Life Conversations with a Twist

Heather Nelson

Join me once a week for a new interview with a local, badass woman who has an amazing story to tell. Join me in conversation so you too can gain inspiration and empowerment from these stories! If you love hearing about leadership, relationships, families, motherhood and navigating hard times, then tune into my podcast and share with others. If you love what you hear, share and tag me on Instagram at @heathernelson.life. You can also visit my website at heathernelson.life.

  1. Break the Mirror Rules and See Yourself Differently with Beckie Kullberg

    1D AGO

    Break the Mirror Rules and See Yourself Differently with Beckie Kullberg

    "You get to decide your worth. No one can give it to you. No one can take it from you when your foundation is based on how much you love yourself. Loving yourself isn't egotistical, it's not selfish, it's a gift that you give yourself so that you can give to the world." —Beckie Kullberg  Hating your body is exhausting. It steals your joy, warps your confidence, and turns every mirror into an enemy. What if you could break that cycle—not by changing your body, but by changing the way you see it? Beckie Kullberg is a body confidence coach who’s lived the war with the scale, the punishing workouts, and the mirror that never gave a compliment. She rebuilt her relationship with movement, food, and self-worth—and now helps women over 40 do the same. Her work is grounded in both personal transformation and practical, real-world strategies. In this episode, Heather and Beckie unpack the damage of diet culture, how to reframe exercise as joy instead of punishment, and the power of mirror work for self-respect. Beckie also shares raw stories about hiding from cameras, learning to hike without shame, and letting go of the scale’s grip, plus simple, daily practices to shift your mindset, take up space unapologetically, and finally treat your body like a trusted teammate.   Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:08 Meet Beckie— Body Confidence Coach 06:11 Looking Back— Was I Really Overweight?  12:01 Simple Habits for a Better Life  16:54 Mirror Work Works 21:37 Boosting Confidence with Small Changes 26:34 Social Media and Self-Esteem   29:41 Taming Your Inner Critic 34:10 Writing is Healing Resources:  📞 Schedule an interview for Beckie's research: https://beckiekullberg.com/icacall Connect with Beckie:  Beckie Kullberg spent years believing her worth was tied to her weight, chasing diets and obsessing over the scale in search of confidence. She realized that no matter how much she tried to change her exterior, the real transformation had to come from within. Today, Beckie is a published author, Certified High Performance Coach, and founder of The Body Confidence Movement. She helps women break free from shame, self-doubt, and impossible beauty standards, teaching that true confidence isn’t about shrinking your body—it’s about expanding your self-worth. Website  Instagram  Facebook TikTok YouTube Support the show

    36 min
  2. Why We Deserve Better Than Tampons— And The Health Risks No One Told You with Arielle Loupos

    AUG 21

    Why We Deserve Better Than Tampons— And The Health Risks No One Told You with Arielle Loupos

    "When you're in tune with [your period cycle] and you recognize what phase of the week, or the month you're in, it's a game changer. And I just encourage women to embrace that, in addition to choosing the best possible menstrual option that supports your body." —Arielle Loupos  Tampons and pads aren’t the only way—and for a lot of us, they’re not even the best way. Most of what we use every month was designed decades ago, with little thought for comfort, health, or the planet. There’s a better option, and it starts with rethinking what we put next to our most sensitive skin. Arielle Loupos, founder of Flower Girl, turned her own frustration with pads and tampons into a mission to create period underwear that’s comfortable, sexy, and made from natural fibers. Her background as a consumer who refused to settle gives her a fresh, no-nonsense take on women’s health products and why we deserve better. Hit play to hear how she developed leak-proof underwear that supports women through every stage of life—periods, pregnancy, postpartum, and bladder leaks—while protecting your health and the environment. Heather and Arielle also cover the hidden health risks of traditional products, why natural fibers matter, the challenges of bringing a new product to market, and how cycle syncing can transform the way you care for your body.   Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:35 Transitioning to Period Underwear  04:01 The Science Behind the Product 11:06 The Dangers of Tampons 16:30 Styles, Colors, and Product Features 21:00 Cycle Syncing & Women’s Health Education 25:24 Thoughts on Investors, Margins, and Bootstrapping 27:44 Standing Out in a Crowded Market 31:21 Beyond Period: Incontinence and Postpartum Connect with Arielle:  Arielle Loupos is the founder of Flower Girl, a women’s wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainable, body-safe period underwear. Frustrated by the discomfort of traditional pads and tampons — and unimpressed with the existing options on the market — Arielle set out to design underwear that was as comfortable and beautiful as it was functional. Over the past two years, she has developed leak-proof, breathable underwear made with natural fibers to support women through every stage of life, including periods, pregnancy, postpartum, and bladder leaks. Flower Girl products are crafted with fabrics that protect intimate health by preventing irritation, odor, and infection, while offering an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. Arielle’s mission is simple: to empower women with products that honor their bodies and the planet.  Website LinkedIn Instagram Support the show

    34 min
  3. Simple Health Shifts That Can Change Everything After 40 with Terry Tateossian

    AUG 14

    Simple Health Shifts That Can Change Everything After 40 with Terry Tateossian

    "The weight loss and the fitness and the nutrition are just the gateway into that whole experience. Don't give yourself a timeline—that's the first sign of sabotage right there." —Terry Tateossian  Ever feel like your body and mind didn’t get the memo on how you should feel in midlife? The energy dips, the stubborn weight, the nagging sense that you’re not quite yourself anymore—it’s enough to make you wonder if this is just “how it is” from now on. What if it’s not? Terry Tateossian is a health transformation coach who helps women over 40 reclaim their energy, strength, and confidence without chasing impossible wellness trends. Drawing from her own shift from burnout to balance, she brings both hard-won wisdom and practical tools that make healthy change feel doable—and even exciting. Her insights cut through the noise and zero in on what actually works for real women in real life. Press play for an honest, empowering conversation about fueling your body, resetting your habits, and finally feeling at home in your skin again. You’ll walk away with the mindset shifts and doable steps to ditch the overwhelm and get your spark back—starting today. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 02:39 Terry’s Journey to Becoming a Coach 07:07 Challenges and Strategies for Weight Loss  10:11 Exercise and Nutrition Recommendations 15:24 Alcohol and Substitution Strategies  21:08 Retreat Experiences and Programs  26:42 Advice for Overcoming Perimenopause and Menopause  31:05 Libido and Body Image 49:21 The Importance of Consistency and Commitment Connect with Terry:  Terry's passion & experience of helping women regain confidence, ignite wellbeing and find their true purpose has been propelling her forward for the past 25 years. Terry has been recognized as Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies in America 2020, Inc. 2020 Best Places to Work, NJBIZ Top 40 Under 40, Future 50 Fastest Growing companies in NJ/NY, WPO 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies, Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs, Top Female CEO Brava Award Winner, Best Company Culture in NJ and Top Women to Watch by HudsonMOD. Website Instagram YouTube Support the show

    50 min
  4. 60 & Just Getting Started: Redefining ‘Too Late’ with Tally Koren

    AUG 7

    60 & Just Getting Started: Redefining ‘Too Late’ with Tally Koren

    “Every difficult situation that occurs to me, I just turn it immediately to a plus, and that is something that gives me the ability to thrive, to shine, to give." —Tally Koren Who decided your dreams have an expiration date? The brutal truth? Society’s timeline for success is a myth—one that keeps brilliant people playing small while waiting for "the right time." But what if the most powerful chapters begin when we stop listening to the clock? Tally Koren, an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer, spent decades defying industry ageism and rejection to carve her own path. Her journey—from childhood talent show heartbreak to charting alongside Rihanna in her 60s—proves that reinvention isn’t just possible; it’s powerful. Press play for the ultimate masterclass in resilience: How to silence critics (including your inner saboteur), why artistic independence beats industry approval, the spiritual power of turning "minuses into pluses," and proof that your 40s/50s/60s might just be your most explosive creative era yet. Late bloomers? More like right on time. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 02:24 A Journey of Finding Purpose 10:47 Overcoming Challenges 20:55 Musical Style and Career Milestones 22:41 Dealing with Criticism and Negativity  27:47 Memorable Moments 30:04 Thrive and Shine 37:50 The Importance of Self-Loyalty Connect with Tally:  Tally Koren arrived in London with 1 suitcase and a dream in the late 90th, and against all odds became an international Singer - Songwriter. Despite family objections and countless music business rejections, what kept her going was turning every minus into a plus, taking every refusal to become better, and every hard situation to do something good for herself and others. Her turning point to fulfil her childhood dreams and to become a singer happened at the age of 26, while she was in a very unhappy marriage. A singing teacher immediately recognized her talent and thought that her low voice was reminiscent of Karen Carpenter.  In 2007, Tally made the decision to make her first album and not to wait for the record company. Despite one of the top radio pluggers telling her that she doesn’t have a chance to make it nationally, being over 40. She made the choice to listen to the words of her song “Beauty of The Duty “saying “the only thing that holds you back is you”. Her song became a National success on BBC Radio 3 weeks later. Many of my other singles have been playlisted with over 1000 radio stations in the UK and around the world. Website Instagram Facebook X TikTok Support the show

    40 min
  5. Parenting Tweens and Teens: Setting Boundaries Without Breaking Connection with Aliah Singh, Caitlyn Severin, & Hannah Takajo

    JUL 31

    Parenting Tweens and Teens: Setting Boundaries Without Breaking Connection with Aliah Singh, Caitlyn Severin, & Hannah Takajo

    “Let them. The clothes, the style— it’s going to change. The point is they want to be seen and they want to feel understood. You, accepting whatever from they’re in that moment and rolling with the changes gives them that freedom to figure out who they truly are.” —Caitlyn Severin “What’s important is, at the end of the day, what is the feeling that your daughter walks away with when she thinks about you and your relationship, not the little nitty gritty day-to-day things.” —Aliah Singh "It's not too late. This is your child and you’ll hopefully have a strong adult relationship with them. This is the foundation of that." —Hannah Takajo   Parenting a teenager isn’t about control, it’s about connection— even when connection feels impossible. If you’ve ever wondered why your once-chatty child now slams doors or retreats behind headphones, you’re not alone. The truth is, raising tweens and teens means navigating a maze of shifting moods, boundary-testing, and moments that challenge everything you thought you knew about being a parent.  Cultivateen Roots was founded by therapist Caitlyn Severin, special ed teacher Hannah Takajo, and school counselor Aliah Singh to support parents through the challenges of raising teens. Combining empathy with practical guidance, they empower families to strengthen relationships and confidently navigate adolescence.  Tune in as Heather sits with Aliah, Caitlyn, and Hannah to unpack the real challenges of parenting teens and tweens, share actionable strategies for building trust, setting boundaries, and handling tough conversations—so you can stop surviving and start connecting. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 02:41 Parenting in the Fast Lane 09:32 Ditching the Fear: Celebrating Teen Years 16:19 Hormones and the Teen Brain 21:09 Shame, Repair, and Connection: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Teens 25:24 Guiding Teens in the Digital Age 31:08 Listening Over Lecturing and Navigating Friendship Drama 38:27 Supporting Identity, Style, and Self-Discovery and Addressing Mean Behavior 42:41 The Sex Talk and Beyond 51:59 Advice for Raising Amazing Teens  01:00:43 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents   Connect with Cultivateen Roots:  The Founders Aliah Singh Aliah holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and has over a decade of experience as a school counselor. She specializes in guiding middle and high school students and their families through the emotional and developmental challenges of adolescence, with a focus on building resilience, confidence, and independence. Caitlin Severin Caitlin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience supporting teens and families across private practice, nonprofits, and schools. She helps families navigate adolescence through emotional resilience, healthy communication, and personal growth. Hannah Takajo Hannah holds a Master’s in Special Education and has spent the past 10 years teaching and case-managing high school students. She specializes in inclusive education and works closely with families to advocate for students with diverse learning needs, promoting collaboration and student success. Website Support the show

    1h 1m
  6. Finding the Gift in the Tough Stuff with Rhonda Farrah

    JUL 24

    Finding the Gift in the Tough Stuff with Rhonda Farrah

    “It’s the failures, it’s the adversity, it’s the sorrow, it’s that not so good effing stuff that is essential to have you be your highest and best self.” —Rhonda Farrah Most of us spend years trying to outrun our past, hide our pain, or wait for life to finally go our way. But what if the real breakthrough comes from embracing the mess, not escaping it? If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re living on autopilot, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Rhonda Farrah is a transformation coach, author, and podcast host who’s turned her own life’s toughest moments—surviving federal prison, battling stage three breast cancer, and rebuilding after heartbreak—into a blueprint for growth. With a background in psychology and a gift for helping others find strength in struggle, Rhonda’s approach is all about real talk, radical self-love, and practical steps to move from surviving to thriving. Tune in as Heather and Rhonda dive into the art of turning setbacks into comebacks, the surprising power of self-reflection, and why loving yourself is the ultimate game-changer.  Press play and get ready to see your story in a whole new light! Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:31 Real Credentials from Life Experiences 06:11 Federal Indictment and Prison  16:38 Life After Prison and Breast Cancer  28:23 Chapter 2 of Midlife Connection Crisis  39:20 Transformation and Personal Growth 41:35 Fix Your Reflection First Coaching Program 44:28  Life is a Precious Gift Connect with Rhonda:  Rhonda Farrah is a transformation coach, author, and podcast host with a background in educational psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy. Drawing on her extensive professional training and profound life experiences—including overcoming incarceration and breast cancer—Rhonda empowers others to embrace self-love, resilience, and personal growth.  As the founder of "Fix Your Reflection First and Live Your Best Life Ever," she offers group coaching programs and is passionate about helping others find the gift in every challenge and awakening hearts, minds, and spirits to their authentic power.    Website Instagram Facebook  X Podcast Support the show

    48 min
  7. Mirror Talk: Making Peace with Your Reflection with Audra Bryant

    JUL 17

    Mirror Talk: Making Peace with Your Reflection with Audra Bryant

    "You deserve to be loved and to love yourself— flaws and all. And you can move powerfully from that." —Audra Bryant   Perfection is a myth—real beauty begins the moment you dare to show your scars. We spend so much energy hiding our scars—physical or emotional—believing they make us less worthy. But what if embracing those imperfections is the key to real confidence, deeper relationships, and a life that feels truly free? If you’ve ever felt trapped by self-doubt or the pressure to be perfect, this episode is your permission slip to let go and start living boldly. Audra Bryant is a burn survivor who spent years unable to look at her own reflection, only finding the courage to face herself in the mirror at age 25. Now a certified life coach and author, she draws on her extraordinary journey to help others embrace their scars, rewrite their stories, and step boldly into self-acceptance. Join Heather and Audra as they explore the journey from self-criticism to self-acceptance, share practical ways to rediscover joy as an adult, and reveal why your story—scars and all—deserves to be seen and celebrated. Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 01:19 Audra’s Journey— Creating Enjoyable Experiences  05:45 The Impact of Embracing Scars  11:05 Own Your Scars 14:12 Pivotal Moment of Self-Acceptance  21:27 Bring More Ease Into Your Life  26:04 “I’ve Got Scars, Baby” Resources 📖Book I've Got Scars, Baby!: How To Embrace Your Scars and Power Your Purpose by Audra Bryant  Connect with Audra:  Audra is a certified life coach, author, and speaker based in California, dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their unique stories and find strength in their scars. Drawing from her personal journey as a burn survivor, Audra specializes in wellness, personal empowerment, and healing, offering coaching, workshops, and community events that blend creativity and fun with deep personal growth.  Audra is the author of "I've Got Scars, Baby: How to Embrace Your Scars, Empower Your Purpose," and has delivered an inspiring TED Talk on self-acceptance. Audra is passionate about supporting high achievers and those who are often the backbone for others, helping them cultivate self-love, resilience, and authentic connections. Website Instagram Support the show

    38 min
  8. Branding Made Simple: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t) with Puja Malhotra

    JUL 10

    Branding Made Simple: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t) with Puja Malhotra

    “I don’t necessarily think that the logo and website you launch with is going to be your forever. You will eventually outgrow it.” —Puja Malhotra Your brand isn’t your logo—it’s the feeling people get when they think of you. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by branding, stuck chasing perfection, or unsure how to stand out, you’re not alone. The truth? The most memorable brands are built on authenticity, not just aesthetics. Forget the pressure to have it all figured out from day one.  Puja Malhotra is a seasoned branding expert and founder of Roop Creative Agency, a branding agency dedicated to helping female founders craft brands that grow with them. With nearly a decade of experience, she’s passionate about mentoring women to break stereotypes and build businesses that reflect who they truly are. Tune in as Heather and Puja unpack what really works (and what doesn’t) in branding, from starting simple and evolving, to embracing your story, learning from mistakes, and focusing on what truly matters—so you can build a brand that’s both unforgettable and unapologetically you.  Connect with Heather:  Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Episode Highlights: 02:02 Breaking Stereotypes in the Branding Industry  07:16 The Importance of Owning Your Identity in Business 17:52  Imposter Syndrome Among Entrepreneurs 23:12 Designing Timeless and Transformational Brands 25:42 Trends in Branding and Personal Branding  26:56 Puja’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Connect with Puja:  Puja Malhotra is the founder of Roop Creative Agency, a boutique branding agency dedicated to empowering female founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. With a background in design and over nine years of experience, Puja specializes in creating impactful brands and websites that reflect her clients’ unique stories and ambitions.  Born and raised in Canada to South Asian parents, she is passionate about increasing representation in her field and mentors women to break industry stereotypes. Puja is committed to fostering confidence and visibility for women in business, drawing inspiration from her own journey and the diverse clients she serves. Website LinkedIn Instagram Support the show

    31 min
4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Join me once a week for a new interview with a local, badass woman who has an amazing story to tell. Join me in conversation so you too can gain inspiration and empowerment from these stories! If you love hearing about leadership, relationships, families, motherhood and navigating hard times, then tune into my podcast and share with others. If you love what you hear, share and tag me on Instagram at @heathernelson.life. You can also visit my website at heathernelson.life.

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