In this special birthday episode, we’re gettin’ real. I’m sharing 50 Years, 50 Truths—a mix of lighthearted laughs, gut-punch lessons, and the moments that shaped me. Some are sweet, some are raw, but all of them are honest. It’s my way of honoring the road I’ve walked and the ripples I hope to keep making as I cross the half-century mark.

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

In this episode, I’m joined by my daughter Evelyn. We talk about Evie’s journey through college, navigating relationships with peers and professors, and the pressures of graduating into an uncertain world. Evie shares advice on adjusting to college life, embracing change, and managing stress through personal hobbies and self-reflection.

• Embrace Change and Adaptability: Evelyn shared her experiences transitioning from high school to college and how change is a constant in the healthcare industry. Embracing change and being adaptable is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Importance of Communication: Evelyn emphasized the value of communication in her field and personal life. Good communication skills can enhance relationships and professional opportunities, leading to better collaboration with peers and mentors.
• Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity: While maintaining a professional demeanor, Evelyn also highlighted the importance of being true to oneself. She finds a balance between her professional responsibilities and her authentic, goofy self.
• Navigating Expectations and Self-Confidence: Evelyn discussed the pressure of living up to expectations but also the importance of having self-confidence. It’s essential to acknowledge the pressure but use it as a driving force rather than a deterrent.
• Self-Care and Stress Management: Evelyn shared her stress management strategies, such as cooking, going for long drives, and spending time outdoors. Finding personal methods to de-stress and recharge is vital for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and stylist, Sam Nelson, about the significant impact that understanding neurodivergence has had on their families. We discuss how awareness and accommodation of ADHD and sensory needs have transformed their parenting and professional lives. Sam shares experiences from her hairstyling career, emphasizing the importance of creating safe environments for neurodivergent individuals.

• Developing Relationships Over Time: Heather and Sam talk about the depth and quality of relationships that develop over the years, particularly highlighting the unique bond formed between stylist and client - and parent and child.
• Understanding and Navigating Neurodivergence: The importance of awareness and accommodation without necessarily relying on formal diagnoses to understand and support neurodivergent individuals.
• The Impact of Societal Expectations and Personal Adaptation: The challenges posed by societal norms and expectations that may not fit every individual. Both Heather and Sam’s stories of adapting parenting styles and creating non-traditional family routines advocate for letting go of societal pressures to better accommodate and support children's unique needs and well-being.
• Empowering Children and Parents Through Awareness and Acceptance: Sam’s professional approach of accommodating neurodivergent children in her stylist chair and Heather’s shift towards listening to her daughter's cues without guilt exemplify how understanding and acceptance can promote healthier, more resilient family dynamics.

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

In this episode, I’m joined by Marci Hawkinson. We talk about Marci’s story of transforming her life, embracing values, and setting boundaries. In addition, we also get into personal growth journeys, life coaching, self-care, morning rituals, and managing responses to external chaos to maintain personal peace and authenticity in an ever-noisy world.

• Embrace Personal Growth and Self-Awareness: Both Marci and Heather emphasize the importance of self-discovery, setting boundaries, and regularly reassessing personal values to align life decisions with inner truths.
• The Power of Female Friendships and Community: Strong, supportive female friendships and communities can provide invaluable emotional support and inspiration.
• Resilience Through Hard Decisions: Making difficult decisions, such as leaving a toxic relationship, is often necessary for personal well-being and growth.
• Intentional Consumption and Boundaries: Being mindful of what information and energy you consume is crucial for maintaining mental health.

Connect with Marci Hawkinson:

Website: https://marcihawkinson.com/

Email: lifecoachmarci@gmail.com

Raising Bigs Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-bigs/id1744019001

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

During a recent YWCA board meeting, I felt the weight of a shared truth—fear and stress are pressing in on all of us. I see it. I feel it. And I refuse to let it have the final say. In times like these, we need spaces that ground us, connect us, and remind us of our own power. That’s why I’m answering the call, stepping into the storm as a light for those who need it. One way I’m doing that is by opening a space every Wednesday night—an open writing group where we can show up, find connection, and turn fear into fuel. We don’t have to do this alone. What do we do to overcome that fear?

• A Message in a Dream: The topic of this episode isn't by chance but a call she felt strongly about, especially after receiving insights during sleep.
• Personal Development: A personal story of overcoming fear and how it has shaped me into a stronger individual who can now lead others.
• Community and Connection: The importance of community, connection, and being present with those around us, especially in
• Inner Work: Finding your voice through writing and journaling can significantly help with your personal growth.

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

In this episode, I’m joined by Xander Dukowski, one of my former students and now a pre-med college junior. We discuss Xander's journey from a 0.29 high school GPA to university, overcoming personal challenges, including addiction and loss. Xander also shares insights about resilience, the impact of alternative education, and the importance of controlling what can be controlled.

• Turning Adversity into Strength: Xander's story reflects how personal challenges, including academic struggles and mental health issues, can be transformed into powerful motivators leading to success.
• The Power of Support Systems: Supportive individuals, such as teachers and significant others, can play a pivotal role in overcoming personal struggles and achieving greatness.
• Empowerment through Self-Belief: Xander's journey showcases the value of believing in oneself, even when the odds seem insurmountable, and using personal experiences as a springboard to inspire others.
• Focus on Controllables: Emphasizing the importance of controlling what you can in life, Xander's advice to focus on manageable aspects encourages listeners to persevere through tough times and maintain their agency.

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kris Sauter to talk about religion, specifically trauma from organized religion! Kris shares his journey from being a pastor in a toxic church environment to healing and resilience. Together, we explore spirituality, recovery, and Kris’ innovative project, "Shit My Pastor Said," which creates a safe space for survivors of spiritual abuse to share their stories.

• Power Dynamics: The inherent power dynamics in churches that can lead to manipulation and exploitation.
• Responsibility and Healing: Kris admits complicity within the toxic system and stresses the importance of accountability and healing.
• Abuse and Trauma: Kris speaks candidly about his experience with spiritual abuse and the journey to acknowledge it as trauma. This realization came through therapy and understanding toxic church environments.
• Healing Spaces: Kris emphasizes the importance of creating safe, authentic, and inclusive spiritual communities where individuals can explore their spirituality without fear or pressure.

Connect with Kris!

Shit My Pastor Said: https://www.shitmypastorsaid.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kris.sauter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris_sauter45/

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

In this episode, we discuss the significance of the dates we mark on our calendars. While many of us record positive events like anniversaries and birthdays, we get into the importance of acknowledging and honoring difficult and painful dates. I share some of my experiences of how my body remembers and reacts to these tough dates and how I create space and honor these memories. I hope that this helps you strengthen your resilience to overcome the hard times in the past, present, and future.

• Calendar Memories: Emphasis on positive memories being marked on calendars such as anniversaries, birthdays, and important events.
• Honoring Difficult Dates: Methods to honor difficult dates include acknowledging them, seeking support, creating visual spaces, and allowing oneself to process emotions.
• Body and Memory: The human body and mind remember significant dates, often resulting in physical or emotional reactions even if they're not consciously acknowledged.
• Positive Transformation: By making space for challenging memories, one can eventually replace them with more positive and celebratory ones.

Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.