The Inner Edit

Christie Rocha is the host of The Inner Edit: Wellness for Digital Creators podcast. She interviews therapists, coaches, and content creators to raise awareness for mental health, promote wellness, and create community for creators. Christie is known for asking the “but how” questions so that creators walk away from each episode with actionable steps on what to do next when it comes to relationships, ethics, productivity, and self-development.

212: Christie Rocha: Prioritizing Wellness: Saying Goodbye to Focus on My Health & Family 01/12/2024

211: Elizabeth Earnshaw: Thrive on Social Media: Transforming 'Shoulds' into Empowering Choices 01/10/2024

211: Elizabeth Earnshaw: Thrive on Social Media: Transforming 'Shoulds' into Empowering Choices Today With Elizabeth Earnshaw: Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and trusted relationship teacher. She is also a business owner, an author, a podcast segment host, and a content creator…you might know her as @lizlistens. Liz is one of the original Instagram therapists, but as the platform and algorithms have changed, so has her mindset about how she uses the space. Listen now to hear how Liz remains true to herself, trustworthy to her clients, and ethical in her career as a therapist while sharing her message online. Pick It Apart [2:33] Elizabeth shares why she decided to start her Instagram page and its aim of introducing therapy to people who might not realize what it is or how it can help. [8:05] Elizabeth and Christie discuss how Instagram has changed, along with how (and why) Elizabeth continues to use the platform in ways that align with her values. [18:24] Christie has an AHA moment, realizing that Instagram began to lose its appeal for her when it became something she “should” do. [25:45] Christie asks Elizabeth her thoughts on the pressure put on creators with large platforms to take a stance on every issue in the world. [32:55] Elizabeth explains how taking public stances as a therapist can limit what her clients feel comfortable sharing. [40:51] Elizabeth speaks about taking care of herself and her nervous system responses to negative comments on social media by setting boundaries. [41:33] Christie asks Tomi about how she responds to current events with her audience. Christie Rocha's and Elizabeth Earnshaw's Ah-Ha Moments “For years, I have always enjoyed [Instagram]. I've always liked it. And I think when it shifted to a ‘you should do this’ is when it starts feeling like ‘ugh’.” – Christie Rocha “Once it became the obligation to say things a specific way…that obligation took the joy away…I'm only going to [post] now when I feel like it's something I really want to say or I feel confident about it, and it's aligned with what feels good. And I'm really trying not to look at metrics.” – Elizabeth Earnshaw “[As a therapist], any [public] stance that you take can be read by your client…and that can limit the way they talk to you.” – Elizabeth Earnshaw “It's much more powerful to talk about what you believe instead of what you don't believe.” – Elizabeth Earnshaw More About Elizabeth Earnshaw Elizabeth Earnshaw is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Gottman Therapist, Clinical Fellow of the AAMFT, and the author of I Want This To Work: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating the Most Difficult Relationship Issues We Face in The Modern Age". She sees couples and trains therapists at A Better Life Therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a co-founder at Actually, a company focused on helping premarital couples have important conversations. She hosts a relationship advice segment on the iHeartRadio podcast, Good Risings, and creates relationship wellness content on Instagram @lizlistens. Connect with Elizabeth Earnshaw Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/29420043

210: Chelsea Connors: Transforming Creative Ruts: The Breathwork Strategy for Digital Creators 01/05/2024

210: Chelsea Connors: Transforming Creative Ruts: The Breathwork Strategy for Digital Creators Today With Chelsea Connors: Today on The Inner Edit I have on high-performance coach, former psychotherapist, and certified breathwork facilitator, Chelsea Connors. Breathwork is a growing outlet for self-care and I don’t know about you, but I’m not too familiar with it. Chelsea shares what breathwork is, practicing it tangibly, and its benefits. If you have ever been in a content block, you’ll appreciate this mindful technique to dig you out. Pick It Apart [2:35] Chelsea enjoys the creative process of social platforms, and she explains why. [8:20] Chelsea talks about the support system that helps her when she’s feeling a lull in her work. [14:00] Chelsea explains why she started her podcast, “The Ripple.” [21:16] Chelsea shares how she battles creative blocks. [30:22] The reality of the constant negotiation we have with ourselves. [35:08] Chelsea defines a certified breathwork instructor. [36:45] The science behind how breathwork changes your brain waves. [43:53] How you can use breathwork for digital creation. Christie Rocha's and Chelsea Connors's Ah-Ha Moments “What I do for work is an extension of who I am, so the fact that I get to share that freely on social media feels like a creative expression rather than an obligation.” - Chelsea Connors. “When you are experiencing a creative block, don’t force it. Step away for a second. Do a task that gets you out of your head, so you can focus on the big picture.” - Chelsea Connors. “Breathwork is a way to intentionally create an intense experience in the mind that creates new neural pathways through the intensity of your breath.” - Chelsea Connors. More About Chelsea Connors Chelsea Connors is a mental health therapist turned coach and a certified breathwork instructor. Through breathwork, coaching and her podcast, The Ripple, Chelsea is on a mission to bridge the gap between mental wellness and personal growth. She helps you reclaim your voice, embrace change and build unshakable confidence. Connect with Chelsea Connors Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: #204: Kim Young: Building Genuine Influence: Strategies to Foster Authentic Connection with Your Audience /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/29349713

209: Way Back Wednesday: Michelle Tangeman: How to Set the Foundation for Emotional Intelligence in Toddlerhood 01/03/2024

208: Christie Rocha: The Dreaded Creative Blocks: Strategies for Overcoming Mental Barriers 12/29/2023

207: Christie Rocha: How to Cope With Creator Burnout 12/27/2023

206: Kristen Gingrich: How to Organize and Repurpose Your Content and Protect Your Privacy Online 12/22/2023

206: Kristen Gingrich: How to Organize and Repurpose Your Content and Protect Your Privacy Online Today With Kristen Gingrich: Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Kristen Gingrich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, author, and cohost of Welcome to Group Therapy. I discovered Kristen during the pandemic and I think we all can agree, that the Covid era exposed a need for mental health and during this time, people were seeking more information about it. It became more recognized and relatable. Kristen joined the social media world just in time to help people live authentically. She strives to destigmatize mental health and teach that at the end of the day, we are all human. Listen in as we talk about gaining views and followers, how to credit audio in your videos, creating with values, and more! Pick It Apart [1:41] Kristen explains how she got started on her platform. [9:27] How Kristen decides what content goes on Instagram and what goes on TikTok? [11:25] Christie and Kristen discuss when you should credit someone else's audio. [23:00] Kristen’s value system for what she puts out. [34:23] How Kristen’s relationships started with Dr. Kristen Casey and others. [45:50] Kristen on the personal things in her life she chooses not to share. Christie Rocha's and Kristen Gingrich's Ah-Ha Moments “People can follow you from your viral videos, but what about them keeps you staying?” - Kristen Gingrich “When it comes to putting your kids on the internet, err on the side of caution and remember that digital footprints are real.” - Kristen Gingrich “When you share things online, whether you want it or not, you are opening yourself up to feedback.” - Kristen Gingrich Connect with Kristen Gingrich Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: #121: Lindsay Fleming: An OG TikTok Therapist on the Blessing and the Curse of Social Media for Us and Our Kids #136: Dr. Kristen Casey: Are You Sabotaging Your Sleep?: A Harm Reduction Approach to Disordered Sleep #203: Chasity Holcomb: The Value in Trusting Your Instincts and Pivoting in Content Creation to Create Evergreen Authenticity /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/29194243

205: Jennifer Anderson: The Struggles and Responsibility of Growing a Platform to 2 Million Followers 12/20/2023

205: Jennifer Anderson: The Struggles and Responsibility of Growing a Platform to 2 Million Followers Today With Jennifer Anderson: Today I’m with dietician Jennifer Anderson, creator of Kids Eat in Color, an educational resource helping families navigate picky eating and feeding children To say that Kids in Color is a success would be a major understatement. The page has 1.9 million followers, an astounding number that reflects the work and intention Jennifer has put into her platform every step of the way. Today, Jennifer is here to tell the story of how she transitioned from working full-time and posting as a hobby to hosting arguably one of the most popular pages in the parenting space, along with her views on the responsibilities we hold as content creators and influencers in the public eye. Pick It Apart [0:14] Jennifer shares how she grew her platform from nothing to an amazing 1.9 million followers, eventually transitioning to running it full-time. [5:59] Jennifer recounts some of the struggles she faced and how she knew it was time to commit full-time to her platform. [18:58] Jennifer breaks down how the business brings money in and the steps she took to create that income. [28:58] Christie and Jennifer discuss how consuming content creation can be. [31:48] Jennifer shares her perspective on the choice to share children, or not share children, on social media. [38:54] Christie asks Jennifer how she cultivated such a thriving community. [44:12] Jennifer and Christie discuss the responsibility we have as creators to share accurate and non-judgmental information. Christie Rocha's and Jennifer Anderson's Ah-Ha Moments “I am constantly reviewing the evidence and reading the research coming out every week. If at any point, I'm wrong, and certainly I have changed my position on things over time, I am more than happy to hear about it. I will acknowledge it, decide I will make a statement if I need to, I will change my position, and I will slowly shift over time.” -Jennifer “I’ve kind of just erred on not showing the kids until I'm really clear on how I want to show them. And I think that's ultimately what I'm getting from you is whatever you decide to do, just have the clarity and intention behind what you're doing.” -Christie More About Jennifer Anderson Jennifer Anderson is a mom of two, registered dietitian and has a masters of science in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In 2019, she founded Kids Eat in Color, a resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding. Prior to starting Kids Eat in Color, she coordinated youth nutrition programs at a food bank, performed research in urban food deserts, and consulted for the USDA national office SNAP-Ed program. Her academic background is in public health nutrition, cultural anthropology, and economics. Connect with Jennifer Anderson Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/29160348

204: Kim Young: Building Genuine Influence: Strategies to Foster Authentic Connection with Your Audience 12/15/2023

204: Kim Young: Building Genuine Influence: Strategies to Foster Authentic Connection with Your Audience Today With Kim Young: Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Kim Young, Kim Young of Dope Black Social Worker and host of the Revolutionary Hoodrat podcast. Kim is a licensed therapist, a nationally recognized social worker, and an expert troublemaker. For many years, Kim’s career centered on direct clinical services for youth, families, and communities. But over the last five years, Kim has shifted upstream, moving out of direct service, in order to make an even deeper impact in the field of social work, focusing on programmatic, organizational, and systemic changes. Kim gets it. She knows who she is and who she wants to help. And she understands how her platforms—in addition to her real-life work—are all a part of that. In this episode, Kim shares the story of how she ‘accidentally’ grew her amazing online following, how she has (reluctantly at times) accepted her influence, and how she uses humor, authenticity, and creativity to make excellent trouble. Pick It Apart [2:45] Kim explains how she began growing a community online—completely by accident [9:40] Kim shares why she is so grateful for her online community and gives tips on cultivating respectful engagement. [20:44] Christie and Kim discuss the importance of setting boundaries, especially within online platforms. [31:38] Kim shares how she has resisted accepting the influence she has because she prefers to work behind the scenes. [46:55] Kim unpacks why it is important for content creators to continuously ask themselves and understand who they are creating content for and why. Christie Rocha's and Kim Young's Ah-Ha Moments “I'm not going to just create content just to create things. I'm not going say things just to say things…When I open my mouth and speak, it's real, deliberate, and intentional.” – Kim Young “If you have the platform, even if you're not going to share your own point of view, put the resources out there of the people that do.” – Christie Rocha “I'm a troublemaker and social worker at my core. Even though I'm online, I'm always thinking ‘how do I use what I have and what I have access to to make sure other people come along with me.’” – Kim Young “I'm not going to concern myself with things I have no control over.” – Kim Young “If we're creating content for external validation—because we're not giving ourselves internal validation—you're never going to find whatever you're looking for.” – Kim Young More About Kim Young Kim is a nationally recognized and sought after Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), expert troublemaker. and host of the podcast, Revolutionary Hoodrat. Kim has over a decade of experience working alongside at promise youth, families, and communities. Kim is deeply committed to cross sector collaboration that utilizes an asset based approach to develop strategies which promote community driven solutions to system created problems. Kim has experience in providing direct clinical services to youth and adults in psychiatric hospitals , residential treatment and community based settings. Kim specializes in working with multi–systems involved youth and young adults who have experienced and participated in acts of community violence. In 2019 Kim made the shift upstream and stepped away from direct service to begin working on programmatic, organizational and system changes. Kim has worked nationally with universities, localities, and organizations delivering consultations, training, keynotes, and lectures. Kim focuses her work around three priority areas: Increase the visibility of Black social workers. Create pathways to opportunities for Black youth and young adults. Eliminate barriers to dreaming for Black youth and young adults. Kim has been recognized as an Essence Magazine Essential Hero, Richmond’s Style Weekly 40 Under 40, Virginia Commonwealth University 10 Under 10 and featured in a number of publications and podcasts. Kim was born and raised in San Diego, California and is proud to have called Richmond, Virginia home since 2011. When not causing trouble Kim enjoys moving with ease, reclaiming rest and listening to trap music. Kim believes that relationships heal and there is power in empathy, compassion, and kindness. Connect with Kim Young Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/29091228

203: Chasity Holcomb: The Value in Trusting Your Instincts and Pivoting in Content Creation to Create Evergreen Authenticity 12/13/2023

203: Chasity Holcomb: The Value in Trusting Your Instincts and Pivoting in Content Creation to Create Evergreen Authenticity Today With Chasity Holcomb: Today, I’m joined by trauma therapist and coach Chasity Holcomb, creator of Momfully You. Chasity’s content often centers on balancing motherhood and a career or business while breaking generational cycles and healing childhood wounds. Chasity started creating content after a decade of experience as a therapist, using her platform as a place to help even more people. Today, she is here to share her journey into content creation and discuss pivoting to a form of content that feels right to you and showing up as your true self. Pick It Apart [4:43] Chasity shares how she grew her platform and what she loves about creating content. [8:36] Christie and Chasity discuss weighing out the value of helping your audience with your own time and effort put into your content. [15:48] Chasity reflects on what to do when you feel like you “have to” create instead of doing it because you want to. [33:25] Chasity shares why she decided to bring her faith into her platform and why being true to yourself matters. Christie Rocha's and Chasity Holcomb's Ah-Ha Moments "I do truly believe that even if people don't like a post or comment, they see it, and I have had experiences where total strangers will book something with me or enroll into one of my programs or something. So I don't think we'll ever truly know the impact that we're making.” -Chasity “Social media is one of those places where it's the burden and the blessing in the same token.” -Chasity “This thought of ‘even if I just help one person, that’s meaningful’ is true, but this is one of those situations where two things are true at the same time. It’s also a ton of work for potentially one person to be helped. And that is not to say that that one person doesn't deserve it. But it is a lot of work on the one person pointing at you behind the account to keep it going.” -Christie More About Chasity Holcomb "I fulfilled my childhood dream of being a Therapist and spent the first decade of my career doing trauma therapy for thousands of people. They all had one thing in common - a deep wound from a parent. After having my girls, thirteen months apart might I add, I got a God-nudge to start creating content and open a private practice to help moms overcome anxiety. I noticed another pattern - 90% of them had a childhood wound from a parent. Having gone through my own healing journey from childhood wounds, I absolutely know how hard it is to parent your children while reparenting yourself." Connect with Chasity Holcomb Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/29050648

202: Dr. Mariel Buque: Optimizing Online Reach: Aligning Platforms with Personal Well-Being and Authenticity 12/08/2023

202: Dr. Mariel Buque: Optimizing Online Reach: Aligning Platforms with Personal Well-Being and Authenticity Today With Dr. Mariel Buque: Today on The Inner Edit I have Dr. Mariel Buque, a trauma-informed psychologist, professor, and sound bath meditation healer. Dr. Mariel works as a holistic psychologist who infuses practices essential to our mental well being like meditation and breathwork, as part of her own therapeutic process and protocol. Tune in to find out what this huge online presence and wonderful women has to say about choosing the right platform, creator burnout, setting boundaries, nurturing your community, and more! Pick It Apart [2:55] How Dr. Mariel got started with her influential online presence in the mental health space. [7:07] Advice or mental health professionals who want to start an online presence to help people. [15:25] Dr. Mariel on migrating to the platforms that feel more aligned with. [20:35] Things that Dr. Mariel has done to nurture her community of followers. [26:58] Advice to creators starting, on which platform or platforms to start on. [34:17] Dr. Mariel advises when and how to say no to an opportunity. [40:29] How Dr. Mariel establishes her personal boundaries. [51:54] Dr. Mariel shares where she sees her reach going in the future. Christie Rocha's and Dr. Mariel Buque's Ah-Ha Moments “If you feel like you’re stuck in an ethical conundrum, remember that a part of ethics is to engage in the work in a way that helps the people you’re serving to feel heard, seen, and connected to you,” - Dr. Mariel Buque “When we tap into our self-awareness, whether it is hard or not, it will feel right,” - Christie Rocha More About Dr. Mariel Buque Mariel Buqué, PhD, is a Columbia University–trained trauma-informed psychologist, professor, and sound bath meditation healer. She has appeared as an expert on Good Morning America and Today and in Allure, Self, Glamour, and Well + Good, among many other outlets, and has offered wellness talks to corporations such as Google, Capital One, and Meta. She is originally from the Dominican Republic and currently lives in New Jersey. Connect with Dr. Mariel Buque Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28982473

201: Amy Morin: The Viral Article that Catapulted to International Best-Seller: Lessons in Resilience and Success 12/06/2023

201: Amy Morin: The Viral Article that Catapulted to International Best-Seller: Lessons in Resilience and Success Today With Amy Morin: Today, I’m with Amy Morin, psychotherapist, international bestselling author, and the host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. Her books on mental strength have sold more than 1 million copies. Amy started her career as a therapist and began freelance writing on the side for extra money after facing tragedy and struggle in her own life. When her article, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, went viral, it changed everything for Amy. The article appeared nationally, including in Forbes, and Amy began speaking publicly about it. Eventually, she landed a book deal (and later five more book deals) and became a best-selling author. Now she continues to create content around mental strength, and her books, podcast, and article have served as an inspiration to me and so many others. Today, Amy is here to discuss all things content creation, mental strength, therapy, and what it’s like to become essentially an unintentional overnight success. Pick It Apart [0:45] Amy shares her overnight success story, and how hard it was to believe it was real. [6:35] Christie reflects on how it just takes one piece of content to make a difference. [12:04] Amy discusses her fears that her written work would impact her career as a therapist. [19:23] Amy reflects on the community that has found her over the years. [30:04] Christie and Amy talk about how and why Amy didn’t tie her worth to the success of the book. [34:08] Amy leaves us with some valuable lessons on mental strength. Christie Rocha's and Amy Morin's Ah-Ha Moments "(Creators), I want you to know you didn't just get lucky, you turned it into something and here you still are. Until you 100% believe that you deserve it...I don't think you'll be successful." “Something that so many creators struggle with is constantly turning out content that nobody sees. But it just takes one.” -Christie “You know, I've never regretted sharing my story. I think sometimes it sounds scripted or rehearsed because I've said it so many times or like I don't feel bad that these things happened, but it's just because I've said this story so many times.” -Amy "People are so kind. I have so many people now that send me really uplifting and kind messages, and I think that is fascinating. They don't know me, and yet they send me really nice messages. That's awesome." -Amy More About Amy Morin Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, international bestselling author and the host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. Her books on mental strength, including 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, have sold more than 1 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages. She’s practiced therapy for over 20 years and she’s a sought after speaker whose TEDx talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, has become one of the most popular talks of all time with more than 22 million views. Amy lives on a sailboat in the Florida Keys. Connect with Amy Morin Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28938003

200 Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Inner Edit's Evolution & Goals for the Next 200 and Beyond 12/01/2023

200 Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Inner Edit's Evolution & Goals for the Next 200 and Beyond Today With Christie Rocha: Today we are celebrating 200 episodes. I have learned so much on this journey from the early days of Sass Says to the latest shows of The Inner Edit, and I am so happy to have you all here with me. What an adventure! As we ring in #200, I’m sharing thoughts on each of my four pillars: Collabs & Connections, Conscious Content, Maximizing Output, and Mindset Magic. More than anything, I want this to be a community of creators—normalizing the conversations, rooting for more transparency, and cheering each other on every step of the way. Christie Rocha's Ah-Ha Moments: “I want to normalize setting personal limits, establishing boundaries, and developing personal codes of ethics that will guide us in creating content that truly resonates with our audience, but also personally fulfills us.” - Christie Rocha “I want creators to create with intention, and for this to be a safe space to learn how to do that and explore what it means for each of us.” - Christie Rocha “I firmly believe that there is room for everyone on the internet. So let's stop keeping the behind the scenes tips and tricks to ourselves and share with the class.” - Christie Rocha “Our mindset and personal growth have a direct impact on our communities, our platforms and the content we produce. So when we prioritize our well being and personal growth, our content will reflect our best selves, and our audience and our community will feel that.” - Christie Rocha Pick It Apart [0:42] Christie explains the four pillars that are her focus on the podcast, beginning with Collabs & Connections, emphasizing that she intends to normalize the conversations around loneliness among content creators. [2:28] Christie has an idea for an in-person gathering with creators by creators on how to navigate brand partnerships. [2:54] Christie discusses the second pillar: Conscious Content, sharing her own struggles with this. [4:30] Christie explains her thoughts on the third pillar: Maximizing Output, and her concerns with the obvious gatekeeping around this subject within the industry. [5:32] Christie shares more about the fourth pillar: Mindset Magic, and how she has feelings on the subject that she hopes to continue to address on future episodes of the podcast. [8:07] Christie invites listeners to share with her what they would like to hear more of on future episodes. Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28873933

199 Emmy Marie: Unmasking the Healer Within: A Journey from Anonymity to Authenticity on Social Media 11/29/2023

199 Emmy Marie: Unmasking the Healer Within: A Journey from Anonymity to Authenticity on Social Media Today With Emmy Marie: Today on The Inner Edit, I am with Emmy Marie, founder of @bloomingwithemmy. Emmy is a content creator and a trauma coach who has worked through her own c-PTSD and trauma from abuse and now helps others on their own path to healing. Emmy’s rise to success started out with an anonymous platform, but over time she began showing up with her face and name. Her journey can teach us a lot about how to dip our toes into something new, how to overcome our own challenges and discomfort, and how to avoid burnout and remain authentic in what we’re creating. Pick It Apart [0:30] Emmy shares her journey of forming her platform and her decision to move away from anonymity. [10:32] Christie asks Emmy how she balances creating what she wants with what is valuable to her audience. [14:21] Emmy and Christie discuss avoiding and recovering from burnout. [19:39] Christie asks Emmy how she decides which content is worth focusing on. [22:04] Emmy and Christie discuss boundaries around content creation. Christie Rocha's and Emmy Marie's Ah-Ha Moments “It's unrealistic to expect yourself to have an original thought every day.” -Emmy “I’d rather be happy and balanced than make six figures.” -Emmy “It’s really that self-awareness of saying ‘I’d rather be happy and balanced than make six figures.’ It’s a simple sentence, but it's not an easy one.” -Christie More About Emmy Marie I began this work in 2013 after surviving an abusive relationship that left me with complex PTSD. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to finding a way to stop viewing myself with disdain and shame, and start believing in my ability to live a wildly joyful, connected, and empowered life. Along the way, I’ve studied a plethora of healing techniques that bridge the gap between neuroscience and soulful intuitive knowing. I’m a huge fan of everything from the Polyvagal Theory, to the Enneagram, to somatic work, to the mindfulness practice of Radical Acceptance. In October 2020, I became certified as a trauma-informed coach through the ICF-accredited program offered by Moving the Human Spirit. In January 2022, I became certified as a NARM practitioner. NARM is a modality for working with complex trauma. In August 2023, I earned a certificate in Somatic Attachment Therapy (which I apply to coaching) from The Embody Lab. I view everything I learn about through the lens of trauma recovery in order to help survivors feel safe as they try out new practices or reach for their goals, adapting what I learn to work for overwhelmed brains that are used to looking for danger everywhere. My dedication to studying trauma recovery has led me from being full of shame to full of self-love. Now that I can see the ways my body adapted to the overwhelming experiences I survived in the light of acceptance, I can work with my symptoms instead of running away from them. Now that I can see how devastating the effects of trauma were on my brain and body, I can give myself the rest I need to recover without judging myself for my needs. Now that I can see how abuse conditioned me to constantly doubt myself, I can make the radical choice to go after what lights me up and know it’s safe to do so. Connect with Emmy Marie Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28836353

198 Tomi Obebe: Transforming Passion into Profit: Lessons in Blog and Social Media Monetization 11/24/2023

198 Tomi Obebe: Transforming Passion into Profit: Lessons in Blog and Social Media Monetization Today With Tomi Obebe: Today on The Inner Edit I am with Tomi Obebe, a lifestyle blogger and content creator based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With corporate digital marketing experience and an MBA from Clemson University, Tomi has been able to combine her passion for business with her personal style on her blog and on social media, where she is @goodtomicha. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Yahoo News, and more, and she was also the recipient of the 2019 InfluenceHer of the Year Award. As she has grown her platform, Tomi continues to raise awareness and advocate for inclusion, especially for Black female content creators, and she doesn’t shy away from conversations around transparency in the industry. Today, we are discussing the need for intentionality if you want to monetize a blog or social media platform, as well as the responsibility that comes with it, not only from the creator but from the brands, the consumers, and the community as a whole. Pick It Apart [2:30] Tomi shares that she has not gone viral and does not have hundreds of thousands of followers, but she still manages a healthy career as a content creator. [7:07] Christie and Tomi discuss the need for intentionality and having a plan if you want to monetize a blog or social media platform [11:36] Christie asks Tomi the differences she sees between being a content creator and being an influencer. [21:33] Tomi shares her thoughts on being a black content creator. [29:03] Christie and Tomi talk about the importance of transparency in the industry. [32:22] Tomi talks about the importance of self-care and wellness and motivating herself in these areas [41:33] Christie asks Tomi about how she responds to current events with her audience. Christie Rocha's and Tomi Obebe's Ah-Ha Moments “Don't be afraid to ask [brands], push them, and see what they're doing to better themselves when it comes to our seat of inclusion.” – Tomi Obebe “Just because it's not brain surgery doesn't mean that you shouldn’t be compensated fairly for the work that you put in.” – Tomi Obebe “Societally we're still underestimating the amount of work that creators put in.” – Christie Rocha “If something is affecting your community, I think we have a duty as influencers and content creators to share resources and how to help because at the end of the day, it is a privilege to be able to speak to so many people.” – Tomi Obebe “There's a human being behind that handle.” – Christie Rocha More About Tomi Obebe Tomi Obebe (pronounced Toe-Me Oh-Bee-Bee) is a full-time content creator based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With corporate digital marketing experience and an MBA from Clemson University, Tomi has been able to combine her passion for business with her personal style. As GoodTomiCha has grown, Tomi continues to recognize the disproportionate number of black female bloggers and advocate for inclusion. One of her goals is to be an inspiration to women of color everywhere that starting a blog, and succeeding, is very possible. Join Tomi as she presents life through her lens and adventures as a newlywed with her husband, Will. Tomi’s work with social media and influencer marketing has been featured in Business Insider, Yahoo News, HuffPost, and more. Tomi is also the recipient of the 2019 InfluenceHer of the Year Award. Stick around if you enjoy style trends, a good skincare recommendation, and a transparent look at the influencer industry! Connect with Tomi Obebe Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28776513

197 Alyce Chan: The Impact of Comedy Content: Liberating Creativity and Letting Go of Mom Guilt in the Digital Realm 11/22/2023

197 Alyce Chan: The Impact of Comedy Content: Liberating Creativity and Letting Go of Mom Guilt in the Digital Realm Today With Alyce Chan: Today I’m joined by Alyce Chan. Alyce is a content creator, TikTok star, and a multi-faceted comedian who provides a much-needed comical take on the ups and downs of motherhood. She also performs stand-up comedy live and is a sketch writer and actor. She founded MOMCOMNYC, a humorous parenting platform, which Vogue featured as one of the top six funniest parenting Instagram accounts to follow. Today we’re chatting about juggling motherhood and content creation, how to handle feeling burnt out, and the importance of giving yourself the time and space you need to discover yourself, explore your passions, and show up in the world as your authentic self. Pick It Apart [1:40] Christie and Alyce talk about content creation and mental health, and the value of showing up with vulnerability. [14:45] Christie and Alyce discuss the pressure on content creators to take a stand on public issues. [20:52] Alyce talks about her self-care and how to juggle it all. [40:47] Christie and Alyce talk about their partners’ support and why it’s okay to take time for yourself and your content. [45:39] Alyce tells listeners why they need to laugh every day. Christie Rocha's and Alyce Chan's Ah-Ha Moments “I want people to make laughing part of their day, and to know that it doesn't take away from other things in your life.” -Alyce “There's no one that wants to be more supportive than my husband. There are times where just the coordinating of what I want to do stops me from doing it. But no one's happier that I come home happy than he is.” -Christie More About Alyce Chan Alyce Chan is a multifaceted talent known as a speaker, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian with a global presence. Her comedy has graced renowned venues such as The Stand and the New York Comedy Club in New York, as well as Yuk Yuk’s in Canada, among others. Her comedic prowess was further underscored when she emerged as a finalist at the esteemed Boston Comedy Festival in May 2023. Alyce is not only a comedic force but also the creative mind behind MOMCOMNYC, a parenting platform boasting an impressive following of almost 200k devoted fans. Vogue even took note of her work, recognizing MOMCOMNYC as the top six funniest parenting Instagram accounts. Her comedic sketches have found a home on platforms like Scary Mommy, PureWow, and TodayParents, showcasing her knack for finding humor in the everyday chaos of parenthood. Connect with Alyce Chan Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28738488

196 Rachael Bozsik-Johanson: The Luxury Shift: Align Your Desires and Elevate Your Brand to the Top 3% of Your Niche 11/17/2023

196 Rachael Bozsik-Johanson: The Luxury Shift: Align Your Desires and Elevate Your Brand to the Top 3% of Your Niche Today With Rachael Bozsik-Johanson: Today on The Inner Edit I am with Rachael Bozsik Johanson—luxury strategist for female entrepreneurs. Rachael is a true esteemed advisor whose clients include Sandra Funk, Kathy Kuo to LuAnn Nigara. Her goal is to help women level up their businesses to the top 3% of their industry or niche. Today, Rachael and I are talking about what luxury means, how to know if you are even interested in moving in the luxury direction, how to position yourself to shift toward high-ticket offers, and how to get out of your own way (and be kind to yourself in the process). Pick It Apart [2:00] Rachael unpacks what luxury really means and how to know if it aligns with your goals. [9:35] Christie and Rachael discuss the importance of stepping back and realizing when goals and dreams change. [17:01] Rachael explains why making your clients feel safe is important in your messaging and networking. [24:51] Christie asks Rachael how to keep moving toward your goals when you’re feeling bogged down and overwhelmed. [32:03] Rachael shares how to know when you’re in the wrong direction with your business. Christie Rocha's and Rachael Bozsik-Johanson's Ah-Ha Moments “I remember feeling like I had all of the accomplishments and was hitting the right goals. But I didn't feel good at all, I actually felt burnt out. And I think when I sat down and realized that I was hitting the goals and still didn’t feel good, I knew something had to be missing here.” -Rachael “We underestimate ourselves a lot. Sometimes it takes someone else to look at what we’re doing and say, ‘This is a big idea. This is helpful. This was really impactful.’” -Christie More About Rachael Bozsik-Johanson From the stages of Harvard Business School, to pages of Architectural Digest, Rachael Bozsik Johanson is regarded as the in-demand Luxury Strategist for interior designers seeking to become a top 3% firm. With a storied career monetizing personal brands, her signature methodology “The Four P’s” leverages positioning, press, paid speaking and pipeline filling partnerships. Think - being positioned as the “go to” call for luxury new builds, press in Elle Decor, paid speaking at High Point Market and a partnership with a custom builder to fill the pipeline for you. Rachael is incredibly selective in the clients she serves, as the majority double their sales a year after her esteemed advising. It’s safe to say she was born to do this work and it is miles from traditional consulting. Her clients have ranged from Sandra Funk, Kathy Kuo to LuAnn Nigara not to mention tons of incredibly talented up and comers with a deep desire to build a profitable firm. As a lifelong student of design & fashion, Rachael is a trained interior designer from High Point University, licensed realtor and recognized tastemaker. Most recently, her wedding was covered by The New York Times. On weekends, she loves sipping her matcha & collaborating with her husband to grow their “on-brand” portfolio. Naturally, it encompasses investing in real estate, startups and collecting interesting art. Currently, the duo is planning a trip to Ancient Egypt and exploring a large-scale remodel of a 1920’s historic estate. Connect with Rachael Bozsik-Johanson Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28674008

195 Dr. Kelly Vincent: How to Amplify Your Online Presence and Voice through Mindful and Self-Aware Content 11/15/2023

195 Dr. Kelly Vincent: How to Amplify Your Online Presence and Voice through Mindful and Self-Aware Content Today With Dr. Kelly Vincent: Today on The Inner Edit, I am joined by, Dr. Kelly Vincent, a licensed holistic and clinical psychologist. Dr. Kelly made a career shift from marketing to psychology. With now over 184k, her journey didn’t come without questions, imposter syndrome, or creator burnout. She says no matter what industry we are in, we are going through the same thing when it comes to content creation. There is no lack of great takeaways here. Pick It Apart [2:26] Kelly shares her journey from marketing into a completely different career, therapist. [10:00] Kelly offers some marketing tips for therapists. [20:24] Kelly shares how she built a community digitally through social media. [26:20] Kelly talks about how she gains relationships with creators on similar platforms. [38:46] How Kelly manages creator burnout. [52:17] How Kelly shares everything with intention rather than putting up many boundaries. [55:55] Any last words of wisdom for creators in the wellness space. Christie Rocha's and Dr. Kelly Vincent's Ah-Ha Moments “When I started my practice, I learned that our world is so relational. So much of marketing is about making different relationships. Those relational skills both served me in the room with my clients but then they also served me getting to know people in the community, which then helped build referral channels and networks” - Dr. Kelly Vincent “External validation feels good, it's not that it's a bad thing, but it’s when we rely on it a little bit too much that it becomes a problem.” - Dr. Kelly Vincent “There is a secret sauce, but the trick is that the secret sauce changes every week.” - Christie Rocha “Trust the process. It’s small baby steps that lead to change with anything in life. Healing mostly happens over time.” - Dr. Kelly Vincent More About Dr. Kelly Vincent I help women embody their authentic self, heal holistically, and thrive. My clinical approach and style is rooted in a holistic, mind-body perspective. Connect with Dr. Kelly Vincent Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: The Inner Edit /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28646158

194 Maddie Spear: Mental Health Advocacy Online: Ethics, Connections, and Boundaries 11/10/2023

194 Maddie Spear: Mental Health Advocacy Online: Ethics, Connections, and Boundaries Today With Maddie Spear: Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Maddie Spear. Maddie is a licensed social worker and trauma therapist in North Carolina where she works with children, teens, and young adults. In addition to her work in direct trauma care, Maddie also takes a modern approach to mental health through social media, where she has a massive following on TikTok (where she is @therapy_thoughts) and Instagram (where she is @loveyourlittlevictories). Today we are catching up and going even deeper into what it means to be a content creator, especially as a therapist. We talk about ethics, boundaries, and the difference between being a therapist and being a mental health advocate. But don’t worry, Maddie assures us there is room for both. This is such a refreshing chat and Maddie shares so openly her views about being authentic, overcoming perfectionism, and finding meaningful connections with our communities and each other. Pick It Apart [1:44] Maddie defines her role as a therapist first but also as a content creator, expanding on her ethics in the social media space. [8:41] Christie and Maddie discuss the difference between being a mental health professional and a mental health advocate and the importance of checking the source of information online. [12:03] Christie asks Libby to share advice on creating connection as a content creator. [20:51] Maddie explains boundaries, ethics, and safety within her online community. [31:19] Maddie surprises Christie when she shares the amount of drafts she has in her content folder. [42:32] Christie asks Maddie how her online presence impacts her personal life. Christie Rocha's and Maddie Spear's Ah-Ha Moments “There are both spoken and unspoken rules in terms of ethics and the therapy-social media community…we want to continue to do no harm.” – Maddie Spear “The wellness community has a level of grace…you don't owe me anything. I don't owe you anything. But we get to be in each other's presence and get to have community when it feels right for us both. What a beautiful thing!” – Maddie Spear “I think sometimes we have to shrink our own voice and shrink the imposter syndrome and ask, ‘Why are you limiting me here? Look at all the good I'm doing, look at all like the beautiful people who are impacted by this.’” – Maddie Spear “Just start and just show up. The world needs your voice…you have a unique perspective, and it's so important for the world to hear yours.” – Maddie Spear More About Maddie Spear Maddie Spear, MSW, LCSW, is a trauma therapist located in North Carolina who works with children, teens, and young adults. In addition to her work in direct trauma care, Maddie additionally works to bring mental health tips worldwide. With a following of well over 300,000 on social media, Maddie strives to eliminate the stigma around mental health and promote healing for all with accessible mental health tips and tricks to promote self-growth and self-care. Feel free to connect with her on the following platforms for more ways to impact your mental wellbeing: Connect with Maddie Spear Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28568663

193 Jessica Smith: The 'Five to Thrive' Approach: A Blueprint for Self-Accountability 11/08/2023

193 Jessica Smith: The 'Five to Thrive' Approach: A Blueprint for Self-Accountability Today With Jessica Smith: Today, I am joined by Jessica Smith, owner of The Fit Life With Jessica. Jessica is an accountability and health coach who helps career women create exercise, meal planning, and mindset habits to help them with their energy and confidence. She also helps women with their struggle with accountability. Jessica shares her A-HA moments and how she stopped breaking promises to herself, which many of us are guilty of. She also talks about her Five to Thrive method to gain more energy and confidence. Pick It Apart [2:16] Jessica tells us the catalyst for her personal growth journey. [4:49] Jessica shares how her upbringing influenced how she felt about health and wellness. [12:05] Jessica’s Five to Thrive to maximize energy and productivity. [30:40] Explains that when she takes time for herself once a week, it is never a regret but you do have to find that balance. [33:08] Tips on being self accountable. [39:32] Jessica’s thoughts on motivation, discipline, and accountability and how they correlate. [48:55] Things that Jessica has learned about herself, as a content creator, through her journey to health and wellness. [53:51] Last minute tools and tips that has improved Jessica’s content creation. Christie Rocha's and Jessica Smith's Ah-Ha Moments “Women tend to put their needs last which leads to mental and physical burnout. But a little forethought and initiative can prevent some of that decision fatigue.” - Jessica Smith “I need community to have self-accountability.” - Jessica Smith More About Jessica Smith As far back as I remember, I’ve always struggled with my weight. Genetics and growth spurts would help me at times, but by the time I got out of college, my level of unhealthy was at an all-time high. After college, I decided I’d start running to get in shape. I signed up for a 5k and began training. You can imagine what happened. I went strong for the first few weeks, but then fell off the so-called wagon. The 5k crept up on me, and while I did complete it - I certainly hadn’t trained well for it. Forget about nutrition or healthy fuel. That didn’t even cross my mind until I was in my 30s. From that first 5k until after I had my second child, I yo-yo’d up and down and tried just about everything to become a healthier version of myself. I’d get “reserious” over and over and over again. I’d never make it all the way. I’d break the promise I made to myself time and time again. When did things finally click for me? I was reading the book, “Girl Wash Your Face,” by Rachel Hollis when she explained something that totally blew my mind. It changed the game for me. She said, if I made plans with my girlfriends for Thursday night dinner, I would NOT break that commitment. I’d keep that promise and meet them for dinner. We NEVER break promises to others, but we are SO QUICK to break the promises we make to ourselves. My mouth DROPPED. It was such a lightbulb moment to me about accountability. WHY NOT? Right there, I decided that I was not breaking any more promises to myself. Fast forward a few years, I’ve finally settled into a routine of healthy habits that I’m proud of. I have a plan that I stick to, and truly it just feels like a normal way of life now. My workouts don’t feel like a “task” anymore. It’s a habit. It’s my way of life. It’s my means to sanity and stress relief with two kids and a full time job. My eating habits are no longer fad diets or crazy short term instant gratification gimmicks. I eat to fuel my body because I want to keep this body forever. I want this body to be strong and resilient from the inside out. Connect with Jessica Smith Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28543811

192 Mikaya Thurmond: Mental Health Strategies for Remote Workers: Discover Joy in Everyday Moments 11/03/2023

192 Mikaya Thurmond: Mental Health Strategies for Remote Workers: Discover Joy in Everyday Moments Today With Mikaya Thurmond: Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Mikaya Thurmond, an award-winning Public Relations Strategist propelling brands to new heights with more than a decade of expertise. Mikaya is former television news anchor for WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a politician’s daughter, Miss Georgia 2009, a University of Georgia and Harvard graduate, and a TedX speaker. But above all, Mikaya’s superpower is authentic storytelling. It’s what she lives and breathes—because if we aren’t being ourselves, then what’s the point, right? Today, Mikaya and I are discussing how to be true to yourself at work and at home, online, and in real life. Mikaya says she is here for happiness, not the hustle, and is sharing strategies she uses to prioritize her mental health. Pick It Apart [5:24] Mikaya talks about working remote as a TV news anchor during the pandemic, and continuing to work remote now as a PR strategist, and what she has learned from these experiences. [12:07] Christie asks Mikaya about her personal habits that help create intentional time for herself. [20:25] Mikaya talks about leaving her news anchor position, how scary it was but why it was an important step in her growth. [26:45] Mikaya shares her perspective on relevance and how she is able to be more authentic to herself as an influencer as opposed to a TV personality. [29:56] Christie and Mikaya discuss how fast-paced our world is, and the importance of slowing down and taking a breath. [32:21] Christie asks Mikaya how valuing mental health spills into her client relationships. [40:59] Mikaya shares how she color codes her calendar to make sure she fits in time for her spiritual, physical, social, and future self. Christie Rocha's and Mikaya Thurmond's Ah-Ha Moments “I think we all should ask ourselves every day, ‘What did you do today, Christy, to make yourself happy? And it's got to be something just for you. And I think when you make a habit of that, I've been really successful at maintaining positive mental health.” – Mikaya Thurmond “We often are looking for what we can add to our life to make it easier, when really we could probably start with what to take out—what can we remove?” – Christie Rocha “The key to the magic sauce, especially if you're talking about a person or product, is authenticity and vulnerability.” – Mikaya Thurmond More About Mikaya Thurmond As an award-winning Public Relations Strategist, Mikaya Thurmond harnesses over a decade of expertise to propel brands to new heights. Her passion for messaging began as a journalist across the southeast. Most notably making waves as the youngest anchor for WRAL News in Raleigh, where she engaged with hundreds of thousands of viewers daily over a seven-year tenure. During her time reporting in North Carolina and Tennessee, Mikaya secured two Associated Press awards and received four Emmy nominations. Notably, she contributed to prominent platforms like CBS Evening News and NBC’s Today Show. Honored as one of UGA's "40 Under 40" and recognized as a "Mover and Shaker'' by Cary Magazine, Mikaya's influence extends beyond journalism. A proud alumni of Harvard University and the University of Georgia, she's deeply committed to molding the upcoming wave of professionals. This passion led her to educate the future of communications as a 2023 lecturer at North Carolina State University’s communications department. Moreover, she proudly established a college scholarship with the North Carolina Education Scholarship Fund, aimed at financially supporting young women studying communications. In October 2023, Mikaya will add another feather to her cap by taking the stage as a speaker at TEDxRaleigh. As she continues to shape the PR landscape, Mikaya remains a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. Connect with Mikaya Thurmond Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28501319

191 Libby Ward: Motherhood Content: Create with Heart and Express Your Unique Voice 11/01/2023

191 Libby Ward: Motherhood Content: Create with Heart and Express Your Unique Voice Today With Libby Ward: Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Libby Ward. Libby is a digital creator, writer, speaker, and mental health advocate with a deep commitment to changing the motherhood narrative and breaking toxic cycles. You may know her from Instagram or TikTok where she is @diaryofanhonestmom. Every week, Libby’s inspiring content reaches millions of women around the world in a meaningful way. She has been featured by The BBC, Good Morning America, Motherly, and other media outlets around the world. Libby is sharing an honest glimpse into her life as a content creator. We discuss finding your voice, growing a community, internal issues versus external issues, and the challenge of making connections in this industry. Pick It Apart [0:58] Libby talks about her lane as a motherhood content creator. [5:13] Libby explains the sense of responsibility she feels for her community. [11:06] Christie and Libby discuss the feeling of not being enough, and Libby shares a light bulb moment she had recently about this feeling. [22:19] Christie asks Libby about her choice not to show her children in her digital content. [34:09] Libby and Christy chat about industry events and cultivating relationships with other content creators. [53:08] Libby shares her advice to other creators who may be feeling lonely or disconnected. Christie Rocha's and Libby Ward's Ah-Ha Moments “I know in my heart and in my logical brain that the thing that I am good at is putting our experiences and our feelings into words and empowering moms to advocate for themselves…I know that words, help, but they're not enough. And so I can feel that can feel defeating.” – Libby Ward “Just let a ‘thank you’ be a ‘thank you.’ And not a ‘thank you, and’ or ‘thank you, but’…it's just ‘thank you.’” – Christie Rocha “This industry is just constantly evolving, too. So it's not like…you learn something, and you're good to go. It's like you learn something, and then it changes also, and then you have to learn something else.” – Libby Ward “It's not possible to not have the dual brain all the time…I am always thinking of different content that can be made. And I have to actively turn that off and just be present with my family.” – Libby Ward “I would just say to other creators: that if you're feeling a need for deep connection and community, and feeling like a group, that you're not alone. And that if it feels like you're being excluded, you probably aren't. And I would just encourage you to find one other creator that you really want to connect with and intentionally seek out to connect with that one person.” – Libby Ward More About Libby Ward Libby Ward is a digital creator, speaker, and mental health advocate with a deep commitment to changing the motherhood narrative and breaking toxic cycles. Every week, Libby’s content reaches millions of women around the world in a meaningful way. She has been featured by The BBC, Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, Global News, Motherly, Insider and media outlets around the world. As a storyteller and thought leader in today’s difficult and complex experiences of mental health, Libby is focused on reaching more women with her perspective changing stories through events and partnerships that make a real impact. Find her at @diaryofanhonestmom on Instagram, Tiktok and on her website diaryofanhonestmom.com and fall in love with her authentic content sure to inspire and entertain you each day. Connect with Libby Ward Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28480343

190 Renee Reina: Navigating the Intersection: Where Your Passions and Niche Content Meet on Social Media 10/27/2023

190 Renee Reina: Navigating the Intersection: Where Your Passions and Niche Content Meet on Social Media Today With Renee Reina: Today on The Inner Edit I am with Renee Reina, who joined me in Episode 14 of Sass Says, where we discussed self-reflection and authenticity in motherhood and beyond. You might know Renee from the internet, where she is the mom friend you always wanted. In March of 2020, just days before the Covid lockdowns, Renee finished her PhD in Psychology. Like many of us, she went online, only she was really good at it. Since then, she has gained a huge following on both TikTok and Instagram, and launched the Mom Room podcast, where she hopes to change how people see themselves and motherhood, in her own hilarious way. While Renee is not a clinician, her PhD, training and research all impact the content she creates. Today, Renee and I are digging into what content creation means to her, whether or not being true to a niche is important, the crazy amount of work that actually comes with these mediums, how she handles negative comments, and why it’s important to actually enjoy the content you are creating. Spoiler alert: it’s super important. Keep listening, because this is a good one. Pick It Apart [4:09] Renee talks about her struggle with niching down. [12:20] Christie asks Renee about being part of a podcast network and what that means for her. [17:00] Renee shares her experience with hiring out different tasks. [22:09] Christie and Renee discuss publically responding to negative comments. [32:45] Renee shares how her work online impacts her real-life relationships. [39:00] Christie talks about the gray area that comes with working online and the difference between online community and in-person community. [52:52] Renee reflects on why she can’t put out content just to be performative and why. Christie Rocha's and Renee Reina's Ah-Ha Moments “I know what performs on social media when it comes to mom content. But that doesn't feel good to me as a creator to only do that—that doesn't fulfill me. So I had to decide recently to not worry about being niche and just post what I want to post.” – Renee Reina “I do notice I don't feel the best when I'm not doing things for myself, like going to yoga and making time for friends and making time for my husband.” – Renee Reina “Not only is [content creation] a real job, but there's no rulebook, there's no one way to do it. And because your business is your face, there is a lot of pressure, I think, to say and do the right things.” – Christie Rocha “You have to enjoy the content that you're creating. Otherwise, it's not going to last.” – Renee Reina More About Renee Reina Renee finished her PhD in psychology days before quarantine started. While in quarantine with her toddler she gained a large following on TikTok with her honest mom-related content and started The Mom Room Podcast. The Mom Room presents a no bullshit, real-life image of motherhood that moms can actually relate to and take comfort in. Renee wants moms around the world to feel a sense of empowerment in being a mom. She wants to help moms acknowledge and validate their feelings and inspire moms to start conversations with their partners that they otherwise wouldn’t have. She wants to help ease the dreaded mom guilt and put an end to the mom vs. mom shaming. Ultimately, Renee’s goal for The Mom Room brand is to normalize the ups and downs of motherhood and change the narrative of what it means to be a mom. Connect with Renee Reina Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28432757

189 Bryana Kappadakunnel: Authenticity Over Algorithms: The Conscious Mommy's Approach to Digital Growth 10/25/2023

189 Bryana Kappadakunnel: Authenticity Over Algorithms: The Conscious Mommy's Approach to Digital Growth Today With Bryana Kappadakunnel: Today on Sass Says I am joined once again by Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, and a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist-Certified. Bryana is the owner & voice behind Conscious Mommy where she teaches parents to become the conscious parent they never had. Today, Bryana is here to discuss how she creates content that cares, what that looks like, why that matters, and why she wants others to do the same. Join us as we dig into boundaries, burnout, and being yourself. Pick It Apart [1:43] Bryana talks about her journey and how she never intended to grow an audience and community, but she suddenly did. [9:10] Bryana tells the saga of why she rebranded to Conscious Mommy and what social media means in that. [21:47] Bryana and Christie discuss the expectation on mental health providers to give information online without charge. [30:27] Bryana talks about the challenge of social media algorithms, how that can lead to burnout, and what she does to recover from burnout. [38:05] Christie and Bryana discuss the social responsibility of viral creators and influencers. [45:20] Bryana emphasizes that she would love to see a cultural shift amongst creators and professionals online that isn't just about views, clicks, and comments but is about taking greater care of the people who are consuming their content. [47:56] Bryana states that we are all called to be our authentic selves, and explains how she brings her authentic self to her online presence. Christie Rocha's and Bryana Kappadakunnel's Ah-Ha Moments “I'm not going to put myself out there in ways that are inauthentic to me, just for clicks, or likes or views. That's just not the life that I personally feel comfortable and confident living.” – Bryana Kappadakunnel “Being a creator on a big social media platform, you are owned by that social media company. And you cannot have your business rely on Instagram or Facebook, they need to be avenues to funnel a business but you cannot rely on it. Because in a second, and I mean that literally, it can be completely swept away from you.” – Bryana Kappadakunnel “Check your source.” – Christie Rocha “Knowing yourself, knowing your values, knowing what you stand for and how you want to show up—that’s the most important thing.” – Christie Rocha More About Bryana Kappadakunnel Bryana Kappadakunnel is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (90464), an Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, and a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist-Certified. She is the owner & voice behind Conscious Mommy where she teaches parents to become the conscious parent they never had. Since 2011, Bryana has worked exclusively with families with very young children to navigate challenges related to child development, behavioral & emotional issues, attachment problems, and trauma. Guided by attachment theory and the neurorelational framework, her approach is unique in that she works primarily with parents by helping them discover their child’s nervous system and developmental needs. In this process, parents also learn how to regulate their own triggered reactions and discover more self-control and self-compassion. She also guides parents to develop vital skills in self-reflection & deconstructing familial cycles of guilt and shame, which aims to drastically shift the child-parent relational patterns. Bryana also works with new moms experiencing perinatal mood or anxiety disorders. She uses a conscious- and mindfulness-informed approach to help moms realign their expectations with reality, deconstruct the guilt & shame they’re experiencing, and shift into the present moment, where depression and anxiety cannot exist. Bryana has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, has been licensed since 2015, and has an extensive number of advanced certifications & specializations in perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health as well as conscious parenting. She is the mom of 2 young children, and lives with her spouse in Southern California. Connect with Bryana Kappadakunnel Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28411217

188 Tara Clark: From Burnt Out to Balanced: Resilience Strategies for Digital Content Creators 10/20/2023

188 Tara Clark: From Burnt Out to Balanced: Resilience Strategies for Digital Content Creators Today With Tara Clark: Today, the creator of Instagram’s @modernmomprobs, as well as the author of the book Modern Mom Probs: A Survival Guide for 21st Century Mothers, shares what it means to have creator burnout. It’s an easy thing to have, especially as content creators and influencers in this crazy digital world that is constantly changing. But don’t worry, there are ways around it. Pick It Apart [3:50] Tara explains what she learned to be the difference between influencers and content creators [7:35] Signs you may be experiencing “Creator Burnout” and what to do about it. [16:44] The importance of compartmentalizing your personal life versus your professional life. [21:23] Tara shares the personal boundaries she has for what she shares on social media. [26:32] What is the level of responsibility of a content creator? [31:59] Tara explains how she decides when and what to do next. [47:00] When content creators take, repeat, and re-share other’s content. [55:39] Tara advises staying true to yourself and being proud of what you put out there. Christie Rocha's and Tara Clark's Ah-Ha Moments “If you are physically feeling sick when it comes to doing your work, maybe that’s when you need to take a step back and take a break,” - Tara Clark “What we need to learn how to do is compartmentalize ourselves as a person versus us in our professional life,” - Tara Clark “Content creators and influencers are people too and need a minute to process certain things, just like anybody else,” - Tara Clark “In regards to pivoting, originally I started this podcast based on what I needed and now I need something different,” - Christie Rocha “If there was one wish I had for social media is that they could take away viewing any metrics, so people could create simply for the love of creating,” - Tara Clark More About Tara Clark Tara Clark, creator of Instagram’s @modernmomprobs, is the author of the book Modern Mom Probs: A Survival Guide for 21st Century Mothers. She presents realistic issues facing modern parents in a humorous, heart-warming light. A frequent guest on podcasts discussing parenting, Tara is the very funny and authentic voice of a generation of modern mothers. She got her start in social media while working at Nickelodeon, where she oversaw the social media accounts for Nick Jr. and Nick@Nite. Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Villanova University and an MBA from Metropolitan College of New York in Media Management. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and son. Connect with Tara Clark Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28371545

187 Join The Movement: The Inner Edit's Wellness Revolution for Digital Content Creators 10/18/2023

186 Flashback Friday: Do You Have a Monster-in-Law or is it Enmeshment? Tips for Setting Healthy Familial Boundaries 10/13/2023

185 Way Back Wednesday: Meredith Masony: Content Creator Queens Don’t Gatekeep…Life Lessons from a 9 Year Veteran 10/11/2023

184 Flashback Friday: Lindsay Fleming: An OG TikTok Therapist on the Blessing and the Curse of Social Media for Us and Our Kids 10/06/2023

183 Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You 10/04/2023

183 Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You Today With Claire Jefford: Today on Sass Says I am joined by Claire Jefford, an award-winning interior designer, business coach, and video content creator. Claire has done design videos, car karaoke, paint color reviews, and more, but the thing all of Claire’s videos have in common is that her personality shines through. Join me as I chat with Claire about video, vulnerability, connection, and opportunity. Pick It Apart [0:49] Claire tells Christie about the first video she made for her website in 2011. [4:35] Christie and Claire discuss why getting started with video can be scary and difficult, but also create valuable connections. [15:26] Claire explains why it is important to look at the camera like you are speaking directly to your ideal client. [17:56] Claire talks about the opportunities video content has brought her. [21:25] Claire and Christie talk about how to handle negative comments from others and how to handle self-sabotage. [32:47] Claire talks about tech and how great today’s phones are at making video content, as well as other resources she loves. [43:04] Claire explains the important roles of both having a plan and allowing some things to evolve naturally. Christie Rocha's and Claire Jefford's Ah-Ha Moments “The connection that you can get via a video versus an email or a blog article…is huge.” – Claire Jefford “There is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” – Claire Jefford “[Creating video content] can feel very isolating…but if you're thinking it and feeling it and experiencing it, there is this very high chance that a lot of other people are too.” – Christie Rocha “You put yourself out there. You become a little vulnerable. You resonate with some people. Things can happen. Yeah, things do happen.” – Claire Jefford More About Claire Jefford Claire Jefford is a Certified Interior Decorator who began her award-winning firm in 2011. She is proud to be the highest reviewed Design Professional in the Toronto area with over 120 reviews. Claire is also a respected Business Coach within the design industry and developed her signature course for Designers 0-5 years in business, called the Interior Design BOSS Academy. Voted Top Influencer 3 years running, Claire does speaking engagements, panel discussions & live video broadcasts from various design events across North America. She runs a highly engaged, private Facebook group, Interior Design Business Strategies, with over 6000 design professionals from around the world. Connect with Claire Jefford Connect with Christie! Like Us: | Follow Us: | Listen Here: Other Shows Mentioned: Other Resources Mentioned: because my kids play this all the time and I love it ;) but it also has 33M views on YouTube /episode/index/show/sasssays13/id/28215812

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