#82- Living Life on Your Own Terms with Natasha Johnson

#82- Living Life on Your Own Terms with Natasha Johnson

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall chats with Natasha Johnson about her journey from a military background to the corporate world and beyond. Natasha shares her transition to civilian life and the realization that corporate work wasn't fulfilling her. She discusses how motherhood influenced her path and led her to discover a passion for travel, ultimately launching her own business. The conversation explores overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations, embracing authenticity, and focusing on personal growth. Natasha offers insights on being unstoppable and shares her outlook for the future. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment and a heartfelt farewell. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Natasha Johnson for an inspiring conversation about courage, self-discovery, and creating a life that's true to who you are. Natasha shares her journey from joining the military at just 18 years old, to building a career in the corporate world, and ultimately making the bold decision to pursue entrepreneurship. Along the way, she faced self-doubt, societal expectations, and the pressure to follow a path that no longer aligned with who she was becoming. A pivotal turning point came when Natasha became a mother. Wanting to show her son that anything is possible, she realized she needed to lead by example—choosing fulfillment over comfort and embracing a life built on purpose, connection, and authenticity. Together, Vicki and Natasha explore what it means to trust your intuition, break free from limiting beliefs, and have the courage to create a life on your own terms. They also discuss how travel, meaningful connections, and stepping outside your comfort zone can transform the way you see yourself and the world around you. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story, pursue what truly lights you up, and become the example you hope others will follow. (0:00) Introduction and guest Natasha Johnson (0:48) Natasha's military background and transition to civilian life (4:47) Shifting from military to corporate sector (6:25) Realizing corporate life wasn't fulfilling (7:23) The influence of motherhood on Natasha's path (9:13) Discovering travel and launching a business (13:09) Overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations (19:37) Embracing authenticity and personal growth (22:18) Closing remarks and future outlook (27:15) Final thoughts on being unstoppable (28:30) Encouragement to share, subscribe, and leave a review (30:20) Teaser for the next episode (32:05) Sign-off and farewell

#81-How to Heal When Grief Changes Everything with Margaret Dennis

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall welcomes Margaret Dennis to discuss the theme of alignment and the importance of following one's urges. They delve into Margaret's coaching experience with executive and entrepreneurial women, emphasizing the significance of retreats and group dynamics. The conversation highlights the Unshakable Me camp for girls, addressing challenges they face today and the expansion of the camp. They explore workshops on grief and trauma, the impact of suppressing emotions, and the concept of emotions as energy in motion. The discussion underscores the importance of teaching children to express emotions and supporting others through grief, emphasizing healing and personal growth. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Margaret Dennis, Holistic Grief Coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Evolv Coaching, for a heartfelt conversation about grief, healing, and the courage to move forward after life's most difficult experiences. Margaret shares her own personal journey through grief and how it ultimately led her to discover her purpose of helping others navigate loss with compassion, grace, and hope. Together, Vicki and Margaret explore why grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience, how healing looks different for everyone, and why there is no "right" timeline for moving forward. The conversation also shines a light on invisible grief—the losses that often go unseen or unrecognized, including miscarriage, infertility, the end of relationships or friendships, emotional abuse, major life transitions, career changes, and more. Margaret explains how these experiences can deeply impact our emotional well-being, our identity, and even our professional lives, particularly for women who feel pressured to continue performing while quietly carrying immense pain. This powerful episode challenges society's expectations around grief, encourages listeners to give themselves permission to heal in their own way, and reminds us that acknowledging our pain is not a sign of weakness—it's the first step toward transformation. Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, navigating a life transition, or carrying a loss that others may not recognize, this conversation offers hope, validation, and the reminder that healing is possible. Connect with Margaret Dennis Website: https://evolvcoaching.com/ [https://evolvcoaching.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretdennis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretdennis/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolvcoaching [https://www.facebook.com/evolvcoaching] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvcoaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/evolvcoaching/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolvcoaching [https://www.youtube.com/@evolvcoaching] Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@evolvcoaching/podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@evolvcoaching/podcasts] (0:00) Introduction to the podcast, guest, and theme of alignment (2:14) Reflecting on life experiences and feelings of alignment (3:16) Encouragement for women to follow their urges (4:47) Margaret Dennis's coaching experience and approach (8:32) Working with executive and entrepreneurial women (10:35) Discussing retreats, group dynamics, and work with young girls (13:09) Unshakable Me camp for girls (16:13) Challenges faced by young girls today (20:28) Expanding the camp and seeking involvement (21:28) Workshops on grief and trauma for young girls (23:37) Connection and expression from childhood to adulthood (25:18) The impact and nature of suppressing emotions (26:08) Emotions as energy in motion and their physical manifestations (28:42) Healing through emotional transcendent work (30:36) The importance of feeling and expressing emotions (32:02) Teaching children to recognize and express emotions (33:21) Accepting and dealing with emotions as part of self-care (35:03) Grief as a multifaceted and lifelong journey (37:19) Supporting others through their grief (40:07) Choosing to heal and move forward (42:17) Reflecting on personal growth and achievements

#80- Turning Fear Into Purpose with Sophia Reamsnyder

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Sophia Reamsnyder to discuss her health journey and entrepreneurial spirit during the COVID pandemic. Sophia shares her health challenges and the impact of COVID on her life and business. They talk about her move to Colorado for better healthcare and her diagnosis and treatment journey. The conversation explores motivation, family support, and the importance of recognizing health triggers. Sophia also shares her transition to video production and her inspiring project in Tanzania involving bees and elephants. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with author, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and visual storyteller Sophia Reamsnyder to explore the power of resilience, purpose, and the stories that shape our lives. Sophia shares her incredible health journey after COVID-19 turned her world upside down, the challenges of advocating for herself within the healthcare system, and how rebuilding her identity ultimately led her to a deeper sense of purpose. Together, they discuss overcoming fear, finding strength through adversity, and why some of life's greatest challenges can become the catalyst for meaningful transformation. The conversation also explores Sophia's passion for storytelling—from her books to her documentary films—and how each project is rooted in helping others navigate fear, embrace resilience, and discover hope. Whether she's telling stories about health, conservation, or the human experience, Sophia believes every story has the power to inspire change. Connect with Sophia Reamsnyder 🌐 Website: http://www.reamsnydermedia.com [http://www.reamsnydermedia.com] 📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/reamsnydermedia [http://www.facebook.com/reamsnydermedia] 📸 Instagram: @ReamsnyderMedia 💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophiareamsnyder [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiareamsnyder] (0:00) Welcome, guest introduction, and opening conversation (1:20) Sophia's activities and health challenges (3:18) Impact of COVID on Sophia’s health and business (5:25) Vicki’s COVID story and personal impact (7:01) Moving to Colorado for healthcare (9:34) Sophia’s diagnosis and treatment journey (11:25) Motivation, family support, and triggers (13:19) Health triggers and COVID shot (16:18) Starting a business during COVID (19:15) Transition to video production (22:28) Tanzania project: bees, elephants, and purpose (24:49) Overcoming fear and finding purpose (28:33) Contact information for Sophia (28:40) Closing remarks and gratitude (29:00) Encouragement to share, subscribe, and final thoughts

#79-What No One Tells You About Starting Over with Giselle De Sousa

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall interviews Giselle De Sousa about resilience and overcoming adversity. Gisele shares her journey through a tough upbringing, leaving an abusive marriage, and balancing family with career. She discusses life post-divorce, her second marriage, her daughter's Lyme disease, and discovering her husband's infidelity. Gisele talks about managing a business during turmoil, pursuing real estate, and coping with parental loss. She reflects on legacy, raising children through divorce, and reinventing herself, finding healing by sharing her story. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Giselle De Sousa for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, healing, and finding strength through life's greatest challenges. As the daughter of immigrants, Giselle learned the value of perseverance and hard work from an early age. Those lessons would become the foundation she leaned on while navigating some of the most difficult seasons of her life, including leaving an abusive relationship, raising her daughters as a single mother, and facing unexpected health challenges within her family. Throughout the conversation, Giselle shares how faith, mindset, and the support of family and friends helped her rebuild her life and create a future rooted in hope and possibility. She opens up about the importance of breaking unhealthy cycles, protecting her children from negativity, and teaching her daughters the values of independence, confidence, and resilience. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, resilience can be cultivated, and even after life's darkest moments, there is still beauty, growth, and a future worth believing in. Whether you're rebuilding after heartbreak, navigating single motherhood, or simply searching for hope during a difficult season, Giselle's story will inspire you to keep moving forward and trust that brighter days are ahead. Connect with Giselle De Sousa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giselledesousa.yourrealtor [https://www.instagram.com/giselledesousa.yourrealtor] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gisellem.desousa [https://www.facebook.com/gisellem.desousa] Purchase Giselle's Book 📖 Don't Be Invisible, Be Fabulous: It's Okay To Value Me In this inspiring book, Giselle De Sousa joins eight other courageous women in sharing their personal journeys and the life-changing experiences that have shaped who they are today. Through stories of resilience, growth, and transformation, these women reveal the lessons they had to learn and the obstacles they overcame to create profound shifts in their lives. Their willingness to step into a place of unapologetic courage and vulnerability offers readers hope, encouragement, and a reminder of what is truly possible. As you turn the pages, you may find pieces of yourself—or someone you love—reflected in these stories. Prepare to challenge your perceptions, rediscover your own strength, and be inspired to embrace the incredible possibilities that await when you choose to value yourself. 🔗 Purchase the book: https://a.co/d/08ItaWMd [https://a.co/d/08ItaWMd] (0:00) Introduction and guest welcome (1:20) Resilience and overcoming adversity (1:43) Giselle's upbringing, family, and faith (3:08) First marriage and challenges faced (4:29) Leaving an abusive relationship (6:18) Difficulty of leaving and the need for support (9:28) Blending family and career (10:37) Raising strong, independent daughters (13:21) Life after divorce and new beginnings (16:13) Second marriage and blending families (19:01) Major challenges in her 40th year (19:23) Daughter's Lyme disease and family health crises (20:38) Discovery of husband's infidelity (25:06) Managing a business during turmoil (26:17) Pursuing a real estate career (28:10) Coping with the loss of a parent (30:15) Belief in the goodness of people (31:57) Living a legacy and raising children through divorce (35:23) Reinventing oneself after setbacks (37:10) Publishing and healing through sharing her story

#78-Why Self-Care Isn't Selfish with Danielle Gray

In this episode of The Art of Being Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall chats with Danielle Gray about compliment culture and receiving kindness. Danielle shares her focus on self-care, teaching children emotional intelligence, and the effects of parental behavior. They discuss balancing family life with network marketing and Danielle's life shift influenced by human design. She talks about her move to Nicaragua, surviving survival mode, and returning home, emphasizing belief, manifestation, and the nervous system's role in transformation. The episode concludes with insights on gratitude, first-world privileges, and the power of authenticity. In this episode of The Art of BEing Unstoppable, Vicki McDougall sits down with Danielle Gray for a heartfelt conversation about self-care, boundaries, motherhood, and the importance of creating a life that feels aligned, peaceful, and fulfilling. Together, they explore the challenges many women face when it comes to putting themselves first, accepting compliments, and allowing themselves the space to rest and grow. Danielle shares her personal experiences navigating motherhood, overcoming obstacles, and learning how to create healthy boundaries that support both herself and those around her. The conversation also dives into the power of manifestation, gratitude, and the connection between regulating the nervous system and creating lasting change. Danielle explains how small shifts in mindset and daily habits can have a profound impact not only on our own lives, but on future generations as well. This episode is a reminder that prioritizing yourself is not selfish—it is essential. By caring for ourselves, embracing gratitude, and creating supportive environments, we give ourselves permission to heal, grow, and step into the lives we are meant to live. Whether you're a mother, navigating a season of change, or simply learning to put yourself first, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, trust yourself, and remember that you are worthy of the same love and care you so freely give to others. Connect with Danielle Gray: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellemgray88 [https://www.facebook.com/daniellemgray88] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsettomanifest [https://www.instagram.com/mindsettomanifest] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsettomanifest [https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsettomanifest] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindsettomanifest [https://www.youtube.com/@mindsettomanifest] (0:00) Introduction and welcoming Danielle Gray (0:41) Compliment culture, capacity to receive, and kindness (3:39) Danielle Gray’s values and non-negotiable personal time (5:18) Prioritizing self-care and teaching children its importance (8:22) Meditation, self-prioritization, and raising emotionally intelligent children (16:37) The impact and ripple effect of parental behavior (19:34) Challenges with traditional schooling and personal growth awareness (21:37) Balancing family, personal time, and practical tips (24:24) Balancing network marketing with parenting (27:11) Human design and recognizing the need for a life shift (29:14) Moving to Nicaragua for a new beginning (32:43) Survival mode and its dangers (34:00) Disassociation and dysregulation during life transitions (36:31) Manifesting and deciding to return home (37:40) Breaking point and steps to manifesting a return (41:00) Securing a school spot through referrals (44:43) The power of belief and manifestation (45:22) The nervous system’s role in transformation (46:33) Returning home and reflecting with gratitude (48:31) Realizing first-world privileges (49:50) Deep healing journey and sharing experiences (52:17) From chaos management to envisioning best case scenarios (53:57) Creating subliminal audios for manifestation (55:18) Vulnerability, authenticity, and closing remarks (56:18) Gratitude and episode wrap-up