Ordinary To Badass

Marie Sonneman
  • 4.9 (27)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

A podcast for women who are capable—but tired of being overlooked in rooms not built for them. Hosted by Marie Sonneman, a law enforcement lieutenant turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers unfiltered conversations, practical career advice, and leadership strategies for women in predominantly male industries. From quiet confidence to strategic visibility, you’ll hear how women rise without shrinking or burning out—and how to build a life that doesn’t disappear in the process. If you’re ready to be unmistakable at work and protect what matters outside of it, you’re in the right place.

  1. 4D AGO

    430: Confidence isn't a feeling...it's a file Badass Debrief

    Everyone says, “Just be more confident.” ...But no one tells you how confidence actually gets built—especially when you’re a quiet leader in a high-stakes environment. ... In this Badass Debrief, I’m breaking down the real lesson from last week’s conversation with leadership strategist Traci Austin—and translating it into something you can actually use. This episode isn’t a recap. ...It’s the reframe most women miss. ... We’re talking about: Why confidence doesn’t come before opportunity—it comes after evidence How self-doubt shows up when your brain forgets your wins The hidden cost of waiting to “feel ready” Why awareness often feels like insecurity (but is actually executive-level thinking) How to start building confidence without changing who you are ... If you’ve ever thought: “I know I’m capable… but I hesitate” “I freeze when it’s time to speak up” “I need to feel more confident before I go for it” This episode will change how you see yourself—and how you move next. ... 🎯 Plus, I’m giving you one simple action to start building confidence the way leaders actually do: with receipts. And if you want help turning your proof into words—especially in high-stakes conversations at work—I’ll tell you exactly where to go next. ... Because confidence isn’t something you wait for.... It’s something you build on purpose. 👉 Listen now and start trusting what you already know.

    12 min

  2. FEB 9

    429: You’re More Qualified Than You Think—Here’s the Proof

    Think you need one more certification, one more year, or one more sign before you go after the role you want? Think again. In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, I’m joined by leadership coach and HR expert Traci Austin for a powerful conversation about confidence, self-doubt, and why so many high-performing women underestimate their own qualifications. This is real, practical career advice for women in predominantly male industries who are tired of playing small, waiting to feel “ready,” and talking themselves out of opportunities they’ve already earned. From a live coaching role-play to mindset shifts that change everything, Traci breaks down how to separate fear from facts—and start seeing your experience, skills, and leadership potential clearly. ✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Visibility & AdvocacyWe’re talking confidence, self-trust, and using smart career advice to position yourself for growth without becoming someone you’re not. You’ll hear: 🔥 Why self-doubt—not lack of skill—is what keeps women from applying for promotions💡 How to build proof of your impact so you stop questioning your value💬 The simple shift that turns “I’m not ready” into “I’ve got this” If you’ve been searching for honest career advice that actually helps you move forward, advocate for yourself, and step into leadership with confidence—this episode is for you. 🎁 Grab Traci’s Tough Talk Blueprint (link in show notes)💬 DM me on Instagram @ordinarytobadass if this episode hit home⭐ And don’t forget to rate + review—help another badass woman find the career advice she needs All links for this episode can be found in the show notes https://ordinarytobadass.com/429/

    41 min

  3. FEB 2

    428: How to Push Back on Your Boss Without Tanking Your Reputation

    Ever had a moment at work where your heart dropped… your blood started boiling… and you wanted to say something—but didn’t know how without risking your reputation? ... In this episode, Marie shares a real story about finding out in a group meeting that one of her responsibilities had been taken away—without warning. From there, she breaks down why pushing back at work feels so hard for so many women in predominantly male spaces—and how to do it with calm authority instead of apology, emotion, or resentment. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why over-apologizing, emotional dumping, and “silent yeses” hurt your credibility✔️ How to advocate for yourself without sounding defensive or difficult✔️ A simple framework for professional, strategic pushback✔️ What to say when you’re overwhelmed, sidelined, or given unrealistic expectations✔️ How to protect your time, energy, and reputation at the same time If you’ve ever frozen in the moment, replayed a conversation all night, or wished you’d spoken up differently—this episode is for you. You don’t need to be louder.You need better language. Press play and learn how to speak up without blowing things up. 💛 Click here https://stan.store/ordinarytobadass for 8 scripts to push back on your boss.

    24 min

  4. JAN 12

    427: Your Thoughts Are Only Powerful If You Feed Them (Mindset Reset with Lorna Green) Remix

    Most mindset work assumes you need more motivation. Think again. In this remix episode, I’m bringing back one of the most grounding, steadying conversations in the Ordinary to Badass vault—my interview with Lorna Green, a yin yoga teacher and NLP master practitioner who blends science-backed mindset tools with deep self-trust. I’m replaying this episode now because honestly? I almost didn’t record this week. I was tired. Bone tired. And this conversation is the reminder I needed—and maybe you do too. ✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs + Ambition Without Burnout This episode is for the woman who’s: Doing the work but second-guessing herself Mentally exhausted from overthinking everything Trying to lead, grow, and show up without burning herself to the ground You’ll hear Lorna unpack: 🔥 Why your thoughts only have power if you keep feeding them 💡 How to “take your thoughts to court” instead of spiraling 💬 The difference between reacting and responding—and why that matters when you’re tired This isn’t hype. It’s the kind of mindset work that keeps you walking—even with a blister. 🎧 Press play if you need permission to slow the mental noise without shrinking who you are.

    46 min

  5. JAN 5

    426: Becoming More of You (Why You Don’t Need Fixing in 2026)

    Most New Year goal setting assumes you need fixing....New year. New you. Try harder. Do more. ... Nope. We’re not doing that here. ... In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, you'll discover a different kind of reset—one that doesn’t ask you to become someone new, but instead helps you become more of who you already are. ... This conversation is rooted in one core truth:Your next level is already in you. We’re just clearing the noise so she can drive. ... Marie walks through what felt ordinary and what felt badass as she stepped into 2026—from falling into old business patterns, to releasing the pressure to finish everything perfectly, to creating a vision board that finally felt aligned (yes, with a little help from AI and a Walgreens poster print 👀). ... You’ll hear how to: Stop repeating patterns that quietly drain your energy Use a Stop / Continue / Start reset instead of overwhelming goals Build confidence using a Proof Vault—real receipts for the days your brain gets dramatic Reset quarterly instead of waiting until December wondering where the year went Reframe “unfinished” as information—not failure ... This episode is for the woman who: Feels organized but still human Is tired of beating herself up for not doing “enough” Knows she’s capable of more—but wants to access it without burning out ... You don’t need a new personality....You don’t need louder goals....You don’t need to be harder on yourself. ... You just need to become more of you.

    25 min

  6. 12/25/2025

    425: Day 12: Your Adversity Is Your Evidence

    You made it.Day 12 of the 12 Days of Badassery....And today, we’re ending with the truth you’ve proven over and over again…... you are a woman who overcomes adversity. ... In this final episode, Marie walks you through the deepest layer of your confidence: the hardships, losses, trauma, challenges, and long seasons of struggle that shaped who you are today. Adversity leaves a mark — not a weakness, but a ring of growth, like the rings of a tree that tell the story of every storm it survived. ... Inside this episode, you’ll reflect on: ✨ The life-altering challenges you’ve lived through✨ How you navigated long-term struggle and kept going✨ The setbacks you bounced back from — even when it didn’t feel like strength in the moment✨ The moments where criticism, doubt, or failure pushed you to rise✨ The times you endured heartbreak, loss, or major transitions✨ The seasons where you surprised yourself with your resilience ... Marie guides you through powerful journal prompts to help you identify the adversity you’ve already overcome: breakups, financial stress, health challenges, navigating grief, family struggles, friendship loss, heavy emotional seasons, and the difficult chapters that changed you....Because these aren’t just memories — they’re proof. Proof of your endurance. Proof of your courage. Proof of your badassery. ... As Marie says in the episode:...“You’ve been through some hard stuff. And here you are.” ... Today, you bring it all together — the fear you faced, the resilience you built, the expectations you defied, the growth you earned, the boundaries you set, the kindness you gave, and now… the adversity you survived. 📘 Grab your FREE Proof of My Badassery journal and complete your Day 12 reflections:👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12 You are a living, breathing list of accomplishments, courage, and grit....Write it down. Keep adding to it....And never forget the truth you proved over these 12 days:You are a badass.

    10 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    424: Day 11: Your Words Change People — Let’s Acknowledge It

    Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Days of Badassery, and today we’re celebrating a strength most women massively underestimate: ... Your ability to encourage, support, and lift other people up. ... You may not realize it, but your words, your belief in others, and your willingness to cheer someone on can change the entire direction of their life. And that is pure, undeniable badassery. ... In this episode, Marie explores the quiet, powerful ways you’ve already impacted people — from coworkers you’ve uplifted, to friends you’ve supported through hard times, to moments when you saw strength in someone before they saw it in themselves....She also shares her own story of becoming a detective sergeant only because others believed in her before she fully believed in herself. ... Inside today’s reflection, you’ll explore: ✨ Moments you encouraged someone who doubted themselves✨ Times you reassured a friend, coworker, or family member✨ How your support created a ripple effect you may never fully see✨ When your belief in someone gave them the courage to rise✨ Why helping others is one of the fastest ways to get out of your own head ... We also talk about the myth of competition among women — especially at work — and why lifting others up doesn’t diminish you; it strengthens you, your community, and your confidence. Encouragement isn’t small. It’s leadership. It’s connection. And it’s one of the clearest proofs of your badassery. ... Today’s journal prompt invites you to document every time you’ve encouraged someone, supported someone, or made life a little lighter for them. These moments matter. They reveal your character. They show your strength....They remind you that your presence in other people’s lives matters. 📘 Download your FREE Proof of My Badassery Journal at:👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12 You're almost at Day 12.And look at you — you’ve been a badass in more ways than you ever gave yourself credit for.

    9 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    423: Day 10: The Hardest Times Built You — Let’s Finally Acknowledge It

    Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Days of Badassery — and this one goes deep....Today, we’re naming the hard things....Not to relive them… but to finally honor the strength they built in you. ... In this episode, Marie guides you through the challenging moments of your life — the seasons of stress, uncertainty, grief, financial pressure, breakups, parenting struggles, job loss, and the moments you didn’t think you’d get through… but did....Because the truth is:if you’re here listening today, you already survived things past-you didn’t think were possible. Inside this episode, you’ll explore: ✨ The difficult chapters you downplayed or forgot✨ How struggle refined your grit, courage, and emotional strength✨ Why looking back at hard seasons gives you future confidence✨ The lessons each challenge taught you✨ The power of asking for help instead of muscling through✨ How breakthroughs often come after the breakdown Marie shares her own story of training for her first marathon — a challenge so overwhelming she cried during her long run, questioned everything, and almost quit. Yet pushing through that season taught her she was far stronger than she believed… and that asking for support is sometimes the bravest move you can make. ... That’s the heart of today’s work:Your hardest moments shaped you. Your pain taught you. Your challenges built you....It’s time to acknowledge them — not with shame, but with pride. ... Use today’s prompt inside the Proof of My Badassery journal to list the moments where life tested you… and you rose anyway....These are not “just stories.”...They are proof that you are resilient, powerful, and prepared for whatever comes next. 📘 Download your FREE journal at:👉 ordinarytobadass.com/12 Today, we celebrate not the easy wins…...but the mountains you climbed when no one was watching.

    9 min
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4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

A podcast for women who are capable—but tired of being overlooked in rooms not built for them. Hosted by Marie Sonneman, a law enforcement lieutenant turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers unfiltered conversations, practical career advice, and leadership strategies for women in predominantly male industries. From quiet confidence to strategic visibility, you’ll hear how women rise without shrinking or burning out—and how to build a life that doesn’t disappear in the process. If you’re ready to be unmistakable at work and protect what matters outside of it, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Marie Sonneman
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    430
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marie Sonneman
  • Show Website
    Ordinary To Badass