She Talks Confidence Podcast

Tony Dufresne, PhD

How is it that Women achieve more college degrees and outearn Men in 40% of US households, yet research shows they continue to be significantly less Confident than Men? Even some of the most successful Women continue to struggle with constant Overthinking, Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome. And with the amplified pressures now presented through Social Media Platforms, there is a growing epidemic of Perfectionism with young women and girls. This Confidence Crisis is happening in spite of many advancements Women have made over the last 50 years. Join Girl-Dad and Women’s Empowerment Coach, Dr. Tony Dufresne (PhD) each week as he interviews Empowered Women with Compelling Stories and Valuable Insights into Overcoming those Self-Doubt challenges and obstacles, leading to Building and Maintaining True Confidence. So, if you feel a More Confident YOU would make life for you and the people you care about a WHOLE LOT BETTER…this show is for YOU!

  1. 6d ago

    From Skin Struggles to Self-Acceptance | with Emani Cosmetics Founder, Michelle Doan

    In this episode, “From Skin Struggles to Self-Acceptance,” host Tony Dufresne, PhD sits down with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Vegan Cosmetics. Together, they dive deep into Michelle’s inspiring journey, from surviving a Vietnamese refugee camp and battling cystic acne, to building a global beauty brand and redefining what real confidence means for women, especially as they navigate life’s changes. Michelle shares her wisdom on breaking free from unrealistic beauty standards, rewriting negative self-talk, and developing genuine self-acceptance, proving that confidence comes from the inside out. Three Biggest Takeaways Your Mind is Your Most Powerful Tool “When you give your mind a directive, it goes and finds evidence for that. So if you say you are tired, you're old, you're fat, your mind will constantly find evidence to support that.” Self-Love is an Everyday Practice, Not a Performance True confidence comes from curating compassionate, honest conversations with yourself—not from chasing external validation or perfect appearances. Face Life’s Obstacles as Opportunities Every struggle, including those with your skin or aging, can become a catalyst for resilience, growth, and ultimately greater self-acceptance—as long as you choose to see them that way. To learn more about Michelle Doan and explore Emani’s clean, innovative skincare, visit emani.com, find them on Instagram & Facebook @emanicosmetics, or shop Emani on Amazon. For resources, freebies, or to connect with Tony Dufresne, PhD, head over to theconfidencedoc.com or email tony@theconfidencedoc.com. Time Stamp 00:00 Start 02:00 Social media and self-perception 03:58 Embracing Authentic Self-Worth 08:51 Lessons from early life challenges 10:17 Building confidence through adversity 14:45 Facing menopause changes 18:14 Introducing young teens to cosmetics 19:58 Launching clean sunscreen for kids 23:18 Choosing the right skincare products 29:40 Changing "have to" to "get to" 31:29 Inviting women to connect #mindbodyconnection, #confidence, #practicalconfidence, #performativeconfidence, #self-worth, #socialmediainfluence, #beautystandards, #aging, #menopause, #self-love, #negativeselftalk, #cysticacne

    From Skin Struggles to Self-Acceptance | with Emani Cosmetics Founder, Michelle Doan
  2. Jul 31

    Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: Micro-Actions to Build True Confidence with Nikki Langman

    Welcome to the She Talks Confidence Podcast, where we dive deep into the real challenges and triumphs that shape women’s confidence at work, in relationships, and in life. In today’s powerful episode, host Tony Dufresne, PhD, sits down with international speaker, author of "How to Be a Badass," and creator of the Unbrickable program—Nikki Langman. Nikki unpacks her journey from corporate perfectionist to unshakeable confidence advocate, sharing candidly about the trap of waiting for perfection, the danger of the word "fine," and how taking messy, imperfect action changes everything. Three Big Takeaways: Ban the Word "Fine": When high-achieving women say they are "fine," it usually masks profound stress and the pressure to meet impossible societal superhero expectations. Embrace Being a Beginner: You will never feel completely ready to step up; embracing awkward, imperfect action is the only way to build real self-trust. Vulnerability as a Catalyst: True connection, psychological safety, and leadership strength require dropping the masks and sharing your authentic story. Connect with Nikki Langman: Website: https://www.nikkilangman.com LinkedIn: Nikki Langman Book: Find "How to Be a Badass" at https://www.bookshop.org Connect with the Host: Website: https://www.theconfidencedoc.com Email: tony@theconfidencedoc.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Start  02:00 - Struggling with societal expectations 06:09 - Personal struggle and recovery journey 09:12 - Discussing vulnerability and trust 10:22 - Challenges of Vulnerability in Business 13:30 - Corporate culture and gender dynamics 17:06 - Setting healthy work boundaries 23:11 - Time management and work-life balance 26:14 - Discussing support from trusted friends 30:01 - Building a supportive community 31:08 - Contact info and coaching options

    Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: Micro-Actions to Build True Confidence with Nikki Langman
  3. Jul 21

    How to Break Free from People Pleasing & Reclaim Your Confidence | Quantum Healing Insights

    In this inspiring episode, host Tony Dufresne, PhD is joined by Leanne Sheargold, a leading quantum healer and trauma specialist who empowers women to break free from the cycles of people-pleasing, self-doubt, and hidden trauma. Leanne opens up about her own life-changing journey of overcoming chronic people-pleasing, culminating in a dramatic health crisis that forced her to put herself first and learn the radical importance of self-care, boundaries, and self-worth. Together, they explore what it really takes to step beyond surface-level fixes and address the deep, energetic roots of confidence struggles that so many women face whether juggling motherhood, careers, or healing from childhood wounds. Discover actionable tools, quantum healing visualizations, and honest conversations about the guilt women carry when caring for themselves, why mindset work sometimes isn’t enough, and how to finally reclaim your inner sovereignty. Three Big Takeaways The Root Cause of Self-Doubt: Surface-level mindset work often fails because chronic self-doubt and limiting beliefs stem from unhealed childhood or teenage seeds trapped in the subconscious. Listening to the Body: True healing requires connecting back to the physical body and learning to interpret its signals, rather than masking symptoms with quick fixes like medication. Stopping the People-Pleasing Cycle: Over-giving and acting as a doormat drains your life force; true confidence begins only when you make the intentional choice to fill your own bucket first. Connect with Leanne Sheargold: Pure Gold Holistic and Wellbeing (click here) Connect with Tony Dufresne, PhD: Website: theconfidencedoc.com Email: tony@theconfidencedoc.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Start and Overcoming childhood self-doubt 03:21 - Connecting with Body Through Energy 06:31 - Learning mind-body connection 12:28 - Learning self-care and boundaries 13:59 - Supporting women through active listening 16:58 - Not being ready for therapy 21:06 - Practicing grounding and visualization 24:04 - Contact and show notes info Keywords:#Confidence #QuantumHealing #PeoplePleasing #SelfWorth #TraumaHealing #MindBodyConnection #WomenEmpowerment #SheTalksConfidence #InnerSovereignty

    How to Break Free from People Pleasing & Reclaim Your Confidence | Quantum Healing Insights
  4. Jul 16

    Stop Letting Your Job Title Define Your Self-Worth | with Urmi Hossain

    Welcome to the She Talks Confidence Podcast! Are you tired of feeling like your entire identity is wrapped up in your career? Do you struggle with the constant pressure to please others, or find yourself asking, "What will people say?" In this episode, host Tony Dufresne, PhD sits down with financial professional, author, and women's advocate Urmi Hossain to dismantle the corporate identity trap. Urmi shares her raw, personal journey of navigating high-stakes corporate finance, breaking free from traditional South Asian cultural expectations of being the "obedient girl," and how to leverage your "5-to-9" to build a portable personal brand and reclaim your true self-worth. If you’re ready to stop letting a job title define your value and start living unapologetically, this episode is a must-watch! The 3 Biggest Takeaways 1. Your Corporate Identity is a Trap: Relying 100% on a job title for your self-worth is highly risky in an unpredictable economy. Your personal brand is your most valuable, portable asset. It travels with you no matter where you go. 2. Embrace the "9-to-5 and 5-to-9" Lifestyle: True fulfillment doesn't have to come from your day job or immediately replace your income. Use your "5-to-9" space to pursue simple hobbies, community advocacy, or creative outlets that feed your soul without the pressure of making money to survive. 3. Auditing the "What Will People Say?" Script: Unshakable confidence begins when you stop conducting your life based on society’s or family's opinions. Reclaim your voice, set strict boundaries, and build a "tribe" of confident people who lift you up. Connect with Urmi Hossain: LinkedIn: Click Here Book: "Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle" (Amazon link) Podcast: Stories Beyond Borders (youtube link) Connect with Tony Dufresne, PhD: Website: theconfidencedoc.com Email: tony@theconfidencedoc.com YouTube Channel: @theconfidencedoc #SheTalksConfidence #WomenEmpowerment #PersonalBranding #SelfWorth #CorporateBurnout #ConfidenceCoaching #boundarysetting Timestamp 00:00 Start 02:00 Realizing the importance of personal identity 04:38 Finding purpose beyond work 07:41 Balancing passion with practicality 11:05 Discussing cultural obedience norms 14:57 Building Confidence and Self-Perception 18:33 Building a personal brand 20:45 Importance of Personal Storytelling

    Stop Letting Your Job Title Define Your Self-Worth | with Urmi Hossain
  5. Jul 6

    From Survival to Sanctuary: How Food and Confidence Transformed My Life, with Lisa Parda

    Do you feel like your home and kitchen are just another set of tasks on your to-do list? For many high-achieving women, the kitchen has become a battleground of diet culture, perfectionism, and stress. In this episode of the She Talks Confidence Podcast, host Tony Dufresne, PhD sits down with real estate brokerage owner and cookbook author Lisa Parda to discuss how she reclaimed her identity and found her sanctuary by redefining her relationship with food. From breaking free of restrictive diet culture to learning that cooking can be an act of self-love rather than a chore, Lisa offers a roadmap for moving from "survival mode" to truly thriving. Three Big Takeaways: Letting Go to Grow: Lisa shares how releasing outdated roles and obligations creates the necessary space for new opportunities to flow into your life. Redefining Your "Sanctuary": Your kitchen doesn't need to be perfect to be a source of joy. Learn how shifting your mindset from "maintenance" to "nourishment" can transform your daily environment. Prioritizing Personal Pleasure: Whether it’s cooking for yourself or simplifying your routines, prioritizing your own needs in the kitchen is a vital act of self-worth that ripples out into every other area of your life. Connect with Lisa Parda: Cookbook: My Love Language is Food on Amazon (click here) Podcast/Radio: Listen to "Lisa and Robin on the Mic" on all major streaming platforms (lisa-and-robyn-on-mic). About the Host: Tony Dufresne, PhD is a coach and speaker dedicated to helping high-achievers stop the cycle of self-doubt and start owning their story. Work with Tony: theconfidencedoc.com Email: tony@theconfidencedoc.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Dealing with body dysmorphia 07:21 - Midlife transition and challenges 12:26 - Letting go of the old to make space for the new 15:21 - The journey of publishing "My Love Language is Food" 23:07 - Ditching perfectionism and embracing joy 26:31 - How to prioritize yourself in the kitchen 30:37 - Closing advice on self-worth #Confidence #SelfWorth #LisaParda #SheTalksConfidence #FoodFreedom #MindsetMatters #MidlifeReinvention

    From Survival to Sanctuary: How Food and Confidence Transformed My Life, with Lisa Parda
  6. Jun 7

    Reclaiming Your Identity: How to Silence Quiet Friction & Trust Yourself

    Reclaiming Your Identity: How to Silence Quiet Friction & Trust Yourself with Melanie Shires | She Talks Confidence Podcast Do you have the success, the career, and the accolades, but still feel an underlying sense of dissatisfaction? You aren't alone. In this episode of the She Talks Confidence Podcast, host Tony Dufresne, PhD sits down with Inner Authority Architect Melanie Shires to unpack the "quiet friction" that high-achieving women experience when their external reality doesn't match their internal truth. If you’re tired of the "performative hustle" and ready to stop outsourcing your self-worth, this conversation is your roadmap to getting back in the driver's seat of your own life. In this episode, we explore: Understanding "Quiet Friction": Why feeling "empty" despite success is a signal to pause, not a sign that you need to do more. Breaking the Performance Loop: How to stop chasing external validation and start leading from your own inner authority. Defining Your Season of Becoming: Why the version of success that got you here might not be the one that fulfills you now. Boundaries & Burnout: Why high-achieving women often take on the "double burden" of proof and how to set boundaries that stick. Tools for Integration: Moving from knowing what you need to actually embodying it through daily rituals and intentionality. Connect with Melanie Shires: Website & Living Room Talks: positivelymelanie.com Join the Inner Authority Reset Experience: positivelymelanie.com About the Host: Tony Dufresne, PhD is a coach and speaker dedicated to helping high-achievers stop the cycle of self-doubt and start owning their story. Work with Tony: theconfidencedoc.com Email: tony@theconfidencedoc.com Timestamps: 00:00 - The trap of the "performative hustle" 06:03 - Reconnecting with your Inner Authority 08:09 - Why high-achievers struggle with imposter syndrome 13:09 - Midlife burnout: Why "on-paper" success isn't enough 16:38 - Moving from awareness to daily embodiment 21:21 - The truth about growth and discomfort 25:43 - Redefining your identity and reclaiming your path 30:37 - How to join the Inner Authority Reset Experience #Confidence #InnerAuthority #PerformativeHustle #WomenInLeadership #SheTalksConfidence #SelfTrust #GrowthMindset

    Reclaiming Your Identity: How to Silence Quiet Friction & Trust Yourself
  7. Jun 3

    How to Build Real Confidence: Why 'Success' Isn’t Enough with Sensi Graves

    How to Build Real Confidence: Why "Success" Isn’t Enough with Sensi Graves | She Talks Confidence Podcast Do you have the success, the career, and the achievements, but still feel an empty disconnect inside? You are not alone. In this episode of the She Talks Confidence Podcast, host Tony Dufresne, PhD sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and former professional kiteboarder Sensi Graves to uncover the truth about what it really takes to feel "enough." Sensi opens up about the raw reality behind the "polished" life of a pro athlete and entrepreneur, sharing how she navigated imposter syndrome even while reaching the top of her field. Together, we break down why external validation will never satisfy your internal need for worth, and how you can start building grounded, lasting confidence today. In this episode, we cover: Why chasing "more" success often masks a lack of internal self-worth. How to break the "moving carrot" cycle of needing constant external validation. Why "micro-shifts" and daily habits are more powerful than any one "big event." The brave journey of letting go: How closing a long-term business can open space for your true purpose. Practical tools to identify your "why," conduct a life inventory, and stop perfectionism in its tracks. Connect with Sensi Graves: Website: sensigraves.com Instagram: instagram.com/sensigraves Explore her coaching and courses: sensigraves.com/coaching About the Host: Tony Dufresne, PhD is a coach and speaker dedicated to helping high-achievers stop the cycle of self-doubt and start owning their story. Work with Tony: The Confidence Doc Email: tony@theconfidencedoc.com Website: theconfidencedoc.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Sensi’s journey to self-discovery 05:42 - The trap of chasing external validation 08:20 - The power of introspection and micro-shifts 11:28 - Realignment: Prioritizing life and business during crisis 15:09 - The "Sunk Cost" fallacy and knowing when to quit 17:35 - Finding your "Why" in business 20:04 - Taking inventory: The Wheel of Life exercise 23:02 - Rewiring childhood beliefs and limiting stories 27:09 - Final advice on building your supportive tribe #Confidence #SelfWorth #SensiGraves #SheTalksConfidence #HighAchievers #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth

    How to Build Real Confidence: Why 'Success' Isn’t Enough with Sensi Graves
  8. May 12

    I Turned a $500 Loan Into a Million-Dollar Empire

    Welcome to the She Talks Confidence Podcast. Today we are doing a Reality Audit on the ultimate 'Self-Improvement' journey. How do you go from being a broke immigrant selling shoes on Madison Avenue to owning a multimillion-dollar beauty empire? You start by recognizing that it is "Too costly to be insecure." In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jane Harris, the founder of The Virgin Hair Fantasy. Jane didn't have special connections or millions in seed funding. She had a $500 loan from her boyfriend, no hair school training, and an unshakeable belief that she deserved the best. This is not a story about wigs; it is a masterclass in betting on yourself, mastering manifestation through action, and redefining success on your own terms. Whether you are struggling with confidence at work, starting a business with no resources, or simply need to reclaim your self-worth, Jane's message will inspire you to walk your own walk. Key Confidence Takeaways: Confidence is a Skill, Not a Gift (1:21): Jane discusses turning down high-paying jobs early in her career because she didn't believe she "deserved" them. If you aren't on the journey of acquiring the skill of confidence, you will lose opportunities. Manifestation Requires 'Walking the Walk' (9:03): True transformation isn't just about thinking positive thoughts. Jane breaks down the difference between 'wishful thinking' and actionable manifestation where success requires both a delusional optimism and practical, high-stakes steps. The High Cost of Insecurity (22:08): If you don't quickly acquire confidence, it will cost you in your career, your finances, and your relationships. If you're in a terrible relationship because you don't think you deserve better, you need a Mental Audit today. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Start: Discovering the Need - The Madison Avenue "Confidence Gap" 03:38 - Starting with $500 and zero technical hair skills (YouTube U) 08:13 - Overcoming tough financial seasons (the near-bankruptcy that fueled momentum) 13:05 - Gaining Confidence vs Gaining Sales: When my confidence doubled, my sales doubled. 19:46 - Building a Customer-Centric Business based on real connection. 22:40 - The first step to self-worth (Recommended Reading list). 26:11 - Jane's Challenge: Learn to wear your wig better. Join the Community Challenge! Jane invites you to join her FREE 'Wear Your Wig Better' Challenge. Whether you're new to wigs or want to perfect your style, learn directly from Jane at https://thevirginhairfantasy.com. Connect with our Guest: Jane Harris / The Virgin Hair Fantasy 🌐 Website: thevirginhairfantasy.com 📸 Instagram: @thevirginhairfantasy 📺 YouTube: @thevirginhairfantasy Connect with your Host: Tony Dufresne, PhD / The Confidence Doc 🌐 Website: www.theconfidencedoc.com Work with Tony: Map out your next Reality Audit at tonydufresne.com Follow Tony on all platforms for your Monday morning confidence reset! Confidence Books Recommended in this Episode: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind – Joseph Murphy The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle Surrounded by Idiots – Tony Dufresne, PhD Thank you for listening! Remember to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a woman who needs a reminder that she is worthy of a million-dollar life. #ConfidenceDoc #WomenEntrepreneur #Manifestation #SelfWorth #ImmigrantStory #StartingABusiness #TheVirginHairFantasy

    I Turned a $500 Loan Into a Million-Dollar Empire
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

How is it that Women achieve more college degrees and outearn Men in 40% of US households, yet research shows they continue to be significantly less Confident than Men? Even some of the most successful Women continue to struggle with constant Overthinking, Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome. And with the amplified pressures now presented through Social Media Platforms, there is a growing epidemic of Perfectionism with young women and girls. This Confidence Crisis is happening in spite of many advancements Women have made over the last 50 years. Join Girl-Dad and Women’s Empowerment Coach, Dr. Tony Dufresne (PhD) each week as he interviews Empowered Women with Compelling Stories and Valuable Insights into Overcoming those Self-Doubt challenges and obstacles, leading to Building and Maintaining True Confidence. So, if you feel a More Confident YOU would make life for you and the people you care about a WHOLE LOT BETTER…this show is for YOU!