In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, I’m joined by Austeen Heeney— yoga teacher, massage therapist, bodyworker, and creator of Dare to Be Podcast. From our first meeting, we knew this connection was different — and this episode reflects that level of depth, honesty, and soul. We talk about what it means to truly inhabit yourself — not just in your body, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Austeen shares her journey of reclaiming her voice, navigating trauma, redefining her relationship with success, and choosing her own uniqueness as a form of liberation. This episode is for the woman who’s been high-performing but disconnected. The one who's been doing the work but still feels unrooted. The one who is learning that self-honoring is not selfish — it’s sacred. Chapters & Highlights [2:00] – Meet Austeen: Who she’s being & how she’s walking through the world [6:00] – Daring to be unique, weird, and fully yourself [14:30] – Finding sanctuary within yourself so the outside world can’t shake you [16:20] – Childhood trauma and the courage of radical honesty [19:40] – Surviving emotional abuse & learning self-fullness over self-sacrifice [24:00] – Mentorship, betrayal, and removing people from pedestals [30:30] – Closing her studio, pruning instead of pushing, and learning to say no [34:00] – What you're really charging for as a spaceholder? Key Takeaways You don’t have to collapse to be held — your healing is reason enough Saying no doesn’t require an excuse — your truth is enough Embodiment is layered: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic Radical honesty begins with yourself — and it will change everything True growth doesn’t always mean more — sometimes it means pruning Self-fullness is not selfish; it’s the foundation of sustainable service About Austeen HeeneyAusteen is the founder of Free To Be Yoga and Massage, where she blends therapeutic bodywork with soulful, embodied teaching. She’s a licensed Massage Therapist, licensed Athletic Trainer, Thai Fusion Bodyworker, and seasoned Yoga Teacher with over a decade of experience helping others reconnect to their bodies and live more consciously. As the winner and champion of the recent 2025 Michigan Massage Championship, Austeen brings both technical skills and intuitive presence to her healing work. She also leads soulful yoga retreats that invite participants to slow down, reconnect, and remember what truly matters. In addition to her hands-on and movement-based work, Austeen guides individuals in clarifying their core values so they can choose a life that feels good and show up in the world in their own authentic, powerful way. Connect with Austeen Website: Free to Be Yoga & Massage Instagram:@austeen_freetobe Podcast: Dare to Be Call to Action ✨ Like and share this episode if it moved something in you ✨ Comment with what resonated most ✨ Review the podcast — it helps these conversations reach more hearts ✨ Subscribe to the Inhabit Yourself Newsletter newsletter for upcoming events + offerings
