Free To Be Me

In this in-depth, heartfelt episode, Sonja McKaiser, a vibrant Cape Town-based life coach passionate about empowering women over 40 to redefine midlife as a groundbreaking, revolutionary phase, joins me for an enlightening conversation. Delving into topics of radical self-love, emotional expression, and societal pressures, Sonja shares her journey from feeling invisible and shrinking herself to embracing her larger-than-life presence with unapologetic confidence. She highlights the transformative power of granting oneself permission to take up space, to feel deeply, and to express emotions freely, advocating for the healing potential of community, vulnerability, and authentic connection. Through practices like gratitude, intentional moon circles, and embracing a variety of experiences, Sonja illustrates how embracing one's full emotional spectrum and rejecting societal norms about aging can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment. Her story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the vibrancy of living true to oneself, and the magic that unfolds when women come together to support, witness, and empower one another.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley on Instagram & LinkedIn
Guest Sonja McKaiser on Instagram & Website & Midlife Experiment Facebook Group
Book by Sonya Renee Taylor The Body is not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love
Sponsor Holly and Maple on Instagram & Spoonflower
 

This week's Free to Be Me podcast episode features Zoe Kanat, a certified meditation teacher and yoga nidra guide. We discuss the importance of women becoming the creative leaders of their lives by acknowledging their feelings and being present in their bodies.Through personal anecdotes and discussions the episode encourages listeners to embrace rest, playfulness, and creativity to thrive and make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. Zoe's work, including her courses on Insight Timer, aim to awaken the beauty within each person and spread it to the world, highlighting the power of connection, storytelling, and mutual support in fostering personal and collective well-being.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley on Instagram & LinkedIn
Guest Zoe Kanat on Instagram & Website & Insight Timer
Book by Karen Brody Daring to Rest
Sponsor Holly and Maple on Instagram

In this podcast, Abigail shares her journey of embracing change, exploring creativity, and navigating life's transitions. Initially focused on her photographic business, she highlighted the importance of letting go and being open to new experiences. The move to the United States, where she couldn't work due to visa restrictions, propelled her into a period of self-discovery and experimentation. This period led her to write a children's book, inspired by her pet sitting adventures and connections with nature. Abigail's story is a testament to finding one's path through change and embracing the seasons of life. She emphasizes the significance of grounding, exploring one's creativity, and the liberating feeling of minimalism and letting go of physical belongings. 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley on Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn
Guest Abigail on Instagram 
Book by Karla McLaren The Art of Empathy
Sponsor Holly and Maple on Instagram & Spoonflower
 

In the episode of the Free To Be Me podcast, Karen shares an engaging and heartfelt conversation with her long-time friend Karen Lowe. They delve into a range of topics from embracing life's journey, reflections on personal growth, to the significance of rest and dreaming big. Karen speaks candidly about her experiences with friendship, the pressures of the working world, and finding joy in creativity, strategy, and connections. She reveals her aspiration for a future where women experience a sustainable work environment that doesn't compromise their capacities. Karen also highlights the importance of allowing oneself to dream and the transformative power of recognizing and celebrating one's achievements. Their discourse further explores the value of solitude, nature, and independence in fostering personal fulfillment and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to others' lives. The conversation is imbued with wisdom on personal growth, the importance of vulnerability and self-love, and the pursuit of a more fulfilled, joyful life.
 
Links to find:
Host Karen Pawley on Instagram 
Guest Karen Lowe on LinkedIn
4dayweekSA on  Instagram
Human Energy Work on Instagram
Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed
Sponsor Holly and Maple on Instagram

This episode of the podcast features a deep and insightful conversation between the host, Karen, and Dr. Sharon Hoffman, focusing on the journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and authentic living. Dr. Hoffman shares her journey from being highly curious and questioning the world around her, through her academic pursuits in psychology and consciousness, to her career transitions from clinical training, corporate America, and eventually finding her current path in public speaking, writing, and mentoring. She emphasizes the importance of aligning with one's authentic self, leveraging intuition, and embracing the present moment to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. The discussion also touches on the concept of Human Design, exploring how individual traits and predispositions can influence one's life choices and interactions with the world. Throughout the conversation, there is a recurring theme of fostering inner peace and compassion, both within oneself and towards others, as a means to contribute positively to collective consciousness and societal evolution.
 
Host Karen Pawley on Instagram
Connect with Dr. Sharon Hoffman:
Website - for live speaking events / 1:1 private coaching
Clubhouse (Wed 6pm & Sat 8:30am PST)
Articles on Medium
Facebook 
Instagram 
Free guided visualization audio 
Free guided wisdom reset audio
 
Institute of Noetic Science
Katherine May’s book Enchantment - Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age
Holly and Maple on Instagram

In this episode of the Free to be Me Podcast, I invite Kara Okane to discuss the intertwining of various life aspects such as psychological health and self-realization through a balance of action and reflection. Kara, a mom and wife living in LA, has worn many hats over the years such as a marriage and family therapist, a yoga instructor and a retreat host. She shares her journey of growth and self discovery from feeling misunderstood, isolated and emotionally shut down to one of healing and harmony. We delve into the concept of human design, specifically the Reflector type which Kara identifies with, highlighting the importance of taking time to make decisions and how this approach has profoundly impacted her life, including overcoming infertility and leading a fulfilled life. The episode begins with a reading from the book "Burning Woman" by Lucy Pearce, which sets the tone for a conversation on empowerment, setting boundaries, and giving oneself permission to disengage and recharge.
 
Find the host Karen Pawley on Instagram
Find Kara Okane’s Website
Find Sil Reynolds’ Website
Find Lucy Pearce’s book Burning Woman 
FindHolly and Maple on Instagram

In the inaugural episode of the Free to be Me Podcast, I,  Karen Pawley introduce the essence of the show and my vision for sharing women's stories. As a South African born holistic health and wellness coach now residing in the Bay Area of California, I aim to explore the multifaceted life experiences of women, embracing both their struggles and their triumphs. With a personal history steeped in a love for stories and reading, I believe that conversations can weave a rich tapestry of perspectives, and this belief serves as the foundation for this podcast. The podcast promises to cover a wide range of topics, and while this episode is me, alone, all future episodes will include various guests. The central theme revolves around the inward journey to self-discovery, self-love, and the holistic integration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. My mission is to inspire listeners to look for answers within and to nurture a deeper connection with themselves, offering stories as inspiration for a healthier, freer life.
 
Find the host Karen Pawley on Instagram
Find Holly and Maple on Instagram