This week I’m talking with Erin Washington—author, former college athlete, podcast host, and the founder of “Squats and Margaritas.” Erin is a fierce voice for women breaking free from perfectionism, diet culture, and comparison traps. Her story of going from disordered eating and self-doubt to empowered confidence is raw, real, and refreshing. She teaches women how to create sustainable wellness and lasting joy—without shrinking themselves or their lives.

🌟 What You’ll Walk Away With:

1. Confidence has nothing to do with perfection.
   
   

2. Healing starts when the comparison stops.
   
   

3. Your identity isn’t your body—it’s your energy.
   
   

⏱️ Key Topics + Takeaways with Timestamps

1. Confidence Comes from Owning, Not Fixing
🕐 [08:11]

“I was always striving for this perfection, and when I got there, I still wasn’t happy.”
Explanation:
Chasing perfection creates a cycle of never-enoughness. True confidence is built by honoring progress over performance. The shift from fixing flaws to owning wholeness rewires self-worth from the inside out.

2. Comparison Is the Thief of Healing
🕐 [12:32]

“I had to unfollow the ‘perfect’ moms and start living my real life.”
Explanation:
Healing requires protecting energy from comparison triggers. Constantly measuring against filtered highlight reels feeds shame and erodes joy. Choosing authenticity over aspiration restores inner peace and creates space for meaningful growth.

3. Your Worth Isn’t Measured in Pounds
🕐 [17:45]

“I was finally in a healthy body, but it was still not enough—because I didn’t heal my mind.”
Explanation:
Even external transformation feels empty if internal beliefs remain rooted in scarcity. Sustainable healing happens when identity expands beyond appearance and aligns with truth, joy, and purpose.

💬 Notable Quotes:

“It’s not about the squats or the margaritas—it’s about the freedom to enjoy both.” [20:01]
→ Balance is not the goal—it’s the byproduct of self-acceptance.

“Confidence is a decision, not a destination.” [22:18]
→ You don’t wait to feel worthy—you show up like you already are.

“Your body doesn’t need to be fixed. Your beliefs do.” [25:40]
→ When mindset shifts, everything else follows.

📘 Go Deeper:
Check out Erin’s book Squats and Margaritas: A Journey to Finding Balance and tune into her podcast for real talk on wellness, motherhood, and confidence—minus the BS.

✨ Final Word:
Lasting change doesn’t come from willpower—it comes from healing. And healing begins when perfection is no longer the price of admission. Confidence is available now—not 10 pounds from now, not next year. Now.

Choose you. As you are. Today. 💥

Connections:
Buy From Pain to Purpose: Finding Meaning in the Mess

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Guest Introduction:
On this episode, I’m joined by Megan Walrod—writer, speaker, and transformational guide whose journey from overachieving to aligned living will crack open something deep inside you. Megan walked away from a life that looked “perfect on paper” to rediscover her voice, power, and soul’s deeper calling. What she found? A life of freedom, joy, and magnetic abundance that didn’t require her to hustle, perform, or prove.

🌟 3 Takeaways to Anchor In:

• Real wealth begins with honoring your inner truth.
  
  

• Doing less can actually open the portal to more abundance.
  
  

• Letting go of the “good girl” creates space for authentic power.
  
  

🔑 3 Main Topics with Time Stamps:

1. The Cost of Over-Giving and Performing
⏰ [00:06:10]

“It looked like the dream life, and yet I was feeling more and more empty inside.”

This moment reminds us that external success without inner alignment leads to depletion, not fulfillment. When our energy is tied to validation or performance, we burn out—not just physically, but spiritually. Letting go of over-giving is how we begin to reclaim joy, peace, and power.

2. How Doing Less Becomes a Money Magnet
⏰ [00:17:45]

“I realized the less I did from a place of force, the more space I had for miracles.”

Shifting from hustle to receptivity doesn’t mean giving up ambition—it means aligning energy with intention. When effort is replaced by embodiment, creativity and opportunities multiply. It’s not about stopping, it’s about syncing with a higher rhythm.

3. Breaking the “Good Girl” Spell
⏰ [00:27:30]

“The moment I stopped trying to be liked, I started being respected—and paid.”

Releasing the need to please creates magnetic confidence. True power isn’t loud or aggressive—it’s grounded in self-worth. When the good-girl conditioning fades, bold choices rise. And those bold choices lead to new levels of success and self-expression.

💬 Notable Quote:

“Wealth isn’t just numbers in a bank account. It’s the freedom to be who you truly are.”

This quote reframes abundance in a revolutionary way—one where fulfillment becomes the foundation, not the afterthought. Because when you become the truest version of yourself, life starts meeting you in unexpected, generous ways.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted for Substack, your show notes template, or converted into an Instagram carousel.

Connections:
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This week’s guest is the extraordinary Larry Michel—founder of the Institute of Genetic Energetics, relationship innovator, coach, and author of Lasting: 11 Illuminations and Essential Questions for a Co-Creative, Evolutionary Partnership. Known as the “Love Shepherd,” Larry has spent over three decades reshaping the way people find and build love. His work dives deep into the science of human connection, compatibility, and co-creation.

🔥 This Episode Will Help You:

1. Stop treating love like a transaction and start showing up with truth.
   
   

2. Shift from judgment to curiosity to unlock deeper relationships.
   
   

3. Understand why “preparing” for love is more powerful than repairing it.
   
   

⏱️ 3 Key Takeaways + Topics with Timestamps

1. Love Is Not a Transaction—Stop Playing the Algorithm
⏰ [02:42]

“Anytime we make ourselves a commodity, it's hurting us.”
Explanation:
When love becomes gamified by apps and algorithms, people lose the depth of authentic connection. Reducing ourselves to filters, swipes, and profiles undermines intimacy and reinforces insecurity. Instead, when we approach dating and connection as a human process—not a tech transaction—we reclaim our power to be seen and valued.

2. Chemistry Isn’t the Goal—Clarity Is
⏰ [10:31]

“Chemistry plays a huge role... when it’s on, you’re all doped up on brain chemicals.”
Explanation:
Falling for someone based on “chemistry” alone often leads to distorted decision-making. When your body is flooded with feel-good hormones, it’s easy to miss red flags. By learning how to see clearly through the chemical fog, you can create meaningful, conscious connections rather than ones based purely on dopamine and fantasy.

3. Don’t Repair—Prepare for Real Love
⏰ [25:45]

“85% of professionals are focused on repairing what’s broken... but we need to prepare more than repair.”
Explanation:
Healing shouldn’t begin only after heartbreak. Proactively asking the right questions, cultivating emotional intimacy, and clarifying shared values before problems arise builds resilience. True connection comes from intentional preparation, not reactive fixing.

✨ Notable Quotes:

“Love is not an action. It’s not a verb. Love is your life force.” [26:43]
→ When you remember that love is who you are, you stop seeking it and start expressing it.

“We’ve been conditioned to judge instead of staying in inquiry.” [16:10]
→ Growth happens not when we’re proving ourselves right, but when we stay open to discovering more.

“Be surprised by the truth. That’s where the real magic is.” [17:20]
→ The best connections often come from the unexpected. Stop scripting the story and start listening for what’s real.

Connections:
Visit us: MarniBattista.Com
Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me
Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

In this episode, I sit down with Christine Lang—former New York attorney turned intuitive healer, energy translator, and author of the upcoming book Ask Your Spirit: Receiving Life-Changing Wisdom from Your Elevated Intelligence. Christine has spent nearly 30 years helping people decode the messages from their body, spirit, and nervous system—so they can stop feeling stuck and finally start living in alignment.

We dive deep into how to shift from chronic pain and fear into clarity, confidence, and true prosperity—without bypassing the messy human stuff.

• Pain has a purpose—your discomfort is a wake-up call, not a punishment.
  
  

• When you stop outsourcing answers and tune in, you unlock your truest wisdom.
  
  

• Your nervous system holds the key to lasting abundance, not just mindset work.
  
  

[05:48] “Make space to have the human reaction... when we try to cut that off by doing the spiritual thing of ‘I should just see it as beautiful,’ you're just doing suppression.”
Suppressing emotion under the guise of spiritual bypassing keeps stress trapped in the body. When people allow their emotional "tantrum" without judgment, they regain access to their clarity and personal power. Real healing begins when we acknowledge our humanity instead of shaming it.

[17:40] “Ask: Who do I become around each person? And which version of me do I like better?”
By focusing inward instead of asking disempowering questions like “Why are men like this?” or “What’s wrong with me?”, people begin to access elevated intelligence. Self-inquiry shifts from blame to embodiment—and choices become clearer and more aligned.

[22:31] “Chronic symptoms are emotional stressors in concrete form. They hold a mirror to what you’ve stopped looking at.”
Chronic pain isn’t random or “just aging.” It's often an unresolved emotional loop the body is holding as a signal. When that stressor is decoded, transformation isn’t just physical—it’s energetic. Energy returns, emotional freedom is restored, and decisions become easier to make.

“Sometimes your gifts from the universe come in really shitty wrapping paper.”
“Your spirit isn’t punishing you. It’s coaching you—lovingly—toward the freedom you keep asking for.”
“Every time you say, ‘I have a bad picker,’ your spirit says, ‘No, you’re just not listening yet.’”
“You don’t need to hustle to earn your healing. You need to receive the message.”

Christine’s website: https://www.christinelang.org/
Christine’s book: https://www.askyourspirit.com/book
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In this heartfelt and hilariously real episode of Life Check Yourself, I’m joined by my longtime friend and soul sister Bobbi Palmer. Bobbi became a first-time bride at 47, is now divorced, and back in the dating game at 66—this time with more confidence, peace, and joy than ever. She's a nationally recognized dating coach for women over 40, and in this conversation, we dive into the TRUTH about what dating looks like when you’re grown, wise, and absolutely done with BS.

Whether you’re single, newly divorced, or wondering if it’s “too late” for you (spoiler: it’s not), this episode will have you laughing, crying, and most importantly—believing again.

1. You’re Not Too Late—You’re Right on Time
Love doesn’t expire. The moment you take responsibility and rediscover who you are, the game changes.

2. Fix Your "Man Picker" By Feeling, Not Listing
It’s not about height, salary, or education. It’s about how you feel—safe, respected, sexy, and seen.

3. Control Is an Illusion—Let Go and Let Love In
You don’t have to control how it happens. You just have to show up, do the work, and stay open.

🕒 05:06 – Fall In Love With Your Grown-Up Self

“That woman you were before the hard marriage—she’s still there.”
Before re-entering the dating world, Bobbi shares how the biggest challenge wasn’t external—it was about re-connecting with the part of herself that had been muted. The foundation of any new relationship starts with reclaiming your worth.

🕒 13:30 – How To Know If You’re “Too Picky” or Just Guarded

“You need to feel safe, respected, sexy… That’s what sustains a long-term relationship.”
When fear drives the dating checklist, it turns into control. Real discernment means focusing on emotional connection—not resume details. Filtering by height or alma mater? That’s fear, not standards.

🕒 22:36 – Take Responsibility (Without Shame)

“I was the common denominator in all my failed relationships.”
Healing happens when you stop pointing fingers and start asking better questions. Bobbi’s reframe around her 18-year marriage is powerful: “It wasn’t all bad. I chose it, I learned, I grew—and now I know better.”

“Being brave isn’t not being afraid—it’s moving forward anyway.”

“It’s your fear of rejection that’s getting you rejected.”

“There is a man out there who will love you for exactly who you are.”

This is one of those episodes to bookmark, re-listen to, and send to your sister-friend who’s secretly lost hope.

Whether you’re in a small town, fresh out of a relationship, or feeling like all the good men are taken—Bobbi and I are here to remind you: hope is not foolish, it’s fuel.

🌟 Learn more about Bobbi and grab her free resources at datinglikeagrownup.com
📺 Watch this episode on YouTube for bangs-envy and bonus sass
💌 Subscribe for more episodes that will life check your heart, soul, and inbox

🌐 Learn more about Bobbi at https://datelikeagrownup.pages.ontraport.net/marni
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In this powerhouse episode of Life Check Yourself, I sit down with JM Ryerson—leadership coach, international speaker, and bestselling author of Let's Go Win and Upgrade. JM is the founder and CEO of Let's Go Win and has helped companies double (and sometimes triple!) their revenue by simplifying leadership, alignment, and performance. If you're navigating work stress, team dysfunction, or feeling stuck in victim-mode, this episode is a must-listen.

We dive deep into what it takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of work—especially if you're juggling it all in midlife. From mindset hacks to leadership strategies, JM shares no-fluff wisdom that’ll help you stop spinning your wheels and start winning with intention.

1. Stop Mistaking Activity for Alignment
Being busy doesn’t mean you’re being effective. Clarity and simplicity are the secret weapons for massive growth.

2. Focus Creates Flow
Interruptions are killing your productivity. Protect your energy and time like it’s sacred—because it is.

3. Boundaries Build Freedom
Every 'yes' is a 'no' to something else. Learn how to say no without guilt, and watch your joy, health, and impact rise.

🕒 4:29 – Upgrade Your Mindset, Don’t Resist Change

“Write down how you're feeling… Once it’s out, we can focus on the upside.”
Change is inevitable, but how we interpret it is optional. Writing out your resistance helps you move from reactive to reflective, allowing you to design your next move instead of defaulting to fear.

🕒 10:18 – Turn Off Notifications, Turn On Productivity

“Be intentional about setting boundaries with your time and tasks. It’s not rocket science, but it is discipline.”
Productivity doesn't come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters, undistracted. Design your environment (like JM's no-distraction computer setup) to match your goals, not your temptations.

🕒 21:13 – Every 'Yes' Is a 'No' to Something Else

“People won’t say no to others, but they’ll say no to themselves all day long.”
Boundaries aren't about being selfish—they’re about being in integrity. Saying yes to one more late call might mean saying no to your kids, your rest, or your creative flow. Get clear on your why so your no’s feel empowering, not scary.

“Past is pain, future is anxiety, present is everything.” — JM Ryerson

This episode is your permission slip to slow down, get present, and start winning on your terms. Hit play, take notes, and then take one powerful action to create more harmony, courage, and clarity—starting today.

🎧 Listen now and remember: it’s your responsibility to Life Check Yourself.

📘 Grab JM’s book Let’s Go Win for FREE
🌐 Learn more about JM at letsgowin.com
📲 Follow him on all the platforms and check out his podcast Let’s Go Win
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👤 Guest Introduction:
Sharon Pope is a Certified Master Life Coach, renowned relationship expert, and seven-time internationally bestselling author—including the hit book Stay or Go, which sold over 300,000 copies. She helps women and men heal, transform, or release struggling marriages with radical clarity and compassion. In this episode, Sharon and I unpack how to navigate midlife relationships, especially when you feel like the spark is gone and you’re stuck in a roommate marriage.

1. Clarity Begins with Ownership – Empowerment starts when you take responsibility for your role.
   
   

2. Conflict Isn’t the Problem—Avoidance Is – Difficult conversations are the doorway to deeper intimacy.
   
   

3. Connection Requires Intention – Communicate clearly, calmly, and with purpose.
   
   

1. Embracing Conflict to Deepen Connection
🕒 01:37

“If you're never arguing, that means one of you isn’t telling the full truth.”
Disagreement isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an invitation. The absence of conflict often means someone is silencing their needs. When you choose to lean in instead of retreating, you create an opportunity to understand one another more deeply and build trust that’s rooted in truth.

2. Stop the Blame Loop: Take Radical Responsibility
🕒 04:44

“The minute you own your part... possibilities open up that don’t exist when it’s all someone else’s fault.”
Waiting for someone else to change keeps you in victim mode. Real power comes when you take even partial ownership of your experience. That’s where your influence—and transformation—lives. It’s not about blame. It’s about reclaiming your power.

3. Mastering Difficult Conversations with Clarity & Calm
🕒 12:02

“Don’t follow them down the branch. Keep the main thing, the main thing.”
When emotions escalate, it’s easy to veer off course. But maintaining your original intention keeps the conversation anchored. Set your intention, speak from your experience, and invite the other person to talk first. This keeps you grounded, diffuses defensiveness, and opens the door to genuine connection.

“Clear is kind. Direct doesn’t mean bitchy—it just means clear.”
Being direct isn’t rude. It’s revolutionary. Women are taught to be accommodating, but clarity is one of the most loving things you can offer in any relationship. Especially when you're rewriting your marriage, communication is the cornerstone.

Whether you’re navigating empty nesting, midlife reinvention, or just wondering if your marriage is meant to last, this conversation gives you tools to reconnect—starting with yourself.

💌 For more wisdom from Sharon Pope, visit sharonpope.com or check out her free gift at sharonpopefreetraining.com

🛑 And remember: Avoidance isn’t peace—it’s delay. Speak. Heal. Connect. Repeat.

🖤 Until next time, keep life-checking yourself.

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• "Sharon's Latest Books - https://sharonpope.com/books

• Website - https://www.sharonpope.com

• Truth & Clarity Session - https://clarityformymarriage.com/truth-clarity?_atid=hNu1mk4d0r3qdkB4FZzahVywTftqZO