The Humble Rising Podcast

Hosted by Arivee Vargas

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160

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Humble Rising Podcast! Each week, host Arivee Vargas has conversations with badass, inspirational women sharing their own stories and actionable strategies on how to have fulfilling careers and lives. The journey to get there isn't linear or easy. Let's help you get clear on the life and career you really want and deserve now, and help you overcome the challenges and roadblocks that get in your way. From fear, disappointment, and self-doubt, to purpose, resilience, career clarity and transitions, we tackle it all. Be inspired, get motivated, and get ready to rise.

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September 4, 2026Episode 16135 min

161. When Work Becomes Who You Are (Part One)

A while back, I recorded an episode called Self-Worth and Work. It became the most downloaded episode I've ever released. The topic isn't new. High-achieving women who over-invest in work, who tie their worth to their output, who can't sit still and who can't stop. You've heard this before. So why does it keep landing? This was never a boundary problem or a time management problem. It's an identity issue. In this episode, I go deeper into the psychology behind why this is so hard to change, starting with Carl Jung's idea of the persona, the social mask most of us build to function and succeed. Jung warned that the danger isn't building a persona. It's becoming identical with it. When the role and the self fuse, anything that threatens the role feels like a threat to your survival. That's why setting a boundary, saying no, taking a sabbatical, or stepping into a new chapter can feel less like growth and more like loss. Let's separate what's real from what's fear, and get honest about what's actually keeping you on the treadmill. If you want to go deeper after this one, check out my book, Your Time to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, & Unleash Your Truest Self, and everything else is in the show notes at ariveevargas.com . Sign up for my newsletter to get first word when my career crossroads group coaching program launches. You'll learn Why the most downloaded episode in this podcast's history keeps resonating years later, and what that says about how deep this pattern runs Carl Jung's concept of the persona, and the difference between wearing a mask and becoming it Why boundaries, sabbaticals, and career pivots can feel like grief instead of growth (and what Adam Grant's research on identity says about that) The real reason "set boundaries" and "learn to say no" advice doesn't hold, even when you know it's right How to tell the difference between ambition that comes from wholeness and ambition that comes from proving Two questions to sit with this week Show Notes: GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 GET A SIGNED COPY OF YOUR TIME TO RISE AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. FREE 5-Question Career Crossroad Check-in Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ IG: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

August 5, 2026Episode 16053 min

160. What Comedy Can Teach Us About Courage, Leadership, and Being Seen with Lynn Harris

C opyright: Denise Winters What if comedy is about so much more than getting a laugh? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have for changing culture, challenging outdated narratives, and helping more people feel seen? Lynn Harris is a culture-shifting producer, award-winning journalist, and author/co-author of six books. Her comedy and campaigns for social justice and gender equity have changed laws and conversations from Capitol Hill to NASCAR. She is founder and CEO of GOLD Comedy, which is a comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women and non-binary creators grow their comedy careers, build powerful communities, and make funny stuff. In this conversation, Arivee sits down with Lynn Harris to explore the surprising connection between humor, storytelling, leadership, and social change. Together, they unpack why comedy is one of the highest forms of storytelling, what it teaches us about resilience, and why learning to be seen—even imperfectly—can transform not only our careers, but our confidence and sense of belonging. They also dive into the invisible systems that shape how women show up at work, why terms like "imposter syndrome" and "confidence" often miss the bigger picture, and how creating more space for diverse voices ultimately changes who gets heard. Whether you're a leader, creative, entrepreneur, or someone who's ever questioned whether you belong in the room, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on courage, visibility, and the power of using your voice. You'll learn: Why comedy is far more than entertainment—it's a powerful force for cultural change What stand-up comedy teaches us about resilience, experimentation, and embracing failure How storytelling builds empathy and shifts perspectives in ways facts alone cannot Why women are often told they need more confidence when the real challenge is the systems they're navigating The problem with labels like "imposter syndrome," "executive presence," and "empowerment" How to stop shrinking yourself in rooms that weren't built for you Why curiosity—not certainty—is often the first step toward discovering your next chapter How finding your authentic voice can create opportunities you never imagined This episode is for anyone who's ever wanted to speak up, take up more space, pursue a creative dream, or challenge the belief that they have to fit someone else's mold to succeed. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the role humor plays in leadership, the courage it takes to be seen, and the reminder that your perspective isn't just valuable—it has the power to change the conversation. Show Notes: CONNECT WITH LYNN Website: https://www.lynnharris.net/ GOLD Comedy is the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women, non-binary creators, and other "others" build their comedy careers, join a powerful community, and make funny stuff that gets seen on all kinds of stages and screens. Unlimited classes, community, shows, and more, all online. Join from anywhere, anytime! Explore here . → https://app.rootabl.com/join/campaign/gold-comedy-5moNY Time-sensitive class(es) + things to do Build and Pitch Any Idea with Ryan Cunningham (starts September 28) Learn more here. → https://app.rootabl.com/instant/campaign/mnX3z3zThe FREE: GOLD Comedy presents August 2026 30x30—write 30 jokes in 30 days. Low pressure, high rewards! All levels welcome. Join here . For any of the above, use code GOLD10PERCENTOFF for … 10% off! Not sure what's for you, where to start, or how to pay? Book your FREE comedy consult with GOLD founder Lynn Harris here . GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

July 23, 2026Episode 1591 hr 2 min

159. The Courage to Start Again: Randi Crawford

What happens when what you've built suddenly disappears, and you're forced to figure out who you are next? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Randi Crawford who is an entrepreneur, writer, and women's advocate …. to explore the messy, unexpected journey of reinvention and what it can mean to begin again. Randi is a certified coach with a passion for empowering others. She has helped hundreds of parents, families, teens, and young adults navigate the complexities of life. Prior to her coaching career, Randi co-founded Women First HealthCare, a pioneering company that reached over 10 million women with health solutions. She is now developing a unique parenting playbook, focusing on raising teens with confidence while minimizing over-parenting. She is consistently quoted in major media outlets and frequently appears on podcasts to share clear, relatable guidance. In this conversation, Randi shares how she went from co-founding a healthcare company to becoming an unexpected stay-at-home mom overnight after a major industry shift shut the business down. Years later, facing another turning point as her kids grew older, she found herself asking a question many women quietly wrestle with: What now? What started as a simple search for "something fun" led Randi to an unlikely place: working retail at Anthropologie. But what she discovered there wasn't just a job. It was a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from connecting with women, helping them feel seen, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. Together, Arivee and Randi dive into the themes so many women experience but rarely talk about openly: identity after motherhood, redefining purpose, and allowing yourself to evolve without shame or rigid expectations. Randi reflects on how her natural ability to connect with people eventually revealed a deeper calling—supporting women as they navigate life transitions, rediscover themselves, and move forward with honesty and courage. This episode is a refreshing reminder that reinvention doesn't always come from a perfectly planned career move. Sometimes it starts with curiosity, humility, and the willingness to try something new. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why major life transitions can become powerful moments of self-discovery • How losing a career or identity can open the door to something more aligned • The surprising lessons that can come from unexpected jobs and experiences • Why connection—not perfection—is often the most valuable skill we have • How women can give themselves permission to evolve through different seasons of life Whether you're navigating a career pivot, adjusting to life after raising kids, or simply wondering what your next chapter might look like, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, seen, and inspired to trust the unfolding of your own path. Because sometimes the most meaningful reinventions begin with one simple question: What might be fun? Show Notes: CONNECT WITH RANDI: https://www.randicrawfordcoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/randicrawfordcoaching https://www.tiktok.com/@randicrawfordcoaching GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

July 13, 2026Episode 15854 min

158. Breaking Emotional Patterns with Riana Malia

What if the patterns keeping you stuck in love, relationships, and self-worth aren't flaws to fix, but unconscious stories your mind and body have been replaying for years? In this conversation, I sit down with Riana Malia, identity architect and board-certified integrative neurosomatic practitioner, to explore how unresolved emotional experiences shape the way we love, trust, communicate, and move through life. Riana shares her personal journey—from childhood abandonment and betrayal to surviving an abusive relationship and rebuilding her life. Together, Riana and I unpack why so many high-capacity women feel trapped in cycles they can logically recognize but emotionally can't seem to break. We explore the difference between awareness and transformation, how the unconscious mind drives our behaviors, and why healing isn't about endlessly retelling the story—it's about clearing the emotional charge beneath it. This episode goes far beyond mindset work. It's a conversation about identity, nervous system healing, emotional freedom, forgiveness, and learning how to finally create a life that feels safe, aligned, peaceful, and deeply your own. You'll learn: Why high-achieving women often repeat the same relationship and emotional patterns How childhood experiences quietly shape adult relationships, confidence, and self-worth The difference between the conscious mind and the unconscious mind—and why it matters Why traditional self-help and talk therapy can sometimes keep people stuck in the story How unresolved emotions become patterns of anxiety, overwhelm, resentment, and self-sabotage What it means to "clear before you create" in healing and personal growth How frequency, thoughts, and emotional conditioning influence what we attract into our lives Why forgiveness is more about freedom than reconciliation A practical 72-hour exercise to interrupt negative thought loops and begin rewiring your mind This episode is especially for women who feel emotionally exhausted from repeating the same cycles in relationships, career, or life—and are ready for a different way forward. If you've ever wondered, "Why does this keep happening to me?" or felt stuck between who you've been and who you want to become, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and hopeful. Because healing isn't about becoming someone else. It's about clearing what no longer serves you so you can finally become fully yourself. Show Notes: CONNECT WITH RIANA Website: https://rianamalia.com Podcast Features Page: https://podcast.rianamalia.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianamalia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rianamalia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rianamalia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rianamalia121 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RianaMalia Extraordinary Love Index™ (Free Diagnostic): https://www.quiz.rianamalia.com Brilliance Brunch Event Page: https://thebrilliancebrunch.rianamalia.com GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

July 2, 2026Episode 15751 min

157. Stop Waiting for Permission - Wendy Battles

Today's conversation is with Wendy Battles, host of Reinvention Rebels, where she amplifies the voices of women who have boldly reimagined their lives in midlife and beyond. After finding her own fire at 54, Wendy now helps women move past fear, self-doubt, and outdated narratives so they can create lives rooted in purpose, possibility, and self-trust. In this conversation, Wendy and I talk about what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife. And here's what I love about Wendy's perspective: reinvention is not always some dramatic life overhaul. Sometimes it starts with a quiet inner shift. A permission pivot. A moment where you decide to trust yourself enough to take one small, imperfect step toward what's calling you or might lights a fire in you…or what you're curious about. In this episode, Wendy shares her own reinvention journey across different seasons of life, from voice acting to health coaching to creating Reinvention Rebels. We talk about what it means to believe you deserve something, especially happiness. We delve into self-worth, fear, people-pleasing, the pressure women feel to ask for permission before investing in themselves, and how to listen for the inner wisdom that is already trying to guide you. If you have been feeling the whisper that something in your life or within you is ready for exploration, this conversation will help you stop waiting for perfect clarity and start moving with more self-trust. SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH WENDY Website : https://reinventionrebels.com Podcast : https://reinventionrebels.com/podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/reinventionrebels LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendybattles Free Resource : https://reinventionrebels.com/do-it-scared/ GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your TIme to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, and Unleash Your Truest Self GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

June 25, 2026Episode 15656 min

156. Redefining Success: From Loss and Corporate Climb to Purpose-Driven Leadership

What happens when the life that looks successful on paper no longer feels aligned with who you truly are? Chanda Coston is a Business Strategist, Navy Veteran, and CEO of Chanda Co., where she helps women, especially those over 40, move from overwhelm and scattered effort to structured, profitable execution. With more than 20 years of leadership and project management experience, she specializes in helping entrepreneurs gain decision clarity, build a clear course of action, and create businesses that actually work in real life. Chanda is known for her practical, no-fluff approach to strategy, helping capable women turn their experience into income and their vision into measurable results. In this powerful episode of the Humble Rising Podcast , Arivee sits down with leadership coach and entrepreneur Chanda (Chanda Co.) to explore the deeply personal journey that led her from military service and corporate success to a purpose-driven life centered on mentorship, coaching, and impact. Chanda shares how a profound personal loss—the death of her brother—became the moment that forced her to pause and ask a difficult question: Am I proud of the person I'm becoming? That question sparked a period of deep self-reflection that ultimately changed the direction of her life and career. Through honest storytelling, Arivee and Chanda unpack the realities of navigating multiple career paths—from the military to government work to corporate leadership—and the inner work required to move from external achievement to authentic fulfillment. This conversation goes beyond career transitions. It's about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms. In this episode, you'll discover: ✨ How moments of loss can become catalysts for profound personal growth ✨ The hidden cost of chasing success that doesn't align with your values ✨ Why looking "good on paper" doesn't always mean feeling fulfilled ✨ The role mentorship and coaching can play in healing and purpose ✨ How self-reflection can reshape the way you lead your life and career Whether you're navigating a career pivot, questioning the path you're on, or searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode offers an honest and inspiring reminder that true success begins with becoming someone you're proud to be. Because rising in your career means very little if you lose yourself along the way—and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start redefining success from the inside out. Show Notes : CONNECT WITH CHANDA Website : https://www.chandaco.com Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chanda__co/ LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandacoston/ GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ IG: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

June 18, 2026Episode 15556 min

155. How to Make Productivity Personal - Chelsey Newmyer

What if the reason pr oductivity advice hasn't worked for you… is because it was never designed for your life in the first place? Well my guest this week, Chelsey Newmyer helps high-achieving women redefine success so it feels real, sustainable, and personal by blending practical productivity strategies with astrology. She is a time management and productivity coach who works with clients to give themselves permission to stop forcing systems that were never designed for their energy in the first place. In this insightful and refreshing conversation, Arivee sits down with productivity coach and behavioral science expert Chelsey to challenge the traditional narratives around productivity, routines, and success. Together, they unpack the unrealistic expectations many women carry—like the pressure to wake up at 5:00 AM, maintain the same energy every day, and follow rigid routines that often ignore real life. Chelsey shares the story behind starting her business during the pandemic after realizing that most productivity advice—especially the kind written for corporate executives with support staff—simply didn't reflect the realities of women managing careers, families, and personal goals. Her work centers on a powerful idea: productivity must be personal. Throughout the conversation, Arivee and Chelsey explore how factors like hormones, energy cycles, life seasons, and even tools like astrology and human design can help people build routines that actually support their lives instead of making them feel like they're failing. This episode moves beyond hustle culture and rigid systems. It's about learning to work with your natural rhythms, redefining discipline, and designing a life where productivity supports well-being rather than sacrificing it. You'll learn: ● The biggest myth we've been told about productivity—and why it sets so many people up to feel like they're failing ● Why women cannot (and should not) expect to perform at the same level every day ● How seasons of life, energy cycles, and responsibilities shape our productivity ● Why morning routines should be built around intention—not imitation ● The "Good, Better, Best" framework for creating routines that stay flexible and realistic ● How tools like astrology, human design, and behavioral science can help personalize productivity This episode is especially for high-achieving women who feel overwhelmed by productivity advice that doesn't match their reality. If you've ever thought, "Why can everyone else seem to follow these routines except me?" this conversation will remind you that nothing is wrong with you—the system simply needs to work for you. Because productivity isn't about forcing yourself into someone else's routine. It's about creating rhythms that support your energy, your goals, and your life. ✨ Show Notes : CONNECT WITH CHELSEY Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chelseyncoaching/ Website : https://chelseynewmyer.com/ Podcast : https://the-cosmic-productivity.captivate.fm/listen GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

June 11, 2026Episode 15440 min

154. Why High Performers Struggle to Lead People: Tinna Jackson

Tinna Jackson is a nationally recognized executive strategist and leadership coach with over 28 years of experience in high-stakes political, nonprofit, and corporate arenas. As a former Deputy Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate and C-suite executive at a national political committee, she brings unmatched expertise in emotional intelligence, power dynamics, and executive positioning. Today, she works with senior leaders and mission-driven organizations to drive clarity, influence, and results-delivering not just advice, but action. In this candid conversation, Arivee and Tinna explore what Tinna learned after more than two decades working in national politics. From her early days as an executive assistant to serving as Deputy Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, Tinna witnessed firsthand how leadership decisions shape workplace culture, team performance, and the careers of the people who serve under them. Tinna shares the leadership patterns she observed again and again: talented professionals being promoted without the emotional intelligence or self-awareness needed to lead people effectively. Together, Arivee and Tinna unpack why so many leaders avoid difficult conversations, how lack of self-awareness erodes trust within teams, and what authentic leadership actually looks like in practice. They also dive into the inspiration behind Tinna's book, The Power Play Journal, a reflection and strategy guide built around real-world leadership challenges and the lessons she gathered throughout her career. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't just about authority or results—it's about accountability, communication, and the ability to create an environment where people can do their best work. You'll learn: Why professional success doesn't automatically translate into effective leadership The hidden cost of leaders who avoid feedback and difficult conversations How self-awareness and emotional intelligence shape team culture and trust Why authentic leadership requires transparency, consistency, and humility Practical ways leaders can deliver feedback without damaging relationships The leadership lessons that inspired The Power Play Journal and its 32 "battle-tested" strategies This episode is especially valuable for executives, managers, and emerging leaders navigating the complexities of leading people—whether in politics, business, or nonprofit organizations. If you've ever worked for a difficult boss, struggled with giving honest feedback, or wondered what truly separates great leaders from ineffective ones, this conversation offers both clarity and practical insight. Because leadership isn't about having power. It's about how you show up for the people who trust you to lead. Show Notes: CONNECT WITH TINNA info@tinnajackson.com https://tinnajackson.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinna-jackson/ https://www.instagram.com/iamtinnajackson Pivot to Power Group Coaching Program: https://www.pivottopower.live/welcome Book - The Power Play Journal: https://thepowerplayjournal.com/ GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your TIme to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, and Unleash Your Truest Self GET A SIGNED COPY AT H.O.L.A. BOOKS: https://www.hola-books.com/products/your-time-to-rise?_pos=1&_sid=e3d7f9db4&_ss=r Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

April 18, 2026Episode 1531 hr 20 min

153. Memory, Legacy & the Power of Story

What if history is not just something we inherit, but something we actively shape? Dominique Luster is a storyteller and advocate dedicated to illuminating the rich narratives of the Black diaspora. With more than a decade of experience in cultural heritage and archives, she works at the intersection of history, memory, and justice. After serving as the Teenie Harris Archivist at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Dominique founded The Luster Company in 2021 to help ensure that Black stories are not only preserved, but celebrated. Through her consulting and speaking, Dominique helps organizations uncover and share hidden histories while amplifying the voices of the Black community. Her clients have included The King Center, the J. Paul Getty Foundation, Denver Public Library, and numerous nonprofits. She is also known for her widely viewed TED Talk on the power of archives and is a sought-after keynote speaker at women's leadership conferences. In this conversation, Dominique and I unpack the true power of storytelling, memory, and legacy. What begins as a discussion about archives expands into a rich dialogue about identity, entrepreneurship, cultural narratives, and the courage to claim your own story. Dominique shares how she stumbled into archival work while working at the University of Kentucky, and how history is shaped by who tells the story. From oral histories with Black elders in the U.S. South to challenging the narratives we were taught in school, she explores the tension between fact, memory, and interpretation, and why critical thinking matters now more than ever. Together, the conversation moves beyond documentation into something even deeper. The "dash" between your birth date and death date represents the story you live and how it will be remembered. You will also hear an honest exploration of entrepreneurship, including the messy middle that no one talks about. Dominique opens up about doubting her own entrepreneurial identity, leaving her job, crashing, returning to traditional work, and building again with clarity and resilience. This episode weaves together archives, business, legacy, and mindset into one powerful reminder. If you do not participate in writing your story, someone else will. You will learn: Why history is more interpretation than we realize The difference between documented facts and lived memory How oral histories preserve dignity, identity, and truth Why critical thinking matters more than memorizing history The emotional weight of preserving stories from marginalized communities What entrepreneurship actually looks like behind the scenes How limiting beliefs disguise themselves as facts Why consistency, not intensity, creates real momentum The importance of protecting your incubation season as a founder How to intentionally shape your legacy before someone else does This episode is especially for: Women of color reclaiming and documenting their narratives Founders and aspiring entrepreneurs navigating self-doubt Leaders thinking about impact beyond titles and roles Anyone questioning the stories they were taught and the stories they tell themselves History does not just live in textbooks. It lives in recipes, protests, kitchen tables, contracts, businesses, and brave decisions. And the dash between your dates is yours to write. Show Notes: CONNECT WITH DOMINIQUE- Website: https://www.thelustercompany.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-luster-company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelustercompany?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Books: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/relentless-pursuit-of-me-upending-the-unicorn-effect-9781967071982/new https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/brave-women-at-work-lessons-in-letting-go-9781737275190/new GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Join Arivee's community to get inspiration, motivation, and actionable strategies to your inbox. This community gets first access to all of Arivee's programs. We're focusing on how to live that one beautiful precious life that you were meant to live- with meaning, joy, aliveness, and fulfillment. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/

April 2, 2026Episode 15248 min

152. Becoming Her: Faith, Identity & the Courage to Evolve - Simone Knego

What if the version of you that feels most aligned is also the one that requires the most courage? Simone Knego is an international speaker, award-winning author, and confidence expert who helps high achievers reconnect with their worth and lead more meaningful lives. Her best-selling book, The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You and her globally ranked podcast, Her Unshakeable Confidence, which she co-hosts with her daughter, have inspired audiences around the world. A two-time TEDx speaker featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, Entrepreneur, and Yahoo News, Simone is also the creator of the REAL Method—a framework for building lasting confidence from the inside out. Her second book, REAL Confidence, launched in February and offers a practical guide to quiet self-doubt and lead with clarity and self-respect. From summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro to raising six children and navigating the beautiful chaos of everyday life, she brings authenticity, perspective, and heart to everything she does. In this heartfelt and transformative conversation on the Humble Rising Podcast, Simone joins the show to explore faith, identity, personal growth, and the bravery it takes to evolve. Simone opens up about the seasons that stretched her, including moments of doubt, reinvention, and stepping away from expectations that no longer fit. She reflects on surrendering control allowed her to grow into a more grounded, confident version of herself. This episode moves beyond surface-level success and into the inner work of becoming. It is a conversation about shedding labels, healing old narratives, and understanding that growth often requires letting go before stepping forward. You will learn: Why personal evolution can feel lonely before it feels liberating How faith and discernment guide major life transitions The difference between external success and internal alignment Why obedience to your calling requires courage How to release identities that no longer serve you The role of community and mentorship during seasons of change Why becoming is an ongoing process, not a final destination This episode is especially for: Women navigating identity shifts and life transitions Leaders seeking deeper alignment between faith and ambition Professionals feeling called to something more Anyone learning to trust who they are becoming Because growth is not always loud. Sometimes it is quiet, intentional, and deeply personal. And becoming her is less about changing who you are, and more about fully stepping into who you were always meant to be. Show Notes: CONNECT WITH SIMONE- https://realconfidencebook.com Toolkit https://simoneknego.com FB- https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerSimoneKnego IG- https://www.instagram.com/simoneknego/ LI- https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneknego Amazon - https://geni.us/ExtraordinaryYou https://www.youtube.com/@her_unshakeable_confidence GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time To Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self https://www.amazon.com/Your-Time-Rise-Unlearn-Limiting/dp/B0D7FNPHS2 Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now. Join Arivee's community to get inspiration, motivation, and actionable strategies to your inbox. This community gets first access to all of Arivee's programs. We're focusing on how to live that one beautiful precious life that you were meant to live- with meaning, joy, aliveness, and fulfillment. Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/