The FitZen Project

Rachel Fitzpatrick

The FitZen Project is a podcast about self-leadership, authenticity, purpose, and personal transformation. Hosted by Rachel Fitzpatrick, each episode explores how to trust yourself, navigate life transitions, set healthy boundaries, overcome self-doubt, and create a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. Through honest conversations, inspiring guest stories, and practical reflections on mindset, energy management, relationships, grief, purpose, and conscious living, you'll discover what happens when you stop outsourcing your happiness and start leading yourself from the inside out. Whether you're rebuilding after loss, questioning what's next, healing old patterns, or stepping into a new chapter, The FitZen Project offers encouragement, perspective, and tools for meaningful change. Alignment is the new hustle. You are your most important project.

  1. 1d ago

    Your Next Step Is More Important Than Your Next Goal | Mikael Avatar

    The biggest breakthroughs in life rarely come from setting a bigger goal. They come from taking the next step.  In this episode of The FitZen Project, Rachel Fitzpatrick sits down with Paralympic world record holder, coach, and author Mikael Avatar to explore a simple truth that has the power to change the trajectory of your life: Your next step matters more than your next goal. Born with cerebral palsy, Mikael refused to let a diagnosis determine what was possible. He trained for ten years believing he was working toward the Olympics before even learning the Paralympics existed. He went on to break a world record—but discovered that achievement alone couldn't provide lasting fulfillment. What did? Purpose. Action. And the willingness to keep taking the next step, even when the path wasn't fully visible. From moving across the world in search of a pain-free life to practicing in front of a camera for hundreds of days before ever feeling comfortable, Mikael shares the mindset that has shaped every chapter of his life. This conversation is a reminder that the life you want isn't built in one giant leap. It's built in the decision to move before you're completely ready. If you've been waiting for certainty before making a change, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why your next step matters more than your next goal  How to stop waiting for certainty before taking action  The surprising emptiness that can follow major achievement  Why passion makes obstacles feel smaller  The mindset that helped Mikael become a Paralympic world record holder  How small daily actions create extraordinary lives  The difference between achievement and fulfillment  Why freedom comes from action—not perfect planning  How to recognize when it's time to trust yourself and move Memorable Quotes "The goal starts the adventure. The adventure is your life." "Most people know what they need to do. They just don't act." "Why should I live in a country with pain when I can live in a country without pain?" "Find your passion. Then spend the rest of your life doing it."Connect with Mikael Avatar 🌐 https://mikaelavatar.com Connect with Rachel Fitzpatrick The FitZen Project explores mindset, energy management, and conscious leadership through conversations that help you stop outsourcing yourself and start leading from within. Because alignment is the new hustle. Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  2. Jul 28

    Why You Feel Lost After Achieving a Big Goal | The Mountain After the Mountain

    You finally reached the goal. The wedding. The promotion. The degree. The business. The weight loss. So why do you suddenly feel... lost? In this solo episode of The FitZen Project, Rachel Fitzpatrick shares the unexpected realization that came from a routine chiropractor visit. What started as a conversation about stress became a much deeper question: What season of life am I actually in? We spend years climbing mountains—working toward milestones, chasing dreams, and believing the next achievement will finally make us feel settled. But what happens after the celebration is over? This episode explores:  Why major life transitions can leave you feeling empty  The psychology of living in constant anticipation  Why goals give direction—but not identity  Learning how to live in the "valley" instead of rushing toward the next mountain  How alignment helps you stop chasing and start living If you've ever wondered why accomplishing everything you wanted didn't create the peace you expected, this conversation is for you. Because maybe the most important work isn't reaching the summit. Maybe it's learning how to live once you get there. Subscribe to The FitZen Project for weekly conversations about mindset, self-leadership, energy management, and conscious living. Join the weekly email at thefitzenproject.com Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  3. Jul 20

    Alignment Is the New Hustle

    What if you're not burned out because you're doing too much... but because you've been trying to earn your worth? For years, I believed the answer was simple: work harder. Another degree. Another promotion. Another side hustle. Another paycheck. I even convinced myself that making more money would finally make me feel free. It didn't. In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind one of the biggest mindset shifts of my life and the philosophy that has become the foundation of The FitZen Project: Alignment is the new hustle. We'll explore why burnout isn't always caused by overworking, how people-pleasing and achievement can quietly disconnect you from yourself, and why the life you're chasing may not actually fit who you are. If you've ever struggled with:  burnout  hustle culture  work-life balance  self-worth  people pleasing  finding your purpose  personal growth  conscious leadership  energy management ...this conversation is for you. In this episode, we'll explore: ✨ Why burnout starts long before exhaustion ✨ The hidden cost of tying your worth to achievement ✨ Why rest can feel uncomfortable (and what that reveals) ✨ The difference between hustle and alignment ✨ How to use alignment as a filter for every decision you make ✨ The question that changed my life:  "Does this cost me more than it gives me?" Because the goal was never to build a bigger life. It was to build one that actually fits. Remember: The hustle asks: "How much more can I carry?"Alignment asks: "Why am I carrying this in the first place?"If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's been carrying more than they need to. Because... You are your most important project. 🎵 Music licensed through Soundstripe. License Codes: 1DMDRWFBS7ICXZSD, OIGVFE74AYIUNQCS Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofTabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  4. Jul 7

    From Fire Dancing to Butterfly Trails: Creating a Life That Feels Like Your Own with Cherie Dawn

    What happens when you stop living by expectations and start trusting yourself? In this episode of The FitZen Project, Rachel sits down with author, yoga teacher, and creative spirit Cherie Dawn for a heartfelt conversation about authenticity, intuition, self-expression, and creating a life that feels aligned from the inside out. From her years as a fire performer to becoming an author, teaching yoga, and transforming a vineyard into a butterfly trail, Cherie shares how small, intentional decisions shaped a life rooted in freedom, creativity, and purpose. Together, Rachel and Cherie explore what it means to let go of what no longer serves you, embrace your unique path, and trust that the next right step is often enough. If you've ever felt called to make a change, pursue a creative dream, or simply live more authentically, this conversation will leave you inspired to listen to your own inner wisdom. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why authenticity is more important than approval • How small decisions create big life transformations • The connection between yoga, intuition, and self-leadership • Why letting go can be the most powerful act of growth • How creativity helps us become more fully ourselves • The surprising story behind Cherie's butterfly trail Connect with Cherie: Website: cheriedawn.com Book: Don't Ugly Cry While Driving Remember: You are your most important project. Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  5. Jun 30

    Stop Outsourcing Your Life: How to Trust Yourself and Make Better Decisions

    Have you ever felt like everyone else was more qualified to live your life than you were? In this solo episode, Rachel shares the powerful realization that changed everything: she had spent years outsourcing her decisions to friends, family, partners, coaches, and anyone willing to offer advice. From unhealthy relationships to major life choices, Rachel explores why so many of us seek validation before making decisions and how that habit slowly disconnects us from our own intuition. Through personal stories, lessons from therapy, nervous system work, and self-leadership practices, you'll learn how to stop making everyone else's voice louder than your own and start rebuilding trust in yourself. If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, second-guessing yourself, overthinking decisions, or feeling disconnected from your intuition, this episode is for you. In This Episode ✔ Why people outsource their power ✔ The fear of making the wrong decision ✔ How advice is often based on someone else's limitations ✔ Why other people's experiences aren't your destiny ✔ The relationship lesson that changed everything ✔ Rebuilding self-trust one decision at a time ✔ What true self-leadership actually looks like ✔ How to stop seeking permission and start trusting yourself Key Takeaway You don't need to stop listening to people. You need to stop making everyone else's voice louder than your own. At the end of the day, you're the CEO of your life. Everyone else is just a consultant. Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofPersonal Financial PlanningMoney mindsets for conscious living.Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  6. Jun 23

    Dementia Care, Alzheimer's Education and the Power of Community | Alex Jones

    What happens when education, compassion, and community come together to support people living with dementia? In this episode of The FitZen Project, I sit down with my longtime friend Alex Jones, whom I met during the Disney College Program years ago. Today, Alex works in dementia-informed education and helps operate a unique community model alongside his family: an adult day program serving individuals with dementia located next to a preschool. Our conversation explores how knowledge empowers caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, and entire communities to better understand dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Alex shares lessons from his work, the importance of creating meaningful connections across generations, and why education can dramatically improve quality of life for both individuals living with dementia and those who care for them. Whether you're supporting an aging parent, working in healthcare, caring for a loved one with memory loss, or simply wanting to better understand dementia, this episode offers practical insight and a fresh perspective on what community care can look like. In This Episode:  What dementia-informed care really means  Common misconceptions about dementia and Alzheimer's disease  How education helps caregivers feel more confident  The role adult day programs play in supporting families  The benefits of intergenerational programs connecting children and older adults  Why community awareness matters in dementia care  Practical ways to support individuals experiencing memory loss  Building compassionate communities for aging populations Who This Episode Is For:  Family caregivers  Adult children supporting aging parents  Healthcare professionals  Social workers  Community leaders  Educators  Anyone interested in aging, wellness, and dementia awarenessQuestions Answered in This Episode  What is dementia-informed care?  How can caregivers better support someone with dementia?  What are the benefits of adult day programs?  How do intergenerational programs help people with dementia?  What resources are available for families caring for aging parents?  How can communities become more dementia-friendly?  What role does education play in Alzheimer's and dementia care?Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofTabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  7. Jun 16

    The Lesson Was Never the Wedding

    A couple of weeks ago, I married the love of my life. But this episode isn't really about the wedding. It's about what happened in the weeks leading up to it. Between my son's graduation, teaching at Kentucky Yoga Festival, a surprise incentive trip to the British Virgin Islands, work responsibilities, travel plans, and wedding preparations, I found myself doing what high performers often do: trying to make everything fit through effort, sacrifice, and control. What I didn't realize was that life was teaching me a different lesson. A lesson about receiving. In this solo episode, I share the breakthroughs that happened before I ever walked down the aisle, the unexpected resistance that showed up when things started falling into place, and the powerful realization that wanting something and receiving something are two completely different skills. We explore: Why high achievers often struggle to receive good thingsThe hidden connection between worthiness and effortHow control can keep us from fully experiencing lifeThe difference between manufacturing an outcome and trusting the processThe signs, synchronicities, and moments of presence that made my wedding day unforgettableWhat it means to become available for the life you're asking forIf you've ever felt like you had to earn every good thing that comes your way, this conversation is for you. Because maybe the next level of your life doesn't require more effort. Maybe it requires more availability. Remember: You are your most important project—not because you need fixing, but because the way you lead yourself determines the life you're available to receive. Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofPersonal Financial PlanningMoney mindsets for conscious living.Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

  8. Jun 9

    Rise to the Role: Leadership, Purpose & the Power Within with Randall Thames

    What if the life you’re meant to live is already inside of you — waiting to be activated? In this powerful conversation, Rachel sits down with executive coach, speaker, and author Randall Thames to explore purpose, identity, leadership, fulfillment, and what it truly means to rise into the role you were created for. Together, they unpack the difference between happiness and fulfillment, the danger of complacency, and why so many people stay stuck on the “lazy river ride” of life instead of stepping into their deeper calling. Randall shares the philosophy behind his book and the In-Spirit Institute, explaining how discovering your gifts, abilities, and purpose can transform not only your career, but your entire life. From executive leadership to entrepreneurship, self-awareness to spiritual alignment, this episode bridges structure and soul in a way that feels both grounding and expansive. Inside this episode: Why fulfillment matters more than external successThe “gap analysis” framework: gifts, abilities, and purposeHow to activate your “super purpose power”Identity vs activity: separating who you are from what you doWhy complacency can quietly become a dragonThe importance of systems, rhythm, and intentional daily practicesUsing AI as “actionable insight” instead of letting it control youThe role of challenge, discomfort, and uncertainty in growthWhy your greatest work may already be trying to emerge from withinThis conversation is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start trusting the purpose already inside you. Because maybe the goal was never the peak. Maybe the goal was always the journey. Connect with Randall Thames: Website: Inspire Institute Book: Rise to the Role And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s ready to rise into the next version of themselves. Remember: You are your most important project. Lotus and LunaUse promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included)Liforme Yoga MatsUse code FitZen at checkout for a discount!RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & moreThere are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% ofTabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! Instagram: thefitzenproject Website: fitzenyoga.com Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: Bring on more incredible guests Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heartKeep the podcast ad-free and community-focused🎧 Become a supporter today and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The FitZen Project is a podcast about self-leadership, authenticity, purpose, and personal transformation. Hosted by Rachel Fitzpatrick, each episode explores how to trust yourself, navigate life transitions, set healthy boundaries, overcome self-doubt, and create a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. Through honest conversations, inspiring guest stories, and practical reflections on mindset, energy management, relationships, grief, purpose, and conscious living, you'll discover what happens when you stop outsourcing your happiness and start leading yourself from the inside out. Whether you're rebuilding after loss, questioning what's next, healing old patterns, or stepping into a new chapter, The FitZen Project offers encouragement, perspective, and tools for meaningful change. Alignment is the new hustle. You are your most important project.