Text our show

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding that other people's behavior rarely has anything to do with us.

- Self-love isn't about perfectionism but about acceptance of our humanity.

- Recognizing the difference between thinking about emotions (intellectualizing) versus, truly feeling them.

Growing up with the highest possible score on the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire, Malisa endured foster care, parental addiction, violence, and loss. For years, she operated as the "golden child," making decisions driven by spite and determination to defy expectations, believing she had somehow escaped unscathed. Until she didn't. When darkness finally caught up with her, Malisa discovered she had spent her entire adult life running from her feelings.
We explore the profound transformation that can occur when you finally allow yourself to feel. Through spiritual awakening and deep self-inquiry, she learned to quiet the noise of trauma and reconnect with herself. Her insights on shame narratives, emotional processing, and the shift from victimhood to self-responsibility offer practical wisdom for anyone struggling with their past.
One of the most touching revelations comes when Malisa discusses breaking free from the "strong" identity that many trauma survivors adopt. "I need to be tender," she shares, describing how exhausting it is to constantly wear strength as armor. This vulnerable admission opens up a powerful discussion about allowing ourselves to be soft in a world that often demands our hardness.
Whether you're a fellow trauma survivor, a helping professional, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone craving deeper emotional awareness, this episode offers compassionate insights on how we can all learn to embody our light – not by becoming someone new, but by fully embracing who we already are.

All links to our guest's work and official site

Connect with Malisa and her work via LinkTree

Website ➡️https://empoweredwithmalisahepner.org

Instagram ➡️@malisa.hepner

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⚠ HEALTH DISCLAIMER ⚠
All health and mental health topics within the content of this body of work are for informational, discussion, reflective, and entertainment purposes only. The Other Side of Fear and its contents does not replace nor does it claim to replace the knowledge, expertise and advice of licensed healthcare professionals.

Always seek the advice and care of qualified healthcare practitioners, with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the condition of your mental health, overall health and well being. Take all advice from your health providers seriously and do not refrain from nor delay seeking medical attention or otherwise professional advice related to your health and wellness.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Other Side of Fear, its subsidiaries, or any entities they represent.