Explore every episode of the podcast Ordinary To Badass

Have you ever watched a man get credit for an idea that came out of your mouth five minutes earlier?

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Or noticed that the women around you somehow became the party planner, office therapist, note taker, and scheduler—on top of the job they were actually hired to do?

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In this episode, we're talking about the rules of the game nobody explains when you work in a predominantly male industry. The unwritten rules. The invisible expectations. The things that affect your career, credibility, and leadership opportunities—but somehow never make it into the training manual.

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You'll learn:

• Why many women end up with a second, unofficial job description
• What to do when your ideas are ignored until someone else repeats them
• How to walk the tightrope between being "too soft" and "too aggressive"
• Why some people get exceptions—and others don't
• How to adapt to the room without losing yourself in the process

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I also share a personal story about advocating for myself during one of the hardest periods of my career and what it taught me about speaking up, asking for help, and navigating systems that weren't built with us in mind.

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If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or exhausted from carrying responsibilities nobody acknowledges, this episode is for you.

...

Because you're not behind.

You're probably just missing the guidebook nobody gave you.

Connect with Marie:
DM "COMMUNITY" on Instagram @ordinarytobadass to join the free community for women in predominantly male industries.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonates. The more women we get in the room, the faster we change it. 

How many opportunities have you talked yourself out of because you didn't feel ready?

...

In this flashback episode, I sit down with mindset coach, personal trainer, and Girls on the Run Long Island Chairperson Nancy Feinstein to talk about confidence, self-doubt, and why waiting until you feel ready might be the very thing keeping you stuck.

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Nancy shares how she rebuilt her life after divorce, overcame stage fright, transitioned into a completely new career, and learned that confidence doesn't come before action—it comes because of it.

We also dive into:
✔ Why "yet" might be the most powerful word in your vocabulary
✔ The hidden cost of waiting for perfect timing
✔ How to stop comparing yourself to everyone else
✔ Why messy action beats perfection every time
✔ Practical mindset shifts that can help you move forward even when you're scared

If you've been waiting for more confidence before making your next move, this conversation is your reminder that confidence is built in the doing—not the waiting.

Connect with Marie:
Instagram: @ordinarytobadass

Enjoying the podcast?
Leave a review and share this episode with a woman who needs the reminder that she doesn't have to feel ready to get started.

If being direct feels mean, this episode is for you.

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Many women are taught from a young age to be agreeable, accommodating, and keep the peace. Then they step into leadership and discover that clarity, accountability, and difficult conversations are part of the job. That tension can make leadership feel uncomfortable.

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In this episode, Marie Sonnemann breaks down why directness often feels so hard for women, how passive communication creates more anxiety than clarity, and why avoiding conflict doesn't make you kind, it makes you unclear.

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You'll learn:

• Why directness is often the kinder leadership choice
• How passive-aggressive communication damages trust
• What employees really need during difficult conversations.
• The difference between being nice and being clear
• Why strong leaders create clarity while weak leaders create confusion
• How to stop worrying about being perceived as "too much" and start leading with confidence

Marie also shares a personal story about navigating a grumpy week, the power of resetting when you're off your game, and why getting back up after a setback is one of the most badass things you can do.

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If you've ever softened your message, over-explained yourself, or worried that being direct would make people dislike you, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and communication.

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Because leadership isn't about being harsh. It's about respecting people enough to tell them the truth.

You were taught not to brag.

Keep your head down. Work hard. Be humble.

And for a lot of high performers—especially women—that sounds like good advice.

The problem?

Leadership can't advocate for work they can't clearly remember.

In this episode, we're talking about one of the biggest career mistakes strong employees make: assuming hard work speaks for itself.

Because evaluations, promotions, and opportunities aren't just based on effort. They're based on what leadership can see, explain, and defend.

✨ Theme: Visibility & Advocacy

We're talking about why great employees often get weaker evaluations than they deserve, why documenting your impact isn't bragging, and how to make sure your contributions don't disappear into someone else's memory.

You'll hear:

🔥 Why your boss remembers far less of your work than you think

💡 The "fraction problem" that causes high performers to get overlooked

💬 How to document your impact without sounding arrogant, awkward, or self-promotional

If you've ever felt like your evaluation didn't fully reflect your contributions—or you've wondered why someone with similar performance seems to get more recognition—this episode is for you.

🎁 Grab the free resources at ordinarytobadass.com

💬 DM me on Instagram @ordinarytobadass and tell me: What's one accomplishment your boss might not know about?

⭐ And if this episode helped you rethink visibility, I'd love for you to rate and review the show. It helps more women find the strategies they need to become the obvious choice for promotion—without becoming someone they're not.

Most employees think:
“if I work hard enough, leadership will notice.”

That’s not how promotions work.

In this sprint episode, I break down:

• why high performers get stuck
• how bosses actually evaluate leadership
• the “fraction problem”
• and why hard work alone can quietly sabotage your career.

Most women were taught:
“Keep your head down.”
“Work hard.”
“Don’t brag.”

Meanwhile… promotions are being decided in conversations happening behind closed doors. 👀

In this episode, I’m breaking down:
⚡ Why visibility feels so uncomfortable for high-performing women
⚡ The difference between bragging vs. strategic communication
⚡ Why your boss can’t confidently back what they can’t clearly explain
⚡ The mistake I made with a future leader that later hurt my promotion opportunities
⚡ The “flashlight” analogy that changed how I think about career growth forever

Plus…
I share a leadership fail involving one of my best employees that taught me a brutal lesson:

👉 Silence creates stories.

If you’ve ever struggled to talk about your accomplishments without feeling cringey, fake, or egotistical…

This episode is for you. 💥

Listen now.

You can join the masterclass Behind Closed Doors by clicking the link below

go.ordinarytobadass.com/joinbcd

Have you ever had someone say something at work… and technically it’s fine… but it lands completely wrong?

In this episode, I break down the difference between what people say and what they actually imply—and why that’s where so much workplace friction comes from.

From a coworker questioning me like he had authority… to a vendor who couldn’t answer a simple question without being condescending… we’re getting into tone, assumptions, and the real reason these interactions feel off.

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If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “What the hell was that?”—this one’s for you.

Plus, I’m sharing how I handle it without blowing things up or staying silent.

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If you’re realizing this isn’t just a one-off thing—and you want to get better at handling these moments in real time—I’m running a free masterclass on this.

I’ll show you exactly how to communicate your value at work without overthinking every word or second-guessing yourself.

You can grab your spot here:https://go.ordinarytobadass.com/signs

You learned to work twice as hard to prove yourself…
...…but what if that’s the exact thing holding you back?

Think working harder gets you promoted?
...Think again.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the quiet truth most people don’t realize until it’s too late:

👉 The people getting promoted aren’t always the hardest workers
...👉 They’re the ones who are easiest to choose

If you’ve been the one who:

• Takes on more
• Handles everything
• Keeps things running behind the scenes

…and still gets overlooked?

...

This episode is going to hit.

✨ Theme: Visibility & Advocacy

We’re talking about the shift from:
...👉 working harder → to being seen clearly
...👉 proving yourself → to being the obvious choice

🔥 Why “working twice as hard” is actually working against you
...💡 What your boss is really using to decide who gets promoted
...💬 The subtle shift that makes your impact visible—without feeling fake

...

And if this episode has you thinking:

“Okay… so what SHOULD I be doing instead?”

...

I’ve got you.

🎁 Join my free live masterclass:
What Actually Decides Promotions (Behind Closed Doors)

I’ll walk you through:
👉 What your boss is actually looking for before they promote someone
👉 Why hard work alone isn’t getting you picked
👉 How to make your work visible without being loud or fake
👉 The shift that makes you the obvious choice

👉 Save your seat here: https://go.ordinarytobadass.com/joinbcd-now

💬 If this hit you, DM me “MOVE UP” on Instagram
⭐ And if you’ve ever been overlooked but know you’re capable of more—leave a review. You’re not the only one.

You’ll hear:

Most people think they need more confidence to take action.
...But what if that’s not the problem?

...

In this episode, we’re flipping the script.

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Because the truth is—you already know what to do. You’ve felt it in those quiet moments, in your gut, in that nudge you keep second-guessing. The issue isn’t a lack of confidence… it’s that you’ve been taught not to trust yourself.

...

We talk about:

• Why you keep overthinking decisions you already know the answer to
• How constantly seeking validation is eroding your self-trust
• The real relationship between intuition and confidence (and why most people get it backwards)
• Simple ways to start reconnecting with your inner knowing

If you’ve ever felt stuck, indecisive, or unsure of your next move—this episode will help you see that you’re not broken… you’ve just been ignoring the most reliable guidance you have.

Hit play and start trusting yourself again.

Ever walked away from a work conversation thinking, “Nothing they said was wrong… so why did that feel off?” In this episode, we unpack the quiet, often invisible shifts that happen when you step into leadership—especially the ones no one prepares you for. From changing team dynamics to subtle disrespect, repeated ideas, and that “tone” you can’t quite call out, this is the stuff that stacks up.

You’ll hear real stories—from losing casual friendships after a promotion to navigating moments where you’re talked down to without it being obvious. More importantly, you’ll learn how to handle it without shrinking or snapping. Because the real skill isn’t just confidence—it’s having the language to respond in the moment.

If you’ve ever replayed a conversation wishing you’d said something differently, this one’s for you.

Reach out to me on IG @Ordinarytobadass and tell me if you can relate.

What if the reason your life doesn’t feel aligned… isn’t because you’re doing it wrong—but because it was never really yours to begin with?

Think growth is about becoming better, stronger, more confident?
Think again.

In this remix episode, Kathrin Fox—a transpersonal psychologist and coach—dives into what it really takes to peel back the layers of conditioning, expectations, and autopilot living… so you can finally reconnect with who you actually are.

From feeling unseen and out of place… to building a life rooted in truth, values, and self-trust—this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, leadership, and even yourself.

✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs

We’re talking:

• Why so many high-achieving women still feel disconnected
• The hidden patterns running your life (without you realizing it)
• How slowing down might be the most powerful move you can make

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why reacting isn’t the same as choosing—and how to take your power back
💡 The role your values play in clarity, confidence, and decision-making
💬 What it actually looks like to peel back the layers and come home to yourself

This isn’t about fixing yourself.

It’s about realizing…
you were never broken to begin with.

💬 If this hit you, DM me “BADASS” on IG @ordinarytobadass
⭐ And if you loved it, rate + review—it helps more women step into their power

You did everything right.
...Worked hard. Stayed low-key. Easy to work with.

So why are you still not the obvious choice for promotion?

Because this isn’t a confidence problem.
...It’s a visibility problem.

In Part 2 of this series, we flip the script.

You’ll learn why being “easy to work with” is quietly holding you back—and what actually gets you promoted instead. (Hint: it’s about becoming the safest bet in the room.)

We’re breaking down:

• The real difference between being liked vs. being trusted with more
• Why promotions are risk decisions (not rewards for hard work)
• The dangerous gap between what you do and what your boss actually sees
• 3 powerful shifts to go from reliable → promotable
• How to start translating your work so leadership gets it

And if you’ve ever felt overlooked—even though you KNOW you’re capable—this episode is going to change how you show up starting today.

Because you don’t need more confidence.
...You need to be more understood.

🎧 Listen now—and then send this to the woman who’s been doing everything right but still isn’t being seen.

Click the link below to get in the classhttps://go.ordinarytobadass.com/joinbcd

You learned to blend in to survive… but leadership requires you to stand out.

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Think working hard, staying low-key, and “fitting in” is the path to promotion?
...Think again.

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In this episode, we’re diving into the invisible rules women learn in predominantly male industries—and how those same rules start working against you the moment you step into leadership.

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Because here’s the truth:
...The behaviors that helped you succeed early on—being agreeable, adaptable, and easy to work with—can quietly hold you back when it’s time to lead.

...

This is career advice most people won’t say out loud.

✨ Theme: Mindset + Leadership Awareness

We’re talking about:

• The pressure to assimilate at work (and why you didn’t even realize you were doing it)
• The leadership double bind women face once they step into authority
• Why leadership can feel confusing, exhausting, and like you’re constantly getting it “wrong.”

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why fitting in feels safe—but costs you more than you think
💡 The moment the “rules” flip—and what that means for your career
💬 The powerful shift from blending in to leading on your own terms

If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to be taken seriously…
...or like leadership suddenly changed the rules on you…

You’re not broken.
...You’ve just been playing a game no one explained.

🎁 Want to understand how promotion decisions are really made?
...Join my masterclass: Behind Closed Doors
...👉 ordinarytobadass.com/behind-closed-doors

💬 DM me on Instagram @ordinarytobadass and tell me—where have you felt this show up in your career?

⭐ And if this episode hit home, share it with another woman who needs to hear this. Because we’re not doing this alone anymore.

Life doesn’t always go the way we planned.

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Sometimes the path completely changes—and we’re left figuring out who we are on the other side.

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In this Flashback episode of Ordinary to Badass, I sit down with Michelle Lauren Anderson, a burn survivor who experienced burns over 91% of her body at just two years old.

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What followed was a lifetime of surgeries, physical challenges, and emotional healing—but also a powerful journey of reclaiming her story.

Michelle shares how surviving trauma shaped her perspective on strength, identity, and resilience—and why being “tough” isn’t always the same thing as being strong.

...

This conversation dives into what it really looks like to move from surviving… to thriving.

✨ Theme: Resilience Stories

In this episode we talk about:

🔥 The difference between toughness and true emotional strength
...💡 How to set boundaries when people ask about your trauma
...💬 Why reclaiming your story is one of the most powerful things you can do
...🐎 How passion (like Michelle’s love for horses) can help you heal and move forward

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Michelle also shares the concept of “rehearsed responses”—a tool burn survivors use to confidently respond to difficult questions from others.

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If you’ve ever felt like your past defines you, this conversation will remind you that you get to author your own story.

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Because being a badass isn’t about pretending everything is fine.

...

Sometimes it’s about facing the hard things—and choosing to rise anyway.

Connect with Michelle:
Website: SurvivorNotVictim.com

—

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave a review.

To your Badassery,

Think confidence comes first?

Think again.

In this flashback episode of Ordinary to Badass, Marie revisits a powerful conversation with Laquita Monley — speaker, coach, and Army wife — who shares how life experiences, identity struggles, and unexpected challenges helped her discover the strength she already had inside.

Laquita’s journey didn’t start with confidence.

It started with a wake-up moment that forced her to realize she had lost her identity after years of defining herself by roles — wife, mother, daughter — instead of who she truly was.

From raising five children to navigating military deployments and rebuilding after major setbacks, Laquita learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship.

It’s about changing your perspective.

✨ Theme: Resilience & Mindset Shifts

In this episode we talk about:

🔥 Why losing your sense of identity can become the moment that transforms you
💡 How perspective can turn life’s hardest situations into opportunities for growth
💬 Why asking for help is actually one of the strongest things you can do
🔥 The mindset shift that helps you push past imposter syndrome

If you’ve ever felt like you’re figuring things out as you go… this conversation will remind you that you’re stronger than you think.

Because sometimes the most powerful transformation doesn’t happen when life gets easier.

It happens when you start seeing yourself differently.

🎧 Connect with Laquita:
https://www.laquitamonley.com

💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that she’s stronger than she thinks.

⭐ And if you enjoy the show, don’t forget to rate and review Ordinary to Badass so more women can find these stories and step into their own power.

We’re taught that resilience looks like confidence.
Certainty.
Toughness.
Never doubting yourself.

But that’s not real life — especially if you work in a high-pressure or predominantly male environment.

In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, I break down what resilience actually looks like when you’re in the middle of it — not after you’ve “figured it out.” Not when things feel clean or resolved. But when you’re doubting yourself, replaying decisions, feeling overwhelmed, and still showing up anyway .

This isn’t an Instagram-worthy definition of resilience.
It’s the kind you don’t usually get credit for.

Inside this episode, we talk about:

• Why resilience isn’t about being confident — and never was

• How doubting yourself doesn’t mean you’re weak (it means you’re human)

• The mistake most women make by downplaying everything they’ve survived

• Why hard things — not comfort — are what actually build strength

• How self-trust is built through action, not certainty

• Why rest and recovery are leadership skills, not rewards

I also share personal stories — from second-guessing myself early in my career to pushing through moments that didn’t feel resilient at the time, but absolutely were .

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I should be over this by now.”

• “Other people have it worse.”

• “If I were really resilient, this wouldn’t bother me.”

This episode is for you.

Because resilience isn’t something you earn later.
It’s something you’ve been demonstrating the whole time — even if no one ever taught you to recognize it.

🎧 Listen now and ask yourself one simple question:
What have you survived that you’ve never given yourself credit for?

Save your seat at the Masterclasshttps://go.ordinarytobadass.com/joinbcd

A failed promotion can mess with your head—even when you know you’re qualified.

...

Suddenly you’re replaying conversations, questioning your value, and wondering what you missed or what’s wrong with you. And if you work in a predominantly male industry, that spiral can feel even heavier.

...

In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, Marie breaks down what a promotion setback actually does to your mindset—and how to stabilize yourself emotionally without pretending it didn’t hurt.

...

We talk about:

• What self-worth really means (and why it’s not the same as confidence)

• How to separate your career performance from your personal value

• Why a promotion decision doesn’t define your leadership potential

• What to do when your confidence takes a hit after being overlooked

• Practical ways to rebuild internal trust after a failed promotion

• How women in predominantly male workplaces can stop internalizing rejection

This isn’t about toxic positivity or “just trying harder.”

...

It’s about grounding yourself after disappointment, reclaiming your value, and deciding your next career move from a clear, steady place—not a wounded one.

If you didn’t get the promotion and you’re trying to get your footing back, this episode is for you.

Check out Behind Closed doors ordinarytobadass.com/behind-closed-doors

Everyone says, “Just be more confident.”
...But no one tells you how confidence actually gets built—especially when you’re a quiet leader in a high-stakes environment.

...

In this Badass Debrief, I’m breaking down the real lesson from last week’s conversation with leadership strategist Traci Austin—and translating it into something you can actually use.

This episode isn’t a recap.
...It’s the reframe most women miss.

...

We’re talking about:

• Why confidence doesn’t come before opportunity—it comes after evidence

• How self-doubt shows up when your brain forgets your wins

• The hidden cost of waiting to “feel ready”

• Why awareness often feels like insecurity (but is actually executive-level thinking)

• How to start building confidence without changing who you are

...

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I know I’m capable… but I hesitate”

• “I freeze when it’s time to speak up”

• “I need to feel more confident before I go for it”

This episode will change how you see yourself—and how you move next.

...

🎯 Plus, I’m giving you one simple action to start building confidence the way leaders actually do: with receipts.

And if you want help turning your proof into words—especially in high-stakes conversations at work—I’ll tell you exactly where to go next.

...

Because confidence isn’t something you wait for....

It’s something you build on purpose.

👉 Listen now and start trusting what you already know.

Think you need one more certification, one more year, or one more sign before you go after the role you want?

Think again.

In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, I’m joined by leadership coach and HR expert Traci Austin for a powerful conversation about confidence, self-doubt, and why so many high-performing women underestimate their own qualifications.

This is real, practical career advice for women in predominantly male industries who are tired of playing small, waiting to feel “ready,” and talking themselves out of opportunities they’ve already earned.

From a live coaching role-play to mindset shifts that change everything, Traci breaks down how to separate fear from facts—and start seeing your experience, skills, and leadership potential clearly.

✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Visibility & Advocacy
We’re talking confidence, self-trust, and using smart career advice to position yourself for growth without becoming someone you’re not.

You’ll hear:

🔥 Why self-doubt—not lack of skill—is what keeps women from applying for promotions
💡 How to build proof of your impact so you stop questioning your value
💬 The simple shift that turns “I’m not ready” into “I’ve got this”

If you’ve been searching for honest career advice that actually helps you move forward, advocate for yourself, and step into leadership with confidence—this episode is for you.

🎁 Grab Traci’s Tough Talk Blueprint (link in show notes)
💬 DM me on Instagram @ordinarytobadass if this episode hit home
⭐ And don’t forget to rate + review—help another badass woman find the career advice she needs

All links for this episode can be found in the show notes https://ordinarytobadass.com/429/

Ever had a moment at work where your heart dropped… your blood started boiling… and you wanted to say something—but didn’t know how without risking your reputation?

...

In this episode, Marie shares a real story about finding out in a group meeting that one of her responsibilities had been taken away—without warning. From there, she breaks down why pushing back at work feels so hard for so many women in predominantly male spaces—and how to do it with calm authority instead of apology, emotion, or resentment.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why over-apologizing, emotional dumping, and “silent yeses” hurt your credibility
✔️ How to advocate for yourself without sounding defensive or difficult
✔️ A simple framework for professional, strategic pushback
✔️ What to say when you’re overwhelmed, sidelined, or given unrealistic expectations
✔️ How to protect your time, energy, and reputation at the same time

If you’ve ever frozen in the moment, replayed a conversation all night, or wished you’d spoken up differently—this episode is for you.

You don’t need to be louder.
You need better language.

Press play and learn how to speak up without blowing things up. 💛

Click here

https://stan.store/ordinarytobadass for 8 scripts to push back on your boss.

Most mindset work assumes you need more motivation.

Think again.

In this remix episode, I’m bringing back one of the most grounding, steadying conversations in the Ordinary to Badass vault—my interview with Lorna Green, a yin yoga teacher and NLP master practitioner who blends science-backed mindset tools with deep self-trust.

I’m replaying this episode now because honestly?
I almost didn’t record this week.

I was tired. Bone tired.
And this conversation is the reminder I needed—and maybe you do too.

✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Ambition Without Burnout

This episode is for the woman who’s:

• Doing the work but second-guessing herself

• Mentally exhausted from overthinking everything

• Trying to lead, grow, and show up without burning herself to the ground

You’ll hear Lorna unpack:
🔥 Why your thoughts only have power if you keep feeding them
💡 How to “take your thoughts to court” instead of spiraling
💬 The difference between reacting and responding—and why that matters when you’re tired

This isn’t hype.
It’s the kind of mindset work that keeps you walking—even with a blister.

🎧 Press play if you need permission to slow the mental noise without shrinking who you are.

Most New Year goal setting assumes you need fixing.
...New year. New you. Try harder. Do more.

...

Nope. We’re not doing that here.

...

In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, you'll discover a different kind of reset—one that doesn’t ask you to become someone new, but instead helps you become more of who you already are.

...

This conversation is rooted in one core truth:
Your next level is already in you. We’re just clearing the noise so she can drive.

...

Marie walks through what felt ordinary and what felt badass as she stepped into 2026—from falling into old business patterns, to releasing the pressure to finish everything perfectly, to creating a vision board that finally felt aligned (yes, with a little help from AI and a Walgreens poster print 👀).

...

You’ll hear how to:

• Stop repeating patterns that quietly drain your energy

• Use a Stop / Continue / Start reset instead of overwhelming goals

• Build confidence using a Proof Vault—real receipts for the days your brain gets dramatic

• Reset quarterly instead of waiting until December wondering where the year went

• Reframe “unfinished” as information—not failure

...

This episode is for the woman who:

• Feels organized but still human

• Is tired of beating herself up for not doing “enough”

• Knows she’s capable of more—but wants to access it without burning out

...

You don’t need a new personality.
...You don’t need louder goals.
...You don’t need to be harder on yourself.

...

You just need to become more of you.

You made it.
Day 12 of the 12 Days of Badassery.
...And today, we’re ending with the truth you’ve proven over and over again…
...

you are a woman who overcomes adversity.

...

In this final episode, Marie walks you through the deepest layer of your confidence: the hardships, losses, trauma, challenges, and long seasons of struggle that shaped who you are today. Adversity leaves a mark — not a weakness, but a ring of growth, like the rings of a tree that tell the story of every storm it survived.

...

Inside this episode, you’ll reflect on:

✨ The life-altering challenges you’ve lived through
✨ How you navigated long-term struggle and kept going
✨ The setbacks you bounced back from — even when it didn’t feel like strength in the moment
✨ The moments where criticism, doubt, or failure pushed you to rise
✨ The times you endured heartbreak, loss, or major transitions
✨ The seasons where you surprised yourself with your resilience

...

Marie guides you through powerful journal prompts to help you identify the adversity you’ve already overcome: breakups, financial stress, health challenges, navigating grief, family struggles, friendship loss, heavy emotional seasons, and the difficult chapters that changed you.
...Because these aren’t just memories — they’re proof. Proof of your endurance. Proof of your courage. Proof of your badassery.

...

As Marie says in the episode:
...“You’ve been through some hard stuff. And here you are.”

...

Today, you bring it all together — the fear you faced, the resilience you built, the expectations you defied, the growth you earned, the boundaries you set, the kindness you gave, and now… the adversity you survived.

📘 Grab your FREE Proof of My Badassery journal and complete your Day 12 reflections:
👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12

You are a living, breathing list of accomplishments, courage, and grit.
...Write it down. Keep adding to it.
...And never forget the truth you proved over these 12 days:
You are a badass.

Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and today we’re celebrating a strength most women massively underestimate:

...

Your ability to encourage, support, and lift other people up.

...

You may not realize it, but your words, your belief in others, and your willingness to cheer someone on can change the entire direction of their life. And that is pure, undeniable badassery.

...

In this episode, Marie explores the quiet, powerful ways you’ve already impacted people — from coworkers you’ve uplifted, to friends you’ve supported through hard times, to moments when you saw strength in someone before they saw it in themselves.
...She also shares her own story of becoming a detective sergeant only because others believed in her before she fully believed in herself.

...

Inside today’s reflection, you’ll explore:

✨ Moments you encouraged someone who doubted themselves
✨ Times you reassured a friend, coworker, or family member
✨ How your support created a ripple effect you may never fully see
✨ When your belief in someone gave them the courage to rise
✨ Why helping others is one of the fastest ways to get out of your own head

...

We also talk about the myth of competition among women — especially at work — and why lifting others up doesn’t diminish you; it strengthens you, your community, and your confidence. Encouragement isn’t small. It’s leadership. It’s connection. And it’s one of the clearest proofs of your badassery.

...

Today’s journal prompt invites you to document every time you’ve encouraged someone, supported someone, or made life a little lighter for them. These moments matter. They reveal your character. They show your strength.
...They remind you that your presence in other people’s lives matters.

📘 Download your FREE Proof of My Badassery Journal at:
👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12

You're almost at Day 12.
And look at you — you’ve been a badass in more ways than you ever gave yourself credit for.

Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Days of Badassery — and this one goes deep.
...Today, we’re naming the hard things.
...Not to relive them… but to finally honor the strength they built in you.

...

In this episode, Marie guides you through the challenging moments of your life — the seasons of stress, uncertainty, grief, financial pressure, breakups, parenting struggles, job loss, and the moments you didn’t think you’d get through… but did.
...Because the truth is:
if you’re here listening today, you already survived things past-you didn’t think were possible.

Inside this episode, you’ll explore:

✨ The difficult chapters you downplayed or forgot
✨ How struggle refined your grit, courage, and emotional strength
✨ Why looking back at hard seasons gives you future confidence
✨ The lessons each challenge taught you
✨ The power of asking for help instead of muscling through
✨ How breakthroughs often come after the breakdown

Marie shares her own story of training for her first marathon — a challenge so overwhelming she cried during her long run, questioned everything, and almost quit. Yet pushing through that season taught her she was far stronger than she believed… and that asking for support is sometimes the bravest move you can make.

...

That’s the heart of today’s work:
Your hardest moments shaped you. Your pain taught you. Your challenges built you.
...It’s time to acknowledge them — not with shame, but with pride.

...

Use today’s prompt inside the Proof of My Badassery journal to list the moments where life tested you… and you rose anyway.
...These are not “just stories.”
...They are proof that you are resilient, powerful, and prepared for whatever comes next.

📘 Download your FREE journal at:
👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12

Today, we celebrate not the easy wins…
...but the mountains you climbed when no one was watching.

Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and today we’re celebrating one of your most underrated strengths:
your ability to navigate change.

...

You might not think of yourself as someone who “handles change well,” but your life tells a different story. Every shift, every pivot, every unexpected plot twist you’ve made it through?
...That’s resilience. That’s adaptability. That’s badassery.

In today’s episode, Marie walks you through moments you’ve already lived—moments that prove just how powerful your ability to adjust, grow, and keep going really is.
...From living through a global pandemic to handling personal upheavals, breakups, job changes, and those “I didn’t choose this, but here we go” seasons… you did it. And that counts. A lot.

...

Inside this episode, you’ll reflect on:

✨ Times you embraced change even when it felt impossible
✨ When you focused on what you could control and let the rest go
✨ Moments you broke big problems into small, doable steps
✨ Seasons where change was forced on you — and you still adapted
✨ How taking action (even tiny action) moved you forward
✨ The unexpected ways change shaped your confidence, flexibility, and strength

...

From navigating COVID (something even your grandparents never experienced) to stepping into new chapters in your personal and professional life, you’ve lived through a level of transformation most people never recognize in themselves.
...Today, you finally acknowledge it.

...

Your Proof of My Badassery journal prompt will guide you to write down these moments so you can see the pattern:
every time life shifted, you rose.

📘 Download your FREE Proof of My Badassery Journal at:
👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12

Your story is full of evidence.
...Today you’re finally collecting it.

Welcome to Day 8 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we’re diving into the one practice women put off the longest — and need the most:
self-love.

...

This episode is your reminder that self-love isn’t indulgent, selfish, or soft.
...It’s strength.
...It’s fuel.
...And it’s the foundation of every bold, confident move you make.

...

Today, Marie explores the moments — big and tiny — where you’ve cared for yourself, honored yourself, invested in your healing, or simply given yourself a breath of grace. Whether it was therapy, a walk, setting a boundary, saying “I need a minute,” or whispering a kinder thought to yourself, these moments are proof of how deeply you’re growing.

...

Inside this episode, you’ll reflect on:
✨ The ways you’ve chosen yourself even when it felt uncomfortable
✨ How a little self-love can completely shift your confidence
✨ Why slowing down helps you lead stronger
✨ The small acts of kindness that add up to massive internal change
✨ Marie’s personal stories—from Weight Watchers to hot yoga intentions to becoming the unexpected dog-mom with a stroller (all because… love changes you)

You’ll also hear how one intention — “I love myself” — transformed an entire yoga class and became a new rule for how Marie speaks to herself every day.

...

Today’s journal work inside the Proof of My Badassery companion guide invites you to document the moments where you’ve shown up for yourself, supported yourself, and chosen to treat yourself with compassion. Because self-love isn’t just healing…
...it’s badass.

📘 Download your FREE Proof of My Badassery Journal:
ordinarytobadass.com/12

You deserve the kind of love you give everyone else.
...And today, you finally write it down.

Welcome to Day 7 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we dig into one of the biggest sources of your confidence…
the obstacles you’ve already overcome.

...

And here’s the thing:
...Most women think obstacles have to be huge, dramatic, life-shattering events to “count.”
...But the truth?
...Your power was built in the micro-moments — the small, everyday challenges you pushed through even when they felt overwhelming.

...

Today, we look at:
✨ The obstacles you’ve faced at work, in relationships, and in your personal goals
✨ The mindset shifts and strategies you used to get through them (even if you didn’t realize it at the time)
✨ How challenges reveal strengths you don’t see until you’re on the other side
✨ Why “overwhelmed → action → clarity” is one of your signature badass cycles
✨ How a single boundary-setting email Marie sent changed the course of her confidence forever

From the moments that felt impossible…
...to the ones that simply annoyed you into standing up for yourself (looking at you, condescending contractor 😉)…
...these experiences shaped you in powerful ways.

...

You’ll see how facing obstacles taught you to:
🔥 Speak up
🔥 Adapt
🔥 Push through fear
🔥 Trust yourself
🔥 Build resilience you can now use on command

...

Today’s prompt from the Proof of My Badassery journal guides you through specific obstacles you’ve conquered and the strengths you uncovered because of them. It’s about naming your wins, claiming your growth, and using your past as fuel for your future.

📘 Download your companion journal
Follow along at: ordinarytobadass.com/12

You’ve overcome more than you think.
...Let’s write it down — and own it.

Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we shine a light on something you do far more often than you realize:
...

turning setbacks into comebacks.

...

In this episode, we walk through the real moments—your moments—where things didn’t go as planned… and you rose anyway. Whether it was a failed promotion attempt, a mistake you corrected, a confidence hit you worked through, or a season where you had to ask for help, these are the moments that built your resilience.
...And resilience? That’s pure badassery.

...

Based on the prompts inside your Proof of My Badassery journal, we explore:
...🔥 Times you failed… but tried again (including Marie’s own story of applying for promotions multiple times before finally becoming a Lieutenant)
...🔥 When you shifted your mindset and chose growth over shame
🔥 Moments you adapted, got flexible, or changed your approach
🔥 When you sought support instead of drowning on your own
🔥 Skills you learned because a setback demanded it
🔥 The coping tools you developed that made you stronger than before
🔥 How focusing on what you’re doing right creates confidence momentum

...

This day is about recognizing every single comeback you’ve earned—yes, even the quiet ones. These stories deserve to be written down, revisited, and celebrated. They’re living proof of who you actually are:
resilient, capable, persistent, and powerful.

📘 Grab your FREE Proof of My Badassery Journal
Follow along with today’s prompts or jot your reflections down afterward:
👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12

Your setbacks didn’t stop you.
...They shaped you.
...And today, you finally see it.

If stepping out of your comfort zone has ever felt more like panic than power… this episode is your permission slip to stop judging yourself and start celebrating yourself.

...

On Day 5 of the 12 Days of Badassery, we’re digging into the moments you stretched, cracked, reached, trembled, and DID IT ANYWAY. Even when it didn’t look “bold.” Even when it didn’t feel like success.
...Because that is the real badassery most women overlook.

...

Inside the episode, we get into:

✨ Why feeling scared doesn’t cancel out being brave
✨ How to stop measuring your worth by outcomes
✨ The power of micro-stretches—your ‘toe over the edge’ moments (thanks to Dr. Mike Bechtle’s wisdom)
✨ Real-life examples of pushing past doubt—at work, at home, and in your growth

...

You’ll also hear Marie share stories about applying for a chief position she didn’t get, learning to ride a bike with bruised-up legs, and why staying in the “kiddie pool” of life keeps you from ever floating on your back in the deep end.
....Every single one is a reminder: you don’t have to feel fearless to be powerful.

...

By the end, you’ll see your own “I did it even though…” moments in a totally different light—because they count. They deserve to be written down. And you deserve to recognize the woman who took those risks, big or small.

📘 Grab your FREE Proof of My Badassery Journal
Let today’s prompt guide you through every comfort-zone stretch you’ve already survived.
...👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12

...

Let’s build the evidence together. Your badassery is already there—you’re just finally noticing it.

Today is Day 4 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and we’re turning the spotlight onto something most women skip right past:
your achievements — the big ones AND the tiny, easy-to-dismiss ones.

...

In this episode, we dig into why you consistently overlook your own progress, how small victories quietly shape who you become, and why celebrating yourself is a core part of claiming your badass identity. Because the truth is, your life is held together by hundreds of moments you don’t give yourself credit for. And that’s about to change.

...

You’ll learn how to:
🔥 Recognize achievements you’ve been ignoring (even the subtle ones)
🔥 Break the cycle of “on to the next” before celebrating what you just did
🔥 Build the habit of tracking your wins so confidence becomes inevitable
🔥 See how ordinary days stack into extraordinary growth

As you’ll hear in the transcript—Marie walks through why achievements matter, why we skip them, and how writing them down creates momentum.

...

Grab your pen, grab your journal, and hit pause as needed.
...

This is the day you stop minimizing yourself.

✨ Download your free Proof of My Badassery journal at ordinarytobadass.com/12
...✨ Share today’s win with me on Instagram @ordinarytobadass

What if being a badass isn’t about doing something dramatic…
...but about choosing yourself in small, everyday moments?

Welcome to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we’re talking about defying expectations—both the ones society puts on you and the ones you inherited without ever questioning.

...

In this episode, we explore how often we live by scripts we didn’t consciously choose:
...how we’re “supposed” to spend our time, what we’re “supposed” to value, and who we’re “supposed” to be—especially during the holidays.

And here’s the truth:
...Every time you say no when something doesn’t align…
...every time you set a boundary…
...every time you choose what feels right for you instead of what keeps others comfortable…

...

That counts.

...

Those moments are proof of your badassery—even if they feel small.

✨ Day 3 Theme: Defying Expectations

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why following your own values is an act of courage
💡 How “ordinary” decisions add up to real confidence
💬 A reflection to help you recognize the times you chose your own path

...

This episode is an invitation to stop minimizing those moments when you trusted yourself—and to start documenting them.

...

👉 Grab your free 12 Days of Badassery journal at ordinarytobadass.com/twelve and write today’s reflection down. Because when doubt shows up later, you’ll have proof to look back on.

...

Come back tomorrow for Day 4 of the 12 Days of Badassery.
...

Until then—stay in the arena, trust your inner compass, and get after it.

Think resilience means being tough, unshaken, and emotionally unaffected?
...Think again.

...

Welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we’re talking about one of the most misunderstood qualities of strength: resilience.

...

In this episode, we explore what resilience actually looks like in real life. Not the highlight-reel version—but the kind built through loss, setbacks, heartbreak, and moments where it would’ve been easier to give up.

...

Maybe you’ve:

• Lost a job

• Navigated debt or financial stress

• Gone through a breakup or divorce

• Experienced deep grief or loss

...

If you’ve been knocked down and found a way to keep going—even slowly—that counts.

...

Resilience isn’t about never falling apart. It’s about getting back up, sometimes quietly, sometimes imperfectly, but always with courage.

✨ Day 2 Theme: Resilience

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why feeling emotion doesn’t disqualify you from being strong
💡 How adversity shapes your story instead of ruining it
💬 A reflection to help you recognize your own resilience—especially the kind you’ve overlooked

This episode is an invitation to honor what you’ve survived, not rush past it.

👉 Download the companion journal and write this one down at ordinarytobadass.com/12. Because resilience becomes real when you see it in ink.

Join me tomorrow for Day 3 of the 12 Days of Badassery.

Reach out to me on IG @ordinarytobadass and share how this landed with you.

...Until then—stay in the arena, honor your strength, and keep getting after it!

Think being a badass means being fearless?
...Think again.

...

Welcome to Day 1 of the 12 Days of Badassery, where we’re kicking things off by busting one of the biggest myths out there: that confidence means never feeling afraid.

...

In this episode, we’re talking about embracing fear—not avoiding it. Because the truth is, being a badass isn’t about the absence of fear. It’s about feeling it… and taking action anyway.

...

Maybe it was:

• Speaking up when your voice shook

• Asking for the raise or promotion

• Having a hard conversation you wanted to avoid

• Stepping outside your comfort zone when staying quiet felt safer

...

Those moments matter. Even if they didn’t go perfectly. Especially if they didn’t.

...

This episode is an invitation to reflect on the times you faced fear head-on—and to recognize those moments for what they really are: proof of your badassery.

...

✨ Day 1 Theme: Embracing Fear

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why fearlessness is overrated
💡 How fear is often a sign you’re growing
💬 A simple reflection to help you see your own courage more clearly

👉 Be sure to grab today’s journal prompt at ordinarytobadass.com/12 and write it down—because putting it on paper is how it sticks.

...

Come back tomorrow for Day 2 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and until then—stay in the arena and keep getting after it.

...

Download your Proof of My Badassery Journal below

Ordinarytobadass.com/1212 days of Badassery

What if the biggest injustice isn’t what you’ve been through—but that no one ever taught you to recognize how strong you are?

...

In this remix episode, Marie kicks off the 12 Days of Badassery by breaking down one of the biggest lies women have been sold: that being a badass means being hard, aggressive, or unyielding.

...

Spoiler alert—it doesn’t.

...

A true badass is built through resilience, confidence, mindset, and getting back up after life knocks you down. Sometimes immediately. Sometimes after a long pause. And yes—even if it took you longer than you wanted.

...

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why most women never learned to recognize their own badassery

• How confidence gets confused with toughness (and why that’s wrong)

• Why being knocked down doesn’t disqualify you—it proves you’re still in the arena

• A powerful reframe that shows your strength has been hiding in plain sight all along

...

This episode sets the foundation for the next 12 days—each one designed to help you uncover, acknowledge, and own the badass you already are.

...

🎁 Want to go deeper? Grab the 12 Days of Badassery Companion Guide at
ordinarytobadass.com/12 so you can journal, reflect, and create a physical reminder of everything you’ve already overcome.

...

Wherever you are. Whatever you’ve been through.
...You’re still standing—and that matters.

Stay in the arena.

Self-doubt isn’t the villain you’ve been treating it like.
...It’s the breadcrumb trail. The flashing neon arrow.
...The GPS system pointing straight toward your next-level identity.

Today’s remix episode pulls back the curtain on why doubt shows up the moment you’re about to rise — and how to use it like rocket fuel instead of letting it derail you.

This series is packed with fresh 12 Days of Badassery energy:
the kind that leaves you standing just a little taller, breathing a little deeper, and whispering,
“Yeah… I’m still a badass, even when I’m scared.”

🔥 Why doubt is actually proof that something matters to you
🔥 How to spot the difference between fear and direction
🔥 The simple mindset shift that turns insecurity into momentum
🔥 A grounding reminder that even icons like MLK carried doubt (and still moved mountains)
🔥 The “Poster of Power” + Andy Vargo’s list method to instantly reset your confidence

Because real badassery isn’t loud or flawless.
...It’s choosing to keep going — shaking hands, racing heart, messy middle and all.
...It’s remembering your strength while your doubt is screaming the loudest.

...

This remix is your permission slip to stop fighting doubt and start using it.
...It’s not your enemy.
...It’s your entrance cue.

Screenshot a moment when you kept going while doubting yourself.
...Post it to your Story and tag @OrdinaryToBadass so we can celebrate your courage.

Think burnout means you’re weak?
...

Think again. Burnout doesn’t come from fragility—it comes from being too strong for too long without rest.

...

In this solo episode, Marie pulls back the curtain on a year where 100% of women in her audience reported feeling burned out—and why that wake-up call changed the way she now approaches leadership, self-care, and boundaries. From juggling a major course launch and intense demands at work to navigating grief, heartbreak, and healing, this is a raw, real conversation about what it actually takes to lead without losing yourself.

...

✨ Theme: Ambition Without Burnout
...We’re talking guilt around rest, redefining success, and learning to advocate for your wellbeing without apology.

...

🔥 Why women give everything to everyone—and why that pattern must stop
...

💡 The mindset shifts that helped Marie reclaim her energy, peace, and joy
...💬 How a Taylor Swift–inspired visualization helped her walk into one of the toughest conversations with her boss feeling unshakeable

...

Plus, Marie shares:

• The truth about work stealing more than just your weekdays

• What she learned from a sexism lawsuit that changed how she protects her health

• Why walking, meditation, and even a 140-mile Camino journey became non-negotiables

• The boundary that changed everything: no work phone on weekends—period

🎁 Want help with high-stakes conversations at work?
DM POWER UP to @ordinarytobadass on Instagram and Marie will send you her Power-Up Routine for High-Stakes Conversations—the exact process she uses to lead with confidence without burning bridges.

...

💬 If this episode hit you in the heart, share it with the woman who hasn’t taken a real breath in months.
⭐ Rate + review the show—it helps more badass women find this message.
...

👉 Learn more at ordinarytobadass.com

Some leaders walk into a room and dominate it with volume.
...Lisa walks in and changes it with one sentence.

...

In this week’s episode, we’re breaking down the moment Lisa stopped a room full of men cold — not by yelling, not by matching the chaos, but by asking one calm, grounding question that completely flipped the power dynamic.

...

If you’ve ever been told you need to be “louder,” “tougher,” or “more aggressive” to lead in a predominantly male workplace… consider this your permission slip to throw that old rulebook directly in the trash.

...

Inside this Badass Debrief, you’ll hear:

✨ The mindset shift that lets you stop reacting to tone and start leading with intention
✨ The grounding questions that instantly de-escalate a tense room
✨ Why calm leadership isn’t passive — it’s strategic power
✨ How to control the energy (and the outcome) without raising your voice
✨ The Maya Angelou reminder every woman in leadership needs tattooed on her soul

...

And yes… we even get into the truly disturbing things in life — like people clipping their toenails on airplanes (why is this a thing?!).

...

If you’re ready to lead with confidence, clarity, and quiet command — the way women naturally do when we stop performing and start owning our presence — this episode is your new favorite.

...

Let’s get into it.
...

Quiet power is still power. 💛🔥

...

DM me on IG with the word "Rise" to learn more about the course "How to get The Promotion You Deserve and Thrive as A Leader" use code Rise25 for a 25% discount.

Think you need to be the loudest person in the room to lead?
...Think again.

...

In this episode, tech project leader Lisa Roberts shares what it really looks like to stay grounded, direct, and effective in workplaces where everyone else is losing their cool. From managing multimillion-dollar projects to handling rooms full of yelling executives, Lisa has mastered the art of quiet power — and today, she’s teaching YOU how to do the same.

Lisa also opens up about taking a seven-year career break to raise her kids, navigating divorce, and rebuilding her entire career from scratch. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and stepping back into the arena even when you’re terrified.

...

🔥 How to stay calm when everyone around you is spiraling
...💬 The exact phrase Lisa uses to de-escalate high-pressure moments
...💡 Why “fake it till you make it” isn’t a weakness — it’s a strategy
...✨ How to return to the workforce after a long break (and actually thrive)
...💛 The power of women supporting women in predominantly male industries

Plus, I share my Ordinary vs. Badass moment of the week — including why sliding into DMs has surprisingly brought me JOY — and a behind-the-scenes story about how a random night of Three Dog Night VIP access became a metaphor for the kind of leadership access women deserve at work.

• You’ve ever questioned your confidence in a male-heavy environment

• You’re craving strategies for difficult conversations

• You're coming back after a career break

• You’re ready to step into leadership without pretending to be someone you’re not

DM me “waitlist” on Instagram (@ordinarytobadass) to get early access to my course:
How to Get the Promotion You Deserve — and Thrive as a Leader.

...

Early access =
✨ 25% off
✨ First dibs before the public
✨ A VIP-only bonus

Because if you're here… you belong in the VIP section.

In this episode, you’ll learn:This episode is for you if:🎟️ Want VIP access to your career?

This week’s Badass Debrief dives into a truth most leaders never hear:
...Happiness isn’t a mood — it’s a skill.
...And Carolina Ayala breaks it down in a way that will completely reset how you lead, think, and take up space.

...

If you’ve been grinding, over-functioning, or feeling like you’re doing everything right but still running on empty… this debrief is your wake-up call.

...

You’ll hear:
✨ Why happiness has to be practiced, not waited for
✨ How daily intention-setting becomes a secret leadership advantage
✨ The real reason women wait to celebrate themselves — and how that holds you back at work
✨ The grounded mindset shift Marie uses to walk into high-stakes conversations with clarity and confidence

And Marie shares the Taylor Swift–inspired visualization that helped her handle a tough conversation with her boss without spiraling or shrinking. (Yes — that energy is in her Power-Up Routine.)

If you want to lead with more ease, confidence, and actual joy — not burnout masked with productivity — this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.

👉 Want Marie’s Power-Up Routine for high-stakes conversations?
DM POWER UP to @ordinarytobadass on Instagram and she’ll send it your way.

Think happiness comes after achievement? Think again.

...

In this remix episode, holistic life coach and healer Carolina Ayala shares powerful, practical techniques to help you cultivate happiness, confidence, and inner strength — starting right now, not someday.

...

We dig into how shifting your energy, setting daily intentions, and celebrating yourself can transform the way you lead, the way you show up, and the way you feel in your own life.

...

✨ Theme: Embodied confidence, energy leadership, and self-celebration

...

You’ll learn:

🔥 Why waiting for external milestones keeps happiness out of reach
💡 How to set intentions that reshape your day (and your life)
💬 A daily practice to celebrate yourself and build inner certainty

...

Carolina doesn’t just talk mindset — she gives real, tactical steps you can use today to feel grounded, powerful, and aligned.

...

This episode is a reminder:
You don’t have to earn joy. You can generate it — and lead from it.

...

💬 DM me on Instagram (@ordinarytobadass) with your favorite takeaway — I love hearing from you!

⭐ If this episode lifts you up, leave a review so more women can rise with us.

Let’s step into our energy — and lead like it.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I just wanted to ask…” or “Maybe this is a silly question…”?

...

You’re not alone — and those small phrases might be quietly shrinking your authority.

...

In this Badass Debrief, Marie unpacks a powerful idea from her conversation with Rosie Zilinskas in Episode #405: “The language we use minimizes the value we bring to the table.”

...

You’ll learn how to replace minimizing language with confident communication that builds credibility, clarity, and leadership presence — without sounding arrogant or aggressive.

...

💪 Speak like the leader you are.

Tag me on IG @ordinarytobadass with your takeaways from this episode.

Think your hard work will speak for itself? Think again.

...

In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, career-confidence coach Rosie Zilinskas drops truth after truth about why women can’t afford to leave their careers on autopilot. From surviving a contentious divorce and rebuilding from scratch to landing executive leadership roles and launching her own business, Rosie proves that intentional action + self-advocacy = career freedom.

✨ Theme: Skill-Building Strategies & Confidence Without Apology

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why “hope is not a strategy” when it comes to promotions
...💡 How to use Rosie’s Promotion Readiness Roadmap to prepare year-round
...💬 Why advocating for yourself isn’t arrogance—it’s leadership
...💪 The mindset shifts that turn fear and failure into fuel

Plus, Marie gets real about her own limiting beliefs around money, love, and success—and what it means to choose your destiny, even when the metrics mess with your mind.

🎯 Never, ever shrink for a seat at the table—because you were born to build it.

Ever wondered what 140 miles of blisters, coffee stops, and breathtaking views can teach you about confidence and leadership?

...

In this episode, Marie takes you behind the scenes of her solo trek on the Camino de Santiago—sharing ten raw, funny, and unexpected lessons about grit, self-trust, and the beauty of ordinary moments.

...

From facing brutal hills to realizing that momentum is medicine, she reveals how the trail reshaped her view of work, balance, and what it really means to be a badass.

...

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why preparation matters more than the finish line—and how “ordinary” days build extraordinary results.
💡 How doing it your way (even when it’s unconventional) leads to lasting confidence.
💬 Why kindness, connection, and accepting help might be the strongest forms of leadership.

...

If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or like you’ve lost your spark—this one’s your reminder that you can do hard things, you can start again, and you don’t have to follow anyone else’s path to be powerful.

🎧 Listen now and walk the Camino one step at a time—with lessons you can carry into every area of your life.

👉 Follow @OrdinaryToBadass on IG for more stories of confidence, leadership, and badass growth.

Think dropping hints is “kinder” than being direct? Think again.

...

In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, Marie pulls back the curtain on a leadership habit that feels safe in the moment—but slowly destroys trust on your team: passive-aggressive leadership. From circling around the issue to making side comments, she shares how she broke the habit, the exact words she uses now, and how you can shift from irritation to influence.

...

✨ Theme: Skill-Building Strategies + Mindset Breakthroughs
...We’re talking about leading with clarity, building trust that lasts, and ditching the behaviors that keep your team second-guessing you.

...

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why passive-aggressive habits erode trust faster than you realize
💡 A simple 5-step framework to handle tough conversations without the side-eye or sarcasm
💬 How being direct (without being a jerk) actually makes you a stronger, more respected leader

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🎁 Grab the free Breaking Barriers Guide at ordinarytobadass.com/barriers
...💬 DM me @ordinarytobadass on IG if this episode called you out in the best way
...⭐ And don’t forget to rate + review—because the world doesn’t need another “nice” leader who avoids conflict. It needs you leading with confidence.

Think courage means being fearless? Think again.

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In this Badass Debrief, Marie unpacks the boldest lessons from Diane Gansauer’s 3,100-mile solo hike at 61 years old—and shows how they translate into leadership moves you can use right now. From facing fear in grizzly country to realizing persistence beats speed, these are the truths that separate ordinary leaders from badass ones.

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✨ Theme: Resilience Stories + Mindset Breakthroughs
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We’re talking about leading with courage even when fear tags along, letting go of emotional baggage that weighs you down, and refusing to let anyone else write your story.

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You’ll hear:
🔥 Why courage isn’t about fearlessness—it’s about action anyway
💡 How persistence (not pace) creates real leadership impact
💬 The game-changing power of “traveling lightly” in leadership and life

🎁 Grab the free Breaking Barriers Guide at ordinarytobadass.com/barriers
💬 DM me @ordinarytobadass on IG with which lesson hit you hardest
⭐ And don’t forget to rate + review—because the world doesn’t need leaders who wait for permission. It needs you, stepping into your story now.

Think courage has an age limit? Think again.

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At 61 years old, Diane Gansauer set out to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail—3,100 miles of mountains, rivers, and grizzly country. Along the way, she didn’t just prove her grit on the trail—she rewrote her story, discovered the power of persistence, and reminded us all what it means to carry only what truly matters.

✨ Theme: Resilience Stories + Mindset Breakthroughs
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We’re talking about letting go of what weighs you down, finding courage in the messy middle, and realizing it’s never too late to live boldly.

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You’ll hear:
🔥 How grief, career pivots, and the wilderness shaped Diane’s confidence
💡 Why “traveling lightly” isn’t just about backpacks—it’s about life and leadership
💬 What it really takes to stand your ground, speak up, and refuse to shrink in male-dominated rooms.

🎁 Grab the free Breaking Barriers Guide at ordinarytobadass.com/barriers
💬 DM me @ordinarytobadass on IG if this episode fired you up
⭐ And don’t forget to rate + review—because the world doesn’t need another carbon-copy leader. It needs you in your full badassery.

🎉 400 Episodes of Ordinary to Badass! 🎉

Can you believe it? We’ve hit episode 400, and this one’s all about stopping the self-sabotage and finally leading like the badass you already are.

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In this milestone episode, I’m getting real about what feels ordinary (hello endless checklists 👀) versus what feels badass (training for the Camino de Santiago 🙌). More importantly, I’m breaking down the truth behind Tracy Litt’s powerful reminder: “You are done being available for being against yourself.”

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✨ Theme: Confidence Without Apology
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We’re talking about:
🔥 Why ordinary habits often build the most badass results
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💡 How to silence that inner critic before she talks you out of your own greatness
...💬 Why your different way of leading might be exactly what your team needs

Whether it’s Bridget Jones owning her quirks or Ted Lasso leading with heart, this episode is your reminder that you don’t need perfection to lead—you just need belief in yourself.

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⭐ If this episode fired you up, share it on IG and tag me @ordinarytobadass. I’d love to hear what feels ordinary vs. badass in your world right now.

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Because the truth is simple: the world doesn’t need another carbon copy leader. The world needs you

Think failure means you’re not cut out for leadership? Think again.

In this episode, Marie Sonneman—Lieutenant, coach, and host of Ordinary to Badass—shares how failing promotion boards more times than she passed didn’t stop her from becoming the only female lieutenant in a department of nearly 700. From almost giving up before her first detective role to rising into leadership, Marie breaks down why failure isn’t proof you’re unqualified—it’s proof you’re in the arena.

✨ Theme: Resilience Stories & Mindset Breakthroughs
We’re talking about the grit it takes to stay in the game, reframing setbacks into stepping stones, and why perseverance matters more than perfection.

You’ll hear:
🔥 Real stories from Marie’s own career—including the promotion she almost missed.
💡 10 iconic women who failed first (Oprah, Beyoncé, Sara Blakely, Lady Gaga, and more).
💬 A powerful reminder that your failed attempts don’t disqualify you—they shape your winning story.

🎁 Want the step-by-step playbook to land your next promotion? Check out Marie’s new course: How to Get the Promotion You Deserve—and Thrive as a Leader.

How to get the promotion you deserve Final
⭐ Don’t forget to rate + review the podcast—your support helps more badass women rise into leadership.

Think promotions automatically go to the hardest worker in the room? Think again.

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In this solo episode, Marie Sonneman—Lieutenant, coach, and host of Ordinary to Badass—shares why effort isn’t the deciding factor in moving up the ladder. From her own missed opportunity with an undersheriff to earning three promotions in a predominantly male industry, Marie reveals the real reason some women get tapped for leadership while others get overlooked.

✨ Theme: Visibility & Advocacy
We’re talking about what it really takes to be seen, valued, and considered leadership material.

You’ll hear:
🔥 Why “humble” doesn’t get you promoted—and what does.
💡 3 practical shifts you can make right now to start positioning yourself for leadership.
💬 The mindset switch that turns self-doubt into strategy.

🎁 Want first access (and bonus extras) when Marie’s course How to Get the Promotion You Deserve—and Thrive as a Leader opens? Join the waitlist now: ordinarytobadass.com/promotion-waitlist

⭐ If this episode hit home, leave a review and share it with a friend who’s ready to stop being invisible at work.