breakthrough starts when you stop giving everyone a vote in your life. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: *  How to identify who energizes you vs. who drains you  *  Why growth often requires grieving old relationships  *  How to build boundaries that actually work  *  Why networking is not a lifetime membership  *  The powerful mindset shift that helps you reclaim agency over your life  Your future is too important to let negativity, comfort zones, and other people’s limitations define it. It’s time to level up your circle — and yourself. 🔥 breakthroughwmj.com Follow Mallory and Julie on social media!

Imposter Syndrome, Negative Self-Talk, and the Big Fat Lies We Believe.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558801/fan_mail/new] Have you ever walked into a room and immediately thought, “What am I doing here?” Maybe you were waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Ma’am, there has been a mistake. You do not belong here.” Congratulations, friend, you have met imposter syndrome—and in this episode, we are calling it out for exactly what it is: a big, fat lie. In this episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, Julie Burch and Mallory Herron dig into the sneaky, exhausting, and wildly common experience of feeling like you are not enough, even when all the evidence says otherwise. From leadership rooms and networking groups to big speaking stages, award galas, salary conversations, and career risks, imposter syndrome has a nasty little habit of showing up right when you are trying to grow. Julie and Mallory talk about how negative self-talk fuels self-doubt, why comparison is gasoline on the imposter syndrome fire, and how even wildly successful, talented, high-achieving people can still feel like they are one wrong move away from being “found out.” They also share real stories about feeling out of place, questioning their own value, underpricing themselves, and learning to reframe discomfort as a sign of growth instead of proof that they do not belong. This episode is packed with practical tools to help you stop spiraling and start taking back control. You will hear how to use the Five Whys to get to the root of your insecurity, how to name your inner critic, how to create a confidence file, and why focusing on action instead of identity can help you move forward even when you do not feel ready. Because spoiler alert: confidence does not come from knowing everything. Confidence comes from taking action, figuring it out, and keeping the promises you make to yourself. Julie and Mallory also introduce their new Fan Mail Five segment, answering a listener question about feeling trapped, ambition, workplace politics, and tough career choices. Their answer brings it all back to agency over self: identifying what you can control, choosing your next move with intention, and refusing to hand your power over to people, systems, or situations that do not get to define you. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, speaker, professional, working mom, career changer, or just someone who has ever thought, “Who am I to do this?”—this episode is your reminder that you are not alone, you are not a fraud, and you are not required to wait until you feel 100% ready before you make your next bold move. It is time to stop letting imposter syndrome run the meeting, set the price, silence your voice, or keep you out of rooms you were invited into for a reason. Listen now and learn how to shut down self-doubt, own your value, and break through to the next version of you. If you want your question answered on Fan Mail Five, you can ask Mallory and Julie a question by clicking the button at the top of the show notes and send us a text message or voicemail and you may end up on the air! You can also reach us on our website breakthroughwmj.com or our social media!

“The Voice in Your Head Is Lying to You (And It’s Killing Your Confidence)”

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558801/fan_mail/new] Let’s just say it:  The voice in your head? Yeah… she’s a liar. And she’s got opinions. In this no-fluff, call-you-out (with love) episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we’re diving straight into the messy, unfiltered reality of negative self-talk, inner critics, and the voices that shape your life—whether you realize it or not. Because here’s the truth:  You are listening to someone all day long… And most of the time? It’s you. And you’re being kind of a jerk about it. We’re unpacking: *  Why your inner monologue is probably more toxic than you think  *  How that voice is quietly sabotaging your confidence, decisions, and success  *  And how to stop believing every negative thought that pops into your head  Oh—and yes… we’re naming her Nancy. Because sometimes you’ve got to call it out to shut it down. But we don’t stop there… We also get real about: *  The impact of social media comparison (hello, highlight reels 🙄)  *  The truth about feedback—who to listen to and who to ignore *  Why positive affirmations are overrated… and what actually works instead  *  And how to shift from negative thinking to powerful, confidence-building action Because this isn’t about standing in the mirror pretending you believe something you don’t.  This is about taking your power back through action, awareness, and a whole lot of honesty. 🔥 What You’ll Walk Away With 1. A Reality Check on Your Inner Voice If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, WHY are you saying it to yourself? It’s time to recognize the trash talk—and shut it down. 2. A Better Filter for Feedback Not all feedback is created equal. Learn how to separate emotion from information so you can grow without spiraling. 3. A Game Plan for Real Confidence Confidence doesn’t come from hype—it comes from action. We’ll show you how to move from self-doubt to self-trust. 🚨 Call-Out Moment If you’ve been: *  Overthinking  *  Playing small  *  Talking yourself out of opportunities  *  Or believing you’re “not enough”  👉 It’s not your life that’s the problem… it’s the voice you’re listening to. And guess what?  You can change the channel. 🎙️ Listen Now If you’re ready to: *  Take back control of your thoughts  *  Stop self-sabotaging  *  And actually start showing up like the powerful human you are  Hit play, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to tell their inner Nancy to zip it.

Why People Pleasing Is Costing You Everything (And How to Take Your Power Back)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558801/fan_mail/new] Ever catch yourself saying “I don’t care… whatever you want…” — and then secretly feeling frustrated, overlooked, or straight-up resentful? Yeah… we’re calling that out. In this episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we’re diving headfirst into the sneaky habit of self-abdication—aka giving away your voice, your choices, and your power without even realizing it.  Because let’s be honest…  Being “easygoing” sounds cute—until you’re stuck eating sushi when you wanted tacos, watching someone else get the promotion, or living a life that doesn’t actually feel like yours. 🔥 Here’s the truth:  If you don’t speak up, the world will decide for you. We’re breaking down: *  How “going with the flow” turns into a pattern of power loss *  Why people pleasing is NOT kindness—it’s self-sabotage  *  The real reason you’re waiting to be asked (spoiler: it’s not coming)  *  How to speak up—even when your voice shakes  *  And how to say NO without burning bridges (or your sanity)  You’ll hear real-life stories (some hilarious, some painfully relatable), workplace truths, and the exact mindset shifts you need to stop giving your power away and start owning your life, your voice, and your decisions. Because here’s the deal:  👉 You don’t need permission.  👉 You don’t need an invitation.  👉 And you definitely don’t need to stay quiet to be liked. It’s time to take your seat at the table—or better yet, build your own. 🎧 Hit play, get called out (lovingly, of course), and start taking your power back. Follow Mallory Herrin and Julie Burch on their website Breakthroughwmj.com  or on social-- BreakthroughWMJ  https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieburchspeaks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/malloryherrin/