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Welcome to The UNKAGED™ Woman, the podcast where high-achieving Black and Brown women stop shrinking and start showing up fully as themselves.
Hosted by Brig Johnson, APN, MSNA, Master Coach Instructor, Nurse Anesthesiologist, and the Black Woman Thrive Architect, this is not another wellness podcast telling you to breathe and journal your way through burnout. Brig brings neurobiology, clinical insight, real lived experience, and the kind of truth most coaching spaces are too polished to say out loud.
Here is what nobody is telling you: you are not the problem. You are running patterns that were wired into you long before you had a choice, and those patterns are draining your health, your joy, your relationships, and your sense of self.
If you have ever:
- Hit every goal and still felt like something was missing
- Said yes when your whole body was screaming no
- Been the strong one so long you stopped knowing what you actually need
- Kept pushing because rest felt like a luxury you hadn't earned
- Made yourself smaller to avoid conflict at work, at home, in love
- Felt guilty for wanting more when everyone says you should be grateful
- Wondered why doing everything right still doesn't feel like enough
This podcast was made for you.
Each week, Brig gets into the survival patterns that keep accomplished women stuck, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves. And explores how to stop over-functioning, build boundaries that actually stick, and live in a way that matches the woman you have worked so hard to become.
This show is for the woman holding everything together while running on empty. The one who is done performing fine and ready to feel it for real.
You were never broken. You were just never given a framework built for you.
Welcome to UNKAGED™.
New episodes drop weekly. Visit https://brigjohnson.com/ to learn more about Brig Johnson and her coaching services.
Episodes
Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
36 min
In this second episode of our relationship series, Brig dives deep into the complexities of loving someone for their potential and the emotional labor that often comes with it.
Brig shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting how the weight of managing someone else's journey can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. She challenges the notion that a partner's potential is a promise, urging us to shift our focus back to our own growth and desires. Throughout the episode, you'll also learn how to identify the emotional costs of trying to fix someone else and the importance of prioritizing your own dreams and aspirations.
Tune in as Brig provides practical strategies to reclaim your energy and focus on self-care, reminding you that love should not feel like a burden.
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
MENTIONED —
- Get Your Relationship Reset Workbook here
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Feb 24, 2025
Feb 24, 2025
53 min
Ever feel like you're just co-managing a household instead of being in a loving relationship?
In our latest episode, Brig dives into the concept of "roommate syndrome" and how chronic stress impacts intimacy. She shares insightful strategies on how to reclaim connection in your romantic life without waiting for your partner to change.
Don't settle for distance—discover how to take control of your relationship and reignite the spark. If you're ready to move from roommates to lovers, this episode is a must-listen!
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
MENTIONED —
- Get Your Relationship Reset Workbook here
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Feb 17, 2025
Feb 17, 2025
35 min
As we recently celebrated Valentine's Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the hidden costs of love. This episode sets the stage for a four-part series focused on relationships, where Brig will provide insights and tools to help you navigate feelings of disconnect, the weight of emotional labor, and the challenges of rebuilding trust.
Relationship stress can impact your emotional health, finances, and career in ways you may not even realize. In our latest episode, we explore the hidden costs of love and how to reclaim your happiness without waiting for your partner to change.
Throughout the episode, Brig offers practical strategies to help you navigate your relationship dynamics. Whether you feel like roommates instead of lovers or you're grappling with trust issues, she provides insights that can help you transform your relationship without sacrificing your dreams.
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
MENTIONED —
- EP. 214 Why Am I So Tired All the Time? The Hidden Brain Chemistry Behind Your Exhaustion
- Get Your Relationship Reset Workbook
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Feb 10, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
57 min
In a world where the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship often leads to stress and anxiety, finding the right path to personal growth and self-awareness can seem daunting.
Join Brig for an enlightening conversation with her client, Roma, a sales and systems coach, as they share the profound lessons learned throughout their coaching journey together.
Listen in as Roma discusses how she transformed her life by embracing self-investment and emotional intelligence, her journey from overwhelming stress to empowerment, and why concepts like "Morgan Freeman-ing" and celebrating small wins can change your perspective and unlock your potential.
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Roma's journey might just be the motivation you need to invest in yourself and embrace your path. Tune in now.
📣For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
GUEST —
Roma Shah, Sales and Systems Coach | Website | Instagram
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Feb 3, 2025
Feb 3, 2025
28 min
Welcome to part two of our exploration into why we don't feel successful, even when we've achieved our goals. For many, especially Black women, this misalignment is exacerbated by generational conditioning and cultural pressures. This episode highlights how societal systems have historically been designed to keep certain groups striving but never truly arriving.
Tune in as Brig uncovers the hidden reason behind the lack of fulfillment that often accompanies success. And don't miss the next episode, where Brig will guide us on how to give ourselves permission to claim our power unapologetically.
📣For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
MENTIONED —
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
28 min
Are you crushing your goals but still feeling like something's missing? You're not alone. Many high-achieving individuals, particularly black women, find themselves in a relentless cycle of doing more, achieving more, yet never feeling truly satisfied.
In this episode, Brig challenges us to go beyond our to-do lists, planners, and habit trackers to focus on this missing link. Tune in to discover how to break the burnout loop and find true fulfillment.
📣For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
MENTIONED —
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Jan 20, 2025
Jan 20, 2025
59 min
As we step into our ruthless era in 2025, it's more important than ever to prioritize peace, time, and strong support systems. Roberto, an expert in identifying and resolving financial gaps, joins us to share actionable strategies for unlocking new opportunities and creating a life of ease.
In this episode, Roberto emphasizes the mental freedom that comes from outsourcing. He candidly shares his experiences with grief and illness, along with practical tips for hiring help in both business and daily life. His stories highlight the transformative power of seeking support.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or someone striving to simplify life, this episode is filled with practical advice to reduce stress, boost productivity, and effectively leverage resources.
GUEST —
Roberto Candelaria, Master Certified Business + Life Coach | Instagram | Website | Facebook | Podcast
MENTIONED —
For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
39 min
Feeling drained no matter how much you rest? In this episode, Brig reveals the surprising brain chemistry driving your exhaustion. Meet glutamate—the brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. When it builds up, it acts like an internal overload alarm, triggering mental fatigue, brain fog, and even anxiety.
Learn how stress, decision fatigue, and cultural conditioning fuel glutamate overload, and gain practical strategies to reclaim your energy, clarity, and vitality. Tune in to uncover the keys to feeling truly energized and empowered in your daily life.
MENTIONED —
For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
14 min
As the calendar flips to 2025, many of us are busy crafting our to-do lists, setting goals, and planning how to conquer the year ahead. But what if we flipped the script? What if instead of focusing on what we need to do, we concentrate on what we need to stop doing? This is exactly what Brig proposes in her latest podcast episode, where she introduces the concept of a "not gon’ do" list.
Tune in to hear the ten things we should not do in 2025, then start crafting your list of what you're not going to do.
Share this episode with friends and hold each other accountable to this transformative "not gon’ do" list. Let's commit to moving differently, living boldly, and claiming what's ours. Here's to a beautiful and empowered 2025!
MENTIONED —
For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
Dec 30, 2024
Dec 30, 2024
11 min
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, Brig challenges us to leave behind one destructive habit: being our own worst critic.
As Black women, we carry the weight of many roles—protector, nurturer, and fixer—not just for ourselves but for others too. Yet, in the process, we often become our own harshest critics. In this quick yet impactful episode, Brig implores us to stop turning our frustrations and disappointments inward.
Tune in as Brig unpacks how societal conditioning has trained us to see ourselves as the problem, making us our easiest target. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing when we're doing this, refusing to shrink, and turning compassion inward.
This episode is a powerful love note to every Black woman, reminding us that we are not too much, not broken, but a whole masterpiece navigating a world that wasn't built for us to thrive.
Imagine the bold moves we could make and the peace we could feel if we stopped the self-blame. In 2025, let's choose to be our greatest ally, not our easiest target.
MENTIONED —
For those ready to take the next step, our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —