Unapologetically Wild with Kadi Sonntag

Kadi Sonntag

Dive into the empowering world of feminine strength with Kadi Sonntag in Unapologetically Wild. Kadi, an accomplished women's empowerment coach and serving military sergeant, invites high-achieving women to challenge societal norms and embrace their unique essence. Through compelling insights and relatable stories, Kadi empowers listeners with strategies to break free from limitations and tap into their innate power. She discusses topics often considered taboo, invites incredible guest speakers, and ensures each conversation is raw, real, and relatable. Kadi emphasizes the importance of community, urging women to connect, support each other, and uplift shared experiences, thus building a generation of women who are wild, unstoppable, and true to themselves.

  1. Aug 12

    Stop Hiding: The Magic of Refusing to Shrink Yourself

    In this episode of Unapologetically Wild, I explore a powerful moment of clarity about stopping the cycle of hiding and refusing to shrink yourself for the comfort of others. After a busy season of jumping back into community life in Newcastle, teaching aqua aerobics, and navigating new paths, I open up about the exact moment I caught myself worrying about judgment while singing and dancing on the pool deck—and why I made a fierce declaration to finally let go of trying to fit in. Throughout my life, from my time in the army to stepping into public spaces and spiritual communities, I’ve learned that holding yourself back only robs you of joy. In this conversation, I dive into why true freedom comes from embracing your unique, unapologetically "weird" self, why everyday small moments of gratitude matter more than waiting for massive milestones, and how opening up to the universe allows unexpected opportunities to land. Whether you've ever felt the sting of self-judgment, worried about what people think, or found yourself hiding parts of who you are, I hope this episode serves as a reminder to take up space and shine your light. In This Episode We Discuss: A freeing moment of clarity on the pool deck while teaching aqua aerobicsThe realization that I've spent too many years pretending and hiding who I amNavigating the integration period of moving back to Newcastle and trying new thingsOvercoming the internal voice of judgment and the fear of embarrassmentChildhood freedom versus adult rules and the beauty of unscripted, honest feedbackWhy pushing against your edges and stepping into the unknown is where growth happensSpeaking your desires into existence and allowing the universe to surprise youThe ripple effect of shining your light and impacting others through small, everyday momentsRecognizing relationships that are here for a season, a reason, or a lifetimeLaunching the new $5 Patreon community (The Wild Insider) for extra episodes and behind-the-scenes chatsDetails on the upcoming spiritual workshop in NewcastleKey Takeaway: You spend too much of your life trying to make other people comfortable, but the moment you refuse to shrink yourself, you give everyone around you permission to do the same. Holding onto the magic of small, everyday moments is worth more than waiting years for a big milestone. Connect & Share: Patreon Community: Join me on Patreon ($5/month) for exclusive extra episodes, a welcome video, and behind-the-scenes content!Newcastle Spiritual Workshop: Join me for a weekend workshop focused on energy healing, chakra clearing, spirit guides, and the divinity of trusting the universe.Subscribe & Review: Follow Unapologetically Wild with Katie on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to support the show!Tell me in the comments below: When was a time you had a moment where you realized you refuse to shrink yourself or care what people think? What were you doing? I’d love to know! About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  2. Aug 5

    When You Know What to Do, But Just Can’t Do It

    In this episode of Unapologetically Wild, I explore what to do when you know what you need to do, but just can't bring yourself to do it—and why productivity pauses are often a signal to rest, not push harder.  After a wildly busy week balancing coaching, teaching aqua classes, covering for friends, and navigating my period, I’m opening up about my default pattern of judging myself as "lazy" when taking downtime, and why creating intentional space is actually the secret to unlocking true creativity.  Throughout my life and fitness journey, I’ve learned that when your schedule and mind are crammed full, new alignment and unexpected opportunities simply have no room to land. In this conversation, I dive into the difference between avoiding something out of fear versus needing to pause before your next big creation, along with how to find the balance between discipline and recovery.  I also share why you must put your own oxygen mask on first, how to embrace every authentic and "weird" part of who you are without fearing outside judgment, and how stepping into empty space allows for profound spiritual downloads and full-circle moments.  Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by your own to-do list, struggling with guilt over downtime, or trying to break the habit of putting everyone else's needs before your own, I hope this episode serves as a gentle reminder that honoring your need for space is the ultimate catalyst for growth and alignment.  In This Episode We Discuss: Navigating the gap between knowing what to do and finding the energy to do it Overcoming self-judgment and the guilt of taking rest (and bingeing The Good Doctor) Behind the scenes of building a new September challenge for high-performing women Why empty space is required for new opportunities and creative downloads to land Finding balance between discipline, pushing, and essential nervous system recovery Embracing full-circle life moments and showing up as your fully authentic, "weird" self The oxygen mask principle: why prioritizing yourself is essential for serving others Launching the new $5 Patreon community for extra episodes and behind-the-scenes chats Details on the upcoming August 15th spiritual workshop in Newcastle Key Takeaway: Rest and empty space aren't signs of laziness—they are the fertile ground where creativity, clarity, and new opportunities take root. When you give yourself permission to pause, you clear the runway for your best work and truest self to emerge.  Connect & Share: Patreon Community: Join Katie on Patreon ($5/month) for exclusive extra episodes, Q&As, and behind-the-scenes content! Newcastle Workshop (Aug 15th): Join Katie for a spiritual workshop focused on energy healing, chakra clearing, and connecting with your spirit guides. Subscribe & Review: Follow Unapologetically Wild with Katie on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to support the show! Tell me in the comments below: What happens when you intentionally create space for yourself this week, and what new ideas or feelings come through?  About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  3. Jul 29

    The Power of Rest: Why Pushing Through Is Ruining Your Momentum

    In this episode of Unapologetically Wild, I reflect on the power of rest, listening to your body, and knowing when to pause—even when society tells us to keep pushing. After turning 34 and taking a much-needed week off, I’m sharing why stepping back from the constant hustle isn't a sign of weakness, but a crucial step for long-term growth, health, and leadership. Throughout my life and fitness journey, I’ve experienced firsthand what happens when we ignore our body's signals and push past our capacity. In this conversation, I dive into the difference between avoiding hard work and truly honoring when your body says "no," along with the subtle ways our bodies try to get our attention before burnout takes over. I also share practical ways to cut through the noise of an overwhelming to-do list, the importance of celebrating the small wins in real time, and how prioritizing basic nourishment and rest creates space for alignment, abundance, and new opportunities. Whether you're feeling exhausted, navigating a busy season, or trying to find the balance between discipline and self-care, I hope this episode serves as a gentle reminder that honoring your needs is the most powerful choice you can make for yourself and those you lead. In This Episode We Discuss: Returning after a week off and reflecting on turning 34The fine line between true capacity and avoidanceThe three body signals: the feather touch, the brick, and the Mack TruckNavigating burnout in fitness, business, and everyday lifeA simple 10-minute exercise to clear to-do list overwhelmThe power of micro-celebrations and finding joy in the momentWhy rest is the ultimate tool for effective, authentic leadershipReturning to the basics of health, sleep, and nourishmentNewcastle spiritual workshop details and exciting new opportunitiesKey Takeaway: Rest is not the enemy of success; it is the foundation of it. When you honor your body’s need to pause and reset, you show up with greater clarity, energy, and alignment in every area of your life. Connect & Share: Newcastle Workshop (Aug 15th): Join Kadi for an energy healing and spiritual workshop ($50 investment).The Holistic Woman: Learn more about Kadi's signature 6-week program designed to bring you back to health and fitness basics.Subscribe & Review: Help Kadi reach her goal of 100 subscribers on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform!Tell me in the comments below: How are you honoring your rest this week? About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  4. Jul 15

    Finding My Voice and Embracing Leadership in the Military

    In this final episode of my My Story in the Military series, I reflect on the lessons, challenges and experiences that shaped me throughout 13.5 years of service. This chapter is about leadership, mentorship, burnout, growth and ultimately finding the courage to follow a path that aligned with who I was becoming. Throughout my military career, I had the privilege of learning from incredible leaders who challenged me, supported me and helped shape my understanding of what leadership truly looks like. I also experienced seasons of exhaustion, uncertainty and questioning what came next. In this episode, I share the realities of navigating burnout, the lessons I learned about communication, empathy and leadership, and the decision to leave a career that had been such a significant part of my identity. Most importantly, I talk about the power of owning your story. Because when we stop hiding the difficult parts and begin honouring every chapter, we create space for healing, growth and new possibilities. Whether you're navigating a career transition, experiencing burnout or standing at the edge of a new chapter, I hope this conversation reminds you that it's okay to evolve, change direction and choose a path that feels aligned with who you're becoming. In This Episode We Discuss:  The final chapter of my military journey  The mentors who shaped my leadership style  Lessons learned through 13.5 years of service  Navigating burnout and finding balance  Leadership, communication and emotional intelligence  The transition from military life to entrepreneurship  Building confidence through challenge and uncertainty  Why honouring your story is so important  Following purpose beyond a structured career Key Takeaway Your experiences — both the challenging and the beautiful — are all part of your story. When you honour them instead of avoiding them, they become some of your greatest sources of wisdom, resilience and growth. About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  5. Jul 8

    The Career Move That Changed Everything | Leadership, Resilience & My Military Story (Part 3)

    What happens when you stop settling for what's comfortable and pursue the path that's truly calling you? In Part 3 of my military story series, I share the pivotal career transition that took me from an administration role in the Defence Force to becoming a Personal Development Instructor (PDI). This chapter wasn't easy. It came with challenges, difficult leadership experiences, personal growth and some of the biggest lessons I've ever learned about resilience, confidence and self-leadership. I open up about navigating military culture, finding mentors who shaped my journey and learning how to grow through adversity rather than allowing it to define me. Whether you're navigating a career change, stepping into leadership or moving through a season of personal growth, this episode offers powerful lessons on trusting yourself and backing your potential. In This Episode: My transition into becoming a Personal Development Instructor (PDI) Leadership lessons from the Defence Force Navigating a male-dominated environment The role mentorship played in my growth Building resilience through difficult experiences Learning to trust yourself under pressure Career transitions and personal development Why growth often comes from discomfort Subscribe If you're ready to embrace personal growth, strengthen your mindset and lead with confidence, subscribe to Unapologetically Wild for weekly conversations on leadership, resilience, nervous system regulation, women's empowerment and authentic success. About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  6. Jul 1

    How Working in a Special Forces Environment Changed Me | My Military Story

    In this episode of Unapologetically Wild, I continue sharing my military journey and the experiences that shaped me into the woman, leader and coach I am today. From travelling overseas and working within an elite Special Forces environment to navigating the challenges of leadership, deployment and personal growth, this chapter of my story is one filled with lessons in resilience, trust and self-discovery. I open up about the highs and lows of military life, the moments that challenged me, and the experiences that taught me the importance of vulnerability, teamwork and backing yourself even when things feel uncertain. Looking back, I can see how many of these lessons continue to influence the way I lead, coach and show up in the world today. This episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens inside our comfort zone. Sometimes the most challenging experiences become the very things that shape our confidence, strengthen our character and prepare us for what comes next. In This Episode We Discuss:  My experiences working within a Special Forces environment  The realities of military life behind the scenes  Leadership lessons that continue to influence my life today  Building resilience through challenge and uncertainty  The journey of becoming a Physical Training Instructor (PTI)  Why vulnerability creates stronger leaders and stronger teams  Learning to trust yourself under pressure  The power of perseverance when pursuing a goal Key Takeaway Growth doesn't come from having everything figured out. It comes from continuing to move forward, learning through every experience, and allowing both the wins and challenges to shape who you're becoming. About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  7. Jun 24

    From Recruit to Leader: My Journey as a Woman in the Military

    In this deeply personal episode of Unapologetically Wild, I take you back to where so much of my journey began—joining the Army in 2012. For over a decade, the military shaped the way I viewed leadership, resilience, discipline and personal growth. It challenged me, stretched me and gave me experiences that would ultimately influence the woman, coach and leader I am today. This episode is the first in a series where I share my military story. From my first days as a recruit navigating fear, uncertainty and homesickness, to the incredible mentors who helped shape my career, I reflect on the lessons that continue to guide me long after putting on the uniform. I also share some of the realities of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment, the importance of strong leadership and the role that support, community and mentorship play in personal growth. Whether you've served, know someone who has, or simply want to hear the story behind my journey, I hope this conversation offers insight, perspective and inspiration. In this episode, we explore:  Why I joined the Army in 2012  My early experiences as a recruit  The fears and challenges of military training  Being a woman in a male-dominated environment  The leaders and mentors who shaped my career  Lessons in resilience, discipline and self-belief  Navigating adversity and personal growth  How the Army helped shape the woman I am today Key Takeaways  Growth often begins with stepping into the unknown.  Strong leadership can change the trajectory of someone's life.  Mentorship plays a critical role in confidence and development.  Challenges create opportunities for resilience and self-discovery.  Our experiences, even the difficult ones, help shape who we become.About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

  8. Jun 18

    The Hidden Programming Running Your Life

    What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances, but the story you're telling yourself? In this episode of Unapologetically Wild, I dive deep into the subconscious beliefs, negative self-talk and internal programming that shape our lives far more than we realise. For years, I lived inside my own head. Whether it was on the basketball court, in the Army or navigating new challenges in life, I constantly questioned myself, doubted my abilities and allowed negative thoughts to dictate my actions. What I didn't realise was that those thoughts weren't necessarily true—they were simply patterns I had learned. Today, I share how tools like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), timeline therapy and hypnosis completely transformed the way I view myself, my potential and what's possible in my life. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, overthinking, imposter syndrome or feeling stuck in repetitive patterns, this episode will help you understand why those thoughts exist and how you can begin creating new beliefs that actually support the life you want. In this episode, we explore:  The root cause of negative self-talk  How subconscious programming shapes your reality  Why awareness alone isn't enough to create change  My personal journey from self-doubt to self-belief  The role of NLP, timeline therapy and hypnosis in transformation  How limiting beliefs affect confidence, relationships and success  Practical ways to interrupt negative thought patterns  Creating empowering beliefs that support growth and expansion Key Takeaways  Most negative thoughts are learned patterns, not facts.  Your subconscious mind influences many of your daily decisions.  Awareness is the first step, but transformation requires action.  Self-belief can be developed through intentional practice and repetition.  Rewiring old stories creates new opportunities for growth and success.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs permission to dream a little bigger.  About Kadi Meet Kadi Sonntag, the unapologetically wild woman leading the charge on living life boldly and breaking free from the limits society tries to set. Born in Maitland in 1992 and raised in Newcastle, Kadi’s love for sports (anything but school!) started early. From swimming at a national level to competing in high jump at nationals and playing representative basketball, Kadi was always moving, growing, and pushing herself. In high school, she was the sports and school captain, proving leadership comes naturally. At 19, Kadi took a leap and joined the army, starting as an admin clerk and eventually becoming an army physical training instructor in 2019. She’s served on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, taken part in exercises in Asia, and now holds the rank of sergeant. Talk about resilience! When she’s not leading in the military, Kadi’s got her sidekick—her dog Piper—and she’s all about empowering women to tap into their inner strength, unleash their wildest selves, and live unapologetically. Whether she’s playing for the Defence National Basketball Team or sharing her journey on Unapologetically Wild, Kadi is here to help women break free, find their power, and live on their own terms. Connect with Kadi: @kadi_sonntag

Trailer

About

Dive into the empowering world of feminine strength with Kadi Sonntag in Unapologetically Wild. Kadi, an accomplished women's empowerment coach and serving military sergeant, invites high-achieving women to challenge societal norms and embrace their unique essence. Through compelling insights and relatable stories, Kadi empowers listeners with strategies to break free from limitations and tap into their innate power. She discusses topics often considered taboo, invites incredible guest speakers, and ensures each conversation is raw, real, and relatable. Kadi emphasizes the importance of community, urging women to connect, support each other, and uplift shared experiences, thus building a generation of women who are wild, unstoppable, and true to themselves.