In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Jodi Bondi Norgaard, gender equality advocate, entrepreneur, author, and creator of the groundbreaking sports doll that challenged long-standing gender stereotypes in the toy industry.

Jodi shares her personal journey toward advocacy, including a pivotal “aha!” moment in a toy store where she noticed how deeply gender roles in toys shape children’s beliefs about who they are and what they can become. From dolls promoting beauty standards and fashion to toys limiting boys to aggression and action, Jodi recognized how early gender stereotypes in marketing begin to influence confidence and self-worth.

Motivated by the lack of positive, empowering toys for girls, Jodi created a sports doll with realistic body proportions, modeled after real children, not unrealistic beauty standards. Her mission wasn’t to replace fashion dolls, but to expand choice, allowing girls to see themselves as strong, athletic, capable, and confident.

Her vision quickly proved successful when her dolls sold out at the U.S. Open, reinforcing the demand for inclusive toys that promote female empowerment, body positivity, and gender equality. This success marked the beginning of a larger advocacy journey.

Jodi also opens up about how low self-esteem in women often begins in childhood, when girls start doubting their intelligence, strength, and worth. Through her work, speaking, and her book More Than a Doll: How Creating a Sports Doll Turned Into a Fight to End Gender Stereotypes, Jodi encourages women and girls to live unapologetically and reclaim their power.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in women’s empowerment, gender equality, inclusive entrepreneurship, conscious parenting, and breaking societal norms. Jodi leaves us with a powerful reminder: “It’s okay to rest—it’s not okay to give up.”

The next time you’re shopping, observe how products are marketed to men and women. What stereotypes are being reinforced? Awareness is the first step toward change—and better choices for ourselves and future generations.

#GenderEquality
#WomenEmpowerment
#BreakingGenderStereotypes
#InclusiveToys
#FeministPodcast
#GirlsConfidence
#FemaleEntrepreneur
#BodyPositivity
#EmpoweredWomen
#GenderRoles
#WomenInBusiness
#SocialImpact
#AdvocacyWork
#RaisingConfidentGirls
#PurposeDrivenBusiness
#EqualityForAll
#WomenSupportingWomen

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:44 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 6:41 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 10:58 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 13:24 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 36:05 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 40:21 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 49:31 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 55:58 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 59:56 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:02:15 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this episode of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa Crook introduces the Feel Leadership Immersion, a transformative approach to leadership rooted in empowerment, self-awareness, and wholeness rather than burnout. Designed for visionary women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and change-makers, this conversation explores how to lead from identity instead of activity.

Melissa breaks down what it means to live the FEEL framework first—prioritizing self-care, healthy boundaries, emotional intelligence, and alignment between mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health—and then translate it into a sustainable leadership operating system.

You’ll learn how unapologetic leadership fosters trust, clarity, productivity, and psychological safety in the workplace, while creating environments where people feel seen, known, heard, and supported. This episode also challenges chronic apologizing, misalignment between personal and professional values, and leadership driven by external expectations.

Whether you’re leading a business, a team, a family, or a community, this episode invites you to reflect on how you show up, communicate, and model wholeness, so others feel empowered to do the same.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Lead with authenticity, empathy, and confidence without burnout

• Apply the FEEL framework to both life and leadership

• Clarify your values, purpose, and “why” as your leadership North Star

• Build healthy boundaries and clear communication at work

• Create psychologically safe, high-trust, high-productivity teams

• Shift from hustle-based leadership to identity-based leadership

• Support and empower women through modeling unapologetic living

If you’re ready to align your leadership, health, relationships, and work with how you want to feel, this episode is your invitation to begin or deepen the journey.

Learn more about the Feel Leadership Immersion and work one-on-one with Melissa at embracinglayers.com

• #WomenInLeadership

• #UnapologeticLeadership

• #AuthenticLeadership

• #ConsciousLeadership

• #LeadershipDevelopment

• #HolisticLeadership

• #EmpoweredWomen

• #LeadershipMindset

• #BurnoutPrevention

• #ValuesBasedLeadership

• #EmotionalIntelligence

• #WomenSupportingWomen

• #WorkplaceWellbeing

• #PurposeDrivenLeadership

• #SelfLeadership

• #FemaleEntrepreneur

• #LeadershipCoaching

• #PersonalGrowth

• #LeadWithEmpathy

• 
  

  In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

  Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Embracing Layers Network, we welcome back Vallen Webb, a pregnancy loss educator, podcaster, and advocate for grief-informed healing. Vallen previously appeared on our Together We F.E.E.L YouTube panel discussing processing grief and hosted Melissa on her podcast, Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood. Today, she returns to share her story with courage, honesty, and purpose.

Vallen opens up about the devastating loss of her daughter during a traumatic and emotionally taxing delivery—an experience no parent should endure, yet one that impacts far more families than many realize. Stillbirth and miscarriage affect millions of women, often in silence. Through her personal journey, Vallen highlights how isolating pregnancy loss can feel and why open, judgment-free conversations about grief are essential.

In the aftermath of her loss, Vallen turned to journaling for grief as a way to process emotions, regulate her nervous system, and create meaning from pain. What began as a personal coping tool soon became a calling. By supporting other grieving families, she discovered her passion for education and went on to become a pregnancy loss educator, helping women navigate miscarriage, stillbirth, and postpartum grief with compassion and intention.

This episode explores how grief is nonlinear, deeply personal, and often misunderstood. Vallen reminds us that there is no “right way” to grieve and that unexpected loss can leave us searching for grounding and support. Through intentional self-care practices, mindful journaling, and emotional validation, healing becomes possible, though never rushed.

We also discuss the role of self-care for grieving mothers, emphasizing that it’s not about what you do, but how you do it. When everyday routines are practiced with intention, they can become powerful tools for emotional healing.

This conversation is a testament to resilience, maternal mental health advocacy, and the strength it takes to transform personal loss into community impact. Vallen’s work is changing lives, breaking stigmas around pregnancy loss, and creating space for women to grieve openly and heal collectively.

#PregnancyLoss
#StillbirthAwareness
#MiscarriageSupport
#GriefHealing
#GriefJourney
#MaternalMentalHealth
#HealingAfterLoss
#PregnancyLossSupport
#WomenSupportingWomen
#JournalingForHealing
#SelfCareForMoms
#GriefEducation
#PodcastForWomen
#TraumaHealing
#LossAndHealing
#MotherhoodPodcast
#IntentionalLiving

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 3:05 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 9:03 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 19:05 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 35:50 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 41:54 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 54:29 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 1:03:24 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:14:12 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:20:56 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:22:12 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

In this solo episode of The FEEL Podcast, Melissa Crook introduces The Boundary Blueprint, a practical, compassionate framework for setting clear yeses and nos in your life without guilt or over-explaining.

If the word boundaries feels triggering, Melissa reframes it as a platform, framework, or calendar blueprint, a way to intentionally design your life so your time and energy align with your values. This episode is especially powerful for anyone who feels overworked, overgiving, emotionally drained, or stuck in people-pleasing or codependent patterns.

Melissa explores why we say yes when we want to say no, how guilt and fear of rejection keep us stuck, and why “no” is a complete sentence. She breaks down how boundaries directly impact mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, and why listening to your body’s signals is essential for sustainable well-being.

You’ll learn:

• How to confidently set and communicate boundaries without guilt

• Why every yes is also a no and how to choose wisely

• The importance of giving yourself a 24-hour pause before committing

• How to stop over-explaining and trust your decisions

• Scripts and strategies for navigating difficult conversations

• How honoring your energy leads to deeper, more authentic relationships

Melissa also invites listeners who struggle with chronic people-pleasing, guilt, or codependency to seek one-on-one coaching support through The Boundary Blueprint. This episode closes with a powerful reminder: You are worthy, you are valuable, and you get to choose.

Learn more or work one-on-one with Melissa at embracinglayers.com

and go to "Contact" Form bullet and let's get together!

#HealthyBoundaries

#BoundarySetting

#PeoplePleasing

#ProtectYourEnergy

#SelfWorth

#PersonalGrowthJourney

#EmotionalWellness

#SelfCareTools

#WomenEmpowerment

#MindsetShift

#CodependencyRecovery

#InnerWork

#LifeAlignment

#IntentionalLiving

#ConfidenceBuilding

#EmotionalHealth

#AuthenticLiving

#HealingJourney

Welcome to a brand-new year and a brand-new rhythm on The FEEL Podcast with host Melissa Crook. As we step into 2026, Melissa introduces an exciting new format designed to support women with quick, practical encouragement they can apply right away.

Starting this year, you’ll hear short, 10–15 minute episodes on Tuesdays focused on helping you engage The FEEL Framework (Finding Empowerment, Embracing Layers) in your everyday life, whether you’re commuting, walking, working out, or enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee. Thursdays will continue to feature in-depth guest conversations using the FEEL talking points you already love.

In this kickoff Tuesday episode, Melissa introduces the FEEL Reset, a powerful self-reflection and alignment practice for women who are feeling burned out, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in roles and responsibilities.

You’ll learn how to:

• Reconnect with who you are beyond your titles

• Identify activities that truly nourish your soul

• Clarify how you want to feel over the next six months

• Create a simple, sustainable self-care blueprint

• Set healthy boundaries that support alignment and freedom

• Listen to your body’s cues for emotional, mental, and physical well-being

  
  

Melissa explains how small, intentional shifts (like reviewing your calendar, practicing aligned “yes” and “no” decisions, and honoring your values) can lead to greater clarity, energy, productivity, and peace.

This episode is an invitation to stop performing for others and start honoring what you actually need, so you can live in alignment and show up fully resourced for yourself and the people you love.

Free Resource:
Check the show notes for a downloadable FEEL Reset PDF to help you reflect on nourishing activities, desired feelings, identity, and alignment.

Ready for deeper support?
Visit embracinglayers.com to schedule a free 15–30 minute session with Melissa or learn more about the FEEL Reset one-on-one empowerment program.

Let 2026 be the year you reset, realign, and reconnect with yourself.

#SelfCareForWomen
#WomenEmpowerment
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#EmotionalWellness
#MentalHealthAwareness
#BurnoutRecovery
#SelfCareBlueprint
#LifeAlignment
#WomenSupportingWomen
#MindBodyConnection
#IntentionalLiving
#PersonalDevelopmentPodcast
#WomenInMidlife
#SelfDiscoveryJourney
#BoundariesForWomen
#HolisticWellness
#FindYourWhy

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:34 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:03 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 9:46 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 22:56 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:45 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:07 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 36:47 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:11 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 45:45 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 52:59 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠

Welcome to a brand-new year and a brand-new rhythm on The FEEL Podcast with host Melissa Crook. As we step into 2026, Melissa introduces an exciting new format designed to support women with quick, practical encouragement they can apply right away.

Starting this year, you’ll hear short, 10–15 minute episodes on Tuesdays focused on helping you engage The FEEL Framework (Finding Empowerment, Embracing Layers) in your everyday life, whether you’re commuting, walking, working out, or enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee. Thursdays will continue to feature in-depth guest conversations using the FEEL talking points you already love.

In this kickoff Tuesday episode, Melissa introduces the FEEL Reset, a powerful self-reflection and alignment practice for women who are feeling burned out, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in roles and responsibilities.

You’ll learn how to:

• Reconnect with who you are beyond your titles

• Identify activities that truly nourish your soul

• Clarify how you want to feel over the next six months

• Create a simple, sustainable self-care blueprint

• Set healthy boundaries that support alignment and freedom

• Listen to your body’s cues for emotional, mental, and physical well-being

Melissa explains how small, intentional shifts (like reviewing your calendar, practicing aligned “yes” and “no” decisions, and honoring your values) can lead to greater clarity, energy, productivity, and peace.

This episode is an invitation to stop performing for others and start honoring what you actually need, so you can live in alignment and show up fully resourced for yourself and the people you love.

Free Resource:
Check the show notes for a downloadable FEEL Reset PDF to help you reflect on nourishing activities, desired feelings, identity, and alignment.

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

Ready for deeper support?
Visit https://www.embracinglayers.com and click on the Contact tab to schedule a free 15–30 minute session with Melissa or learn more about the FEEL Reset one-on-one empowerment program.

Let 2026 be the year you reset, realign, and reconnect with yourself.

#SelfCareForWomen
#WomenEmpowerment
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#EmotionalWellness
#MentalHealthAwareness
#BurnoutRecovery
#SelfCareBlueprint
#LifeAlignment
#WomenSupportingWomen
#MindBodyConnection
#IntentionalLiving
#PersonalDevelopmentPodcast
#WomenInMidlife
#SelfDiscoveryJourney
#BoundariesForWomen
#HolisticWellness
#FindYourWhy

We’re closing out 2025 with a powerful and inspiring double feature on The Embracing Layers Network. In this special end-of-year podcast blog, we welcome two incredible women, Maureen Considine and Janie Jurkovich, for an honest and empowering conversation about boundaries, self-worth, and personal growth.

Maureen Considine describes herself as courageous, adventurous, driven, and of service. She shares a meaningful reframe on boundaries: it’s not about what you say no to, it’s about what you say yes to. As we enter a new year filled with opportunities and challenges, Maureen reminds us that constantly saying yes can leave us depleted and disconnected from what truly nourishes our soul. Healthy boundaries require commitment, consistency, and the courage to honor your needs, even when others push back.

Our second guest, Janie Jurkovich, a member of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce, brings a practical and refreshing perspective. Like many women, Janie didn’t realize boundaries were something she was allowed to have. Over time, she learned that “No” is a complete sentence with no explanation required. Janie explains how boundaries teach others how to treat us and why practicing them consistently builds confidence, respect, and emotional well-being.

Both guests emphasize that people-pleasing is not your responsibility, and someone else’s discomfort is not your burden to carry. Boundaries are a skill, and like any skill, they improve with practice. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone stepping into 2026 with the intention of prioritizing self-care, emotional health, and empowered decision-making.

Episode Release Dates• Maureen Considine — Tuesday, December 30• Janie Jurkovich — Thursday, January 1

As we wrap up the year, we hope these conversations inspire you to honor your worth, protect your energy, and commit to boundaries that support your growth. Thank you for an incredible year with The Embracing Layers Network. We’ll see you in 2026!

Hashtags

#HealthyBoundaries#PersonalGrowthJourney#WomenSupportingWomen#SelfWorthMatters#EmotionalWellness#SelfCarePractices#WomenInLeadership#BoundarySetting#EmpoweredWomen#MindsetShift#PeoplePleasingRecovery#ConfidenceBuilding#LifeBoundaries#WomenEntrepreneurs#IntentionalLiving#NewYearGrowth#PodcastForWomen

Keywords for this episode

Self-care and boundaries,Emotional wellness tips,People pleasing recovery,Women in leadership stories,Confidence and self-worth,New year personal growth,Setting boundaries in relationships,Women supporting women podcast,Mindset and boundaries,Life balance for women,Intentional living strategies,Female entrepreneurship mindset

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:39 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:38 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 13:11 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 19:47 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 29:28 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 34:47 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 41:35 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 42:20 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 51:05 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 54:45 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠