Shedding the Shame

Tami Wong
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Shedding the Shame is a women’s empowerment podcast where we talk openly about the experiences society tells women to keep quiet. Infertility. Miscarriage. Divorce. Menopause. Estrangement. Anxiety and depression. Postpartum struggles. Motherhood in all its forms. Burnout. Taking up space. Not being “easy.” The list goes on and on. For generations, women have been conditioned to push through, downplay pain, and stay silent. This podcast challenges that. Shedding the Shame was created by Tami Wong, Founder of Hair Loss Pride, who knows firsthand what it means to carry shame in silence, Each episode features honest conversations about women’s mental health, healing, identity, personal growth, and resilience. Guests share the shame they carried, how it shaped them, and how they rebuilt their lives with strength and self-trust. There’s no trauma mining and no fixing. Just respectful, thoughtful dialogue and space to be heard. If you’ve ever felt broken, dramatic, or alone because of what you’ve lived through, this podcast is for you. This is for women who are done whispering. Let’s shed the shame.

  1. 2d ago

    Breaking Free from Childhood Labels: Brittney Ashley on Dyslexia, ADHD & Self-Worth

    What happens when you're labeled "not smart enough" as a child and spend years trying to prove everyone wrong? In this episode of Shedding the Shame, I sit down with business strategist, certified Imposter Syndrome Coach, and founder of Creative Dynamics Virtual Services, Brittney Ashley, for an honest conversation about growing up with dyslexia, navigating ADHD, and learning to challenge the stories we tell ourselves about our worth. Brittney shares how being labeled "dumb" by teachers shaped her confidence, why imposter syndrome still shows up despite her success, and how she built a thriving business while raising two young children. Together, we explore the realities of motherhood, postpartum struggles, people-pleasing, burnout, perfectionism, and the pressure women face to be everything to everyone. This conversation is a reminder that you don't have to earn your worth through achievement, productivity, or perfection. You are already enough. In this episode, we discuss: • Growing up with dyslexia and the lasting impact of being labeled "dumb" • How imposter syndrome shows up for high-achieving women and entrepreneurs • ADHD, neurodivergence, and creating systems that work with your brain • Postpartum depression, anxiety, and asking for support • The pressure of motherhood and why so many women feel like they're failing • Setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and letting go of perfectionism • Why success doesn't have to look like hustle culture • What it really means to shed shame and step into your own power If you've ever felt behind, not enough, or like you're carrying the weight of impossible expectations, this episode is for you.

    58 min

  2. May 22

    Rewriting Your Money Story with Krista Lee

    Money is one of the most emotionally loaded topics for so many women, yet it’s something we’re rarely taught to talk about openly. In this episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami sits down with financial planner, coach, and financial literacy advocate Krista Lee Hynes for a powerful conversation about money stories, financial shame, and why so many women struggle with fear, guilt, scarcity, and feeling “behind.” Krista shares how our childhood experiences, family dynamics, culture, and societal conditioning shape the way we think about money, often without us even realizing it. We talk about the emotional side of finances, the connection between trauma and money habits, and why financial literacy is deeply tied to confidence, freedom, and self-worth. We also discuss: • What a “money story” actually is • How childhood experiences shape financial behaviors • Why women often feel shame, fear, or guilt around money • The connection between perfectionism, scarcity, and financial anxiety • Why financial literacy was historically kept from women • How to begin rewriting unhealthy money beliefs • Journaling prompts to uncover your own money story • Budgeting tips and practical first steps toward financial clarity • Why financial independence matters in relationships and life transitions • The importance of wills, insurance, emergency planning, and transparency • How social media and constant economic fear impact our mindset • Why money itself isn’t bad, and how it can become a tool for freedom, care, and choice Krista also shares practical tools women can start using today to feel more confident and empowered financially, while reminding us that being “behind” financially is often a harmful myth rooted in unrealistic societal expectations. This conversation is honest, validating, educational, and incredibly important. If money has ever felt overwhelming, shameful, confusing, or emotionally heavy for you, this episode will make you feel far less alone. Financial confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, choice, and learning that you deserve to feel safe, informed, and empowered. Find Krista Lee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kristaleehynes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-lee-4709b232a/ Krista's article in By The North: https://www.bythenorth.ca/articles/5-smart-financial-moves Financial Planning Pyramid: https://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/money-and-finances/saving-for-retirement/what-is-a-financial-plan-and-do-i-really-need-one/

    1h 6m

  3. May 15 ·  Bonus

    Give Less F*cks, Have More Fun: Healing & Learning to Stop Shrinking Myself

    In this deeply personal bonus solo episode of Shedding the Shame, host Tami Wong opens up about her current experience with EMDR therapy, living with CPTSD, and what it really looks like to heal from abandonment wounds, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and years of staying small to keep others comfortable. She shares why she finally decided to start EMDR, what the process has actually been like emotionally, and how therapy continues to challenge and transform her after years of doing inner work. From difficult dreams and grief, to learning how to let herself be silly again, this episode is an honest conversation about mental health, resilience, and reclaiming the parts of ourselves we were taught to hide. Tami also talks about: The emotional exhaustion and breakthroughs that can come with trauma therapyHow childhood experiences shape perfectionism and fear of abandonmentWhy people-pleasing no longer serves herGrieving relationships, loss, and the pressure to appear “okay”Learning to trust herself and take up space unapologeticallyThe importance of safe relationships, therapy, and emotional honestyWhy her motto for 45 is: give less f*cks and have more fun If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “too much,” not enough, or afraid to fully be yourself, let this episode remind you that healing is possible and you are not alone.

    22 min

  4. May 8

    The Invisible Weight of Type 1 Diabetes with Jenna

    In this episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami sits down with her friend and former coworker, Jenna Van Dusen, for an honest conversation about living with Type 1 Diabetes. Diagnosed at just two and a half years old, Jenna shares what it was like growing up constantly managing a life-threatening chronic illness while also carrying the emotional weight, stigma, and shame that often comes with it. From childhood memories of blood sugar crashes at school to navigating work, relationships, burnout, and the pressure to appear “low maintenance,” Jenna opens up about the realities most people never see. Together, Tami and Jenna discuss: The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetesThe mental and emotional toll of chronic illnessShame, stigma, and harmful cultural jokes about diabetesThe pressure to over-perform professionally while managing illnessHow wearable medical devices changed Jenna’s lifeThe fear of being perceived as “different”The invisible emotional weight of chronic diseaseLearning to ask for help and let go of perfectionismWhy speaking openly about chronic illness matters This episode is a powerful reminder that many people are carrying battles we cannot see and that empathy matters more than judgment. If you’ve ever struggled with shame, chronic illness, feeling different, or trying to hold it all together while appearing “fine,” this conversation will resonate deeply. You are not alone. You can connect with Jenna on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-l-van-dusen/

    56 min

  5. May 1

    From Control to Compassion: Breaking Free from Body Shame & Eating Disorders with Penny

    Penny’s story doesn’t start with an eating disorder. It starts with a little girl who felt different: clumsy, quiet, and out of place.She didn't understand body image, shame had already taken root. In this episode, Penny shares how early experiences- feeling uncoordinated, misunderstood, and later undiagnosed ADHD- shaped the way she saw herself. By 13, she turned to food restriction and over-exercise as a way to cope, long before she had the language to understand what was happening. We talk about: How body shame can start before we even recognize itThe link between ADHD, rejection sensitivity, and self-worthThe dangerous praise of “looking healthy”Bodybuilding, control, and the illusion of perfectionWhy eating disorders are often missed—especially in kidsWhat it actually takes to start healing Penny also shares how becoming a mother shifted everything, and how she’s now using her experience to help parents recognize the early signs of eating disorders through her non-profit, ReFrame Voices. This is a conversation about what we carry in our bodies, what we were never taught to understand, and how we begin to let it go. ⚠️ Content warning: Eating disorders, body shame, mental health Resources: Reframe Voices website: https://www.reframevoices.ca/ Reframe Voices IG: https://www.instagram.com/reframevoices/ Canada National Eating Disorder Information Centre- https://nedic.ca/ Helpline: 1-866-NEDIC-20 (1-866-633-4220) Offers live chat, referrals, and educational resources.Canadian Mental Health Association- https://cmha.ca/ General mental health support, including body image and BDD-related resources. U.S. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)- https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Helpline: (800) 931-2237 Offers screening tools, treatment referrals, and support resources.National Alliance for Eating Disorders- https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/ Provides free support groups, referrals, and education.UK Beat Eating Disorders- https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Youthline: 0808 801 0711 Offers support for individuals and families, plus online chat.Australia Butterfly Foundation- https://butterfly.org.au/ Helpline: 1800 33 4673 National support for eating disorders and body image issues.National Eating Disorders Collaboration- https://nedc.com.au/ Provides education, research, and treatment pathways.

    54 min

  6. Apr 24

    Breaking the Cycle: Surviving Domestic Violence and Choosing Freedom with Ruth

    Ruth’s story starts at five years old; watching her father abuse her mother. Years later, she found herself in a relationship that looked painfully familiar. In this episode, Ruth shares her journey through domestic violence, the reality of being a young bride and mother, and the moment everything changed; the moment she knew she had to run. We talk about the parts people don’t always understand: The fearThe manipulationThe moments of “good” that keep you holding onThe strength it takes to finally leave Ruth also shares what came after: raising her daughters on her own, healing from deep trauma, and learning how to take her power back. This is a conversation about survival, resilience, and what it means to choose yourself, even when it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do. ⚠️ Content warning: Domestic violence, abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available. You are not alone. Leaving isn’t simple. It isn’t quick, and it can be dangerous. Support exists. Safe people exist. Options exist. You deserve safety. You deserve peace. You deserve a life that isn’t built around fear. Support Resoures United StatesNational Domestic Violence Hotline Call: 1-800-799-7233 Text: START to 88788 Live chat available online (24/7, confidential)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text: 988 (24/7 support for emotional distress)Love Is Respect (for teens & young adults) Call: 1-866-331-9474 Text: LOVEIS to 22522CanadaVictimLink BC (if you’re in British Columbia) Call or text: 1-800-563-0808 (24/7, multilingual)ShelterSafe Canada Online directory to find shelters across the countryKids Help Phone (youth & young adults) Call: 1-800-668-6868 Text: CONNECT to 686868988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada-wide) Call or text: 988United KingdomNational Domestic Abuse Helpline Call: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free & confidential)Samaritans (emotional support) Call: 116 123 (24/7)

    50 min

  7. Apr 17

    My Hair Loss Story: Alopecia, Dating, Confidence & Healing

    In this solo episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami shares her deeply personal 30-year journey with alopecia. Her story began at just 15 years old after taking Accutane, when she first noticed changes in her hair that would continue for decades. What followed was a long and often isolating experience of thinning hair, shame, and trying to hide something she didn’t understand and felt she couldn’t talk about. In this episode, Tami opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of hair loss in women, including how it affected her confidence, identity, and relationships. She shares: What it was like experiencing hair loss as a teenagerThe reality of living with androgenic alopecia (AGA)The mental toll of hiding hair loss and feeling “less than”Dating with hair loss and the fear of rejectionHer experience with wigs, hair fibers, and alternative hair solutionsFinding a supportive partner and navigating vulnerability in relationshipsWhy true acceptance had to come from within, not from othersThe impact of societal beauty standards on women with hair loss Tami also discusses the lack of emotional support and resources available for women with hair loss, and how that led her to create Hair Loss Pride— a community focused on support, education, and empowerment. This episode is for any woman struggling with hair loss who feels alone, ashamed, or unsure of how to move forward. Through honesty and lived experience, this conversation highlights an important truth: hair loss does not define a woman’s beauty or worth. You are not alone, and there is support, community, and confidence waiting on the other side of shame.

    37 min

  8. Apr 10

    Hair Loss, Heartbreak & Healing: Tina’s Story of Finding Love

    In this episode of Shedding the Shame, I sit down with Tina Warren, who joins us all the way from Sydney, Australia, to share her deeply personal journey with alopecia, dating, and self-worth. Tina opens up about experiencing hair loss as a teenager and how it impacted her confidence, relationships, and sense of identity. From navigating cruel comments and rejection to enduring toxic relationships and heartbreak, her story is raw, emotional, and incredibly relatable. We talk about: The reality of dating with hair lossHow past trauma and insecurity can shape relationshipsThe pressure women feel around appearance and motherhoodFinding a partner who truly accepts you exactly as you areLetting go of shame and learning to embrace alternative hair Tina also shares her experience with hair systems, the transition into wearing wigs, and the surprising empowerment she’s found along the way. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you are not your hair, and the right person will see your worth beyond anything physical. If you’ve ever felt like your hair loss makes you “less than” or worried you won’t be loved because of it, this episode will hit home in the best way. You are not alone; and once you start talking about it, you begin to take your power back. You can find Tina on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/myhairwasoncethere/

    1h 1m
See All (14)

About

Shedding the Shame is a women’s empowerment podcast where we talk openly about the experiences society tells women to keep quiet. Infertility. Miscarriage. Divorce. Menopause. Estrangement. Anxiety and depression. Postpartum struggles. Motherhood in all its forms. Burnout. Taking up space. Not being “easy.” The list goes on and on. For generations, women have been conditioned to push through, downplay pain, and stay silent. This podcast challenges that. Shedding the Shame was created by Tami Wong, Founder of Hair Loss Pride, who knows firsthand what it means to carry shame in silence, Each episode features honest conversations about women’s mental health, healing, identity, personal growth, and resilience. Guests share the shame they carried, how it shaped them, and how they rebuilt their lives with strength and self-trust. There’s no trauma mining and no fixing. Just respectful, thoughtful dialogue and space to be heard. If you’ve ever felt broken, dramatic, or alone because of what you’ve lived through, this podcast is for you. This is for women who are done whispering. Let’s shed the shame.

Information

  • Creator
    Tami Wong
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tami Wong
  • Show Website
    Shedding the Shame

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