Free To Be Me

In this engaging podcast episode, host Karen Pawley introduces Kim Ballantine, a remarkable woman who has overcome tremendous challenges in her life. The discussion traverses the profound impact of spasmodic dysphonia on Kim, a condition that severely affected her ability to speak. Despite the devastation and isolation that came with losing her voice, Kim shares how she was able to maintain hope and humor through her journey. She talks about the importance of choosing a positive response amidst adversity, highlighting the role of her supportive family and her choices to continue engaging with the world. Kim also reflects on the public's varied reactions to her condition and shares anecdotes that illustrate her resilience and determination to maintain a sense of normalcy and joy in her life. Through her experiences, Kim demonstrates the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive community in overcoming life's challenges.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Kim Ballantine Website & Instagram & Facebook & YouTube Story
Book: Hot Tea & Apricots written by Kim Ballantine
 

In this episode host Karen Pawley initiates an exploration of personal authenticity and self-discovery, setting a reflective tone for listeners on their own journeys. Karen shares her experiences of recent life transitions, particularly the notion of 'purging'—a process of letting go of the unnecessary to create room for self-awareness and healing, which can initially evoke feelings of insecurity or loss. She encourages listeners to introspect on the reasons behind their attachments and the underlying fears of rejection or inadequacy, proposing that such self-probing can ultimately lead to self-acceptance and love. Karen is joined by guest Kristin Quattlebaum, who shares her transformative journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighted by a shift in her professional identity from a 'purpose guide and healer' to a 'truth seer and shadow alchemist.' Kristin delves into her nomadic lifestyle post-2020, emphasizing how it enabled her to deepen her self-trust, connect with diverse people, and experience spiritual growth by interacting with different lands. Through their dialogue, they underscore the importance of embracing life's uncertainties, allowing intuition to guide personal and professional evolutions.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Kristin Quattlebaum Website & Instagram & YouTube & Podcast

The focus of this conversation between host, Karen Pawley and guest Kim Knievel rests on the process of deconditioning and how it allows individuals to become creators of their own life experiences. Karen emphasizes the importance of living life fully every day rather than postponing happiness and fulfillment to a distant future or rare moments free from responsibility. Karen reflects on her own journey through conditioned beliefs that kept her confined within an unsatisfying lifestyle. Highlighting the profound influence of human design on her deconditioning journey, Karen introduces her guest Kim, an intuitive coach with a background in corporate communications and athletics. Kim shares her transformative journey, detailing how she transitioned from a corporate career driven by external validation to pursuing spiritual practices and eventually launching her own business centered on the Akashic Records—a practice she found profoundly impactful. Together, Karen and Kim explore themes of intuition, the courage to act on inner insights, and the necessity of deconditioning from societal expectations to embrace a life grounded in authenticity and self-awareness.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Kim Knievel Website & Substack
Book: How to Read the Akashic Records by Linda Howe

In this episode of the Free-to-be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley celebrates three years of living in the U.S. and reflects on the unpredictable nature of life, emphasizing how its unexpected twists and turns can lead to personal growth, resilience, and clarity. She welcomes guest Nikki Wilson, who shares her own journey through significant life changes, including a career shift and navigating midlife as a breast cancer survivor. Nikki, now the Director of Studies at the Health Coaches Academy and a Director for a group of dialysis clinics, discusses the importance of balance, self-care, and the lessons learned from both professional and personal experiences. She highlights how facing health challenges spurred her to reassess her priorities, leading to a deeper appreciation for life and the motivation to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The conversation between Karen and Nikki encapsulates the podcast's mission to explore the light and dark of life's journey, underscoring the power of stories and the connections forged through shared experiences and resilience.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Nikki Wilson Facebook
Renal-SA Facebook
Health Coaches Academy Facebook

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Petro, a transformation coach and Reiki master, who shares her transformative journey through life's adversities, including the loss of her best friend, personal trauma, and the struggle with self-worth and limiting beliefs. Through her narrative, Danielle emphasizes the significance of internal healing, the power of storytelling, and the journey back to one's true self. She advocates for the importance of inner work, self-compassion, and the realization that individuals possess the strength and capability to heal themselves. This podcast episode serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the resilience and transformation possible when individuals embrace their authentic selves and embark on a path of healing and self-discovery.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Danielle Petro Website & Instagram
 

This episode shines a light on the transformative power of self-discovery, the importance of mental health, and the impact of mentoring and supporting women through their struggles and journeys toward self-acceptance and empowerment. Host Karen Pawley, alongside guest Gucci Erasmus, delve into the realms of inner work, women empowerment, and the power of embracing one's true self. Karen sets the stage by sharing profound words by Nicola Jane Hobbs, emphasizing the desire to be remembered not for stress or exhaustion but for joy, compassion, and living peacefully and authentically. Gucci shares her remarkable journey, including the origin of her unique name, her experiences living across different cultures, and how she became a beacon of resilience and change management. Her story intertwines personal challenges, professional growth, and the commitment to mental health and women's empowerment, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to leverage her experiences for the betterment of others. 
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Gucci Erasmus Website & Instagram & Substack

In this episode of the "Free-to-be-me" podcast, host Karen Pawley engages in a captivating exploration of astrology with special guest Anya Kotzuba, a seasoned astrologer and coach. The discussion dives into the significance of understanding one's birth chart, emphasizing the importance of the sun, moon, and rising signs as the foundational elements that shape individuals' personalities and life paths. Anya shares her personal journey into astrology, highlighting how this ancient practice helped her navigate life's challenges and transitions, particularly during motherhood and significant global shifts like the lockdown. The conversation also touches upon the practical application of astrology in daily life, offering insights into navigating retrogrades and understanding planetary influences. Karen and Anya's exchange illuminates the empowering aspects of astrology, showcasing it as a tool for deep self-awareness, healing, and personal growth, all while grounding the discussion in relatable experiences and tangible examples that demystify astrology for the modern listener.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Anya Kotzuba Website & Instagram & Facebook

In the latest episode of the "Free To Be Me" podcast, host Karen joyously kicks off season two after a brief hiatus, during which she launched a new website, health2healing.com. The website offers various resources like human design charts and transformation coaching sessions, aiming to guide listeners toward living their healthiest, happiest, and most authentic lives. Karen reflects on the journey of the podcast so far, sharing the profound impact it has had not only on her personal growth but also on her guests and listeners, with powerful stories of transformation and self-discovery emerging through the conversations. She emphasizes the role of human design in understanding oneself better and announces a shift in the podcast's approach to focus more on spontaneity and deep connections with guests. Karen's heartfelt appreciation for her audience's feedback and her anticipation for the shared growth in the new season resonates throughout the episode, inviting listeners to continue exploring their authentic selves together.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

In this insightful episode, host Karen Pawley interviews Sarah Rusbatch, a distinguished coach specializing in navigating Grey Area Drinking, particularly among women. Sarah, author of the bestselling book "Beyond Booze," shares her personal journey from regular and consistent alcohol consumption to embracing sobriety, illustrating the transformative impact it had on her life and career. Beyond the anticipated physical benefits like weight loss, improved sleep, and better liver health, Sarah emphasizes the profound emotional and mental gains, such as increased self-esteem, confidence, and a deeper connection to oneself. She discusses the importance of understanding the reasons behind one's drinking habits and offers practical advice for those considering an alcohol-free life, such as finding supportive communities and engaging in self-reflective practices. Sarah's story and the success stories of her clients highlight the potential for personal growth and fulfillment that comes from making a conscious choice to change one's relationship with alcohol. Her message is clear: taking a break from alcohol can lead to a happier, healthier, and more authentic life.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Sarah Rusbatch Website & Instagram
Book Beyond Booze
Sponsor Holly and Maple on Instagram & Spoonflower
 

Host Karen Pawley warmly invites us into a heartfelt dialogue with guest Shelagh Lenon, affectionately known as the resident fairy godmother and a mentor in the Daring to Rest Yoga Nidra Facilitators Program. Shelagh shares her personal journey from battling cancer and the transformative power of rest and self-care that led her to embrace a life fully aligned with her essence. Shelagh embodies a blend of the practical and the magical, supporting women in embracing their one wild and precious life through heart-centered entrepreneurship, nurturing rest practices, and the deep healing wisdom of aromatherapy. Through her story of resilience, Shelagh speaks to the importance of acknowledging and making space for fear, the liberating act of loving oneself “warts and all”, and the reciprocal nature of healing and serving others. Her offerings, from Goddess perfumes aligned with moon phases to rose medicine rest circles, emerge as invitations to deepen connections with ourselves, nature, and the manifold possibilities of a life lived with intention and joy.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley Website &  Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Shelagh Lenon Website & Holistic Business Support & 1912 Aromatherapy & Instagram
Lyrics for Aimee Carty One Day You Will Fly Too
Sponsor Holly and Maple on Instagram & Spoonflower