The True North Collective Podcast

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Un-sugar-coated convos w/everyday humxns fearlessly finding + living their TRUE NORTH

Episodes

Monday Mar 29, 2021

CHOICE: WHO WOULD YOU BE TODAY IF…? S4:E13

Monday Mar 29, 2021

Get ready for THE TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE℠ PODCAST: SEASON 4! With co-hosts Rachel Bellotti (she/her) and Jenell Riesner (she/her), this is a gathering of un-sugar-coated conversations celebrating the untold stories of everyday people fearlessly finding and living their true north.

In our own search to discover and live from our TRUE NORTH, we continue to meet many interesting, courageous people from all walks of life, doing all sorts of amazing things to live life in their own unique way. Stories from all over the world. Stories with heart. Stories with grit. Stories with plot twists. Stories going untold - until now. This season, we continue to celebrate these untold stories of everyday people who are fearlessly living their true north and inspiring each of us to do the same.

Today, we have Lori Marini, an ICF ACC motivational coach, author, and speaker who specializes in empowering women during their healing journey after a life crisis. She is the founder and owner of Lori Marini Coaching + host of Conversations with Courageous Cancer Warriors (check out our episode here where Rachel shares her story). Lori is a cancer survivor and has a Masters in Health Science as a Pathologist Assistant and has worked in the academic hospital system as a tumor expert for 20 years. We talk about heritage + understanding your ancestral lineage, hiding who you are to avoid being made fun of, following your heart, making little adventures every day, cancer’s impact on authenticity, being in integrity with who you are, sacrificing and letting go to get what you want, the roles we think we have to play, the realities of sharing your story, making choices in alignment with who YOU are, co-triggering those you love, and honesty. This is an inviting episode that begs the question of whether you are operating from your ego or your true self and gives permission to bring some respectful lightness to the heavier subject matter. We are honored to host, Lori, and know you’ll love her as much as we do. <3

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @followthecent
#amplifymelanatedvoices @blackfemaletherapists
#amplifymelanatedvoices @blackandembodied
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Who you are is shaped by where you come from and your lineage. Yet, many of us don’t have any idea about the stories of our ancestors and our family lines. Just as we can learn from our societal histories, so can we learn about who we are today by taking the time to trace back and unpack who we are from a familial generational perspective. If not, we are actually missing key information and are untethered from major generational realities that live within and through us. What can you do today to start to discover who you are by way of your own ancestral story?
What if you CAN? What if you are fully capable of doing that thing that you want to do? Just because you haven’t had someone in your community or family do it before doesn’t mean that you cannot be the first one to give it a go. What would it take for you to shoot your shot? To go for it even if it turned out not how you expected, you will always learn SOMETHING. And if you never do it, you will ALWAYS wonder. So, what if you COULD do it? What next step would you take towards that thing if you assumed it was possible for you to do it?
There is choice in every single moment. And the only right choice is the one that is in alignment with who you are + who you want to be. No one can tell you what that is but you. Anyone that tells you what they think is right is projecting their own choice onto you and no matter how much you respect them, it is never the right choice for you unless it feels truly in alignment with your truest self. What can you do to slow down, connect inwards, take a deep breath and listen to your inner voice that is trying to guide you?

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[2:20] How do you know who you are if you don’t know where you came from?
[15:29] AD: The 3rd episode of That Girl Got Ghosted is now live! This is Jenell’s YouTube Series where she takes her Tinder dates to haunted hotels and films them for our viewing pleasure. The idea for this series is a mashup of the Bachelor meets Catfish meets Ghost Adventures. Check it out here!
[16:26] Welcome, Lori!
[20:00] Following your gypsy heart
[22:00] Making little adventures in your everyday life
[27:00] How has cancer impacted your authenticity?
[30:40] Taking the risk
[33:45] Before/After - pivotal moments that change you
[36:00] Making things work for you
[39:00] Letting go to get what you truly want
[41:00] Battle between your ego + true self
[44:08] Being clear + at peace with where you are?
[45:00] Environmental influence on your TRUE NORTH
[51:26] AD: Quick shout out to Soheila, the Chief Content Officer for the IsThatSoh! Podcast. The TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE recently made a guest appearance + we talked about how to hold space for the real + difficult shit, like cancer, trauma, and the darker parts of your story with people in your life. It is a vulnerable and beautiful dialogue that we hope will inspire more people to keep sharing their realities, even when it might seem like too much. It isn’t. Listen here + give Soheila a follow, a like, a share, some love because she’s up to big things!
[52:30] The role we think we have to play vs who we truly are
[58:00] It doesn’t matter whether you stay or go, it matters that you listen to what’s right for you
[1:03:00] What’s the decision that I actually need to make right now?
[1:06:00] The realities of sharing your story
[109:00] Taking things personally that aren’t personal
[1:11:30] The ego is NOT bad
[1:17:00] Honesty + co-triggering each other
[1:23:00] How do you live your TRUE NORTH in 1 word?
[1:23:20] Connect with Lori via lorimarini.com or via IG @lorimarinilgs

Monday Mar 22, 2021

SUBTLE LISTENING: WHAT IS YOUR BODY TRYING TO TELL YOU? S4:E12

Monday Mar 22, 2021

Today, we have Karla Beltchenko and Cindy Luffred. Karla is one of Rachel’s long-time dance friends from childhood in Chicago, IL. Karla is the founder + director of The Narrative Body, a coaching + consulting program that teaches professionals, groups, and businesses about the power of body awareness + non-verbal behavior. As a young professional, she started out as a professional dancer and then transitioned into the arena of movement research, yoga, and other wellness modalities. Karla holds an MFA in Creative Practice from Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music + Dance in London, utilizes the Laban Movement Analysis, and has dedicated her life to studying the nuanced intricacies of humxn movement, with a goal of helping individuals uncover the power they hold in their bodies, and giving them the tools to connect + communicate on a deeper level. Cindy Luffred, a self-proclaimed truth doulah, a spiritual medium, intuitive healer, and Founder of Revealing Soul. She’s the co-host of Slightly Spiritual Podcast, co-founder of the Soul Talks Meditation practice, and has a passion of bringing the energy of soul into view in a grounded + relatable way. Cindy uses her mediumship + intuition to reveal the parts of yourself that are hidden to reveal the truth within so you can manifest abundance without. We talk about allowing all parts of ourselves to exist and not forcing ourselves into any one box, resonating with the frequency of joy, somatic-based practices that allow the body to heal, listening to the subtle signals of the body vs just the bigger signals, energetic body awareness, pets as a way to build awareness in your body, plus Jenell + Rachel have channeled readings with Cindy! NOTE: we shorten them for the sake of the show. :)

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @thehoodhealer
#amplifymelanatedvoices @soulcarecollective
#amplifymelanatedvoices @thehoodwitch
Babette Rothschild
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Who you are is not what you do. And who you are is a homogenous mashup of things. You are allowed to be many things. You are allowed to be indifferent boxes. You are allowed to straddle many different lanes. You’re allowed to color outside the lines. You are allowed to hold all the parts of yourself without forcing it to fit perfectly into an understandable narrative. If this doesn’t feel true to you, what would be possible if you allowed yourself to imagine that it could be? What might open up for you? What would you do if all of you could exist?
We have been taught to only pay attention to the bigger, faster, stronger things. But really, the most powerful stuff is the small nuances + subtleties. Especially when it comes to our bodies, if we wait to only listen when it’s screaming at us, we are oftentimes too late to the game to make the changes we need to change course. If we slow down and listen to the smaller, more nuanced, subtler voices of the body, we can catch things and work with it along the way versus fighting it tooth and nail until it crashes and burns. What can you start to notice within your body each day to start to hear the small differences over time?
Can you release your need to control EVERYTHING? What if the universe/divine/God/whatever you call it is trying to support you but it cannot get through because you are holding too tightly to the reigns? What if you released some of that control? What if what is in store for you is WAY BEYOND anything you could ever imagine, but your refusal to loosen your grip is keeping you handcuffed to the limits of your own imagination? If you knew that something so much better was available to you would you be willing to let go a little bit more?

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[1:20] Miley Cyrus look-alikes
[2:15] A truth doula
[4:20] Feeling truly whole in a place
[8:00] Doing hard things in new arenas
[9:15] AD: Get excited for our April workshop, all about CONSISTENCY as a hack to committing to your TRUE NORTH. This 75-minute workshop unpacks the essential life hack of consistency + how we choose to show up for ourselves + the world, again + again. We deep dive as a community on our habits, practices, support systems, and more to support us in living our TRUE NORTH or not. Join us on 4/1/2021 @7:30pm CST by signing up for your spot here. See you there!
[10:15] Welcome, Karla Beltchenko!
[13:00] Welcome, Cindy Luffred!
[15:45] Embracing all the different sides of yourself
[20:00] Returning to the truth of my soul
[20:50] Getting into resonance with love + joy
[22:40] What does happiness + joy feel like in your body?
[24:45] Body-based somatic practices to heal trauma
[29:50] Listen to the boring body signals
[35:00] Energetic body awareness + pet awareness
[39:50] Aura
[44:08] Rachel’s shortened channeled reading by Cindy
[51:26] AD: Check out the latest creation, SEEDS, by Agora Artists (from S3|E18), an online concert of dance works created by 7 dancers + choreographers in Dallas, TX. It’s an opportunity for independent choreographers + small dance companies to come together + get paid for their work during these unprecedented times. The event starts on Saturday, March 27th @5pm PST and runs until Saturday, April 3rd. Get your tickets here! We appreciate you supporting our amazing community!
[55:00] How to use channeling to validate + resonate with your truth
[58:30] How to take the leap to entrepreneurship?
[1:04:00] Jenell’s channeled reading with Cindy
[1:13:00] Hope is rooted in fear/Intention is rooted in faith
[1:22:00] What does an authentic body look/feel like?
[1:24:00] Alignment
[1:26:00] You cannot neglect parts of yourself + show up authentically
[1:28:10] How do you live your TRUE NORTH in 1 word?
[1:30:00]] Connect with Karla via thenarrativebody.com or IG @thenarrativebody or via personal IG @lovekarlabel. Connect with Cindy via revealingsoul.com or IG @revealingsoul.

Monday Mar 15, 2021

UNPACK: WHERE ARE YOU GETTING YOUR SELF-WORTH? S4:E11

Monday Mar 15, 2021

Today, we have a special episode inspired by a convo we had in a recent COLLECTIVE, our free monthly community gathering, all about where we place our self worth. We bring on a mash-up of voices together from across the country to unpack this topic as fellow travelers looking to better understand and learn and grow from and with each. Kaity Thompson-Semmelhack lives in Milwaukee, WI. She is a Cycle Program manager at Spire Fitness and works for a non-profit called Cure SMA. Jack Nelms lives in Dallas, TX, and is a Producer/Artist doing the electronica indie genre of music. Lizzie Somabut-Collie is also in Dallas, TX, in the midst of another career transition, amidst a pandemic, and she’s trying to figure out what feels good and fulfilling to her in her career, while ensuring the organization she's with also values her. We talk about external validation vs self-worth, recognizing when our identities are tied to things outside of ourselves, the exhaustion of being a “yes” person, how to know when you’re in self-worth, self advocating, releasing the outcome, when ego + external validation are good, the self-worth muscle, and unconditional self-worth. This conversation invites everyone to explore what it means to live from self-worth and what we do when we inevitably forget. <3

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @jayshetty
#amplifymelanatedvoices @nangaahlaangstangs
#amplifymelanatedvoices @thebodyisnotanapology
Mark Groves - Boundaries Badass Course
The Happy Show by Stefan Sagmeister
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Where is your self-worth practice today? Self-worth can sometimes seem like a moving target where we jump from thing to thing that is being used to externally validate our sense of worth. Unfortunately, this is an externally-focused game that never ends that leaves you chasing an elusive and imaginary unicorn. What if instead, you noticed where you are placing your self-worth outside of yourself and see if you can set that aside and bring the focus back to you. What is worthy about you regardless of the external circumstances and proof points? Where is your self-worth that transcends the outside world?
When people meet you, what is your default way of describing yourself? Do you immediately share who you are professionally? Do you share your role as wife, mom, etc? What would it be like to describe yourself based on your self-worth? Versus the external things that you derive your worth beyond the labels and identities and accomplishments.
What if self-worth is a muscle? And if you are practicing self-worth, then you will be able to experience more moments in life that feel good, lift you up, or even simply at peace and content. If you aren’t practicing, then you are more likely to experience doubt, resentment, external conflict, comparison, etc. Maybe instead of trying to control the result, can you focus on building up your self-worth instead and see what pours out from that energy?

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[2:10} Welcome, Kaity!
[3:20] It’s ok not to know!
[3:45] Welcome, Jack!
[4:43] Welcome, Lizzie!
[5:10] Self-worth practice
[9:00] Shifting self-worth
[12:30] External validation + identity confirmation
[22:37] AD: We have TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE merch + we’re really excited about it!! Currently, we are selling super soft, green crew neck sweatshirts with the white TNC logo. Check them out on our IG page @thetruenorthcollective_ + DM us if you are interested in repping this badass community! We love you all + appreciate your continued support. <3
[23:18] How do you know you’re in self-worth?
[28:00] Self-advocacy
[36:30] Ego-driven decisions
[39:00] Ego + external validation actually isn’t ALL bad
[42:00] Career driven self-worth
[45:00] Self-worth + social media
[46:00] Promoting your own self-worth
[49:00] AD: Join our next monthly COLLECTIVE on the 3rd Thursday of each month. It is our free monthly community event where we unpack an aspect of authenticity while connecting, reflecting, sharing, listening, and being ourselves alongside others who are also practicing living their TRUE NORTH. March is all about THE CONTRAST - acknowledging your messy TRUE NORTH. Sign-up here!
[55:30] Intentions
[58:10] Chasing your dreams
[1:01:00] Happiness diminishing returns
[1:03:00] How does resentment + happiness relate to self-worth?
[1:06:00] Self-worth as a muscle
[1:12:00] The leaking tire
[1:14:00] Unconditional self-worth
[1:20:20] How do you live your TRUE NORTH in 1 word with full self-worth?
Connect with Kaity via IG @kaity216, Lizzie via IG @lizziesomabutcollie, and Jack via email jfnelms@sbcglobal.net + indrivibes@gmail.com

Monday Mar 08, 2021

PASSIONS: HOW DO WE AWAKEN TO WHO WE TRULY ARE? S4:E10

Monday Mar 08, 2021

Today, we’re talking to LuAnne Buechler, CMP, Passionate Business Owner, Author, and Transformational Speaker. She’s a Certified Facilitator of The Passion Test, Director of Business Network International (BNI), and part of the Transformational Leadership Council working team. From the first moment you meet LuAnne, she feels immediately warm, safe, welcoming, and kind, leaving you with an innate smile on your face. We chat about the gift of learning to receive from others, being seen + heard, opening up to those in your life, the masks we wear that stop us from being who we truly are, vibrating joy, being an I HUG volunteer + the scientific power of a genuine hug on your body, discovering your passions, consciously choosing, finding your deeper self, NOT owning your dreams, questioning everything that you think, aligning your actions with your values, and asking yourself if you really love what you’re doing in your life? This is a warm + soft landing place to explore how you might live life with passion in a way that resonates with you. We’re glad you’re here with us. <3

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @melaninebasecamp
#amplifymelanatedvoices @sharynaholmes
#amplifymelanatedvoices @indigenouswomenhike
Thrive - a human development company
ihugmovement.com
Transformationaltreks.com
Strengths Finder
Book a complimentary PASSION Coaching session with LuAnne Buechler
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When was the last time you allowed yourself to receive from others? Is this a normal state you are comfortable being in? Or do you brush away support and help? Being able to receive from others is such a gift for everyone - the giver and the receiver. It makes the giver feel good because they feel useful, valuable, + loving. And the receiver is able to experience support, know they are not alone, + feel loved. It’s truly a win-win, so go out there + allow yourself to receive support, help, + love!
The lack of hugs has been scientifically proven to impact the state of the body. We need hugs. And being able to hug will shift your energy and the energy of those around you profoundly. But it needs to be a sincere + genuine hug. When’s the last time you had a really great hug? When’s the last time you gave a really great hug?
What vision or dream have you failed to own? And as a result, that dream has faded away? When we really want something, we must allow ourselves to see it, hold it, feel it, revisit it, tweak it, recommit to it, + ultimately fully own that vision. No one else will hold that for you or make sure it happens. We each must honor and own our dreams and passions with utmost respect and never give up on them or they will never see the light of day. Where can you start to water the seeds of your dreams, and then tend to them again and again and again. And weed them and water them some more, so that they have a fair shot?

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[1:15] Hallmark movies
[5:10] What’s a California accent?
[8:00] Different types of friendships
[14:00] Allowing yourself to receive
[19:48] AD: Join our monthly COLLECTIVE on the 3rd Thursday of each month. It is our free monthly community event where we unpack an aspect of authenticity while connecting, reflecting, sharing, listening, and being ourselves alongside others who are also practicing living their TRUE NORTH. This month, the convo will center around THE CONTRAST - living your messy TRUE NORTH. Sign-up here!
[20:44] Welcome, LuAnne!
[23:00] Being seen + heard
[24:30] The masks we wear
[26:50] Catastrophes that brings us together
[29:15] I love hugs + spreading love across the nation!
[41:00] The Passion Process
[41:40] Transformational adventure treks
[47:00] Trying on language
[49:20] AD: If you love this space, the TRUE NORTH community, + the conversations that unfold here, we’d love it if you’d leave us a review wherever you are listening to this podcast. It might seem like a small thing, but it really helps us to be able to continue to grow this community. Or if reviews aren’t your thing, consider spreading the love by sharing this episode with a friend who you think would resonate with the content, invite a friend to join you at one of our free community events or workshops, or introduce someone new to the TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE. We are always welcoming new humxns that are fearlessly finding their TRUE NORTH to come explore + practice being humxn with us. Thank you for being here with us!
[50:20] Consciously choosing
[54:00] A journey to find that deeper self
[56:10] Own it!
[58:00] Lack of patience + instant gratification
[1:01:00] Question everything that you think
[1:03:30] Pick one thing that works for you + just do that really well
[1:06:00] Passions vs values
[1:07:00] When my life is ideal, I am….
[1:09:20] Do I really love what I’m doing?
[1:11:40] How do you live your TRUE NORTH in 1 word?
[1:13:40] Connect with LuAnne Beuchler via http://luannb.com/

Monday Mar 01, 2021

REWIND: REFLECTIONS OF LOVE IN THE YEAR 2021 (PART 1) S4:E9

Monday Mar 01, 2021

Today, we’re doing something a little bit different! Last year (2019), we recorded some audio around Valentine’s Day all about our reflections on love. It never saw the light of day because it included some raw, vulnerable, and really fresh experiences that we weren’t ready to share publicly yet. This year we thought it might be fun to dust off this content and re-listen to it while reflecting on where we are NOW - one year later. So, this episode will be a mix of the original audio coupled with pauses and interjections of our reflections today - how things have changed, how they have remained the same, where we call bull shit on ourselves, and where we celebrate our wisdom. It’s an endearing episode all about the non-linear roller coaster ride of love, soul mates, love languages, dating, relationships, being true to yourself, and showing up for what you believe in. Enjoy!

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @kiergaines
#amplifymelanatedvoices @sylvestermcnutt
#amplifymelanatedvoices @yung_pueblo
SIngle. On Purpose. by John Kim
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The practice of walking your walk is a HUGE part of the journey. Sometimes we know what we want to do, but we still don’t do it. It’s really normal to have a gap between knowing and doing. And when we realize that there is a gap, it is our responsibility to figure out how to bridge that gap. And it doesn’t have to change over night, but just take small, doable steps that allow you to start to walk your talk. Otherwise we are just unreliable talking heads.
Notice the types of people you are wanting to date or are attracted to in your life (in a romantic or non-romantic relationship) and the characteristics that they possess that you want to be around. It may be indicative of the qualities that you are actually looking to amplify within yourself. Can you pay attention to those qualities that you seek in others and start to ask yourself how you can cultivate them within yourself? Don’t outsource your desires to another person, empower yourself to bring them to life within yourself.
Relationships aren’t just about getting. They are about giving + getting. They are about giving from a place of wholeness. They are about learning how to show up and experience what it’s like to truly give love to another humxn. It’s not just about receiving love and support (it is also about that), but are you also giving yourself the chance to know giving love unconditionally? That is such a gift + a beautiful part of relationships.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[2:20] Walking your talk
[6:00] Do you like Valentine’s Day?
[8:30] Writing a love letter to yourself
[18:10] A period of being alone
[19:30] Self-love as a practice
[22:00] When do you stop thinking/caring/loving yourself?
[24:00] Growth takes time
[28:00] Cultivating what you want in a relationship, within you
[30:00] Running into the fire
[35:00] Blame vs accountability
[36:30] Choosing yourself is not selfish
[44:20] Be the soulmate that you want to be
[52:00] Being a picky dater
[55:00] Making out for the first time at the age of 20
[1:02:00] I am gorgeous!
[1:02:40] Just be yourself + always check-in with yourself
[1:05:30] The checklist
[1:09:30] Getting vs giving in relationships
[1:14:00] Being in alignment with self
[1:16:30] Letting people show you who they are
[1:20:00] Making decisions from a grounded place
[1:24:20] Knowing you + your nuances
[1:26:15] Being proud of self + celebrating self

Tuesday Feb 23, 2021

CONTRAST REEL: ACKNOWLEDGING THE MESS S4:E8

Tuesday Feb 23, 2021

Today, we’re doing something new! On March 4th, 2021 @7:30-8:45pm CST, we are hosting our next workshop called THE CONTRAST: ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR MESSY TRUE NORTH. In this workshop, we dive into our own inner contrast and invite the question of how we hold the extremes of being humxn within and around us, embracing and allowing all of it to co-exist. By building a bridge within ourselves, we can start to build bridges around us, too. To get ready for this workshop, we have created a “best of” CONTRAST compilation reel. We took the best sound bites from previous episodes that truly set the stage for a conversation on what it means to embrace all of you + all of it. No matter what might be there. It’s an invitation that isn’t for the faint of heart, but it comes with the rewards of a lifetime. The chance to truly know + be yourself, fully. Welcome. <3

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @televisionblues
#amplifymelanatedvoices @melanieaminihajibashi
#amplifymelanatedvoices @mrjross
S4|E7 Tina Ahn IG: @tinaahn_
S2|E8 Brooke Conley IG: @brookeconleyflow
S3|E16 Sean Beiersdorfer IG: @sean_yogibeiers
S3|E37 Amplify Lee Chambers IG: @essentialisecoach
Sign-up for THE CONTRAST workshop here!
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Notice where you are labeling certain parts of yourself as “good” or “bad”. Is that judgment unequivocally true? What if it wasn’t true? What if that was just one perspective of many? What if the things that you are labelling as bad have more to show you below the surface? What if underneath that judgment is an invaluable lesson or learning or unlock. What if underneath that “bad” trait is actually a gift? Would you be willing to look at it a little deeper? Is it actually serving you to call parts of yourself “bad” and other parts “good”? What if the world actually needs some of your “bad” traits?
How does your environment impact how you show up? Can you notice when an environment causes you to fall back into old patterns + defaults? And instead of hating on yourself, can you recognize that the environment is playing an influence? And instead of blaming the environment, can you come back to yourself and take responsibility for your part in it and let go of what isn’t yours and then make a choice that best serves you in stepping into the person you actually want to be? That might mean to leave the environment. It might mean you have to change your approach, or have a conversation that is uncomfortable or ask for something you need. Or a million other things. Only you know what’s best. And only you can know what’s best if you allow yourself to see what’s there within and around you.
We are ALL + always will be humxn. No matter how far we’ve “evolved” or grown, we will still always be humxn. And being humxn means there is ALWAYS more to learn, more mistakes to make, more to reflect on, more emotions to experience again and again. We all will get tired + distracted + forgetful + go on auto-pilot from time to time - it’s normal. Even the most “woke” individuals...still humxn. We don’t get “there” by becoming perfect. We get “there” by being more present to the mess that is innately us right now, in this moment, with acceptance, forgiveness, and appreciation of our humxness. Because if you aren’t making mistakes then you aren’t learning and growing. And if you aren’t learning + growing + paying attention, that’s when you’ve really become stuck, stagnant, + robotic. So in a way, the mistakes actually sort of keep you alive. Kinda cool.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[1:40] Embracing it all + not avoiding the hard stuff
[3:00] Being good at something doesn’t mean you HAVE to pursue it
[5:50] Believing parts of you are “bad”
[10:15] Being the paradox
[11:30] Putting on a front that you’ve got it all together
[14:30] Behind the scenes powerhouse
[16:40] Seeing the patterns
[21:00] Relatable struggles that we ALL experience as humxns
[22:10] Behind the “strengths”
[25:50] Seeing in color

Monday Feb 15, 2021

BE MESSY: DOING IT FOR ME, NOT FOR OTHERS S4:E7

Monday Feb 15, 2021

Today, we’re talking to Tina Ahn, a genuine ray of light, one of Rachel’s friends + co-workers, a Store Manager at a lululemon store in Toronto, ON, a former competitive soccer player, has a rescue pup named Lizzie, is a big feeler, has goals to become a life coach, and is just an all around genuine people person with a gift for holding space for self-discovery and exploration of those ah-ha moments. We talk a lot about being professionally photographed for the first time + allowing yourself to be the center of attention, learning to embrace all that shows up even when we’re scared, proving yourself wrong, celebrating + choosing yourself, giving yourself a fair shot, imagining the worst case scenario, letting go of what’s holding you back, using your life as a mirror, listening to your body, and using your voice to self advocate. This conversation dives right into some real vulnerability + reminds us that we are never alone when we have the courage to show up + share our true stories with the people around us. Thank you, Tina, for modeling this so beautifully. <3

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @theeverymanproject
#amplifymelanatedvoices @decolonizing_fitness
#amplifymelanatedvoices @thebodypositive
Rummikub
Lays Ketchup chips
Sir Kensington’s Chipotle Mayo
Survivor
Snake coming out of car air vent
IG @meg.boggs
IG @mikzazon
Jonathan Van Ness Podcast episode w/Dr. Edith Eger
Ira Glass Quote
IG @tobemagnetic
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Sometimes the only way to live is to just keep showing up even when you don’t want to. To say yes to the things you don’t want to face. To embrace all that is in front of you with open arms. And to know that you are not alone when you do this. It is incredibly empowering.
What if you started to prove all the judgments and stories about yourself wrong? What if you looked at the beliefs that you have that hold you back and start making small steps towards building up new stories that serve you? What if you start to prove to yourself that you are actually different from the stories that you have made up in your head (whether they have historical merit or not)? Your past is just your past. The only indicator of your future is the choice you make today to create the ending that you want.
Are you giving yourself a fair shot? Have you given yourself a fair shot? What would it look like if you did? What would you stop doing? What would you start doing, today? What would need to change in order for you to step into a space where you did the thing you truly wanted to do? What would someone who WOULD do the thing do next? Can you just do it? Right now? “We miss 100% of the shots we don’t take” - Wayne Gretzky. Take the shot.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[4:00] Lay’s flavor competitions
[5:20] Bugs + snakes
[10:58] AD: We are excited to share that our first COLLECTIVE of 2021 is happening on Thursday, Feb 18th @7:30pm CST! THE COLLECTIVE is our free monthly community event where we connect, reflect, share, listen, and be yourself alongside others who are also practicing living their TRUE NORTH. This month, the convo will center around intention setting as how it is helping you live your TRUE NORTH. Sign-up here!
[11:55] Welcome, Tina!
[14:00] I’m not alone
[14:30] Embracing all of it
[16:00] Being resigned + in victim
[19:15] Proving yourself wrong
[23:30] Embracing your body + nakedness
[31:00] Making decisions to take care of self vs run from self
[33:40] Minimizing shame narratives
[35:30] Pleasing others through sport, fitness, exercise
[38:30] Vocalizing + standing in your decision that’s against the grain
[41:20] Being good at something that you don’t want to do
[47:30] Giving yourself a fair shot
[49:26] AD: Join our second workshop on authenticity for the year - all about EMBRACING THE CONTRAST + ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR MESSY TRUE NORTH. This workshop is only $15 + is happening on Thursday, March 4th @7:30pm CST. This topic is all about learning to embrace all that you are + recognizing when you are being pulled into black + white thinking. Join us by signing up here! PROMO: If you are interested in attending the remaining 10 workshops of the year at a discounted rate, we are still offering all of them for $99, please email us at hello@thetruenorthcollective.org or DM us to get this deal. We look forward to playing alongside you!
[52:30] Commitment to action
[55:00] Imagining the worst case scenario
[58:30] Feeling like you’ve wasted time
[1:02:00] Letting go of external pressures + self-judgment
[1:04:00] Listening to your body
[1:09:00] Guilt + learning to live for you
[1:10:30] Ask for help, share + connect with people because more people can relate than you might realize
[1:12:20] How do you live your TRUE NORTH in 1 word?
[1:12:40] Connect with Tina via IG @tinaahn_

Thursday Feb 11, 2021

Inner Monologue: Comparison 2.11.21

Thursday Feb 11, 2021

This podcast is about the real-life documentation of everyday people fearlessly finding and living their TRUE NORTH. That requires raw, vulnerable, unedited content. We're trying something new. Releasing our inner monologues as short quick hits to share the journey.

Let us know what you think and if you can relate.

Monday Feb 08, 2021

FELLOW TRAVELERS: ACCEPTING MYSELF S4:E6

Monday Feb 08, 2021

Today, we take a minute to catch up with just Jenell + Rachel to hear where they’re at with their own journeys. A huge passion behind the TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE has always been to be in the process of figuring out what it means to be true to ourselves, right alongside each of you. We certainly don’t have all the answers. We might have more data than we did four years ago, but we realize that being our true selves is an ongoing commitment, a lifestyle choice, and a lifelong practice. So, in this slightly shorter episode, we jump right into the middle of a convo that we were having (without the intention to record) and realized that we should be recording it because it was real, raw, in-the-moment, unplanned, and honest. We talk about learning to trust ourselves, NOT hiding behind people, owning the parts of ourselves that we’re ashamed of, conviction + sincerity, not being in a rush, control and self-compassion. We hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone in this and that the journey is life, so dive in and see where it takes you.

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#amplifymelanatedvoices @jianpablico
#amplifymelanatedvoices @transparentandblack
#amplifymelanatedvoices @kierandthem
Music from: https://www.jukedeck.com/

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Where in your life are you looking for permission from others to do what you know in your heart it’s time for? Can you just trust yourself? What would it look like if you DID trust yourself? What would a person who trusts themselves do? What small things can you start to do each day to build up your trust muscle in yourself, until you are able to trust yourself with bigger choices? Start small if you have to, but never give up on trusting in yourself to know what’s best for you.
Let’s normalize the reality of what it means to actually find + be yourself. It seems so obvious + easy at the surface, but really it’s confusing + uncertain + messy + backwards + beautiful + rejecting + annoying + frustrating + so much more. And yet we only talk about the shiny parts of it, which is such a disservice to all of us because then we chase some false reality of what it means to be true to yourself. Let’s give ourselves permission to have the journey of being true to yourself be whatever it looks like for you. And to know that whatever it looks like is probably more normal than you realize because we haven’t done a great job of being honest about how non-linear the path with oneself actually is.
Sometimes we don’t need another book or concept or tool, we just need to go live life and experience shit for ourselves. To gather our own proof and data and understanding. So we can know for ourselves, first-hand, experientially. Because no wisdom is as impactful as the wisdom within us and our lived experience.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[2:00] Trusting yourself
[3:00] Letting myself cry
[3:50] Asking for permission
[5:00] Demonizing parts of myself
[7:50] Making myself small
[9:45] Shifting relationship dynamics
[12:00] Owning the parts of self that feel shameful
[18:00] Are you going to choose to live for them or you?
[24:00] How bad do you want it?
[26:00] Rites of passage
[32:23] AD: We are excited to share that Dr. Emily Kirkwold (from Season 3 of TNC) is offering FREE monthly workshops on natural family planning, held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. As a part of knowing your authentic self, it’s so important to invite yourself to know your body fully, too. Learn more here to start the journey of knowing the nuances of the body as it pertains to natural family planning.
[33:50] Experiential knowledge + conviction
[35:30] Slowing down + being sincere
[39:00] Control + time
[44:00] Self-compassion
[45:00] AD: If you like these conversations and want more from this community, we highly recommend signing up for our mailing list to be the first to know about upcoming events, experiences and things that are happening with this rad collective of humxns living their TRUE NORTH. We’d love to connect with you there!

Monday Feb 01, 2021

AMPLIFY KAMEELAH: LOSSES vs LESSONS S4:E5

Monday Feb 01, 2021

Welcome to AMPLIFY, a mini-series by THE TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE℠ PODCAST, dedicated to highlighting the untold stories of everyday BIPOC fearlessly finding and living their true north amidst the current systemic realities - past, present, and future.

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, co-hosts Rachel Bellotti (she/her) and Jenell Riesner (she/her), recognized their own ignorance to the racial atrocities that have plagued history. They chose to use this platform to create a space that centers real stories of genuine authenticity from marginalized communities whom society has attempted to keep silent for far too long.

This series is inspired by the original #amplifymelanatedvoices movement, created by @jessicawilson.msrd and @blackandembodied in June 2020 in an effort to elevate BIPOC voices, listen more deeply, and support anti-racism.

Today, we hear from Kameelah Muhammad, our friend, former co-worker at SPIRE Fitness, TRX, Crew instructor, and lead Brand Ambassador at SPIRE Fitness, a mom to an amazing daughter, poet, and all around uplifting and grounded humxn that the world is lucky to have. We talk about adapting, letting your spirit shine, being willing to learn, embracing the challenge, losses vs lessons, trusting yourself, ego, resilience, the illogical face of fitness + body diversity, loving yourself + your body, gratitude + perspective, acknowledging what society is putting out + what’s actually real, respect, becoming the face of diversity, taking ownership, and learning to just be yourself as a way to change the world. This is a powerful, honest, realistic episode that invites respect, self-love, and movement as a way to better co-exist with one another. We love + appreciate the hell out of you, Kameelah! <3

TAKE ACTION: This episode, we have donated to Kameelah’s selected cause, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, creating safe places for local kids and teens to learn and play, with positive role models, and educational programming. We are strongly encouraging our listeners who feel inspired to also donate what you can to support. Donate or give today here.

*note: this episode includes explicit language appropriate for those ages 16+

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

SPIRE Fitness
Music from: https://www.premiumbeat.com/home

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Be willing to learn. Most of the time we’re never gonna be great right out of the gates. And that’s ok! Be willing to keep going, keep practicing, getting feedback, improving, getting back up, giving it another try, and gathering more data. Persevere and keep learning. That is what life’s all about.
Balance the highs with remembering what it took to get there. Be excited and let yourself shine, but be honest with yourself. Be mindful not to get swept up into your ego as you experience the highs in your life. Be mindful when you are feeding the ego vs truly celebrating yourself because you’ve achieved something worth celebrating.
Notice where you are being influenced by what society is putting out vs what is realistic + what is truth. Notice where you may be adhering to + re-enforcing societal stereotypes that are illogical + unattainable + actually hurting people + actually hurting you. Can you be honest enough with yourself to see what’s really there? Can you acknowledge that something isn’t adding up? Can you start making small changes that allow more of who you REALLY are to exist in the world? So that more humxns are allowed to exist more fully as themselves, too.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[0:45] We’re back at SPIRE Fitness!
[5:00] Adapting
[7:50] Gyms/studios becoming an essential service
[9:30] Welcome, Kameelah!
[13:20] Prioritizing movement
[16:00] Allowing your spirit to capture people
[18:00] Willingness to learn + grow
[22:00] Meet people where they’re at
[24:00] High expectations
[26:30] AD: Christie Conochalla (from Season 2 of TNC) is going to be a Guest Festival Director for the 2021 Art of Brooklyn Film Festival. They are currently looking for submissions for the festival (check it out here)! If you are a creator in the film world and are interested, the regular submission deadline is Feb. 19th or April 12th for the late deadline. Follow + support Christie via IG @cconochalla, or reach out if you have any questions for her, she’s an incredible humxn making waves in the LBGTQ+ film community + we are so proud to know her + call her a friend. <3
[27:30] Enjoying a challenge
[28:30] Loss vs lesson
[35:00] Balancing the high + the ego
[46:00] The illogical face of fitness
[49:00] Love yourself, love your hair, love your body
[51:00] Pay attention to your actions, not just your words
[56:00] Gratitude + perspective
[1:00:00] What to do when society is advocating for separation + showing you that respect is not important
[1:08:00] Becoming the face of diversity at my gym
[1:08:40] AD: We are excited to share that Dr. Emily Kirkwold (from Season 3 of TNC) is offering FREE monthly workshops on natural family planning, held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. As a part of knowing your authentic self, it’s so important to invite yourself to know your body fully, too. Learn more here to start the journey of knowing the nuances of the body as it pertains to natural family planning.
[1:12:00] Following your heart + being honest with yourself
[1:16:50] Writing poetry as a release
[1:21:30] Just be yourself
[1:24:00] How do you live your TRUE NORTH?
[1:25:00] Reach out to Kameelah via IG @meelahfit