The Phoenix Perspective Podcast

Kori Rae Kovacs, BSN RN

A show for women over 35 navigating the twists, turns, and WTFs of womanhood. -> Life wasn't supposed to be this hard. Was it? Somewhere between raising kids, changing bodies, complicated relationships, and trying to keep our shit together, we started wondering: Is life really supposed to be this tough? Welcome to The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, where we're getting curious about what it really means to be a woman, questioning the things we've always believed, and discovering new ways to navigate this messy, beautiful life. From women's health, periods, and perimenopause to personal growth, parenting, relationships, and spirituality, we're making sense of the challenges and changes that come with womanhood after 35. Along with Kori Rae (that's me!), we'll have honest, no-b******t conversations with real women and experts, sharing stories from our own beautiful, messy lives and exploring the things nobody prepared us for. Join us for weekly conversations with one goal in mind: so you can feel good, find your joy, and love the life you're living now.

  1. 3h ago

    My Body Changed. Now What? | Women’s Health: Decoded (Episode 1 of 8)

    Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Who is this person staring back at me?” Maybe you went through something hard and your health changed. You gained weight. Your energy declined. You just don’t feel like you used to. In Episode 1 of Women’s Health: Decoded, Kori Rae shares how her own health changed after her life fell apart, and how learning to understand her body shifted the question from “What’s wrong with my body?” to “What’s happening in my body?” She also talks about how gaining a better understanding of your body will help you be a better participant in your healthcare. Your health isn’t separate from the rest of your life. You’re rebuilding your life with a body that has also been through challenges. And it's time you had the language to understand it. In this episode: Why major life changes can change the way we experience and care for our bodiesWhat body literacy is and why it mattersMoving from body judgment to curiosityRecognizing your baseline, patterns, and changesAdvocating for yourself in healthcareThe difference between control and agencyWhat to expect from Women’s Health, DecodedThis episode begins an eight-part series of expert conversations designed to help you better understand, trust, and care for your body. About Kori Rae KovacsKori is a U.S. Navy Veteran, Registered Nurse, women’s health advocate, and host of The Phoenix Perspective Podcast. Through honest storytelling, experiential living, and a whole-person approach to health and personal growth, Kori helps women better understand themselves and their bodies as they navigate life after major change. Her work is rooted in curiosity, self-trust, and the belief that women deserve to be active participants in their health and in the lives they’re building. Connect with Kori Rae: Instagram: @koriraekovacs  Website: Sacred Phoenix Wellness Substack: Kori Rae Kovacs on Substack Further Resources: 👉 Books to understand your body better: Wild Power by Alexandra PopeThe Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-JackIn the Flo by Alisa VittiCycle Sync Your Business by Renae Fieck (Free Book!)👉 Want to understand your symptoms, moods, and patterns better? Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: OOORB1B4ESSVIH7S, CJNTHOTQA4JN2MMO

    My Body Changed. Now What? | Women’s Health: Decoded (Episode 1 of 8)
  2. Oct 3

    36. Is Life Passing You By? Reflections on Being Present | A Phoenix Unscripted Episode

    Have you ever looked up and realized you've been so busy thinking about what happened yesterday—or what needs to happen tomorrow—that you haven't really been present with the here and now? This episode of The Phoenix Unscripted began with a sunrise. I was sitting in my backyard watching the sky turn from fiery orange to pink when I started wondering why we're so captivated by moments like these. And somewhere in that question came another: What if nature is always asking us to be present? Because that sunrise disappeared within minutes. I'll never see that exact sky again. And our lives are a lot like that. We can spend so much time replaying the past, worrying about the future, working through our to-do lists, or simply moving through our days on autopilot that we miss the life happening right in front of us. In this unplanned, unpolished reflection, I'm sharing what I've learned about cultivating more presence in my own life, and why I think it's brought me more peace, connection, wonder, and fullness along the way.  We also talk about a few simple ways to practice coming back to the present through nature, meditation, and movement. If you've been feeling distracted, disconnected, or like life has been moving a little too fast lately, come sit beside the fire with me. Your life is happening right now. Let's be here for it. Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 2YUBN8ITGOXMI6EV, 6H5CLZRCZVJZZQVZ

    36. Is Life Passing You By? Reflections on Being Present | A Phoenix Unscripted Episode
  3. Sep 26

    35. How to Put Yourself Out There When You’re Scared of What People Will Think | Melissa Chavis

    Have you ever wanted to do something that would require you to put yourself out there—and immediately started worrying about what everyone else would think? In this episode of The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, I'm joined by identity and nervous system coach Melissa Chavis for a conversation about what happens when the life you're being called toward requires you to be seen. Melissa shares her own journey from high-achieving corporate leader to entrepreneur, including the fear she experienced when she first began showing up publicly and sharing ideas that felt deeply personal to her. We talk about why doing something unfamiliar can feel so uncomfortable, how fear of judgment keeps us playing small, and why being scared doesn't necessarily mean you're moving in the wrong direction. We also explore Human Design as a tool Melissa uses for decision-making—and how learning to recognize your own patterns can help you build greater self-trust as you step into something new. In this episode, we talk about: Fear of judgment, failure, and being seenWhat can happen in your body when you step outside your comfort zoneBuilding capacity to do things that scare youHuman Design as a tool for self-understanding and decision-makingThe connection between identity and visibilityLearning to trust your inner guidanceWhy confidence often comes from doing the scary thing repeatedlyLetting yourself be messy while you're learningIf there's something you've been wanting to do but you keep hesitating because you're afraid of what people might think, this conversation is for you. About Melissa Chavis Melissa Chavis is an identity and nervous system coach who helps female entrepreneurs build the self-trust and internal safety to create success on their own terms. Blending Human Design, nervous system practices, and her perspective on quantum physics, she helps women uncover the beliefs and patterns shaping how they show up and intentionally step into a more aligned version of themselves. Connect with Melissa: Instagram: @melissaannchavis Website: go.melissaannchavis.com/home  Veya App: Veya App | Human Design + Viral Content Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, are interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 43WAFZFCMMOTAQK5, BBIZL8NLAQRKGGVH

    35. How to Put Yourself Out There When You’re Scared of What People Will Think | Melissa Chavis
  4. Sep 18

    34. Career Loss & Starting Over: Rebuilding Confidence One Small Step at a Time | Lala Barlow

    What happens when the career you built your identity around disappears—and suddenly you’re left wondering who you are without it? Lala Barlow spent years building a successful career as a performing artist, working across Australia and the UK. But when COVID brought that chapter of her life to an abrupt end, she found herself without the career, community, and sense of identity that had shaped so much of who she was. What came next was an unexpected season of rebuilding that eventually led Lala to travel solo through South America on a motorcycle—and discover parts of herself she hadn't had space to know before. In this episode of The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, Lala and I talk about the grief that comes with losing an old version of yourself, learning to become a beginner again, and why rebuilding confidence doesn't require one enormous leap. Sometimes it begins with keeping one small promise to yourself. In this episode, we talk about: Career loss and the identity crisis that can followGrieving the life—and version of yourself—you thought you'd haveStarting over without knowing exactly where you're headedBuilding confidence through small, achievable stepsSelf-reliance, community, and allowing yourself to need other peopleSpirituality, synchronicity, and creating space to hear yourself againChoosing courage when fear tells you to stay smallAbout Lala Barlow:ala Barlow is a Melbourne-based adventurer, writer, artist, and former performing artist turned motorcycle traveler. After earning her motorcycle license during COVID, she completed a 6,000-kilometer (3,700-mile) solo ride through the Queensland Outback, followed by a two-year, 40,000-kilometer (25,000-mile) journey across South America. Lala inspires others to embrace discomfort, follow their curiosity, and discover what they're capable of. Connect with Lala: Instagram: @thewanderinglala Substack: @thewanderinglala Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AROFP83EK5CAYWYM, 2LGWPIZP7XCVXCOD

    34. Career Loss & Starting Over: Rebuilding Confidence One Small Step at a Time | Lala Barlow
  5. Sep 10

    33. How to Get Back on Track With Weight Loss Without Beating Yourself Up

    What happens when you realize you haven't been taking care of yourself—and your first reaction is to beat yourself up for it? After an injury, a busy summer, and months of letting her usual wellness routines slip, Kori found herself 15 pounds heavier, uncomfortable in her body, and asking, How did I let this happen? In this vulnerable solo episode, Kori shares what she's learning about finding her way back to caring for herself without using guilt or shame as motivation. She explores why the routines that work in one season of life may not work in another, how body shame can affect far more than the way we see ourselves, and why trying to “get back” to an old version of ourselves may be the wrong goal altogether. In this episode: Why your self-care routines have to change when your life and capacity changeHow to take responsibility for your health without shaming yourselfWhy self-acceptance and wanting change can exist at the same timeHow to stop chasing an old version of yourselfOne simple way to start taking care of yourself again—without overhauling your entire life You don't have to punish yourself for how you got here. You don't have to start over, either. You can simply begin again. Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AGHHOX2EOUSZRX8H, LMKYFIHIJVPSJTQQ

    33. How to Get Back on Track With  Weight Loss Without Beating Yourself Up
  6. Sep 4

    32. PMS Isn't Just Something You Have to Live With | Amy Dave

    If you've ever been told that painful periods, PMS, exhaustion, or feeling miserable every month are simply “part of being a woman,” this conversation may change the way you think about your menstrual cycle. Kori sits down with physician assistant and women's wellness coach Amy Dave to talk about cycle syncing, PMS, and how tracking your cycle can help you recognize patterns in your energy, symptoms, stress, and everyday life.  Amy shares her own experience of discovering cycle awareness in her 40s after years of heavy periods and difficult symptoms—and why even healthcare providers aren't always taught to look at women's health through this lens. If you're ready to stop simply pushing through your cycle and start getting curious about what your body is telling you, this episode is a great place to begin. In This Episode:Why painful periods and PMS shouldn't simply be dismissedHow cycle tracking can reveal patterns in your symptoms and energyWhat cycle syncing can look like in everyday lifeWhy women's cycle education is often missing in healthcareHow body awareness can support self-advocacy and self-trustSimple ways to start without feeling overwhelmedAbout Amy Dave:Amy Dave is a Physician Assistant with 25 years of experience and a Women’s Wellness Coach who helps moms better understand and work with their menstrual cycles. After discovering cycle syncing in her 40s, Amy turned her own experience into a passion for helping women feel more energized and empowered in their health. She is also a mom of three and host of This Incredible Mom Life. Find Amy on Instagram: @thewealthofwellnessllc  Get your Free Guide: Live a Life Without PMS: https://subscribepage.io/LifewithoutPMS  Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: CNFBLZARMNYAUBIR, PXI6SO8FL9HIX1TO

    32. PMS Isn't Just Something You Have to Live With | Amy Dave
  7. Aug 28

    31. Losing Your Joy? It Could Be a Sign of Burnout | Ashleigh Grave

    What if losing your joy isn’t just a rough season—but a sign that you’re burning out? In this episode of The Phoenix Perspective, Kori sits down with burnout recovery specialist and certified nutritional practitioner Ashleigh Grave to talk about the signs of burnout in women, why exhaustion isn’t the only red flag, and what it actually looks like to rebuild your health and your life without turning recovery into another thing you have to perfect. After experiencing severe burnout herself, Ashleigh knows what happens when years of pushing through, people-pleasing, caregiving, and ignoring your own needs finally catch up with you. Together, Kori and Ashleigh explore nervous system regulation, burnout recovery, self-care, nutrition, asking for help, and why reconnecting with the things that bring you joy may be more important than you realize. You’ll hear why recovery can start with just one small thing, how burnout can affect your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, and why learning to listen to yourself may change far more than your health. If you’ve been exhausted no matter how much you rest, stopped looking forward to things you used to love, or simply don’t feel like yourself anymore, this conversation is an invitation to pay attention—and begin finding your way back to you. In this episode: Signs and symptoms of burnout in womenWhy losing interest and joy can be a burnout red flagPerfectionism, people-pleasing, and chronic stressNervous system support and burnout recoveryStarting small when you don’t have the capacity to “do all the things”Self-care, boundaries, and asking for helpCaregiver burnout and finding supportReconnecting with joy, authenticity, and the life you actually want About Ashleigh Grave: Ashleigh Grave, CNP, is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and burnout recovery specialist who helps high-achieving women recover from chronic burnout. She is also the author of Navigating Dementia Together: A Holistic Guide to Supporting a Loved One with Dementia. Find Ashleigh on Instagram: @holistically_curated Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: VYIGQ8UOT7QI8UBM, IORMAYYGGCS3QRS6

    31. Losing Your Joy? It Could Be a Sign of Burnout | Ashleigh Grave
  8. Aug 19

    30. Life Transitions, Cycle Syncing & Creating a Life You Love (with Renae Fieck)

    What do you do when the life you thought you were building changes—and you’re not quite sure what comes next? In this episode, I’m joined by women’s business strategist Renae Fieck for a conversation about life transitions, cycle syncing, self-trust, and learning to honor the season you’re actually in instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s version of how life should look. Renae shares how her own path has unfolded in ways she never could have predicted, and why some of the experiences that once looked like failures or wrong turns became necessary parts of becoming who she is today.  We talk about what it means to take the next right step when you can’t see the whole path ahead—and how learning to listen to your body can help you create a life you love. We also dive into cycle syncing and menstrual cycle awareness; how your energy and capacity can shift throughout your cycle; and why cycle syncing shouldn't become another rigid set of rules women feel pressured to follow.  Renae shares how cycle awareness can move from tracking and information into something much deeper: embodiment and self-trust. We explore cyclical living, feminine wisdom, motherhood, entrepreneurship, personal growth, periods, rest, productivity, and the seasons of shedding and transition that happen far beyond the menstrual cycle. Because sometimes the question isn't, How do I get out of this season as quickly as possible? Maybe it's: What is this season asking of me? What do I need right now? And what is the next right step from here? If you're navigating a major life change, questioning the path you thought you'd be on, or simply tired of forcing yourself to live by a rhythm that doesn't feel like yours, this conversation is for you. ✨ Connect with Renae Fieck Instagram: @renaefieck Get your Free copy of “Cycle Sync Your Business” http://members.renaefieck.com/a/2148095145/zcvPseX9 If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a woman who's finding her way through her own messy middle. Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 7E6BECF7YITICQHN, LFPUBEKEAAQAAJ7V

    30. Life Transitions, Cycle Syncing & Creating a Life You Love (with Renae Fieck)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A show for women over 35 navigating the twists, turns, and WTFs of womanhood. -> Life wasn't supposed to be this hard. Was it? Somewhere between raising kids, changing bodies, complicated relationships, and trying to keep our shit together, we started wondering: Is life really supposed to be this tough? Welcome to The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, where we're getting curious about what it really means to be a woman, questioning the things we've always believed, and discovering new ways to navigate this messy, beautiful life. From women's health, periods, and perimenopause to personal growth, parenting, relationships, and spirituality, we're making sense of the challenges and changes that come with womanhood after 35. Along with Kori Rae (that's me!), we'll have honest, no-b******t conversations with real women and experts, sharing stories from our own beautiful, messy lives and exploring the things nobody prepared us for. Join us for weekly conversations with one goal in mind: so you can feel good, find your joy, and love the life you're living now.