The Nancy Levin Show

E208: Surviving Suicide to Changing Lives: How Self Care Can Save Your Life with Darryll Stinson May 26, 2025

Show notes

In this moving episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I'm joined by my dear friend and extraordinary speaker, Darryll Stinson — a former Division I athlete, bestselling author, and two-time TEDx speaker whose transformational journey from trauma to truth is nothing short of breathtaking.

Together, we explore the alchemy of vulnerability, the healing power of self-connection, and how Darryll has turned personal pain into powerful purpose. From surviving suicide attempts to becoming a voice for mental health and emotional authenticity, Darryll offers wisdom, compassion, and clarity for anyone ready to share their story, speak their truth, and embrace their wholeness.

This conversation is a testament to the power of story, the necessity of self-care, and the liberation that comes when we stop hiding and start honoring all parts of ourselves. If you've ever wondered how to alchemize your lived and learned experience into a message that heals — this episode is for you.

What we explore:

When we're in right relationship with ourselves, we become more free from external judgment.
Visibility isn't about ego—it's about purpose. We must become fully expressed in order to fully serve.
Vulnerability lives on a spectrum. It's not just about sharing trauma—it's about being open to your truth, power, and presence.
Transformation begins in the mirror. Darryll shares how mirror work helped him move from self-hate to self-love.
You don't need to wait for crisis to change. Your catalyst can be a conscious choice, not just a breakdown.
The future belongs to fully-expressed, emotionally intelligent leaders. The next wave of speakers will embody deep self-awareness and divine availability.
If this episode moved you, take a moment to pause and connect with your own story. What part of you is ready to be seen, heard, and healed?

Connect with Darryll:

Website: www.darryllstinson.com

Instagram: @stinsonspeaks

LinkedIn: Darryll Stinson

YouTube: @stinsonspeaks

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E207: Midlife Reinvention: How to Tame Your Inner Critic with Author Britt Frank May 19, 2025

Show notes

In this fun and frank conversation, I welcome back Britt Frank—licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Science of Stuck and her new book Align Your Mind: Tame Your Inner Critic, and Make Peace with Your Shadow Using the Power of Parts Work.

We explore the empowering intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and shadow work, reframing our inner critic as a misguided protector, not a predator. Britt offers brilliant insights on how parts work allows us to embrace the fullness of who we are—including our compulsive habits, younger selves, and the traits we've tried to exile.

Together, we dive into the potency of perimenopause and midlife as a rebirth—an invitation to reclaim our true essence and align with our deepest values. This conversation is a rallying cry to honor your wholeness, connect with your parts, and live from unapologetic authenticity.

What we explore:

Shadow work means reconnecting with everything that's true about you—including your gifts.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is not separate from shadow work—it is shadow work in practice.
The inner critic can become your internal coach when you understand it's trying to protect you.
Our compulsive behaviors are survival strategies, not character defects.
Reparenting your younger parts creates emotional momentum and deep healing.
Midlife is not a decline—it's an initiation into your second becoming.
Self-worth does not kill ambition. In fact, the more full of self-love you are, the more you can create.

Connect with Britt:

Website Instagram

Ready to align with your wholeness and reclaim your truth? Grab Britt's new book Align Your Mind and begin a powerful new relationship with your inner world.

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E206: The Secret To Midlife Confidence with Celebrity Beauty Expert Michele Phillips May 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I reconnect with my dear friend Michelle Phillips — renowned celebrity makeup artist, self-confidence coach, bestselling author, and now podcast host of The Beauty Shift. Our bond began over a decade ago, rooted in our shared experiences of reclaiming our power after abusive relationships. Now, we dive deep into the evolution of beauty, self-worth, and the journey of learning to put ourselves first.

Michelle shares her raw, vulnerable story of breaking free from the illusion of perfection and discovering the true essence of confidence. We talk about shedding outdated ideals, navigating midlife, and how real beauty radiates from authenticity and radical self-love — not products, procedures, or perfection. This conversation is a call to redefine what beauty means, at any age.

What we explore together:

Michelle and I both shared how we used to project perfection while silently struggling, and how true healing began when we stopped hiding our pain.
Real beauty begins when we reclaim who we are, instead of trying to match who we think we're supposed to be.
Self-love isn't indulgence — it's boundaries, saying no, and choosing ourselves again and again.
Midlife isn't a crisis; it's a chance to rewrite the rules and finally live for ourselves.
The beauty industry is slowly shifting toward age and body inclusivity, and Michelle is using her platform to amplify that movement.
True self-care shows up in how we sleep, eat, move, and speak to ourselves — not just what we put on our skin.

Connect with Michelle:

Website: michellephillips.com Instagram: @michellephillipsbeauty LinkedIn: Michelle Phillips Podcast: The Beauty Shift

Connect with me:

E205: Health and Longevity Are Linked to These 4 Things with Dr. Ryan Williamson May 05, 2025

Show notes

What if your health destiny isn't written in stone?

In today's episode, I'm exploring the empowering truth that we have more influence over our brain health and longevity than we might believe. I'm joined by my new friend and colleague, Dr. Ryan Williamson, a board-certified neurologist and founder of Transcend Health, for a conversation filled with hope, science, and practical strategies.

Ryan and I dive into how the small choices we make every day — around sleep, movement, nutrition, and stress — shape the trajectory of our cognitive health, especially post menopause. We also reflect on the powerful role that purpose, community, and connection play in extending both our lifespan and our healthspan.

What we explore:

Why cognitive decline is not inevitable — and how much is within your control
The Core Four pillars that Ryan recommends for brain vitality
How movement and even "exercise snacks" can dramatically extend your healthspan
What you need to know about sleep, stress, and longevity
The critical role of purpose — and how it fuels your resilience

Connect with Dr. Ryan Williamson:

Website: TranscendHealthGroup.com

Instagram: @transcendhealthgroup

Instagram (Personal): @dr.ryanwilliamson

Connect with me:

A World Champion's Guide to Public Speaking

E204: How Self Worth Led Me To Net Worth with World Champion Public Speaker Ramona J Smith Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and personal conversation, I'm joined by the unforgettable Ramona J. Smith — 2018 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking. Ramona's story is about far more than public speaking accolades. It's a journey of courage, confidence, and claiming her worth — financially, personally, and professionally. From teaching high school to setting stages ablaze across five continents, Ramona opens up about what it really took to transform her mindset and bank account.

We explore the pivotal role my book Worthy played in helping Ramona shift from a scarcity story into a self-worth-centered approach to money and business. With boldness, honesty, and fire, she shares how she rewrote her internal narrative, raised her prices, and finally began to live — and earn — in alignment with her value.

Whether you're a coach, speaker, entrepreneur, or anyone ready to ditch people-pleasing and step into unapologetic worth, this episode is a must-listen.

What we explore together:

The behind-the-scenes of how Ramona went from classroom to global stages

How a conversation with another champion led her to my book 'Worthy'

Worthiness as the foundation of wealth

Why affirmations alone won't change your bank account

How to find the courage to raise your rates and start charging what you're worth — today

→ Feeling stuck in your pricing, your self-worth, or your visibility? Start with the inner work. Pick up a copy of Worthy and do the exercises, then, just like Ramona – take action!

And if you're ready for deeper support, reach out to me at nancylevin.com!

Connect with Ramona:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

📱 Text Ramona directly: 216-309-2341

📧 Email: ispeak@ramonajsmith.com

Connect with me:

E203: 3 Tips for Turning a Midlife Crisis to a Catalyst Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

If you've been feeling stuck, off-track, or like life just doesn't fit the way it used to — this episode is your invitation to stop seeing it as a crisis and start seeing it as a catalyst.

In this episode, I share some practical reframing techniques around what we've long called the "midlife crisis." Together, we'll explore why this season of questioning is actually a call to return to your truth — not a sign of failure. I walk you through three powerful mindset shifts that will help you shed perfectionism, stop people-pleasing, and step into the life you're meant to live — one small, brave step at a time.

This isn't the end. It's the beginning of everything.

What we'll explore together:

Redefining the "midlife crisis" as a spiritual initiation
The hidden cost of perfectionism and people-pleasing
Learning to listen inward and trust what you hear
Creating space for reinvention, without needing a full life overhaul
Returning to your truth after years of playing roles

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone navigating their own dark night of the soul. Your transformation is already underway — and you are not alone.

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E202: When I Start my Business I'll Be Happy (?) with Sam Vander Wielen Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Are you still waiting for success to bring happiness? What if you've had it backwards all along?

This week I'm thrilled to welcome back the brilliant and grounded Sam Vander Wielen, a former attorney turned legal educator and entrepreneur. Sam has helped over 150,000 online business owners get legally legit through her resources, templates, and signature program The Ultimate Bundle. Her podcast On Your Terms is a favorite of mine, and now she's launched a new book: When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy — and trust me, it's a must-read.

In our conversation, Sam shares the deep personal story behind her business journey, including health crises, grief, and multiple pivots. But she doesn't stop at mindset—she gives real talk about building a values-aligned business, making strategic decisions, and why instant success is a myth worth debunking.

We talk about how business can become a vehicle for self-discovery and healing, not just a path to profit. This is a heart-centered conversation packed with wisdom for coaches, creators, and anyone navigating the messy, beautiful journey of building something of your own.

What we'll explore together:

Business success doesn't fix your life — inner work must come first.
Mindset and emotional regulation are foundational to financial growth.
Entrepreneurship amplifies what already exists within you.
You can build a sustainable, values-based business without burnout or gimmicks.
Legal clarity = personal confidence (and long-term business health).

Connect with Sam:

Website: samvanderwielen.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samvanderwielen

YouTube: youtube.com/samvanderwielen

Sam's book: When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy

Connect with me: