Ep 81 Embracing the Slow... Can Be Hard: Navigating Transitions and Self-Acceptance
In today’s episode, I’m getting personal and sharing a story that I honestly find a little embarrassing. I’m not always graceful with transitions—especially when it comes to slowing down. Summer is usually a time when my energy and my business naturally slow down, but even though I know it’s good for me, I can resist it pretty intensely.I know this isn’t just me. I see it in my clients and in myself: there’s this tension between wanting to slow down and the nervous system’s resistance to it. We often push ourselves through that resistance and feel frustrated when we can’t just “switch off” or enjoy the downtime we think we should be having.I’m sharing my experience with you because I want to remind you that you're not alone in this struggle. Slowing down can feel awkward, frustrating, and even a little depressing. But it doesn’t have to be perfect to be valuable. I’ve been learning that, and I want to offer you some tools that are helping me navigate this transition, like my mantra Slow Summer and some simple self-regulation practices.In this episode, I dive into:Why transitions can be awkward and difficult (even when we know they’re needed)How to embrace slow without judgment or self-criticismThe power of giving yourself grace through the discomfort of shifting gearsA self-reflection practice to help you release pressure and soften into your natural rhythmIf you’re feeling stuck in a similar transition or struggling with the pressure to “do more,” I invite you to consider how embracing slow can actually help you feel more aligned. And if you need support along the way, I’d love to help.Ready to slow down but need support?I’m opening up my one-on-one coaching for the fall. If you’re tired of pushing through and want to create more space for what feels good, I’d love to help you do that. You can learn more and join the waitlist at www.annaholtzman.com. Feel free to email me directly at anna@annaholtzman.com or connect with me on Instagram at @anna_holtzman.Thank you for listening! If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Your support means the world to me and helps me keep showing up in this space.
Ep 80 Trusting Your Creative Path: Building a Soulful Business with Angela Monaco
Welcome back, dear listener. Today’s guest is someone whose work radiates beauty, intention, and a deep reverence for the natural world—and whose journey as a creative and entrepreneur is a powerful testament to the role self-trust plays in bringing a vision to life.Angela Monaco is a Philadelphia-based jewelry designer and the founder of Angela Monaco Jewelry, a fine jewelry brand and storefront that centers intuition, spirituality, creativity, and connection. Through handcrafted talismans made of gold, silver, and earth-toned gems, Angela’s pieces tell stories—both ancient and personal. They’re more than jewelry; they’re invitations to connect more deeply with yourself and the world around you.In this conversation, Angela shares how she built her business from the ground up, how she continues to navigate the unknown with courage and creativity, and how she’s learned to trust her own instincts along the way—even when she didn’t have all the answers. We talk about the illusion that anyone “has it all figured out,” the creative power of curiosity, and what it really means to follow your own path.If you're someone who struggles with perfectionism, comparison, or feeling like you’re not ready yet—this episode will remind you that no one starts out knowing what they’re doing… and that’s exactly where the magic begins. Let’s get into it.You can find Angela at:https://www.instagram.com/angelamonacojewelry/https://angelamonacojewelry.com/And you can find me at:Instagram: @anna_holtzmanEmail: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: www.annaholtzman.com
Ep 79 How to Show Up When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart (Solo Episode)
In this solo episode, Anna reflects on what it means to stay visible and grounded in your work—especially when the world feels chaotic, polarized, and uncertain.If you’ve been wondering, “Who am I to say anything right now?” or feeling tempted to freeze, shrink, or disappear… this episode is a loving call back into your voice, your visibility, and your creative leadership.Anna explores:Why visibility matters more than ever in times of collective fear and divisionThe nervous system's freeze response—and how it feeds silence, shouting, and polarizationWhat it means to become a holding environment for yourself and othersHow art, coaching, and business can be quiet, powerful forms of leadershipWhy your perspective is irreplaceable and needed in this momentHow coaching can hold space for the fear and help you show up with clarity and courageWhether you're a creative, coach, healer, or heart-centered entrepreneur, this episode will help you reconnect to your purpose and show up—not in spite of the chaos, but because of it. ✨ Connect with Anna:🌐 www.annaholtzman.com📸 Instagram: @anna_holtzman📬 Email: anna@annaholtzman.com
Ep 78: Getting Paid to Be Yourself—with Laura Belgray
Today’s conversation is funny, real, and unapologetically human—with someone I’ve admired for a long time.My guest is Laura Belgray: award-winning copywriter, founder of Talking Shrimp, co-creator of The Copy Cure with Marie Forleo, and author of the hilariously honest and wildly relatable memoir, Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst.In this episode, we talk about:✨ How Laura went from “professional avoider of ambition” to creative business owner and bestselling author✨ Why she proudly claims the title of “lazy” — and how that’s been one of her greatest strengths✨ What it really means to “get paid to be yourself” (and how to start)✨ How to balance wanting to be liked with not giving a f*ck✨ Why perfectionism is overrated, overworking is unnecessary, and being fully yourself is your best assetIf you’ve ever felt like you’re too messy, too late, or too lazy to succeed, Laura’s story is here to remind you: you’re not too anything. In fact, the very things you think disqualify you might just be your magic.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, writer, late bloomer, or simply someone who’s tired of trying to do it all right, this episode is a permission slip to be more you.🎧 Listen in and learn how to:Embrace your quirksTell the truth in your writingBuild a business around your personalityLet go of trying so damn hard 📚 Learn more about Laura:Website: talkingshrimp.comInstagram: @laurabelgrayBook: Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst – Available wherever books are sold! 💌 Want to work with me or stay connected?Website: annaholtzman.comInstagram: @anna_holtzmanEmail: anna@annaholtzman.comIf you loved this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing it with a friend who needs to hear that it’s okay to be delightfully, messily human.
Ep 77 Healing Together: Chronic Pain Recovery & Nervous System Safety with The Mind-Body Couple
In this heartful and informative episode, I’m joined by Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson—therapists, educators, partners in both life and business, and the voices behind The Mind-Body Couple Podcast.Together, they run Pain Psychotherapy Canada, a clinic dedicated to helping clients reduce or eliminate chronic pain through mind-body approaches, and MBody Community, an online space for chronic pain recovery education and support.We explore:Tanner’s personal journey from chronic pain and fibromyalgia to full recoveryHow Anne supported his healing and how it shaped her own work with trauma and mind-body symptomsWhy social safety is a missing link in so many healing journeysThe challenges and rewards of being romantic and professional partnersThe importance of self-trust in the early stages of chronic pain recoveryTheir shared “soap box” message and the one thing they want everyone to know about healingIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, alone, or stuck in your symptoms—or if you’re curious about how nervous system work can support deeper healing—this episode is a must-listen.✨ Connect with Tanner & Anne:Website: mbodycommunity.comTherapy Clinic: painpsychotherapy.caInstagram: @painpsychotherapyYouTube: Pain PsychotherapyPodcast: The Mind-Body Couple🌿 Want support on your own healing or visibility journey?If you're a sensitive, purpose-driven human who’s ready to show up more boldly and trust yourself more deeply—whether in your business or your body—I’d love to work with you.Learn more and apply to coach with me here: www.annaholtzman.com