Don’t F*kn Shrink

Send us Fan MailWhat if the reason you feel exhausted, inconsistent, and like nothing is working isn't a lack of discipline, but that no one ever taught you how your body actually works? Adrienne Irizarry, host of The Reproductive Rebel podcast, joins this episode for a conversation that will fundamentally change the way you think about your body, your training, and your cycle. Whether you're in your prime cycling years or deep in the fog of perimenopause, this episode gives you the tools to stop working against yourself and start working with your biology. Adrienne breaks down the four phases of the menstrual cycle and explains what's happening hormonally, physically, and mentally in each one - and exposes how most women have been operating off a blueprint designed for a male body. You'll learn exactly when to push hard in the gym, when to pull back, and why ignoring those signals may be the only thing standing between you and the results you've been chasing.Connect with Adrienne Irizarry:moonessence.lifeinstagram.com/moonessencemeIn This Episode:(01:20) Meet Adrienne Irizarry(06:15) The massive gap in reproductive education(11:00) Breaking down the 4 phases of your menstrual cycle(19:45) Training your life around your cycle(23:10) Why injuries happen at certain points in your cycle(28:20) When to push vs. pull back in your workoutsConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailYou’re not overwhelmed because you’re doing too little…you’re overwhelmed because you think everything has to be perfect. In this episode, Daffney explains how perfectionism is quietly stealing your joy and keeping you stuck in pressure, control, and never feeling like you’ve done enough. She walks through three powerful shifts to help you get out of that cycle, from rethinking delegation and the “middle management” trap to rebuilding trust and letting go of unrealistic, always-maxed-out standards. She also calls out the habit of living in constant anticipation and how it disconnects you from your life in real time. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like you’re always chasing what’s next, this episode will help you reset your perspective, reconnect with the present, and start creating more ease and fulfillment in your everyday life.In This Episode:(01:25) The delegation problem no one talks about(06:35) The lie of “maxing out” your life(11:00) A simpler standard: safety over perfection(14:10) Living in constant anticipationConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailKate Powell (Kate for the People) exposes how social media is quietly overstimulating your brain, increasing your stress, and keeping you in a constant state of overwhelm. She shares how she built her platform by cutting through the noise and taking calm, direct action - proving that you don’t need to react louder, you need to think clearer. She also opens up about the experiences that shaped her voice and why speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the key to reclaiming your power.Connect with Kate Powell:instagram.com/kate_forthepeoplefacebook.com/kateforthepplkateforthepeople.substack.comIn This Episode:(00:20) Meet Kate and her approach to data + human behavior(05:55) How confusion keeps you in a freeze state(11:35) Why women struggle to show up authentically(17:00) Finding your voice and owning it(21:00) Letting go of shame and becoming unstoppableConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat if some of the symptoms you’ve been labeling as ADHD, anxiety, or just “how you are” are actually being misdiagnosed? In this episode, Dr. Hira Khan unpacks something most people have never even heard of - primitive reflexes. These early movement patterns are meant to develop in childhood, but when they don’t fully integrate, they can show up later as coordination issues, sensory overload, trouble focusing, or feeling disconnected from your body. Dr. Khan explains what primitive reflexes are, how they impact your nervous system and brain-body connection, and why it’s never too late to rewire these patterns.Connect with Dr. Hira Khan:safehavenchiro.cominstagram.com/safehavenchiropractorIn This Episode:(01:30) Why Dr. Khan shifted away from traditional medicine(04:00) What primitive reflexes are(08:30) How the brain adapts and rewires over time(14:20) What cold laser therapy is and how it works(17:20) There is nothing “wrong” with youConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailYou can’t outrun a bad diet and you can’t outthink anxiety with affirmations. In this episode, Daffney explains why doing all the “right” things still isn’t enough if you’re avoiding what truly matters. She walks through the three pillars that drive real change (your mindset, your physical health, and your nervous system) and why focusing on just one will keep you stuck. She also shares her own story of setbacks, surgeries, and unexpected challenges, and what it taught her about accountability, alignment, and moving forward without self-sabotage. If you feel like you’re putting in the effort but not getting the results, this episode will show you why, and what to do next.In This Episode:(02:25) Three pillars that drive change(08:10) The truth about self-sabotage(12:10) The difference between looking successful vs feeling successful(14:50) Movement as a tool for emotional awareness(16:40) A difficult season of life; moving forward and finding strength(26:30) Why you can’t rely on just one area of growthConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWe’ve been taught to praise resilience. But what if resilience isn’t the goal?Jennifer El Hage is leading women in Beirut while her country is actively experiencing war. And instead of telling women to “stay strong,” she’s redefining what strength really looks like. From hosting bootcamps under the sound of warplanes to rebuilding a sense of home within herself, Jen shares a powerful perspective on grief, leadership, and what it means to keep showing up when everything around you feels uncertain.Connect with Jennifer El Hage:jenniferelhage.cominstagram.com/jen_elIn This Episode:(01:15) Why Jen chooses to stay in Lebanon(04:40) Hosting a bootcamp during war(06:05) When women gather, they create resistance(10:30) Losing her home; “home is within”(13:45) Jen’s message to the world: be curious(16:00) Finding peace in darknessConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you realize no one else is coming and it has to be you? At 29, Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs is a mom of four, a military veteran, and stepping into one of the biggest leadership roles of her life. But this is not a political conversation. It is about what it looks like to step up when life demands more from you. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her perspective on leadership, responsibility, and showing up when the stakes are high, even when you are already carrying a lot. If you have ever felt the pull to do more but questioned whether you actually have the capacity, this conversation will challenge you to move forward anyway. Not just for yourself, but for the future you are shaping.(Note: This episode includes a brief discussion of abortion as part of a broader conversation around reproductive health.)Connect with Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs:elizabethforvirginia.comIn This Episode:(02:15) Meet Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs(04:15) What the military taught her about leadership(09:05) Listening to people, not just leading them(16:00) Education, socialism, capitalism(25:00) Why people feel disconnected and overwhelmed(33:25) What needs to change for the next generation(39:40) How to supportConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat if the bravest thing you can do is try before you feel ready?Daffney picks up where last week’s conversation with Dr. Brooke Resch left off: the idea that taking care of yourself often sounds simple in theory, but feels much harder in real life. Especially when you’re juggling responsibilities, navigating fear, and trying to show up for other people. In this episode, she shares a small weekend moment with her daughters that turned into a bigger lesson about fear, confidence, and why sometimes the most important step is simply doing it anyway.In This Episode:(01:05) Progress over perfection(04:10) Why your nervous system is always “on” as a parent(06:00) Setting a time limit to make hard things feel possible(07:30) The power of trying before you feel readyConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailHealthy food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. As Daffney cooks a simple grilled cheese and tomato bisque with psychiatrist Dr. Brooke Resch, they unpack food fear, under-eating, hormones, and why cooking can double as mindfulness. This episode is about simplifying how you fuel your body so you can show up fully in your life.Connect with Dr. Brooke Resch:instagram.com/cookwithdrbrookesubstack.com/@cookwithdrbrookeIn This Episode:(01:10) Meet Dr. Brooke Resch(02:50) The 90% solution: healthy food without the effort(07:15) Cottage cheese, protein & simple swaps(12:35) Pesto as “brain food”(17:20) Cooking as mindfulness practice(20:00) Why under-eating hurts hormone healthConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailMany women reach a point where their body stops feeling familiar, even while they’re doing all the right things. From postpartum into perimenopause, pain, fatigue, nervous system tension, and hormonal shifts can leave women feeling disconnected and confused. In this episode, women’s health chiropractor Dr. Shara Posner explains how alignment, hormones, and nervous system stress intersect, why these changes don’t mean the body is broken, and how support like peptides, mitochondrial health, and hormone care can fit into a bigger healing picture.Connect with Dr. Shara Posner:justadjustit.comIn This Episode:(01:25) Dr. Shara’s path into women’s health and chiropractic care(05:45) Supporting pregnant and postpartum bodies through alignment(08:40) How daily posture and small imbalances create long-term tension(12:40) Why peptides are gaining attention for women’s health(18:20) Mitochondrial health, fatigue, and brain fog(23:20) Red light therapy, cold plunge, and popular wellness trendsConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailIf you’re working out, dieting, and still not seeing results, the problem may not be your discipline, it may be your nervous system. In this episode, Daffney breaks down why fitness fails long term, how chronic stress and cortisol impact weight loss, and why supplements, detoxes, and trending workouts don’t fix burnout or nervous system dysregulation. You’ll learn how comparison culture, AI body standards, doom scrolling, and high-achiever pressure disconnect you from your body, plus practical ways to calm your nervous system, regulate stress, and build sustainable health that lasts. This is fitness beyond aesthetics, beyond quick fixes, and beyond shame. It’s a grounded conversation about mental health, longevity, emotional regulation, and how to finally step off the stress rollercoaster and calm the f*ck down.In This Episode:(01:00) What does “health” actually mean to you?(05:35) Why nervous system regulation matters more than supplements(12:05) The morning grounding routine that actually works(15:00) Listening to your body instead of the internetConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailYou’ve seen the headlines about the New Food Pyramid 2026. More protein. Fewer grains. Whole foods. Less processed food. But what does that actually mean for how you eat every day? Registered Dietitian Maria Sylvester Terry returns to break down what the new food pyramid gets right, what people are misunderstanding, and why this conversation isn’t about dieting at all. It’s about understanding processed vs ultra processed foods, why you crave sugar, and how to stock your pantry so your body and brain stop running on short-term fuel. You’ll learn why blood sugar crashes happen, what to eat when you’re tired, and the healthy pantry staples that keep you full, focused, and energized. If you’re wondering why you’re always reaching for sugar, what the difference is between processed and ultra processed foods, or how to build a healthier pantry with simple foods that work, this episode is for you!Connect with Maria Sylvester Terry:mariaterrynutrition.cominstagram.com/vitamin_riIn This Episode:(00:50) Why the food pyramid isn’t actually “new” for dietitians(06:10) Why most Americans don’t follow dietary guidelines anyway(09:30) The protein, fat, and fiber snack swap that changes everything(12:10) How to stock your pantry for storms, snow days, and busy weeks(16:00) Pasta, rice, and affordable pantry carbs without guilt(21:20) Long carbs vs short carbs and eating for long lasting energyConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailAt 25, Emily was told she was in menopause and would never have kids. What followed was infertility, a failed adoption, a divorce…and one doctor who said the words no one else did: you still have options. In this episode, Emily Patel, founder of Hopeful Mama, shares what infertility really looks like, why so many women are misinformed about their bodies, how it impacts relationships, and the paths to motherhood no one talks about. Her journey through early menopause and donor egg IVF led her to build a foundation that now provides grants, education, and support for women navigating infertility. If you or someone you love is facing infertility, don’t keep this to yourself. Listen, share this episode, and learn what options and support are actually available.Connect with Emily Patel:hopefulmamafoundation.orgIn This Episode:(01:20) Emily’s infertility story(06:30) How infertility impacted her marriage(12:15) Founding Hopeful Mama(15:15) Support and resources for infertility(21:10) What Hopeful Mama’s grants look like in 2026Connect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailYou remember what sports gave you. Confidence. Grit. Resilience. So why does it feel so different watching your kid go through it? Dr. Jonathan Jenkins and Dr. Kim O’Brien break down what is really happening in youth sports today and why kids are growing up under pressure, comparison, and expectations we never faced. They unpack the shift from helicopter parenting to snowplow parenting, why chasing outcomes is backfiring, and how youth sports are quietly creating kids who feel never good enough. The big takeaway is simple. Help your child become an expert on themselves through self compassion, perspective, joy, and learning how to fail without losing confidence. Tune in for practical tools you can use right away and a healthier way to think about youth sports that focuses on raising resilient humans, not just successful athletes.Connect with Dr. Kim O'Brien & Dr. Jonathan Jenkins:menatlitywins.comIn This Episode:(00:15) JJ and Kim’s athletic backgrounds and how sports shaped them(04:00) What it means to become an expert on yourself(11:20) Teaching self compassion and managing social media comparison(13:40) Specialization, burnout, and injury in youth sports(21:50) What it really means to still be an athlete as an adultConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailMore adults are quietly asking a question they never expected to face: Is it ADHD? ADHD Career Coach, Elle O'Flaherty, unpacks why so many high-functioning adults are questioning their focus, energy, productivity, and identity later in life. She explains why ADHD often goes undiagnosed (especially in women), how stigma and masking keep people pushing through instead of getting support, and why major life shifts like burnout or perimenopause can suddenly make everything feel harder. Connect with Elle O'Flaherty:interlacesolutions.comIn This Episode:(02:15) Late diagnosis and why ADHD is often missed(04:00) Time blindness, hyperfocus, and how ADHD shows up day to day(07:10) ADHD in social settings and relationships(10:30) ADHD subtypes and why women are often misdiagnosed(16:00) Sleep, vitamin D, and overlooked factors affecting ADHD symptomsResources Mentioned:additudemag.comyoutube.com/c/HowtoADHDConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailFitness advice is everywhere, but science-backed answers are harder to find. In this episode, Daffney cuts through the noise by answering five of the most common health and fitness questions with clear explanations. From why fat can’t actually turn into muscle, how protein really works in the body, and which beginner-friendly exercise delivers the most impact without unnecessary strain. Daffney also addresses common confusion around testosterone, strength-training frequency, and why recovery matters just as much as the workout itself. Have a question you’d like answered on the podcast? Head over to Instagram and send Daffney a DM to keep the conversation going → instagram.com/dontfknshrinkpodcastIn This Episode:(01:00) Can you actually turn fat into muscle?(04:30) How protein really works(07:50) The most effective exercise for beginners(11:00) Is testosterone an anabolic steroid?(14:40) How often you should be working out(18:00) Choosing workouts that align with your goals and lifestyleConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailLeaking, pelvic pain, and hormonal changes are often dismissed as “normal”, especially during perimenopause and menopause. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. In this episode, pelvic health expert Dr. Kim Dixon breaks down what pelvic health actually is, why so many women experience issues like urinary leakage and painful intimacy, and what real solutions look like at every stage of life. Learn how pelvic floor physical therapy works, when hormone therapies like vaginal estrogen can help, and why symptoms during perimenopause, postpartum, and menopause are often misunderstood or ignored. This conversation gives you real answers, simple solutions, and the confidence to advocate for your body.Connect with Kim Dixon:pearl-physicaltherapy.cominstagram.com/ptkimdixonIn This Episode:(02:05) The most common pelvic health issues women experience(04:10) What pelvic health actually includes(10:30) How pelvic floor physical therapy works(22:40) Hormonal changes, perimenopause, and pelvic symptoms(27:10) Vaginal estrogen and HRT explained(36:40) When symptoms are being ignored or misunderstood by providers(41:30) How to advocate for yourselfConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailEvery January, we promise ourselves this time will be different: new routines, new rules, new motivation. And every year, most of it quietly falls apart by February. In this episode, Jane Pilger invites you into a kinder way to approach change in 2026. Learn what’s actually happening beneath the surface when motivation disappears, why forcing change through rules and restriction backfires, and how your nervous system and internal patterns quietly run the show. Jane also gives advice for creating sustainable change, how to stop starting over every Monday, and what to focus on instead if you want progress that lasts beyond the first few weeks of the year. If you’re tired of resetting and ready to build something that actually sticks, this episode will change how you think about “starting fresh.”Connect with Jane Pilger:janepilger.comjanepilger.com/gatherIn This Episode:(01:15) Your brain is wired for patterns, not perfection(05:35) The internal parts running your habits(09:10) Perfectionists, rebels, critics & protectors explained(18:30) How curiosity creates change(20:25) What to do instead of forcing motivation(24:10) How to start No Judgment JanuaryConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat if the problem with New Year’s resolutions isn’t your discipline, but the way you’re talking to yourself? This episode flips January goal-setting on its head with No Judgment January, a radically different approach to change that doesn’t start with fixing yourself. Daffney explains why most resolutions fail within days, how self-judgment quietly drains your energy, and what actually creates sustainable change as women, moms, and high-performing professionals. You’ll hear why “going back” isn’t the answer, how perimenopause, stress, and nervous-system overload show up in everyday life, and a surprisingly simple way to reset your body when anxiety takes over. Daffney also introduces a powerful framework (your internal C-Suite) and shows how aligning your mindset, body, and nervous system can transform how you move into 2026 without shame, restriction, or burnout. If you’re done punishing yourself every January and ready for forward momentum that actually sticks, this episode is for you!In This Episode:(01:20) Why New Year’s resolutions fail faster than you think(04:15) No Judgment January(07:30) Your internal C-Suite; mindset, body, and nervous system explained(13:50) What your body is trying to tell you; inflammation, chronic pain, perimenopause, and menopause(18:40) How your nervous system drives stress, anxiety, and burnout(27:00) Stress management techniques that actually workConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when staying “acceptable” costs you your integrity? In this episode, Daffney talks with public theologian and bestselling author of Hell Bent, Brian Recker, for an honest conversation about faith, fear, and the moment you stop contorting yourself to belong. Brian unpacks his journey from growing up as a fundamentalist pastor’s kid to walking away from the pulpit when curiosity, conscience, and love could no longer fit inside rigid religious systems. Together, they discuss how fear has been used to control belief, why politics and religion became dangerously intertwined, and what it really takes to choose truth over approval. This episode is for anyone who’s ever swallowed their questions, softened their voice, or stayed silent just to remain palatable. Connect with Brian Recker:brianrecker.comhttps://brianrecker.substack.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/berecker/In This Episode:(01:10) Meet Brian Recker; growing up as a fundamentalist pastor’s kid(04:10) The political turning point that changed everything(08:40) Fear as the backbone of religious control(18:50) Queer affirmation as a line in the sand and the cost of crossing it(23:55) Hell as metaphor and how fear-based theology was weaponized(30:15) Reclaiming spirituality without fear of punishmentConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Why does my body feel wrong?” this conversation will flip everything you’ve been taught on its head. Registered dietitian Maria Sylvester Terry joins Daffney to expose the hidden impact of skinny culture: the doctor’s-office shame, the gym-class comparisons, the magazine bodies that were never real, and the lifelong pressure to shrink yourself to be accepted. Maria shares the raw truth about her own journey through weight stigma, half-marathon burnout, and orthorexia, and how stepping into strength instead of skinny finally changed everything. Together, they unpack the science behind body types, why so many women are fighting biology itself, and what actually happens when you stop chasing the body you think you should have and start honoring the one you were built for. If you’re ready to question everything you’ve been conditioned to believe about your body, this episode will crack something open!Connect with Maria Sylvester Terry:mariaterrynutrition.cominstagram.com/vitamin_rilinks.mariaterrynutrition.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioIn This Episode:(01:50) Meet Maria; childhood conditioning and early body expectations(09:50) A career shift from teacher to dietitian, and what it revealed(12:15) Breaking down the 3 body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph)(18:25) Can you actually change your body type?(22:00) Why the “perfect body” requires unhealthy trade-offs(25:20) The male gaze, blow-up-doll culture, and who you’re really performing for(30:00) Tips for a healthier body(34:10) Why men’s attraction vs. public shame creates body confusionConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat does real allyship, leadership, and courage look like today?It’s not a repost, a slogan, or a perfectly curated statement. It’s choosing to show up even when it’s uncomfortable, unpopular, or wildly misunderstood. Known to many from TLC’s I Am Jazz, Sander Jennings shares what it was really like growing up in a family that stood publicly for trans rights long before society was ready to listen. He opens up about the mindset shifts that took him from quiet supporter to confident advocate, the pressure men face inside the toxic “manosphere,” and why empathy and emotional intelligence are now non negotiable for anyone who wants to influence with integrity. From navigating frat culture to finding his voice online to reshaping his digital marketing career around elevating nonprofits, Sander’s story is a masterclass in showing up bigger than your fear. If you're committed to leading with your values, using your voice for good, and staying grounded in a polarized world, this episode will challenge you, empower you, and remind you exactly why your voice matters.About Sander Jennings:A former TV family figure from TLC’s I Am Jazz, Sander is stepping into a renewed purpose as the body-loving big brother the world needs. While continuing to champion LGBTQ+ rights, he is also creating space for everyone—regardless of identity—to practice gratitude, self-acceptance, and love for the one body we each get.@sander_jenningsIn This Episode:(01:10) Meet Sander Jennings: activist, big brother, and digital creator(03:45) The truth behind his family’s reality TV journey(08:00) Understanding the “manosphere” and the pressures men face today(12:00) How he built a platform rooted in truth, empathy, and advocacy(17:20) Becoming the “Internet’s Big Brother”(19:10) How nonprofits shifted his purpose and business(26:15) Respect as the foundation of loveConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailFeeling like you keep shrinking yourself to make everyone else comfortable? In this episode, Daffney explains why watering down your truth does not make people like you more. It only disconnects you from who you actually are. She walks you through a 30 minute reflection exercise that forces real honesty about your values, your goals, and what you truly want. Then she dives into the three pillars of stepping into your most authentic self: your mindset, your physical body, and your nervous system. Think athlete-level discipline, nourishment that supports your energy, and being aware of the environments that mess with your calm. If you have been craving clarity, confidence, or just a “get real with yourself" moment, this episode is the nudge you have been avoiding. Daffney’s message? Stop diluting yourself. Stop being palatable. Start being you.In This Episode:(01:20) The truth about diluting your personality to fit in(02:55) The three pillars of authenticity(05:50) What an athlete mindset actually looks like in everyday life(09:00) Nourishment, energy, and taking care of your physical body(14:00) How your environment affects your nervous system(18:00) Stop being palatable and step into unapologetic confidenceConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailDaffney chats with powerhouse sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, two former Hollywood insiders who walked away from high-profile careers to build something with far greater reach and purpose: a global community elevating women’s voices and amplifying stories that spark real change. From growing up in a deeply creative household to breaking barriers in the entertainment industry to founding The Passionistas Project, they share how storytelling became the thread that shaped their leadership, their mission, and their impact. Together, they discuss why even the most accomplished women can underestimate the power of their own story, how true community becomes a catalyst for expansion, and why embracing your lived experience is essential for influence and legacy. This episode is a reminder that the story you’ve sidelined might be the very thing that unlocks your next level of impact.About Amy and Nancy Harrington:Sisters, Amy and Nancy founded The Passionistas Project in 2018 out of a deep desire to empower women around the world. Both co-founders walked away from high-profile jobs in Hollywood to work together. Amy was the Vice President of Visual Effects and Post Production for all feature films at Warner Bros, working on movies like the "Harry Potter," "Matrix" and "Batman" franchises. Nancy left the ad agency where she created Academy Award campaigns for Miramax. Now Amy and Nancy shine a light on the positive stories of self-identified women and non-binary people through their media company. They were handpicked by OWN to be part of the VIP digital press corps covering "Oprah's Lifeclass" during Winfrey's tour of the U.S. and Toronto. Through their podcast, online sisterhood and Power of Passionistas summit, they strive to inspire women to follow their passions and join forces in the fight for equality for all.  Passionistas Project Sisterhood Follow on socials @thepassionistasprojectyoutube.com/user/PCPassionistasIn This Episode:(01:05) Meet the Harrington sisters(04:15) Why they left glamorous entertainment careers to pursue purpose driven work(06:25) How storytelling shaped their childhood and inspired their lifelong creativity(09:00) Creating The Passionistas Project and building a supportive community for women(17:20) Inside their global sisterhood; workshops, networking, and collective learning(22:50) Advice for women who think they “don’t have a story”Connect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailYou don’t need a million followers to make an impact … you just need the courage to speak your truth. Sara Wiles, the ultimate girls’ girl and Founder of The Start And Grow Co.,  joins this episode to talk about what it really means to use your voice for change. From post election heartbreak to fearless activism, Sara shares her journey from quiet confidence to embracing her truth and making an impact. She opens up about learning to speak out even when it’s uncomfortable, the power of female connection, and why being “palatable” isn’t the goal. The conversation also dives into how privilege, beauty, and authenticity intersect in the world of influence, plus Sara’s advice for getting involved, making a difference in your own way, and showing up even when it’s scary. If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters or how to use it for something bigger than yourself, this episode is your permission slip to just get in the arena!About Sara Wiles:Sara is the founder of The Start And Grow Co., professional oversharer, and stubborn believer in humanity. She writes (Substack) about politics, feminism, and the exhausting Olympic sport of keeping hope in America.@sara_wiles@thestartandgrowco The Virtual Assistant Starter KitIn This Episode:(01:30) The moment that changed everything for Sara(12:55) How maturity and motherhood helped her release the need for approval and stand firmly in her beliefs(14:00) Why women’s empathy and intuition make them powerful advocates for justice and change(23:00) Building a business with purpose; the role of virtual assistants(26:00) Getting involved and supporting causes you care about(29:50) Overcoming criticism and embracing uncomfortabilityConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhat if your story could be the very thing that helps someone else heal? Rachel Daugherty, better known on Instagram as BootyAndBrains, joins this episode to talk about turning pain into purpose, movement into medicine, and why healing your body and brain doesn’t have to be hard. From losing her mom to Alzheimer’s to building a platform around brain health, humor, and fitness, Rachel shares how she transformed grief into impact one honest post, one pushup, and one laugh at a time. Together, she and Daffney discuss what it looks like to care for someone you have a complicated relationship with, why women need to stop waiting for the “perfect time” to take care of themselves, and how simple bite-size movement can change your life. If you’ve ever said, “I’ll start when things calm down,” or felt stuck in survival mode, this one’s your reminder: IT MATTERS. You matter. And you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.About Rachel Daugherty:Rachel’s work is grounded in deep respect, care, and empathy for those who know the weight of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis within their family. She specializes in translating complex science into clear, relatable insights, always backed by solid research. Her Alzheimer’s prevention journey began from a personal mission - to protect her two children from the pain and uncertainty she once faced. Today, she’s dedicated to teaching others how to do the same. bootyandbrains.coinstagram.com/bootyandbrains.coIn This Episode:(01:30) How Rachel built the Booty And Brains platform(03:55) Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s(10:30) How trauma, fear, and conditioning can keep us from exercising(15:15) Incorporating movement into daily life(22:05) How post-meal walks impact metabolism, blood sugar, and longevity(26:30) Why every small habit matters(30:50) Rachel’s top 3 Alzheimer’s prevention tipsConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch

Send us Fan MailWhen life hands you a pink slip in the middle of postpartum recovery, how do you rebuild not just your career, but your confidence, identity, and sense of purpose?In this episode of Don’t Fkn Shrink*, Daffney Allwein sits down with Kathleen Borgueta, founder of Pivoting Parents, a community created to help parents navigate professional pivots, layoffs, and reinvention with resilience and grace.Kathleen shares her story of receiving her layoff notice while newly postpartum and recovering from a C-section, a moment that could have broken her but instead became the spark for something transformative. Through vulnerability, grit, and community, she turned her experience into a movement that empowers parents to reclaim their power and purpose after career disruptions.💬 “I received my pink slip sitting on the floor of my community center in my postpartum. I could not have been more freshly minted a mom.”✨ In this episode:What it really looks like to navigate identity loss after a layoffThe emotional and physical impact of job loss during postpartum recoveryHow Pivoting Parents helps moms and dads find clarity and community in the messBuilding resilience through purpose and serviceWhy grief is part of growth and how to rebuild stronger than before🎟️ Event Spotlight: Don’t miss Kathleen’s upcoming event, Life After Layoffs: Navigating Grief and Building Resilience with Dr. Maya, happening November 7, 2025, at 12 PM ET. 👉 Register on Eventbrite🌐 Connect with Kathleen: Website: https://www.pivotingparents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotingparents/ LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenborgueta/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pivoting-parents/🎧 Listen now for an honest, hopeful conversation about motherhood, layoffs, and rediscovering who you are when life doesn’t go to plan.

Send us Fan MailWhen a career crisis hits, it might just be the push you needed.In this episode of Don’t Fk*n Shrink, Daffney Allwein talks with Love Rutledge, Executive Coach, host of the FedUpward Podcast, and founder of FedUpward Coaching. After more than 25 years in federal service, Love helps government professionals and executives reinvent their careers, build clarity, and thrive through transitions.Together, they unpack what it means to find purpose beyond your job title, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and turn change into opportunity. Whether you’re navigating a layoff, a government shutdown, or just craving something new, this conversation will remind you that you’re never starting over — you’re starting differently.✨ Learn more: FedUpwardCoaching.com | FormerGov.com | AIDCoaching.com | FedFam.org

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Don’t Fk*n Shrink, Daffney Allwein sits down with Jane Pilger, Certified Binge Eating and Body Trust Coach, host of the Binge Eating Breakthrough™ podcast, and endurance athlete.Jane shares her 25-year journey of struggling with binge eating, the moment she realized food was a tool for safety, and how she finally broke free from shame by understanding the connection between the nervous system, emotions, and behavior.This isn’t a conversation about food rules or willpower. It’s about healing your relationship with yourself, rewriting old stories, and finding compassion for the part of you that learned to survive.✨ In this episode:The real difference between binge eating and overeatingHow food becomes a coping mechanism for safetyThe “safety paradox” and why comfort foods can feel like a threatThe eight reasons people struggle with food and how to heal themWhy shame and judgment keep you stuckHow to regulate your nervous system for long-term changeThe surprising link between self-respect, curiosity, and recovery💬 “We are asking the wrong questions. Instead of ‘What’s wrong with me?’ ask ‘How does this make sense?’” – Jane Pilger🎧 Listen now to reclaim your power and finally make peace with food.To learn more about the food habit 'Safety Paradox' keeping you stuck and the '8 Reasons Why' StrategyConnect with Jane directly at https://www.janepilger.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Don’t Fk*n Shrink, Daffney Allwein sits down with journalist, author, and storyteller Ellen Bryan for a conversation that blends honesty, courage, and grace.Ellen opens up about walking away from traditional definitions of success and finding a new rhythm in her life that honors her values, her family, and her purpose. She shares how fear once kept her from taking bold steps, why she finally decided to leap anyway, and what it really looks like to balance ambition with motherhood.From newsroom deadlines to bedtime stories, Ellen has lived both sides of the story. This raw and real conversation reminds us that confidence doesn’t mean pretending you have it all together — it means showing up even when you’re scared.✨ In this episode:Letting go of external validation and redefining successFinding purpose and peace through faith and alignmentNavigating motherhood and ambition with honestyPushing past fear and starting before you feel readyLiving authentically without shrinking for anyone🎧 Listen now and remember: growth happens when you stop waiting for permission.

Send us Fan Mail How often do you say, “I’m fine” when you’re anything but? In this powerful episode of Don’t Fk*n Shrink, host Daffney Allwein sits down with podcaster and speaker Kari Hurd to unpack what it really means to live authentically and why “fine” just isn’t enough.Kari shares her candid story of becoming a single mom, navigating heartbreak, dismantling her old life, and building a new one rooted in authenticity and family. She opens up about dating after 50 (yes, the infamous fish selfies make an appearance) and the values that guide her through life’s challenges.✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:Why authenticity is non-negotiable in midlifeHow to stop settling and choose yourself firstThe funny and frustrating truths about dating appsPractical exercises for clarifying your valuesWhy the right partner should fit your life, not shrink itThis episode is equal parts raw, real, and hilarious. It’s for every woman who’s ready to stop shrinking, reclaim her power, and live boldly. Take the Challenge for yourself. 14:00Circle the 10 Values that resonate most with you. Then choose your 2 "Beacon Values" from that Values List of 10. Link Here: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare...

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Don’t F*kn Shrink, Daffney Allwein sits down with Shelly McLaughlin, Program Director at Pathfinders for Autism, mom to a 23 year old autistic son, and a fierce advocate for families and communities.Shelly shares the devastating moment when a doctor told her that her son would never function in society, and how she refused to shrink in the face of that label. From navigating schools to helping Hunter discover his passion in film editing, her story is one of resilience and relentless advocacy.But Shelly’s path was not without personal hurdles. She bravely opens up about surviving domestic abuse, the red flags she wishes she had recognized sooner, and how isolation can be the most dangerous weapon of an abuser. Today, she uses her voice to train law enforcement, educate schools, and support families so that no one has to feel alone.👉 You can support Shelly’s work and help families across the country:Donate to Pathfinders for Autism, which provides training, resources, and community programs: https://pathfindersforautism.org/donate/Support the Autism Sensory and Communication Bags project, which equips law enforcement with tools to better connect with autistic individuals during emergencies: https://www.towson.edu/iwb/centers/hussman/SARC is a lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking by providing safe haven, advocacy, resources, and hope in Harford County Maryland. https://www.sarc-maryland.org/✨ Takeaways:How small accommodations can transform an autistic child’s school experienceWhy building community support is the lifeline parents needThe power of law enforcement training to create safer interactionsRed flags of narcissistic abuse and why speaking out is survivalWhy not shrinking is the most impactful choice we can make

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the first episode of Don’t F*kn Shrink.This show was born in a single moment. When Brittany Clark made a powerful declaration and then pulled back, I could not stay quiet. I told her: “Don’t Fkn Shrink.”* That moment lit the fire for everything you will hear here.In this episode Brittany interviews me about why I had to bring this message to life. We talk about my journey, the lessons that shaped me, and why I believe confidence and resilience are skills we practice, not gifts we are born with.You’ll hear:The story behind Don’t F*kn ShrinkWhy podcasting is the platform I chose to share without gatekeepersHow childhood experiences and motherhood shaped my voiceThe role of courage, optimism, and nervous system awareness in building true confidenceWhy every single one of us has a story worth tellingThis movement is about more than me. It’s about collaboration and lifting each other up. Check out Brittany’s Design work https://www.instagram.com/thewonderfoundry/

Send us Fan Mail Matt Lewis joins me for a real conversation about identity, work, and courage. Matt is a columnist and author of Filthy Rich Politicians and Too Dumb to Fail, and the host of Matt Lewis Can’t Lose. He has appeared on C-SPAN, PBS NewsHour, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, and CBS News’ Face The Nation as a political commentator.We talk about growing up in rural Maryland, early career detours, why political consulting was the wrong fit, and how writing, teaching, and podcasting became the right lane. You’ll hear what “crunchy cons” means, how to check whether your beliefs are truly yours, and the simple filter Matt uses for work and life: choose easy, work hard. If you are ready to stop shrinking and show up as yourself, this one is for you.Resources and links: • Matt’s site: https://www.mattklewis.com/ • Matt’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLewis/featured • Matt’s podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matt-lewis-cant-lose/id1737212124 • Filthy Rich Politicians by Matt K. Lewis • Too Dumb to Fail by Matt K. Lewis

Send us Fan Mail Doctors said “we don’t know.” Jennifer Burns said, “that’s not good enough.”On this episode of Don’t F*kn Shrink, host Daffney Allwein sits down with Jennifer to share her story of refusing to shrink when traditional medicine had no answers. She fought for herself, found the right care, and reclaimed her vibrant health.Part of her discovery was that foods she thought were healthy, eggs, yogurt, and cashews, were fueling her pain and weight gain. By uncovering hidden triggers, shifting to an anti-inflammatory diet, and embracing yoga, Jennifer lost 20 pounds, eliminated hip pain, and regained her energy in her 50s.✨ What you’ll hear:Why refusing to shrink and self advocacy changes everythingThe turning point when Jennifer decided “we don’t know” was not acceptableThe surprising food sensitivities that fueled her painHow she transformed her health and confidence in midlifeA message of hope for every woman told to “just accept it”Jennifer’s journey proves: you never have to shrink.

Send us Fan MailYou know that voice in your head that whispers “play it safe, stay small, don’t rock the boat”?Yeah… we’re not listening to that here.Welcome to Don’t F*kn Shrink, the podcast for high achievers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are ready to stop holding back, build unshakable confidence, and show up fully in their lives.I’m Daffney Allwein,  performance coach, athlete, and unapologetic believer that you were never meant to shrink yourself to fit. For nearly two decades, I’ve helped elite performers, from pro athletes to top-level executives, rebuild their bodies, strengthen their mindset, and rise higher than they thought possible.On this show, you’ll get:Unfiltered conversations with people who’ve faced setbacks, reinvented themselves, and refused to quitMindset strategies to push past fear, self-doubt, and perfectionismPerformance habits that fuel success without burnoutReal talk on leadership, resilience, and personal growth, the kind nobody puts in their highlight reelThis isn’t fluff. This isn’t fake inspiration. This is the place to get tools, truth, and a powerful reminder that you were made to take up space.So if you’re ready to stop shrinking, break through your limits, and create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside… hit that follow button.Because the journey starts now.