Finding Beauty and Perspective in Life's Challenges with Melissa Curtis
This is a special episode because it features a special person: my close friend Melissa Curtis, who shares her experience having a medically-complex child. She tells us the progression from first receiving the unexpected news, to adapting and navigating her new reality. She discusses how she maintains perspective, and suggests things for us all to remember, no matter our situation. Melissa has a way of navigating life with such poise, grace, awareness, and resolve. Get ready to be inspired.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!
xx,
w
Defying Gravity and Age Limits: Flexible Living with Adult Gymnast Peyton Kiggins
In this playful and inspiring episode, I sit down with competitive adult gymnast Peyton Kiggins. Daring to defy society’s age limits, Peyton shares why she re-entered competitive gymnastics, and how she’s a stronger competitor now than when she was younger. Peyton tells us how she stays fit mentally and physically, and what she does to minimize injury and maximize growth and FUN. She highlights the crucial role of playfulness, and offers a helpful and empowering re-frame for failure. She exemplifies how we can do far more than we think - and are often told - we can. Peyton’s approach to gymnastics - and life in general - is remarkably healthy, balanced, and motivating. Listen, and you’ll see what I mean.
Find Peyton on Instagram @peytonamore
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Giving Life: Different Ways of Mothering, Nurturing, and Living
As we’ve hopefully come to recognize now, there are multiple ways to be and to live, and motherhood is no exception. To me, motherhood symbolizes nurturing, loving, and life-giving.
In this short solo episode, I explore the various manifestations of motherhood, beyond the traditional sense. I outline ways one can be a mother, ie a life force, without children of one’s own (so to speak). I reveal my own experiences with pregnancy and motherhood (something I haven’t previously publicly shared), and my current thoughts on potentially being a parent myself.
Thank you for listening.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!
x,
w
Be Interested, Be interesting: Living a Dynamic Life on Your Terms
In this short solo episode, I share one of my top tenets in life. This approach helps you see more, experience more, learn more, contribute more, connect more, and thrive more. It improves your communication, enhances your understanding, revitalizes your relationships, and boosts your happiness. It opens doors, dissolves barriers, illuminates opportunities, and makes life FUN.
Okay okay, I know - those are some big claims. Basically, I talk about how to have a rich life that benefits you and the people around you, no matter your budget, your location, your history, or your social life.
Thank you for being here.
xx
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Structured Discomfort: Living Life and Spending Money
My sister, Brooke [Richardson] Anderson is back on the pod, and I gotta say, we really hit our stride with this one. We discuss what she’s been teaching her daughter that’s possibly the single best predictor of future health and success, on every level: health, fitness, career, relationship, finances, etc.
This launched us into sharing our thoughts on spending versus saving, our individual relationships with money, and our spending plans if (when?) we become billionaires. We reveal our tip for avoiding impulse purchases, and highlight the questions we should all ask ourselves (may surprise you). We suggest how to have your avocado toast and eat it, too (you gotta listen to understand that!). It’s candid, fun, and (we hope) valuable.
Find Brooke on Facebook and Instagram: @brookerichardsonphotography and @thehomebodybybrooke She’s a mama committed to helping other mamas create their dream life! Visit www.thehomebodybybrooke.com to watch her free masterclass.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Embodiment: What It Means and Why It's Crucial for Your Health
Do you ever feel unable to decode what your body is telling you? Unsure why you’re feeling a certain way, physically or emotionally? Are you caught in a loop of stress/anxiety? Have you experienced persistent, maybe even baffling, symptoms? Do you feel stuck and frustrated? Untethered? Lost? Does the past have a chokehold on you? Or maybe you feel okay but want to feel your best.
In this episode, I explain embodiment, and why you need it for true, optimal health. I outline how and why you can become disconnected from your body, and how to restore that vital connection. This is an episode that may at first glance feel irrelevant to you, but may actually be your missing link - exactly what you need. It definitely was for me.
Thanks for being here.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Defusing the F-Bomb: What Feminism Actually Is
Feminism gets a bad rap, and is clouded by myths and misunderstandings. I’m here to [possibly] change your understanding, not your mind. This episode aims to clarify and illuminate something many may support without even knowing it: feminism. I debunk myths, I explain what feminism is and is not, and I share my thoughts and experiences being a woman in this world. If you’re a human, this episode is for Y O U. You decide what to believe and how to live your life.
Happy National Women’s History Month.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
xx,
w
Sorry/Not Sorry: How to Apologize When You're Sorry, What to Say When You're Not
Are you sorry? Should you be sorry? Do you apologize excessively? Are you unsure of how to connect with someone during a disagreement/misunderstanding (personal or professional)?
In this episode I diverge from all the apology guidance I’ve seen, and specify where I differ. I reveal a hot take (you may agree, you may not) on what not to apologize for, and what actually weakens our apologies. I clarify what an apology is and is not, and outline 7 clear steps to apologize effectively. I identify our true objective with apologies, and advise on how to frame it so both sides feel fulfilled. I highlight common landmines to sidestep when apologizing, and uncomfortable truths that just may transform your approach, relationships - even life (big claim, I know!).
I also share formulas for what to say when you don’t think you even did anything wrong, but you still care about the person/relationship - personal or professional.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Thank you for being here. xx
It Starts With You: Influencing Others and Changing the World
Ever feel overwhelmed by world events? Ever feel dragged down by negativity? Ever feel frustrated by miscommunication? Ever feel compelled to elevate your interactions/environment? Ever wonder how much you actually matter?
This episode is for you.
Well, really, there’s something in here for all of us.
In this episode, I differentiate between influence and manipulation. I explain how and WHY our thoughts and words are so powerful. I briefly nerd out on how energy and vibes aren’t “woo woo” and are actually grounded and measured in science and physics. And most helpfully, I offer you specific questions to ask and steps to take to influence yourself, and the people and world around you.
Love you.
As promised, if you’re interested in getting involved with the Goodwill Gang (as mentioned in the episode) as a gangster/donor/nominator/subscriber, please click on the tab at the top of this site (aptly labeled Goodwill Gang), and follow the instructions. You may also navigate there directly via www.thenativist.net/goodwill-gang
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Straight Talk: Communicating Directly
It’s my absolute (and long-awaited) pleasure to introduce the podcast’s new monthly guest: Brooke Anderson - who so happens to be my sister and BFF. In this “soft opening” first episode with her, we talk about…talking. Direct communication, to be specific (and direct!): what this looks like, what it doesn’t look like, what it means, what it yields. Naturally, this leads us to touch on other topics relevant to all of us: boundaries, co-dependency, self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-accountability, relationships/friendships. Trust me, this is merely a nibble of the treat we have in store for you.
Brooke is a mother and a photographer committed to helping other parents break into the photography industry by creating their dream job without sacrificing their parenthood. She offers training on starting your own thriving photography business. She also just released iPhone Camera Academy, a mini photography course showing how to shoot and edit polished photos using only your phone. (She’s also my soulmate creative partner and forever business partner.)
Follow her on Instagram/Facebook for more helpful tips and inspiration: @thehomebodybybrooke and @brookerichardsonphotography
Connect with me on Facebook/Instragram @the_nativist
Growing Pains: Avoiding the Traps in Optimization and Finding Your Flow in Grow
We’re constantly encouraged to have a growth mindset; to be disciplined; to always strive to improve and to evolve, in virtually every area of life. But can that ever be taken too far? How do you know when it’s become problematic? What can you do to prevent that? Is there ever a time when a growth mindset is not appropriate or beneficial? What is true growth?
In this solo episode, I highlight red flags to be aware of and questions to consider when setting goals and seeking your highest self. I offer a re-definition of your actual highest self, and explore the importance of self-trust. I differentiate between discipline and dogmatism, and propose how to own your routine (rather than it owning you). I explain why rigid rules are common for those with conditions such as ADHD and eating disorders, and what that rigidity indicates. I reveal the reasoning of why I chose The Nativist brand name, and how I feel about it now.
It’s all so simple, yet so complex. C’est la vie.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Life Lessons in Parenting
Love. Communication. Discipline. Respect. Resilience. Adaptability. Empathy. Humility. Tenacity. Curiosity. Patience. Consideration. All key words for parenting and for life, and how you apply them matters.
In this episode Byron + Ashley Hunt share how they fostered healthy cohesion while nurturing individual empowerment - for themselves + their kids. They reveal how they became a close family team that shows up for each other in every way.
They tell us what made the difference for them in cultivating a family that genuinely respects + supports each other.
Their approach contains heavy-hitting life lessons for ALL of us. Worth listening to even if you’re not a parent. Worth listening to if you’re a human who values connection.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
The books we reference in the show:
The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It by Warren Farrell and John Gray
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way by Jocko Willink
In with the Old: Re-thinking Aging
Chasing youth seems to be society’s prescribed pastime. How does this obsession affect you? Your wallet? Your energy levels? Your outlook?
We have all the anti-aging creams and regimens we could ask for (and those we don’t ask for). Are there pro-aging products? Opinions? Acceptances? Should there be? [How] Have our views on aging shifted? [How] Have your views on aging shifted?
In this episode I offer points to ponder on how we personally and collectively see and experience aging. I question how we currently regard it, and suggest how we could re-frame it. I also share what pisses me right the hell off (slash bums me out). Insert smiley face.
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: @the_nativist
Images by the devastatingly talented Brooke Richardson Photography
Lightening Up: My Implant Removal Story
In this first episode back after my hiatus, I detail my experience having my breast implants removed. I share with you the health scare that compelled me to finally get them taken out, the explant surgery and recovery processes I went through, and the complications and emergency surgery I encountered. I open up about body image and how I feel about mine post-explant. I talk breast implant illness symptoms, and why this condition is receiving more awareness.
Brooke Richardson Photography
Let Life Be Easier
If you’re like me, you make life 10x harder than it needs to be. Because you’re exhaustively overthinking, because you’re obsessively problem solving, because you’re overly complicating.
In this short episode, I share realizations I’ve made, and techniques I’ve used, to flow with life, not against it. I offer perspectives and identify possible energy and time sucks that are zapping you dry. You might be surprised.
Love you.
Whitney
Connect with me on Facebook and instagram @the_nativist
Greater Expectations
Want to maximize peace and happiness and minimize disappointment? This is your episode.
Expectations. They powerfully influence our perceptions, our experiences - and therefore our lives. They impact our relationships, our careers, our productivity, our accomplishments, our peace and happiness (or lack thereof).
So they’re probably worth thinking and talking about, yeah? Excellent. You’re in the right place. In this episode, I offer perspectives on the different roles expectations play in our lives, and I offer tips on cultivating success.
Thank you for being here.
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
Define Yourself Using Your Definitions
Life on your own terms means first defining those terms, yeah? So how are you defining the words in those terms? Whose definitions are you using? If you ever catch yourself comparing yourself to others, and/or telling yourself you “should” do this or “shouldn’t” do that, do you ever stop and truly ask yourself why? Have you ever questioned what success means to you? Do you analyze what actually resonates with you (eg as “successful” or “acceptable” or “fun”) or do you just obediently accept others’ definitions? Whose yardstick are you using to measure your life? Yours or society’s? Yours or your parents’? Maybe upon closer inspection those yardsticks match, and maybe they don’t. But YOU get to decide.
So that’s basically what I talk about in this episode. Happy you’re here.
Connect with me on Facebook and/or Instagram @the_nativist
The book I reference in the episode is The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price
Silverevolution
In a world of black and white, gray can be revolutionary, whether you’re accepting life’s nuances or your hair’s natural color. What if we leaned into the gray, instead of fighting or ignoring it? Meg Holmes shares her experience doing just that, by transitioning to her natural hair color and letting her silver shine through. She shares her steps, her thoughts, and her advice, including surprises she’s encountered along the way. We discuss how your beauty is for you to define, and how options empower us all. There are some gold nuggets of wisdom in here, including the dynamic questions Meg suggests asking yourself when. contemplating any life decision.
Beauty on YOUR terms.
You can connect with Meg on Instagram @megstoho and follow along on her journey. Her account is private, so shoot her a friend request and cross those fingers she accepts.
Thank you. Love you. Mean it.
You can find me on Facebook or Instagram @the_nativist
Image by Brekka Hartman Photography
Image by Brekka Hartman Photography
Change Your Focus, Change Your Life
What you feed, grows. What you focus on becomes your reality. If you want to change your reality, you must first change your focus.
What you focus on affects your life, your relationships, your environment, and the world. Sound dramatic? I’ll explain why it’s not. I’ll also offer different ways of evaluating how you’re spending your most valuable currency (your focus), and suggest various ways to upgrade this. Some of these may surprise you.
The considerations are complex, but the solutions are simple. Come join me.
Find me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
The Power of Sensitivity
Do you feel emotions intensely? Struggle thinking/speaking on the spot? Feel affected by loud sounds/smells/etc? Maybe you know someone who does/is.
I am on a crusade. My cause? To rebrand sensitivity. I aim to spotlight how being sensitive benefits ourselves, others, and the whole wide world. Let's make "You're so sensitive" a compliment, not an insult.
In this episode, I explain what it means to be a highly-sensitive person, and how that’s reflected in our physiology. I reference fascinating studies showing it’s not just nature vs. nature: we were born this way, baby! I share a short quiz to guide you in assessing if you/people you know could qualify as highly sensitive.
I offer new ways of viewing highly-sensitive people, some [all?] of which may be a relief to you, if you’re sensitive.
Love you. Mean it.
Book referenced: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone read this - not just if you’re sensitive)
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist
