Fearlessly Becoming

PODCAST · education

Fearlessly Becoming

Fearlessly Becoming is a podcast for anyone trying to make sense of the beautiful, messy, in-progress masterpiece that is becoming your most authentic self.Hosted by Stephanie Merritt - lifelong people pleaser turned intuitive explorer - this show is equal parts heart, humor, and hard truths. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to unravel who we think we’re supposed to be and courageously (or at least awkwardly) step into who we truly are.Through honest conversations, personal reflections, a few well-placed f-bombs, and powerful storytelling, we dive into the real work of becoming: learning to trust your intuition, owning your story, and embracing the unknown as a natural part of the journey. This is a space where real stories connect us, reminding us we’re never alone. No masks, no filters - just truth, community and the courage to keep becoming. Let’s do it - fearlessly (and maybe with snacks).

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    Becoming with Me: Updates + That Time I Went to Jail

    In this episode of Fearlessly Becoming, Stephanie shares a heartfelt update about her brief sabbatical from the podcast, emphasizing the importance of alignment, energy, and life lessons. She also recounts a humorous and honest story from her own life about her experience with a DUI and how it shaped her perspective - highlighting themes of decision-making, resilience, and community.This episode reminds us that life’s challenges, when approached with honesty and humor, can foster connection and resilience. Tune in for a blend of heartfelt reflection and a funny, cautionary jail story.

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    Monday Minis | Stability

    In this episode, Stephanie shares a reflective story inspired by her recent BOSU workout and a tarot card reading, exploring the concept of stability - what it truly means and how instability can be an essential part of growth. Listeners will gain insights into embracing discomfort and understanding the deeper roots of personal stability.

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    Becoming with Johnny Hourihan: From Strangers to a Pod in 7 Days

    In this unique episode, we dive into an open conversation with Johnny, a construction professional from Boston, whom I met just a week before recording. Join us as we transition from strangers to not strangers, exploring life, losses, and self-discovery. This episode highlights the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building connections and transforming relationships.Key Topics:Johnny's experience with building a business and overcoming feelings of lossThe importance of trust, intuition, and flow in decision-makingBalancing masculinity, vulnerability, and authenticity in masculine-dominated spacesThe role of purpose and purpose-driven work in personal fulfillmentTechniques to manage anxiety, self-doubt, and mental health, including running and meditationThe significance of relationship dynamics and transparency with familyThe impact of energy, environment, and the space we create in both homes and workplacesInsights on building meaningful connections, authenticity, and stepping into growthThe value of community, respect, and the journey of becoming the best version of oneselfConnect with Johnny directly:LinkedInInstagram: @heresjohnnyh Podcast: The Glorified CarpenterNote: This episode is a candid reflection on resilience, authenticity, and the journey of becoming. Join us as we explore real-life stories that inspire growth, vulnerability, and purpose.

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    Becoming with Kristen DiOrio: No F*%ks Left

    In this episode, Stephanie and her good friend Kristen DiOrio explore themes of spirituality, self-acceptance, motherhood, and societal expectations. Kristen shares her journey from a traditional Catholic upbringing to embracing her unique spiritual and life path, including her decision to raise her daughter independently and her candid thoughts on mental health, boundaries, and living joyfully.Main Topics:Kristen’s evolution from Catholicism to spiritual exploration outside organized religionThe power of trusting intuition and embracing uncertaintyBuilding boundaries and self-love as a single motherChallenging societal norms and creating a life aligned with personal authenticityThe significance of community, empathy, and gratitude in a turbulent worldNavigating hormonal changes and neurodivergence, including ADHDCelebrating joy and fun as spiritual practicesThe importance of modeling authenticity for the next generation

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    Monday Minis | Lessons from Nebraska Basketball

    In this episode, Stephanie reflects on the inspiring lessons gleaned from the Nebraska men's basketball team's recent season, drawing insights applicable beyond sports. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or not, these lessons about perseverance, humility, emotional intelligence, and energy can enhance your personal and professional life.Key topics covered:The importance of never giving up, regardless of underestimated odds.Success as a gradual process built through consistent effort and iteration.Embracing duality: feeling pride and disappointment simultaneously.The value of mature responses to wins and losses, modeling resilience.How energy and surrounding yourself with positive influences shape growth.The deeper meaning behind the team's journey beyond their record.

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    Becoming with Scorpio Lamonte Mosley: Unlocking Chaos as a Superpower

    Join us in this inspiring episode as Scorpio Mosley shares his journey of self-discovery, leadership, and embracing authentic living. Discover how his childhood experiences, name transformation, and spiritual reflections shaped his perspective on success, purpose, and vulnerability. Whether you're questioning your path or seeking to break free from societal labels, Scorpio's story offers valuable insights on trusting the process, leading from within, and living with integrity. Main Topics: The significance of name and identity transformation at age 24Insights on authentic leadership and leading with characterNavigating fears, vulnerability, and emotional maturityThe role of faith, family, and self-care in personal successCultivating discipline through daily habits like fasting and fitnessThe importance of trusting divine timing and surrendering controlOvercoming societal expectations to find fulfillment and peace Connect with Scorpio Mosley: scorpiolamonte.comLinkedInInstagram: @scorpio_lamonte This episode advocates for embracing your full self - flaws, chaos, and all - and finding strength in vulnerability. Dive in to learn how personal growth is an ongoing, beautiful journey rooted in faith, self-awareness, and authentic expression.

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    Monday Minis | Tell Them Theory

    A few weeks ago, I came across something on Instagram that stuck with me:The “tell them” theory.The idea is simple - if you feel inspired by someone, impressed by them, or notice something meaningful about them… tell them.Not later. Not in your head. Not as a passing thought.Actually say it.In this Monday Mini, Stephanie shares how this small shift has shown up in her own life - from complimenting strangers to speaking things out loud that might have otherwise gone unsaid. Because more often than not, those moments aren’t random - they’re invitations.An invitation to connect. To acknowledge. To make someone feel seen.And maybe, in a small but meaningful way, to make the world feel a little more human.

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    Becoming with Paige Hook: Sparkly Spiritual Sandpaper

    In this episode of Fearlessly Becoming, Stephanie sits down with Paige Hook, founder of Ascending Phoenix, for a conversation that spans everything from politics to spiritual awakening - and the unexpected path between the two.Paige shares about her earlier time working in the political world and how that chapter of her life ultimately led to a deeper personal and spiritual transformation. What began as a pursuit of leadership and advocacy eventually opened the door to something more internal: questioning old frameworks, exploring spirituality, and learning to trust her own intuitive voice.Together, Stephanie and Paige explore the role boundaries play in personal growth - why so many of us struggle to set them, and how learning to honor them can be one of the most powerful forms of self-respect.The conversation also dives into topics like spiritual protection, discernment, and navigating the energetic landscape of modern life. Paige describes her role as a guide and healer who sometimes shows up as “sandpaper” - someone who gently (and sometimes not so gently) smooths out the rough edges in people’s lives so they can grow and evolve.It’s an honest and wide-ranging discussion about transformation, identity shifts, and what it looks like to walk a path that doesn’t always fit neatly inside one box.To connect with Paige:https://bio.site/paigehook

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    Monday Minis | Boundaries

    Boundaries are something many of us wish we were better at. We talk about them, we admire people who seem to have them, and we get frustrated when ours are crossed. But what happens when the boundary was never actually communicated?In this Monday Mini, Stephanie reflects on a recent conversation about boundaries and the tension many of us experience between setting them and avoiding difficult conversations altogether. It’s easy to assume people should just “know” where the line is - but clarity often requires us to speak it out loud.This short episode explores the difference between healthy boundaries and avoidance, why setting limits can feel uncomfortable, and how honesty - even when awkward - can create more respectful and grounded relationships.If you’ve ever struggled with when to speak up, when to step back, or how to protect your energy without shutting people out, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective and a question to sit with this week.

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    Becoming with Glenn Cox: The Golden Goat of the Military & Pizza

    In this engaging conversation, Glenn Cox shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of starting his own pizza business. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the lessons learned along the way. Glenn discusses the balance between work and family life, the significance of being naive enough to pursue dreams, and the value of building a supportive network. The conversation also touches on the legacy he hopes to leave for his daughters and the insights gained from both successes and failures in business.

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    Monday Minis | The Voice Within

    Exploring the power of intuition and listening to your inner voice through a personal reflection on a song that inspired trust in oneself.

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    Becoming with Travis Williams: Redefining Spirituality

    In this engaging conversation, Travis Williams shares his journey from a structured upbringing in the LDS faith to a more fluid and expansive understanding of spirituality. He discusses his fitness journey, the importance of yoga, and how curiosity has played a pivotal role in his personal growth. Travis reflects on the friction between his past beliefs and his current exploration of self, emphasizing the significance of questioning everything. He highlights the importance of self-care, the duality of pain and pleasure, and how these experiences shape his parenting approach. The conversation culminates in rapid-fire questions that reveal Travis's insights on life, spirituality, and personal development.

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    Monday Minis | What does March need from you?

    March doesn’t require a reinvention. It requires a decision.In this Monday Mini, I share why the fresh-start energy of a new month can trick us into thinking we need to become someone new - when in reality, what we often need is focus.For me, that’s what March is asking.Focus. From me. For me.The calendar turning doesn’t change your life.But the decision to focus just might.

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    Becoming with Megan Conway: Power of the Press & What it Means to Stay Informed

    In this engaging conversation, Megan Conway and Stephanie discuss the evolution of journalism, the importance of community connection, and the challenges of being a public figure. They explore personal growth, the impact of social media on news consumption, and the significance of trust and compassion in media. Megan shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a journalist, emphasizing the need for authenticity and connection in her work. The discussion also touches on the balance of family life and professional aspirations, highlighting the ongoing journey of becoming.

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    Monday Minis | Closure

    In this conversation, Stephanie explores the complex nature of closure, particularly in relationships and personal loss. She discusses the discomfort of living in dissonance and the human desire for emotional completion. Stephanie emphasizes that closure is often sought externally but suggests that true closure may need to come from within. She reflects on the importance of agency and the mental shift required to move forward without needing validation from others. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to take control of their narratives and choose how their stories progress, even if they don't get the closure they initially sought.

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    Becoming with Alisa Cooper: From Loss to Alignment [And Everything In Between]

    In this conversation, Alisa Cooper shares her journey through life's challenges, including a recent fraudulent charge that prompted reflections on money and abundance. She discusses her intuitive abilities and how they have guided her through grief and transformation after the loss of her husband, David. The dialogue explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the importance of balancing divine masculine and feminine energies. Alisa emphasizes the significance of receiving and overcoming internal barriers, using tools like pattern disruption to navigate life's transitions. The conversation concludes with reflections on the messy middle of life and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Alisa Cooper shares her journey through personal loss, family dynamics, and the challenges of navigating the 'messy middle' of life. She discusses the importance of choosing oneself, breaking ancestral patterns, and redefining relationships. Alisa emphasizes the role of curiosity and self-empowerment in personal growth and healing, ultimately positioning herself as a healer to others in the healing space.Join Alisa for her exclusive virtual event on 2/20: https://alisaann.com/infinityfreedom

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    Monday Minis | Power of Dreams

    In this conversation, Stephanie delves into the fascinating world of dreams, sharing her personal experiences and insights on how dreams can serve as a channel for intuition and guidance. She discusses the importance of setting up a conducive sleep environment, the role of meditation, and practical tips for dream journaling. Stephanie encourages listeners to explore their dreams and highlights the potential for personal growth and self-discovery through this exploration.

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    Becoming with Dr. Krista Crowe: What if it's okay?

    In this engaging conversation, Stephanie and Krista explore themes of authenticity, mental health, and personal growth. They discuss Krista's journey from working at the VA to starting her own private practice, the challenges of navigating anxiety, and the importance of being present and compassionate. The conversation touches on the loneliness epidemic, the impact of societal expectations, and the power of vulnerability in relationships. Krista shares her insights on self-discovery and the ongoing journey of becoming, emphasizing the need for connection and understanding in a world that often feels disconnected.

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    Monday Minis | Top 5 Phrases: Single Lady Edition

    In this conversation, Stephanie reflects on the upcoming Valentine's Day and shares her top five comments often directed at single individuals. She discusses the complexities of loneliness, gratitude, and the challenges of dating in her 40s, particularly through apps. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of self-love while addressing common misconceptions about it. She also critiques the notion that love will come when least expected, advocating for proactive efforts in finding meaningful connections. Ultimately, she encourages validation and understanding for those navigating the single life.

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    Becoming with Brenda Reynolds: Growing Through What We Go Through

    In this conversation, Brenda K Reynolds and Stephanie discuss personal growth, family dynamics, and the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life. They reflect on their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion emphasizes the significance of community, connection, and gratitude, as well as the desire to live authentically and embrace new opportunities. Brenda shares her experiences with financial struggles and the evolution of her career, while also highlighting the power of self-reflection and the impact of relationships on personal development.You can learn more about Brenda and her books @ brendakreynolds.com

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    Monday Minis: Faulty Foundations

    n this Monday Mini, Stephanie dives into what it really means when life feels like it’s falling apart - and why that discomfort might actually be a sign of deeper alignment, not failure. From personal transitions to collective uncertainty, moments of collapse can shake our sense of stability and leave us questioning what’s next.This episode explores the idea that you can’t build your future self on a faulty foundation. Sometimes what’s crumbling isn’t meant to be repaired - it’s meant to make space for something stronger, more honest, and more aligned with who you’re becoming.Stephanie reflects on the emotional reality of these in-between seasons, where grief, uncertainty, and growth coexist. She offers gentle reframes and practical reflection prompts to help listeners recognize what may be falling away, what’s ready to be rebuilt, and how to trust the process even when it feels messy.n this Monday Mini, Stephanie dives into what it really means when life feels like it’s falling apart - and why that discomfort might actually be a sign of deeper alignment, not failure. From personal transitions to collective uncertainty, moments of collapse can shake our sense of stability and leave us questioning what’s next.This episode explores the idea that you can’t build your future self on a faulty foundation. Sometimes what’s crumbling isn’t meant to be repaired - it’s meant to make space for something stronger, more honest, and more aligned with who you’re becoming.Stephanie reflects on the emotional reality of these in-between seasons, where grief, uncertainty, and growth coexist. She offers gentle reframes and practical reflection prompts to help listeners recognize what may be falling away, what’s ready to be rebuilt, and how to trust the process even when it feels messy.

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    Becoming with Kerri Denell: Legacy, Love, and End-of-Life Work

    In this episode, I sit down with Kerri Denell, an end-of-life doula and legacy navigator who has spent years helping individuals and families bring meaning, clarity, and intention to life’s final chapter. Drawing on her background in hospice care and her deep belief in honoring the whole human experience, Kerri invites us to rethink what it means to prepare for the end of life - not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to reflect, connect, and express what matters most. We talk about legacy work, the power of presence, how to have the conversations people avoid, and why planning for the end can actually change how we live now. Whether you’re considering your own legacy or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a beautiful reframe of life’s most important transition.Learn more: https://kerridenell.com/

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    Monday Minis | Labels

    In this conversation, Stephanie explores the concept of labels, discussing their dual nature as both helpful tools for identity and potential traps that can limit our understanding of ourselves and others. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the labels we carry and how they can shape our perceptions and interactions. Stephanie challenges listeners to reflect on their own labels and those they assign to others, advocating for a more compassionate and curious approach to understanding differences.

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    Becoming with Amy Hensley: Exploring End-of-Life Wishes

    In this episode, Stephanie and Amy Hensley explore the importance of discussing death and end-of-life wishes openly. They share personal experiences from solo travel to the cultural attitudes towards death that often create fear. Amy emphasizes the need for clear communication around end-of-life wishes and the misconceptions surrounding hospice care. They also discuss the significance of rituals in processing grief and the empowerment that comes from understanding one's choices regarding dying with dignity. Connect with Amy:https://amyhensley.com/en-us/Sips & Wishes Registration:https://amyhensley.com/public-community

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    Monday Minis | Love Yourself

    In today’s Monday Mini, I’m reflecting on what it actually means to fall in love with yourself - and what it doesn’t. This isn’t about perfection, confidence all the time, or having it all figured out. It’s about building a relationship with yourself rooted in trust, honesty, and self-respect.We talk about what changes when you stop abandoning yourself in hard moments, how listening to your own voice can reshape your life, and why loving yourself often looks quieter - and braver - than we expect.If you’ve ever felt like self-love sounded aspirational but out of reach, this episode is an invitation to rethink it. Not as a destination, but as an ongoing practice.

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    Becoming with Dr. Sarah Rasby: Caregiving, Loss and the Life That Follows

    In this conversation, Stephanie and Sarah Rasby explore the complexities of grief, caregiving, and the impact of loss on identity. Sarah shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her twin sister, Erin, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and subsequent brain injury. They discuss the challenges of navigating end-of-life conversations, the importance of advocacy, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about grief and caregiving, as well as the ongoing process of healing and finding purpose in pain.During the conversation, Sarah mentions a case in FL - here is a link to that specific story: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/pictures/look-back-in-history-terri-schiavo-death/

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    Monday Minis | The Power of Fearlessness

    In this episode, Stephanie explores the concept of fearlessness and its significance in personal growth. She reflects on her own journey of self-discovery, emphasizing that being fearless does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to navigate through it. The conversation delves into understanding fear as a protective mechanism, the importance of recognizing impermanence, and the value of curiosity and self-reflection in overcoming challenges. Ultimately, Stephanie encourages listeners to embrace their power and approach life fearlessly.

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    Becoming Brave Enough to Talk About Death

    Death is something we all share… and yet rarely talk about.In this solo episode, I open the door to honest conversation around death and dying - why we avoid it, what we lose when we do, and how facing it with curiosity can actually deepen the way we live. Drawing from my personal experiences and my work as a certified death doula, I reflect on what it means to sit with the unknown, hold space for grief, and talk about the inevitable without fear or urgency to “fix” it.This episode sets the tone for a month dedicated to end-of-life conversations - real, compassionate, and deeply human.

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    Monday Minis | Clearing & Releasing

    In this Monday Mini, we explore what it really means to close out a cycle — not just in theory, but through action. Using the symbolism of shedding and fresh starts, I share a personal story about loving the idea of something long after it stopped moving forward, and the moment I finally chose to walk away for good.This episode isn’t about endings for the sake of endings — it’s about recognizing when something no longer aligns and being willing to signal that truth through your choices. When we stop circling, stop hesitating, and start walking the walk, space opens. Sometimes quietly. Sometimes completely.A reflection on release, alignment, and trusting that when we’re truly ready to let go, life has a way of meeting us there.

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    Monday Minis | Closing Down 2025

    As 2025 comes to a close, there’s a lot of noise about how we’re supposed to end a year and start a new one. Reflections. Resolutions. Big intentions. Fresh starts.In this Monday Mini, I’m gently pushing back on the idea that there’s a “right” way to move into a new year.Whether you’re feeling energized, exhausted, hopeful, uncertain, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to release the rules and trust your own rhythm.There’s no wrong way to close a year. And no deadline on becoming who you’re meant to be.

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    Becoming with Mallory Mahoney: When You Stop Doing, Who Remains? [Part 2]

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Mallory Mahoney, we move into the moment that changed everything — her decision to step away from corporate life and choose a pause instead of a plan. We talk honestly about what it takes to listen to yourself when the next step isn’t clear and the identity you’ve known no longer fits.This episode explores what happens after the decision: the uncertainty, the grief, the relief, and the quiet work of remembering who you are beneath the titles. A conversation about trust, courage, and allowing what’s next to unfold without forcing it.

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    Monday Minis | Believing is Seeing

    This Monday Mini is inspired by a simple line from The Santa Clause that feels a lot deeper as an adult than it ever did as a kid: “Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.”Somewhere along the way, we lose our comfort with magic. With the unknown. With trusting what we can’t yet prove or predict. We’re taught to wait for certainty, evidence, and guarantees before we believe in what’s possible.But so much of life is lived in the in-between—careers we haven’t found yet, relationships still unfolding, versions of ourselves we haven’t met.In this episode, I reflect on how we lose (and can reclaim) our ability to believe without seeing first—and how choosing belief, curiosity, and a little wonder might actually change what becomes visible in our lives.Because maybe the magic never disappeared. Maybe we just stopped trusting it.

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    Becoming with Mallory Mahoney: When You Stop Doing, Who Remains? [Part 1]

    This week on Fearlessly Becoming, I’m joined by Mallory Mahoney for an honest, expansive conversation about stepping away from corporate life and sitting in the in-between.Mallory recently chose to take a sabbatical after years of defining herself through titles, timelines, and external expectations. In this first part of our conversation, we explore what it looks like to decouple identity from career, to slow down without having all the answers, and to gently come back to yourself after years of “doing.”We talk about the discomfort of unlearning productivity as worth, the grief and relief that can coexist when you walk away from something familiar, and the quiet (sometimes messy) process of rediscovering joy when there’s no clear next step yet.This is a conversation for anyone who’s questioning who they are outside of their job, feeling untethered in a season of transition, or learning to trust themselves in the pause.Part two of this conversation will be released next week — and if this episode is any indication, you’ll want to stay for what unfolds next.

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    Monday Minis | I want it Now [Birthday Edition]

    This Monday Mini is doing the most… because it’s my birthday. 🎉 What started as a “quick reflection episode” turned into a full-on live interview of me — led by a dear friend who has a tradition of asking the birthday person thoughtful, unexpected questions every year.So instead of me hosting, I’m in the hot seat. We reflect, we laugh (a lot), we revisit some growth, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. It’s part life update, part personal check-in, and part celebration of another year lived fully — messy, meaningful, and real.Consider this a birthday candle moment… just with a microphone. 🥂The epic Spotify Wrapped as discussed in the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZEVXdfEZSnhzbNP3?si=tMzcbHsoQ9aEHNkp6mtv7g&pi=81HpE43PRcCI2&nd=1&dlsi=f463be1ea2714943

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    Becoming with Alexis Wingert: Finding Gratitude in the In-Between

    This week on Fearlessly Becoming, I’m joined by Alexis Wingert — founder of Grazing Gouda, a luxury charcuterie brand she built, grew, and ultimately sold. After chapters in entrepreneurship, corporate, and the nonprofit world, Alexis now finds herself in the “in-between” once again — that tender space where identity, purpose, and possibility all get reshuffled.In our conversation, we explore what it looks like to trust the unfolding, to make peace with not knowing, and to find pockets of joy and gratitude even when the path ahead isn’t fully clear. Alexis shares the lessons she’s gathered from building (and releasing) a successful business, navigating transitions, and giving herself permission to change.It’s an honest, grounded, heart-forward dialogue about growth, reinvention, and learning to love the in-between.

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    Monday Minis | Feeling Seen

    Today’s mini begins with a conversation I had with my son—one that made me laugh and also landed right in my chest. When I asked if it was strange that I don’t have a “regular job,” he replied, “Not really… because you’re not regular.”In those six words, I felt completely seen.This episode unpacks that moment, what it revealed, and why so many of us hide the parts of ourselves that feel a little “different.” Consider this a gentle nudge to let yourself be known, fully.

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    Becoming Through Career Transitions

    In this solo episode, I’m sharing the winding path of my career transitions—the roles I tried on, the moments that didn’t fit, and the steady nudges from the universe that kept pointing me somewhere else. Somewhere truer.It took time to realize it, but I’m not built for corporate America. I thrive in autonomy, creativity, and the freedom to shape my own work. This episode is about how I finally understood that—and what it looks like to choose the path that actually fits.

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    Monday Minis | Be The Light

    In this Monday Mini, we explore what it really means to be the light.Not by shining nonstop, but by showing up authentically, sharing joy when we have it, borrowing brightness when we don’t, and turning the light inward when we need clarity.Because together—string by string—we light the world.

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    Becoming with Paige Piper: BraveBe & The Power of Showing Up for Kids in Crisis

    In this episode, Paige Piper shares the mission at the heart of BraveBe—preventing child abuse before it happens and ensuring every child has a safe adult in their corner. We talk about what kids in crisis actually need, what trauma-informed support looks like in real time, and how simple, consistent presence can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life.Paige offers a clear, hopeful look at what it means to protect the most vulnerable and how communities can step into this work with compassion, awareness, and courage. A powerful reminder that showing up—truly showing up—matters more than we think.Connect With BraveBeWebsite: bravebe.org Instagram: @bravebecacSponsored By Artillery MediaCustom websites, branding, and podcast production for creators with something to say. artillerymedia.com

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    Monday Minis | The Art of Surrender

    This week, we’re diving into the art of surrender—something often misunderstood as giving up, when in reality, it’s one of the most powerful acts of alignment we can choose.In this short episode, I explore why I call surrender an art: it’s personal, fluid, and open to interpretation. It asks us to release the illusion of control without stepping into inaction. It invites us to trust that there are no wrong turns in life… only redirections that shape us in ways we couldn’t orchestrate ourselves.Together, we’ll unpack what it looks like to let go without losing ourselves, why spaciousness matters, and how to loosen the grip on the things we were never meant to hold so tightly.A gentle reminder for your week: surrender isn’t the end of the story—it's the opening.Tune in for a few minutes of grounding, clarity, and permission to breathe. ✨

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    Becoming with Macala Carter: Poverty, Pain and Purpose

    In this episode, Executive Director of the Center for People, Macala Carter, joins me for a powerful and deeply human conversation about the realities of poverty—and the lived experiences that shaped her path to leadership.Macala doesn’t just lead an organization serving thousands of families; she’s walked many of the same roads herself. She opens up about her own history with poverty, the moments that tested her, and the purpose that emerged from both pain and resilience. We talk about the mission of the Center for People, the critical work they’re doing in our community, and what it really means to serve with empathy, dignity, and lived understanding.This episode is an invitation to see beyond statistics and into the stories that fuel meaningful change.To learn more about the Center for People: Website: www.centerforpeople.org Phone: 402-476-4357 Address: 3901 N 27th St, Lincoln, NE 68521Fearlessly Becoming is proudly supported by Artillery Media, my go-to partner for all things web design. If you’re ready to elevate your brand’s digital presence with a fully custom site and a world-class team behind it, visit artillerymedia.com and tell them I sent you.

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    Monday Minis | Who Am I Beyond the Job Title?

    This week’s Monday Mini explores a question so many of us quietly wrestle with: Who am I outside of what I do?We live in a world that ties worth to productivity, identity to job titles, and self-value to achievements. But when a role shifts, ends, or no longer fits… what’s left? And how do we meet the parts of ourselves that exist beyond the résumé?In this short episode, I share recent conversations — including one with my dad — that opened up a deeper reflection on identity, purpose, and the emotional unraveling that happens when the title fades but the person remains. We talk about where identity is truly formed, how self-worth can get tangled in accomplishment, and why who you are matters more than what you’ve ever done.A reminder that you are a whole human being — layered, worthy, and becoming — long before (and long after) any job title.

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    Becoming with Heidi Brandt: Healing Heights & Hell on the Hill

    This week on Fearlessly Becoming, I’m joined by Heidi — a realtor, advocate, and the founder of Healing Heights, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mental health through connection, resources, and awareness.Heidi’s story is one of profound courage. From battling an eating disorder and reaching a point where she didn’t want to be alive, to finding purpose in helping others heal — her journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, light is possible.We talk about the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and how Healing Heights is creating space for people to feel seen, supported, and never alone in their struggles.💛 Learn more and get involved with Healing Heights at healingheightsfoundation.org or follow along on Instagram at @healingheightsfoundation.🎧 Fearlessly Becoming is proudly supported this month by Artillery Media — building killer websites that work (and persuade). Learn more at artillerymedia.com.

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    Monday Minis | Standing in Your Power

    In this week’s Monday Mini, we’re talking about what it truly means to stand in your power — to know your worth, hold your boundaries, and live from a place of grounded confidence. Because power isn’t loud — it’s aligned.

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    Becoming with Susan Sutton: Turning Teen Mom Life into Purpose

    In this episode of Fearlessly Becoming, I sit down with Susan Sutton, founder and executive director of The Ember Project, a nonprofit supporting teen parents. Susan shares her personal journey as a teen mom and how that experience inspired her to create a space of guidance, community, and empowerment for young parents navigating similar paths.We discuss the challenges and triumphs of teen parenthood, the importance of support systems, and how turning personal struggles into purpose can create lasting impact. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, or simply curious about inspiring stories of resilience, this episode offers heartfelt insights and actionable lessons.Connect with The Ember Project: 🌐 theemberproject.org 📱 Instagram: @e.m.b.e.r._project / Facebook: The Ember ProjectThis episode is brought to you by Artillery Media – your partner for creating impactful, persuasive websites that work. 🌐 artillerymedia.com 📧 [email protected]

  46. 22

    Monday Minis | Confidence vs. Arrogance

    🎙️ Monday Mini: Confidence vs. ArroganceLet’s talk confidence — and where the line blurs into arrogance. In this week’s Monday Mini, I’m digging into what true confidence looks like (and what it doesn’t), why we sometimes shrink ourselves to avoid being “too much,” and how that experience often plays out differently for women and men.This episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t loud or performative — it’s quiet trust in who you are and what you bring to the table.💭 Reflection prompts:When have you mistaken confidence for arrogance — in yourself or someone else?What stories have you been told about how you should show up?How can you start embodying confidence that feels authentic, not performative?Tune in, reflect, and take one small step toward showing up as the most grounded, confident version of yourself.

  47. 21

    Becoming with Rebecca Rosen: Listening to the Other Side

    This week on Fearlessly Becoming, I’m joined by Rebecca Rosen — author, spiritual medium, and the person who introduced me to the world of all things spiritual. We dive into her journey of connecting with the unseen, trusting the signs the universe sends, and learning to navigate life with a deeper awareness of energy and intuition.From personal stories to the lessons she’s learned helping others connect with spirit, Rebecca shares insights that are both profound and surprisingly relatable. Whether you’re curious about mediumship, exploring your own intuition, or simply looking to add a little magic to your week, this episode is for you.Tune in for a conversation full of heart, wonder, and practical takeaways to help you trust the messages that are always around you.You can connect with Rebecca on Instagram @mediumrebeccarosen or through her website www.rebeccarosen.com.

  48. 20

    Monday Minis | Choosing You

    “Choose you, and everything else chooses you, too.”We’ve all heard it — but what does it actually look like to live it? In this first Monday Mini, I’m unpacking the real-life meaning behind choosing yourself — the boundaries, the bravery, and the moments that feel anything but easy.Because choosing yourself isn’t selfish — it’s an act of alignment. And when you do, the people, opportunities, and energy that are meant for you start to rise up and meet you there.✨ Journal prompt: Where in your life are you being asked to choose yourself — and what might that open the door to?

  49. 19

    Becoming with Sara Silverstein: Auras, Curiosity & a Sudden Blackout

    This week, I sit down with Sara — founder of Inner Light Aura Photography in Philly — for a conversation that’s equal parts energetic, hilarious, and heart-centered. Sara has built a thriving business capturing the unseen — photographing auras for everyone from Drew Barrymore to Bravo to the Stanley organization — yet what she loves most is connecting with people in her own community.We dig into the art and science of aura photography, what our energy can teach us, and how tuning into your frequency can shift your life. And, because the universe has a sense of humor, this conversation includes a neighborhood-wide blackout that left us recording part two in literal darkness — fitting for an episode all about light.Sara is endlessly curious, wildly intuitive, and, in her own words, a “soft bitch” with a serious gift for helping people see themselves more clearly.If you’ve ever wondered what your energy says about you — or how to reconnect when life feels off — this one’s for you.You can connect with Sara and her team on instagram (@innerlightaura) or through her website: innerlightaura.com.

  50. 18

    Becoming with Shayla Kummer: Tarot, Trauma & Trusting the Universe

    In this episode of Fearlessly Becoming, I sit down with Shayla Kummer — an international tarot reader and spiritual guide — for a conversation that goes far beyond the cards.We dive into Shayla’s personal journey of transformation: how trauma cracked her open, how intuition became her compass, and how trusting the Universe led her to a life of alignment and purpose.From the lessons hidden in pain to the synchronicities that guide our paths, this episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear — it’s layered, magical, and often found in the moments we least expect.✨ We talk about:The deeper meaning behind tarot and what it truly revealsNavigating trauma and finding empowerment through intuitionLearning to trust the Universe (even when it feels silent)How to reconnect with your inner guidance and sense of selfWhether you’re spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between — this conversation will meet you where you are.You can follow Shayla on instagram @lionessencee or work with her directly through her website: www.lionessencee.com.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Fearlessly Becoming is a podcast for anyone trying to make sense of the beautiful, messy, in-progress masterpiece that is becoming your most authentic self.Hosted by Stephanie Merritt - lifelong people pleaser turned intuitive explorer - this show is equal parts heart, humor, and hard truths. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to unravel who we think we’re supposed to be and courageously (or at least awkwardly) step into who we truly are.Through honest conversations, personal reflections, a few well-placed f-bombs, and powerful storytelling, we dive into the real work of becoming: learning to trust your intuition, owning your story, and embracing the unknown as a natural part of the journey. This is a space where real stories connect us, reminding us we’re never alone. No masks, no filters - just truth, community and the courage to keep becoming. Let’s do it - fearlessly (and maybe with snacks).

HOSTED BY

Stephanie Merritt

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