11: Reclaiming Pleasure + the Power of Shadow Work with Latoya Dixon Smith
a life differently
What if pleasure was more than a luxury and shadow work was the portal to reclaiming it? This week, I’m joined by Latoya Dixon Smith (she/her)—boudoir photographer, embodiment coach, and founder of Greenville Boudoir and One Union Studios—to explore how shadow work, nervous system healing, and sensual embodiment can radically transform how we live, love, and lead. We unpack the ways control, burnout, and the pressure to stay “nice” disconnect us from our truth—and how shadow work, sensual embodiment, and creative rebellion can guide us back to authenticity and power. Whether...
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10: Keeping the Peace Is Costing Your Sanity | Let's Talk About It
a life differently
Warning: This one’s a little vent-y, a little cursy, and a whole lotta honest. In this Let's Talk About It episode, I get real about what “keeping the peace” actually costs—especially in family dynamics where silence is expected and boundaries are nonexistent. I’m telling the story of a recent family incident that shook me, plus unpacking the emotional aftermath and how often we betray ourselves just to avoid rocking the boat. If you’ve ever walked away from a situation thinking “Why didn’t I say something?”—this one’s for you. Come for the truth bombs, stay for the Petty...
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09: How to Understand your Human Design Chart with Jameer Hart
a life differently
Ever feel like you’re doing everything right and still swimming upstream? Like no matter how hard you try, life just won’t flow? In this episode, I sit down with Seer and Creative Consultant Jameer Hart (he/they) to help you understand why that might be happening—and how your Human Design chart may hold the key to moving through life with more ease, clarity, and alignment. We break down what Human Design actually is, how to read your chart, and why understanding your unique energetic blueprint can help you stop forcing and start flowing. Jameer walks us through the five Human Design...
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08: Aligning with the Seasons: Spring (with a Guided Meditation)
a life differently
How can you align with the energy of spring without falling back into hustle mode? Let’s explore the natural transition from winter to spring and why seasonal shifts matter for your mindset and well-being. Learn why growth requires stillness first and how resting through winter creates the foundation for renewal. I’m sharing insights on seasonal cycles, cultural spring traditions like Norooz and Holi, and how to reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms. What you'll hear about hear: Why growth requires rest and how winter fuels spring energy How to embrace seasonal cycles without...
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07: Not Settling in Love or Values with Latia Curtis (pt. 2)
a life differently
How do you build a relationship that reflects your values and a life that aligns with them? In part 2 of this interview, Latia Curtis (she/her) explores the deep connection between love, integrity, and shared values in relationships. She shares how she met her husband, Jason, and how their relationship thrives on mutual respect, alignment in values, and the willingness to grow together—even when they don’t agree on everything. Latia is also a passionate political advocate. We discuss why good character and integrity matter not only in personal relationships but also in the...
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06: Creating a Life that Works for You with Latia Curtis (pt. 1)
a life differently
How do you build a life that’s not just successful—but aligned with who you truly are? In this interview, I sit down with the incredible Latia Curtis (she/her)—an award-winning makeup artist, creative powerhouse, small business owner, producer, mother, political advocate, and more—who has built a life, family, marriage, and career that challenges the status quo. Latia shares her journey from single motherhood and working multiple jobs just to survive, to becoming a sought-after makeup artist and creative in a competitive industry. We dive into the bold choices that helped her build a...
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Where's this week's episode??
a life differently
In case you're wondering, here's a quick note on what's going on at the moment. I hope it's a nice, little reminder that it's ok and absolutely necessary to give yourself grace, to take a step back when things get a little heavy and overwhelming, even in the best of ways.
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05: Navigating Grief + Overwhelming Emotions
a life differently
Today’s episode was completely unexpected, but so is the nature of grief, right? Grief isn’t linear and it’s not always the most predictable thing. As waves of grief have come over me lately, I decided to sit and share my experience in the midst of things. I open up about the grief of losing my brother, Xavier, the emotions that have been surfacing lately, and some of some of the things currently helping me through. This isn’t just about sadness—it’s about regret, guilt, and the struggle of holding space for emotions that feel too big to bear. This episode is an invitation to...
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04: Why you can't fix others (and what to do instead)
a life differently
Ever had a life-changing realization, teaching, or a-ha moment and felt the urge to share it with someone only to be met with resistance? Let’s talk about the deep desire to “fix” others (especially when we’re in the early stages of our growth and healing journey), why it often backfires, and what we can do instead to actually help those we love. If you’ve ever struggled with watching loved ones stay stuck while you grow, this episode is for you. What to expect here: Why we feel the urge to fix others The hidden fears behind this impulse (eldest sibling syndrome, fear of outgrowing...
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03: Core Values: The Inner Fire that Keeps You Going with Vanessa "Nane" Marquez
a life differently
What does it mean to live authentically when the world tells you you don’t belong? Today I want to introduce you to fellow life coach (and my dear friend) Vanessa Marquez, a.k.a. Coach Nane (she/her/ella). Together, we explore the realities of defining your identity, core values, and sense of belonging—especially through the lens of being an immigrant and a person of the global majority during uncertain times. Nane shares her raw, unfiltered journey of navigating life between cultures, confronting internalized conditioning, and reclaiming her sense of self—without guilt or shame. ...
info_outlineEver had a life-changing realization, teaching, or a-ha moment and felt the urge to share it with someone only to be met with resistance? Let’s talk about the deep desire to “fix” others (especially when we’re in the early stages of our growth and healing journey), why it often backfires, and what we can do instead to actually help those we love. If you’ve ever struggled with watching loved ones stay stuck while you grow, this episode is for you.
What to expect here:
- Why we feel the urge to fix others
- The hidden fears behind this impulse (eldest sibling syndrome, fear of outgrowing people, etc.)
- How trying to change people can create distance instead of connection
- What to do instead—practical, heart-centered approaches
- The power of leading by example (and how it creates real transformation)
Resources & Links:
- Read the blog post: alifedifferently.com/podcast/why-you-cant-fix-others
- Follow @alifedifferently on Instagram
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Credits:
Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay