Explore every episode of the podcast The Ex-Good Girl Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 110 - We Have to Start Thinking Differently About Ourselves, and Here’s How | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:26:21 | |
So many women blame themselves for their people-pleasing tendencies–I can’t speak up, I apologize too much, I have to avoid conflict at all costs. If you’ve ever had thoughts like these, the first thing I want you to know is that it’s not your fault, and there is nothing wrong with you. We’ve lived our entire lives in a patriarchal system that shapes how we think about ourselves as women. In this episode, I give you a peek behind the curtain of that unconscious operating system and provide a framework to explore–and change–the tendencies that lead us to believe there’s something wrong with us. Here's what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: https://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversations https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach https://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333 What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside! | |||
| Episode 109 - How to Stop Emotional Eating Without Shame with Laura Conley | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:33:40 | |
It’s so common to tie our worth to our weight—this message has been ingrained in us from a young age. But the truth is, no number on the scale can give you the value and worth you're searching for. I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with Laura Conley, a coach who helps moms lose weight for the last time. We talk about how our health isn’t tied to diet culture or calorie-counting, but to reconnecting with yourself and your body from a place of love and curiosity. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen! Find Laura Here: https://theyummymummy.lauraconley.com/3stepcalories https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lose-weight-for-the-last-time-with-laura-conley/ https://www.instagram.com/lauraconleycoaching/ Find Sara here: https://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversations https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach https://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333 What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside! | |||
| Episode 100 - I've Got Some Thoughts About That: AMA with Clients | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:43:25 | |
I started this podcast to contribute to the conversation around people-pleasing and perfectionism. Now, as The Ex-Good Girl Podcast reaches the 100th episode, I am extremely proud and grateful. My goal has always been to share tools, strategies, and stories to help you overcome challenges that result from good girl programming and live the life you want. It has meant so much to hear from all of you along this journey about the skills you’ve implemented and the progress you’ve made in your lives and relationships. Today, I’m answering your questions about people-pleasing, patriarchy, and so much more. Here’s what I cover:
I can’t wait for you to listen! Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 14 - Mother-Daughter Relationships with Karen C.L. Anderson | 10 May 2023 | 01:14:39 | |
In this week's episode, Sara interviews Karen C.L. Anderson, a Master certified life coach and author who specializes in coaching about the mother/adult daughter relationship. They discuss the challenges that often arise in this particular relationship, exploring the generational aspects and the societal shift towards acknowledging trauma and the importance of emotional expression. Karen shares insights from her own journey of estrangement from her mother and the subsequent healing process, emphasizing the need to separate one's identity from the expectations imposed by the mother-daughter dynamic. They delve into topics such as people-pleasing, guilt, regret, and the significance of setting boundaries in a relationship. Karen's approach highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance, challenging the belief that unconditional love is contingent on meeting certain conditions. Sara and Karen conclude by discussing the power of questioning and redefining the roles and stories that have been passed down through generations, offering a fresh perspective on nurturing healthier mother-daughter connections. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 13 - Healing in a Community of Women | 03 May 2023 | 00:30:24 | |
Community is an essential aspect of life, and when women come together and share their stories, it can be one of the most powerful forms of learning. When women unite, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact on ourselves and the world. Starting a new journey may seem daunting, but it can be made easier by breaking it down into manageable steps. I'll begin by asking you, "Why?" Why do you do the things you do? Why do you feel comfortable doing this? Why don't you enjoy doing that? We've been unconsciously programmed by the patriarchy, and I'm here to help you break down those barriers. Working towards a collective goal enhances our learning and understanding. Witnessing others achieve their goals can also help us apply their teachings to our own lives. You are powerful, and a comfortable life is within your reach. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 12 - Our Story, Part 2 | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:41:11 | |
In this episode, My husband and I share many life experiences that have helped shape us into happier, healthier individuals. We prioritize authenticity with ourselves and each other, even though navigating life and relationships can be complex. We've come to realize how much we're influenced by outside forces, and we've learned to condition ourselves to be loving and respectful to all, including ourselves. We show up to honor each other's experiences and choose each other consciously every day. Unearthing self-love requires de-conditioning from things that were forced upon us. Remember, you own your life. We're here to share our story and remind you of your own power. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 11 - Our Story, Part 1 | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:35:04 | |
My husband Dan and I are excited to share this episode with you. We'll be discussing the reality of marriage and partnership, including our upbringing, the beginning of our relationship, marriage, children, and how we've grown both individually and as a couple. It's essential, to be honest with ourselves and others, and we'll be diving deep and getting real. Additionally, we'll explore ways to integrate self-care and break free from the patriarchal influences of our society. We've learned a lot through our many years together and are grateful to share our insights with you. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 10 - Five Challenges That Will Change Your Life | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:35:24 | |
Do you suppress your true emotions just to avoid conflict and keep the peace? Does your body feel relaxed, or is it trying to tell you how you really feel? Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and codependency can take over our lives. But we can learn to become detectives in our own lives and stop this toxic behavior. Eventually, the changes we make will align with our decision-making process. In this episode, I explore the Five Challenges that have helped me become the most authentic and real version of myself. We need to be honest with ourselves, learn to ask for what we want, say No more often, be okay with disappointing others, and take care of ourselves. This episode offers many helpful tools to live more freely and comfortably. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 9 - How to Have Your Own Back | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:31:44 | |
Learning to have my own back is the most powerful thing I've ever done for myself; it unlocked my potential. Many women internalize their mistakes, leading to a spiral of shameful thoughts that can be very draining. But how can we shut that down? If we bully ourselves, then we're not safe with ourselves, and we're not safe anywhere. You deserve that essential safety. In this episode, I'll help you identify the bullying voice in your head and shut it down. Imagine yourself as a younger version of yourself. Would you allow someone to bully her? Remember, you deserve respect and love from everyone, including yourself. There are steps you can take to shut down the brain bully and stop the negative feedback loop. One of the biggest benefits of this practice is that you can handle trying new things and taking risks. Your fear drops, and you can live more freely overall. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 8 - Women Wanting: A Guide to Your Superpower | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:28:57 | |
What is it that you truly desire? After much personal reflection and research, I've come to realize that women's wants and desires are our secret source of power and direction. My goal is for you to have a greater sense of your desires and to understand why it's essential by the end of this episode. Unfortunately, our disconnection from our own desires happens at a very young age. We are raised by caregivers who provide us with love, belonging, and acceptance. However, this also means that children are often seen as less than adults and need to be molded into desirable traits, such as obedience and compliance. This can become problematic because it leads to an adult telling a child how to feel, such as saying "That didn't hurt, you're fine, shake it off." Although this is done with loving concern, it further disconnects us from our own feelings. We learn to not trust our impulses and instead trust outside voices. As we get older, there are more voices trying to influence us, but we need to trust our own voice first. This is why your wanting is your power. It's your inner compass that always points you in the right direction. My definition of a 'good girl' is someone who is overly connected to outside influences and under-connected to herself. Let me help you reconnect with yourself and your aspirations. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 7 - Too Much and Not Enough | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:20:57 | |
The patriarchal, capitalist, Western way of life imposes certain values and expectations on the way women think, feel, and choose to live. When we fail to meet these expectations, we can often feel lackluster or unsatisfied. Even if we do attain these expectations, there is always another critique looming about the deficit in our lives. In this episode, we will discuss how perfectionism is a manifestation of these societal pressures, and explore ways to shift our mindset to focus on being better, rather than perfect. It's possible to feel accomplished in this society by doing things that bring us joy and make us feel whole. Instead of fixating on what we could do better, we can focus on celebrating our daily small wins and identifying what truly matters to us. What can you prioritize and celebrate more in your life? What are your daily achievements, no matter how small? How can you experience genuine satisfaction? Join me as I delve into these questions and more. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 6 - The Goldilocks Zone | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:24:23 | |
In this episode, we will explore the concept of the Goldilocks Zone. Our Western patriarchal society often tells women that there is a "right" way to be, and as a result, we can feel like we are either too much or not enough. We have been programmed to be hypersensitive to the opinions of others and to internalize those thoughts as if they are facts. There is a balance to be found between being selfish and being a people pleaser. It takes time and guidance to find what feels right for you. Throughout this podcast, I'll offer you guidance on how to navigate the space between extremes. I'll share tips on how to unplug from outside opinions of what you should be and instead, focus on relentlessly loving yourself. By the end of this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to find your own Goldilocks Zone and embrace your true self. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 5 - My Story Part 2 | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:32:24 | |
How do our beliefs take shape? Are they ingrained subconsciously? Are you hiding your true feelings or opinions to avoid conflict? Straying from societal norms can be scary, as we may feel left out or isolated. Fear can keep us in a corner, but self-love and embracing our truth can help us break free. In this episode, I will explore how our society and certain groups train women to prioritize agreeableness, friendliness, and compliance. We may be trained to wait for external validation, but we can learn to trust ourselves and our inner dialogue. Join me as I delve deeper into these topics and offer practical advice on how to speak up for yourself and others. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 99 - Breaking Down Patriarchy with Amy McPhie Allebest | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:57:03 | |
In this episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Amy McPhie Allebest, a writer, teacher, and feminist historian whose work has helped shape my understanding of patriarchy and expand my worldview. In her podcast, Breaking Down Patriarchy, Amy offers thought-provoking insights that inspire continued learning about the roots of patriarchy in society. Today, she shares some of those powerful ideas and personal stories, which I hope you find valuable as I have. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Check out these reading recommendations from Amy: Find Amy here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 4 - My Story Part 1 | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:36:23 | |
Episodes 4 & 5 are about my story and the experiences that shaped my opinions and views. Experiences can take different forms - they can be both full of love and harmful teachings, create wonderful connections and deep anxiety, and be important for one phase of life but lose their significance as circumstances change. In this episode, I talk about my upbringing in the LDS (Mormon) Church, how it influenced me, and why I ultimately left. When I created Stop People Pleasing, it was from a deeply personal autobiographical experience. People pleasing can feel like walking through life with 20-pound weights shackled to each ankle. You can do it, but you'll be dragging a lot of resentment, fear, and obligation with you, and you don't have to. Much of what I was taught contributed to this. I'm deeply grateful for some of it, but unlearning some of it was necessary to reclaim my sovereignty. Whether it was religion, family culture, or society that taught you to be small or less than you are, it's time for the unlearning. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 3 - Stop The Ride, I Want to Get Off | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:19:19 | |
So how do we stop being a “Good Girl”? I will dive right into 5 steps you can take to break the cycle of people pleasing, perfectionism, and invite you to join me in recovering from “Good Girl Syndrome”! Do you want to teach your own brain a new way of being? How can we apply these steps at work, with our parents, and families? Is guilt and shame normal and how can we stay out of overwhelm AND feel our feelings? You can learn how to shed the “Good Girl” role and move yourself in the direction of becoming who you want to be in the world! I can help provide you with the tools you will need. Don’t let your discomfort dictate your life. Build trust in yourself and have your own back! I got you and you got this. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 2 - How Did We Become Good Girls? | 20 Feb 2023 | 00:13:38 | |
In this episode, I explore HOW we become “Good Girls”. I’ll explain how our socialization and basic needs are met and influenced by our experiences from birth AND lead us to developing our “Good Girl Syndrome”. At its core, people pleasing isn’t necessarily bad! However, we need to learn when and how to stop people pleasing as well, in order to best meet all our needs. I’ll explain the exchange of behavior for rewards and how this phenomenon works to shape us. By identifying and understanding the roles and rules in our lives and how and why they are created and impacting us, we can start to unravel the “Good Girl Syndrome. Most importantly I’ll help you set the stage to challenge these patterns in ways that you can use to step into your full power and best life! Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 1 - What is a Good Girl? | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:31:03 | |
Do you expend energy and brain space worrying about what other people think of you? Do you seek praise from others? Are you chronically overwhelmed, overscheduled and overcommitted? Do you feel a lack of choice and freedom because of all your duties, obligations and expectations? Do you get those twinges of deep resentment and frustration towards people who say no to you? If you answered yes to any of these then you may be struggling with what I call “Good Girl Syndrome”. In this podcast episode we will explore this archetype and whether or not it is actually working for you. I will ask you questions that help you discover what you actually want and tell you how you can get it. And finally I will talk about how coaching can help you uncover what is happening when you experience these feelings, whether they are working for you, and what your other options could be. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 98 - Resentment: It's Not Coming From Them with Sara Wilhelm | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:48:45 | |
Have you ever felt resentment building, only to realize your own choices have led you to that place? A huge source of resentment is mistakenly blaming others for decisions that we are responsible for, but recognizing your power to control this can be transformative. In this episode, my guest, Sara Wilhelm, shares her recent breakthrough in understanding her resentment, and how she has made a plan to move forward in the direction of living more according to her values. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen! Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 97 - Stop People Pleasing: Current Members Share! | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:54:54 | |
I want every woman to have the ability to create a life of her choosing, filled with the freedom to embrace her desires. I’ve worked hard to create a program that helps women achieve this, but the real magic of my Stop People Pleasing program comes from the women themselves who are willing to take risks, expand their capacity for feeling uncomfortable, and develop the skills needed to live authentically without the weight of constantly pleasing others. In this episode, I’m so grateful to be joined by four amazing women from my program–Allyssya, Sara, Stephanie, and Susan–who share their journeys with people pleasing. You'll hear about the changes they have made in their daily lives and in how they see themselves. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen! Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 96 - What to Do When You Mess Up | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:27:01 | |
Mistakes are a part of life–we all make them, whether it’s with ourselves, with others, or in pursuit of our goals. Even as we grow emotionally and strive for greater self-connection, our inner critical voice often shames us for every misstep. In this episode, I explore why self-compassion is key when we mess up, and how leaving self-criticism behind is essential to lasting growth. Here’s what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 95 - How To Set Goals That Actually Work with Goli Kalkhoran | 01 Jan 2025 | 00:55:29 | |
When it comes to goals and to-do lists, the unrealistic expectations we often have lead to feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm. Whether you want to set a goal for the new year or achieve a task this weekend, today’s guest, Goli Kalkhoran, shares why we often overreach and how to set practical and fulfilling goals that lead to success instead of shame. Here’s what we cover:
I can’t wait for you to listen. Goli Kalkhoran is Master Certified Life Coach, and former attorney, who helps unfulfilled professionals create a career (and life) they actually like. She is the host of the Lessons from a Quitter podcast where she uses her platform to de-stigmatize quitting and provide resources and inspiration to individuals looking to pivot in their established careers. She challenges people to exceed their own expectations and guides them through the initial steps of starting over in order to build a more intentional, fulfilling life. Find Goli here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 94 - We Are Thinking About Time All Wrong with Vikki Yaffe | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:37:58 | |
When we don’t get to cross something off of our to-do list, we often blame ourselves for poor time management. However, the founder and creator of the Time Hacker Method, Vikki Yaffe, joins me today to offer the perspective that the problem is not us, but the mindset about time we’ve been taught to have. Vikki teaches people the skills to collaborate with time more flexibly, and I’m so grateful to have her on the podcast to share tips and tools to stop feeling shame around time and trust ourselves instead. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 93 - How To Get Out of the Planning Trap with Priyanka Venugopal | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:49:50 | |
“I just need a really good plan,” is a phrase that offers overachievers a sense of security, but the cycle of planning is often what holds us back from achieving our goals. In today’s episode, Dr. Priyanka Venugopal joins me to discuss why plans alone don’t deliver the desired results and how embracing a different, more informed strategy can lead to greater clarity, growth, and success. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen! Priyanka Venugopal is an Ob/Gyn physician turned Stress and Weight Loss Coach for professional moms who identify as overachievers and who want to lose weight with science backed strategies that will last a lifetime. For over 10 years she has talked with thousands of high achieving professional women and gotten to the root of the high achiever's biggest obstacles in hitting goals at work and on the scale. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 92 - Grief Around the Holidays with Susie Ruth | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:33:04 | |
The hopes and expectations we have going into the holiday season make this time of year particularly susceptible to feeling grief. In this week's conversation with Susie Ruth, an end-of-life coach and grief specialist, we discuss strategies for navigating grief and offer insights on how best to support someone grieving during the holidays. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 91 - Good Girls, Glinda and Upholding the Patriarchy | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:26:55 | |
When we cause harm to someone else, the good girl tendency is to feel shame and defensiveness. Instead, if we get to a place where we are generous and can grieve our mistakes, we can move on to be better versions of ourselves. In this episode, I talk about how the themes of Wicked relate to my journey of becoming an ex-good girl and the importance of self-compassion when you have to question your beliefs. Here’s what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen! Read the Substack essay mentioned in the episode: Defying Gravity: Wicked and the Weight of Social Justice Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 108 - Why Are So Many Women Leaving the Church? | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:39:14 | |
After speaking with Britt Hartley in last week's episode, several listeners sent me the same video of Jared Halvorson attempting to call women back to the church. Today, I want to respond to that video and continue exploring how the tools of organized religion—Christianity in particular—were not designed with women in mind. We’ll dive into the harmful ways institutions view women and examine how patriarchy affects everyone--even those with good intentions. Here’s what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Jared Halvorson’s apology video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH06jbisdK2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Crystal Hall: https://www.crystalhallphd.com/ Find Sara here: https://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversations https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach https://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333 What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside! | |||
| Episode 90 - Why I Love Wicked and You Should Too | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:18:49 | |
In this episode, you’ll get a glimpse into my musical-loving heart as I discuss the feminist themes of the movie, Wicked, and moments in the film that took me back to a time when I had to realize a hard truth. Here’s what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 89 - Things that Matter Most Right Now | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:20:08 | |
It’s normal to want to bypass feelings of fear, worry, and sorrow during this uncertain time, but we miss the opportunity to create a vulnerable, trusting relationship with ourselves and our feelings if we send these big emotions into exile. In this episode, I discuss how moving forward starts with processing our emotions. Here’s what I cover:
I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 88 - How To Have More Holiday Magic this Season | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:21:31 | |
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of parties, errands, cooking, and cleaning that keep us busy. In this episode, we’ll look at how these people-pleasing behaviors can leave us feeling disconnected from the meaningful connections we seek most during this season. Here’s what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Sign up for Stop People Pleasing: Holiday Edition. It's a series of three workshops beginning Thursday, November 14th where we'll dive into the skills that you need so that this season is magical for you, too. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 87 - Settle-Proof Your Dating and Relationships with Lily Womble | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:57:35 | |
Do you feel trapped by the “rules” of modern dating? I’m thrilled to be joined by dating coach Lily Womble in today's episode to talk about how to break free from those dumb dating rules. I want each one of you to find the relationship you’re meant to be in, and that starts with making sure you never have to settle in your dating life ever again. Here’s what we cover:
Lily Womble is sparking a feminist revolution in the way we date and find love. She was one of the top matchmakers in the U.S., but after setting up hundreds of dates, Lily realized that the answer to finding love was much deeper than a setup, and that the way we are taught to date is still stuck in the patriarchal dark ages. She founded her company, Date Brazen, in 2018 and has since helped hundreds of women create love lives that are epic, settle-proof, and joyful-as-hell with her intersectional feminist approach. She changes lives daily on TikTok, Top 4 Relationship Podcast- The Date Brazen Podcast, and sold-out coaching programs world-wide. Her book, Thank You, More Please: A feminist guide to breaking dumb dating rules and finding love, is changing lives around the world, published by Legacy Lit. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Chris. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Lily here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 86 - Bodily Autonomy with Dr. Stephanie Hack, the Lady Parts Doctor | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:59:40 | |
So many of us women have not been properly educated about our bodies and how to know what is best for them. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Stephanie Hack to discuss how we can empower ourselves to advocate for what we want and need. Here's what we cover:
Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, is a board-certified ob/gyn, podcast host, speaker, and founder of a women's health educational platform. Her special interests in health education and women's health empowerment have led to a career spanning two decades. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and we can support each other as we continue to learn about women's health. I can't wait for you to listen. Watch the PBS documentary The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause here. Find more information about the Stillborn and Infant Loss Support (SAILS) Gala here. Find Stephanie here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 85 - Why Feminism Still Matters | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:23:46 | |
On my recent trip to Bolivia, I had an interaction that reignited my thoughts on feminism. In this episode, I explore why feminism remains a vital lens for understanding our world and shaping our actions. Here's what I cover:
I can't wait for you to listen! Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 84 - Belonging to Myself with Serena Hicks | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:42:09 | |
Get ready for a deep and inspiring conversation with Serena Hicks, a trailblazing business coach who’s shaking up how we view success and belonging. In this episode, Serena and I explore finding self-acceptance and navigating life when you feel pulled between different worlds. Serena Hicks is a business coach driven by freedom—financial, personal, and spiritual. With a background that includes MTV News and an Emmy from The Tyra Banks Show, she blends corporate success with deep personal insight. Serena champions inclusivity and empowers others to thrive on their terms. Through her coaching philosophy, #LoveTrustMoney, she helps clients align business with values, transforming success into an act of love. We dive into the power of self-acceptance and explore what it means to truly belong to ourselves, especially when our identities span multiple worlds. Serena brings her unique perspective as a biracial woman and successful entrepreneur to our conversation, sharing how she's dismantling old systems and creating new paths for herself and her clients. If you’ve ever struggled with external pressures, or you’re looking to align your life with your true values, this episode is for you. Join us and discover how to break free from societal expectations, reclaim your inner freedom, and build a life that reflects your most authentic self. I can’t wait for you to listen. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Serena here: https://www.instagram.com/xoxoserenahicks/ https://www.facebook.com/SerenaHicksAF/ Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 83 - The Drama Triangle with Andrea Parks | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:57:47 | |
Have you ever felt stuck in the same patterns in your relationships, unsure how to break free? In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Parks, a therapist who dives deep into the hidden dynamics that hold us back. Andrea shares how we can shift out of these roles and start truly healing and reclaiming our power. Tune in as we explore how these patterns can keep us stuck and how, through her unique perspective, Andrea helps guide people toward healing and empowerment. Andrea is a therapist and facilitator who specializes in trauma, codependency, and life transitions. She owns Bloom Healing, where she creates spaces for individuals to come together, heal, and reconnect with their authentic selves. With a background in counseling psychology, somatic bodywork, and developmental trauma, Andrea brings a wealth of experience to her practice and a deep commitment to fostering growth. Through her work, Andrea helps people break free from the roles they’ve taken on in relationships and empowers them to live more fulfilled, connected lives. Her passion is to create communities where healing is possible, allowing people to find their voice and power in a supportive environment. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 82 - We are Smart Enough to Invest with Kara Gaisie | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:43:51 | |
This week, I’m excited to dive into a conversation that challenges traditional norms around money and investing. My guest, Kara Gaisie, is here to help us break free from outdated beliefs that have kept women from fully stepping into their financial power. Kara Gaisie is a wife, mom, and master-certified financial coach who helps women entrepreneurs break free from the cycle of overworking to reach financial independence. After spending over 15 years as a CPA in Corporate America, Kara launched her coaching business in 2019, focusing on achieving financial freedom without compromising her lifestyle. In this episode, Kara shares her wealth of experience as both a CPA and life coach, guiding us through her journey of investing and building wealth. She shows us that financial independence is within our reach, empowering us to take control of our finances and create a life of freedom. Join us for this empowering conversation and discover how to start growing your wealth, take charge of your financial destiny, and rewrite the story you’ve been told about money. I can’t wait for you to listen! Find Kara here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 81 - Stop Apologizing | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:21:48 | |
What have you been apologizing for lately? Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 107 - Religious Tools Were Not Created for Women with Britt Hartley | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:44:45 | |
So much of our good-girl programming is rooted in religious teachings. Many of these rules keep us trapped in people-pleasing, but it’s possible to break free and develop a healthy spirituality– one that empowers you to live life the way you want. Today, I’m joined by Atheist Spiritual Director and author of No Nonsense Spirituality, Britt Hartley, to explore this transformation. Here’s what we cover:
I can't wait for you to listen. Find Britt here: www.nononsensespirituality.com https://nononsensespirituality.com/book https://www.instagram.com/nononsensespirituality/ https://www.facebook.com/brittney.hartley.16 https://www.youtube.com/@nononsensespirituality Find Sara here: https://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversations https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach https://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333 What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside! | |||
| Episode 80 - When the Internet Mob Comes for You with Sandy Connery and Jeni Barcelos | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:49:57 | |
This week, my guests and I invite you to join a conversation we’ve been having over the last few years about women in business and the power of using, or not using, our voices in the face of cancel culture and online scrutiny. I’m thrilled to welcome Sandy Connery and Jeni Barcelos, friends, business owners, and co-founders of Marvelous Software. Sandy and Jeni, with their courage and resilience, share their experience facing the internet mob in 2020, how they navigated the situation while keeping their business afloat, and what they wish they could have done differently. As we delve into this timely topic, we’ll explore how to show up thoughtfully online and engage constructively with one another, even amidst social unrest and differing opinions. We might stir up some controversy, but we believe that sometimes, embracing your authentic self is worth a bit of trouble. I can’t wait for you to listen! Find Jeni and Sandy here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 79 - I Wanted Something Just for Me | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:41:08 | |
I am so excited to share my story with you of how I and three of my travel companions and friends came to found Yapay Bolivia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through sustainable healthcare solutions. This isn’t your average story–it’s a tale of thrilling and sometimes frightening medical events, the kindness shown to me by some of the most inspiring and wonderful women I’ve ever met, and the profound transformation I underwent. It's a story of compassion for the previous version of myself that made all of this possible. I am incredibly proud of Yapay Bolivia's work and truly grateful that it’s a part of my life. The work I engage in through this organization exists outside of my roles as a mother, wife, and professional—it’s something just for me. I would love for every woman out there to have something like this, whether that means founding a nonprofit or taking small steps toward anything that brings joy and impact to her life. Even the smallest beginnings can lead to significant, positive ripple effects. My journey of wanting something just for me has turned into a meaningful organization that makes a tangible impact on the lives of women and children in Bolivia. I hope it inspires you to pursue something you genuinely want to do, and I can’t wait for you to listen. PS. If you’d like to donate to Yapay Bolivia, an organization where 100% of donations go directly to impactful projects, your support can help us expand our programs to reach a larger community. Please check out https://yapaybolivia.org/ to learn more and make a difference. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 78 - Unconventional Choices: Alternative Relationship Structures with Ali Ryan and Laura Jurgens | 04 Sep 2024 | 01:03:33 | |
This week, I continue my series on unconventional choices by exploring alternative relationship structures. I am incredibly thankful to my guests, Ali Ryan and Dr. Laura Jurgens, for sharing their insight on alternative relationship structures and their experience and advice on navigating them with love and respect. Ali Ryan is the CEO of Ali Ryan Coaching. Ali is a certified feminist integrative coach dedicated to disrupting the status quo in parenting and leadership and shifting intergenerational cycles of trauma. With influence from her unique background and personal journey, Ali helps families and leaders break free from traditional molds, embrace more compassionate approaches, and foster environments where individuals can thrive and flourish, regardless of their past or present challenges. Dr. Laura Jurgens hosts the podcast Sex Help for Smart People and specializes in helping people connect better to themselves and their partners by playing their way to better intimacy. A dual-certified cognitive and somatic coach and former research scientist and biology professor, Laura uses experiential practices to enable individuals and couples to build joyful confidence. Her approach is practical, research-based, inclusive, and de-shaming. Together, they bring invaluable perspectives on relationship structures and how to engage in loving, consensual relationships that fulfill your wants and needs. If you’re interested in understanding alternative relationships or exploring the structure for yourself, or you want to take a more intentional approach to the type of relationship you choose to be part of, this episode is for you. Join us and learn how to excavate your actual desires from beneath your societal, good-girl programming and engage in relationships that align with your most authentic self. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Laura here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 77 - Unconventional Choices: Single Mom by Choice with Carla Moats and Paige Dempsey | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:32:44 | |
Welcome to the second episode of my special series on Unconventional Choices. I am so grateful to my guests, Carla Moats and Paige Dempsey, for sharing their journeys to parenthood. In a society that often scrutinizes solo parents, Carla and Paige exemplify courage in making a choice that aligns with their values—the choice to become single mothers. In addition to being incredible solo parents, Carla and Paige are each incredible coaches, too. Paige is a certified Life and Relationship Coach dedicated to helping women have better relationships by fostering authentic, empowered, and fun connections–with others and themselves! Carla is a financial and money coach for women solopreneurs. She helps her clients quit feeling scared of their finances, take control of their business and personal finances, and put more money in their pockets to live their dream lifestyle. Join us as we explore what it means to be a parent and a family, and discover how unconventional choices often turn out to be the best choices we’ve ever made. Ditch any preconceived notions you have about family and tune in to celebrate and embrace all paths to parenthood. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Paige here: Find Carla here: Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 76 - Unconventional Choices: Childfree By Choice with Amber Taylor, Pauline Yan, Melissa G Wirt, and Dr. Susie Castellanos Hansley | 21 Aug 2024 | 01:02:01 | |
I’m thrilled to kick off my “Unconventional Choices” series with an incredible lineup of guests and fellow coaches—Amber Taylor, Pauline Yan, Melissa G. Wirt, and Dr. Susie Castellanos Hansley—all of whom have chosen to remain child-free. Together, we challenge societal norms and our “good-girl” programming as we discuss the pressures of motherhood and womanhood while celebrating the empowerment that comes from intentional choices. This conversation is for everyone interested in the diversity of women’s experiences and embracing our unique journeys without shame or judgment. I can’t wait for you to listen. Amber Taylor (She/Her), also known as the Pleasure Priority Coach, uses her skills to help Black Millenials navigate the gap between the peace and fulfillment they thought they’d feel and what they actually feel despite their achievements. Amber helps her clients curate fulfilling relationships and to never settle for less. Pauline Yan, CFA, CAIA (She/Her) is a financial educator and coach. After 16 successful years at a financial firm, she now helps women and first-time investors navigate the complex landscape of the stock market to make sound investments. Melissa G Wirt (She/Her) is a dual-certified life coach who helps people in midlife and beyond get unstuck and feel better about their careers and relationships. With compassion and understanding, she helps clients take doable steps to create results they didn’t think possible. Dr. Susie Castellanos Hansley (She/Her) is the Stress LESS Coach. A former academic and Master Certified Life Coach, she helps smart, high achievers ditch the stressed version of themselves, create work-life balance, and live joyful lives without giving up on their career goals. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 75 - How To Drink Like a Woman Who Loves Herself with Colleen Kachmann | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:41:26 | |
I am so grateful for my conversation with this week’s guest, Colleen Kachmann, where we tackle an important and often tricky topic: drinking. Tune in as we explore how drinking is tied to perfectionism and people pleasing and how, thanks to her own journey, Colleen is helping women rise above it. Colleen is a Certified Master Life & Recovery Coach who uses cutting-edge strategies in nervous system regulation, growth mindset, positive psychology, and self-directed neuroplasticity to help women reconnect with a higher sense of purpose so they can feel passionate and powerful again. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education, a Master of Science in coaching, and a professional certificate in Women’s Functional and Integrative Medicine. Through her own experience with alcoholism, Colleen founded Recover with Colleen after realizing that being “sober” is not a good goal. Pursuing happiness instead of sobriety is the ONLY way to reclaim your power. Once you realize that you can actually trust yourself, the only rule you need to follow is your intuition – you just need to learn how to listen. Colleen helps women bypass the stigma and drama that society associates with sobriety by focusing on what’s really important – our relationship with ourselves. Her passion is to help women liberate themselves from the oppressive belief that there is something fundamentally broken or flawed about them so that they can unlock a higher level of purpose, passion, and power. I can’t wait for you to listen. PLEASE NOTE that while Colleen's approach is empowering, it might not be suitable for individuals with alcohol use disorder or active alcohol addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with severe alcohol issues, please seek professional help tailored to those needs. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 74 - The Female Double Bind and How to Get OUT | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:22:32 | |
With everything happening in our world right now, especially politically here in the United States, we need to talk about the female double blind–the impossible double standards to which women are held that create no-win situations for us. So many examples of this show up in our everyday lives and are perpetuated by the media, and it needs to stop. In this episode, I delve into these double standards and the language that reinforces them, all aimed at keeping women from attaining leadership and power. As strong women, it’s time to dissect, understand, and reject the female double bind, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. It’s time to see these double standards, call them out, and hold those perpetuating them accountable. The female double bind is always a trap, but together, we have the power to reject and rise above it. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 73 - What I'm Working On At The Moment | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:15:51 | |
This episode is all about honesty and vulnerability as I share what I’m currently working on in my life. While I’m a coach, I’m a person, too. As a person, I struggle with and navigate many challenges, especially those specifically related to womanhood. These experiences, part of my ongoing journey of growth and learning, make me a great coach and, despite what negative self-talk might try to convince me, a great human, just like you. So, if you’re struggling with anything or working through something, I want you to know that I’m in it with you, and I’m here to support you. Can’t wait for you to listen. Here’s a link to Episode 59: Transparency as a Woman in the Self-Help World, referenced in this episode. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 72 - Sneaky People Pleasing | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:21:06 | |
Did you know that people pleasing can be subtle–even sneaky? People pleasing goes far beyond the stereotypical inability to say “no.” In this episode, I reveal the people pleasing tendencies that catch us off guard–things like excessive politeness, perfectionism, and difficulty setting boundaries. Because it can show up in so many different ways, you need both deep self-connection and a capacity for discomfort to break free from people pleasing. Join me to learn how to recognize all of your people pleasing behaviors and how to increase your threshold for discomfort so you can start living as your authentic self. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 71 - I'm Not Living The Beautiful Life I Could Be with Angie Wilson | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:46:54 | |
I’m so grateful for my beautiful conversation with this week’s guest, Angie Wilson. Angie Wilson is a certified life coach specializing in helping women love their lives after divorce. With a master's degree in social work, Angie brings a rich background of experience to her coaching practice. She worked as a therapist and case manager for two years before dedicating 15 years to being a full-time homeschooling mom to her four amazing kids. In this episode, we dive into our shared background of growing up in conservative, religious families and how this experience impacted our people pleasing tendencies and years of perfectionating. Most importantly, we talk about our journeys to the other side–when we stopped looking outside ourselves for answers and started tuning into our intuition, needs, and desires. Angie's journey, one through divorce, was the most challenging experience of her life. Emerging stronger and more authentic, she transformed into a confident, independent woman. Now, Angie is passionate about guiding other women through recovery after divorce, helping them heal, grow, and find joy and fulfillment. With her compassionate approach and personal insight, Angie empowers her clients to embrace their new beginnings with confidence and optimism, and she brings that same energy to our conversation. I can’t wait for you to listen. Find Sara here: | |||
| Episode 106 - Vagina Business: FemTech with Marina Gerner | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:46:35 | |
It can be so hard for women to find reliable information about their bodies and what they truly need to be healthy. In this episode, I talk to award-winning journalist and author of The Vagina Business, Marina Gerner. Her book explores FemTech—innovations designed to genuinely support women’s health rather than mislead or market to them with misinformation. Together, we dive into the world of women’s health and knowledge can empower a vibrant female experience. Here’s what we cover:
I can’t wait for you to listen. Marina Gerner’s debut book is out now. THE VAGINA BUSINESS: THE INNOVATIVE BREAKTHROUGHS THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH. A deeply researched journalistic investigation, it shines a spotlight on the fantastic potential of femtech (female technology) to transform women’s lives, if it’s done well. As a journalist, she has written about books and arts, as well as finance and tech for over a decade. Her range of expertise has led to Marina being called "a Renaissance woman of the modern age." Marina has won several awards and written for The Economist, Jewish Chronicle, Guardian, Financial Times, Wired, the Times Literary Supplement, The Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She has been a contributing editor at The Sunday Times Raconteur, the i newspaper and MoneyWeek. Find Marina here: https://www.instagram.com/marinagerner/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-gerner-phd-2252ba26/ https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP150229 https://www.marinagerner.com/preordernow https://marinagerner.substack.com/ Find Sara here: https://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversations https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach https://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333 What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside! | |||
| Episode 70 - "I am so F*cking Proud of Myself" - Conversations with Women Who Have Stopped People Pleasing | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:54:17 | |
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with Allyssya Gossett, Abby Wolfson, and Jayne Newman to dig into what it's like to be a woman programmed to people please—and what it's like to be a woman who stops. Allyssya is an educator and life coach who helps women step outside their comfort zone and into confidence so they can live the life they imagine. Abby is a child sleep coach, a parent coach to single moms by choice, a former pediatric nurse practitioner, and a mom of three. And Jayne is a self-described recovering people pleaser with a familiar story: good times, bad times—life—but one that keeps getting better as she goes. All three of these remarkable women have gone through the Stop People Pleasing program and done the incredibly hard work of learning to live honestly and authentically despite other people’s discomfort. In the episode, each of them shares what the process has been like, how their world has shifted, and what happened that they didn't expect—like how eliminating people pleasing hasn't made them selfish but instead made them value their wants and needs equally. Or how eliminating people pleasing hasn’t meant changing their personality but showing up as their real self. Finally, they share about how hard this work is and how the support of other women makes them feel brave enough to do it. I hope this episode will help you find clarity, solidarity, and courage wherever you are on the journey to stop people pleasing. Find Abby here: Find Sara here: | |||