Women of Impact

Lisa Bilyeu sits down with acclaimed negotiation expert and bestselling author Kwame Christian to unravel the secrets of navigating emotionally charged conversations with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s setting boundaries with your partner, responding calmly to dismissal at work, or standing firm when you’re accused of being selfish, Kwame brings concrete tools and science-backed strategies to the table for every woman who’s ever wished she could “say the right thing” in difficult moments. Kwame and Lisa dissect how the real challenge in tough conversations often begins long before a word is spoken, revealing the transformative framework of “compassionate curiosity.” Together, they explore how to name your emotions to regain your composure, why lowering your expectations of others can be a superpower, and the art of pausing at critical moments to shift the entire direction of a conversation. Whether you struggle with people-pleasing, boundary-setting, emotional floods, or gaslighting—this episode will give you a playbook you’ll revisit again and again. SHOWNOTES01:12 Naming Your Feelings: Compassionate Curiosity Explained01:58 The Science of Emotional Flooding05:38 The Power of Emotional Preparation12:32 Recognizing Manipulation & Keeping Your Power18:17 The Exact Template for Boundary Conversations21:37 “Turning the Titanic” and Letting Others Arrive at Truth26:32 Divorce the Outcome, Marry the Process FOLLOW KWAME CHRISTIAN:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwamechristian/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kwame_ChristianPodcast: Negotiate AnythingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristianWebsite: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ SleepMe: Visit ⁠https://sleep.me/woi⁠ to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code WOI. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Jul 46min

This is a Fan Fav episode. Taking back control over your mind, and ultimately your life, starts with understanding just how powerful your thoughts really are. In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Marisa Peer—therapist, author, and creator of Rapid Transformational Therapy—to unpack the roots of negative self-talk, why so many of us default to self-criticism, and the three core needs that shape our confidence, purpose, and relationships. Marisa doesn’t just deliver theory—she gives practical language shifts, transformative childhood insights, and actionable strategies for catching, questioning, and rewriting the beliefs that hold women back. Truth: If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not enough,” procrastination, anxiety, or toxic relationship patterns, this is your blueprint for breaking the cycle and creating a new, empowered story. SHOWNOTES How thoughts—not feelings—lay the foundation for your actions and life outcomes 00:03:47 – Why your words literally shape your reality (and body!) 00:08:38 – Understanding our hardwired pull toward the familiar—and how to make self-love natural 00:11:36 – The three essential needs every child (and adult) must fulfill: love, significance, purpose 00:26:30 – How to withstand negativity from others and train your brain to protect its own peace 00:28:52 – Procrastination decoded: Why we fear rejection and how to break free 00:35:21 – Using language to empower children (and yourself) through any crisis 00:54:08 – Discovering the “what lies beneath” method to tackle self-sabotage at its root 01:04:13 – The power of words: Why “retreat” serves you better than “lockdown” 01:11:43 – A real-life exercise: Changing the narrative in your mind and watching your reality shift FOLLOW MARISA PEER:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisapeertherapy/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarisaPeerWebsite: https://marisapeer.com/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ SleepMe: Visit ⁠https://sleep.me/woi⁠ to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code WOI. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Jul 1h 16min

This is a Fan Fav episode. Faith Jenkins—celebrated attorney, former Manhattan prosecutor, and current host of Divorce Court and Killer Relationships—joins me for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had about love, relationships, and why so many seemingly solid unions unravel. Faith lays it all out: the hidden issues from our past that quietly sabotage our relationships, the role of resentment and unspoken expectations, and how the external pressure to “just pick someone” can land you in heartache—or worse. With deep candor about her own 20-year journey as a single woman, Faith reveals the self-work, boundaries, and radical honesty required to not only find love but to build a relationship that actually lasts. From the dangers of settling to the critical importance of therapy and emotional maturity, Faith shares the blueprint behind her new book, Sis, Don’t Settle. This episode is a masterclass in learning to love yourself first, embrace rejection without losing your self-worth, and choosing a partner who adds to your happiness instead of completing it. If you want to break cycles of heartbreak and step boldly into lasting, authentic love, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. SHOWNOTES 00:00 – You can be the total package at the wrong address: Why singleness isn’t a defect 01:16 – The real roots of breakups and divorce: People don’t have relationship problems, they bring personal problems into relationships 05:50 – Bringing happiness to your ever after: Why you must own your own joy before seeking a partner 08:44 – The three choices in dating: Accept, reject kindly, or (don’t!) try to rebuild someone 11:53 – Resentment: The silent destroyer of love and how ignoring red flags leads to disaster 15:47 – The cost of staying too long: Why “choosing history over happiness” keeps you trapped 18:56 – Are you both committed to the same commitment? The (often unasked) question that saves relationships 24:45 – Faith’s journey to love after 40: Letting go of cynicism and writing her own “love manifesto” 36:48 – The danger zone: How external pressure and timelines push women to settle 46:17 – Doing your due diligence: Why Faith went to therapy before saying yes to forever FOLLOW FAITH JENKINS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judgefaithjenkinsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudgeFaithJenkinsTwitter: https://twitter.com/FaithJenkinsEsq CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa BIOptimizers: Head to https://bioptimizers.com/impact and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co  SleepMe: Visit https://sleep.me/woi to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code WOI. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Jun 55min

This is a Fan Fav episode. Health and wellness icon JJ Virgin joins me for a no-holds-barred conversation on the BIGGEST weight loss lies that have been holding us back for decades. We’re cutting straight through the BS—debunking the toxic myths around calories, hormones, belly fat, and what “healthy” actually means for women. JJ opens up about her own journey, the science that changed her thinking, and delivers detailed, actionable advice for reclaiming metabolic health in a world obsessed with the scale. If you have ever felt hopeless staring at the number on the scale, confused by conflicting diet advice, or tired of being told it’s all “calories in, calories out”—this episode will empower you with the truth, the tools, and the science you need to finally take control of your health. Grab a notepad—this one’s packed! SHOWNOTES 00:00:00 — Why women MUST start prioritizing their health (and why our old beliefs are failing us) 00:03:06 — The lie about belly fat and “laziness”—what’s REALLY going on with women’s bodies 00:05:36 — Why “calories in, calories out” is total BS—and what actually drives weight loss and gain 00:09:32 — How scales can sabotage your self-worth, and what measurements actually matter 00:17:38 — Fasting, hormone cycles, and why most health studies ignore women’s real needs 00:29:05 — How much protein do women REALLY need? (Spoiler: It’s probably way more than you think) 00:32:38 — The #1 thing you may be sacrificing that’s making weight loss impossible: SLEEP 00:44:20 — JJ’s personal story: Challenging impossible odds, and the power of choosing your own belief system 01:03:38 — Genetics vs. lifestyle: The real reason our health has changed (hint: It’s NOT your DNA) 01:24:49 — Why self-worth—and putting ourselves first—is the ultimate key to a healthy life FOLLOW JJ VIRGIN: Website: https://jjvirgin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.virgin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjvirgin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JJVirginAllAccess For more Women of Impact episodes on health, click the bell so you don’t miss the next conversation that could change your life. Be the hero of your own story—start with your health! CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ SleepMe: Visit ⁠https://sleep.me/woi⁠ to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code WOI. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Jun 1h 31min

This is a Fan Fav episode. From the very start of this conversation, I was fired up! I brought Dr. Aviva Romm on Women of Impact—an M.D., midwife, herbalist, and author of Hormone Intelligence—to unravel the web of confusion and shame that keeps so many women feeling powerless about their hormones, periods, and health. Aviva exposes the damaging myths we’re taught, reveals how our cycles impact everything from our confidence to our career momentum, and—let me tell you—it’s not about “just suffering” through being a woman. Get ready to find out the best times in your cycle for asking for a raise, why you may want to hide your credit card before your period, and how you can start tracking your unique “normal” so you feel confident, not crazy. Aviva and I dive deep, get super tactical, and, real talk, help you reclaim your power—because knowledge is, truly, power. SHOWNOTES The truth about what’s “normal” vs. what’s common when it comes to women’s hormones and periods How environmental factors—including antibiotics and toxins—affect your hormonal health from childhood Why feeling moody, suffering, or being “out of control” isn’t actually normal for women The life-changing impact of tracking your cycle for confidence, career moves, and emotional well-being Planning your life around your menstrual cycle: confidence highs, energy peaks, and when to avoid shopping sprees How gut health, food choices, and the microbiome influence mood, hormones, and overall vitality The critical link between self-blame, misdiagnosis, and delayed treatment for issues like endometriosis Dispelling myths around birth control: what your doctor probably never told you about side effects How to nurture a positive relationship with your body, pleasure, and sexual desire through each hormone phase Turning lifestyle changes—not quick fixes—into real, lasting hormonal balance and personal empowerment FOLLOW DR. AVIVA ROMM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.avivarommWebsite: https://avivaromm.comHormone Intelligence book & bonuses: https://avivaromm.com/book CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Jun 58min

Welcome back to Part 2 of our transformative conversation with April Mason on "Women of Impact." In this half, Lisa and April dive into the essential traits every woman needs to master her self-worth, set boundaries, and stop settling for less—from respecting your own time to building individuality, authenticity, and uncompromising standards in relationships. April breaks down her 24 core traits for feminine self-mastery, illustrating how deep self-respect not only influences the dating world but ripples out into parenting, career, and personal fulfillment. April unpacks the often-overlooked superpowers of sensitivity, warmth, and charisma, guiding listeners to reconnect with their bodies and heal deep-rooted trauma. There’s an honest look at the struggle of putting your own name on the "building," literally and figuratively, and the ongoing work that real change requires. April and Lisa share actionable ideas for cultivating self-ownership and internal validation, putting the power back in your own hands for love, business, and life itself. If you’re ready to take practical steps toward your next level, this is your blueprint. SHOWNOTES 24:05 April’s 3-Step Approach to Triggers (Recap) 28:14 Respect: The #1 Trait and Why Women Struggle to Own It 29:33 Respecting Your Own Time, Commitments, and Boundaries 34:01 Individuality as the Root of Confidence and Relationship Success 35:23 Why Women Lose Their Uniqueness and How to Reclaim It 37:05 Navigating Criticism, People-Pleasing, and Staying True to Yourself 40:02 The “Dripping Effect”: Why Early Red Flags Escalate Over Time 41:53 How to Cultivate a ‘Husband-Quality’ Pool—and Weed Out the Wrong Ones 43:32 The Four Pillars of Womanhood: Femininity, Spirituality, Sensuality, Wisdom 44:03 The Power and Purpose of Sensitivity (Not Unbotheredness) 46:44 Recognizing and Healing Nervous System Trauma 47:27 Daily Self-Check-Ins for Emotional Awareness 47:47 The Value of Charisma and Why Women Need It 48:43 April’s Story: Putting Her Name on the Building and Overcoming Fear 54:01 The Ongoing Work of Healing and Self-Ownership 59:32 Compassion, Boundaries, and Avoiding Over-Giving 1:00:41 Where to Learn More: All Things Feminine Social Club FOLLOW APRIL MASON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealaprilmason/ Website: https://allthingsfeminine.com CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Jun 36min

Lisa Bilyeu sits down with April Mason—femininity coach, relationship strategist, and founder of the All Things Feminine Social Club—to dig deep into the art of commanding respect without losing your cool or sacrificing your dignity. April brings two decades of experience helping women and men transform their approach to love, self-worth, and personal agency. In this first half, April shares practical strategies for navigating relationship challenges, outlining how women can tune into their bodies, avoid fruitless arguments, and make empowered decisions about alignment in love and life. Lisa and April pull back the curtain on April’s personal journey from self-described “man eater” to a woman comfortable in her own skin, weaving tales of hard-won lessons and transformation. April explains the importance of distinguishing between intuition and fear, how to spot red flags (and why so many of us are drawn to them), and the critical first steps women must take to get out of the pattern of negotiating their self-worth. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Commanding Respect Without Losing Your Cool 00:48 Healing, Nervous System, and Knowing When to Step Back 02:39 Why April Never Has “The Talk” About Relationships 03:53 How Men Show Their Intentions—And Why You Shouldn’t Have to Ask 05:28 Subtle Techniques for Effective Communication with Men 07:13 Why April Stopped Working Primarily with Women 10:11 From “Man Eater” to Authenticity: April’s Journey 13:29 Why Women Don’t Ask for What They Want (April’s “Steps Story”) 14:44 Chivalry and the Power of Asking for Help 14:51 Navigating Fear vs. Intuition in Relationships 16:36 The Appeal of Emotionally Unavailable Men—And How to Grow Beyond It 18:55 Recognizing Red and Green Flags (and How Inner Work Changes Your Choices) 23:21 How Childhood Wounds Get Triggered in Dating 23:29 April’s 3-Step Trigger Response Model: Assess, Accept, Decide FOLLOW APRIL MASON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealaprilmason/ Website: https://allthingsfeminine.com CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 Jun 42min

This is a Fan Fav episode. Ever felt like setting boundaries is just too damn hard? I hear you, and honestly, you’re not alone! So many of us women struggle to stand our ground—then end up feeling resentful, invisible, or straight-up used. That’s why I sat down with legendary psychotherapist and “Boundary Boss” Terri Cole to break down exactly why we freeze, people-please, and self-abandon—and, most importantly, how to stop. Terri gets brutally honest about the root causes of poor boundaries, from family expectations to people-pleasing patterns, and gives us the roadmap for becoming our own damn advocates. With real talk, tactical steps, and compassion for every woman still learning to use her voice, Terri reveals the warning signs of weak boundaries (they’re not what you think!), the power of resentment as your wake-up call, and scripts for even the most awkward family encounters—hello, narcissistic mothers and nosy Aunt Betty! Get ready to ditch guilt, drop the drama, and start setting limits that honor YOU. SHOWNOTES 00:00 – Why boundary setting triggers insecurity, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment 02:29 – Resentment as a red flag: How to spot disordered boundaries in your life 06:44 – Taking responsibility for your “50%” and the art of clear, proactive communication 14:18 – Childhood conditioning, people-pleasing, and the roots of boundary struggles 36:28 – High-functioning codependency: Why “superwomen” still give too much 51:28 – Suppressed anger, the power of naming your feelings, and setting stronger boundaries 1:09:06 – Scripts for handling invasive relatives & rude questions at family gatherings 1:19:33 – Narcissistic mothers: Signs, hard limits, and how to protect your energy 1:28:44 – Relationship boundaries: From stating your needs to enforcing consequences and non-negotiables 1:29:43 – Making boundaries a language—why practice and self-compassion change everything FOLLOW TERRI COLE: Instagram: https://instagram.com/terricole Website: https://www.terricole.com Book: https://boundarybossbook.com Ready to become a BOUNDARY BOSS? Let’s go! CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠ BIOptimizers: Head to⁠ https://bioptimizers.com/impact ⁠and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Jun 1h 38min