Becoming and Belonging Podcast: A Journey of Identity and Culture

Reclaiming Your Authentic Self After Trauma

What does it mean to come home to yourself after years of self-abandonment? What happens when you realize you've spent a lifetime shape-shifting to survive—only to wake up and feel like a stranger to your own soul?
In this episode of Becoming and Belonging, Trauma Recovery Coach Kerri McKenna Reece joins Amy to explore the tender, complicated process of finding your way back to your authentic self. Through personal storytelling and professional insight, they unpack how trauma disrupts identity, how we lose trust in our inner voice, and what it really looks like to reconnect—with compassion, boundaries, and deep inner listening.
If you’ve ever asked, "Who am I, really?" or felt like parts of you have gone quiet just to survive, this episode offers both validation and a path forward. You’ll walk away with tools, language, and a deeper sense of permission to reclaim the you that’s always been waiting.

Healing, Identity, and the Power of Belonging

How do we redefine our identity after major life shifts? In this episode of Becoming and Belonging, trauma therapist and resilience coach Natalie Jovanic shares their transformative journey of healing from childhood trauma, navigating systemic barriers, and reclaiming belonging after immigration.
Natalie integrates IFS-informed parts work, somatic healing, EMDR, and anti-oppressive practices, guiding clients toward self-empowerment. They open up about gender identity, cultural transitions, and the deep grief of losing relationships due to societal labels. This episode is a powerful exploration of healing, curiosity, and the courage to exist as your authentic self.
Key Takeaways:
The impact of systemic trauma on identity and self-worth
How to cultivate curiosity and emotional connection in a disconnected world
Why honoring all parts of yourself is essential to healing
How somatic work and boundary-setting support trauma recovery
Connect with Natalie Jovanic:
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/brighthorizontherapies/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliejovanic/  
Website: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/
 
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#Healing #Identity #Belonging

Discover Who You Are After Divorce

What happens when life forces you to face emotions you’ve been running from? For Jeff Kolez, a painful divorce became the wake-up call that set him on a path of deep self-discovery. In this episode, we explore what it means to heal, grow, and find your true self after the breakdown of a marriage.
Jeff, a former tech professional, shares how his logical, structured mindset wasn’t enough when it came to the emotional complexities of relationships. He opens up about:
How ignoring emotions leads to repeating unhealthy patterns
The importance of self-reflection and personal accountability
Practical tools for navigating the dark night of the soul
How emotional awareness transforms relationships and life itself
If you’re feeling lost after a breakup or divorce, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and start your journey to rediscovery.
🔹 Connect with Jeff and grab his free Divorce Daddy Rebuilt Kit: https://divorce-daddy.com/
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#DivorceSupport #HealingAfterDivorce #EmotionalHealing #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast

From Metrics to Meaning: Redefining Leadership and Culture

Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about emotional awareness. This episode explores how healing unresolved wounds transforms leadership, business culture, and personal growth. Randy Lyman, author of The Third Element, shares his journey from engineer to emotional healing expert, offering insights on:
✨ Why emotional wounds shape our external world✨ How self-awareness improves leadership and decision-making✨ The science behind intuition and the Law of Attraction✨ Why vulnerability is the secret weapon of great leaders
 
🎁 FREE GIFT: Download Randy’s Emotional Healing & Abundance Activation Bundle → https://iamrandylyman.com/abundancebundle 
 
📌 Connect with Randy Lyman:
📖 Website: randylyman.com
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/iamrandylyman
📚 Book: The Third Element https://randylyman.com/the-third-element/ 
 
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#leadership #traumainformed #intuition #growthmindset #lawofattraction #spiritualgrowth #selfleadership

Transforming Identity Before Crisis Strikes

Is your life truly YOURS, or is it built on expectations from others?
In this episode of Becoming and Belonging, I chat with Laura Ferrara, a coach and EFT practitioner who helps women break free from the perfectionist trap and live the life of their dreams.
For years, Laura struggled with feeling stuck, checking all the right boxes but never feeling satisfied. She was waiting for the “perfect moment” to step into her dream life—until she realized that moment had to start NOW.
💡 In this conversation, we explore:
How perfectionism and fear keep us from our true path
The quiet signs of an identity crisis (and how to spot them early)
Small, daily shifts that make transformation feel effortless
The power of EFT tapping for overcoming self-doubt
 
🎁 Free Gift: Laura is offering a fun and stress-busting EFT session for our listeners! 
Follow Laura on Instagram
Website:  lauraferrara.co.uk
I Am Enough EFT Membership
 
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Empowering Authentic Neurodiverse Connections

How do we build relationships that honor neurodivergent needs without forcing compliance?
In this episode, Julie Meyerowitz, a human development and relationship specialist, shares how traditional autism interventions often fall short and why empowering authentic connection is the key to success. As a neurodivergent woman, Julie brings both personal and professional insights into how we can create bridges between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals in a way that fosters mutual understanding, autonomy, and trust.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why mainstream autism interventions need to be rethought✔️ The role of co-regulation in neurodiverse relationships✔️ How to navigate the “static” that disrupts authentic communication✔️ The dangers of compliance-based social skills training✔️ How to help neurodivergent individuals gain personal agency in the world
🎁 BONUS: Julie has provided a free play scale resource to help parents and caregivers understand where their child is developmentally and how to support their growth. Download it here: https://hearmywordsautism.com/free-course/ 
📲 Connect with Julie Meyerowitz🌐 Website: hearmywordsautism.com
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JGMeyz 
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063654596892 
 
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Rediscovering Your Authentic Self Beyond the Job Title

Is your identity tied to your job title? Do you feel pressure to perform, achieve, and meet external expectations—often at the expense of your own well-being?
In this episode of Becoming and Belonging, host Amy Huggins and Cindy Brockway, founder of The Courage Hub, talk about breaking free from self-abandonment and reconnecting with your authentic self beyond your career and roles.
💡 We explore:
✅ Why self-worth ≠ job title✅ How perfectionism and people-pleasing keep you stuck✅ The power of boundaries and mindfulness in creating balance✅ How to build resilience and self-trust
🎁 Grab Boundaries Breakthrough Bundle: Cindy’s powerful mini-course and workbook to help you reclaim your time, energy, and focus!👉 https://simplesolutionssystem.com/boundariesworkbookexp   
🌿 Connect with us:📌 Follow Cindy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindyl.brockway/ 📌 Join Ascension Wellness' Wellness Hub community: https://ascensionwellness.mn.co/admin/landing-page 📌 Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.ascensionwellnesslife.com/becoming-and-belonging-podcast-a-journey-of-identity-and-culture/ 
🎧 Enjoy the episode? Leave a review, share with a friend, and let us know your biggest takeaway!
 
 
 
#MindfulLiving #Boundaries #Authenticity #SelfAcceptance #PersonalGrowth #BecomingAndBelonging

Redefining Yourself After Life Shifts

Life changes can be disruptive, but they also hold the potential for profound growth. In this week’s episode of Becoming and Belonging, Amy Huggins welcomes Holly Hughes, TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and intuitive healer. Holly’s journey of embracing her authentic self through dancing, boundary-setting, and life transitions will inspire you to step into your own power.
Highlights:
The healing power of reconnecting with childhood passions.
Why fun and play are essential parts of self-care.
How to confidently set boundaries and say no.
Tools for navigating the messy middle of personal growth.
Grab Holly's 10 Steps to Say No Checklist! Just mention this episode when you sign up for email list, then look for the list in your inbox.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchlR6ms-8vSh4_VZoppZyAmh2fGe7m88sjRC0pIkuw5vz5DA/viewform
Connect with Holly Hughes: Visit hollyhughesintuitive.com or follow her on Instagram @hollyhughesintuitive.
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Turning Challenges into Growth

In this episode of Becoming and Belonging: A Journey of Identity and Culture, host Amy Huggins and Ernest Wood, a Navy veteran, coach, and author, discuss how challenges can be the ultimate catalyst for growth. Ernest shares about his journey from a troubled upbringing and self-doubt to embracing forgiveness, gratitude, and balance.
Together, Amy and Ernest explore:
How life challenges can lead to personal transformation.
The importance of forgiveness and gratitude in healing.
Practical ways to become more aligned with your authentic self.
***If you’d like to support a great cause, purchase Ernest’s book, Asshole to Awesome: Journey to Joy and Happiness on Amazon. All profits go toward helping individuals in need.***
 
📘 Free Gift: Get a free download of Ernest's book at ernestwood.com.
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Evolving Through Life's Challenges

Life's challenges and transitions offer opportunities for growth. In this episode, host Amy Huggins chats with holistic business coach Rosemary Dede about her transformative journey of moving to Ghana, raising a family, and creating She Tribe, a vibrant community for Black women entrepreneurs. Discover how identity evolves through life’s changes, and learn to redefine success on your own terms.
Highlights:
Moving abroad while discovering identity and community
Building intentional friendships as an adult
The entrepreneurial mindset and growth through change
Using your unique superpower to thrive in business
Grab Rosemary's free Harmony Blueprint for simple steps to align your work and life.
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