In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews Erika Taylor Beck, founder of Authentic Foundations and host of the Leadership in Real Life & Stumbling Forward podcasts. Erika shares her journey of corporate careers to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges of job loss, identity crisis, and the importance of self-discovery. She emphasizes the significance of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the need for supportive work cultures. Erika also reflects on her spiritual awakening and the lessons learned through her transition to starting her own business, highlighting the importance of community and networking in this journey.

Erika can be found at Authentic.Foundations on Instagram and Threads, on LinkedIn at Erika R. Taylor-Beck, and on her website: www.authenticfoundations.podia.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erica Taylor Beck

01:14 Navigating Job Loss and Identity Crisis

08:45 The Transition to Self-Discovery

10:39 Spiritual Awakening and Self-Worth

21:35 Connecting Spirituality and Leadership

27:14 Developing Future Leaders

29:10 Navigating Communication and Leadership Dynamics

33:02 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

39:09 Lessons Learned from Starting a Business

40:55 The Power of Podcasting and Networking

48:03 Authenticity in Sharing Experiences

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews Kristy Dudley, a mom, Transformation Coach, and aspiring public speaker who bravely shares for the first time publicly her journey from a toxic and dogmatic Christian upbringing, an abusive relationship, and opiate addiction to a place of self-love, happiness, and spiritual awakening. She shares her vision for the future and helping others recognize their own ability to transform. Kristy also discusses the challenges of parenting, the importance of speaking one's truth, and the power of heart-led living. She emphasizes the significance of self-love in recovery and the need to trust the journey of life. Kristy's story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to overcome adversity or toxic upbringings and find their true selves.

Kristy can be found on Instagram and Substack @inalltheworldonlyone

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews Isabella Ferrari, a holistic coach and founder of GreenWitchCom. Isabella shares her personal transformation journey from being a high school student to studying and practicing meditation at a Buddhist monastery, where she learned the importance of slow living and deep meditation. She discusses her unique blend of Buddhism and witchcraft, emphasizing the power of herbalism and its benefits for women's health. Isabella also highlights the significance of community building through witchy retreats, navigating spirituality with social media content creation, and chats briefly about the concept of quantum healing, which aligns energy to manifest desires. This conversation is rich with insights on self-discovery, empowerment, and holistic practices.

More about Isabella:Isabella is the founder of greenwitchcom, a women’s coach, author, and content creator whose work centers on somatic healing, spiritual empowerment, and the reclamation of the word “witch.” With nearly three years of training and practice in a Buddhist monastery, her approach is rooted in mindfulness, embodiment, and ancient wisdom traditions. Isabella supports women in reconnecting with their intuition, power, and sacred purpose through her writing, courses, and online community.

If you'd like to hear more from Isabella, she can be found at: Www.pennythewitch.com or on instagram at: https://instagram.com/greenwitchcom/

She offers a Summer Solstice Retreat in Scotland, Samhain Retreat in Italy, and the Witch School, an Online Course.

Thank you Isabella for your time, patience, and grace as we dealt with several technical issues!

00:00 Introduction to Isabella Ferrari

08:13 Journey to the Buddhist Monastery

13:56 Life Lessons from Monastic Living

20:14 The Intersection of Buddhism and Witchcraft

25:50 Understanding Herbalism and Its Benefits

34:06 Herbal Remedies vs. Pharmaceuticals

35:59 Womb Healing and Herbalism

39:13 Creative Uses of Herbs

41:47 Witchcraft and Community Retreats

44:50 Redefining Witchcraft

50:10 Building a Community Online

53:01 Navigating Criticism and Authenticity

57:52 Quantum Healing Explained