Messy on Purpose

Fylisha Kruse

Messy on Purpose is where we talk about the parts no one posts—the real, uncomfortable moments that actually shape who we are. Hosted by Fylisha, with Lee joining as producer and co-host, Messy on Purpose is a mix of raw co-host conversations, guest interviews, and global perspectives. This podcast is about ownership, awareness, and choosing growth without pretending life is perfect. We all have a mess. What matters is how we face it. Let’s be messy. Let’s be real. Let’s grow—on purpose.

  1. 9 FEB

    #63: 😥 Why Burnout Looks Different for Everyone w/ Ashleigh Grave

    Burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart. Sometimes it looks like still functioning… just without feeling alive. In this episode of Messy on Purpose, I sit down with Ashleigh Grave—holistic nutritionist, author of Navigating Dementia Together, and burnout recovery guide for high-achieving women—to talk about what burnout really looks like when you’ve been pushing for far too long. Ashleigh shares her own journey of living in burnout for years, and what it took to finally find her way back to feeling human again. That lived experience is exactly what shaped her work today—helping driven, capable women recognize burnout early and rebuild from it sustainably. We unpack: Why burnout looks different for everyone The quiet signs people often ignore until it’s too late How high-achieving women normalize exhaustion Why burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a nervous system issue Practical, compassionate ways to recover and prevent it This conversation isn’t about hustle culture fixes or “just take a vacation” advice. It’s about listening to your body, understanding your unique stress patterns, and learning how to support yourself before burnout takes more than it gives. If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll rest later,” If success feels heavier than it should, If you’re functioning—but not really living— this episode is your permission to pause, reflect, and choose a different way forward. Because healing from burnout isn’t about doing more. It’s about learning how to be again. Special Offer for Messy On Purpose Podcast Listeners: If you are feeling the physical and emotional toll of chronic stress, Ashleigh is offering a limited number of free 15-minute Burnout Recovery & Nervous System Assessments.Listeners of this show who join her 3-Phase Recovery Program can access exclusive tiered pricing: Pay-In-Full Bonus: Save 20% when you commit to the full 24-week journey upfront.Phase-by-Phase: Save 10% on your first 8-week phase when paid in full.Book your assessment here: 15 Minute Burnout Recovery and Nervous System Assessment (Mention this podcast during your call to lock in your preferred rate.)

    46 min
  2. 26 JAN

    #61: 📖 Turning Life Into Chapters (Not Excuses) w/ Roy Black

    What happens when a chef decides it’s time to tell his story? In this episode of Messy on Purpose, I sit down with Roy Black—chef, podcast host of Sippin’ and Trippin’, and now first-time author—to talk about what it really looks like to turn your life into a book before you feel fully “ready.” Roy opens up about: What inspired him to finally write his first book The emotional experiences from his life that shaped the story The writing process—what surprised him and what tested him The hidden costs of writing and publishing that nobody warns you about Why telling your story is as vulnerable as it is powerful We also pull back the curtain on podcasting—the work, consistency, and discipline it actually takes to build and maintain a show people connect with. It’s not just hitting record; it’s showing up, again and again. And of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without talking about food. Roy shares his long-term dream of launching his own food truck, what that vision looks like, and why some dreams take time to simmer before they’re ready to serve. This episode is about:🔥 Creating before you feel qualified🔥 Betting on yourself without guarantees🔥 Turning life experience into legacy🔥 And learning that the mess is usually where the story starts If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, starting a podcast, launching a food venture—or simply putting your story out into the world—this conversation will hit home. Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do…is start telling your story while you’re still living it.

    1h 13m
  3. 19 JAN

    #60: 🎥 When Martial Arts Meets Movie Magic w/ Anthony Giovanni Elias

    What does it really take to make a fight scene look believable on screen? In this episode of Messy on Purpose, I sit down with Anthony Giovanni Elias—martial arts expert, actor, and stunt professional—to break down the fascinating intersection of martial arts and film. From teaching actors how to move for the camera to understanding why the most realistic move isn’t always the right move on screen, Anthony gives a behind-the-scenes look at the craft that most audiences never think about. We talk about: The difference between real martial arts and cinematic martial arts Why “correct” technique doesn’t always translate on film Training actors to sell impact, emotion, and story—not just strikes What it’s really like working in the film industry as a martial arts expert How choreography, angles, timing, and safety shape every fight scene This episode gets even better when Lee Cummings joins the conversation—turning what started as a creative discussion into an unexpected bromance. Two filmmakers, two very different paths, one shared obsession with storytelling, film, and making things look damn good on camera. What unfolds is a raw, nerdy, energetic conversation about:🎬 Film sets and creative collaboration🥋 Action storytelling🎥 Why chaos often creates the best art🤝 How creative connection can turn strangers into lifelong collaborators This episode is proof that some of the best conversations—and partnerships—happen when you bring passionate people into the same room and let the mess unfold. If you love film, martial arts, behind-the-scenes industry talk, or creative energy that turns into something bigger—you don’t want to miss this one.

    1h 17m
  4. 12 JAN

    #59: 🌺 Choosing Yourself Was the Hardest Part w/ Andreea Tanase

    What if your turning point doesn’t look inspiring… but it saves your life? In this deeply honest episode of Messy on Purpose, I sit down with Andreea Tanase, founder of Heal Thrive Prosper, to talk about what healing really looks like when you’ve lived in survival mode for most of your life. Andreea shares her story of surviving childhood emotional abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence—and how years of over-giving, people-pleasing, and staying quiet “to keep the peace” nearly cost her everything. In 2017, a violent episode landed her in the hospital, and that night became her turning point. Not a glamorous one. Not a polished one. But a real one. From there, the journey was messy. Painfully messy. We talk about: How survival patterns are formed—and why they repeat until we change them The cost of staying silent and abandoning yourself to feel safe Why healing takes real work, especially in your hardest moments Learning to rebuild self-worth after trauma Breaking cycles instead of reliving them Why you don’t need to be “healed enough” to choose more for yourself Andreea explains how healing isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about remembering who you were before the world taught you to forget. Through her work, she now helps high-functioning women step out of survival mode and reclaim self-worth as a non-negotiable birthright, not something that has to be earned. This episode is a reminder that:✨ Your healing won’t be linear✨ Your story doesn’t have to be pretty to be powerful✨ You don’t need permission to choose yourself✨ Small, imperfect, honest decisions can rebuild an entire life If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same patterns, questioning why things keep repeating—or wondering if it’s too late to start over—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is quietly choose yourself… one honest decision at a time.

    1h 4m
  5. 5 JAN

    #58: 🤑 Trust, Truth, and $1M Worth of Proof with Leela Black

    What happens when you stop betraying your intuition — and finally act on what you know? In this unapologetically bold episode of Messy on Purpose, I sit down with Leela Black, a powerhouse entrepreneur and advocate for women backing their inner knowing — even when it costs them comfort, approval, or relationships. Leela shares the real, messy truth of her journey: Walking away from her mum, her church, and her in-laws Choosing herself when it felt terrifying Acting on intuition instead of waiting for permission Building a business rooted in resonance, truth, and self-trust Turning over $100K after walking away — and $1M in revenue years later This isn’t a story about overnight success.It’s about acting before the evidence shows up. We talk about: Why intuition isn’t “woo” — it’s data How projections from others keep people small What resonance really means in business and life Speaking truth to yourself so you can speak it freely everywhere else Why confidence is built through action, not affirmation How going ALL IN gives others permission to rise too Leela is bold, passionate, and refreshingly honest about the decisions that shaped her confidence and success. Her story is proof that when you stop outsourcing your truth and start acting on your knowing, everything expands — personally, professionally, and energetically. This episode is a reminder:✨ You don’t need more validation.✨ You don’t need permission.✨ You need to trust yourself — and move. If you’ve been feeling the pull to go all in but fear has been louder than your intuition… this one’s for you.

    1h 8m
  6. 29/12/2025

    #57: 🍩 Breaking the Patterns You Didn’t Choose w/ Siah Fried

    Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook — until it does. In this powerful episode of Messy on Purpose, I sit down with Siah Fried, parent coach, health educator, and family wellness advocate, for an honest conversation about breaking generational patterns while raising children in real time. Siah grew up in a family where eating disorders, dieting, overachieving, and self-criticism were normalized — across three generations. When she started seeing those same patterns show up in her own daughter, something clicked:the cycle had to end with her. This episode isn’t about perfect parenting.It’s about honest parenting. Together, we talk about: What it looks like to heal your own wounds while parenting How pressure, achievement culture, and body image issues quietly pass through generations Why awareness matters more than “doing everything right” How to shift from fear-based parenting into curiosity and connection Supporting kids’ mental health around food, body image, anxiety, and performance Letting go of perfection and choosing compassion — for your kids and yourself With over 20 years of experience teaching health and nutrition in clinical and educational settings, Siah blends science and soul through her evidence-based Move FORWARD™ coaching framework, helping families create calmer, more connected homes — without the overwhelm. This conversation normalizes the mess.Because healing doesn’t mean getting it right every time — it means doing things intentionally, compassionately, and with awareness. 🔗 Connect with Siah Fried 🌐 Website: https://siahfriedcoaching.mykajabi.com/📧 Email: siah_fried@yahoo.com📸 Instagram: @siahfriedcoach 📅 Schedule a FREE 30-minute complimentary call:Find out how you can work together to support your family’s mental health and well-being. 📚 Siah’s Parenting Guidebooks (Available on Amazon and her website — short, practical, and evidence-based) 📘 Redefining Success for Every Child: The Family, Flow & Fit Approach to Achieving Personal BestA roadmap for raising resilient, whole human beings — not just achievers by society’s standards. This book helps families nurture balance, well-being, and personal growth aligned with their values. 📗 This Stops Now: Shattering the Pattern of Perfection, Pressure, and Parenting on OverdriveA powerful companion guide that helps families step out of comparison and overachievement culture, offering practical activities and reflections to build connection, clarity, and calm. 💬 One parent shared: “I had so many parenting books gathering dust on my shelf, but this one was totally different. It’s short, impactful, and incredibly practical. I started using the strategies immediately — and even other caregivers picked it up and started applying them too.”

    1h 17m

About

Messy on Purpose is where we talk about the parts no one posts—the real, uncomfortable moments that actually shape who we are. Hosted by Fylisha, with Lee joining as producer and co-host, Messy on Purpose is a mix of raw co-host conversations, guest interviews, and global perspectives. This podcast is about ownership, awareness, and choosing growth without pretending life is perfect. We all have a mess. What matters is how we face it. Let’s be messy. Let’s be real. Let’s grow—on purpose.