The Authenticity Experiment

When Eden reached out and asked to be on the show, I was super excited to get to meet a new person.  We talk about her journey to healing from trauma, finding her path as a personal trainer, and her journey of self discovery around her sexuality.  Eden has published a book, Becoming Shameless, talking about her healing journey.   Want to connect with Eden:   Instagram @writing.eden Order her book at the link below.   https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Shameless-Memoir-Eden-Simchah/dp/B0BVT72LDL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZWB4AGL0SJHC&keywords=becoming+shameless&qid=1677213441&sprefix=becoming+shameless%2Caps%2C445&sr=8-1 The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This episode features Krista Young, a friend of mine from the last several years who has started blazing a path to healing after a high conflict divorce.  She is an amazing human and she talks about her journey to self discovery through recovery and letting go of a relationship that was holding her back from being her best self.  She is also a coach that works with other women who are going through similar divorce situations and life coach.   Want to connect with Krista: IG @kristayoungcoaching www.findyourhappyplace.life kristayoung.me The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This episode features Tracy who is not only a fraud investigator but also a forensic accountant.  (She's also the mind behind pinktruth.com, a website geared to help expose the MLM Mary Kay.)  We talk about her love of numbers and her skill at finding the hidden nugget needed to prove her hypothesis when she is digging through mountains of data.  Tracy has launched a program on divorcemoneyguide.com to help women find where their soon to be exes may be hiding money from them.  While we didn't discuss her anti-MLM crusade, I enjoyed learning about her day job and how she has been steadfast in who she is as a person from an early age.  Her authenticity shines through and I am so grateful to have met her for this episode. Want to connect with Tracy? www.divorcemoneyguide.com www.pinktruth.com The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's guest is Nikki who is blazing trails and breaking unhealthy patterns in her family and in the world.  A stay at home parent who is all the things- mother, teacher, podcaster, trauma survivor, Nikki talks about learning how to navigate life after resetting old ways of doing things and becoming the person she wants to be in the world.   If you want to connect with Nikki: Instagram: @recovering_from_mlm_podcast TikTok: @recovering_from_mlm The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

Stacey Lynn Harp is a Christian podcaster and author with a background as a mental health therapist.  (My Venn diagram of people I meet tends to fall into therapist, antimlm, and folks in recovery.)  We chat about her search for healing after childhood abuse and how she experiences her faith in daily living.  She discusses how the sport of pickleball assisted in finding her people and opening up a whole new world of authenticity for her.  Want to connect with Stacey Lynn: https://hearttug.org/ Pickleball Faith:  https://www.amazon.com/Pickleball-Faith-Inspiration-Off-Court-ebook/dp/B09RYRQ64D The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

I met Sarah through social media and formed a connection with her over a mutual advocacy.  This conversation was full of passion, experiences, and shows what a bright light she is in the world.  There are some technical glitches so hopefully they don't take away from your listening experience.  I didn't do as much editing as normal because I wanted to get this up (even though it was late).  I hope you enjoy meeting my new friend Sarah! Want to connect with Sarah:  IG: @theradicalravenclaw The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's episode is with my friend Candice whom I met while working at a haunted house.  She and I have stayed connected through social media ever since and I've been able to witness her make leaps in her life that are amazing.  She is also a Boundary Ninja and I love her for that.   Want to connect with Candice? IG: @arizonahomeswithcandice TikTok: @arizonahomeswith candice App: Arizona Homes with Candice- available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's episode is with the host of the podcast Cup of Korb.  Meghan and I met through social media mutual friends and she invited me onto her podcast where she talks mental health and wellness.  Meghan is a military partner, dog lover, and Alzheimer's advocate in addition to being a lovely person who is easy to talk to due to her down to earth personality and genuine nature.  I hope you enjoy our conversation and check out her podcast too! If you want to connect with Meghan:  Website: https://www.cupofkorb.com/   Instagram: @meganmariekorb  @cupof korb The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's episode is with Mallory, a woman who has discovered some interesting things about who she is with her experiences with the internet and what it means to be a controversial content creator.  She gets vulnerable about her experiences and how it feels to have flare ups of her mental health symptoms be taken out of context all while struggling to control some of those same mental health symptoms.   Want to connect with Mallory?  She's on Instragram as @theshakedown412, on YouTube as The Shakedown, and on TikTok as @theshakedown412. A quick note- if you are unhappy with my choice to have Mallory as a guest on the show, I am happy to have a conversation with you about it privately.  I believe that all people's stories have value and that we need to be okay with seeing the person behind the online persona.  Real people are raw, make mistakes, cross boundaries, and aren't always the best versions of themselves.  But unlike many others, Mallory has been willing to own those things and work to do better while simultaneously not allowing others to invalidate her existence.  If we don't give people the opportunity to change and right their wrongs, then we need to look at ourselves and why we don't allow others to grow into the best versions of themselves. The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's episode is a conversation with my friend Amanda who I used to work with in the prison system.  We have a friendship that I value and she has been a big supporter of the podcast since I started it.  She waited until after having her second son to come on the show because she didn't feel authentic during her pregnancy.   CW: we discuss themes of working with prison populations, particularly sex offenders.  While we don't discuss specific offenses or offenders, this topic may be triggering for some. The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's conversation is with Jenni Wild, an online content creator, mother, and consumer advocate.  Jenni discusses her journey to authenticity through mental health struggles, being a member of a high control group, and navigating the world of illusion on the internet.  There are themes that some listeners may be sensitive to, so listen at your own pace.   Connect with Jenni on: Instagram @thejenniwild TikTok @thejenniwild The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

 This week I have my conversation with Layla who is both fierce and funny.  I enjoyed getting to know her and her journey immensely.  She is a school counselor who works with children primarily diagnosed with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder and helps them navigate a neurotypical world a little more smoothly. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much I did. If you would like to connect with Layla: Instagram: @theneurodivergentcounselor The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

CW: Themes of mental health, Sexual Abuse, and Christianity  If you are not in a space to listen to those themes, feel free to skip this week's episode.   My friend Mary is a beautiful soul full of unconditional love and what feels like infinite patience.  She is a light to those who struggle with mental health and addiction.  She is also an advocate for those in the foster care system.  Her journey to finding herself hasn't always been easy but she has found peace in her woundedness.   The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's episode features a former coworker of mine, Mike.  He discusses his journey to authenticity through getting sober and a path of dishonesty that he struggled to escape.  CW: Mike discusses his path with mental health and suicidality.  He also discusses spiritual beliefs that may be triggering for some. The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. CW: We talk about mental health struggles in this podcast which may be triggering for some.   This week's conversation is with Anna P who has made her name on social media through her Bathrobe Chronicles series and her authentic experiencing of mental health in her life.  Anna discusses her journey to finding her voice and creative outlet as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  She is heart-warmingly genuine and open about herself throughout our conversation and shows that it's okay to have rough days. If you would like to connect with Anna: She is on Instgram and TikTok as @akprzy.   Her website:  https://akprzy.com/ If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

A little bonus for my birthday. Some authentic thoughts in the moment about the world and what I've experienced since entering the "middle ages."  The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's conversation is with Danielle, a licensed therapist and podcast hostess who continues to seek her own healing on a daily basis.  Danielle talks about figuring out who she is in juxtaposition to different relationships in her life.  She also explores how she used to mask her true self in order to seek acceptance and approval from others.  I always enjoy when I get to have conversation with Danielle.  She is an amazing human who seeks to bring light to the darkness for others.  If you would like to connect with Danielle: Podcast From Huns to Humans  https://anchor.fm/danielle6575 Instagram: @from_huns_to_humans TikTok: @fromhunstohumans The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out. Want to show support for the show? Buy me a coffee (otherwise known as Megan Juice) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ysryXTh64n This podcast is sponsored by Anchor FM, the platform I am able to use seamlessly to provide you with content every week.  

The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. This week's episode is a conversation with my friend Anna.  Anna and I discuss her journey to finding her authentic self through accountability and a series of hard choices.  Anna shares how her worldview has led her to want to help others find a different path to life and continues to find ways to be a light in the darkness for others.   If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. This conversation features Victoria who is an animal communicator and spiritual healer that I was connected with via a mutual friend.  We explore how Victoria has come to embrace her authenticity and find a spiritual path that allows her to embrace her gifts in a society that may not always accept them.  Victoria discusses her connection with animals and giving them a voice and acknowledges times in her life when she did not feel as though she had a voice herself.  Want to connect with Victoria or start services with her?  Her website is: https://victoriaglod.weebly.com/ If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

This week's episode features Lionel who shares his experiences with getting off drugs, finding his passion, and returning to his first love- music.  We talk about similar paths we have taken and discuss what it means to have your authenticity evolve in ways you never expected.   The Authenticity Experiment is a series of conversations with a variety of people who are exploring their path to authenticity. It asks the question, “how do we discover our authentic selves?” and hopefully provides some answers. It is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition nor is it meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life If you would like to be a guest or have your experience shared on the show anonymously, please reach out.

The Authenticity Experiment is not meant to diagnose or treat any mental health disorders.  It is an ongoing conversation about how to discover and embrace our authentic selves and honor who that person is.  Guests share their stories in their own words with their own opinions and viewpoints.  This week's episode features Lisa, a military veteran who shares her experiences with discovering how she shed ideas of who she thought she should be and embraced herself.  She explores coming to a place of acceptance for who she is and acceptance of some not so fun experiences she has had along the way. Want to connect with the show: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life I would love to hear from you!  Feel free to share things with me that you would like shared on the podcast, even if you aren't ready to tell the story yourself. 

CONTENT WARNING: Themes of mental health and addiction discussed. The Authenticity Experiment is not meant to diagnose or treat any mental health conditions.  It is also not meant to substitute for traditional therapy with a trained professional.  It is a conversation that is every evolving in order to help others discover the path to their authentic selves.  The conversations held sometimes discuss topics that may be difficult or triggering for others, so listen at your own pace and comfort level. If you would like to connect with the show: Instagram @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life Or with Laurie, our guest for the week: www.thehumorwhisperer.com IG: @elle_jaying

The Authenticity Experiment is a conversation that encourages guests and listeners to examine what they believe authenticity to be, how they experience it, and pivotal moments that have helped them identify their sense of self.  It is not meant to diagnose or treat any mental health condition and is not meant to replace traditional therapy with a trained professional.  The people featured are real people with valid thoughts, feelings, and experiences that they have been willing to share with me voluntarily.   Content warning: themes of mental health, mention of suicidal ideation, grief. If you want to connect with Patrick from this episode: Instagram: I am the_sparkle_king  Twitter: @unpackedsparkle Website: patrickrolandauthor.weebly.com If you want to connect with podcast: Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life

The Authenticity Experiment is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health issues.  Nor is it meant to replace traditional mental health treatment options with a trained professional.  It is meant to be a dialogue about how we experience our authentic selves in daily living and hopefully assist others on their path to becoming more authentic. Mizz Pineapplez is a woman I was blessed to meet during one of her more transformative experiences and we have been able to maintain a friendship since that time.  She has evolved in the last seven years that I have known her in a way that is truly authentic and inspiring to watch.  She radiates pure fire and passion for life and is always seeking to find and spread joy.   CW: Adult themes and language. Want to connect with Pineapple?  https://mizzpineapplez.com/ Rave Circus: https://www.ravecircus.com/ Want to connect with the podcast?  Instagram @authenticityexperiment  Email: megan@thatzona.life

The Authenticity Experiment is not meant to diagnose or treat mental health issues nor is it meant to be a substitute for mental health services with a professional.  It is merely meant to be a dialogue about how we experience authenticity as humans and the role authenticity can play in our lives.  Guests tell their stories and their truth as they experience it.   CW: brief mention of mental health issues, suicidal ideation, and language.  Amber and I talk about how she has shed expectations of others in order to become her true self.  Amber talks about her journey to being a small business owner and her ability to find her audience.  One of her claims to fame is putting Elliott Stabler's fine behind on a tumbler and putting stickers into her orders that she finds fun.  Want to connect with Amber?   Website: https://www.rebmashop.com/collections/all TikTok: @rebmashop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebmashops/shop/?ref_code=search_hcm_cta&ref_surface=global_search Want to connect with the podcast? Instagram: @authenticityexperiment Email: megan@thatzona.life

Welcome to the first episode of The Authenticity Experiment!  This is the episode where I tell you some about my journey to finding my authentic self and what authenticity means to me.  I was planning on recording and releasing this episode sooner, but a cold with laryngitis got in my way.  You can still hear some of the sickness in my voice but hey, that's authentic, right?   This podcast is not meant to diagnose or treat any mental illness, nor is it meant to be a substitute for therapy with a trained professional.  If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, you can contact me through the podcast IG page @authenticityexperiment or email me at megan@thatzona.life. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Links to other things including a place to support me by helping keep me caffeinated can be found here:  https://linktr.ee/MeganZonaLife

My name is Megan Williams and I am a Master's level therapist in the state of Arizona.  I have spent almost 20 years in behavioral health helping others find their authentic selves and learn how to live more authentically in their identity.  The Authenticity Experiment will explore how people find their own authenticity and the pivotal moments in their lives that have taught them who they are.  Join us as we explore who we are, who we want to be, and how we can live our most authentic lives.   This podcast is not intended to be used for diagnosing or treating any mental health disorder.  It is meant to educate and entertain and should not be used in the place of working with a mental health professional.