Big F*cking Dreams

The Big F*cking Dreams Podcast is a self-help podcast for high performers (without the cringe). This self-development podcast offers step-by-step actionable tips from one of Australia's leading life coaches, Hannah Kissel, who has worked with clients from LinkedIn, Pinterest, Canva, Uber, Gartner, DocuSign, MongoDB, and many more. This podcast is for the high performer who ties their self-worth to their job performance but deep down knows there has to be another way. It’s for those who want to expand their career AND live deeply by their values. This podcast is a RECLAMATION of confidence and personal power. Want more confidence? Less self-sabotage? Zero burnout? And a higher f*cking salary? Join Hannah every other Wednesday as she discusses topics like the truth about leaving your corporate job or how to stop self-sabotage. She explores how confidence and vulnerability can co-exist, the psychology of high performers, and shares actionable tools to achieve you’re big f*cking dreams (like moving to Mexico City, quitting the job you hate, or finally starting your own podcast).

65: Jenny Child on Grief, Career Transitions, and Presence 01/20/2026

65: Jenny Child on Grief, Career Transitions, and Presence In this deeply human conversation, Hannah sits down with former Oroton CEO, Jenny Child, to explore what happens after the title, the success, and the carefully built career identity. Jenny shares her experience navigating grief, leadership, and major career transitions, and how learning to slow down, let go, and be present reshaped not just her work — but her sense of self. Together, they unpack what it means to lead through uncertainty, to grieve versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown, and to build a life that isn’t driven solely by achievement. This episode is for anyone who’s: - Stepping away from a high-level role - Moving through grief or loss (personal or professional) - Questioning who they are beyond their job title - Learning how to be present in seasons of change A powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always look like striving — sometimes it looks like listening, resting, and allowing space for what’s next. Key Takeaways: - Grief isn’t only about loss — it often shows up during career transitions - Leadership roles can deeply shape identity, making transitions emotionally complex - Presence becomes essential when control and certainty fall away - Stepping back doesn’t mean failure — it can mean integration - True success evolves as we evolve - Slowing down can reveal what achievement alone never could Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Jenny’s career background 02:10 – Identity beyond leadership and success 05:00 – Grief as a teacher during life transitions 08:30 – Leaving a role that once defined you 12:15 – The emotional cost of high-performance culture 16:00 – Learning presence when certainty disappears 20:10 – Letting go of urgency and external validation 24:45 – Redefining success after loss and change 29:30 – Advice for leaders navigating transitions 33:00 – What it really means to trust yourself again #CareerTransitions #GriefRecovery #GriefAndGrowth #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveLife #CareerChange #Presence #IdentityAndPurpose #HighPerformer ------- 🚨 Got a career challenge? Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline! Email: Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: Visit Hannah's website: The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: /episode/index/show/def31703-3c1b-495f-bf86-46cfe2b32782/id/39796450

64: My Boss Calls Me Every Night at 7PM. Help! 01/13/2026

64: My Boss Calls Me Every Night at 7PM. Help! In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Hannah responds to a listener who feels trapped in nightly 7PM work calls that aren’t true emergencies — and are starting to take a real toll on her health, energy, and self-respect. On paper, everything looks great: a senior role, great pay, strong performance reviews. But behind the scenes, constant availability has become the expectation — and setting boundaries feels terrifying. This episode dives into how to tell the difference between what’s truly required in your role and what’s become an unhealthy pattern — plus how to stop apologizing for wanting basic boundaries like rest, health, and an evening to yourself. Key Takeaways: - Not every late-night work demand is a true job requirement — many are learned dynamics - Chronic stress and “always on” availability have real health consequences - You don’t need to justify or apologize for reasonable boundaries - Start small: clear availability, long explanations - People-pleasing often reduces respect, not increases it - If your values and your job are in conflict, something needs to change Want Support With This? If this episode hit close to home and you’re ready to stop over-functioning, people-pleasing, and burning out, Hannah’s Life & Work Transformation program dives deep into exactly this work. #WorkBoundaries #PeoplePleasing #ToxicWorkCulture #WorkLifeBalance #BoundarySetting #HighPerformers #HannahKissel Timestamps: 00:00 – The listener’s dilemma: nightly 7 PM calls 01:45 – Why this pattern feels so hard to change 03:00 – Is this a gravity problem or a boundary problem? 05:10 – When long hours are actually expected vs. optional 07:00 – The health cost of constant availability 09:00 – What happens if you do nothing 11:30 – People-pleasing, fear, and over-apologizing 13:45 – How to start setting boundaries (without overexplaining) 17:30 – What to do if your boss pushes back 20:30 – Identity shift: becoming someone who is calm and confident 23:00 – When it might be time to reassess the role itself 🚨 Got a career challenge? Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline! Email: Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: Visit Hannah's website: /episode/index/show/def31703-3c1b-495f-bf86-46cfe2b32782/id/39713575

63: Having an Investor Mentality 01/07/2026

63: Having an Investor Mentality In this episode, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel discusses the importance of adopting an investor mentality in various aspects of life beyond just finances. She emphasizes the need for long-term thinking and balancing different areas of life, such as health, relationships, and career. By identifying with one's future self and shifting personal identity, individuals can create lasting habits and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The conversation highlights practical steps to invest in oneself holistically, leading to a more fulfilling life. You'll learn in this episode: - Investing isn't just for finances; it applies to life. - Balance is key in the wheel of life. - Long-term thinking creates compound returns. - Identify with your future self for better decisions. - Your identity shapes your habits and choices. - Start small to build momentum in life changes. - Difficult challenges can lead to personal growth. - Self-control is a skill that can be developed. - Daily habits can transform your perception of self. - Investing in health and relationships is crucial. Timestamps: 00:00 - Investing in Life: Beyond Finances 03:14 - The Wheel of Life: Balancing Priorities 05:59 - Identifying with Your Future Self 09:06 - Shifting Identity: The Investor Mentality 12:04 - Embracing Difficulties for Growth 14:48 - Creating a Holistic Life Investment ------- Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/ Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/ Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com #highperformer #investormentality #hannahkissel 🚨 Got a career challenge? Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline! Email: Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: Visit Hannah's website: /episode/index/show/def31703-3c1b-495f-bf86-46cfe2b32782/id/39637145

62: Hannah Hotline: "I make great money but hate my job" 12/30/2025

61: 2025 Reflection & 2026 Intention Setting 12/23/2025

60. Hannah Hotline: I hate my boss 12/16/2025

59. A Guided Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) Meditation for High Achievers 12/04/2025

58. 5 Red Flags That Are Destroying Your Career Confidence 12/02/2025

57. The 3 Foundations Every High Performer Forgets 11/18/2025

56. Kiss and Tell: My Wedding Recap 11/04/2025

55. The 3 Characteristics of Burnout - Do You Have Them? 10/21/2025

54. How Do You Live and Lead by Your Values in a non-BS Way? 10/07/2025

53. From Complex Trauma to Corporate Burnout: The Fawn Trauma Response 09/23/2025

52. The Method that Changed My Life: Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) 09/09/2025

51. Why Career Change Feels So Scary (and the 4 Steps to Move Through It) 08/26/2025

50. Can You Be Both Powerful and Likeable as a High-Performing Woman? 08/12/2025

49. What to Do When Things Feel Out of Control 08/05/2025

48. Dear Diary: Letting Go of the Ambition to be Extraordinary 07/29/2025

47. Clean Pain vs Dirty Pain (Job Loss, Negative Feedback, etc) 07/15/2025

46. A Beginner's Guide to Non-Violent Communication & Why You Need it in Your Career 07/01/2025

45. How to Change Your Values 06/17/2025

44. 8 Years Sober, Turning 35, & Getting an Exorcism 06/03/2025

43. This is Why You're Exhausted as a High-Performing Woman 05/20/2025

43. This is Why You're Exhausted as a High-Performing Woman In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel and Michelle Agudelo delve into the often-overlooked topic of hormonal health and the menstrual cycle. They discuss the importance of understanding how hormonal fluctuations affect women's health, particularly in high-performance environments. Michelle shares insights on cycle syncing, a method of aligning work and life with the different phases of the menstrual cycle, and offers practical advice on tracking cycles and managing social commitments. The discussion emphasizes breaking the stigma around women's health issues and encourages open conversations about menstruation and hormonal balance. Takeaways Chronic fatigue in women is often linked to hormonal cycles. Many women experience symptoms but feel they have no solutions. Education about menstrual health is crucial for women’s empowerment. Cycle syncing can enhance productivity and well-being. Understanding your cycle can help manage social commitments effectively. Tracking your cycle provides valuable insights into your health. Saying no to social events during low-energy phases is smart, not selfish. The 4P framework can help align work with hormonal phases. Open conversations about menstruation can reduce stigma. Women’s health issues deserve attention in corporate wellness programs. About our guest: Michelle Agudelo is a Fertility Awareness Educator, Hormone Practitioner, and the founder of Haus of Flow. Haus of Flow teaches women how to avoid pregnancy naturally, eliminate PMS, and finally learn how their hormones work so they can have pain-free periods in 90 days. LinkedIn: Website: 🚨 Got a career challenge? Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline! Email: Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: Visit Hannah's website: /episode/index/show/def31703-3c1b-495f-bf86-46cfe2b32782/id/36639100

42. Is Your Nervous System in Self-Sabotage? 05/07/2025

42. Is Your Nervous System in Self-Sabotage? In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel and Victoria Maurer explore the intricate relationship between self-sabotage, the nervous system, and personal development. They discuss how high performers often experience anxiety and self-doubt, particularly when faced with significant life changes. Victoria shares insights on how breathwork and somatic practices can help regulate the nervous system and address underlying trauma, ultimately leading to greater emotional resilience and clarity. The importance of understanding the signs of nervous system sabotage and the need for holistic approaches to healing and personal growth. Exploration of the themes of emotional processing, the concept of emotional armor, and the journey of self-discovery. As well as the importance of breath work in releasing stored emotions, the nuances of toxic relationships, and the quest for internal validation among high performers. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the challenges posed by societal expectations and tribal shaming, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of personal values and purpose. Takeaways Self-sabotage often manifests through the nervous system. High performers may struggle with anxiety even in positive situations. Breathwork can help regulate the nervous system and promote healing. Understanding the difference between fear and intuition is crucial. Nervous system sabotage can show up as physical symptoms like hair loss or insomnia. The upper limit problem can cause self-sabotage when achieving goals. Somatic practices can complement breathwork for deeper healing. Trauma, whether big or small, can impact emotional responses. Creating stillness is essential to differentiate between fear and intuition. Parts work can help integrate conflicting aspects of the self. Breath work is essential for processing stored emotions. High performers often seek external validation over internal fulfillment. Sensitivity increases as one sheds emotional armor. Tribal shaming can hinder personal growth and authenticity. /episode/index/show/def31703-3c1b-495f-bf86-46cfe2b32782/id/36467190

41. The Top 3 Challenges High Performers Face Today 04/22/2025

40. Is Your Ambition Healthy or Toxic? 04/08/2025

39. 7 Steps to Get the Most Out of Coaching 03/25/2025

38. Bad at Office Politics? 3 Steps to Fix it Fast 03/11/2025

37. The Truth about Leaving Your Corporate Job to Start a Business 02/25/2025

36. The ONE Mindset Shift to Become More Empowered 02/11/2025

Big F*cking Dreams

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