The Becoming Years with Alina Wilson

Alina Wilson

5.0 (1)
Self-Improvement

The Becoming Years is an ad-free podcast built around meaningful, intergenerational conversations that shape how we live - where experience, curiosity, and perspective meet. This is not a debate or a performance, but a spacious, intelligent conversation designed to offer clarity and connection.

23h ago

Nora Lersch, DNP: Menopause, Hormones, and Care After Cancer

Girlfriends... if your sleep, mood, memory, or libido feels different lately, you’re not imagining it—and it may not be “just aging.” In this episode of The Becoming Years, Alina talks with nurse practitioner Nora Lersch about perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and why women deserve to be heard by a medical community seemingly unwilling to listen. Nora brings more than 30 years of nursing experience, including menopause care and oncology. She runs a sexual health and menopause clinic for cancer patients in Portland, OR, helping women navigate symptoms that can follow cancer treatment. Hormone therapy may be an option for some people with a cancer history, but it depends on the cancer and each person’s circumstances. When hormones aren’t suitable, other ways to address symptoms may still be considered. Together, Alina and Nora unpack why perimenopause can begin years before periods change—and why a single hormone test may not tell the whole story. They also revisit the Women’s Health Initiative, discuss hormone therapy options, and talk about the barriers many women face when seeking care. You’ll hear about symptoms that can show up beyond hot flashes. Nora also shares why bone health matters, why painful sex should never be brushed aside, and why libido deserves a thoughtful, whole-person conversation. They discuss supplements, treatment timelines, insurance costs, and the importance of finding a clinician who listens. The reassuring takeaway: care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Nora is accepting new patients for in-person and virtual visits and can be contacted through her website at https://noralerschdnp.com/ Timestamp: 00:00 - Why women need to learn about menopause earlier 01:49 - Nora’s experience in menopause care and oncology 03:38 - Considering menopause treatment after cancer 05:01 - When perimenopause may begin 06:38 - Symptoms that can be easy to miss 09:51 - The Women’s Health Initiative and hormone therapy 13:02 - When hormone testing can help 20:35 - What “menopause” means 21:25 - Hormone therapy and bone health 23:45 - Hormone therapy delivery options 27:57 - Libido and a whole-person approach 31:01 - Pain, consent, and intimacy 33:58 - Supplements and safety considerations 45:13 - Insurance and medication costs 55:19 - Finding a clinician who listens Find Nora Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora_lersch_dnp Website: https://noralerschdnp.com/ Alina's Resources: - Get Alina's Book! Thoughtful Aging - Restoring Honor to the Aging Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D92HZ5/ - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingYears - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebecomingyearspodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/alinamwilson/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeportwellness/ https://www.facebook.com/the.alina.wilson Have A Question? - Have a Question For Alina That You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Leave her a Voice Note Here: https://www.speakpipe.com/thebecomingyearspodcast
Sep 21

Alan Lazaros, MBA: Why Most People Fail at Goals & How to Reverse Engineer Success

The advice most people get about goals is backwards—and it may be quietly keeping you stuck. Alan Lazaros reveals the system he’s used for 11 years to turn vague ambition into measurable progress, even when life, work, and motivation are all pulling in different directions. Alina and Alan go beyond the surface to explore why so many people never reach their goals: they’re trying to change everything without first getting honest about who they are, what matters, and what’s actually getting in the way. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why three priorities and three KPIs beat endless goal listsHow the 12 Week Year mindset can help you make more progress in one quarter than most people make all yearWhy “micro failure for macro success” can completely change how you handle setbacksThe difference between self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-improvementHow social media, dopamine, and modern distractions distort your sense of progressHow to identify the work you want, love, or hate—and what that reveals about your next move Alan also shares his candid framework for choosing what actually matters: the “want-love-hate” test, the difference between the social world and the real world, and why the gold is often buried in the things you least want to do. Along the way, Alan and Alina explore duality, the pressure to become someone else, and the danger of confusing your public image with your private reality. If you feel stuck in a rut, overwhelmed by goal setting, or tired of the “do everything or give up” mindset, this conversation will give you a practical way forward. You don’t need to become someone else. You need a system that helps you become a better version of yourself—on purpose. Perfect for high performers, deep thinkers, and anyone ready to stop drifting and start building a life that matches their values. About Alan: Alan is the CEO of Next Level University, a top 100 podcaster, computer engineer, MBA, and peak performance coach. He helps people turn their goals into trackable, achievable systems that work in real life. To receive a copy of the Top 10 Distractions Holding You Back mentioned in the podcast, email alina@bpwcenter.com with the subject line DISTRACTIONS Learn more about the Conscious Couples free relationship talks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh7F2GQeqdk Resources: - Get Alina's Book! Thoughtful Aging - Restoring Honor to the Aging Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D92HZ5/ Follow Alina and her work here: - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingYears - LinkTree - linktr.ee/thebecomingyears - Facebook - @bridgeportwellness: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeportwellness/ Have A Question? - Have a Question For Alina That You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Leave her a Voice Note Here: https://www.speakpipe.com/thebecomingyearspodcast
Sep 2

Charlene Underhill Miller, PhD: How to Redeem the Curse of a Broken Childhood

What if the behaviors you’re trying to “fix”—overworking, overeating, hoarding, choosing unhealthy relationships, withdrawing, or sabotaging your own success—aren’t random flaws? What if they’re clues? In this conversation, Alina speaks with Charlene Underhill Miller, a psychotherapist, educator, coach, writer, lecturer, and marriage and family therapist based in California. Together, they explore how childhood trauma, neglect, and family patterns can show up later in relationships, work, parenting, food habits, and self-sabotage.You’ll learn how to recognize repeating patterns without judging yourself, replace “Why did I do that?” with more useful questions, and begin turning old pain into insight, connection, and meaningful change. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: Recognize when a current behavior may be connected to an older emotional woundUnderstand why you may repeat familiar—even unhealthy—relationship patternsReplace judgment and shame with curiosityIdentify whether you’re using food, work, possessions, or control to create comfort or safetyNotice the “internal saboteur” that may be protecting you from failure or rejectionUnderstand why some children seek negative attention rather than no attentionBuild more honest, supportive relationships and communitiesTalk about difficult experiences without immediately trying to fix themUse simple practices to identify patterns and make new choicesReframe your history as something that can inform your future rather than define it About Charlene: https://underhillmiller.com/ Dr. Miller works regularly with clients experiencing depression, anxiety and self-sabotage, including unusual behaviors such as hoarding. Her doctoral work focused on specialized care to adults and children who have been affected by sexual abuse and trauma. Find Alina Here: Resources: - Get Alina's Book! Thoughtful Aging - Restoring Honor to the Aging Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D92HZ5/ - Get your free Thoughtful Aging Guide: https://www.bpwcenter.com/ Follow Alina and her work here: - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingYears - Instagram - @thebecomingyearspodcast: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeportlaserandwellness - Facebook - @TheBecomingYears: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeportwellness/ Have A Question? - Have a Question For Alina That You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Leave her a Voice Note Here: https://www.speakpipe.com/thebecomingyearspodcast
Aug 20

Debbie Longo: The Unexpected Power of Confronting Workplace Drama

This episode explores how fear, resentment, and unchecked emotions shape workplace culture, from employer leadership to employee behavior. Alina speaks with Debbie Longo, a workplace development coach with 24 plus years of experience, about how self-evaluation, discomfort, and mindset shifts can change the energy of a business.We discuss how negative culture can take root, why fear shows up in both thoughts and behavior, and how employers and employees can each take responsibility for their role in creating a healthier environment. Main Topics Covered: How to identify and shift cultural negativity among staffThe power of self-evaluation and energy shifts for leaders and employeesPractical ways to manage fear and build resilient workplace environmentsThe impact of regular feedback—bosses evaluating themselves too!Why gut-wrenching discomfort can be your fastest route to success Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing Debbie Longo and the focus on workplace emotions 05:00 - Fear, worry, and how mental energy shows up at work 13:25 - How strong leaders monitor themselves constantly 16:27 - Why yearly feedback may be too slow to create change 17:54 - Discomfort as the real growth strategy 31:24 - How fear, gossip, and silence create workplace tension 35:17 - The roadmap for getting rid of fear 36:11 - Learning to shut off work behavior at home 38:07 - When a bad morning follows you into the workplace 39:46 - Direct feedback versus compassionate curiosity 40:22 - What to do when an employee's behavior is not acceptable 49:29 - Hire slow, fire fast 58:51 - Gratitude, beauty, and breathing as tools to move through fear 63:36 - Debbie's closing view: negativity can be turned into positivity Debbie's Resources & Links: Workplace Development Coaching — Debbie Longo's official siteEnergy Shift Concepts — YouTube video explaining the energy vibe beneath successLinkedInTwitter Follow Alina and her work here: - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingYears - Instagram - @bridgeportlaserandwellness: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeportlaserandwellness - Facebook - @bridgeportwellness: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeportwellness/ - Get Alina's Book! Thoughtful Aging - Restoring Honor to the Aging Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D92HZ5/ - Get your free Thoughtful Aging Guide: https://www.bpwcenter.com/ Have A Question? - Have a Question For Alina That You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Leave her a Voice Note Here: https://www.speakpipe.com/thebecomingyearspodcast
Aug 10

Margaret Gardiner: Damaged Beauty - The Stories Behind The Mirror

In this episode of The Becoming Years, Alina and Margaret Gardiner, former Beauty Queen, Journalist, & Author, talk about her debut novel Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar and the deeper themes behind it: self-worth, people-pleasing, and the cost of performance. Margaret shares how her background in psychology and her early experiences in beauty and fashion shaped the story. Together, they explore how women are often trained to self-blame, stay likable, and put others first at their own expense. Margaret explains why her protagonist, Joey, is intentionally unlikable at first — because real healing often begins in uncomfortable, imperfect places. They also discuss how books can open difficult conversations between mothers and daughters and how compassion can coexist with strong boundaries. The episode closes on a hopeful note: you are not your image, you are not your mistakes, and it is always possible to change. Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar, is the kind of story that stays with you — honest, messy, powerful, and so worth reading. Timeline 0:01 — Introduction to Margaret Gardiner and her background1:13 — Margaret explains the inner voice and the book’s core message2:09 — Fiction vs. autobiography and why the story is partly personal8:12 — The hidden cost behind glamour and public images12:14 — Teaching younger generations what to do in hard situations13:57 — Why the book can spark mother-daughter conversations17:18 — Self-blame and people-pleasing in women20:28 — Breaking repeated patterns and creating new outcomes22:53 — Performative behavior and living for others’ expectations31:37 — Navigating obligation, self-sacrifice, and self-worth33:40 — Using tools to protect your emotional safety43:04 — Margaret shares a story about online bullying and responding with compassion52:09 — Shame, harmful habits, and the danger of self-destruction55:05 — The power of stepping back before falling too far58:34 — Final message: women don’t have to be perfect to change Win a signed copy of Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar - Here’s how to enter: Follow on Instagram:@margaret_gardiner and @thebecomingyearspodcast Tag a friend in the commentsEvery friend you tag = one extra entryWinner will be chosen randomly on 8/17/26 More about Margaret: https://www.margaretgardiner.com/ Order the book: https://a.co/d/02m6s3zg YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/MargaretGardinerUniverse FB: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretGardinerOfficial IG: https://www.instagram.com/margaret_gardiner/
Aug 5

Dame Clarissa Burt: You Are More Than Enough

Unlock the secrets to boosting your self-esteem and transforming your life with wisdom from Dame Clarissa Burt, a knighted international media icon, former supermodel, and author of The Self-Esteem Regime. In this inspiring episode, Clarissa shares how her tumultuous childhood fueled her passion for helping others, revealing practical, bite-sized tools to strengthen confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence, especially when life feels overwhelming. You'll discover the four pillars of self-esteem - look good, feel good, be good, and give back—plus actionable steps to nurture each. Clarissa breaks down how to cultivate inner strength through boundaries, integrity, and a growth mindset rooted in genuine self-care. She shares personal stories from her time in fashion and television, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and a supportive tribe. Learn how to navigate rejection in industries rife with it, and why showing up with honesty and kindness creates ripple effects far beyond your expectations.This episode underscores why self-esteem isn’t just about feeling good—it’s your foundation for resilience during storms, your tool for meaningful connections, and your secret weapon for a life of purpose. Perfect for anyone seeking confidence, clarity, and connection - especially women navigating change, rejection, and growth. Leave feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with tangible strategies to elevate your self-esteem from the inside out. Clarissa Burt is an award-winning media personality, former model, and social advocate, honored by the Vatican and renowned for her work empowering women through self-love and resilience. Her story of transformation proves that it's never too late to redefine your path and embrace your true power. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Clarissa Burt and her knighthood 01:07 - Clarissa's background and diverse career journey 02:47 - The motivation behind her book, The Self-Esteem Regime 04:29 - Navigating the self-help landscape and social media influences 06:56 - Handling life's storms with the right emotional tools 08:43 - Overcoming feelings of being 'too much' 09:43 - Building emotional intelligence and value systems 12:28 - Approaching personal growth as a journey, not a task 15:01 - Clarissa’s experience with the modeling industry and her purpose beyond appearances 18:32 - The importance of integrity and professionalism in rejection 21:02 - Clarissa’s process for enhancing self-esteem through her book’s chapters 22:45 - Empathy and understanding your purpose in helping others 25:24 - Highlighting her recognition by the Vatican and her charitable work 30:01 - Addressing domestic violence and creating pathways for escape 36:57 - Final thoughts on giving back and living with purpose Follow Dame Clarissa Burt Online! https://clarissaburt.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaBurtInternational IG: https://www.instagram.com/clarissaburt/ The Self Esteem Regime
Jul 24

Danielle Van Auken: How One Dream Became A National Franchise

Some conversations feel less like interviews and more like catching up with a life-long friend—and that’s exactly what this episode is. Today, I’m joined by my dear friend Danielle Van Auken, founder of Organic Bronze Bar, to talk about the journey of turning a passion for helping women feel confident into a nationally recognized franchise rooted in purpose and connection. Danielle and I share more than a friendship—we share a belief that beauty is about so much more than appearance. It’s about how we make people feel, the stories we carry, and the communities we create along the way. In this conversation, Danielle opens up about the evolution of Organic Bronze Bar from a single spa location into a growing franchise, the importance of protecting what makes a brand truly unique, and why integrity, authenticity, and shared values matter more than rapid expansion. This episode is a beautiful reminder that the most successful businesses are often built on something much deeper than a product—they’re built on relationships, purpose, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring conversation about friendship, entrepreneurship, and creating a legacy that empowers women one connection at a time. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Danielle Van Auken and the story behind Organic Bronze Bar 00:20 - What makes Organic Bronze Bar's formula unique? The importance of natural ingredients and transparency 02:28 - Challenges of protecting a formula without a patent, and actions taken to safeguard secrets 03:09 - Danielle’s inspiration from her early days in aesthetics and the evolution of spray tanning 03:54 - Building a business rooted in safe, clean, and effective products during a time of high UV risks 05:13 - The significance of community and customer stories in franchising growth 10:11 - From a single salon to a national franchise: the journey and the power of word-of-mouth 13:54 - The importance of purpose in franchising: empowering women and fostering a caring community 17:13 - Key qualities and values Danielle seeks in franchise partners: authenticity, love for women, respect 22:02 - Personal stories of franchise clients overcoming health struggles and feeling celebrated 25:42 - Protecting the culture: Danielle’s deliberate standards for selecting franchisees 26:49 - The societal shift towards ethical business and women’s empowerment 29:25 - Employee development and leadership as a core part of business growth 32:34 - Creating career pathways for employees and supporting women entrepreneurs 38:11 - Words of wisdom: following your passion with integrity and building options for yourself and others 40:10 - Connecting with Danielle and the legacy of Organic Bronze Bar Resources & Links: Organic Bronze Bar WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook
Jul 13

Amy Lenius: Rebuild Your Confidence With 3 Simple Steps

If you’re ready to level up your self-worth, ditch the perfectionism, and celebrate even the smallest wins, then this episode is your new best friend. Join Alina & Amy on a rollercoaster ride through the wild worlds of hormones, success, and the core beliefs that shape our lives - told in a way that only Amy Lenius can deliver. This episode is packed with practical, hilarious insights on transforming your mindset and habits. Amy explains how tiny tweaks—like celebrating laundry or ditching perfection—can lead to massive success. If you've ever wondered how to thrive as a woman, embrace holistic growth, and stop self-sabotaging, this one's for you.Key Topics: The three foundational pillars: Self-Worth, Self-Belief, and ConsistencyThe power of celebrating small wins for building confidenceHow to tailor habit trackers to your unique season of lifeThe difference between self-esteem and self-worth explained in three sentencesFrameworks for creating unshakable self-belief: State, Prove, Self-AssignHandling core wounds: Defective, Unlovable, Unwanted—oh my!Vulnerability and authenticity in relationships with men and womenThe importance of personalized habit tracking and freeing yourself from perfectionismHow personality profiling informs effective self-growthThe magic of 'letting go' and embracing internal maps to liberation Resources & Links: Next Level UniversityBook Recommendations for Self-Confidence and GrowthConnect with Amy: InstagramFacebook Alina’s show notes: Resources: - Get Alina's Book! Thoughtful Aging - Restoring Honor to the Aging Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D92HZ5/ - Get your free Thoughtful Aging Guide: https://www.bpwcenter.com/ Follow Alina and her work here: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingYears - Instagram - @bridgeportlaserandwellness: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeportlaserandwellness - Facebook - @bridgeportwellness: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeportwellness/ Have A Question? - Have a Question For Alina That You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Leave her a Voice Note Here: https://www.speakpipe.com/thebecomingyearspodcast

The Becoming Years is an ad-free podcast built around meaningful, intergenerational conversations that shape how we live - where experience, curiosity, and perspective meet. This is not a debate or a performance, but a spacious, intelligent conversation designed to offer clarity and connection.

Creator

Alina Wilson
Years Active

2026
Episodes

19
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Alina Wilson
Show Website

The Becoming Years with Alina Wilson