Women of Impact

Latest Episodes:

Why You Still Feel Lonely (Even When Surrounded by People) | Najwa Zebian (Fan Fav) May 15, 2025

Show notes

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on: August 14, 2022. What up, homies! It's your girl Lisa Bilyeu, and welcome back to the Women of Impact podcast, where week after week, we dive deep into topics that build us up and empower us to become our best selves. I am beyond excited today because I've got the incredible Najwa Zebian joining us!

If you're feeling lonely, navigating the complexities of self-love, or just trying to find your voice in a world that often makes it hard for women, you're in for a treat. Najwa Zebian is here to help us walk through those dark days and emerge stronger, just like the sun after the darkest night. Her profound insights and soulful wisdom are exactly what we all need right now.

We're going to talk about finding your inner peace, building your own home within yourself, and reclaiming the worth that’s inherently yours. Najwa brings her truth, sharing her journey and empowering steps to break free from external validation and build that unwavering self-worth. Ladies, whether you've felt out of place or have struggled with self-doubt, Najwa's words are going to resonate with you on a deep, personal level.

So grab a hot cup of tea, get comfy, and get ready to take some notes because Najwa's about to drop some real knowledge bombs that'll guide you to come home to yourself.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 Overcoming Social Media Pressure

08:57 Power Dynamics and Consent

14:43 Defying Legal Threats with Courage

17:53 Empathy for Abuse Victims Needed

25:58 Redefining Identity Beyond Trauma

29:46 Seeking Healing Beyond Apologies

37:33 Redefining Boundaries for Self-Worth

41:36 Reconciling Subconscious Beliefs

43:59 Overcoming Self-Blame in Toxic Relationships

53:21 "Overcoming Denial and Self-Blame"

58:46 Therapy: Journey to Self-Empowerment

01:03:34 Proactive Self-Work in Relationships

01:07:53 Acknowledging Emotional Pain Shows Strength

01:14:38 Building Home Inside Yourself

01:18:29 Empath Boundaries: Avoiding Toxicity

01:28:08 Perception and Self-Awareness

01:31:02 Overcoming Fear-Driven Behavior

01:35:13 Rejecting External Labels

FOLLOW NAJWA ZEBIAN:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/NajwaZebian

Website: https://najwazebian.com/

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What to Do When Everything Falls Apart—How to Move Forward & Rebuild | Dr. Maya Shankar (Fan Fav) May 14, 2025

Show notes

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on: June 22, 2022. What up, homies! It's your girl Lisa Bilyeu, and welcome back to the Women of Impact podcast, where we dive deep and come out stronger. Today, I'm thrilled to bring you an episode with the incredible Dr. Maya Shankar!

Have you ever felt like your whole identity is wrapped up in a label, a job, or a way you define yourself? You're not alone. Dr. Maya Shankar, renowned behavioral and cognitive scientist, joins us to unpack the layers of identity and change, and why those little silver linings can sometimes be life’s greatest gifts. Confused about facing change or grieving parts of your life? Dr. Maya is here to drop some wisdom on how we can navigate these waters.

So, grab that notebook and pen, because Dr. Maya Shankar is about to teach us how to navigate change, reevaluate our identities, and find strength in unexpected places. It’s all about growth, transformation, and redefining who we want to be.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 Violinist's Journey with Itzhak Perlman

04:10 Pursuing Change and Identity Transformation

07:49 Passion for Connection Through Music

12:11 Evolving Preferences and Unexpected Change

14:58 Scott's Journey: Health to Cancer

19:43 Grieving Independence Loss

23:20 Redefining Motherhood and Roles

23:58 Redefining Nurture Without Motherhood

30:27 "Finding Joy Amid Challenges"

34:00 Practicing Gratitude Through Pain

35:39 Embracing Positivity Amid Change

39:44 Questioning "Things Happen for a Reason"

44:33 Compassion Found Through Captivity

45:39 Navigating Change Journeys Together

FOLLOW DR. MAYA SHANKAR:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlightChangePod

Guys, make sure you check out Dr. Maya’s podcast "A Slight Change of Plans," available anywhere you get your podcasts, and follow her insightful journey as she offers a powerful lens on navigating change. Keep diving deep and being the hero of your own life, and until next time, peace out!

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DIDDY TRIAL: The Trial Begins – How He Manipulated Everyone & How We Missed the Signs | Ep 1 May 13, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode of Women of Impact, host Lisa Bilyeu dives headfirst into the explosive start of the Diddy trial—a case that’s sending shockwaves through the world of celebrity, power, and abuse. Joined by criminal analyst Laura Richards and defense attorney Karen Conti, Lisa unpacks the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs: abuse, coercion, manipulation, and an alleged pattern of violence going back decades. The trial’s centerpiece? Cassie’s 35-page lawsuit and a damning hotel hallway video that’s impossible to unsee.

Is Cassie a gold digger—or a victim finally being heard? Why do so many women’s voices go ignored for so long? Our experts break down how coercion and power imbalances keep women trapped, expose the tactics defense teams use to discredit survivors, and share crucial signs to help women avoid the trap in the first place. This is more than a celebrity scandal—it’s a pivotal moment for all women.

Tune in as we shine a light on the realities of abuse, challenge the legal and cultural systems that enable it, and share tools every woman needs to protect herself. This is just day one of our special series following the Diddy trial on Women of Impact. Join us as we turn outrage into action, and support every woman’s right to be heard, believed, and empowered.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 Cassie Lawsuit Highlights Power Imbalance

05:11 Music Dream Turned Nightmare

11:02 Unveiling Abuse Patterns and Impact

16:55 Claims of Video Tampering

22:05 Legal Defense Arguments Summarized

26:48 Coercive Control and Celebrity Power

36:08 Menendez Trial Jury Concerns

42:11 "Transformation from Silence to Strength"

48:06 "Supporting Young Women in Crisis"

50:33 "Maintain Financial & Personal Autonomy"

55:32 "Defense Claims Mutuality in Abuse"

01:01:27 "Empowerment Through Aging and Support"

01:05:08 "Controversy and Empowerment in Film"

01:12:22 "Legal Battle: Sean Combs Defense Tactics"

01:17:13 "Wealthy Abusers and Empowerment"

FOLLOW KAREN CONTI:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengconti/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenConti

FOLLOW DR. ANN BURGESS:

Bio at Boston College: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/connell-school/faculty-research/faculty-directory/ann-burgess.html

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Website: https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/

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Are You Aging Faster Than You Think? 7 Anti-Aging Fasting Secrets Every Woman Must Know Now! | Dr. Cynthia Thurlow (Fan Fav) May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Lisa Bilyeu is joined by nurse practitioner and intermittent fasting expert Dr. Cynthia Thurlow to tackle one of the hottest topics in women’s health: the incredible, anti-aging benefits of intermittent fasting—specifically tailored for women. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with fatigue, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, or stubborn health challenges, this conversation is an absolute must-listen.

Lisa and Cynthia dive deep, breaking down the science of fasting, how it works with women’s hormones and menstrual cycles, and why the approach needs to be different from men’s. Cynthia shares powerful, actionable strategies to help women prevent disease, reduce inflammation, support cognitive function, and even heal chronic gut issues—all by harnessing the power of fasting.

Along the way, they debunk common myths, discuss real-life setbacks, and encourage women to take ownership of their health—without guilt, shame, or unrealistic standards. With practical tips for getting started, stories about reclaiming confidence, and an honest look at how to navigate overwhelm, this episode is your empowering guide to using fasting as a tool for lifelong vitality.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 Prioritize Women's Health

10:30 Fasting Considerations by Age for Women

12:10 Pre-Menstruation: Reduce Fasting and Exercise

16:36 Protein Needs for Menopausal Women

25:33 IBS, Food Sensitivities, and Fasting

29:21 "Domino Effect of Antibiotics"

37:13 Empowerment Through Vulnerability

41:47 Mastering the Urge to Snack

46:08 Clarity in Life’s Purpose

48:35 Empower Women to Prioritize Needs

57:23 Breaking Free from Fasting Addiction

01:00:00 Fasting and Post-Fast Nutrition Tips

01:05:59 Rethinking Weight Loss: Mindset Matters

01:14:23 Compassion Stemming from Recognized Trauma

01:18:35 Cycle-Based Fitness Planning

01:20:58 Hormone Balance and Stress Management

01:29:04 Epigenetics and Lifestyle Influence Health

01:35:22 "Life-Changing Fasting and Ketones"

01:36:28 Cynthia Thurlow's Media and Resources

FOLLOW CYNTHIA THURLOW:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/
Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chtwellness
Podcast: Everyday Wellness, Intermittent Fasting Podcast

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How to Read Anyone Instantly & Spot Red Flags | Vanessa Van Edwards (Fan Fav) May 12, 2025

Show notes

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on: March 2, 2022. What up, homies! It's your girl Lisa Bilyeu, and welcome back to the Women of Impact podcast, where we dive deep and come out stronger. Today, I'm beyond thrilled to bring you the incredible Vanessa Van Edwards, the charming citizen scientist on understanding people and reading cues like a pro.

Guys, if you've ever found yourself blindsided on a date, at an interview, or any high-stakes situation feeling like, “What did I miss?” you've got to stick around because Vanessa is here to break it all down for us. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single word of this.

We're diving headfirst into how decoding those tiny, invisible signals can make an epic difference in your life. This isn't just body language 101, folks—Vanessa is flipping it up and showing us how to become the cue masters of warmth and competence, to really connect with people and avoid those major ‘WTF just happened’ moments.

Ladies, you know I'm all about those tactical tips that we can start using right NOW. Whether you're trying to ace that job interview, land a second date, or just be more of a badass in your everyday interactions, Vanessa's got your back with super practical insight that'll leave you thinking, “Where was this information when I needed it?”

SHOWNOTES

00:00 "Intelligence Blindness"

05:30 Activating Neural Maps with Props

07:34 Enhancing Imagery for Better Perception

10:50 Reading People While Listening

14:01 Criticism of Nodding in Videos

16:25 Engagement Cues in Communication

21:43 It's Okay to Not Be Okay

22:11 Understanding Lower Lid Flex

25:51 Questioning vs. Authoritative Voice Tone

29:52 "Siminoff's Shark Tank Entrance Mistake"

33:05 Unveiling Hidden Social Rules

35:11 Digital Intimacy and Awkwardness

40:04 Pitch Strategy: Entering the Shark Zone

43:07 Decoding Cues with Context & Clusters

45:29 Interpreting Nonverbal Cue Clusters

47:37 Contempt Predicts Divorce in Couples

50:55 "Creating Safe Spaces for Emotions"

FOLLOW VANESSA VAN EDWARDS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vvanedwards/

Website: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsTSS1Tf72qZJuFKaN0WA9g

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Dr. Casey Means: The Health LIES That Are Keeping You Sick, Stuck, and Exhausted | PT 2 (Fan Fav) May 11, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to part 2 of this absolutely EYE-OPENING convo with NYT best-selling author, co-founder of a health technology company, and a frikin’ expert in what you need to do to feel incredible, avoid disease, and age well, Dr. Casey Means.

And we’re digging even deeper into the 3 types of food you need to start avoiding if you want to STOP feeling like crap all the time and like you’re just barely getting by, along with the real world tactics and tools so you can spot the hidden bad foods that companies want you to THINK is good for you, and start making better, INFORMED choices about your diet.

If you follow Dr. Casey’s advice and start to look at food and nutrition in a new way, you will take back control of your health and can actually improve your symptoms like infertility, low energy, anxiety, depression, weight gain, and more, and actually FEEL BETTER and live a happier, healthier life!

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!!

And if you're loving Women of Impact, please take a moment to leave us a review or rate the show. Your feedback is incredibly valuable!

Follow Dr. Casey Means:

Website: ⁠https://www.caseymeans.com/⁠

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Get Your Copy of “Good Energy”: ⁠https://a.co/d/gW9zypa⁠

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Dr. Casey Means: The Health LIES That Are Keeping You Sick, Stuck, and Exhausted | PT 1 (Fan Fav) May 09, 2025

Show notes

If you’re experiencing symptoms like tiredness even after a “good” night's sleep, anxiety & depression, infertility, joint pain, neck pain, acne along your jawline, and generally just feeling like CRAP no matter what you do, then this episode of Women of Impact is for you!!

Coz those symptoms (and sooooo many more) can actually all be linked to 3 foods that you’re eating every single day that you should actually totally avoid. And when you do, it’s going to completely change the way you look at your health and the power YOU have, my homie, to improve it!!

Here to drop this truly life-changing knowledge is medical doctor, NYT best-selling author, and co-founder of a health technology company, Dr. Casey Means. And she is a woman on a frikin’ MISSION to educate people about the root cause of why so many of us are sick – and that’s because we fail to take care of our metabolic health.

A whopping 93% of Americans are struggling with their metabolic health right now (and honestly homie, you’re probably one of them)! That’s insane!!!!

This interview will help you connect the dots about what you put into your body and how it makes you feel, especially after we dig deep into:

- The 3 foods that you should AVOID
- What to eat instead to give your body GOOD energy
- Tactical tools you can use to start putting better nutrition into your body TODAY!!

When you finish listening to this episode, you’ll know exactly what you have to do to start feeling better – literally from the inside out!!

You’ll have more energy, lose weight, increase your libido and fertility, clear your skin, and seriously homie, feel soooo much better!!! There are seriously SO many symptoms that are actually related to your metabolic health and that YOU have the power to improve, simply by paying attention to WHAT you put into your body.

And it’s NEVER TOO LATE to improve your nutrition, improve your health, and as a result improve your LIFE!!!! You can drastically better your life & increase your longevity, but ONLY if you take ownership of it, and this episode is here to help you.

Follow Dr. Casey Means:

Website: ⁠https://www.caseymeans.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drcaseyskitchen/⁠

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I Found Love at 53: Why I Refused to Settle – And Never Accept Less Than I Deserve | Yvette Nicole Brown PT 2 May 08, 2025

Show notes

Lisa Bilyeu and Yvette Nicole Brown pick up right where they left off, taking us even deeper into the realities (and joys!) of aging, love, partnership, and personal growth. Now joyfully married at 53, Yvette shares what it’s really like to let someone new into your life after building your routines, independence, and self-acceptance over decades of singleness.

Lisa and Yvette get radically honest about menopause, aging, and the major changes women face in midlife—physical, emotional, and relational. From navigating hormonal shifts and brain fog to rejecting the stigma and secrecy surrounding menopause, Yvette and Lisa offer real talk and solutions, all with their signature humor and compassion. They unpack the adjustments required when forming new partnerships in your 40s and 50s, and how to keep your authentic self at the forefront in love, friendship, and career. The episode closes with powerful takeaways on self-confidence, faith, legacy, and the importance of refusing to "white knuckle" your way through life. Don’t miss the second half of this life-affirming conversation!

SHOWNOTES

32:56 How therapy and mindset games keep you open to love

36:09 Accepting what you can’t control—and making your own happiness

39:05 The difference between “knowing” and “not knowing” love

41:40 Green flags, clarity, and what it feels like with the right person

44:40 Negotiating habits and sharing space after decades alone

45:49 Navigating menopause and why it matters in relationships

48:34 Why so many women divorce or struggle emotionally during midlife

50:46 The impact of generational and racial differences in menopause experience

52:20 Not letting physical symptoms destroy your self-esteem or career

55:12 Medication, natural solutions, and treating yourself with compassion

59:04 The root of Yvette’s confidence, faith, and call to serve others

1:02:01 Journaling, legacy, and what really matters at the end of the day

1:05:12 Making an impact through kindness, support, and celebrating others

1:08:21 Final thoughts: self-worth at every age and life stage

FOLLOW YVETTE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvettenicolebrown/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/YNB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YvetteNicoleBrown/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yvettenicolebrown

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I Found Love at 53: Why I Refused to Settle – And Never Accept Less Than I Deserve | Yvette Nicole Brown PT 1 May 07, 2025

Show notes

Lisa Bilyeu sits down with actress, writer, and advocate Yvette Nicole Brown. Known for her iconic roles in "Community" and "Drake & Josh," Yvette brings her rich life experience and radiant authenticity to the table as she opens up about love, self-worth, and finding happiness on your own terms. Brown shares her journey from dreaming about marriage in her 20s to discovering real love at age 53, all while defying societal expectations around relationships, aging, and womanhood.

Lisa and Yvette dive into the pressures women face to settle, struggle with loneliness, and grieve unfulfilled dreams—while still holding space for hope and joy. Yvette reveals the lessons she learned through toxic relationships, the importance of self-love, and how to embrace your authentic self regardless of your relationship status. Tune in to hear a candid and powerful conversation about perseverance, purpose, and why every woman’s life is valuable, with or without a partner.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 Why women feel pressured to settle or fear being alone

00:26 Yvette’s approach to authenticity and self-acceptance

01:22 Why Yvette refused to settle or change herself to get a partner

03:09 Making peace with singleness and societal expectations

04:12 Grieving old dreams and redefining happiness

05:07 The reality of toxic relationships and lessons learned

07:06 Letting go of the dream of motherhood and finding new meaning

08:21 How Yvette cultivated self-love during years of being single

09:42 Holding space for complex feelings: "Happy for you, sad for me"

11:08 Early lessons on self-worth from childhood and Hollywood

12:19 Creating your own community when you don’t "fit in"

13:13 Red flags and leaving a toxic relationship

15:29 The “Sliding Doors” moment: Choosing self-worth over settling

17:02 The myth of women’s value being tied to romantic partnerships

20:30 Working against cultural programming and writing your own story

22:42 You don’t need a partner to be worthy or fulfilled

23:15 Allowing yourself to want love—and be open to it

27:20 Why being honest about your desires and boundaries matters

30:11 It’s okay to say you want love without losing yourself

FOLLOW YVETTE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvettenicolebrown/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/YNB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YvetteNicoleBrown/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yvettenicolebrown

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If He Says He’s ‘Not Ready to Commit,’ BELIEVE HIM—How to Tell If He’ll Ever Commit | Matthew Hussey (Fan Fav) May 06, 2025

Show notes

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on September 8, 2021. What up, homies! It's your girl Lisa Bilyeu, and welcome back to the Women of Impact podcast, where we dive deep and come out stronger. Today, I'm stoked to have the incredible Matthew Hussey back for the third time.

We're diving into a super important topic: commitment. Ladies, if you've ever wondered about the struggles of getting someone to commit, or if you're second-guessing your current relationship, Matthew is here with the insights you need to tackle these burning questions.

In this episode, we're discussing the effects of social media and dating apps on modern relationships, and the impact they have on our commitment issues. Plus, we're breaking down the practical steps and conversations we need to have to assess if we're on the same page with our partner. Trust me, this is something every woman needs to arm herself with.

Matthew is going to walk us through understanding our own patterns and teaching us how to invest wisely in relationships without burning out. So buckle up, because you're about to get the lowdown on where you stand, and empower yourself to make choices that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Don't miss this episode where we talk about giving and receiving energy in relationships, the necessity of understanding our past to impact our future positively, and the importance of timing in the commitment equation.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 "Giant Red Flags in Relationships"

00:24 Matthew Hussey Introduction

00:29 Discussing Commitment in Modern Society

00:58 Effects of Social Media on Commitment

03:25 Challenges of Dating Apps

04:50 The Impact of Effort in Attraction

06:36 Navigating Commitment Discussions

07:29 Understanding Self-Patterns in Relationships

08:14 Differentiating Giving and Ignoring

09:10 Time Management in Investment

11:10 Approaching Conversations About Commitment