Speak Shame with Dr Connie Kerali

Dr Connie Kerali

Hello Remarkable Woman, have you ever been silenced by shame? Have you ever believed that you’re not enough? Do you believe that you're unworthy of love or belonging? Are these beliefs holding you back in your personal or professional life? If this sounds like you, then you’re in the right place. Speak Shame with me, Dr Connie Kerali, - medical doctor, life coach & survivor of sexual violence - is a collection of expert insights on how to rediscover your self-worth, as well as inspiring conversations with remarkable women who have faced and overcome adversity. By sharing their stories, my hope is that you may find strength, connection, and hope in your own journey, and that shame itself loses its power. So, sit back, relax, and don't forget to like and subscribe to the show.

  1. "No One Is Coming to Save Me": Sacha Hughes on Grief, Self-Sabotage & Finding Her Voice

    May 4

    "No One Is Coming to Save Me": Sacha Hughes on Grief, Self-Sabotage & Finding Her Voice

    "Where is this guy? I want to be rescued. And then I realised: No one is coming to save me." In Episode 31 of Speak Shame, author Sacha Hughes shares her journey from self-sabotage to self-love and how she turned her pain into a published novel.  When Sacha was 24, her mum died of cancer. She turned to Pinot Grigio to numb the grief. For years, she believed Mr. Right would rescue her from the depths of despair. When that marriage ended in divorce, she had a choice: sink or rise.  She chose to rise.  What you'll hear:  ·      Growing up as the shy, anxious youngest of four already carrying the belief "I'm not good enough"  ·      How her mother's death sent her into a decade of self-sabotage, numbing with drugs & alcohol, and searching for rescue  ·      The moment she realised: "This breakdown is going to become my breakthrough"  ·      Five years of reading spiritual books while her children slept, absorbing Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle  ·      The Shirley Valentine moment that sparked her debut novel  ·      Her advice: "Stop leaning into the hurt. Start leaning into the lessons."  Sacha's message: You are responsible for your life. No one is coming to save you. Put on your own superhero cape and become your own heroine.  If you've been waiting for rescue, if you're stuck in self-sabotage, if you feel like a fraud in your own life, this conversation is for you.  Topics covered: grief and loss, self-sabotage, numbing with drugs and alcohol, people pleasing, imposter syndrome, spiritual awakening, divorce recovery, turning pain into purpose, finding your voice, writing as healing 📖 Get Sacha's book: Love, Grief, and More Sex Than Pinot 📲 Connect with Sacha: Instagram @SachaHughes | SachaHughes.com | Facebook 01:17 Meet Sacha Hughes 02:00 Chapter One Childhood 04:51 Losing Mum and Coping 06:48 Marriage Divorce Turning Point 07:36 Healing Books and Meaning 08:39 Holiday Spark Writing Begins 09:43 Becoming an Author 12:50 Advice for Feeling Stuck 15:54 Getting Visible and Connecting 17:31 Where to Find Sacha 18:24 Key Takeaways and Self Rescue 20:15 Shame Themes and Identity 22:13 Remarkable Woman Tribute GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    24 min
  2. "I Felt Like I Was Faking It": Rachel Hartigan on Journalism & Female Ambition

    Apr 22

    "I Felt Like I Was Faking It": Rachel Hartigan on Journalism & Female Ambition

    "You don't have to explain your ambition. You can just be ambitious." In episode 30 of Speak Shame, journalist and author Rachel Hartigan shares her journey from feeling like an imposter in journalism to writing a book that unravels one of history's greatest mysteries: Amelia Earhart's disappearance. Rachel spent 12 years at National Geographic covering everything from genetic potatoes to the long road to women's suffrage. But it was two expeditions to a remote Pacific island – searching for traces of Amelia Earhart – that led her to write Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life.  What you'll hear:  ·      How Rachel found her way into journalism (hint: her dad handed her a magazine)  ·      Why she felt like she was "faking it" for years and when that changed  ·      What she learned about storytelling from writing 200-word pieces on genetic potatoes  ·      The moment she realised she could write a book  ·      Why Amelia Earhart refused to explain her ambition and what that means for women today  ·      Rachel's advice to her younger self: "Stop wasting energy on insecurity. Just try." Rachel's message: You don't have to justify what you want to do. Men don't have to explain themselves so why should we? If you're a writer, journalist, or woman tired of over-explaining your ambition, this conversation is for you. Topics covered: journalism career path, imposter syndrome, National Geographic, Amelia Earhart mystery, female ambition, writing a book, not apologising for your goals, women in history 📖 Get Rachel's book: Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life  🌐 Connect with Rachel: RachelHartiganAuthor.com; Instagram: @RJ_Hartigan  01:12 Meet Rachel Hartigan 02:16 Origin Story: Reader 03:46 Finding Journalism Path 08:00 Owning Journalist Identity 10:06 National Geographic Curiosity 13:25 Lessons as a Reporter 16:37 Amelia Earhart Expeditions 20:25 Why Earhart Still Matters 25:42 Ambition Without Apology 28:23 Next Book Ideas 29:37 Advice for Aspiring Writers 31:25 Words to Younger Self 32:31 Where to Find Rachel 33:38 Remarkable Woman Inspiration GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    36 min
  3. From "Obsolete" to Unstoppable: Jennifer Schroeder Exposes Workplace Age Bias

    Apr 8

    From "Obsolete" to Unstoppable: Jennifer Schroeder Exposes Workplace Age Bias

    In this inspiring episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali interviews Jennifer Schroeder, who at 58 was told her skills were “obsolete” and faced systemic age bias after hundreds of rejections. Jennifer recounts a planned 15-minute meeting where she was threatened with a performance improvement plan or severance, describing shock, shame, anger, and an out-of-body feeling, followed by months of replaying the event and noticing earlier signs like being excluded from meetings. Needing income, she tried various jobs while recovering for 12–18 months. She later posted videos on LinkedIn and TikTok, sparking thousands of responses from others experiencing similar discrimination, and grew The Unobsolete to support both HR leaders and professionals. Her key advice is to pay attention, document workplace issues, and remember you are not powerless or obsolete.   01:14 Introducing Jennifer Schroeder 03:21 A Career Turned Upside Down 04:43 Shock and Out of Body 06:27 The Walk of Shame 08:51 Red Flags in Hindsight 11:50 Aftermath at Home 15:11 Rebuilding After the Blow 18:49 Birth of The Unobsolete 20:48 Stories From the Community 23:17 Turning Posts Into a Mission 26:59 Practical Survival Advice 29:48 Where to Find Jennifer 30:39 Purpose From Pain 31:48 Not Powerless 33:27 A Remarkable Woman Tribute   JENNIFER SCHROEDER Linkedin: Jennifer Schroeder TikTok: @TheUnobsolete Instagram: @TheUnobsolete YouTube: Coming Soon GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    36 min
  4. The Mixed Race Experience: Dr. Jenn on Identity Shame & Finding Belonging

    Mar 26

    The Mixed Race Experience: Dr. Jenn on Identity Shame & Finding Belonging

    In this episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali is joined by Dr. Jenn (Jennifer Noble), a licensed psychologist and parent coach specialising in children, teens, identity development, and the mixed-race population, and founder of Free to Be Collective. Dr Jenn shares her early life in Santa Monica shaped by diversity and international travel, and discusses her own mixed-race identity (African American and Sri Lankan Tamil) and how being read as Black influenced her understanding of perception and identity. She describes recognising a gap when mixed-race adults at community events revealed they had never processed identity with their parents, often feeling shame and pressure to choose one “box.” Dr Jenn explains her work helping parents understand the “third” mixed-race experience, increase intentional cultural exposure, and support adolescents navigating appearance, belonging, and assumptions. She highlights how societal expectations create shame and names Wangarī Maathai as a key inspiration. 00:00 Mixed Race Identity Gap 00:33 Meet Dr Connie Kerali 01:09 Introducing Dr. Jenn 02:47 Chapter One: Origins 04:55 Finding Her Purpose 08:27 The Need She Saw 11:30 Coaching Parents Basics 13:49 Cultural Exposure Matters 16:53 Sade and Self Freedom 19:40 Advice for Mixed Race Teens 23:49 Key Takeaways for Everyone 25:57 Connect with Dr Jenn 27:23 Shame and One Box Thinking 29:50 Remarkable Woman Inspiration DR. JENN (JENNIFER NOBLE) INSTAGRAM: @DrJennPsych WEBSITE: FreeToBeCollective.com  GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    32 min
  5. From Survival to Freedom: Neelu speaks out about Domestic Violence and Life After Divorce

    Mar 12

    From Survival to Freedom: Neelu speaks out about Domestic Violence and Life After Divorce

    Dr Connie Kerali has a powerful conversation with the remarkable, Neelu, a business coach and single mother of four, about domestic violence, coercive control, financial abuse, and marital rape within a 17-year marriage. Neelu shares growing up in a conservative Muslim family, being pushed toward marriage from her teens, and recognising dysfunction through motherhood and learning healthier parenting. She describes escalating control by her husband and in-laws, neglect during pregnancies, coerced pregnancies, and isolation, alongside family toxicity, stigma around mental health, and being treated as “crazy” after seeking therapy and Prozac for clinical depression. After repeated broken promises, failed couples counselling, and her husband leaving the family while withholding support, Neelu chose divorce and also distanced herself from her own family. She now rebuilds independence, sets boundaries, and uses social media to reduce shame and support other women. 01:30 Introducing Neelu 06:58 Motherhood Wake Up Call 08:10 Unlearning and Boundaries 19:45 Engagement Red Flags 28:56 Control and Neglect 33:37 Marital Rape and Pregnancy 40:11 Fourth Pregnancy Turning Point 43:40 Job Loss and COVID Return 47:57 Back in Kerala Toxic Homes 52:13 Depression and Seeking Help 01:02:59 Money Control and Neglect 01:07:19 Decision to Divorce 01:12:33 Healing and Boundaries 01:20:00 Happily Divorced Community 01:24:40 No Shame and Hope 01:29:56 Reclaiming Joy Post Divorce NEELU Instagram: @HappilyDivorced.Neelu UK SUPPORT SERVICES In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies or dial 101 (UK only)Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral CentreFind an NHS Talking Therapy service near you or contact your GP surgeryCharities: Mind, The Samaritans, Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, or Victim Support GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    1h 36m
  6. Breaking Generational Cycles: Poonnamme Speaks On Her Experience As A 1st Born British-Asian

    Feb 26

    Breaking Generational Cycles: Poonnamme Speaks On Her Experience As A 1st Born British-Asian

    In this episode of Speak Shame we discuss sexual violence, attempted suicide, and eating disorders and with support links are provided below. Dr Connie interviews Poonnamme, a Sikh woman raised between the UK and Punjab, with over 35 years in health and social care, who now also facilitates Kundalini Shakti activation. She shares how being the first-born girl and only child brought intense pressure tied to family honour and community expectations, including expectations around education and status. She describes being sexually assaulted at 17 by someone known to the family and a subsequent attempted suicide. She shares that at 18 she entered an arranged marriage and describes living “two lives” as a Western professional and a traditional subservient wife. Becoming a mother was a turning point in her decision to break cycles for her daughter. Poonnamme reflects on how her experiences shaped her voice, resilience, and ability to feel pride in both who she is and who she was.  01:40 Introducing Poonnamme 04:43 Firstborn Expectations 08:24 Schooling And Illness 11:14 Career Dreams Clash 12:51 Sexual Assault Silence 16:25 Aftermath And Survival 25:10 Arranged Marriage Begins 26:02 Two Lives At Home & At Work 29:09 A Manager Believes 34:59 Leaving To Break Cycles 36:49 Healing And Sharing 41:42 Trauma In The Body 43:23 Eating Disorder Spiral 47:36 Crossroads With Substances 56:20 Self Healing Awakening 01:00:00 Launching Healing Practice 01:03:37 Identity And Finding Voice 01:13:56 Advice For Feeling Stuck 01:21:02 Where To Find Poonnamme 01:27:51 Remarkable Women And Gratitude POONNAMME Instagram: @JagoSacredEnergyWebsite: JagoSacredEnergy.co.uk UK SUPPORT SERVICES In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies or dial 101 (UK only)Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral CentreFind an NHS Talking Therapy service near you or contact your GP surgeryCharities: Mind, The Samaritans, Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Victim Support GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    1h 35m
  7. Say It Out Loud: Finding Your Voice With Vasavi Kumar

    Feb 19

    Say It Out Loud: Finding Your Voice With Vasavi Kumar

    In this week’s episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali speaks with Vasavi Kumar, licensed therapist, mindset coach, voice actor, TV host, and author of Say It Out Loud. Vasavi shares how she began to stop doubting herself and regain trust in her voice by developing an “immaculate” inner narrative - one that is kind, encouraging, and safe - so that external criticism no longer carries the same weight. She explains how her work has evolved over 15 years alongside her own personal growth, and how sharing the truth with emotion and precision helps her connect with clients who are on a similar path. Vasavi offers a practical example of challenging limiting beliefs by reframing the fear of raising prices for her Out Loud School. She also reflects on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance as a reminder for women of colour and children of immigrants to stay true to their culture without whitewashing themselves for acceptance. Vasavi discusses how grief after her father’s death in May 2025 led her to temporarily silence herself, and how returning to speaking out loud helped her process emotions and reduce shame. She closes by emphasising that shame festers in silence and isolation, and that everyone needs a safe place to be witnessed and express themselves - one of the reasons she created the Out Loud School, which she notes is not therapy but is therapeutic. 00:00 The impact of silencing yourself and why shame shrivels when voiced 01:05 Introduction to Speak Shame and guest Vasavi Kumar 03:45 Vasavi’s “first chapter”: ending self-doubt and trusting her voice 07:00 Rewiring the inner narrative and treating yourself with respect 12:40 Helping others while doing your own ongoing inner work 15:40 How telling the truth and sharing personal stories attracts aligned clients 19:10 A practical reframe: challenging limiting beliefs when raising prices 27:10 Bad Bunny, authenticity, and refusing to whitewash culture for acceptance 35:30 Grief, losing your voice after her father’s death, and returning to expression 42:10 Why not using your voice affects mental, emotional, physical and financial wellbeing 48:15 Finding a safe place to “say it out loud” and what Out Loud School offers 55:10 Where to find Vasavi and her remarkable woman inspiration VASAVI KUMAR • Instagram: @MyNameIsVasavi • Website: vasavikumar.com GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    31 min
  8. I'm Not A Failure:  Faith Aisien-Ezugwu On Dyslexia & Developing Self-Compassion

    Feb 12

    I'm Not A Failure:  Faith Aisien-Ezugwu On Dyslexia & Developing Self-Compassion

    In this episode, host Dr Connie Kerali interviews Faith Aisien-Ezugwu, author of the poetry and spoken word book 'I Am Here' and host of the 'Re: Series' podcast. Faith shares her journey from growing up in Nigeria and overcoming feelings of inadequacy and being labeled a 'failure' as a child, to her successful career in business and events management. She discusses her struggles with dyslexia, the emotional challenges she faced, and how therapy helped her find self-compassion and self-worth. Faith offers advice to listeners on believing in themselves, recognising their strengths, and seeking the support they need. She also reflects on the importance of discussing mental health issues and breaking cultural stigmas. The episode concludes with a powerful reading from her book, 'I Am Here'. 01:23 Meet Faith Aisien-Ezugwu 02:34 Chapter One Poem 05:07 Childhood and Culture 09:22 Dyslexia and Self Work 12:59 Writing the Book 15:30 Advice to Younger Self 18:10 Mentoring and Hard Work 20:29 Parenting and Breaking Silence 24:09 Therapy and Self Compassion 27:01 Remarkable Women Inspiration 29:56 Final Reading and Wrap Up FAITH AISIEN-EZUGWU Website: FaithAisienEzugwu.com Instagram: @inkwellfaith Podcast: The Re: Series GET IN TOUCH Join the community:@DrConnieKerali on InstagramSign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.Are you ready to break free from the shame that keeps you stuck? My free, on-demand, Shame Resilience Workshop is for Remarkable Women who are tired of hiding parts of themselves and are ready to step into a life of authenticity, courage, & self-compassion.Hello Remarkable Woman, do you know your story matters but don't know how to tell it yet? Join The Storytellers Club, a free, private community hub to discover the power hidden in your story through creativity & connection.

    32 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hello Remarkable Woman, have you ever been silenced by shame? Have you ever believed that you’re not enough? Do you believe that you're unworthy of love or belonging? Are these beliefs holding you back in your personal or professional life? If this sounds like you, then you’re in the right place. Speak Shame with me, Dr Connie Kerali, - medical doctor, life coach & survivor of sexual violence - is a collection of expert insights on how to rediscover your self-worth, as well as inspiring conversations with remarkable women who have faced and overcome adversity. By sharing their stories, my hope is that you may find strength, connection, and hope in your own journey, and that shame itself loses its power. So, sit back, relax, and don't forget to like and subscribe to the show.