The Art of Being Unstoppable

#75- Why Your Trauma Does Not Define You with Te' Youngblood

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall chats with Te' Youngblood about Mental Health Awareness Month. Te' shares her journey of healing and the role of perspective and community in overcoming trauma. They discuss her transition to a sexual health consultant, quitting alcohol, and the resulting life changes. The conversation highlights the importance of supportive communities, Te's book writing journey, and explores themes of loneliness and self-identity. Te' offers advice to her younger self and shares future goals, emphasizing the value of support systems. In this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Te’ Youngblood for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about mental health, trauma, healing, and personal transformation. As a survivor of childhood sexual trauma, Te’ shares how she turned pain into purpose through self-awareness, energetic healing, and the courage to break cycles that once felt impossible to escape. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and rediscovering your worth after trauma. Together, Vicki and Te’ explore the importance of sharing our stories, overcoming emotional struggles, and taking small but meaningful steps toward healing and personal growth. This conversation offers insight, encouragement, and hope for anyone navigating their own mental health or healing journey. Te’ is a Practical Reiki Master, Mental Health First Aider, Transformation & Spiritual Coach, meditation facilitator, and author of two self-help books, including Tainted: Overcoming the Stigma of Sexual Trauma. Through her work, she helps others break free from self-sabotage, limiting beliefs, and the patterns that keep them stuck. This special episode is a reminder that healing is possible, your story matters, and even the smallest step forward can create profound transformation. Connect with Te’: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixofchange [https://www.instagram.com/phoenixofchange] Website: https://desirablephoenix.wixsite.com/teyoungblood [https://desirablephoenix.wixsite.com/teyoungblood] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/te.youngblood.12 [https://www.facebook.com/te.youngblood.12] (0:00) Introduction and welcoming Te' Youngblood (0:52) Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month (1:36) Te' Youngblood's background and journey (3:16) Sharing personal stories and connecting with others (5:24) The power of perspective and community (6:08) Te' Youngblood's trauma and healing process (9:23) Becoming a sexual health consultant (11:54) The decision to stop drinking alcohol (14:06) Realizations and life changes after quitting alcohol (16:36) Commitment to personal challenges (18:14) Support from friends and family (21:19) Building a supportive community (22:02) Writing the first book and the journey (25:21) Future plans and business goals (27:27) Mental health and self-discovery (29:28) Alcohol as a coping mechanism (30:41) The journey of writing the book (31:57) Loneliness despite support (33:20) Redefining self-identity (37:26) Advice to the younger self (40:01) Career aspirations and alignment (41:36) Holistic personal development (42:49) Importance of support systems (44:45) Final thoughts and closing remarks

#74- The Confidence So Many Women Are Missing with Abby Nicole Craft

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall meets with Abby Nicole Craft to explore her journey through early motherhood, military family life, and navigating frequent relocations. Abby shares her experiences with divorce, moving to Amarillo, and eventually settling in Florida to start her own business. They discuss the importance of supporting women-owned businesses and Abby's transition to new relationships and business development. The conversation delves into family challenges, tough love, and maintaining boundaries. Abby offers advice on overcoming hardships, shares her business journey, and discusses her shift to boudoir photography. The episode concludes with empowering messages for women and closing remarks. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with boudoir photographer and creative entrepreneur Abby Nicole Craft for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-belief, empowerment, and turning life’s challenges into purpose. Abby shares her personal journey of navigating difficult seasons, embracing her creativity, and building a business centered around helping women feel confident, powerful, and comfortable in their own skin. Through her work in boudoir photography, Abby has created more than just photo sessions — she has created experiences that encourage women to reconnect with themselves, embrace their strength, and see their beauty in a completely different light. Together, Vicki and Abby talk about: • Overcoming life’s challenges and stepping into your purpose • The power of resilience and self-belief • Empowering women through creativity and self-expression • Building confidence and embracing authenticity • How support and community can change lives • Rediscovering yourself through vulnerable and transformative experiences • Why women deserve to feel seen, confident, and empowered This episode is a reminder that healing, confidence, and transformation often begin when we finally allow ourselves to be fully seen — not just by others, but by ourselves. Abby’s story is uplifting, honest, and empowering for anyone learning to trust themselves, embrace their journey, and step boldly into who they are becoming. Connect with Abby Nicole Craft: Website: https://www.xoabbynicole.com/ [https://www.xoabbynicole.com/] Instagram: http://instagram.com/xoabbynicole_/ [http://instagram.com/xoabbynicole_/] (0:00) Introduction and meeting Abby (1:25) Abby's background and early motherhood (3:56) Military family life and frequent moves (4:42) Divorce, moving to Amarillo, and meeting her current husband (6:52) Moving to Florida and starting a business (7:59) Supporting women-owned businesses (8:28) Transitioning, healing, and new relationships (10:27) Photography and business development (13:46) Son's challenges and tough family decisions (19:28) Experience with tough love, boundaries, and support systems (22:59) Learning to be unstoppable during tough times (24:54) Advice for dealing with hardships (27:52) Abby's business journey and current focus (29:17) Overcoming burnout and finding new passion (30:27) Transition to boudoir photography and building a brand (31:32) Empowering women and inspirational message (33:01) Wrapping up, call to action, and closing remarks

#73- The Truth About Mental Health Most People Don’t Talk About with Dorothy Graham O'Dell

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall is joined by Dorothy Graham-O'Dell to discuss mental health awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month. They delve into sensitive topics, including suicide, sharing personal stories about Dorothy's uncle and Vicki's daughter, and the profound impact on their families. The conversation explores the ripple effect of suicide, coping mechanisms, and the importance of mental health advocacy. They challenge societal norms, discuss the significance of self-love, and address addiction's impact on families. The episode highlights homelessness, trauma, and the empowerment of women through community support, encouraging listeners to seek help and prioritize self-care. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, we brought guest Dorothy Graham - O’Dell onto The Art of BEing Unstoppable for a deeply heartfelt and important conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of community support. Vicki McDougall and Dorothy share personal stories of loss, resilience, and lived experience, opening up an honest dialogue about what so many people face behind closed doors and why it’s so important to speak openly about mental health. Together, they explore the importance of support systems, breaking stigma, and reminding anyone who is struggling that they are not alone and help is available. This conversation is a reminder that healing takes time, community matters, and even in the darkest moments, there is hope. Key topics discussed: • Mental health awareness during May • Personal stories of loss and resilience • Suicide prevention and lived experiences • The importance of community and support systems • Breaking stigma around mental health conversations Connect with Dorothy Graham - O’Dell: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theunstoppablenetwork/featured [https://www.youtube.com/@theunstoppablenetwork/featured] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.graham3 [https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.graham3] Website: https://www.unstoppableovercomers.com/ [https://www.unstoppableovercomers.com/] (0:00) Welcome, guest introduction, and Mental Health Awareness Month (2:11) Trigger warning, resources, and topic introduction: Suicide (3:02) Dorothy's background and mental health advocacy (4:13) Dorothy's personal story: Uncle's suicide and family impact (8:29) Vicki's personal story: Daughter's suicide attempt (13:14) The impact of suicide on childhood and mental health (18:13) The ripple effect of suicide (22:21) Finding grounding, support, and coping mechanisms (23:26) Advocating for mental health and self-care (28:32) Challenging societal norms and body image (29:48) Building resilience and self-awareness (32:26) Importance of self-love in mental health (34:09) Power of words and positive self-talk (35:58) Addiction's impact on families and mental health (38:13) Homelessness and mental health (41:47) Trauma's role in addiction and mental health (42:10) Empowering women through community and support (43:45) Encouragement to seek help and final thoughts

#72- The Connection Between Your Home & Your Happiness with Shalika Pareek

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Shalika Pareek to explore her journey from fashion to interior design and the personal growth she experienced living in an Airbnb. They discuss emotional realizations, self-discovery, and the significance of alignment and energy in home spaces. Shalika shares insights on maintaining an unstoppable mindset and fostering continuous growth by creating a supportive and joyful home environment. The conversation includes practical steps to enhance home energy, the value of adding joy and vintage pieces, and prioritizing joyful tasks. Shalika offers final advice on creating a joyful home, wrapping up with closing thoughts and a call to action. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Shalika Pareek for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about transformation, self-discovery, healing, and the powerful connection between our emotional well-being and the spaces we live in. After experiencing a major shift in her life, Shalika found herself stepping away from the fashion industry and into a completely new path in interior design — a journey that became about much more than creating beautiful homes. It became about helping people create spaces that support who they are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Together, Vicki and Shalika explore how our homes often mirror what’s happening internally, and why creating an environment that feels safe, peaceful, and aligned can deeply impact our happiness, energy, and growth. This episode dives into: -The power of self-discovery after major life changes -Why so many women lose themselves in caregiving roles -Emotional connections, relationships, and personal happiness -How your home environment affects your mental and emotional state -Decluttering and creating supportive spaces -Small shifts that can completely change the energy of your home -Rediscovering yourself through intentional living -The importance of showing up for yourself every single day Shalika’s story is a beautiful reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage of life — and sometimes the spaces we create around us become part of the healing process itself. This conversation will leave you reflecting on not only how you live, but how you feel in the spaces you call home. Connect with Shalika Pareek: Website: https://www.heartandhomehoboken.com/ [https://www.heartandhomehoboken.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandhomehoboken [https://www.instagram.com/heartandhomehoboken] (0:00) Introduction and guest background (3:12) Transition from fashion to interior design (4:35) Personal growth and living in an Airbnb (7:26) Emotional realizations and self-discovery (10:26) Importance of alignment and energy (13:19) The role of energy in home spaces (17:21) Unstoppable mindset and continuous growth (18:35) Creating a supportive and joyful home environment (25:56) Practical steps to improve home energy (27:35) Adding joy and vintage pieces (28:05) Surrounding yourself with joy (28:41) Prioritizing joyful tasks (29:06) Creating a joyful home full circle (29:45) Final advice from Shalika Pareek (30:10) Closing thoughts and call to action (30:26) Outro

#71-Why So Many Women Feel Mentally Exhausted with Carole Filion

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall chats with Carole Filion about the importance of mental fitness in personal development. They delve into PQ Intelligence and the blend of neuroscience, performance science, and positive psychology. Carole shares her ADHD journey, highlighting its frequent misdiagnosis in women as depression or anxiety. The discussion covers personal awareness, thought management, and insights from James Clear's Atomic Habits, emphasizing small actions and mental shifts. They encourage women to support each other and offer advice for future selves, focusing on joy and mental health awareness. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with mindset coach and mentor Carole Filion for a powerful conversation about mental health, neuroscience, self-awareness, and the small shifts that can completely transform the way we experience life. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode dives into the importance of understanding how our minds work — and how strengthening our mindset can help us move through life with more clarity, confidence, and compassion for ourselves. Carole shares her deeply personal journey with mental health and receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, opening up about the challenges of masking, overwhelm, misdiagnosis, and learning to navigate a brain that processes the world differently. Together, Vicki and Carole explore how our thoughts shape our reality, why positivity and energy are contagious, and how simple daily practices can begin to rewire the way we think, feel, and respond to life. Throughout this conversation, they discuss: Mental health and the science behind neuroscience ADHD, mental health, and late-life diagnosis The impact of thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk How positivity and negativity affect the people around us Breaking the stigma around mental health labels Practical tools and systems for managing overwhelm Habit formation and mindset shifts The importance of self-awareness and continuous growth Why courage often starts with small acts of bravery Learning to embrace imperfection and honor your journey This episode is a reminder that mental health is not about “fixing” yourself — it’s about understanding yourself. Carole’s insights are honest, educational, and deeply empowering for anyone navigating anxiety, ADHD, overwhelm, personal growth, or the desire to better understand their mind and emotions. If you’ve ever felt mentally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and reminded that growth starts with awareness. Connect with Carole Filion: Substack: https://substack.com/@carolefilion [https://substack.com/@carolefilion] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolejfilion [https://www.instagram.com/carolejfilion] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carole.filion.52 [https://www.facebook.com/carole.filion.52] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolefilion/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolefilion/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badassbanter-kk8yv [https://www.youtube.com/@badassbanter-kk8yv] (0:00) Introduction and guest Carole Filion's background (1:27) PQ Intelligence and its impact on mental fitness (3:26) Importance of mental fitness for personal development (5:29) Neuroscience, performance science, and positive psychology in mental fitness (7:07) Carole's journey with ADHD and its life impact (10:55) Misdiagnosis of women with ADHD as depression/anxiety (13:36) Carole's experience with medication and research (18:53) Personal awareness in managing mental health (23:16) Thought management and maintaining good mental health (28:50) Re-listening for deeper understanding (30:01) Insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear (31:17) Visual cues for motivation and productivity (32:20) Power of small, consistent actions (33:39) Shifting from "have to" to "get to" (34:47) Mental tricks to shift energy and perspective (35:13) David Hawkins' map of consciousness and courage (36:11) Encouragement for women to share and support each other (37:04) Advice to your future and younger self, finding joy (40:03) Appreciation for mental health awareness (41:32) Closing remarks and call to action