The Power Within Her

In this episode, I'm recapping our 18-day summer road trip and sharing the biggest lesson I brought home: just because something doesn't go according to plan doesn't mean it wasn't worth it!

We're celebrating my third book, a micro-collection of poetry called, Something Like a Fable, by reflecting on the prior versions of me that got me here! I share a lot of insights and lessons I've learned along the way over the years from writing three books. If you want to purchase Something Like a Fable, click HERE! Also, here's a description of the book:“At the end of the day, this poetry series is my love letter to words.”Something Like a Fable is a micro-collection of poetry inspired by a daily word puzzle. Throughout the collection, Hurley-Powell creates poems that transform a single word into a story, exploring everything from forgiveness to childhood imagination, from meandering recipes to unrequited love, from ordinary Tuesdays to the courage it takes to tilt your face to the light.Whimsical, thoughtful, and quietly hopeful, Hurley-Powell reminds readers that words are never just words. They are the sinews of stories that inspire us to wander, wonder, and—perhaps—discover something unexpected along the way.

If you're in the midst of some uncertainty and/or struggling with priorities, you've come to the right place! <3 

Have you ever said "yes" to something because it looked good on paper, even though every fiber of your being was screaming "no"?In this episode, I'm sharing a recent experience that reminded me just how powerful an aligned "no" can be. If 2026 has been nothing like you expected, consider this your reminder that you don't have to force a "yes," cling to a path that no longer fits, or accept something simply because it's in front of you.Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say, "No, thank you."And then trust yourself enough to see what happens next.

After missing the self-imposed release date for my upcoming poetry micro-collection, Something like a Fable, I found myself feeling frustrated, disappointed, and honestly a little hard on myself. But when I paused and dug a little deeper, I realized the situation was far more nuanced than simply “not trying hard enough.”In this episode, we’re talking about perfectionism, pressure, unrealistic expectations, burnout, lack of capacity, and what it actually means to be a human being trying to create, grow, and pursue goals in real life.This conversation is an invitation to approach yourself with curiosity instead of condemnation… and to remember that sometimes needing more time, reassessing the plan, or adjusting your expectations doesn’t mean you’ve failed… it just means you’re human!

In the third and final part of 36 Lessons for 36 Years on This Planet, I’m sharing reflections on surrender, sustainable ambition, authenticity, joy, mistakes, healing, aging, and learning how to build a life that feels peaceful, not just productive. This episode is about embracing the seasonality of life, letting go of perfectionism, allowing yourself to evolve, and realizing that growing older is not something to fear, but a gift.

In this birthday-themed episode, I’m sharing lessons 13-24 of the 36 lessons I’ve learned in my 36 years on this planet—covering everything from avoiding to ready is a lie, from worthiness to other people not having to get it, to the amazingness of therapy and loving your body!Take what you need and leave the rest! <3 

In this birthday-themed episode, I’m sharing 12 of the 36 lessons I’ve learned in my 36 years on this planet—covering everything from self-trust and decision-making to fear, failure, boundaries, rest, and outgrowing old versions of yourself.Take what you need and leave the rest! <3 

If you’ve been feeling behind lately… this episode is for you.Even after doing the work—processing a hard season, giving yourself grace, and making a plan—those sneaky “I’m behind” thoughts can still show up. In this episode, we’re talking about how to navigate them in a way that actually feels supportive, rather than forced.We’ll walk through how to forgive yourself before jumping to a reframe, give yourself space to grieve the season you didn’t expect, and learn how to catch and reframe those thoughts in a way you can actually believe. We’ll also talk about redefining what progress and success look like—so you can move forward sustainably, without burning yourself out trying to “catch up.”

In this episode, we’re talking about what it actually looks like to begin again after a tough season without throwing yourself back into hustle mode.If your year hasn’t started the way you hoped, or you’re just coming out of a heavy chapter, this conversation will meet you there. We’re exploring what it means to pursue your goals in a way that feels sustainable, supportive, and aligned with the life you actually want to live.Together, we unpack the idea of “strolling” after your goals—moving forward with intention, but without pressure—and how to stay connected to what matters without burning yourself out.

If your year hasn’t started the way you hoped, this one’s for you. I’m sharing a candid life update—from unexpected challenges to small moments of joy—and reflecting on what it looks like to accept where you are, release the pressure to “do more,” and trust that this season won’t last forever.

As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to pause — not to set resolutions or chase goals — but to reflect honestly on the year we actually lived.In this New Year’s Eve episode, we're talking about the disconnect so many of us feel when we focus only on what didn’t happen and miss everything that did. From vision boards and unmet goals to unexpected wins and meaningful “failures,” this is a cozy, honest conversation about celebrating progress, learning from where we fell short, and holding space for multiple truths at once. Take what serves you. Leave the rest! <3 

Life doesn’t always go according to plan—and that can feel uncomfortable, scary, and even anxiety-inducing. But what if the unexpected isn’t always a setback? In today’s episode, I share two personal stories about plans getting flipped upside down, and how this didn't lead to the end of the world. It led to some unexpected growth and joy and inspiration. If you’ve ever felt thrown off by life’s curveballs, this episode will remind you that even in the uncertainty, there can be beauty, growth, and purpose.

Today, we're celebrating Roger's 37th birthday with three things he's taught me about optimism, support, and empathy! 

In this episode, we're talking all about approval-seeking—aka: why we do it, how it shows up in our lives, and why it hurts our self-worth.So many of us are constantly looking for validation from other people to feel okay about ourselves. And I get it, because I’ve been there too—saying yes when I wanted to say no, apologizing for things that didn’t need an apology, or even stressing over something as simple as what nail color to choose because I was worried someone might disapprove.In this episode, we talk where this approval-seeking really comes from,  why it chips away at our self-worth, and what to do about it! Because here’s the thing: approval-seeking isn’t who you are. It’s a habit you learned. Which means you can unlearn it.Questions:Where in my life do I notice myself trying to earn approval or validation? (What does approval-seeking look like for me at work… in my family… in my relationships… on social media… in my appearance…)What situations trigger my need to be liked or accepted?Whose approval do I crave the most? Why?How do I feel in my body when I’m seeking approval and when I’ve done what others want me to do? 

In this empowering episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most common, sneaky self-worth killers: settling for less than you deserve.We unpack:What settling actually looks like in real life (it’s sneakier than you think!)Why women are conditioned to accept “fine” instead of asking for moreHow settling erodes our self-worth over time3 powerful exercises to help you stop settling and start standing in your value:Prior Episodes Mentioned: Episode 264Episode 266

Welcome to the first episode in a brand new multi-part series on self-worth!In today’s episode, we’re diving into something that so many of us (especially women) struggle with: over-apologizing. Maybe you've said “sorry” for being busy, for setting a boundary, or just for existing—and if you’ve ever caught yourself shrinking to make others more comfortable, this one’s for you.This episode builds on a self-worth journaling exercise from episode #246 so be sure to check that out if you haven’t yet! 

In this episode, I’m sharing all the real-time reflections from completing a 21-day poetry challenge with BookLeaf Publishing—a surprisingly powerful (and affordable!) experience that reminded me just how much small, consistent action can shift everything. From reigniting my creativity after burnout to reframing how I see my writing time as sacred, this challenge became so much more than publishing a book—it became a deep reminder of my worth, my voice, and my identity beyond productivity. Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or a woman in need of a reset, this episode will inspire you to start your own 21-day journey—whatever that may look like.

In this raw and empowering episode, I dive deep into a recent therapy breakthrough that made me realize something surprising: even after all my work on boundaries and people-pleasing, there’s still a part of me that questions whether I deserve to protect my time—especially for writing.This conversation unpacks the difference between knowing what self-worth is and actually believing it. I share why our culture makes self-worth so hard to root in, how high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to tying their value to productivity, and a powerful question that can help anchor you back into your truth.You’ll also hear the 3 things I deeply value about myself that have nothing to do with being helpful, productive, or perfect—and why identifying your own list could be the most freeing thing you do this week.

In this episode, I share a funny story from my own therapy, which opened the door for me-- and now you-- to think more in depth about boundaries and why they're so hard to set and uphold, especially for good girl people pleasers!

Have you ever looked around at your life and realized… you disappeared somewhere along the way? Me too, girl. In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to come back to yourself—especially after a long season of overgiving, overfunctioning, people-pleasing, or just surviving. Whether you’ve been chasing productivity, hiding behind perfectionism, or pouring from an empty cup, this is your invitation to return to yourself because you deserve it! 

Buckle up, girl! Today, we're chatting about navigating a stressful, overwhelming, anxiety-inducing season of life... instead of constantly focusing on all that negativity, we need to challenge ourselves to hold space for our struggle and our hope. You don’t have to fake positivity, but you can choose to let in the light. Even in the middle of chaos, goodness is still there—you just have to be willing to look for it. 

Turning 35 is a major milestone filled with powerful realizations! In this episode, we explore the top lessons women often learn by this age, according to ChatGPT! I, of course, chime in and give my 100% human reactions to these lessons, offering interpretation and my two cents! 

After a much-needed hiatus, I’m back—and so much has happened. In this episode, I’m catching you up on life lately, including one of the biggest updates: we bought a house!  I’m sharing what that process was really like, how it’s felt to balance excitement and overwhelm, and the unexpected life lessons that have come with owning a home. If you’re in a season of transition, growth, or just trying to keep your head above water, this one’s for you.

Today we're chatting all about embracing the season of life we're in, rather than pushing through!

Come chat with my friend Kelly and I about the non-physical sides of environment! 

Today's episode is the perfect follow-up to last week's episode! If you're feeling hopeless, listen in-- this episode will remind you that it all works out... someway, somehow!

How do we navigate the distance between where we are and where we wanna go? 

We're celebrating 4 years of the podcast! This episode is totally off the cuff, in the moment, and super raw and honest, which I hope empowers you to own where you are in your journey. We chat about not needing to be perfect, being lost or confused and going through it, and the immense power of day 1! 

I’m super pumped about today’s episode because we’re talking about three of YOUR personal growth questions from an Instagram Q & A I did! 

If you were given the opportunity to "skip to the good part" of your life, would you take it? Today, we're reminding ourselves why this is a not-so-good idea! If you're like me, and feeling impatient, this is the episode for you!!!

Today we're chatting all about the New Year's Blues! Listen in if you're struggling with the dark and cold and ice, feel like you have nothing to look forward to, and/or are stuck in the comparison trap! I got you! <3 

How do you become successful? FAIL FORWARD! 

How can we spend the first day of a brand new year?

Let's reflect on all the unexpected growth and accomplishment in 2024! 

Pick your word for 2025!

Today is a wonderful hot take on cell phones! :) <3

During this time of year, when things are simultaneously ending and about to begin, it can be so hard to tune into our intuition. The comparison game is real, people pleasing can be rampant, and we can lose track of who we are and what we want. Listen into this essay as a reminder to stay true to your intuition! 

Today we're chatting all about some helpful mindsets to adopt when navigating in-between seasons after outgrowing a goal! If you want to purchase a copy of Anxious Girlie, click HERE!

If you feel like the sun has set on a goal you're pursuing, but you're scared to quit, this is the perfect episode for you! Today I'm sharing a HUGE decision I made with you that I hope normalizes: (1) that we were never ever meant to stay the same; (2) that it's natural to change your mind; (3) and no one will hate you for outgrowing a goal because of #1 & #2.  I love you, girlfriend! This episode marks the start of a totally new era for me, and I cannot wait for you to listen. <3 Cheers to aligned goals & living lives that excite us! If you want to purchase a copy of Anxious Girlie, click HERE!

I am so excited to share the audio from the live workshop I did with my friend, Kelly! 

I've brought on one of my best friends, Kelly Bluth, to talk about an area she's a FIRE expert on: cyclical living! You might already know about this... but, I promise, you haven't heard about cyclical living in the way we talk about it in this episode! We tie cyclical living to mental health and anti-hustle! 

Today we're chatting all about Ilona Maher's "Luisa" dance from last week's Dancing with the Stars. As a bigger, broad-shouldered woman myself, I felt SO validated! Let's talk about it. 

Today, I sharing another piece from my creative non-fiction essay collection, "Not Too Small." Since it's spooky season, I figured an entertaining essay all about how to navigate fear would be fun! :) I hope you enjoy it! 

Today we're chatting all about how there's more than one way to pursue a goal! Sometimes, goals do need structure and planning, while other times, they don't! WORKSHOP INFO: I know that you’re just as invested in your growth and well-being as I am, which is why I wanted to invite you to a live workshop that my friend Kelly and I are hosting called, “Breakout of the Cycle of Toxic Hustle.”  Kelly and I decided to host this workshop because we’ve both experienced a boatload of anxiety and exhaustion and just overall burnout because of that unwritten societal expectation for ambitious women, which is to go go go and do do do to get where you want to go. This I why it's so important to me and Kelly to put the important message out there that it doesn’t actually have to be that way. You can be an ambitious and successful woman without the pressure to constantly go and do and hustle!At our free, live workshop, “Breakout of the Cycle of Toxic Hustle,” we’re going to talk about what hustle culture it, how to break out of it, and what it can look like moving forward as an ambitious woman without the burnout… and we’re going to wrap up with a super fun, surprise creative activity—that’s not journaling—to help us start to heal and become the next best version of ourselves.So, if you’re interested in attending, our workshop will be hosted on zoom on October 26th at 7 PM central and 8 PM eastern. If you want to be at the live workshop or to see the recording, please DM me on Instagram at dr.meggymarie… and I’ll add you to the list! 

Do you ever feel like you have to be available to others all the time? Or, do you feel like your worth is tied to being on and available and in what you can do for others? If so, this episode is for YOU, girl! Today we're diving DEEP into HOW to navigate urgency culture! There are so many take aways, so be sure to grab a pen as you listen and take all the notes! :) 

Jacy and I are BACK with a completely unplanned and unscripted podcast! Today, Jacy started us off with her recent experience with taking a step back from all that she's been doing to realize she's been struggling because she's not having any fun. So, we wind up chatting all about why this is and what to do about it! 

Today is a SPICY episode all about how not knowing can actually be a really beautiful, wonderful thing!Also, here's all the information on the "Breakout of the Cycle of Toxic Hustle" Workshop, which is FREE & will be held on October 26th 7 PM (cst). If you want to be at the live workshop or to see the recording, please DM me and I’ll add you to the list! (DM me on Instagram: @dr.meggymarie).If you’re ready to be an ambitious woman without constantly going and hustling… then, you’re going to love this workshop. We’re going to start the process of breaking of the cycle of toxic hustle together with some fire information, mindset shifts, tactical tips, and a surprise creative activity—that’s not journaling—to help us start to heal and become the next best version of ourselves!