We the Unruly

Unruly Courage: Making Peace with Your Inner Critic w/ Kate Swoboda

> "What do you GET to have because you did something bold, unruly, and all for you?" > Kate's answer? The peace that comes with knowing that my choices have not always been easy, but that they're aligned. What if your inner critic isn’t the enemy but a scared part of you trying (very badly) to keep you safe? In this deeply honest, expansive conversation, I sit down with my very first life coach, Kate Swoboda, to unpack fear, self-doubt, nervous system safety, and what real courage looks like over the long haul. Together, we explore: 1. why fighting your inner critic only makes it louder 2. how self-compassion is anything but fluffy 3. why alignment—not ease—is the true measure of an unruly life This episode gives brilliant insight into nuance, integrity, and reclaiming your power without harming yourself. If you’re done white-knuckling your way through growth and ready for a more humane, sustainable way to live, lead, and create, this one’s for you. Hint: This is exactly how I went from self-loathing to self-loving. 👯‍♀️ Connect with Kate Find Kate and all her brilliance at 👉 yourcourageouslife.com [https://www.yourcourageouslife.com] and checkout her Level 1 ICF Accredited Coach Training (where I got certified) at TeamCLCC.com [https://TeamCLCC.com] 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED 1. The Unruly Collective [https://wetheunruly.com] 2. Kate's books: The Courage Habit [https://a.co/d/cwElN89] and 100% Fully Alive [https://a.co/d/fZ5KbgC] We the Unruly is building a movement of folks creating their own paradigms of how to live, love, and lead while building lives, businesses, impacts, and legacies built from truth, power, pleasure, rebellion, and the kind of unapologetic self-expression that makes fragile men miss the days of complacent, agreeable women. We call it living your legacy NOW and if you vibe, you belong. Come join us in The Unruly Collective [https://wetheunruly.com] and be in community with folks who “get” it. Jen Vertanen is the founder of We the Unruly—a living rebellion against self-betrayal disguised as success. With 30 years of turning vision into reality and her own hard-won evolution, she works with leaders and creators who are done diluting their power and ready to build what only they can. Known for her sharp insight and disarming humor, Jen helps people live, lead, and create legacies without performing, shrinking, or self-abandoning. Stay Connected: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@wetheunrulyjenvertanen] | Website [https://wetheunruly.com] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jennifervertanen] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/we_the_unruly] 👋🏼 Thanks for listening! We the Unruly song written by Wendy Babcock

Living Your Legacy While You’re Still Alive: Gratitude, Belonging, and Embodied Leadership w/ Lisa Condon

"WHAT DO YOU GET TO HAVE BECAUSE YOU DID SOMETHING BOLD, UNRULY, AND ALL FOR YOU?" Lisa's? Live her legacy NOW. In this inaugural live episode of We the Unruly, I sit down with my soul-friend, accountability buddy, and gratitude practitioner Lisa Condon for a deeply vulnerable, completely off-the-cuff conversation about belonging, self-trust, redefining success, and living your legacy while you’re still here to enjoy it. What unfolds is equal parts heart-expanding, spicy, rebellious, and grounding. We pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to un-become the stories you were handed, step into who you actually are, and create impact from that place of embodied truth. The conversation touches everything from perfectionism, ambition, identity, spiritual downloads, the cycle of gratitude, ADHD realities (including brushing your teeth 👀), feral raccoon energy, and the freedom that comes from finally deciding: “EFF it — I get to live my life my way.” Listen in and let's get Unruly! 👯‍♀️ Connect with Lisa Find Lisa and all her brilliance at 👉 lisacondon.com [https://lisacondon.com/] 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED 1. The Unruly Collective [https://wetheunruly.com] 2. How gratitude impacts the brain [https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gratitude-enhances-health-brings-happiness-and-may-even-lengthen-lives-202409113071] from Harvard Review 3. Big A$$ Wall Calendar [https://thebigasscalendar.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoru7EDKNmpecWJfSukvV5pNoDXYJNzoPjgdQenGFV4Cy26st6Ea] (Lisa got the wall version and I got the journal version to help us both see 2026 at a glance because we each have BIG plans) We the Unruly is building a movement of folks creating their own paradigms of how to live, love, and lead while building lives, businesses, impacts, and legacies built from truth, power, pleasure, rebellion, and the kind of unapologetic self-expression that makes fragile men miss the days of complacent, agreeable women. We call it living your legacy NOW and if you vibe, you belong. Come join us in The Unruly Collective [https://wetheunruly.com] and be in community with folks who “get” it. Jen Vertanen is the founder of We the Unruly—a living rebellion against self-betrayal disguised as success. With 30 years of turning vision into reality and her own hard-won evolution, she works with leaders and creators who are done diluting their power and ready to build what only they can. Known for her sharp insight and disarming humor, Jen helps people live, lead, and create legacies without performing, shrinking, or self-abandoning. Stay Connected: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@wetheunrulyjenvertanen] | Website [https://wetheunruly.com] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jennifervertanen] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/we_the_unruly] 👋🏼 Thanks for listening! We the Unruly song written by Wendy Babcock

Unlocking the Magic: Breaking Free from the Copy-Paste Life w/ Amy Pons

Feeling STUCK in a life that no longer fits? (you are SO not alone...not by a long shot which is one of the core reasons why I created BE. DARE. CREATE.) You know that moment when everything in your life should feel fine, maybe even great, but deep down, something feels off? That restless feeling, the nagging thought that there has to be more? That’s what my guest, Amy Pons, calls the pinch. It’s that moment of realization when the career, the relationships, the day-to-day grind no longer align with who you truly are and want to BE. In this episode of BE. DARE. CREATE., Amy and I dive super deep into how to break free from the copy-paste life, rewrite the rules, and step into the FULL power of your magic.  Whether you’re feeling disconnected from your purpose, stuck in a job that drains you, or just craving something more, this conversation is ABSOLUTELY for you. (We also talk about vulvas...it's a good one!) Amy and I talk about... * How to recognize "the pinch" - that moment when life no longer feels...'right' [https://jenvertanen.com/what-living-your-best-life-is-not/] and what to do with it * Why it's so forking important to recognize when you're 'shoulding' on yourself and how to define success on your terms [https://jenvertanen.com/success-on-your-terms-defining-personal-success/] so you can stop that already * Healing in only ever an inside job and how to get started * Your body knows...it absolutely knows and how to actually tap into it for wisdom and decision-making * Vulvas...so much vulva talk but it's all super relative to how you BE, how you get stuff done (CREATE), how you show up (DARE), how you heal * And lots lots more... Meet Amy Pons Amy Pons is an intuitive coach, marketing expert, and host of the podcast Women Making Moves. After spending decades climbing the corporate ladder, she had a soul-stirring realization—she wasn’t truly living. Now, she helps women step into their full power by embracing who they were always meant to be. Connect w/ Amy Listen to Amy’s Podcast: Women Making Moves [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/women-making-moves/id1689955950], esp. my episode on giving yourself permission [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ro3FPUJ3KbHcrwwVWiLen?si=d18561ea3af54fd8] Follow Amy: Unlock The Magic [https://unlock-the-magic.squarespace.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/unlock-the-magic/] Mentioned In This Episode The Vulva Gallery [https://www.instagram.com/the.vulva.gallery/] on Instagram Want to get in on your own version of BE. DARE. CREATE. Your Life. Your Legacy? First step is giving yourself PERMISSION. Download my {free} guide [https://jenvertanen.com/permission]if you're ready to get started today! Head on over to jenvertanen.com/podcast [https://jenvertanen.com/podcast] for show notes and other binge-worthy episodes. 🫶🏼 If you loved this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It means the world and helps more people find these conversations! I'm Jen Vertanen. Speaker. Coach. No-B.S. Transformation Partner. I'm your kick-in-the-ass strategic partner who helps high-achieving overthinkers, perfectionists, and dreamers stop stalling, start taking bold action, and build a life & legacy that makes their 80-yo selves proud. No fluff. No waiting. Just real, unapologetic permission & momentum.

Embracing Life by Facing Death: A Conversation with Death Doula Aypril Porter

*cw we discuss death and I share bits of story around my mom's passing In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with Aypril Porter, a certified death doula and Human Design expert. We explore what it truly means to navigate end-of-life transitions, the emotional and spiritual aspects of death, and how Human Design can play a powerful role in healing, relationships, and self-discovery. Aypril shares her unexpected journey into death work, how her family’s unspoken grief shaped her curiosity about loss, and why death doulas are becoming more recognized for the vital role they play.  We also dive into Human Design—how understanding our unique energetic blueprint can help us trust ourselves more fully, navigate relationships, and even bring peace at the end of life. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about grief, death, or your own life’s direction, this conversation will shift your perspective in the best way possible. Resources & Links 🔗 Connect with Aypril Porter * Website: https://www.ayprilporter.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayprilporter 📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode * Parenting the Child You Have – Aypril Porter [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aypril-Porter/author/B09FZTQ1LS?isDramIntegrated=true&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&store_ref=ap_rdr] * Understanding Human Design – Karen Curry Parker [https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Human-Design-Astrology-Discover-ebook/dp/B00CUUIP7I/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MY4W91SU8PLU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fzM7Bhb4BFtQZxHTJA1H0fTYOK8ms70vMF7w8HsWjle_nMnoOGD8b-dVplcufhKjlzuKCmCfpTw7yCyaqHLvwMJDyNsCGMbEgLW2IsEtwsfaxRV3iX_lajKqWRIRHNAeyemimF6yRApOsNRrzc3FPIwLyifPmf84Be_ovo6d7VBCir1JvL4uJrZPnyP_OOOJNry-gFQ5Bh5ndG5VN5d2Oa2oFowgGz2sUnbzPLiMx48.AEHf1ZnZIMlsB3gdU-k7M_aEVXbxqMiV--N_ttmwlBA&dib_tag=se&keywords=understanding+human+design&qid=1742068353&sprefix=understanding+human+design%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1] * The Definitive Book of Human Design – Ra Uru Hu & Lynda Bunnell [https://www.amazon.com/Human-Design-Definitive-Differentiation-2011-05-03/dp/B01FIWA7IE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SSSK0WR1TR6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ue28l5cQUR30cfp00b4CZaj3fAn5tVtFp69G2LVYvXbkwvyp59H9N0doBolM8j2hpnS2cf58LMW9vSaJ62wyLsbydn0i4Diid-7OJsDutHloppQov329TAqChCRVxKjF_y2BWzg1_9a0g5kHsmWtraUJYtWDinLLRfVoi9MrOJg3OYVhRbWF0PQDqcwfIx5kbzZCNADaVfjH5WHjCysvm7on8-lc3hE1accGg-SN1XM.QZeob2szQyKBlZXf76txNYztJ0UPRmx4Rvlo0W5E5CA&dib_tag=se&keywords=definitive+book+of+human+design&qid=1742068377&sprefix=definitive+book+of+human+design%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1] Want to get in on your own version of BE. DARE. CREATE. Your Life. Your Legacy? First step is giving yourself PERMISSION. Download my {free} guide [https://jenvertanen.com/permission]if you're ready to get started today! Head on over to jenvertanen.com/podcast [https://jenvertanen.com/podcast] for show notes and other binge-worthy episodes. 🫶🏼 If you loved this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It means the world and helps more people find these conversations! I'm Jen Vertanen. Speaker. Coach. No-B.S. Transformation Partner. I'm your kick-in-the-ass strategic partner who helps high-achieving overthinkers, perfectionists, and dreamers stop stalling, start taking bold action, and build a life & legacy that makes their 80-yo selves proud. No fluff. No waiting. Just real, unapologetic permission & momentum.

EP. 7: Big Gay Overalls & Living Authentically: How Lisa Kirkman Went From Checking Society's Boxes to Living Her Best Damn Life

Ready for a raw, real conversation about self-acceptance, coming out later in life, and giving yourself permission to live authentically?In this episode, I chat with Lisa Kirkman, host of Big Gay Overalls podcast, about her journey from feeling like she was watching her life in third person to fully owning who she is.Lisa shares her powerful story of breaking free from the "shoulds," finding her voice, and creating a life that actually fits instead of forcing herself to fit into a life that wasn't meant for her.We dive deep into what it means to accept yourself, set boundaries without feeling like an asshole, and intentionally design a life you love.Whether you identify as queer or not, this episode is foranyone who's ever felt like they're living someone else's version of success.On today's episode all about self-acceptance so you can live YOUR best damn life, we discuss:Why self-acceptance is a manual process, not an automatic oneHow to stop protecting everyone else at the cost of yourselfThe freedom that comes from giving zero f*cks about others' expectationsWhy tiny steps forward are more powerful than you thinkThe importance of finding your ride-or-die support systemUse Lisa's story as inspiration to get out of your own damn way and create YOUR Best Damn Life.This conversation is your permission slip to start.Read the transcript, watch the YouTube video, and get the show notes on Your Best Damn Life here. Want to get in on your own version of BE. DARE. CREATE. Your Life. Your Legacy? First step is giving yourself PERMISSION. Download my {free} guide [https://jenvertanen.com/permission]if you're ready to get started today! Head on over to jenvertanen.com/podcast [https://jenvertanen.com/podcast] for show notes and other binge-worthy episodes. 🫶🏼 If you loved this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It means the world and helps more people find these conversations! I'm Jen Vertanen. Speaker. Coach. No-B.S. Transformation Partner. I'm your kick-in-the-ass strategic partner who helps high-achieving overthinkers, perfectionists, and dreamers stop stalling, start taking bold action, and build a life & legacy that makes their 80-yo selves proud. No fluff. No waiting. Just real, unapologetic permission & momentum.