Let's Just Be Real with Marissa Tonge
by Marissa Tonge
Real thoughts and real conversations about navigating adulthood, healing, self-care & wellness, spirituality, entrepreneurship & life as a dancer. Dive into deep conversations with Marissa as she shares personal experiences and life lessons life with passion, purpose, and grace. Listen and engage in conversations that she has with other purpose-driven creatives who are also passionate about life & transformation. If you’re ready to go beyond the surface then sit down, relax, and let's get real.
Episodes
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180: maybe the final stage of healing is being a b*tch
In this solo episode, Marissa gets real about having courage and audacity, speaking up for yourself as a woman, and being grounded in your beliefs. She also talks about experiencing homelessness for the first time and becoming resilient in the midst of navigating life's biggest obstacles. JOIN US...
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179: the reality of being a woman leader, protecting Caribbean and Afro culture from appropriation, and building a dance brand from scratch as a Black woman w/ Simone Sobers
Let's dive deeper into the topic of cultural appropriation within the dance world. Marissa gets REAL with founder and creator of Boss Chick Dance Workout, Simone, to chat about the current reckoning happening in the dance fitness industry. We also dive into how we can show up as better leaders to...
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178: the wild west of the dance fitness industry: ripping off Black culture, art, and designs w/ Morgan Rae
The conversation of toxic dance fitness leadership continues in this VERY REAL episode with artist, dance fitness professional, and former TU instructor, Morgan. We dive into the topics of stolen intellectual property, "cauc-acity" in leadership, silencing women, and creating clear standards in...
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177: what if the hack to life was in a flower? exploring flower essences & emotional well-being w/ Katrina Martinez
We've all heard of essential oils, but did you know that flower essences can provide a deeper layer of healing and over wellbeing? In this episode Marissa chats with holistic wellness practitioner, doula, and creative, Katrina Martinez to get real about emotional wellbeing and the beneficial...
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ASTRO TALK: watch me read a birth chart in real time: astrology basics, purpose and life themes w/ Samantha
Ever wondered what your birth chart placements actually mean? Or what it means to be a "Gemini Sun" or "Sagittarius Rising"? As astrology, horoscope readings, and zodiac signs become more popular, understanding your personal birth chart is the ultimate key to self-discovery, especially going into...
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176: the power of speaking up, having discernment, and saying NO to toxic leadership w/ Samantha
In this episode, Marissa gets REAL with fellow dance fitness professional, former TU instructor and event curator, Samantha, to chat about the recent reckoning happening in the dance fitness industry. We also dive into her birth chart, so listen until the end for some cosmic insight. LET'S…
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175: women ain't sh*t either sometimes: calling out bullies, narcissists and fake women empowerment in the dance and fitness industry
As a feminist, I hate to say it but, women can be just as bad as men sometimes. Let's talk about fitness moguls and leaders in the dance fitness industry who are really horrible people at the core. Tap into the continuation of Marissa's social media rant calling out industry leaders. LET'S…
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174: how to go from anxious attached to confident & unbothered
Being anxious attached is the worst feeling when dating or dealing with romantic interests. The clinginess, the abandonment wounds, the fear of rejection... yep we get it. Let's talk about 6 ways to stop anxious attachment and step into your queen energy. LET'S CONNECT: Podcast...
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173: daily habits & routines that keep me from fully crashing out
On the verge of losing your mind in today's climate? Instead of crashing out, consider is that we have the abililty to change our environment, lifestyle, mindset and practices. In this episode Marissa talks about a few of her go-to habits and routines that keep her afloat even on the hardest…
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172: what is the big 3 in astrology? breaking down the birth chart & astro basics
Join me in THAILAND for the Lotus & Luxe Retreat in April 2027! Early bird pricing ends 8/27. Details here Have you ever wondered what the placements in your birth chart mean? Or what it means to be a "Virgo Sun" or "Leo Rising"? As more people become astrology - curious, it's crucial to...
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171: traveling for the soul: solo trips vs group trips, benefits of leaving America, and exploring the world as a Black woman w/ Aspen Cierra
Marissa gets real with photographer, travel enthusiast, and beauty content creator, Aspen Cierra to talk TRAVEL. We dive into: - The myths & fears of solo travel - Pros and cons of group travel - Planning to escape the USA - Traveling as a Black woman - Favorite travel locations and bucket lists…
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170: it's time to jump into your next timeline
Are you ready for your new timeline? August is absolutely an initiation month to push us into our next season. With so many planets in Leo, along with the new moon & the solar eclipse, we are in for some fresh, heart-led, creative, and bold energy. In this episode Marissa talks about what shows…
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169: things to consider before building a brand
Thinking about starting your own brand? There's so much misinformation on the internet about the reality of starting a business or brand, but Marissa is going to give it to you with no filter. She shares her expertise on building multiple successful brands and learning how to show up…
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168: activating main character energy while not stepping on anyone else
It's officially summer and Leo season has entered the chat. It's time to give main character energy and release the fear of being seen. In this episode Marissa talks about ways that we can step into our light and become the most magnetic and authentic version of ourselves over the next year....
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167: growing with friends vs outgrowing friends
Let's talk about friendship! In this episode Marissa reflects on her relationships and why it's important to do friend evaluations periodically to align with the right people. We talk about the importance of values, mutual support, growth, and knowing when it's time to walk away from a…
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166: the best thing you can master is the art of releasing control
What if you learned that you are not meant to control anything in life? In this episode Marissa talks about her perspective on facing challenges and roadblocks and handling them with patience and wisdom. We talk about the map of consciousness and Marissa's current read that she highly recommends....
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165: your next level is going to require you to disappoint some people
And just like that, we're back! Marissa resumes Season 6 after a much needed hiatus. In this episode she gives some life updates, talks about why she ghosted the podcast, how she's currently pivoting, and why this difficult season is necessary for growth. Let's connect: Podcast...
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164: how to regulate your nervous system in a world of chaos & unpredictability
2026 Retreats are now open to book! Join us in Bali from April 7-13, and in San Diego July 24-28. Payment options available I think we can all agree that the world is currently on fire. If you live in the United States, you might be living in state of worry, fear or anxiety. While...
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163: fear is literally keeping you paralyzed, small, and limited in your life experiences
Do you want to live a full life or a life based on fear and limitations? You may have allowed other people's fears including your parents or peers to hold you back, but no one has time for that in 2026. It's time to take control of your life and start taking risks and doing things that scare you…
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162: what it really takes to bounce back after a rock bottom
Happy New Year! So many of us experienced challenges in 2025 that may have felt hard to recover from, but there's always the preparation of our bounce back. Let's break down what your bounce back actually looks like and how to make it feel good & stick internally, not just externally. NEW! Own…
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161: here's why everything feels weird and uncertain right now
Have you ever felt the pressure to have everything figured out? Well the good thing is that you don't have to. In a world where everything feels unpredictable and uncertain, the truth is that no one knows what they're really doing. We're all just doing our best, and sometimes that's all you can…
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160: how to receive princess treatment and support without begging
What woman doesn't want to be treated like a princess? Let's be real, even if you're the most independent, boss a$$ bish to exist, you still deserve to sit back and receive. Part of connecting with our feminine energy and inviting in a softer life includes allowing space and opportunity for…
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159: why releasing perfectionism and allowing yourself to show up messy is actually productive
The "Own Your Confidence 15 Day Course" is LIVE!! Course officially launches Friday 12/5. Let's talk about perfectionism. Can anything in life truly be perfect? In this episode we talk about why Marissa is ditching perfectionism and accepting that life is sometimes messy af. Let's connect…
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158: stop stalking the universe... your manifestations are coming
Radiate & Glow Retreat in SAN DIEGO is now open for registration! Join me for another retreat in SoCal July 24-28, 2026 for renewal, the ultimate summer glow up, and some of the best vibes in California. Get all of the details for this retreat or the Soul & Senses Retreat in Bali, Indonesia here…
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157: woman to woman let's have a chat
Let's get real about some reminders that us women may need every now and then, but especially now. We're talking work ethic, choosing a partner, manifesting your dream life and more. Join me for my next retreat in BALI April 7-13, 2026. Details for the Soul & Senses retreat...
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156: things you were never taught about your body, chiropractors, intuition & the nervous system w/ Dr. Darcy White
Let's talk about the body! How often are we in tune with our breath, our nerves, and what's actually happening in our body when we're under stress or pressure? We unpack all of the beliefs AND benefits surrounding chiropractic wellness. In this episode Marissa chats with Dr. Darcy White to…
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155: unspoken rules in the dance world
Ever wonder what goes on inside the mind of a dance teacher or choreographer? The dance world can be a little chaotic, sometimes catty, and unhinged. But ultimately we dance to feel good, to grow, to connect and to inspire. In this episode Marissa gets REAL about 8 rules that are important to...
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154: excuse me while I express my feminine rage real quick
Women's safety is something we cannot continue to take lightly. In this episode Marissa shares her experience with a Lyft driver over the weekend who displayed unsafe and inappropriate behavior. Let's get real about why women, especially Black women feel unsafe and unprotected in this country.…
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153: why more Black women should move outside of the USA to create a better life w/ Melanated Travel Bae
Are you getting the urge to live outside of the country? Or ever wonder what life is like outside of the United States as a Black woman? We're sitting down to chat about the reality of living in Thailand as an expat, and what you should know before taking the leap. Let's connect: Podcast...
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152: signs you might be a "pick me" & how to avoid controlling and selfish men in romantic partnerships while taking your power back
Have you ever felt like you were doing the most and giving SO MUCH of yourself with the hopes of being "picked" by a man? In this episode we're diving into some signs that you may be a "pick me" and how we can start making different choices in order to build more confidence, raise our standards,...
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151: pleasure is the blueprint to more success, softness & divine union w/ Valerrie Joann
What if working harder and sacrificing more wasn't the key to success? What if tapping into your pleasure, joy and feminine energy were the keys to getting everything you want in life? In this episode Marissa chats with divine goddess, feminine energy coach and psychic channeler, Valerrie Joann…
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150: this is ACTUALLY what it takes to become successful and never lose belief in yourself
What's your definition of success? Is it a 7 figure business? Traveling the world? Is it making a living off your creativity? Once you define what that looks like for you, let's get REAL about what it actually takes to become successful and find longevity. In this episode we're giving the real…
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149: end of summer glow up, lessons from my dating horror story & why handling rejection is the key to getting everything you want
Season 5 is back from our summer break and we have so much catching up to do! In this episode Marissa gives a recap on her summer, challenges she's faced and how she has been glowing up. We also focus on the concept of rejection and why it just might be the key to you getting everything you want...
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148: here's why you need to stop trying to MONETIZE every single talent & do this instead
Capitalism has us feeling the pressure to monetize every single thing and jump into 10 side hustles at once. Whether it's creating social media content, selling digital products, monetizing your podcast, etc, there's an endless pressure to opt into these things if we want to keep up with the...
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147: how to embrace your waiting season & and be patient while manifesting
Feeling behind or like you've been working so hard and not seeing your manifestations coming through? This episode is for you! We're talking all about the waiting season. Sometimes we hit periods in our life when we don't feel like our work is paying off or we see other people living the life we...
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146: how to find acceptance through life transitions & own your authentic identity w/ Carly Harper
Sometimes you just outgrow different phases or identities in your life, especially as you age and evolve. In this episode we sit down with returning guest Carly Harper to talk about navigating adult life, career, and transitions while accepting a new identity. Follow our guest: @1woahmangig Let's...
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145: modern dating and feminine energy principles: love, expectations and discernment
Summer love is in the air! Or is it? Let's get REAL about modern dating. In this episode Marissa responds to comments on a recent TikTok post about dating men and making plans. She also shares her thoughts on getting back into the dating world and how she's approaching it. We also talk about: -...
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144: want to feel more confident? Do this ONE thing every week
You can't fake confidence forever. Eventually it pays off to ACTUALLY feel confident and capable. Building confidence is how you overcome fear, attract opportunities, and become more magnetic. Let's get real about how you can become more confident without the superficial or delusional beliefs....
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Introducing "Hydrated & Thriving": A Community for Women Who Desire Wealth AND Well-Being
Join the Hydrated & Thriving community on Substack if you're looking to work smarter, build wealth & create a life that allows you to remember to nurture yourself, this is the community for you. This is a sneak peek of my brand new podcast, "Hydrated, Thriving & Bossed Up", a podcast...
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143: GET IN GIRL, we're showing up for ourselves: summer glow up, gemini szn energy, manifesting & dating
Join my LIVE Workshop this Wednesday on Substack. Join the Hydrated & Thriving community if you're looking to work smarter, build wealth & create a life that allows you to remember to nurture yourself, this is the community for you. This episode is a MUST LISTEN. Consider it your mid-year pep...
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142: are men okay? signs you might be dating an abuser, red flags and how to repel controlling men
With an increase of lawsuits and complaints against men in the entertainment industry including Diddy, Smoky Robinson, DDG and others, it makes us wonder just how many men are hiding their abusive nature. It's more important than ever for women to protect themselves against misogyny, abuse and...
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141: become a MAGNET to everything you want by using dark & light feminine energy (breaking down the differences)
Duality exists in everything in order for us to find balance and appreciation of contrast. In this episode Marissa breaks down both the dark feminine energy and light feminine energy archetypes to help us understand and align our actions. If you're too much in your light feminine it may attract...
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140: these are CLEAR signs that you're ready to level up in life
Happy Taurus Season! As we get deeper into Spring, we're beginning to set the foundations of what the rest of our year will look like. In this episode Marissa highlights 7 signs that you are ready to level up and change your life. Maybe you're feeling lost, stuck or bored with life, that may be...
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139: how to opt out and unsubscribe from chaos, drama & toxic cycles and create more peace and focus in your life
The world may feel really chaotic and loud right now but that doesn't mean that you have to subscribe. In this episode we talk about option out of collective chaos, drama in relationships and work spaces, and setting boundaries in order to attract more peace of mind. Marissa gives some insight on...
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138: medicine for holistic girlies: a special 420 episode 🌱
Happy 4/20! Let's get real about cannabis. In this episode Marissa has a light and fun conversation surrounding the use of cannabis and stigmas. Roll something, eat something and let's get into it. Let's connect: Podcast...
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137: get out of your own way and remove your creative blocks to build your dream life
It's time to drop the excuses, the procrastination habits, the self doubt and the comparison. In this solo episode Marissa talks about how she is working on getting out of a creative rut and removing blocks that have held her back. If you've been feeling stuck, stagnant and unmotivated then this...
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136: dancing with an injury: how to care for your body, minimize discomfort and prevent injuries
Last chance to save $444 off The Goddess Retreat this May! We still have a few spots left for Greece, and Seattle is now open for applicants. Get more details and book here Today we're chatting solo about dealing with injuries and pain as a dancer and athlete (because dancers are athletes…
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135: how to create a life that's in alignment with your human design, inner child & authenticity w/ Chrystelle Robinson-Tiedemann
Have you ever felt like you're not living the life that you were meant to live? Let's talk about what it means to find alignment and live a life that feels right. We sit down with returning guest, Chrystelle Robinson-Tiedemann, a life coach, Human Design reader, and occupational therapist. We get...
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134: spring energy, authenticity & releasing the need to do what everyone else is doing
Last chance to save $444 off The Goddess Retreat this May! We still have a few spots left for Greece, and Seattle is now open for applicants. Get more details and book here Today we're chatting solo and talking all about authenticity, releasing comparison, having more fun, enjoying the content...
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133: becoming HER, leveling up after breakups & saying no to peasant dating w/ Lauren Walsh
Is dating in 2025 trash? Let's unpack this question with licensed therapist, life coach and entrepreneur, Lauren Walsh. We welcome her back for another REAL and juicy convo about dating, becoming your best self, and growing your self-worth. We're covering: - how to move on from a breakup - the...
About this show
Real thoughts and real conversations about navigating adulthood, healing, self-care & wellness, spirituality, entrepreneurship & life as a dancer. Dive into deep conversations with Marissa as she shares personal experiences and life lessons life with passion, purpose, and grace. Listen and engage in conversations that she has with other purpose-driven creatives who are also passionate about life & transformation. If you’re ready to go beyond the surface then sit down, relax, and let's get real.
Hosted by
Marissa Tonge
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