​Heidi’s Lane with Heidi Powell

It’s the first episode of 2026, and we’re flipping New Year’s resolutions on their head. I’m joined by my best friend (and the woman who helped bring this podcast to life), Keira Brinton, on the pod today, where we talk about WHY January pressures set so many of us up to fail!! In this conversation, Keira and I talk about how to start this year in a way that actually matches real life, real energy, and real healing. We go deep on integrity, self-trust, cycles (in nature + in your body), and the mindset shifts that turn “starting over” into steady momentum.In this episode, we talk about:Why “New Year, New You” hits hardest in the coldest, darkest season—and why that mattersThe idea that a 500-year-old calendar system isn’t a good blueprint for motivation (Gregorian calendar history) Encyclopedia Virginia+2HISTORY+2Why most people quit early—and how to stop making that mean something about you.The real foundation: integrity with yourself (and why overcommitting breaks self-trust)“Your pace is allowed to be your pace”—and how cycles apply to reinventionA mindset experiment that shows how your brain “fills in the gaps” based on what you focus onPrayer/gratitude as a frequency shift (moving from “please help me” to “thank you, it’s already here”)The rules that shaped my life (Bob Parsons’ “16 Rules”) and the ones that still guide me today Bob ParsonsThe line I swear by: a good plan executed today beats a perfect plan that never happensGentle content note: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation and mental health struggles.What to do after listening (simple action steps):Instead of a January overhaul, choose one tiny “Kaizen” move you can repeat daily. Wikipedia+1Write your version of: “Thank you for…” (safety, health, support, strength)—and sit in it for 60 seconds.Pick ONE decision you’ve been dragging out and execute a “good plan” today.What’s coming next: Keira is back for Episode 80, and we’re continuing the rest of the 16 Rules (plus some real-life stories that usually stay in our voice memos).Watch this full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:00:00 Why This New Year Needed a Different Conversation02:05 The Origin Story of Heidi’s Lane—and the Woman Who Helped Start It06:45 “Lonely at the Top”—What Success Doesn’t Protect You From10:55 A Raw Conversation About Mental Health, Darkness, and Being Seen14:01 The Night Everything Almost Ended18:12 What Actually Saved Her Life24:45 Winter Is for Rest—Not Reinvention29:40 You Are Literally Not the Same Person You Were Years Ago34:35 Letting Your Ex (and Yourself) Be New37:55 The Mindset Experiment That Proves Focus Shapes Reality40:45 Why Gratitude Changes What You Attract45:30 The Rules That Quietly Shaped My Life49:05 Comfort Zones, Perseverance & Being 10 Feet from Gold54:07 Integrity, Self-Trust, and Lasting Change59:20 A Good Plan Executed Today Beats a Perfect Plan Someday1:04:40 How to Do 2026 Differently—Without Burning OutConnect with Heidi:Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/Connect with Keira Brinton:Website: https://www.keirabrinton.com/ Instagram: @keirabrintonAbout Keira Brinton:Keira Brinton is the CEO & Founder of JOA Publishing, host of the Sacred Wandering podcast, 7x author, and creator of the internationally known Book Activator method. She is “The People’s Publisher,” helping visionaries channel, write, and launch the books they were born to lead with. Through her retreats, webinars, TV show Writer’s Island, and her publishing house, Keira has activated thousands of authors into their life’s work. She blends strategy and spirit, business and devotion, and is known for making the impossible feel inevitable.

In this special holiday episode of Heidi's Lane, we are joined by two very special people in my life: Lauri, my mother and Matix, my oldest son! Today we dive into the intimate world of family traditions and the poignant dance with grief during the holidays.My mom and I reminisce about cherished memories, like our lively Polish Christmas Eves and my dad's signature German chocolate cake. We laugh, share stories, and even shed a few tears, acknowledging the bittersweet absence of loved ones. I also explore how traditions evolve, especially in the tapestry of a blended family, and the importance of finding joy in simplicity. This episode is a raw, authentic journey through the joys and sorrows of holiday memories and traditions, inviting you to reflect on your own.Here are the key moments from the episode:5:00 Family traditions and why they are important11:30 Appreciating childhood memories20:30 The importance of creating new traditions26:30 Adapting traditions to life's changes38:00 Our Polish Christmas Eve dinner tradition53:50 Choosing memories over materialism56:30 Dealing with grief during the holidaysConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/  Email: [email protected]  Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

This week, we’re continuing the conversation about eating disorders, but this time, with a professional who has spent nearly two decades treating eating disorders.After my solo episode (ep. 75) sharing my 15-year battle with anorexia, bulimia, food addiction, and body dysmorphia, you sent in hundreds of questions…and I saved all of them for this conversation.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Morgan Francis, licensed therapist and eating disorder specialist, for a powerful, honest, informative, and definitely-lifesaving conversation that every woman (and every parent) needs to hear.Together, we break down:✨ Disordered eating vs. eating disorders—the difference matters✨ How young it starts (as early as five years old) and why✨ The most commonly missed warning signs✨ How to know if you may be struggling✨ What to do if someone you love has an eating disorder✨ How to help yourself if you’re stuck in the cycle✨ Why “looking healthy” can hide years of pain✨ The role of shame, trauma, comparison, and control✨ What real healing actually looks like, and how you can learn to love your bodyThis episode is equal parts education, compassion, and empowerment. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand your own relationship with food and your body…this conversation is a gentle, grounding place to start.If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you’re not alone, there IS help, and healing is absolutely possible. 🫶🏼Here are three free, reputable places to get help:💛 NEDA: Free screening tools and a 24/7 crisis text line (text NEDA to 741741).💛 ANAD: Free virtual support groups and one-on-one peer mentoring at anad.org. 💛 Project HEAL: Helps people access treatment when cost or insurance is a barrier at theprojectheal.org. You’re not alone, and real support is available. 🫶🏼Want deeper support from Dr. Morgan?💛 Here’s a link to Dr. Morgan’s Guide to Intuitive Eating and her Trainings for Therapists & Coaches -> CLICK HERE If this episode speaks to you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. And if you haven’t listened to Part 1 my story—it’s Episode 75.Watch this full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell .Here are the key moments from the episode:02:11 Why I Brought a Therapist On08:30 Dr. Morgan’s Story & Trauma15:45 Body Image Isn’t Vanity21:50 Eating Disorder vs. Dysmorphia29:10 Can You Trust Yourself Around Food?36:15 Disordered Eating vs Diagnosis42:18 Binge Eating & Fitness Culture49:30 Ozempic: Relief or Distraction?56:40 Body Trust, Respect & Appreciation01:00:05 Are You Ready to Heal?01:06:14 The Power of Self-Forgiveness01:13:02 Eating Disorders in Men01:18:55 What Dr. Morgan Wants You to KnowConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/  Email: [email protected]  Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/  Connect with Dr. Morgan Francis:Website: http://www.scottsdalepremiercounseling.com/  Instagram: @drmorganfrancisAbout Dr. Morgan Francis:
 Dr. Morgan Francis is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. She is the owner of Scottsdale Premier Counseling in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her mission is to break through the mental health shame game. With over 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of Body Image and Eating Disorders, Dr. Francis can empower you to make peace with your body and food. You can watch her on Wellness Wednesdays as the Mental Health Expert for 12 News Arizona.  She is also a frequent guest on Fox News and serves as public speaker and consultant on mental health helping churches, schools, and community organizations. You can work with Dr. Francis by accessing her online courses or attending her webinars. Dr. Francis lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her three children and husband.

This one feels extra close to home. As Thanksgiving rolls in, Ryan and I cozy up to talk about dating after divorce, the quiet that follows shared holidays, and what it’s really like to rebuild love in your 40s. From last year’s lonely Thanksgiving to navigating real-life quirks, triggers, blended-family chaos, and leaving the honeymoon phase behind, we go there. Honestly, it’s some of our most real conversations yet.✨ We talked about:Dating after divorce when you’ve “lived a lot”Navigating the quiet, the loneliness & the healingWhat shifting out of the honeymoon phase really feels likeHow we communicate through triggers, tension & growthThe messy, beautiful truth about modern relationshipsIf this resonates, please like, comment, subscribe, and share. It helps our little community grow. ❤️Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 Why Dating After Divorce Feels So Different3:12 The Thanksgiving That Broke Me Open6:01 Why We Stay in Unhealthy Relationships9:18 The Side of Me Most People Never See12:27 Why I Crave Deep, Real Connection15:06 Feeling “Different” My Whole Life18:10 When Someone Finally Sees the Real You21:05 The DM I Never Replied To24:08 Why This Relationship Feels Different27:01 Leaving the Honeymoon Phase30:22 The Miscommunication That Taught Us a Lot33:42 How We Process Emotions So Differently36:29 Why Real Life Feels Like a Milestone39:41 The Hardest Part of Dating After Divorce42:53 What Healthy Conflict Really Looks Like46:06 Choosing Your Hard in Relationships49:40 Why Communication Matters More Than Chemistry53:11 What Surprised Us About Social Media56:44 The Emotional Crash After Big Life Events1:00:29 When Stress Shows Up in Your Relationship1:03:52 How Honest Talks Build Real Safety1:07:10 Understanding Your Triggers in Love1:10:31 Fighting with Each Other, Not Against Each Other1:13:02 When Speaking Up Helps and When It Doesn’t1:16:15 What Healthy Love Looks Like NowConnect with Heidi:Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

This one has been a long time coming. For 15 years, I lived inside the prison of an eating disorder that is anorexia, bulimia, food addiction, and body dysmorphia. It was loud, lonely, and exhausting. I hid it behind smiles, success, and “healthy” habits…until I couldn’t anymore.In this deeply personal episode, I open up about what recovery has really looked like, the pain, the progress, and the quiet miracles that changed everything. I share how I healed my relationship with food, with my body, and most importantly, with myself.✨I let you in on:The real cost of living with food obsessionHow shame kept me silent for yearsThe turning point that led to healingWhat “freedom” actually feels like todayIf you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you’re not alone, there IS help, and healing is absolutely possible. 🫶🏼 Here are three free, reputable places to get help:💛NEDA: Free screening tools and a 24/7 crisis text line (text NEDA to 741741). 💛ANAD: Free virtual support groups and one-on-one peer mentoring at https://anad.org/. 💛Project HEAL: Helps people access treatment when cost or insurance is a barrier at https://www.theprojectheal.org/. You’re not alone, and real support is available. 🫶🏼 If this episode speaks to you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. And for even more support, listen to Ep. 77 with eating disorder therapist, Dr. Morgan Francis.Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:00:00 The Untold Battle I’ve Hidden for 15 Years03:42 Living in the Grip of an Eating Disorder07:15 The Physical Damage No One Talks About13:35 What Body Dysmorphia Really Feels Like17:02 Why Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line24:49 Hiding My Disorder in Plain Sight29:22 When Love Meets Self-Doubt33:17 The Moment I Realized Shame Breeds Secrecy36:41 Trading One Destructive Pattern for Another41:02 Hurting Myself to Feel in Control49:54 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond the Mirror54:03 How Childhood Shapes Body Image58:29 The Pressure to Be Perfect in a Public Life1:02:45 Breaking Free from the Need to Be “Enough”1:07:16 What True Healing Actually Looks Like1:11:33 Learning to See My Body Through Love1:16:04 The Role of Therapy, Faith, and Self-Work1:20:12 Why Vulnerability Is the Gateway to Healing1:24:36 Lessons I’ve Learned from Past Relationships1:34:03 The Hard Truth About Long-Term Recovery1:39:41 What I Want Every Woman Struggling to Know1:44:25 How to Help Someone Who’s Struggling1:49:37 Finding Meaning in My StoryConnect with Heidi:Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/