Unclenched: Conversations with Lina and Julie

3d ago

What Are You Really Addicted To? [Ep 18]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie have an honest conversation about addiction, coping mechanisms, coffee, alcohol, food, trauma, and the things we reach for when life feels hard. What starts as a conversation about quitting coffee quickly turns into something much deeper. They explore how addiction isn't always what we think it is. Sometimes it's alcohol. Sometimes it's food. Sometimes it's busyness, people pleasing, work, or anything that helps us avoid feeling what's really going on underneath. Lina shares her experience quitting caffeine and the surprising changes she noticed in her anxiety, energy, sleep, and overall well-being. Together, they discuss childhood experiences, nervous system regulation, emotional pain, self-awareness, and the importance of asking a different question: What if the addiction isn't the problem? What if it's the pain we're trying to escape? This episode is your reminder that: 👉 addiction isn't always obvious 👉 coping mechanisms often start as survival strategies 👉 healing begins when we get curious about what's underneath the habit If you've ever struggled to let go of something, relied on food, coffee, alcohol, work, or other comforts to get through difficult seasons, or wondered why certain habits are so hard to break... this conversation is for you. Topics We Cover • Addiction and coping mechanisms • Coffee addiction and quitting caffeine • Alcohol, food, sugar, and other forms of addiction • Trauma and childhood experiences • Nervous system regulation • Emotional pain and avoidance • Self-awareness and healing • The connection between stress, anxiety, and addiction Key Moments • "What if the addiction isn't the problem?" • The surprising effects of quitting caffeine • Why we reach for certain comforts during difficult times • The difference between treating symptoms and addressing root causes • Addiction as a response to pain • Learning to listen to your body instead of overriding it About This Podcast Unclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention. Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong. No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the Conversation We want this to be a shared space. Have you ever quit something that you thought you needed? What coping mechanisms have shown up in your own life? If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to hear from you. Share your experience or what this conversation brought up for you. Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook: Unclenched Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587038466621 Credits Hosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C Butler Produced by: Unclenched

50 min

May 28

Stop People Pleasing: Boundaries, Guilt & Speaking Your Truth [Ep 17]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie have a real conversation about people pleasing, boundaries, guilt, communication, and learning to finally say the damn thing. They talk about why so many of us hold back from expressing how we truly feel… whether it’s saying “I love you,” asking for what we need, saying no without guilt, or speaking our truth in relationships and friendships. From fear of rejection and overthinking to burnout, menopause, self-worth, and protecting your peace… this episode is all about giving yourself permission to stop abandoning yourself just to keep everyone else comfortable. This episode is your reminder that:👉 saying no doesn’t make you selfish👉 your feelings and needs matter too👉 and every time you betray yourself to please others… you lose a little piece of yourself If you’ve been struggling with boundaries, guilt, overthinking, or speaking up for yourself… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover• People pleasing and fear of rejection• Setting boundaries without guilt• Speaking your truth in relationships• Saying “I love you” and expressing feelings• Overthinking communication and social anxiety• Protecting your peace and energy• Menopause, stress, and emotional burnout• Choosing yourself without feeling selfish Key Moments• “Say the damn thing”• Every time you say yes to others… you may be saying no to yourself• Why fear keeps us from expressing how we feel• Permission to stop people pleasing• The difference between helping others and abandoning yourself• “If you don’t feel like going to the party… don’t go” About This PodcastUnclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention.Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong.No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the ConversationWe want this to be a shared space.Do you struggle with saying no or setting boundaries?Have you ever held back from telling someone how you truly feel?If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you.Share your experience or what this conversation brought up for you.Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook:Unclenched Facebook Page CreditsHosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C ButlerProduced by: Unclenched

22 min

May 21

God vs Universe: Letting Go of Control & Trusting Your Intuition [Ep 16]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie dive into spirituality, intuition, manifestation, and the ongoing conversation so many people quietly have with themselves… Is it God? The universe? Both? Neither? They explore faith, the law of attraction, intuition, ego, soul contracts, signs, dreams, and what it really means to let go of control and trust that life is unfolding the way it’s meant to. From childhood beliefs and personal stories to manifestation, fear, guidance, and learning to listen to your gut… this conversation is raw, open-minded, and deeply reflective. This episode is your reminder that:👉 your intuition is trying to guide you👉 fear and ego are not the same as inner knowing👉 and sometimes rejection, redirection, and delays are actually protection If you’ve been questioning your path, searching for meaning, or trying to trust yourself more deeply… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover• God vs universe and spirituality• Intuition, guidance, and gut feelings• The law of attraction and manifestation• Ego, fear, and self-awareness• Dreams, signs, and spiritual experiences• Letting go of control and trusting timing• Soul contracts and life lessons• Love, judgment, and human connection Key Moments• “Rejection is God’s protection”• Fear lives in the mind… intuition lives in the gut• The difference between ego and inner knowing• Manifestation stories and trusting the process• Why controlling everything creates suffering• “You see the world how you see yourself” About This PodcastUnclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention.Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong.No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the ConversationWe want this to be a shared space.Do you believe in signs, intuition, or manifestation?Have you ever felt guided toward something you couldn’t fully explain?If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you.Share your experience or what this conversation brought up for you.Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook:Unclenched Facebook Page CreditsHosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C ButlerProduced by: Unclenched

52 min

May 14

Who Am I Now? Finding Yourself After Kids & Life Changes (Empty Nest & Identity) [Ep 15]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie have an honest conversation about life after kids, changing identities, relationships, and figuring out who you are in this next chapter of life. They talk about the transition into empty nest seasons, raising independent children, rediscovering yourself after years of caregiving, and what happens when you finally have time to ask… “What do I actually want now?” From marriage, divorce, friendships, hobbies, entrepreneurship, and reinvention… this conversation explores the reality of starting over, evolving, and giving yourself permission to change. This episode is your reminder that:👉 it’s okay to reinvent yourself👉 life transitions can feel scary and exciting at the same time👉 and this season of life might actually be your beginning… not your ending If you’ve been feeling lost, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who you are now… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover• Empty nest and life after kids• Finding yourself after years of caregiving• Identity shifts and reinvention• Marriage, divorce, and relationships after children• Raising independent kids• Rediscovering hobbies and passions• Entrepreneurship and purpose in midlife• Giving yourself permission to change Key Moments• “Who am I now?”• The transition from caregiver to rediscovering yourself• Why so many relationships struggle after kids grow up• Learning to reconnect with your partner — or yourself• Permission to reinvent your life at any age• “Your life does not need to be scripted” About This PodcastUnclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention.Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong.No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the ConversationWe want this to be a shared space.Have you ever felt lost during a major life transition?Are you figuring out who you are after kids, marriage, divorce, or change?If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you.Share your experience or what this conversation brought up for you.Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook:Unclenched Facebook Page CreditsHosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C ButlerProduced by: Unclenched

28 min

May 7

How to Love Yourself Again (Body Image, Confidence & Self-Worth After 40) [Ep 14]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie have an honest conversation about self-love, body image, confidence, and the pressure so many of us feel to become “better” before we allow ourselves to fully live. They unpack how deeply we judge ourselves… from the way we look to the way we show up in relationships, business, and everyday life. They talk about body image, aging, supportive relationships, self-worth, and learning to stop waiting for “someday” to finally feel happy. From inner critics and comparison to freedom, authenticity, and embracing who you are right now… this conversation is a reminder that your worth was never tied to your appearance in the first place. This episode is your reminder that: 👉 you are so much more than your body 👉 happiness doesn’t begin someday… it begins now 👉 and loving yourself starts with accepting who you already are If you’ve been struggling with self-worth, body image, confidence, or feeling like you’re never enough… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover • Body image and self-worth • Learning to love yourself now • The inner critic and negative self-talk • Supportive relationships and unconditional love • Freedom from caring what others think • Happiness, gratitude, and authenticity • Identity, confidence, and showing up as yourself • Why self-love starts from within Key Moments • “You are so much more than your body” • The powerful realization at Lina’s mother’s funeral • Why happiness cannot wait for “someday” • “Tell the boogeyman to sit down and shut the f*ck up” • Freedom from caring what others think • Learning to celebrate yourself exactly as you are About This Podcast Unclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention. Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong. No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the Conversation We want this to be a shared space. Have you ever struggled with body image or self-worth? Do you find yourself waiting for “someday” to finally feel happy or confident? If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experience or what this conversation brought up for you. Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook: Unclenched Facebook Page Credits Hosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C Butler Produced by: Unclenched

25 min

Apr 30

Why You Feel Behind (Even When You’re Not) [Ep 13]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie get real about that feeling so many of us carry… feeling behind in our own lives. The kind of feeling that seems to show up out of nowhere… but often starts the moment we open our phones. They unpack how comparison quietly creeps in through social media, how we start measuring our lives against what we see online, and why it can leave us feeling like we’re not doing enough… or not where we “should” be. From mindless scrolling and content overload to triggers, judgment, and the pressure to keep up, this conversation brings awareness to what’s really going on beneath the surface. This episode is your reminder that:👉 you’re not actually behind… you’re just seeing too much👉 comparison is often unconscious… but deeply impactful👉 and being intentional with what you consume changes everything If you’ve been feeling off, stuck, or like everyone else is ahead of you… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover• Feeling behind and where that feeling really comes from• Social media, comparison, and content overload• Why we compare ourselves (even when we don’t realize it)• Triggers, judgment, and emotional reactions online• Being intentional vs. mindless scrolling• Supporting others vs. silently watching• Boundaries with social media and content consumption• Refocusing on your own life and what actually matters Key Moments• “You feel fine… until you open your phone”• The comparison trap we don’t even realize we’re in• Why you’re not behind… you’re just seeing too much• The emotional impact of constant content consumption• Social media intentions… vs. habits• Mind your life, not everyone else’s About This PodcastUnclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention. Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong. No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the ConversationWe want this to be a shared space. Have you ever noticed how your mood shifts after scrolling?Or caught yourself feeling behind after being online? If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you.Share your experience or what you’re noticing. Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587038466621⁠ CreditsHosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C ButlerProduced by: Unclenched

46 min

Apr 23

Grief, Regret, and the Things You Wish You Did Sooner [Ep 12]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie continue the conversation on grief… but go deeper into the parts that don’t always get said out loud. They talk about regret, guilt, missed moments, and the emotional weight that can come after losing someone… especially when you wish you had shown up differently. This isn’t just about loss… it’s about how we live before loss happens. From being present with the people you love to having the conversations most of us avoid, this episode is a reminder that time isn’t guaranteed… and the little moments matter more than we think. This episode is your reminder that:👉 regret and guilt often come from the things we didn’t do👉 being present now matters more than being perfect later👉 and the relationships in your life deserve your attention while they’re here If you’ve ever lost someone… or want to live with less regret… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover• Grief, loss, and the emotional aftermath• Regret and guilt after losing someone• Being present with the people you love• Why we take time and relationships for granted• Avoiding difficult conversations… and why they matter• Family dynamics, healing, and perspective shifts• How loss changes the way you live• Letting grief shape you in meaningful ways Key Moments• “It’s not just the loss… it’s what you wish you did differently”• Regret can hit harder than the grief itself• Why being present now actually matters• The conversations we avoid… until it’s too late• How loss shifts your entire perspective• Don’t wait to show up for the people you love About This PodcastUnclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention. Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong. No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the ConversationWe want this to be a shared space. Have you ever experienced regret after losing someone?Is there something you wish you had said… or done differently? If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you.Share your story or what you’re navigating. Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587038466621⁠ CreditsHosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C ButlerProduced by: Unclenched

44 min

Apr 16

This Is What Real Friendship Actually Feels Like [Ep 11]

In this episode of Unclenched, Lina and Julie get real about friendships… the good, the messy, and the ones that actually feel like home. They break down what a healthy, unclenched friendship really looks like—one where you can be fully yourself, say the things, disappear and come back, and still feel safe, supported, and understood. From overthinking texts and people-pleasing to vulnerability, boundaries, and evolving friendships, this conversation dives into why some friendships feel easy… and others feel exhausting. This episode is your reminder that: 👉 real friendships don’t feel heavy or performative 👉 you don’t need a lot of friends… just real ones 👉 and the right people will let you be fully, unapologetically YOU If you’ve ever questioned your friendships or felt drained instead of supported… this one’s for you. Topics We Cover• What a healthy, authentic friendship actually feels like • Signs your friendship is supportive vs. draining • Overthinking texts, communication, and misinterpretation • Vulnerability, trust, and emotional safety in friendships • Why people struggle to build deep, real connections • Letting friendships evolve (or end) without guilt • Boundaries, honesty, and not people-pleasing • Why you don’t need many friends… just the right ones Key Moments• “A real friendship feels like home… not pressure” • Stop overthinking texts… it’s not that deep • The difference between surface friendships vs. real ones • Why vulnerability is the key to deeper connections • Let people love you (this one hits 👀) • You don’t need more friends… you need better ones About This Podcast Unclenched is a space for honest, grounded conversations about letting go, seeing ourselves more clearly, and living with more intention. Hosted by Lina and Julie, the show explores friendship, identity, burnout, relationships, reinvention, and the pressure to always be strong. No fixing. No pretending. Just real talk. Join the Conversation We want this to be a shared space. Have you ever lost a friend without a fight? Have you outgrown someone… or been outgrown? If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you. Share your story or what you’re navigating in your friendships. Follow Unclenched on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587038466621 Credits Hosted by: Lina Bader & Julie C Butler Produced by: Unclenched

44 min

Unclenched: Conversations with Lina and Julie

Episodes

What Are You Really Addicted To? [Ep 18]

Stop People Pleasing: Boundaries, Guilt & Speaking Your Truth [Ep 17]

God vs Universe: Letting Go of Control & Trusting Your Intuition [Ep 16]

Who Am I Now? Finding Yourself After Kids & Life Changes (Empty Nest & Identity) [Ep 15]

How to Love Yourself Again (Body Image, Confidence & Self-Worth After 40) [Ep 14]

Why You Feel Behind (Even When You’re Not) [Ep 13]

Grief, Regret, and the Things You Wish You Did Sooner [Ep 12]

This Is What Real Friendship Actually Feels Like [Ep 11]

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