The Beauty in the Mess

Michele Simms

The Beauty in the Mess Podcast is about rewriting your story. You feel like others (or yourself) have boxed you into a specific role, but you know that is not who you truly are. Then it’s time to give yourself permission to start showing up as you are, rewrite your story, and allow yourself to grow. Your mission may be to establish connections to like-minded people, align with your soul’s true desire, reconnect to your faith, overcome fear, find your voice, or restore your health. Regardless, it is time to reclaim who you are and who you were meant to be. Join me, Michele Simms, and let’s take this journey together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 160 You Were Never Meant To Earn Your Worth with Jessica King

    When Survival Becomes Your Personality What if the behaviors you've always thought were simply "who you are" are actually survival strategies you've been carrying since childhood? In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, I sit down with Jessica King, licensed social worker, founder of ElderCARE Collaborative, and creator of No One's Shiny New Toy. Jessica shares how a painful workplace experience became the catalyst for a deeper understanding of self-worth, boundaries, and the hidden ways childhood experiences can shape our adult lives. Together, we explore why so many women become people-pleasers, overachievers, and caregivers at the expense of themselves, how developmental trauma influences our identity, and why breaking unhealthy patterns isn't just about healing ourselves. It's about changing what we pass on to the next generation. Whether you've struggled with burnout, perfectionism, caregiving, or simply wondering who you are beneath everyone else's expectations, this conversation offers hope, validation, and practical encouragement. In This Episode 2:45 – Jessica shares the workplace experience that inspired No One's Shiny New Toy and changed the direction of her life. 7:45 – Why so many women feel they have to earn their worth—and where those beliefs often begin. 10:45 – How childhood experiences can quietly shape our identity, relationships, and adult behaviors. 14:00 – When overachieving, people-pleasing, and perfectionism become part of your identity. 17:00 – Why so many women stay in unhealthy environments—and the emotional cost of constantly putting others first. 20:00 – Imposter syndrome, comparison, and the hidden struggles behind high-achieving women. 22:00 – Caregiving, aging parents, and navigating difficult family dynamics with healthy boundaries. 26:00 – Why boundaries often create guilt—and why guilt doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong. 29:00 – Burnout, nervous system overload, and recognizing the warning signs before your body forces you to slow down. 35:00 – Jessica's powerful "rock" analogy for generational trauma and how we begin breaking unhealthy cycles. 38:00 – Finding purpose, embracing quiet moments, and discovering what truly brings meaning to your life. 41:00 – Why we often stay in comfortable but unhealthy environments—and how fear of the unknown keeps us stuck. 48:30 – Jessica's encouragement for caregivers: everyone deserves a "moment of care"—including you.   ✨Connect with Jessica King: ·        ElderCARE Collaborative: https://eldercarecollaborativepa.care ·        Facebook: ElderCARE Collaborative ·        No One's Shiny New Toy: A speaking platform dedicated to helping women reclaim their worth, embrace their authentic selves, and break generational cycles.                 ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: ·        Website: thebeautyinthemess.com ·        Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess ·        LinkedIn: Michele Simms ·        Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jul 29

    Ep. 159 Success Begins With Leading Yourself with Alan Lazaros

    What does it really take to become a successful leader? In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, Alan Lazaros returns to the show for a conversation that goes beyond motivation and into the practical skills required to build a meaningful life, career, and business. While our first interview focused on Alan's personal journey and the pursuit of fulfillment, this time we explore leadership, self-awareness, resilience, and the habits that separate people who plateau from those who continue to grow. Alan shares lessons from coaching thousands of people around the world, leading a growing team at Next Level University, and learning through both success and failure. We also dive into his unique framework for understanding core wounds and how they influence our confidence, relationships, and leadership styles. Whether you're leading a company, a family, a team, or simply yourself, this conversation offers practical wisdom that can help you grow into the leader your life requires.   In This Episode 2:25 – Alan reflects on the growth of Next Level University and why narrowing the company's focus actually led to greater success. 5:20 – Why so many people hit a ceiling in life and business—and why leadership is the key to breaking through it. 8:00 – Can anyone become a leader? Alan shares what separates great leaders from everyone else. 10:10 – Why leadership is learned through failure, not just books. 12:00 – The three core wounds that influence confidence, relationships, and leadership. 15:45 – The "defective" core wound and how fear of failure limits growth. 19:00 – The "unlovable" core wound, hidden strengths, and learning to lead with courage. 24:30 – The "unwanted" core wound and the importance of moving from independence to interdependence. 29:45 – What Alan has learned from nearly a decade of building a business with his co-founder, Kevin Palmieri. 36:30 – The five skillsets Alan believes every successful person should develop. 44:10 – The human skills AI can never replace. 49:15 – The leadership habits that create lasting success. 54:30 – Alan shares what he would do if he had to start over today. 58:30 – His final encouragement for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their future.   ✨Connect with Alan Lazaros: ·        Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com ·        Next Level University Podcast ·        Instagram: @alazaros88 ·        LinkedIn: Alan Lazaros ·        Facebook: Alan Lazaros                 ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: ·        Website: thebeautyinthemess.com ·        Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess ·        LinkedIn: Michele Simms ·        Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 15

    Ep. 158 Your Story Doesn't Have to Control You with Liz Owens

    What if the story you've believed about yourself for years isn't the whole story?   In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, I'm joined by Liz Owens—certified coach, behavioral strategist, and founder of House of Worthship. Liz shares her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, disordered eating, and the pressure of living up to everyone else's expectations. Through years of personal growth and studying human behavior, she's discovered that while our past shapes us, it doesn't have to dictate our future.   Together, we explore why awareness alone isn't enough to create change, how our identities are often built around survival rather than authenticity, and practical ways to interrupt unhealthy patterns so we can begin living with greater purpose and self-worth.   Whether you've struggled with self-confidence, emotional eating, perfectionism, or simply feeling like you're never enough, this conversation offers practical tools and hope for creating lasting change.   In This Episode 2:30 – Liz shares the experiences that shaped her journey and why she became a behavioral strategist. 9:40 – Why so many of us hide parts of ourselves and perform to meet other people's expectations. 12:00 – Understanding imposter syndrome and the deeper issue of self-worth. 15:00 – How childhood experiences and society both contribute to feelings of unworthiness. 19:30 – The power of empathy and Liz's simple "Notice, Ask, Act" framework for responding instead of reacting. 23:00 – Why self-awareness isn't enough—and how to begin creating lasting behavioral change. 26:30 – Productivity, busyness, and the hidden connection between achievement and self-worth. 29:00 – Why guilt keeps us from resting—and how to reframe it. 33:30 – Building evidence that change is possible through small, intentional actions. 35:30 – How habits are formed, why motivation matters, and practical ways to make healthy choices stick. 42:00 – Celebrating your wins instead of only focusing on your mistakes. 44:30 – Liz shares the mission behind House of Worthship and the importance of finding a supportive community.   ✨Connect with Liz Owens: ·        House of Worthship: https://houseofworthship.com ·        Instagram: @houseofworthship ·        Become a Hausmates Member ·        🎁 Free Pattern Read                 ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: ·        Website: thebeautyinthemess.com ·        Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess ·        LinkedIn: Michele Simms ·        Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 8

    Ep. 157 Pain Doesn't Become Purpose Just Because Time Passes with Keith Dorscht

    What if the biggest challenges in your relationships didn't start with your relationship at all?   In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, I'm joined by marriage and relationship coach Keith Dorscht, who has spent more than 30 years helping couples strengthen their connection and overcome deeply rooted patterns. Drawing from both his professional experience and his own personal journey through childhood trauma and divorce, Keith shares practical insights into why relationships struggle and what it takes to build lasting connection.   Together, we discuss emotional maturity, the lasting impact of childhood experiences, the importance of eye contact and intentional communication, and why healing begins when we're willing to face our pain instead of avoiding it.   Whether you're married, dating, rebuilding after heartbreak, or simply hoping to improve your relationships, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and practical tools you can begin using today.   2:40 – Meet Keith Dorscht and the experiences that shaped his calling 8:55 – How childhood trauma quietly follows us into adult relationships 14:40 – The five stages of emotional maturity and why they matter 18:20 – Common misconceptions about marriage and lasting connection 22:10 – Why couples struggle to communicate without conflict 25:15 – The surprising power of eye contact and non-verbal communication 35:20 – Why healing requires more than simply letting time pass 39:20 – One simple practice that can strengthen any relationship 42:45 – The importance of community and asking for help 45:10 – Keith's Communication Cure and practical resources for couples   ✨Connect with Keith Dorscht: ·        Website: https://keith.coach ·        Learn more about Keith's coaching, webinars, and The Communication Cure by visiting his website ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: ·        Website: thebeautyinthemess.com ·        Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess ·        LinkedIn: Michele Simms ·        Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 1

    Ep. 156 The Behaviors Keeping You Stuck (And How To Change Them) with Debbie Longo

    We all have patterns that shape how we think, respond, and move through life. But what if those patterns are keeping us stuck? In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, Michele sits down with transformational and executive behavioral coach Debbie Longo to discuss how our behaviors, perceptions, and mindset influence everything from our relationships and careers to our emotional well-being. Debbie shares the personal story that led her into coaching after overcoming severe depression and explains why she believes lasting change begins with changing our internal world. Whether you're navigating burnout, struggling with negativity, feeling trapped by old habits, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on personal growth, this conversation will challenge you to think differently.   2:20 – Debbie shares the personal journey that led her into transformational coaching. 7:30 – How our thoughts influence our actions and why mindset matters. 12:10 – Visualization, perception, and preparing your mind for future success. 18:30 – Helping leaders and organizations create healthier workplace cultures. 24:20 – Why changing yourself often changes how you experience everyone around you. 27:20 – Why people often return to old habits, even after making progress. 32:10 – How lasting behavioral change develops and why consistency matters. 36:00 – Can changing your mindset really reduce stress? 39:40 – The similarities between personal coaching and executive coaching. 42:20 – How your environment affects your perception—and how to change it without changing your circumstances. 48:20 – Breaking repetitive life patterns and why we often recreate the same situations. 52:00 – Debbie explains her coaching roadmap and why her goal is to help clients become self-sufficient. 57:20 – Where to learn more about Debbie and her work. 01:05:40 – Shannon's TEDx talk and The Gift of Failure 01:08:40 – Being brave enough to try before you're ready   ✨Connect with Debbie Long: ·        Website: https://debbielongo.com ·        Website(2): https://lifeinbloomny.net ·        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/ ·        Instagram: @debbie.life.in.bloom.ny ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: ·        Website: thebeautyinthemess.com ·        Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess ·        LinkedIn: Michele Simms ·        Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jun 24

    Ep. 155 Brave Enough to Choose Joy with Shannon Donohoe-Simpson

    What if joy isn't something you find after life gets easier?   What if joy is something you choose in the middle of the mess?   In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with TEDx speaker, educator, storyteller, and self-proclaimed "joy bringer" Shannon Donohoe-Simpson. Shannon shares her remarkable journey through childhood trauma, breast cancer, parenting children with unique challenges, divorce, emotional healing, and the life-changing lessons she discovered along the way.   At just 34 years old, Shannon was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer while raising young children and navigating overwhelming life circumstances. What followed wasn't just a healing journey, it was a transformation that challenged everything she believed about success, self-worth, emotions, and what it truly means to live fully.   Together we discuss: ·        Choosing joy when life falls apart ·        The connection between emotional and physical health ·        Childhood trauma and emotional suppression ·        Cancer as a catalyst for transformation ·        People-pleasing and self-abandonment ·        Authenticity and living your truth ·        Parenting through autism and life's challenges ·        Divorce, healing, and rebuilding ·        Why self-care is not selfish ·        The gift of failure and learning to trust yourself ·        Moving emotions through practices like journaling, community, and dance This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing isn't about becoming someone new, it's about reconnecting with whom you've always been beneath the pain, expectations, and stories you've carried.   00:02:40 – Introduction to Shannon and her journey 00:03:40 – The cancer retreat that changed everything 00:05:40 – Speaking publicly about childhood sexual abuse for the first time 00:07:40 – The connection between trauma and physical illness 00:09:40 – Emotional healing, counseling, and finding healthy outlets 00:11:40 – Why dancing became part of Shannon's healing practice 00:13:40 – Emotional suppression and what society teach us about feelings 00:15:40 – Why emotional regulation should be taught in schools 00:18:40 – Breaking free from programming and living authentically 00:21:40 – People-pleasing, resentment, and the cost of ignoring yourself 00:24:40 – The surprising lesson hidden behind chronic foot pain 00:27:40 – Gabor Maté and When the Body Says No 00:29:40 – Why awareness is the first step toward change 00:31:40 – Women's circles, community, and discovering you're not alone 00:34:40 – Filling your own cup without guilt 00:36:40 – Divorce, reflection, and learning from the past 00:39:40 – Cancer, caregiving, and being forced to pause 00:43:40 – The physical effects of stress and emotional overload 00:45:40 – Why joy matters during difficult seasons 00:48:40 – Self-care versus selfishness 00:51:40 – Building daily practices that support healing 00:54:40 – The role of nutrition, movement, and holistic health 00:57:40 – How cancer changed Shannon's perspective on life 01:00:40 – Grief, funerals, and allowing yourself to feel 01:03:40 – Can joy and grief exist together? 01:05:40 – Shannon's TEDx talk and The Gift of Failure 01:08:40 – Being brave enough to try before you're ready   ✨Connect with Shannon Donohoe-Simpson: ·        Website: https://shannondonohoesimpson.com/ ·        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.donohoesimpson ·        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-donohoe-simpson/ ·        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannondonohoesimpson/ ·        YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannondonohoesimpson/videos ·        TEDx Talk: The Gift of Failure ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: ·        Website: thebeautyinthemess.com ·        Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess ·        LinkedIn: Michele Simms ·        Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jun 17

    Ep. 154 What If We've Been Thinking About Stem Cells All Wrong with Dr. Tommy Rhee

    What if the future of healing doesn't involve surgery, lengthy recovery times, or even injections?   In this fascinating conversation, I sat down with Dr. Tommy Rhee, sports chiropractor, regenerative medicine pioneer, former team chiropractor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and author of The Future of Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Rhee has spent years working with elite athletes, helping them recover from injuries and return to peak performance.   After witnessing both the promise and limitations of traditional stem cell therapies, Dr. Rhee began exploring a different approach to regenerative medicine—one focused on cellular signaling rather than live stem cells. His research led to the development of a non-invasive, topical regenerative therapy designed to support healing, recovery, and mobility without injections.   In this episode, we discuss: ·        Regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy ·        Cellular signaling and healing ·        Inflammation and chronic pain ·        Arthritis and joint degeneration ·        Telomeres and aging ·        The risks and realities of stem cell injections ·        Why athletes often recover differently ·        Cortisone injections and long-term consequences ·        The future of non-invasive healing technologies ·        How patients can become better advocates for their own health ·          Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, arthritis, or simply interested in the future of health and longevity, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at where medicine may be headed.   00:02:50 – Introduction to Dr. Tommy Rhee 00:03:50 – Working with elite athletes and discovering regenerative medicine 00:06:00 – How stem cell therapy evolved over the years 00:07:50 – Why Dr. Rhee became interested in alternatives to injections 00:08:50 – Understanding cellular signaling and extracellular vesicles 00:11:00 – How topical regenerative therapies work 00:13:50 – Peptides, exosomes, and the future of signaling medicine 00:14:50 – Arthritis, aging, and declining regenerative signals 00:16:50 – Why our bodies lose healing capacity over time 00:18:50 – Telomeres, longevity, and cellular aging 00:21:00 – The construction-site analogy for healing 00:22:50 – Inflammation, pain, and tissue repair 00:24:50 – Frozen shoulder, scar tissue, and regenerative therapies 00:29:50 – Comparing injections versus topical therapies 00:31:50 – Stem cell tourism and traveling overseas for treatment 00:34:50 – Risks, regulation, and sourcing concerns 00:38:50 – Why some stem cell treatments still work even when cells don't survive 00:42:50 – Cell-free regenerative medicine explained 00:45:50 – Arthritis, cartilage repair, and chronic pain 00:48:50 – How to evaluate regenerative products and treatments 00:51:50 – Cortisone injections and their long-term effects 00:54:50 – Finding the right practitioner for chronic pain 00:57:50 – The future of regenerative medicine 01:00:50 – Developing affordable over-the-counter regenerative products 01:03:50 – What excites Dr. Rhee most about the future of healing   ✨Connect with Dr. Tommy Rhee: RheeGen: https://rheegen.com·        Physical Chiropractic of Tampa Bay: https://physicalchiro.com ·        Book: The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Unlocking the Potential of Topical Stem Cell Therapy ·        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhee.gen ·        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheeGen ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: Website: thebeautyinthemess.comInstagram: @the.beauty.in.the.messLinkedIn: Michele SimmsFacebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jun 10

    Ep. 153 Why Knowing What To Do Isn't Enough with Courtney Townley

    Why is it that so many of us know exactly what we should be doing for our health, but struggle to stay consistent?   In this episode, I sat down with health and self-leadership coach, speaker, podcast host, and author Courtney Townley to explore why lasting health has so much less to do with willpower and so much more to do with self-trust, stress management, and the stories we tell ourselves.   After nearly 30 years in the wellness industry, Courtney has come to believe that most women aren't struggling because they lack information. They're struggling because they're overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and trying to follow health plans that don't fit the reality of their lives.   We discuss:   ·        Why diets and fitness plans often fail long-term ·        the role self-trust plays in behavior change ·        How stress impacts every aspect of health ·        setting boundaries without guilt ·        Midlife hormones and burnout ·        The difference between helpful stress and harmful stress ·        Why perfectionism keeps us stuck ·        How to stop constantly "starting over" ·        Creating realistic habits that actually stick ·        And learning to lead yourself instead of following someone else's plan One of Courtney's most powerful messages is that health isn't a destination you arrive at. It's a direction you choose over and over again.   This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and compassionate reminders for anyone who feels stuck in the cycle of trying, quitting, and starting over.   00:02:50 – Introduction and Courtney's journey from professional dancer to health coach 00:03:50 – Why people want more than diet and exercise 00:05:00 – The problem with traditional weight-loss approaches 00:06:20 – Becoming a mother and redefining health 00:07:40 – Why women struggle to maintain results 00:08:50 – Self-leadership versus following protocols 00:10:00 – Information overload and "infobesity" 00:11:15 – Why women don't trust themselves 00:12:30 – The all-or-nothing mindset trap 00:13:40 – Health as a direction, not a destination 00:15:00 – Getting back on track after setbacks 00:15:50 – Analysis paralysis and taking action 00:16:40 – Self-worth and why so many women feel "not enough" 00:18:15 – Honoring your worth instead of proving it 00:19:00 – The power of keeping a victory log 00:20:30 – Training your brain to recognize wins 00:21:45 – Why the negative sticks and the positive slides away 00:22:50 – Setting boundaries without guilt 00:24:00 – Boundaries as acts of love 00:25:00 – Learning to tolerate other people's discomfort 00:25:45 – The Courage to Be Disliked 00:26:35 – Boundaries with yourself 00:27:30 – Protecting your energy and mental bandwidth 00:30:00 – Defining your personal power statement 00:32:00 – Time management versus energy management 00:35:00 – Family demands, people pleasing, and self-care 00:36:30 – The importance of bare minimum habits 00:39:00 – Midlife, hormones, and stress 00:40:30 – Eustress versus distress 00:42:00 – Removing unnecessary stress from your life 00:43:00 – Chronic stress and long-term health consequences 00:45:00 – Parenting your brain through difficult seasons 00:47:00 – Why self-care benefits everyone around you 00:49:00 – Practicing self-leadership and embracing the mess   ✨Connect with Courtney Townley: Website: https://graceandgrit.com·        Grace & Grit Podcast: https://graceandgrit.com/podcast ·        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegrit The Consistency Code: Coming November 5, 2025 ✨ Connect with Michele Simms: Website: thebeautyinthemess.comInstagram: @the.beauty.in.the.messLinkedIn: Michele SimmsFacebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast 💬 Rate & Review ·        Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a 5-star review and sharing it with a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

The Beauty in the Mess Podcast is about rewriting your story. You feel like others (or yourself) have boxed you into a specific role, but you know that is not who you truly are. Then it’s time to give yourself permission to start showing up as you are, rewrite your story, and allow yourself to grow. Your mission may be to establish connections to like-minded people, align with your soul’s true desire, reconnect to your faith, overcome fear, find your voice, or restore your health. Regardless, it is time to reclaim who you are and who you were meant to be. Join me, Michele Simms, and let’s take this journey together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Michele Simms
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michele Simms
  • Show Website
    The Beauty in the Mess