Stop Begging to Be Chosen: The Real Reason You Can’t Move On—And How to Walk Away | Najwa Zebian (Fan Fav)
On this deeply moving episode of Women of Impact, host Lisa Bilyeu welcomes back the extraordinary poet and author Najwa Zebian for a conversation that goes right to the heart of healing and self-worth. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by emotional scars, struggled with people pleasing, or found yourself aching for validation from the wrong places, this episode is for you. Lisa and Najwa dive into the difficult, yet transformative process of acknowledging your pain, accepting your past without shame, and learning to speak to yourself with radical compassion. Najwa shares her hard-won wisdom on how to stop picking at old wounds and instead become the loving support you needed back when you were hurting most. With vulnerable stories, honest reflections, and actionable advice, Najwa shows us how to break free from cycles of self-blame and emotional debt. Whether you’re working on setting boundaries, letting go of past hurts, or learning to prioritize your own needs, this conversation is packed with “aha” moments. Grab your notebook—this is one of those episodes you’ll want to come back to again and again. And if it touches you, don’t forget to share it and leave a review to keep the impact going. Now, let’s dive into this powerful episode with the incomparable Najwa Zebian. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Transforming Scars into Motivation 09:39 Embracing Scars as Lessons 14:28 Overcoming People-Pleasing Tendencies 18:57 Empowering Your Healing Environment 25:01 Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limits 28:33 Choosing Authenticity Over Approval 35:06 "Be Yourself, Not Their Perception" 41:54 The Cost of Toxic Love 44:41 Self-Validation and Independence 48:22 "This Too Shall Pass" 56:04 Healing Through Compassion and Clarity 01:02:26 Accumulated Unresolved Conflicts 01:08:28 From Reaction to Reflection 01:11:53 Healing Emotional Wounds 01:18:08 Self-Validation and Childhood Pain 01:24:00 Breaking Patterns, Embracing Self-Sufficiency 01:28:40 "Recognizing Unseen Patterns Without Judgment" 01:34:04 Rebuilding Self-Connection and Awareness 01:39:01 "Holistic Psychology's Core Beliefs" 01:43:56 "Practice Mindfulness with Phone Reminders" 01:48:25 "Inherited Suppression of Self-Expression" CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 Jul 1h 53min
Sex Expert’s Top 3 Hacks to Be Sexually Confident - Even If You Hate Your Body | Emily Morse (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. Lisa Bilyeu sits down with Dr. Emily Morse—renowned sex educator, host of the "Sex with Emily" podcast, and all-around confidence booster—for a candid conversation about building true confidence in and out of the bedroom. Emily shares why confidence isn’t a final destination but an ongoing journey rooted in self-awareness, acceptance, and healing from past relationships and limiting beliefs. Together, Lisa and Emily get real about body image, vulnerability, and the myth that someone else needs to "complete" us. They break down practical ways to boost body confidence, from mirror exercises to finding joy in movement and fostering positive self-talk. Get ready for honest strategies on dating, sex, and relationships—from why you should rethink that "body count" conversation, to reclaiming your right to pleasure and authentic communication with your partner. Plus, Emily and Lisa talk about aging, changing bodies, and how we can reprogram our minds for confidence at any stage of life. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling good in your skin, silencing your inner critic, or showing up authentically, this episode is a must-listen. Emily brings her trademark wisdom, warmth, and straight talk as she helps every woman realize: confidence isn’t just sexy—it’s your birthright. Original air date: 9-11-2022 SHOWNOTES 00:00 Embrace Being Single 12:51 Confidence in Authenticity 24:06 Overcoming Body Image Shame 35:38 "Exploring Mutual Pleasure in Relationships" 42:09 "Relationship Comfort and Challenges" 44:41 Reprogramming Sex-Negative Beliefs FOLLOW EMILY MORSE:Instagram: @sexwithemilyTwitter: @sexwithemilyYouTube: Sex with EmilyWebsite: sexwithemily.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. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 Jul 1h 19min
Stop Saying Yes When You Mean No—How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt | Terri Cole (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. There is something both sobering and chilling about being manipulated, especially by someone close to you. The feeling of betrayal and pain can leave you untrusting of everyone after that, and the emotional aftermath can lead to years of therapy or unhealthy behaviors. If you’re a ‘Yes’ to any of these, this episode is a must for you: Have fallen for people’s fake concern at the expense of invalidating yourself Felt suffocated by the weight of someone’s constant complaining Started questioning your version of reality because you were being gaslit The Boundary Boss and one of our favorite homies on Women of Impact, Terri Cole, is back for another round and this time she’s unpacking everything you need to never be tricked by manipulative people again! They want to get their way no matter what at your expense, and it’s your job to recognize it and put an end to it with the right boundaries in place. Terri Cole is a licensed therapist and bestselling author who helps women like you break the cycle of living without boundaries. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your past is, everyone deserves and needs boundaries to create and maintain healthy relationships. If you’re walking on eggshells at home, it’s time to sit up straight and pay attention. Original air date: 5-17-23 Check out Terri’s new book, Boundary Boss: https://www.amazon.com/Boundary-Boss-Essential-Guide-Finally/dp/1683647688 Follow Terri Cole: Website: https://www.terricole.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OC1zN27enpTA_eNWB7dKw Podcast: https://www.terricole.com/podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/terri_cole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriColeLCSW/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 Jul 1h 35min
He Looks Charming, But He’s Dangerous: FBI Profiler’s 10 Rules for Spotting Toxic Men Fast | Joe Navarro PT 2
Continuing the deep dive into protection and self-empowerment, Joe Navarro returns to expose the remaining “dangerous personalities”—from the clinically paranoid to the emotionally unstable and the narcissist. Joe and Lisa break down how these individuals manipulate, control, and undermine those around them, and offer tactical advice on naming behaviors, setting boundaries, and recognizing the subtle cues you may be missing. Lisa brings these lessons into the real world, as they discuss practical steps women can take to trust their intuition, safeguard their well-being, and reclaim their power in any relationship—romantic, professional, or otherwise. Learn actionable questions to ask, science-backed checklists, and get a clear-eyed view of the impact these behaviors can have on you and your loved ones. This is your masterclass in spotting red flags and building the self-trust and resilience you need to thrive. SHOWNOTES44:54 – The Cultural Undermining of Intuition55:27 – Everyday Examples: Power Imbalance in Family1:07:27 – Overvaluation of Self vs. Interest in Others 1:08:10 – Joe’s Mission and Where to Find His Work FOLLOW JOE NAVARRO:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjoenavarro/Twitter: https://twitter.com/joenavarrobodyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeNavarroBodyLanguageWebsite: https://www.joenavarro.net/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 Jul 43min
He Looks Charming, But He’s Dangerous: FBI Profiler’s 10 Rules for Spotting Toxic Men Fast | Joe Navarro PT 1
In this powerful episode of Women of Impact, Lisa hosts Joe Navarro—former FBI agent, world-renowned body language expert, and bestselling author—to break open the science of spotting deception and protecting yourself from dangerous personalities. Drawing from his 25 years in counterintelligence and behavioral assessment, Joe unpacks the subtle physical and psychological cues that reveal stress, discomfort, and manipulation before words are ever spoken. Joe shares practical, science-backed strategies for reading body language in real-life situations, from dating and the workplace to high-stakes interrogations, and reveals why your gut instincts are your first and best line of defense. With riveting real-world stories and actionable tools, Joe arms listeners—especially women—with the knowledge and confidence to recognize red flags, trust their intuition, and stay safe. SHOWNOTES00:12 – The Science of Spotting Lies and Deception06:00 – Interrogation Techniques: Culpable Knowledge18:09 – Identifying Five Dangerous Personality Types23:26 – Rationalizing Toxic Behaviors30:12 – Predators in Positions of Power FOLLOW JOE NAVARRO:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjoenavarro/Twitter: https://twitter.com/joenavarrobodyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeNavarroBodyLanguageWebsite: https://www.joenavarro.net/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 Jul 41min
The Real Reason Your Relationships Keep Failing—And How to Build One That Actually Lasts | Matthew Hussey (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. Matthew Hussey returns for his fourth conversation with me, and this time, we’re pulling back the curtain on the secrets—and illusions—of lasting love. Together, we unpack the intoxicating highs of lust, why so many of us mistake chemistry for commitment, and how you can finally spot the difference between short-lived thrill and real, long-term connection. With his usual blend of sharp insight, humor, and practical, no-BS truth, Matthew challenges everything you think you know about “compatibility,” affection, and why consistency—not fireworks—truly matters. Whether you’ve been burned by “bad boys,” stuck on unavailable partners, or just crave the peace that comes from authentic, secure love, this episode is your roadmap to re-writing those old stories and giving yourself the healthy relationship you actually deserve. SHOWNOTES Why we confuse lust, chemistry, and love in new relationships (00:00:29) The truth behind “love at first sight”—and why it’s often a story told by the victors (00:02:24) Attention vs. intention: How to recognize someone’s real investment in you (00:04:09) Why dazzling moments aren’t the real test—what matters on an average Tuesday (00:09:12) Why we chase inconsistency—and how scarcity tricks us into seeing value (00:17:41) The power of naming your needs, playfulness, and building a culture of honesty from day one (00:13:18) Letting go: How to heal, avoid vilifying your ex, and actually trust yourself again (00:34:35) Why communication, not perfection, will save your relationship as you both change (00:38:07) Curiosity and humility: The underrated tools for breaking old patterns and building true love (01:00:04) How to rebuild faith in dating after heartbreak, and Matthew’s advice for reclaiming your power (00:55:10) FOLLOW MATTHEW HUSSEY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthussey/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gettheguyteam Website: https://www.howtogettheguy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachMatthewHussey/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thematthewhussey CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 Jul 1h 18min
4 Hidden Patterns That Keep High-Achieving Women Stuck—And How to Break Them | Cynthia Garcia (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. You know those times when you find yourself lost in a fog of “shoulds”—feeling stuck, comparing yourself to others, and letting old stories hold you back? Yeah, you’re not alone. On this powerful episode, I sit down with the unstoppable Cynthia Pascuala Garcia, who’s not only lived through a traumatic childhood of poverty, addiction, and heartbreak, but has since rewritten her life from the inside out. Cynthia shares her signature “Stuck Story Coaching Method,” the psychology behind our limiting beliefs, and the crucial difference between seeking outside fixes versus doing the deep inner work. If you’re ready to drop the pressure, rewrite your own story, and finally get unstuck, this is the episode to play on repeat. SHOWNOTES 00:00 - The problem with all the “shoulds”—and why we numb out instead of healing 00:57 - Why we’re the authors of our own lives and how to change your inner story 04:01 - The huge impact of perspective: how your past shapes your present (and future) 06:01 - Why external distractions keep you stuck—and what happens when they're taken away 07:31 - The first step to true change: making real decisions and embracing discomfort 09:24 - How unconscious stories sabotage your progress and how to find their roots 17:32 - Cynthia’s “Stuck Story Coaching Method”—the five steps to rewiring your beliefs 29:02 - What if your story is true? How to move forward when the past is painful 34:48 - Rewriting your story isn’t a one-and-done—why compassion and repetition matter 41:22 - Caring what others think vs. staying true to yourself: Cynthia’s “Pluto” method FOLLOW CYNTHIA PASCUALA GARCIA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiagarcia/ Website: https://www.cynthiagarcia.com/ Institute of Transformational Nutrition: https://transformationalnutrition.com/ Ready to dive deeper? Take Cynthia’s Stuck Story quiz and download her free workbook at her website! CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Jul 1h 2min
Struggling With Confidence in Bed or Your Body? Here’s How to Heal Shame & Reconnect With Yourself | Emily Morse (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. Stepping into radical honesty and self-love, Emily Morse joins me (Lisa Bilyeu) to explore the root causes of our insecurities—both in and out of the bedroom—and how to finally break free from toxic patterns in relationships. Emily’s signature empathy, real talk, and hands-on advice will help you create confidence from within, heal after heartbreak, and build connections rooted in true self-acceptance. With permission to be imperfect, practical mirror-work tips, and deep dives into navigating sex, vulnerability, and comparison traps, Emily guides us toward owning our desires and enjoying lasting, authentic intimacy. SHOWNOTES 00:01:08 – Why being single is the best time to get to know yourself and build real confidence 00:02:06 – Debunking the “you complete me” myth: becoming whole before seeking partnership 00:03:37 – Healing toxic relationship patterns: how therapy and reflection help you choose better 00:05:54 – Body acceptance, exposure exercises, and the journey from body shame to neutrality 00:07:59 – Confidence as the sexiest trait, even before you feel it: the “fake it till you make it” effect 00:10:15 – Sensual dance, movement, and embodying your pleasure in the bedroom 00:15:01 – Rewriting the negative self-talk tape: affirmations and the lifelong growth of confidence 00:23:18 – Questioning whose beliefs you carry—rejecting shame and reprogramming your own narrative 00:34:23 – Pleasing yourself first: becoming your own best lover for real relationship satisfaction 00:40:28 – Talking openly about sex: how real conversations fuel pleasure, trust, and long-term connection FOLLOW EMILY MORSE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexwithemily/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sexwithemily Website: https://www.sexwithemily.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sexwithemily CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 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! OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
20 Jul 49min
