A Life Worth Being

Join us in this captivating episode of "A Life Worth Being," where host Sue Willoughby sits down with the remarkable Laurie James. Laurie, a mother of four, a divorcee, a recovering caregiver turned author, and a somatic relationship coach, shares her transformative journey from loneliness to belonging. Inspired by her youngest child leaving the nest, Laurie's podcast "Confessions of a Free Bird" follows her insightful memoir "Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go."
In this episode, Laurie opens up about the challenges of raising four teenage daughters while caring for her ailing parents and navigating a crumbling marriage. She discusses the profound impact of somatic healing and how it guided her to not only survive but thrive. Dive deep into the layers of Laurie's life as she explains the importance of connecting with our bodies, processing trauma, and finding joy in midlife.
Laurie and Sue explore the intricacies of somatic experiencing, the power of emotional healing, and practical ways to regulate the nervous system. Laurie's candid stories and expert insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to embrace discomfort and cultivate self-compassion.
Whether you're dealing with your own midlife transitions or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers a heartfelt and empowering conversation about resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, humor, and the transformative power of somatic healing.
Takeaways
Somatic healing can be a powerful tool for emotional healing.
Practicing equanimity allows one to be present in any emotional state.
Embracing discomfort is necessary for letting go and completing the healing process.
Sound Bites
"And that's why it's so powerful when you're doing like a somatic healing session"
"Equanimity is a beautiful thing and not many people can"
"Embracing that discomfort is another thing that I really work on"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Laurie James and her Journey
04:18 Exploring the 'Sandwich Generation'
06:14 The Struggle to Find Belonging
08:33 Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care
12:22 The Impact of Stress on the Body
17:34 Understanding Somatic Healing
21:27 Connecting with the Body
24:15 Slowing Down and Mindfulness
26:25 The Impact of Past Trauma
30:34 Completing the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response
33:29 The Connection Between Emotions and Physical Health
37:28 The Importance of Self-Compassion and Self-Care
Connect with Laurie James
Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go 
https://www.laurieejames.com/
Confessions of a Freebird Podcast
Episode with Angela Shelton
FREE “Beginners Guide to Somatic Healing”
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
Website
Instagram⁠
Facebook
LinkedIn⁠

In this inspiring episode of "A Life Worth Being," host Sue Willoughby welcomes the internationally acclaimed artist, arts educator, and creative mentor Alicia Tormey. Alicia shares her journey of over 35 years as a creative professional, specializing in the ancient and captivating art of encaustic painting. Discover how she transitioned from simply creating art to empowering others through teaching and mentorship.
Alicia opens up about the challenges and rewards of living a life dedicated to the arts, offering profound insights into the differences between inspiration and motivation. She emphasizes the importance of following one's curiosity and overcoming the fear of being a beginner, no matter the creative pursuit.
Listeners will be fascinated by Alicia’s explanation of encaustic painting—an art form that uses beeswax mixed with natural resin, creating durable and stunning works that have lasted thousands of years. Through vivid storytelling, Alicia reveals how this medium humbles even the most seasoned artists, keeping the creative process exciting and transformative.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the urge to create but unsure where to start. Alicia's heartfelt advice to "start now" and her strategies for overcoming fear and self-doubt will resonate deeply with aspiring artists and creatives of all kinds.
Tune in to learn:
• How to maintain inspiration and motivation in your creative journey.
• The transformative power of art in personal and emotional healing.
Sound Bites 
"You're not really judging yourself yet. You're just doing and learning, which is exciting and awesome."
"Who do I think I am? Who am I kidding? I can't do this. I don't have any talent."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:42 Exploring the Captivating World of Encaustic Painting
07:32 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt on the Artistic Journey
11:21 The Power of Inspiration and Motivation in Art
16:12 Embracing the Beginner's Mind in Creative Pursuits
18:06 Prioritizing Time for Artistic Expression
22:23 The Technical and Creative Appeal of Encaustic Painting
25:47 Art as a Transformative and Healing Medium
29:36 The Importance of Community and Support in the Artistic Process
Join us for a conversation that’s as enriching as it is
encouraging, and discover how to unleash your inner artist today.
Connect with Alicia:
Alicia on Instagram
Alicia on the Web
Connect with Sue:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn⁠
Subscribe, Rate & Follow - It would mean a lot to me!
#Creativity #ArtInspiration #EncausticPainting #CreativeJourney #ALifeWorthBeing
Keywords: beginner, learning, challenges,
self-judgment, discerning, self-doubt, comparison, quitting, Art, inspiration, creativity
 
 

In this enlightening episode of A Life Worth Being, Sue Willoughby welcomes the inspiring Renee Spears, a Spirit Guide Channeler, spiritual mentor, and host of the Abundology podcast. Renee shares her extraordinary journey from owning a successful mortgage company to embracing her calling as a Spirit Guide Channeler in the serene landscapes of Bozeman, Montana.
Join us as we dive deep into the world of intuition, exploring how Renee made a life-changing leap guided by her inner wisdom. Discover the significance of trusting your gut feelings, the transformative power of intuition in everyday decisions, and practical tips on how to cultivate and strengthen your intuitive abilities.
Sue and Renee discuss:
The connection between intuition and business success
How to recognize and trust your intuitive hits
The role of intuition in overcoming life’s challenges and making empowered decisions
Exercises to enhance your intuitive skills and build self-trust
The magic of Women’s Wisdom Circles and their impact on spiritual growth
Sound Bites
"Trusting your intuition is essential for making aligned decisions and living a fulfilling life."
"Trusting your intuition is a form of trusting yourself and your own wisdom."
"Regrets often stem from not trusting and following your intuition."
"I don't want to have any regrets."
"That was part of the path to use that to propel you forward."
"Should I eat these potato chips? No."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:57 - Transition from Mortgage Company to Spirit Guide Channeling
07:43 - The Impact of Trusting Intuition
10:53 - Developing Trust in Intuition
15:23 - Understanding How Intuition Shows Up
22:48 - Avoiding Regrets by Trusting Intuition
23:41 - The Power of Intuition and Being Present
24:52 - Living Life Without Regrets
26:20 - Slowing Down and Listening to Our Intuition
26:50 - The Impact of Technology on Presence
27:51 - Morning Routine and Preparing for Intuitive Sessions
29:10 - Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset
30:21 - Women's Wisdom Circles for Spiritual Exploration
Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, personal life, or spiritual path, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you embrace your inner guidance and live a life aligned with your true self.
Tune in for a heartwarming conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration.
Connect with Renee and enjoy an exclusive 25% discount off a 30-60 min session with Renee Spears using the code 'ABUNDANCE' at https://www.abundology.com/schedule
Other ways to connect with Renee!
https://www.facebook.com/reneespearsabundologyhttps://www.instagram.com/reneespearsabundology
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠
⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠
⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/⁠

In this compelling episode of "A Life Worth Being," host Sue Willoughby welcomes back Britney and Ed Holmes, wellness and mindset coaches, and dear friends. You may remember them from Sue's very first episode, and now they're here to share their incredible journey of transformation.
Britney and Ed dive deep into their personal struggles with weight, addiction, and emotional eating, revealing how they moved from being stuck and overwhelmed to becoming high-performing, health-focused individuals. They share candid anecdotes about their past, the pivotal moments that sparked their change, and the rigorous process of self-improvement they embraced.
Listen as they discuss the significance of finding the right coach, the importance of community in their CrossFit gym, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Brittany and Ed also explore how they transitioned from their roles in a church to launching their own coaching practice, Axios Coaching, which focuses on holistic health across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
Discover the innovative methods they use in their coaching programs, including their "Mindbox" curriculum and the exciting new courses they're developing. Whether you're struggling with weight, stress, or simply feeling stuck, Britney and Ed offer invaluable insights and practical advice to help you create a meaningful, fulfilled life.
Tune in to be inspired by their journey and learn how you too can start your path towards transformation.
Keywords
coaching, emotional eating, addiction, mindset, support system, fitness, personal development, stress, high performers, burnout, stress, overwhelm, train your brain, consistency, worthiness, meaningful life, Mindbox curriculum, Axios Coaching, one-on-one coaching, speaking engagements
Takeaways
Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up and challenge you to grow.
Changing your mindset and beliefs about yourself and the world is crucial for making lasting changes.
Creating space and replenishing yourself is essential for growth and avoiding burnout.
Stress and being stuck are mutually reinforcing, and addressing both is necessary for personal development.
Coaching can help individuals and teams thrive in high-demand lives by focusing on the four quadrants of whole health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Stress is a story that can be changed, and stressors are the events we have stories about.
Numbing behaviors, such as overeating or overworking, are ways to avoid processing negative emotions.
Setting goals based on who we need to be rather than what we need to do leads to sustainable growth.
Worthiness is a transformative mindset shift that allows us to invest in ourselves and make positive changes.
Creating consistency in our behaviors and training our brains can help us get off the hamster wheel of stress and overwhelm.
The Mindbox curriculum offered by Axios Coaching helps individuals and teams get unstuck and create a meaningful life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Unpacking Their Journey
02:51 Emotional Eating and Addiction
09:12 The Power of Mindset and Wellness
13:56 The Role of Community in Transformation
21:57 The Connection Between Stress and Being Stuck
23:40 Creating Space for Recharge and Growth
26:24 Addressing the Root Causes of Numbing
29:19 Training Your Brain for Success
35:06 Living a Meaningful Life
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Connect With Britney and Ed:
Train Your Brain Podcast
Axios Coaching Website
Instagram
Connect with Sue Willoughby and Willoughby Coaching:
⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠
⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠
⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/⁠

In this enlightening episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby welcomes the remarkable Susan Baracco, an accomplished ghostwriter and business coach. With a background as varied as owning a liquor store and helping women in business, Susan has a wealth of experience that she brings to the art of storytelling. Together, they delve into the transformative power of writing, particularly for women over 40 who have rich, multifaceted life stories to share.
Susan shares her journey from business coaching to ghostwriting, offering invaluable insights into the myths and realities of writing a book. They explore the emotional depths required to craft a compelling memoir, the importance of professional editing, and the evolving landscape of publishing. Whether you're a budding writer or someone with a story yearning to be told, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.
Join Sue and Susan as they discuss the importance of authenticity in writing, how to navigate the challenges of publishing, and the therapeutic benefits of putting your life experiences into words. If you've ever thought about writing a book or are simply curious about the process, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss out on Susan's upcoming masterclass on the book-writing journey, designed to guide first-time authors through every stage of creating their masterpiece.
Keywords
writing a book, personal experiences, sharing stories, emotional experience, professional writer, uniqueness, overcoming challenges, transformation
Takeaways
Writing a book is often driven by the need to share personal experiences.
Sharing stories can be a moving and emotional experience for both the storyteller and the listener.
A professional writer can help clients express their unique experiences in writing.
Uniqueness in writing comes from personal experiences, overcoming challenges, and transformation.
Key Topics:
The journey from business coach to ghostwriter
Myths about writing and publishing
The role of professional editing
The therapeutic power of storytelling
How to begin your own book-writing journey
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Susan Baracco, a Ghostwriter
04:02 Susan's Journey from Business Coach to Ghostwriter
07:03 Writing a Book to Share Experiences and Help Others
11:06 Working with Women in Business and Mid-Life
16:25 Demystifying the Process of Writing a Book
23:30 The Value of Professional Editing
25:36 The Importance of Vulnerability and Personal Experience
30:01 Teaching from the Scar, Not the Wound
33:18 Creating a Unique and Readable Book
37:55 The Power of Personal Experience
39:47 The Emotional Involvement of a Ghostwriter
43:10 Discovery Call and Finding the Right Fit
Links To Susan Baracco:
Susan Baracco's Website
Connect with Susan on LinkedIn
Sign Up for Susan's Summer Session
Tune in and get inspired to awaken a life worth being by sharing your unique story with the world. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more inspirational episodes!
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

Join host Sue Willoughby as she sits down with the extraordinary Helena Rogers, a true Renaissance woman, in this inspiring episode of A Life Worth Being. Helena is a serial entrepreneur, musician, self-taught artist, and all-around badass who has lived a life filled with creativity, resilience, and relentless pursuit of passions.
In this episode, Helena shares her journey from co-founding the iconic Ruboto Records in the '70s to leading the legendary band Student Nurse. Discover how she redefined her career in tech in her 50s and reinvented herself as an artist in her 70s. Helena's story is a testament to the power of pursuing your passions at any age.
Learn about the Japanese concept of Ikigai, Helena's reason for getting out of bed in the morning, and how it has fueled her diverse and vibrant life. Whether it's painting, playing music, or embracing new technologies, Helena’s approach to life is all about going big or going home.
Tune in for a lively conversation filled with anecdotes, life lessons, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life well-lived. This episode is sure to inspire you to chase your own dreams and paint your way out of any corner.
🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Helena Rogers' incredible journey on A Life Worth Being!
Takeaways
Don't be afraid to pursue new interests and passions, regardless of your age.
Embrace the opportunity to learn and try new things.
Go big or go home - don't be afraid to take risks and push yourself creatively.
Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages and inspires you.
Sound Bites
"I can paint my way out of any corner to some degree of satisfaction."
"If there's something that interests you, why not pursue it? Go big or go home."
"Don't be afraid to pursue new interests and passions, regardless of your age."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Music
01:34 Helena's Entrepreneurial Journey
06:21 Helena's Genre and Style of Music
08:17 Transitioning to a Tech Career
10:41 Helena's Journey into Painting
13:00 Helena's Artistic Process
20:08 Student Nurse's Reunion After 38 Years
21:31 Helena's Role in the Band
23:26 Promoting Student Nurse and Helena's Artwork
25:20 Age is Just a Number: Helena's Inspiring Story
28:08 Conclusion and Future Plans
Contact:
Helena Rogers - Facebook / Instagram
Student Nurse - https://www.studentnurseband.com/
https://studentnurse.bandcamp.com/
Contact Sue:
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/

Welcome to the debut episode of "A Life Worth Being"! I’m your host, Sue Willoughby, and I am overjoyed to have you join me as we embark on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. In this very special first episode, I honor my mother on what would have been her 92nd birthday.
Join me and my dear friends and creative partners, Britney and Ed Holmes, as we explore the remarkable and multifaceted story of my mom. She was a woman of incredible talent and humor, who also faced significant challenges with addiction and trauma. Through this heartfelt tribute, we delve into the complexities of our relationship and the profound impact she had on my life.
We’ll discuss themes of resilience, love, and the importance of embracing our true selves, even in the face of adversity. My mom’s journey, filled with both joy and struggle, has deeply influenced my path as a transformational life coach, and I’m excited to share these insights with you.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, healing, or simply a compelling story, this episode offers a touching dedication to the woman who shaped my world. Tune in to discover the echoes of strength that resonate through my life and work. Don’t forget to subscribe to "A Life Worth Being" to ensure you never miss an episode. Thank you for being here, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
Connect with Sue:
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
Keywords: complicated relationship, mother's influence, talents, struggles, alcoholism, self-belief, transformational life coach, self-awareness, discomfort, addiction, true self, pursuing dreams
Takeaways
The relationship between Sue and her mother was complicated, with both good and challenging aspects.
Sue's mother had talents in singing and humor, but also struggled with low self-esteem and alcoholism.
Her mother's affirmations and support played a significant role in shaping Sue's self-belief and confidence.
Sue's journey with her mother's struggles influenced her career as a transformational life coach, helping others navigate their own challenges.
Sue encourages individuals to show up as their true selves, embrace discomfort, and seek support when dealing with addiction.
It's never too late to pursue your dreams and make positive changes in your life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Dedication to Sue's Mother
01:03 Meeting Brittany and Ed Holmes
03:55 Influences on Sue's Sense of Humor and Communication Skills
05:22 Sue's Complicated Relationship with Alcohol
07:37 Navigating Different Aspects of Sue's Mother's Personality
08:48 What Sue's Mother Might Have Done Differently
10:16 Sue's Journey as a Transformational Life Coach
12:06 The Influence of Sue's Mother on Her Sexuality
15:25 The Complex Relationship with Sue's Mother
16:20 The Impact of Sue's Mother's Affirmations
18:17 Establishing Boundaries and Distance with Sue's Mother
20:34 Honoring Sue's Mother's Legacy
23:11 Sue's Coaching Practice and Focus on Awareness
24:42 The Message Sue Hopes to Share with Others
29:55 Advice for Those Dealing with Addiction
32:28 How to Connect with Sue as a Coach
33:24 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Subscribe