PODCAST · education
Rock the Damn Boat
by Christy Hughes
Rock the Damn Boat is a podcast for women who were raised to be good, grateful, and quiet—and are ready to unlearn all three. Host Christy Hughes grew up in the Bible Belt, where the “right” path meant being practical, pleasing others, and not rocking the boat. As an empath and lifelong people-pleaser, she learned early how to read the room, put everyone else’s needs first, and silence her own instincts in the name of peace. But eventually, that way of living came at a cost. Nearly a decade sober from alcohol, her former coping mechanism, Christy blends personal storytelling with honest conversations about boundaries, burnout, sobriety, identity shifts, and redefining success—especially for women leaving corporate life, navigating midlife transitions, or stepping into leadership without losing themselves. You’ll hear from female founders, former high achievers, quiet leaders, and recovering people-pleasers who chose courage over
Episodes
-
Take the Chance: How Other Women's Bold Moves Can Change Your Life
Ever watched another woman do the thing you’ve been too scared to try and thought, “How did she do that?” In this episode of Rock the Damn Boat (RTDB), Christy Hughes talks about how we grow by learning from women who’ve already taken brave steps, especially in the areas where we have the least...
-
What Does Your Doormat Say About You? Individuality, Differences & Finding Common Ground
What if something as simple as a doormat could say something about who you are? In this episode of Rock the Damn Boat, I’m talking about individuality, self-expression, and what it really means to respect people whose choices, beliefs, and personalities look different from our own. Our clothes…
more -
How to Hold Boundaries Without Guilt: Stop People-Pleasing and Protect Your Peace
How often do you say yes when you really want to say no? Whether it's accepting an invitation you don't have the energy for or putting someone else's needs ahead of your own, setting healthy boundaries can feel uncomfortable—especially if you've spent your life people-pleasing. In this episode of...
-
Not so Good Good: When the Joke Crosses a Line and What We As Consumers Can Do About It
In this episode of RTDB (Rock the Damn Boat), I'm unpacking the Good Good controversy and what it means when a brand glorifies violence against women in an ad. I share my own experience being assaulted by a college football player and why this hits close to home. We talk about the female golfers...
-
Flying Solo in Nevada City and What Rosie the Riveter Taught Me About Finishing My Book
In this episode of RTDB, I'm taking you along on my solo trip to Nevada City, California, and the unexpected gut-punch I got at the Rosie the Riveter museum. I talk about why I travel alone to actually experience a place instead of just visiting it, and how standing in that museum reignited my...
-
The Dry Drunk Feeling: What Menopause Taught Me About Recovery and Behavior Patterns
On this episode of Rock the Damn Boat, Christy gets real about a season she didn't see coming — menopause hitting hard enough to trigger old, familiar feelings from early recovery. She unpacks what it means to feel like a "dry drunk" without a drink in hand, why pattern-recognition is the skill...
-
Why Do We Focus on the Negative and How Can We Shift Our Mindset to Notice Synchronicity?
Why Do We Focus on the Negative and How Can We Shift Our Mindset? In this episode, Christy Hughes shares her insights on common cognitive biases like negativity bias and confirmation bias, illustrated through stories from her recent book club experience, her personal journey in podcasting, and...
-
What Staying Quiet is Costing Your Relationship and Your Nervous System with Therapist Colette Fehr
Colette Jane Fehr, a licensed psychotherapist and author, shares her journey of becoming a traditionally published author and the insights from her book 'The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure Lasting Love'. We discuss how it feels to fufill a childhood dream at...
-
I Don't, Not I Can't: Two Words That Completely Change How You Set Boundaries
The conversation explores the importance of setting boundaries, the power of using 'I don't' instead of 'I can't', and the management of emotions and relationships. It emphasizes the significance of speaking up and setting boundaries to lead a fulfilling life. What I Discuss in this episode: How…
more -
Why Enneagram Types 2 and 9 Are Reluctant to Make Waves with My Fashion Icon, Sondra Primeaux
In this episode of RTDB, Sondra Primeaux shares how her early thrifting days forged her love of fashion and specifically, sustainable fashion. As my most learned enneagram friend, we also explore historical enneagram types 2 and 9, who like to play it safe. Questions this episode answers: How can...
-
Why Your Career Doesn't Have to Fit in a Box: Maggie Blackburn on Portfolio Careers
In this episode of RTDB (Rock the Damn Boat), Christy Hughes sits down with Maggie Blackburn of maggie-blackburn.com to talk about what it really looks like to leave the traditional 9-to-5 and build a portfolio career on your own terms. What You'll Hear in This Episode What a portfolio career...
-
Feeling All The Feels: The Reality of Post-Menopausal Fatigue, PTSD, and Aging
In this Monday Mini episode of RTDB, Christy gets honest about the fatigue that comes with aging, the strange grief of realizing some "firsts" are behind her, and why she's leaning harder into travel to satisfy her wanderlust. She also unpacks why women's brains seem to dig up old trauma out of...
-
How Curiosity Builds a Celebrated Career: The Non-Linear Path to Leadership with Rachel Skaff
Rachel Skaff is the Senior Vice President of Sales at FedEx and a veteran of the tech industry with past leadership stints at AWS and Intel. Known for her "messy, magical, and spectacular" career path, Rachel combines the technical mind of a computer scientist with the heart of a mentor. She is a...
-
Lake Tahoe Hiking Adventure: My Favorite Northern California Trails & Bruised (and Bare) Bums
Christy shares a thrilling (and hilarious) hiking adventure through Northern California and Tahoe, complete with a rickety bridge crossing, a steep tumble, and an unexpected visit to a secret clothing-optional beach. This episode is all about courage, rediscovery, and the messy side of stepping...
-
How a Layoff Led to a Creative Sabbatical with Real Time Creator Host, Alison Kinsey
Getting laid off doesn't have to be the end of the story — sometimes it's the opening scene. In this episode of RTDB, I sit down with Alison Kinsey, host of the Real Time Creator podcast. After being laid off last year, Alison didn't scramble for the next "safe" job — she leaned into creative…
more -
RTDB Monday Mini: Crowdsourced Tips for Speaking Your Truth (While Still Being Polite)
In this episode of RTDB, Christy shares the responses from her viral reel on saying what's true instead of what's polite — sparked by a real moment where a podcast guest asked to reschedule two months out, and she defaulted to "it's fine" when it really wasn't. What you'll learn: Why "it's fine"…
more -
Breaking the Stigma of Workplace Mental Health Support: Laura Kunz, President of Spirence
What if the support people need most arrives before the crisis hits? In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Laura Kunz, co-founder and President of Spirence, for an honest conversation about recovery, resilience, and why workplace mental health support can't wait until burnout becomes a...
-
When Your Nervous System Is Maxed Out: Menopause, Creativity & Letting Others Be Happy
Some weeks the nervous system runs hot. In this Sunday Shortie of RTDB, I'm talking about windows of tolerance — the space where you can actually feel and function before you tip into overwhelm or shutdown — and what it looks like when menopause keeps shrinking that window without warning. I also...
-
Removing the Subconscious Beliefs That Prevent Growth: Nicole Beaudin, pt. 2
The second half of Christy's conversation with Nicole Beaudin picks up right where things get real — shadow work. If Part 1 was about recognizing you want something different, Part 2 is about doing the deeper work to actually get there. Nicole walks through the coaching method she uses to help…
more -
Who Will You Inspire? Celebrating the Wins That Make Waves, Even if it's a Tiny Ripple Effect
In this Sunday Shortie episode of Rock the Damn Boat (RTDB), Christy slows down. Before she heads back to corporate life and a lot more screen time, she's spending the week outside — trading notifications for fresh air and reconnecting with nature. Benefits of nature include: • Pattern…
more -
I Don't Want That Life: Moving from Corporate Retail to Spiritual Coaching with Nicole Beaudin, pt 1
What happens when you're succeeding on paper but falling apart on the inside? In Part 1 of this RTDB conversation, Christy sits down with Nicole Beaudin — alignment leadership coach, Reiki-trained facilitator, and author of the This Way to Lightness Substack — to talk about the corporate career...
-
When Manifesting Isn't Enough: Why I'm Going Back to Corporate After 7 Months
Seven months into building a business from scratch, Christy Hughes gets honest about what entrepreneurship in this economy actually looks like — and why the disappointment so many women feel isn't a sign they didn't believe hard enough. In this Sunday Shortie, she shares how a new corporate...
-
When Pets Come First: Lori Wahl on Reinvention, Animal Advocacy, and Pursuing Nonprofit Passions
In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Lori Wahl — a pet industry veteran with 15+ years in rescue and pet sales — to talk about the unexpected ways those two worlds overlap. Lori went from the corporate pet industry to serving as Development Director for Heidi's Village in Phoenix, one…
more -
Avoiding Conflict at All Costs: Why Enneagram 9 Needs to Learn to Rock the Damn Boat
In this Sunday Shortie episode of RTDB, Christy explores Enneagram Type 9 — The Peacemaker — and what it really means to keep the peace at your own expense. After testing equal parts Type 2 and Type 9, Christy digs into the 9's core patterns: avoiding conflict, numbing out, and the slow fade of...
-
Burnout Recovery, Nonprofit Leadership & Finding Joy Again with Beckie Irvin
In this episode of RTDB, I sit down with Beckie Irvin to talk about the hidden cost of mission-driven work and why so many nonprofit leaders quietly struggle with burnout. Beckie shares her personal experience navigating exhaustion, overwhelm, and the emotional weight that can come from…
more -
Enneagram Two: The Helper - Are You Helping Others Because You Need to Feel Loved?
In this episode of RTDB, Christy dives into Enneagram Type 2 — The Helper. If you're a Two (or love one), this episode is your permission slip to stop giving from an empty cup. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Type 2s are the ultimate people pleasers — and what's really driving it The…
more -
This is 50: Reflections on a Roller Coaster Year of Sobriety, Menopause and ADHD
If you'd like to be part of a community that supports this season of life, visit thrivewithchristy.com In this episode of RTDB, Christy shares the unfiltered reality of 50 becoming one of the hardest — and most transformative — years of her life. What began as a season of exhaustion, brain fog,...
-
Choose Empowering Language Over Apologies: What Meeting Jess Ekstrom Taught Me About Taking Up Space
I drove to San Antonio for the NAWBO conference specifically to hear Jess Ekstrom speak. As someone navigating entrepreneurship, visibility, podcasting, and leadership after corporate life, I deeply wanted to learn from women who are already standing confidently in rooms I’m still growing into.…
more -
Sobriety, Compassion, and the Courage to Pivot — A Conversation with Danni Carr
In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Danni Carr of iquitalcohol.com.au — and this one starts with a full-circle moment: back in 2022, Danni had Christy on her podcast when Christy first published her sobriety memoir. Now the tables have turned, and the conversation is just as good the...
-
Stop Performing: The Enneagram, Nervous System, and the Cost of Being Someone You're Not
What if the anxiety, exhaustion, or low-grade frustration you've been feeling isn't a discipline problem — it's an alignment problem? In this Monday Mini, Christy breaks down all nine Enneagram types and what they can teach us about why we're wired the way we are. More importantly, she explores...
-
Grit, Grief and Spirit-Led Service: JeanAnn Saint Grace of Shop Talk Her Way
What does it take to build a service-first auto shop — and rebuild yourself after losing it all? In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with JeanAnn Saint Grace, host of Shop Talk Her Way, to talk about grit, grief, and what it really means to lead with service. JeanAnn spent more than a…
more -
From Garden to Growth: When the Conditions Are Finally Right Outdoors and in Life
What does gardening have to do with launching a business? Everything. In this bite-sized episode of RTDB, Christy Hughes breaks down how revamping her garden revealed the truth about growth: conditions matter more than effort. She'll walk you through how that realization led her to stop circling...
-
Chance Encounters and Kickoff to Podcast Series: Courtney Koenig, Host of ROI of Peace
In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Courtney Koenig, host of the ROI of Peace podcast — a connection that sparked when Christy spotted Courtney's LinkedIn post about attending Create & Cultivate in Austin and realized they'd both been there. What started as an online comment turned…
more -
Monday Mini: Retreat Recap and a Big Secret Revealed - How I Applied THRIVE to My Own Decision
In this Monday Mini of RTDB, Christy pulls back the curtain on the Rise + Thrive Retreat — what happened, what was created, and the unexpected personal decision that came out of it. What you'll hear in this episode: What the Rise + Thrive Retreat actually looked like — and why the safe space it...
-
When Grief Goes to Work: Workplace Wellness with Brie Kluytenaar of Practicing Wellness
Some of life's hardest moments don't wait for a convenient time. They show up on a Tuesday — and then so does your 9am meeting. In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Brie Kluytenaar, founder of Practicing Wellness, for an honest, human conversation about what it looks like to carry…
more -
Your Gut Knows: Trusting Intuition Over the Internet's Quick Fixes
Ever feel pulled toward every $7 course and "quick path to success" that floods your feed? Same. In this Sunday Shortie, Christy gets real about the noise — and why your intuition is still your best compass. In this episode: What intuition actually is (hint: it starts in your gut, not your brain)...
-
The Alchemy of Motherhood: Casey Keen on Postpartum Advocacy and Creating a Village
In this episode of Rock the Damn Boat (RTDB), I sit down with Casey Keen—founder of Alchemy of Motherhood and author of the upcoming book The Alchemy of Motherhood (releasing May 2026)—to talk about the parts of motherhood we don’t talk about enough. After experiencing birth trauma followed by...
-
The Surprise Mindset Shift I Didn't See Coming - and the AI Game Changer That Got Me There
This week's Sunday Shortie is a personal one. After chatting with Naoma of We Know Marketing, We Promise, and having a deep conversation with my friend Beckie about how to "sell" with heart, I had a huge mindset shift from the unlikeliest of places: Claude. What I discovered changed the way I…
more -
Midlife Hormones, HRT & Finally Feeling Heard with Ashleigh Auth, PA-C, of Pausitive Women's Care
In this episode of RTDB, I sit down with Ashleigh Auth, founder of Pausitive Women’s Care, for a real, refreshing conversation about women’s health in midlife—and why so many of us feel dismissed, confused, or stuck when it comes to our bodies. Ashleigh is a women’s health provider specializing…
more -
Pruning What Isn't Working: Conversations on Clarity and Necessary Endings
In this episode of RTDB, I’m sharing three things that have been on my mind this week—each one rooted in connection, clarity, and the courage to let go. From virtual coffee chats and online networking to in-person moments at book club and mahjong, I’ve been reminded how powerful the right...
-
Wired, Tired, and Wondering Why? Midlife Stress, Hormones, and What Nutrition Your Body Needs Now
In this episode of RTDB, we’re diving into midlife nutrition through a lens that doesn’t get talked about enough: stress, hormones, and how your body is actually responding behind the scenes. I’m joined by Erika Hewlett of Compassion Wellness Nutrition to unpack what’s really happening during...
-
Feel Like a Fraud? Here’s How You Start to THRIVE Anyway
In this episode of RTDB, we’re unpacking impostor syndrome—the quiet, persistent voice that makes capable women question whether they really belong. The truth? You’re not alone. Research suggests up to 70% of people experience these thoughts at some point, often despite clear evidence of their...
-
The Right to Feel Safe: Speaking Up About Domestic Violence with Dr. Kathryn Jacob of The Archway
In this episode of RTDB, Christy Hughes sits down with Dr. Kathryn Jacob of The Archway to discuss the realities of domestic violence, systemic abuse, and victim advocacy within the criminal justice system. I offer a trigger warning for anyone who is sensitive to this topic. This conversation is...
-
Bonus Episode: Create & Cultivate Future Summit Takeaways
In this bonus episode of Rock the Damn Boat (RTDB), Christy shares a behind-the-scenes reflection on her spontaneous decision to attend the Create & Cultivate conference in Austin, Texas—alone. What started as a last-minute leap turned into a powerful reminder that growth often begins with simply...
-
Ready to Tell Your Story? My Personal Writing Journey and How I Can Help You Get Started
In this Sunday Shortie episode of RTDB (Rock the Damn Boat), Christy shares her excitement about attending the Women in Publishing Summit and reflects on the personal journey that led her deeper into writing. What began as a potential biography after the death of her grandmother Polly eventually...
-
Unconventional Roles and Small Town Texas Life: A Conversation with Cindy Sims
In this episode of RTDB, we celebrate Women’s History Month with a conversation that proves you don’t have to be famous to make history—you just have to be willing to rock the boat. Our guest, Cindy Sims, was nominated by her daughter Courtney and selected as our Women’s History Month honoree for...
-
Three Things Keeping Me Going in My Solopreneur Journey
In this Sunday Shortie, Christy shares a raw and honest reflection on what keeps her moving forward in the uncertain world of solopreneurship. Building something of your own can feel lonely, especially when the income isn’t predictable and the people around you don’t always understand the vision....
-
Women in Film & TV: The Milestones, The Mavericks and the Work Still Ahead
In this episode of RTDB, I’m joined by my former college roommate and co-host of The Screening Lounge, also Christy, for a lively and layered conversation about women in film and television — the trailblazers who rocked the boat, the milestones that changed Hollywood, and the representation gaps...
-
Assertive is not a Dirty Word: How to Transform from Doormat to Direct
In this episode of RTDB, we’re reclaiming a word that many women were taught to fear: assertive. If you’ve ever confused assertiveness with being rude, selfish, or unkind, this conversation will shift that belief. For people-pleasers, Enneagram 2's, and high-capacity women, staying quiet,...
-
Navigating Sober Resources: Marin Nelson, CEO of Sobrynth, on Shifting Workplace Culture
In this episode of RTDB, Christy sits down with Marin Nelson, founder of Sobrynth.com, for a powerful conversation about creating recovery-friendly workplaces and challenging the unspoken role alcohol plays in professional culture. Approaching eight years of sobriety from alcohol herself, Christy...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Rock the Damn Boat is a podcast for women who were raised to be good, grateful, and quiet—and are ready to unlearn all three.
Host Christy Hughes grew up in the Bible Belt, where the “right” path meant being practical, pleasing others, and not rocking the boat. As an empath and lifelong people-pleaser, she learned early how to read the room, put everyone else’s needs first, and silence her own instincts in the name of peace. But eventually, that way of living came at a cost.
Nearly a decade sober from alcohol, her former coping mechanism, Christy blends personal storytelling with honest conversations about boundaries, burnout, sobriety, identity shifts, and redefining success—especially for women leaving corporate life, navigating midlife transitions, or stepping into leadership without losing themselves.
You’ll hear from female founders, former high achievers, quiet leaders, and recovering people-pleasers who chose courage over
HOSTED BY
Christy Hughes
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rock the Damn Boat have?
Rock the Damn Boat currently has 88 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rock the Damn Boat about?
Rock the Damn Boat is a podcast for women who were raised to be good, grateful, and quiet—and are ready to unlearn all three. Host Christy Hughes grew up in the Bible Belt, where the “right” path meant being practical, pleasing others, and not rocking the boat. As an empath and lifelong...
How often does Rock the Damn Boat release new episodes?
Rock the Damn Boat has 88 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Rock the Damn Boat?
You can listen to Rock the Damn Boat on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rock the Damn Boat?
Rock the Damn Boat is created and hosted by Christy Hughes.
URL copied to clipboard!