This Is Me: Unfiltered, Unapologetic, Unmasked

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck takes the guest seat for the first time, offering a deeply personal and unfiltered glimpse into her own story. With honesty and vulnerability, Nicky reflects on her path of self-discovery, the inspiration behind launching the podcast, and the role community has played in her personal and professional evolution. She opens up about the transformative impact of motherhood, the healing journey through therapy and plant medicine, and how travel and intuition have shaped her understanding of self.   Drawing from her 20+ years as a yoga teacher, her background as a licensed clinical social worker, certified Gestalt therapist, and certified Kambo facilitator, Nicky shares how her personal healing journey informs the way she holds space for others. From navigating her inner critic to reconnecting with her intuition, Nicky speaks to the courageous act of reclaiming one’s identity beyond societal roles and expectations. She reflects on how her experience as an adoptive mother, world traveler, and intuitive healer have deepened her capacity to see both the shadow and light in herself and in others.   This episode is an exploration of what it means to live authentically, to heal in community, and to lead with soul. It’s an invitation to slow down, tune in, and remember that our stories—no matter how messy or beautiful—are the bridges that connect us.   Takeaways: The podcast aims to bring experts' perspectives to the audience. Community is a central theme in Nicky's work. Nicky's interests guide her choice of podcast guests. Understanding her audience is a work in progress. Nicky's past experiences have shaped her current path. Motherhood has influenced Nicky's identity and self-perception. Ayahuasca has been a transformative experience for Nicky. Painful experiences can lead to profound learning and clarity. Living intuitively has been a guiding principle in Nicky's life. She learned to recognize when things are in flow and when to shift directions. The inner critic can be harsh, but self-acceptance is a powerful journey. Community support is crucial in the healing process. Nicky's capacity to hold space for others has deepened through her experiences. Reclaiming identity involves recognizing oneself beyond societal labels. Self-care is essential for personal well-being and positively impacts others. Priorities may shift during motherhood, but self-reflection is key. Nicky aims to inspire others to see their own light and potential.   Connect with me: https://nickyYyoga.com https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity [email protected]   Keywords: podcast, self-discovery, community, ayahuasca, personal journey, motherhood, intuition, healing, mental health, self-acceptance, therapy, identity, self-care, personal growth, transformation, plant medicine