In this transformative episode, identity coach and speaker Don Mamone (they/them/theirs) shares their powerful journey beyond society's gender binary. From navigating privilege to embracing radical freedom, Don reveals the profound costs and unexpected rewards of choosing authenticity over conformity.

Don challenges us to examine how binary thinking limits not just gender expression but every aspect of our lives. They illuminate the path from fear to liberation through their experience of coming out at 45 and building a life of unapologetic self-expression in Texas (USA).

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding gender identity, expression, and the limitations of binary thinking
• Navigating the journey from conformity to freedom
• Creating safe spaces in a heteronormative world
• The real cost of authenticity and the rewards of living truthfully
• Breaking cycles of performative behaviour through deliberate practice

Whether you're questioning your identity, seeking to be a better ally, or looking to break free from society's boxes, Don's story offers profound insights into embracing your truth and creating positive change.

Join us on the scenic route.

Connect with Don Mamone
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Download Don's practical guide to gender. This one is for anyone interested in learning more about gender, expression, and authenticity.

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Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

Ever hit "complete purchase," only to be smacked with a wave of buyer's remorse? Join activist and author Aja Barber as she rips the band-aid off our collective consumption addiction and helps us imagine a world beyond fast fashion.

In this eye-opening episode of the Scenic Route, we dive deep into:

• Why your shopping habits might be a hangover from colonialism
• The truth behind "retail therapy" and emotional spending
• How to break free from the buy-buy-buy culture
• Finding your authentic style without breaking the bank
• Why secondhand shopping is your secret weapon
• How to recognize and resist manipulative marketing
• Building a wardrobe that reflects your true values

Aja Barber, author of "Consumed: The Need for Collective Change," shares powerful insights about:

• The real environmental and human cost of fast fashion
• Why "style" can't be purchased but must be discovered
• Breaking the cycle of overconsumption
• Finding freedom beyond the dopamine hit of shopping
• Building a conscious closet that lasts (and your proud of)

Whether you're a conscious consumer or just starting to question your shopping habits, this conversation is your wake-up call to reclaim your style, your values, and your purchasing power.

Join us on the scenic route.

Connect with Aja Barber
Website
Instagram
Threads

Join her Patron for all things sustainable fashion (incl. the best secondhand finds!)

Buy her book Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the psychology of toxic relationships with author and creativity coach Caitlin Liz Fisher. Breaking the silence on why leaving isn't as simple as "just walking away," Caitlin shares her raw, personal journey through abuse, manipulation, and, ultimately, freedom.

In This Episode

• The shocking truth: It takes an average of 7 attempts to leave an abusive relationship
• Why abuse only works with "good times" in between
• How gaslighting and isolation tactics gradually erode self-worth
• Red flags in relationships and early warning signs
• The role of trauma bonds in keeping us stuck
• Rebuilding identity and self-trust after abuse

Key Insights

• Understanding the cycle of abuse and love bombing
• How abusers target and exploit past trauma
• The connection between childhood experiences and adult relationships
• Why smart, capable people stay in toxic relationships
• The importance of recognizing patterns before they become chains

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, manipulation, and toxic relationships.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available. You're not alone.

Connect with Caitlin Liz Fisher
Website
Instagram
YouTube

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

Ever wondered how fear shapes your reality and what it takes to overcome it? Discover how to turn fear and anxiety into powerful tools for personal growth and success. In this empowering episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter and guest Jana Osta, a hypnotherapist and Kundalini yoga teacher, explore practical strategies for managing anxiety, trusting intuition, and finding balance in life.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding fear: Learn about the evolutionary purpose of fear and how it manifests in modern life (02:14)
• Mindfulness techniques: Explore the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise and 4-7-8 breathing technique for anxiety relief (23:45)
• Intuition and decision-making: Discover how to tap into your gut feelings and make empowered choices (35:52)
• Balancing energies: Find harmony between structure (masculine) and flow (feminine) in daily life (43:03)
• Practical flow exercises: Get actionable tips to incorporate more spontaneity into your routine (48:47)
• Relationships and control: Learn how applying flow principles can lead to more authentic connections (54:12)

Why Listen:

• Gain a fresh perspective on transforming fear and anxiety into personal growth tools
• Learn easy-to-implement techniques for stress management and grounding
• Discover how to make empowered decisions by tapping into your intuition
• Explore the balance between structure and flow in your daily life
• Get inspired to embrace spontaneity and trust life's process

Connect with Jana Osta
Website
Instagram
YouTube

Work with Jana
Don't miss Jana's offer for a free 45-minute breakthrough session to help you overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams!

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

In this powerful episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter dives deep into the often misunderstood world of grief and healing with expert Parijat Deshpande, MS and founder of Ruvelle.

Together, they explore:

• The universal nature of grief and why all loss is valid
• How to integrate loss into daily life and honour loved ones
• The importance of raising our somatic capacity for emotions
• Cultural perspectives on grief and mourning
• Building empathy and becoming a witness to others' grief
• Practical tips for navigating difficult conversations about loss
• The connection between grief, empathy, and social change

Parijat shares invaluable insights on trauma-informed approaches to healing, challenging societal norms around grief, and empowering listeners to embrace their unique grief journey. Whether you're processing a personal loss or supporting a loved one, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical tools for navigating the complex terrain of grief.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you feeling more connected, empowered, and hopeful in your healing journey.

Join us on the Scenic Route.

Connect with Parijat Deshpande
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Her book
Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

Ready for some real talk about family drama?
Buckle up, buttercup!

In this episode, we're diving deep into the mother of all wounds (pun intended) with the amazing Blanca E. Rodriguez. From Puerto Rican family trauma to untangling the knots of mother-daughter relationships, we're serving up a raw, real, and surprisingly hilarious journey through generational trauma, self-sabotage, mother wounds and becoming your hero.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The mother wound: What it is and why it's such a big freakin' deal
• Breaking the cycle of generational trauma (spoiler: it's possible!)
• How to parent without turning your kids' future therapy sessions into a full-time job
• The power of forgiveness (even when it feels impossible)
• Setting boundaries with family members (because "blood" isn't a free pass to be an asshole)
• Embracing your identity beyond the role of "daughter" or "son".

"You're not your parents' property. You're your own person.
Blanca E. Rodriguez

Key takeaways:

1. Healing family trauma starts with acknowledging your experiences and emotions.
2. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or allowing harmful behaviour to continue.
3. Self-empowerment comes from setting boundaries and prioritizing your own growth.
4. It's never too late to change the narrative and create healthier relationships.

Got thoughts? Wanna share your own family saga? Slide into our DMs or leave a review. We're all ears (and maybe a little bit nosy).


Connect with Blanca E. Rodriguez
Website
Instagram

Dive deeper
Blanca generously offers a complimentary one-hour life coaching session to all listeners. She wants the session to be as helpful to you as it has been for her. Email her to book.

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

In this groundbreaking episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter delves into the transformative power of psychology in mending our fractured society. Join us for an illuminating conversation with Phyllis Leavitt, acclaimed psychologist and author of "America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis."

Key Topics:

• Uncover the profound connection between family dynamics and societal conflicts
• Learn strategies to move beyond the win-lose paradigm in personal and political realms
• Explore the critical role of self-reflection and personal responsibility in societal healing
• Discover practical techniques for fostering empathy and connection across deep divides
• Understand how psychological approaches can resolve conflicts where ideology falls short

Why Tune In:

• Gain insights into how family dynamics shape our societal interactions
• Learn practical conflict resolution techniques you can apply in your personal and professional life
• Discover how to foster unity and understanding in an increasingly divided world
• Understand the psychological roots of social issues and how to address them effectively
• Be inspired to become an agent of positive change in your community and beyond

This episode offers a fresh, psychology-based perspective on addressing our world's most pressing problems. Whether interested in mental health, politics, or personal growth, this conversation provides practical wisdom for creating a more understanding and unified society.

"The goal must not be to decide who's right, but to learn how to listen." – Phyllis Leavitt

Join us on The Scenic Route for a journey towards a more connected and compassionate world.

Connect with Phyllis Leavitt
Website
YouTube

Dive deeper
Download her free PDF, The 6 Secrets to Repairing Relationships after Conflict

Her recent book
America in Therapy

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.

Are you feeling stuck because you're afraid to make the "wrong" choice? Do you find yourself paralyzed by the need for certainty in your life decisions? What if embracing uncertainty could be the key to unlocking your true potential?

In this illuminating episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter sits down with Jessica Ell, a Martha Beck-certified life coach specializing in helping people make hard decisions. Together, they explore the power of embracing uncertainty in personal growth and decision-making.

Key topics include

• The difference between clarity and certainty in life choices
• How family dynamics and societal expectations shape our decision-making
• Techniques for trusting your intuition and overcoming fear-based decisions
• The importance of willingness in facing life's challenges
• Finding joy and purpose beyond traditional success metrics

Key Takeaways

• Clarity, not certainty, is what you need to move forward in life
• Fear often disguises itself as practicality or responsibility
• Trusting your intuition is a skill that can be developed and strengthened
• Embracing non-linear paths can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment
• Past regrets can be valuable data for making better future decisions
• Consistency is only valuable if it's aligned with what truly brings you joy
• Sometimes, the "good-on-paper" choice isn't the right one for you

Jessica shares invaluable insights on navigating life's crossroads, particularly when walking away from "good-on-paper" opportunities. She emphasizes the transformative power of embracing the unknown and trusting your inner guidance.

Whether you're facing a major life decision, feeling stuck in your career, or simply curious about personal growth, this episode offers practical wisdom for embracing uncertainty and living a more authentic life.

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion and discover how stepping off the beaten path can lead to unexpected personal transformation and fulfilment.

Connect with Jessica Ell
Website
Instagram
Her podcast Ill-Advised with Jessica Ell

Dive deeper
Hard decisions and fear of future

_____________________________________________________________________

Desire to find your Scenic Route? Visit jenniferwalter.me — a welcoming space for the emotionally exhausted to rest, discover, and playfully embrace inner peace. Embrace a softer, more fulfilling life today!

For snapshots from Jennifer's scenic route to a softer life come over to

• Instagram
• TikTok

PICK YOUR SCENIC ROUTE AFFIRMATION
Ready to embrace your Scenic Route? Step off the beaten path with the Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck. It's not about the hustle; it's about finding the courage to trust your inner compass and carve a path that's authentically yours.

Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.

👉 Discover Your Scenic Route Affirmation Card
Curious about what insights await you today? Dive in and let your scenic journey unfold, one affirmation at a time.

SHOW SOME LOVE
If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and help me share the soft life message.