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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
Jun 24, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
33 min
In this thought-provoking episode, Brig explores a concept inspired by Nicholas Taleb's book, "The Bed of Procrustes" where Taleb uses the metaphor of living in a box to illustrate how modern civilization confines us in ways that are far from natural or comfortable. But what if everything you thought about your "comfort zone" was actually a lie?
Listen in as Brig passionately argues that our true comfort zone lies outside these boxes, where we can live boldly, create, take risks, and experience life to the fullest.
If you've ever felt trapped by societal norms or wondered why you numb yourself with overeating, over-drinking, or binge-watching TV, this episode is for you. Discover how to break free from the discomfort of the so-called comfort zone and embrace a life filled with passion, creativity, and genuine joy.
It's time to reclaim your natural state and start living boldly.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
36 min
In this special episode, Brig welcomes back a truly inspiring guest for her third appearance. This episode is a deep dive into the journey of resilience, healing, and self-acceptance with Simone Williams.
Join the conversation as Simone shares her transformative story, from being physically and mentally exhausted to mastering her stress responses and narrowing the gap between incident and recovery. Learn how she overcame grief and embraced her authentic self, and discover the importance of having a safe space to be vulnerable.
If you've ever felt paralyzed by grief, stress, or the pressure to perform, this episode will resonate deeply with you. Discover how to embrace all aspects of yourself, manage your stress responses, and ultimately, master the art of living authentically and resiliently.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
Jun 10, 2024
Jun 10, 2024
43 min
Are you tired of feeling stressed when others don't agree with your choices? In our latest episode, Brig dives deep into the emotional turmoil that comes from seeking validation and how to break free from it. She also addresses the societal conditioning that makes us crave approval and how it stifles our potential.
If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the fear of judgment, this episode will empower you to reclaim your freedom and live authentically. Tune in to learn why we seek validation for our choices, and how we can overcome it, protect our beliefs, build self-authority, and pursue our epic goals.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
Jun 3, 2024
Jun 3, 2024
23 min
If you're stuck in a state of perplexity that has left you paralyzed, then this episode is a must-listen. In this follow-up to episode 181, What To Do If You’re Perplexed By Your Problems (Problem Series Part 1), Brig introduces us to the transformative PARTS method – a solution for when your problems feel paralyzing.
Brig breaks down the acronym PARTS: Problems as Road to Success, and guides us through each step with her signature blend of insight and creativity. The approach is a practical, actionable method that can be applied to any problem, big or small, to help us transform our relationship with our problems
Press play now to understand how to pinpoint your issues, acknowledge your fears, and create a plan that tackles problems with confidence. Plus, learn to set up the support and safeguards you need.
And don't forget, if you know someone who's struggling, share episodes 181 and 182 with them.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
May 27, 2024
May 27, 2024
34 min
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the problems life keeps throwing at you?
In our latest episode, Brig dives deep into the nature of problems and why they're not as daunting as they seem. She shares that problems are not just obstacles but questions that beg for solutions. They are a natural part of the human experience, yet we often find ourselves stumped, unable to understand or accept why things happen the way they do.
She also explores the cultural and societal norms that shape our understanding of what's 'normal.' More importantly, she uses the parts method – problems as a road to success to offer a fresh perspective on how to approach problems, not as punitive tests, but as opportunities for growth and learning.
If you've ever felt trapped by your challenges, this episode will provide you with the tools to break free and find success on the other side. Tune in now and start seeing your problems not as dead-ends, but as pathways to personal growth and success.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024
37 min
Are you familiar with the concept of 'bright lines'? These are the clear, non-negotiable boundaries that can be the game-changer you need for personal development and achieving your goals.
Whether you're struggling to stick to a health regimen, maintain work-life balance, or enhance your relationships, Brig's discussion on Bright Lines offers a no-nonsense approach to setting firm boundaries. She gets real about the struggles we face when we don't set clear boundaries for ourselves. From decision fatigue to indecision, Brig doesn't shy away from discussing the obstacles that keep us from sticking to our commitments.
If you're ready to stop the endless renegotiation with yourself and start living with increased confidence, better stress management, and a clear path to your goals, then tune in, take notes, and embark on a journey to becoming truly unfu*kwithable.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
May 13, 2024
May 13, 2024
22 min
Are you caught in the endless cycle of overcommitting at work? Get ready to dive deep into the pitfalls of being a "yes machine" at work and how it can sabotage not only your success but also your well-being.
In this episode, Brig challenges the notion that saying yes is the only path to success, and instead, Brig explores the stereotypes and expectations that trap black women in a cycle of overcommitment. She helps you identify the problem and offers a solution with her opt-out blueprint, sharing practical strategies for saying no with confidence, articulating your workload, and aligning tasks with your core values. But she doesn't stop there. She also digs into the root causes that make saying no so challenging, offering introspective questions to help you understand and overcome your internal barriers.
If you're ready to leave the office on time, enjoy your personal life, and show up as your best self in all areas, this episode is for you. Share this episode with a fellow corporate baddie then press play to get started with taking the first step towards a more unfuckwithable you!
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024
23 min
Have you ever thought about your health as a bank account? In this episode, you’ll learn why your health is a form of wealth that requires careful investment and saving.
Join in as Brig introduces the life-changing concept of a Health Emergency Fund – a strategic reserve of health and resilience to draw from when faced with life's inevitable health crises.
As we navigate the complexities of our lives, stress often sneaks up on us, masquerading as a swan that's serene above the surface but paddling furiously below.
Tune in as Brig discusses not just the emotional or financial stressors, but the physical ones that accumulate and sometimes catch us off guard with a health crisis. Whether it's an unexpected diagnosis, an accident, or the strain of becoming a caregiver, having a health emergency fund is about preparing your body to withstand the shock.
Press play as Brig guides us on where to start with building your health reserve and understanding how to not only improve our current health but also fortify ourselves for future challenges.
And join in next week for all the details on specific strategies and tools that can empower your journey to robust health.
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
Apr 29, 2024
Apr 29, 2024
27 min
As high achieving black women, we're no strangers to stress, and it's vital we're prepared for those inevitable moments when we're at our wit's end. In this episode Brig dives into a pressing issue that's often whispered about but rarely confronted head-on: the loneliness epidemic.
Despite the bustling world around us, loneliness doesn't discriminate, affecting us in our homes, communities, and especially in workplaces where we often stand alone. This episode is all about building bridges during these times, armed with just a simple, transformative question: "You got eight minutes?"
Tune in to discover the "Eight-Minute Catch Up", a powerful tool inspired by thought leader Simon Sinek, and learn how this strategy can create a lifeline in times of need without feeling burdensome.
Share this episode with your network and start the movement. Implement the "Eight-Minute Catch Up"strategy and send Brig a DM letting her know how it goes - your stories of success and support are what drive this community forward. Together, we can combat loneliness and stress, paving the way for healthier, happier lives.
MENTIONED —
Simon Sinek's, Building Better Bonds Through The "Eight-Minute Catch Up"
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/
Apr 22, 2024
Apr 22, 2024
27 min
In this episode Brig is diving deep into the ways stress acts as an invisible barrier for high-achieving black women, blocking our path to success and leaving us exerting effort without the payoff.
Tune in to learn the difference between stress and stressors, understand why our baseline stress levels are higher, and why that makes us more susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by our big dreams and goals. Discover why attempts to control our environment may actually increase stress and how to navigate the three C's of the nervous system: collapse, conflict, and coherence.
Stress isn't merely a personal inconvenience; it's a systemic issue rooted in societal roles, expectations, and the unique pressures faced by black women. Brig is here to shatter the illusion that stress is something we just have to deal with and instead, offers a revolutionary way to manage, master, and even harness it as a tool for growth.
MENTIONED —
EP. 171 From Stuck to Stellar: How to Leveraging Your Nervous System for Breakthrough Success
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
LET’S GET SOCIAL —
Website - http://brigjohnson.com/