High Functioning Does Not Equal Healthy
Embracing the Fight
What if being âhigh-functioningâ isnât the same as being healthy? In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica Lamar unpacks the hidden cost of always being the strong one, the achiever, the person who never seems to slow down. High-functioning often looks like success on the outsideâbut on the inside, it can mask burnout, emotional numbness, anxiety, and unhealed trauma. In this episode, youâll learn: What âhigh-functioningâ really meansâand why itâs often a survival strategy Signs you may be functioning well but not truly healthy The emotional, physical, and...
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Your Personal Best
Embracing the Fight
Comparison steals joy, confidence, and purposeâbut it doesnât have to win. In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, we dive deep into the idea of Your Personal Best and why comparing yourself to others is one of the biggest obstacles to greatness. From childhood peer pressure to adult expectations, we explore how comparison shapes identity, fuels insecurity, and creates mental anguish when goals are unrealistic. Youâll learn the difference between comparison and jealousy, why failure doesnât disqualify you, and how focusing on improving past your own personal best is what truly...
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Seasons of Life
Embracing the Fight
Life doesnât move in straight linesâit moves in seasons. In todayâs episode of Embracing the Fight, weâre having an honest, heart-centered conversation about the seasons of life we all experience: the seasons of becoming, breaking, healing, waiting, and thriving. This episode is an invitation to slow down, speak your truth, and honor exactly where you areâwithout guilt, comparison, or apology. Not every season is about growth. Some seasons are about survival. And surviving is still sacred. If youâve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure of what this chapter is asking...
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Employee Burnout
Embracing the Fight
Burnout isnât just being tiredâitâs a signal that something is no longer sustainable. In this episode of Embracing the Fight, host Erica Lamar takes a deep dive into employee burnout, breaking down what it really looks like, why it happens, andâmost importantlyâwhat can be done to address it. Whether youâre an employee feeling overwhelmed, a leader trying to support your team, or an entrepreneur carrying the weight of everything, this conversation is for you. đ§ In this episode, we cover: What employee burnout actually is (and what itâs not) The most common causes of...
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Autism
Embracing the Fight
In todayâs episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica Lamar opens an important and timely conversation about Autismâwhat it is, what it isnât, and why awareness must be rooted in understanding, not assumptions. This episode was inspired by the recent controversy surrounding Mattelâs release of an autistic Barbie, which sparked debate about representation and whether autism âhas a look.â Erica breaks down why that narrative misses the bigger picture and shares the powerful story of Precious Hill, an autistic mother raising autistic children, whose daughter Mikko inspired the doll. The...
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2025 Reflections
Embracing the Fight
2025 was not a highlight reel â it was a healing journey. This year of Embracing the Fight took us through vulnerability, faith, resilience, health, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to keep showing up even when life is heavy. From deeply personal solo reflections to powerful guest conversations, each episode explored what it means to fight for yourself â mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Throughout the year, we talked about: Faith, grace, and healing â trusting God in the waiting, believing in miracles, and resting in the truth that healing is not weakness....
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Windows
Embracing the Fight
In this powerful and reflective episode of Embracing the Fight, titled âWindows,â Erica pauses at the threshold of a new year. As December 31, 2025 comes to a close, she briefly begins to reflect on the year behind herâbut is led to save the full Year in Review for the very first episode of 2026. Instead, she invites listeners into something just as meaningful: a conversation about windowsâwhat they reveal, what they protect, and what they require of us. Through a faith-centered and deeply personal lens, Erica explores several dimensions of windows: ⨠Biblical windows â the...
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Fueled By Ambition; My Soul Came Home
Embracing the Fight
What happens when ambition no longer feels aligned with your soul? In todayâs powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, we sit down with Brittni Cosgrove, a personal and professional coach whose journey will resonate deeply with anyone feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or afraid to take the leap. Brittni opens up about listening to her inner child, walking away from a corporate career in the middle of COVID, and finally giving herself permission to do the work she was always meant to do. Her story is one of courage, alignment, and coming home to yourself. Together, we explore: ⨠Why so many...
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Drug Interactions
Embracing the Fight
Medications can save livesâbut only when theyâre used safely and intentionally. In todayâs episode, we break down drug interactions and why understanding what youâre taking is just as important as taking it. Too often, people are prescribed medications without being told what to avoid, what warning signs to look for, or how one prescription can impact another. This episode is about empowerment, awareness, and advocacy for your health. In this episode, we discuss: âď¸ Why you should always know exactly what medications and supplements youâre taking âď¸ Foods, drinks, and...
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Winter Blues
Embracing the Fight
Winter has a way of shifting our mood, our routines, and even our relationships. In todayâs episode of Embracing The Fight, Erica opens up a heartfelt conversation about the Winter Bluesâand how we can show up for ourselves and for others during the colder months. đ In This Episode, Erica Highlights: 1ď¸âŁ Our Elderly Neighbors Winter can be especially hard for seniors, many of whom have outlived close family members. Erica shares why simple acts of kindnessâchecking in, visiting, offering a meal, or just having a conversationâcan make all the difference. 2ď¸âŁ Those Who Are...
info_outlineđ§ Embracing the Fight | Episode 130: This Womanâs Work ft. Malaika Bagoudou
đŤ In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica sits down with Malaika BagoudouâCertified Integrative Health Practitioner, Menopause Wellness Coach, Nutrition Consultant, Herbalist, and founder of Lâes Graines de Vieâto shed light on a topic too often overlooked: menopause and hormonal health.
đĽ Malaika opens up about her personal transformation and triumph through the stages of womanhood. From hot flashes and mood swings to weight gain and hormonal shifts, she shares the real talk that women 35 and up need to hear. With a compassionate and empowering approach, she discusses: Why weight gain isnât just about foodâitâs often hormonal How to identify signs of imbalance in your body Holistic tools and remedies to regain control and feel like YOU again Her mission to help women rewrite their menopause journey with support, nutrition, and knowledge
đ Malaika is also the founder of Menopause Matters Now (Women 35+), a supportive Facebook group where women can freely discuss changes, challenges, and real solutions.
đ Join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Adn73wUqH/
đ Explore Malaikaâs offerings:
- Menopause-friendly recipes
- Healing herbal blends
- One-on-one counseling sessions
- Empowering books
đ Visit her website: www.lesgrainesdevie.com đ
Book by Malaika Bagoudou on Amazon: "Too Busy to Cook" - It addresses how busy individuals can prep healthy meals in no time.
#IntegrativeHealth #MenopauseCoach #ThisWomansWork #HealingJourney #WellnessWarrior #MenopauseDoesntDefineMe #BlackHealthMatters #WomensVoicesMatter #FoodAsMedicine #LifeAfter35
đ Stay connected & never miss an episode! đ
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đ Youâre not aloneâyour healing starts here. đ