Soul Trip with Chel

Soul Trip with Chel

Soul Trip with Chel is a podcast for women who are ready to accept, trust, and love themselves on a deep, unshakable level. Hosted by Chel — who has spent nearly a decade doing this work herself — Soul Trip is for the woman who has spent too long shrinking, people-pleasing, and wearing masks just to feel loved. Each episode covers the real, honest work of self-trust, self-love, and becoming who you were always meant to be. Consider this your permission slip to stop performing and start remembering who you've always been. Because you were never broken — you just forgot your way home.

  1. 5d ago

    Don't Send from the Spiral

    Some nights, everything feels louder. You’re running on empty, the anxious voice is in full swing, and suddenly a text, an email, or a big decision feels like it has to happen right now. In this episode, Chel explores why the tired, triggered, depleted version of you deserves compassion, but not the final say. If you’ve ever sent something from an activated place and wished you could take it back, this conversation is for you. Chel shares how an old wound can turn a harmless comment into a full spiral, and how to gently trace it back to its root so you can respond from solid ground. Soul Trip with Chel is your space to stop shrinking, start belonging to yourself, and remember who you’ve always been. This show isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about coming home. This episode covers: The urgency that shows up when you’re exhausted, hungry, or overwhelmed, and why it isn’t the truthA personal story about an old body-image wound, and how a harmless comment can set off a spiralHolding a trigger up to the light and questioning the belief underneath itWhat to do in the moment, from a quiet pause to “let’s talk about this later”How the spiral sneaks into work and the waiting game of chasing answersGiving yourself grace when you slip A note from Chel:If you’ve ever caught yourself mid-spiral, thumb hovering over send, I hope this episode feels like a hand to hold. Your feelings are real and worth honoring. They just deserve a little time and tenderness before they make any decisions. Let the spiral pass, come back home to yourself, and choose from there. ✨ Before You Go: Something I Made Just for YouIf today’s episode gave you a new perspective, or just a sense of relief, I hope you’ll check out my ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It’s officially out, and it was designed to help you find power in your kindness without forcing yourself to become someone you’re not. You don’t have to change your nature to stand your ground.👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you want somewhere gentle to begin, I made a free guide for you: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the “Nice Girl.” Grab it at https://www.soultripwithchel.com. These are real-life scripts to help you start setting boundaries and honoring yourself with compassion. My gift to you. 🤍 Want to go deeper? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for behind-the-scenes moments, live Q&As, a supportive community, and deeper practices for everything we talk about here: https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary 🤍 Stay connected on Substack: https://soultripwithchel.substack.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. Your support helps other women come home to themselves, too. Thank you for being part of this community. ⭐ I’m happy you’re here.

  2. Oct 14

    You Hold the Pen: Be the Protagonist of Your Own Story

    It’s easy to slip into the background of your own life. Maybe you replay conversations, wonder how someone will remember you, or start to feel like your story is being written by someone else’s hand. In this episode, Chel shares a moment from her dating life that sparked an unexpected realization, and a little defiance against being cast as just another “great girl” in someone else’s narrative. If you’ve ever poured your energy into someone else’s orbit and quietly become a side character in their story, this episode is for you. Chel invites you to reclaim your role as the protagonist of your own life, put your happiness and purpose back at the center, and become so engaged in your own journey that the people you love are meaningful chapters, not the whole plot. Soul Trip with Chel is your space to stop shrinking, start belonging to yourself, and remember who you’ve always been. This show isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about coming home. This episode covers: The seemingly innocent conversation that made Chel refuse to be a supporting character in someone else’s storyHow naturally nice women are conditioned to shrink and orbit around others, and why breaking that habit mattersThe difference between letting people be meaningful chapters and making them the main eventThe signs you’re losing your center of gravity, and how to gently course-correctHow to put your own passions and purpose back at the center of your lifeWhy choosing sovereignty over guilt makes you magnetic A note from Chel:If you’ve ever felt like someone’s friend, partner, daughter, or “great girl” but never quite the protagonist, I hope this conversation reminds you that this is your story, and you hold the pen. The people you love get to add richness to your chapters. Just don’t hand over your power, or let anyone else define your happiness. Let people be meaningful without letting them become the plot. Stay busy loving your life, building, dreaming, and leading your own journey. That’s where the magic happens. ✨ Before You Go: Something I Made Just for YouIf today’s episode gave you a new perspective, or just a sense of relief, I hope you’ll check out my ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It’s officially out, and it was designed to help you find power in your kindness without forcing yourself to become someone you’re not. You don’t have to change your nature to stand your ground.👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you want somewhere gentle to begin, I made a free guide for you: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the “Nice Girl.” Grab it at https://www.soultripwithchel.com. These are real-life scripts to help you start setting boundaries and honoring yourself with compassion. My gift to you. 🤍 Want to go deeper? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for behind-the-scenes moments, live Q&As, a supportive community, and deeper practices for everything we talk about here: https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary 🤍 Stay connected on Substack: https://soultripwithchel.substack.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. Your support helps other women come home to themselves, too. Thank you for being part of this community. I’m happy you’re here. ⭐

  3. Oct 1

    Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First: Why Filling Your Cup Isn't Selfish

    Every time we board a plane, we hear the same instruction: in case of an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. In fact, most of us have heard it so many times we've stopped listening. But what does it actually mean to care for yourself first when you're used to people-pleasing, overextending, and putting everyone else's needs before your own? In this episode, Chel explores what it looks like to fill your own cup without guilt, and why true generosity comes from overflow, not depletion. If saying no or putting yourself first feels unnatural, or even selfish, this episode is for you. Chel unpacks the difference between self-care, selfishness, and martyrdom, and shares real-life examples of finding the healthy middle. Along the way, she invites you to see boundaries as an act of love, for yourself and for everyone you care about. Soul Trip with Chel is your space to stop shrinking, start belonging to yourself, and remember who you've always been. This show isn't about becoming someone new. It's about coming home. This episode covers: Why the oxygen mask rule is a metaphor for life, not just airplane adviceWhy people-pleasing doesn't actually serve anyone, including the people you're trying to helpWhy you don't have to choose between being selfless and being selfishWhat happens when you say yes to everyone but yourself, and how a small shift changes everythingHow to tell whether a favor feels restorative, stressful, or guilt-drivenScripts and mindset shifts for saying no and giving from fullness, not emptinessWhy your wellbeing is non-negotiable A note from Chel:If you grew up believing that putting yourself last was noble, or you feel a wave of guilt anytime you prioritize your own care, I hope this episode helps you breathe a little easier. Filling your cup first isn't selfish. It's necessary. You're allowed to be your own best friend and biggest advocate, and you're allowed to replenish before you pour out. When you give from overflow, your love and presence become a real gift. ✨ Before You Go: Something I Made Just for YouIf today's episode gave you a new perspective, or just a sense of relief, I hope you'll check out my ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It's officially out, and it was designed to help you find power in your kindness without forcing yourself to become someone you're not. You don't have to change your nature to stand your ground.👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you want somewhere softer to begin, I made a free guide for you: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the "Nice Girl." Grab it at https://www.soultripwithchel.com. These are real-life scripts to help you start setting boundaries and honoring yourself with compassion. My gift to you. :) 🤍 Want extra stories and support? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for behind-the-scenes moments, live Q&As, a supportive community, and the stories I won't share publicly: https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary 🤍 Stay connected on Substack: https://soultripwithchel.substack.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. Your support helps other women come home to themselves, too. Thank you for being part of this community. ⭐ I'm grateful you're here.

  4. Sep 6

    You Can Be Grateful and Still Be Sad: How to Hold Both

    Your emotions just want to be felt - not fixed, justified, or swept under the rug. Maybe you've shared your disappointment about something small, and someone immediately tried to redirect you and point out all the things you should be grateful for - as if feeling sad cancels out every good thing in your life. If you've ever felt guilty or "bad" for having so-called negative emotions, this episode is for you. In this episode, Chel reflects on a recent conversation that reminded her how early we learn to sort our feelings into either/or. You're either happy or sad, grateful or ungrateful, as if the two can't live in you at the same time. She invites you to see that true self-love means making space for the whole spectrum of your emotions. Feeling disappointment, sadness, or anger doesn't make you ungrateful; and gratitude that you have to force by pushing everything else down isn't authentic gratitude. Soul Trip with Chel is your space to stop shrinking, start belonging to yourself, and remember who you've always been. This show isn't about becoming someone new. It's about coming home. This episode covers: Why you can feel grateful and disappointed at the same time, and why you don't have to pick oneHow well-meaning advice to "focus on the positive" can end up dismissing your real feelingsSpiritual bypassing and how it keeps you stuck in a loop of ignoring what's true insideThe power of feeling your emotions in your body, whether that's through crying, dancing, moving, or letting out a screamScripts and compassionate reminders for claiming your right to experience "bad" emotions without guiltThe generational roots of black-and-white thinking and how you can practice holding duality instead A note from Chel: If you grew up believing you had to hide your disappointment or sadness to show gratitude, know this: your feelings matter. You're allowed to experience the full range of who you are, the highs, the lows, the grays, and all the bright colors in between. You don't have to bypass your pain just because something beautiful exists in your life, too. That's not self-love. That's self-abandonment. I hope this conversation gives you permission to honor every feeling that arises, and to hold both things at once with compassion for yourself. ✨ Before You Go: Something I Made Just for You If today's episode opened up space for your emotions, or just made you feel seen, I hope you'll check out my ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It's officially out, and it was designed to help you find power in your kindness without forcing yourself to become someone you're not. You don't have to change your nature to stand your ground. 👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you want somewhere gentle to begin, I made a free guide for you: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the "Nice Girl." Grab it at https://www.soultripwithchel.com. These are real-life scripts to help you start setting boundaries and honoring yourself with compassion. My gift to you. 🤍 Want extra stories and support? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for behind-the-scenes moments, live Q&As, a supportive community, and the stories I won't share publicly: https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary 🤍 Stay connected on Substack: https://soultripwithchel.substack.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. Your support helps other women come home to themselves, too. Thank you for being part of this community. ⭐ I'm happy you're here.

  5. Aug 30

    You Don't Owe Anyone Your Reaction

    Some days it feels like the world is determined to test your peace. Maybe it's a stranger snapping at you out of nowhere, or just a string of small, draining encounters that leave you running on empty. Sound familiar? In this episode Chel unpacks a confusing run-in in the elevator at Trader Joe's, one of those moments that seems small but sits heavy on your spirit, and shares what it taught her about energy, boundaries, and your right to walk away without carrying what isn't yours. If you have ever replayed an uncomfortable situation in your head, wondering how you could have handled it differently or criticizing yourself for not being more assertive, this conversation is for you. Chel invites you to see the power in guarding your calm and choosing not to absorb other people's mess, even when they try to hand it to you. Soul Trip with Chel is your space to stop shrinking, start belonging to yourself, and remember who you've always been. This show isn't about becoming someone new. It's about coming home. This episode covers: The Trader Joe's elevator story: what happens when someone else's energy comes at you sidewaysWhy "return to sender" is more than a spiritual platitude. It's a practical tool for setting boundaries in real timeThe hidden strength in not reacting, especially for naturally kind women who are conditioned to take responsibility for everyone else's comfortHow to spot the moments when you're tempted to take on blame, guilt, or emotional labor that never belonged to youWhen speaking up means raising your voice, and when real power comes from staying calm and choosing not to engageScripts, tools, and small phrases for holding your ground without losing yourself A note from Chel: If you find yourself analyzing interactions long after they're over, wondering if you should have said more, or worrying that you "let someone get away" with being rude, I hope this episode reminds you that your peace is sacred, and that sometimes your soft strength is your greatest superpower. Not every battle is worth your time. You get to decide when to engage, when to let go, and when to send their negativity right back where it came from. ✨ Before You Go: Something I Made Just for You If today's episode gave you a new perspective, or just a sense of relief, I hope you'll check out my ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It's officially out, and it was designed to help you find power in your kindness without forcing yourself to become someone you're not. You don't have to change your nature to stand your ground. 👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you want somewhere gentle to begin, I made a free guide for you: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the "Nice Girl." Grab it at https://www.soultripwithchel.com. These are real-life scripts to help you start setting boundaries and honoring yourself with compassion. My gift to you. 🤍 Want extra stories and support? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for behind-the-scenes moments, live Q&As, a supportive community, and the stories I won't share publicly: https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary 🤍 Stay connected on Substack: https://soultripwithchel.substack.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. Your support helps other women come home to themselves, too. Thank you for being part of this community. ⭐ I'm happy you're here.

  6. Aug 23

    Stop Giving Away Your Power to People Who Don’t Care About You: A Story about Mean Girls

    Some lessons stick with us long after the moment has passed, especially when they come with a side of teenage cringe. In this episode, Chel shares a vulnerable story from her high school years as a new cheerleader - and how giving away her power to people who never cared about her changed the way she sees belonging, self-worth, and approval. Without spoiling the details, Chel recounts how her desire to fit in made her shrink, silence her own voice, and ask for acceptance from girls who were determined not to offer it. The outcome? Years later, she realizes it never had anything to do with her - and everything to do with the freedom that comes from keeping your power for yourself. This episode covers: An honest look at mean girl culture, exclusion, and the painful lessons learned on the sidelines How people-pleasing and approval-seeking often lead us to stay small and hand over our power Why some people simply won't like you, no matter how much you bend to fit their expectations What happens when you try to change yourself for people who aren't interested in seeing you The difference between shrinking to fit in and showing up with soft strength and self-belief Practical ways to keep your sense of self intact, even in the face of cliques, cold shoulders, and mean girl dynamics - at school, at work, or anywhere else A note from Chel: If you have ever found yourself molding yourself to become "likable," chasing approval from people determined not to give it, or feeling like the only way to survive a toxic environment was to disappear inside yourself, this episode is especially for you. I promise you are not alone, and you do not need anyone’s permission to belong to yourself. ✨ Before You Go: Two Resources for Your Journey If today’s conversation resonated, I hope you check out my brand new ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It’s now officially launched and packed with the tools and perspectives so you can find the power in being exactly who you are. I wrote it for women who want to stop shrinking and start coming home to themselves. 👉 Get your copy here: ⁠https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook⁠ And if you are looking for a gentler way to begin, I have a free resource for you as well: Grab my free guide on 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the "Nice Girl" (Without Losing Your Kindness) at ⁠www.soultripwithchel.com⁠. This guide will help you start setting boundaries and finding your voice, and it’s my gift to you. 🤍 Want even more? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for extra stories (including the “chisme” Chel won't share publicly), live Q&As, community, and more: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary⁠ 🤍 Subscribe on Substack: ⁠soultripwithchel.substack.com⁠ Sharing this episode with a friend or leaving a quick review helps more women find their way back to themselves. Thank you for being part of this journey. ⭐ Soul Trip with Chel is a podcast for women who are ready to stop shrinking and start remembering who they have always been. Chel has been walking her own journey of acceptance, trust, and deep self-love for nearly a decade, and now she invites you to come home to yourself, too. Soul Trip isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about coming home. I’m so glad you’re here.

  7. Aug 16

    Never Dim Your Light: How to Stand Tall When Others Want You Small

    Some of us spend years shrinking ourselves just to make everyone else more comfortable. But what if the thing that makes you “too much” is exactly what the world needs more of? In this episode, Chel brings you into a defining moment from her past: one that started on a wedding dance floor and ended in a reckoning with self-worth, boundaries, and the relentless pressure to dim your own light. Was it a run-of-the-mill relationship squabble? Not quite. What actually happened was a beautiful, uncomfortable masterclass in what it takes to stand up for your unapologetic self, especially when someone you care about tries to box you in. The truth Chel unpacks is one so many women will recognize: it’s not just about this one boyfriend, or this one wedding - it’s about years (or decades) of being told to take up less space so others can feel secure. The lesson: it’s never you who’s “too much.” And your job isn’t to make yourself smaller for anyone else’s comfort. This episode covers: The unforgettable moment her partner told her to “remember, it’s not all about you” (and how she responded) How being told to dim your light can trigger old patterns of people-pleasing and silence The long shadow this kind of comment can cast on a relationship, even after an apology Navigating when to speak up, how to set boundaries, and why standing in your light—and refusing to shrink—is profound self-love How to recognize subtle (or not-so-subtle) attempts by partners, friends, or even family to put you back in a box - and what to do about it Why it’s not just brave, but necessary, to claim your space and move people out of your life if they can’t handle your shine A note from Chel: If you’ve ever felt like your joy or presence was “too much”… if someone tried to dim your light, put you in a cage, or made you question whether you belonged as you truly are, this one’s for you. You don’t need to shrink for anyone. This episode is a reminder to keep dancing, keep shining, and hold out for the people who want to see you at your brightest. ✨ Before You Go: Two Resources for Your Journey If today’s conversation resonated, I hope you check out my brand new ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It’s now officially launched and packed with the tools and perspectives so you can find the power in being exactly who you are. I wrote it for women who want to stop shrinking and start coming home to themselves. 👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you are looking for a gentle way to begin, I have a free resource for you as well: Grab your free guide: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the "Nice Girl" (Without Losing Your Kindness) at www.soultripwithchel.com. This guide will help you start setting boundaries and finding your voice, and it’s my gift to you. 🤍 Want even more? Join the Soul Trip Sanctuary on Patreon for extra stories (including the “chisme” Chel didn’t share publicly), live Q&As, community, and more: https://www.patreon.com/c/thesoultripsanctuary 🤍 Subscribe on Substack: soultripwithchel.substack.com Sharing this episode with a friend or leaving a quick review helps more women find their way back to themselves. Thank you for being part of this journey. ⭐ Soul Trip with Chel is a podcast for women who are ready to stop shrinking and start remembering who they have always been. Chel has been walking her own journey of acceptance, trust, and deep self-love for nearly a decade, and now she invites you to come home to yourself, too. Soul Trip isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about coming home. I’m so glad you’re here.

  8. Aug 10

    How to Set Boundaries Gracefully and Protect Your Peace with Compassion

    Some endings don’t need a grand reopening. And some boundaries, when held with kindness, can become powerful acts of self-respect. In this episode, Chel tells a story straight from a night out in Los Angeles: a chance encounter at a club with people from her past, including someone who hurt her deeply years ago. Presented with an awkward situation and unspoken expectations, Chel faced a familiar old pattern: the urge to make everyone else comfortable, to people-please, to open the door “just to be nice.” But this time, she did something different. Instead of reverting to old habits, Chel stood firm in her growth and boundaries, kindly but clearly. She shares the behind-the-scenes discomfort, the internal dialogue, and what it looked like (and felt like) to hold her own without losing her softness. This episode is a guide for anyone who is ready to be both warm and unyielding, generous and self-protective, especially when the people from “the old you” test your new boundaries. This episode covers: A candid story about running into people from your past and the pressure to default to people-pleasing How Chel recognized the subtle “ask” behind a supposedly innocent conversation What it actually looks like to deliver a gentle, genuine, but firm “no” (and why it isn’t rude) How to keep your heart soft, even when you are holding the line Why you do not owe anyone a second chance at your table just because you’ve forgiven them in your heart The silent power of simply stating your boundary and letting the conversation end, without over-explaining, qualifying, or caving in How it feels to walk away proud, instead of replaying the interaction on a loop and doubting yourself afterward A note from Chel: If you have ever found yourself wishing you could be kind without being a doormat, or if you have wondered whether it’s possible to honor your gentleness and still protect your peace, this episode is for you. The “nice girl” does not have to disappear; she just needs to learn how to stand with her own soft strength. ✨ Before You Go: Two Resources for Your Journey If today’s conversation resonated, I hope you check out my brand new ebook, The Way Back to Yourself: Soft Strength for Naturally Nice Women. It’s now officially launched and packed with the tools and perspectives so you can find the power in being exactly who you are. I wrote it for women who want to stop shrinking and start coming home to themselves. 👉 Get your copy here: https://soultrip.gumroad.com/l/ebook And if you are looking for a gentle way to begin, I have a free resource for you as well: Grab your free guide: 10 Phrases to Help You Stop Being the "Nice Girl" (Without Losing Your Kindness) at www.soultripwithchel.com. This guide will help you start setting boundaries and finding your voice, and it’s my gift to you. 🤍 Join the community on Substack: https://soultripwithchel.substack.com If this episode resonated with you, sharing it with a friend or leaving a review helps more women find their way here, and that means the world. ⭐ Soul Trip with Chel is a podcast for women who are ready to stop shrinking and start remembering who they have always been. Chel has been walking her own journey of acceptance, trust, and deep self-love for nearly a decade, and now she invites you to come home to yourself, too. Soul Trip isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about coming home. I’m so glad you’re here.

About

Soul Trip with Chel is a podcast for women who are ready to accept, trust, and love themselves on a deep, unshakable level. Hosted by Chel — who has spent nearly a decade doing this work herself — Soul Trip is for the woman who has spent too long shrinking, people-pleasing, and wearing masks just to feel loved. Each episode covers the real, honest work of self-trust, self-love, and becoming who you were always meant to be. Consider this your permission slip to stop performing and start remembering who you've always been. Because you were never broken — you just forgot your way home.