Un-Gatekeeping Expansion

Summary

Podcast Summary: Slay The Gatekeeper – Episode: Un-Gatekeeping Expansion

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In this enlightening episode of Slay The Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson engages in a profound conversation with guest speaker Alexandria. The discussion delves into various strategies and personal experiences aimed at breaking free from traditional gatekeeping norms, focusing on areas such as networking, mindset shifts, community building, and self-growth. Below is a detailed summary structured into clear sections, highlighting key points, insightful discussions, and notable quotes with timestamps.

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1. Building Your Network: From Scratch [00:32 – 02:33]

Alexandria shares her journey of relocating to Austin with a minimal network and her intentional efforts to cultivate a robust community. She emphasizes the importance of actively reaching out and attending events, even those outside one's comfort zone.

Alexandria [01:20]: "I set the intention that I really wanted community. I was living in LA during COVID and there was no community. So when I got to Austin, I was like, okay, I am going to build an amazing community."

Courtney highlights the significance of identifying and reaching out to existing connections to expand one's network.

Courtney [02:33]: "Identify the people you know in a city and be like, hey, I'm actively looking to build community. Invite me to as many things as possible."

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2. Starting Over: Embracing Change [07:36 – 09:06]

The conversation shifts to the theme of starting over. Alexandria encourages listeners to believe in their ability to make significant life changes, even when it seems daunting.

Alexandria [07:58]: "Life is actually super simple. If you don't like something in your life, you can change it."

Courtney discusses the mental barriers that prevent individuals from taking the leap and offers strategies to overcome them.

Courtney [09:06]: "Start believing that it's possible. That's how you jump."

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3. Cutting Out the Naysayers: Eliminating Doubt [14:48 – 16:19]

Both speakers address the challenge of dealing with individuals who discourage unconventional paths. Alexandria underscores the importance of pursuing what genuinely ignites passion, despite external skepticism.

Alexandria [15:54]: "Nobody really cares what you do. If you do the thing that lights you up, people are going to be magnetized to that."

This mindset fosters authenticity and personal fulfillment.

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4. Building and Joining Communities: The Power of Co-Working [16:32 – 20:57]

Alexandria introduces the concept of co-working communities as a vital tool for productivity and connection, especially for women entrepreneurs. She details how these communities provide both structure and support.

Alexandria [17:39]: "Co-working can actually be really productive. It's a master hack, especially if you have ADHD."

Courtney echoes the benefits, adding that such environments can lead to rapid idea generation and increased efficiency.

Courtney [20:57]: "Clock your micro wins... it's the basic manifestation."

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5. The Fully Focused Retreat: Enhancing Productivity and Connection [22:51 – 28:05]

The duo discusses the Fully Focused Retreat, an immersive experience designed to blend productivity with personal well-being. Alexandria explains how the retreat elevates the co-working model by incorporating elements like meditation, workshops, and quality nutrition.

Alexandria [23:50]: "We decided to take the co-working concept to the next level by doing it in a really nice Airbnb with curated workshops."

Courtney highlights how setting boundaries during the retreat leads to heightened focus and creativity.

Courtney [24:05]: "When you create a boundary... you'll get more time and realize how much you actually have."

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6. Using AI for Self-Development: Leveraging Technology [32:50 – 36:00]

Alexandria explores the role of AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, in personal growth. She emphasizes using AI responsibly to gain self-insights and envision ideal lifestyles.

Alexandria [34:01]: "You have to give yourself the permission to dream again and visualize that it’s possible."

Courtney suggests practical applications, such as creating personalized prompts to guide one's journey.

Courtney [35:19]: "An AI-enabled dream package could include your perfect day prompt and budget prompt."

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7. Subconscious Reprogramming: Beyond Skill Acquisition [37:59 – 41:21]

The discussion transitions to the importance of subconscious reprogramming in achieving personal and professional goals. Alexandria critiques superficial methods and advocates for deeper, consistent practices to regulate one's nervous system.

Alexandria [38:47]: "Regulating your nervous system is by doing less, not more."

Courtney adds that integrating these practices can lead to meaningful behavioral changes.

Courtney [40:28]: "Consistent practice shifts your thoughts even when you’re not actively working on them."

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8. Personal Journey: Removing Breast Implants [45:27 – 52:19]

In a candid and vulnerable segment, Alexandria shares her personal experience with breast implants and the subsequent health challenges. She discusses the physical and emotional benefits of removing them, despite societal pressures and negativity.

Alexandria [45:27]: "Removing them was one of the absolute best things that could have happened for me."

She addresses the stigma and controversy surrounding the topic, advocating for individual health choices over societal standards.

Alexandria [51:18]: "It's way more controversial than it needs to be because we've been told it's okay and good."

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9. How to Connect and Work with Alexandria [53:14 – 55:07]

The episode concludes with information on how listeners can engage with Alexandria. She provides avenues for connection, such as joining her co-working WhatsApp group, attending retreats, and seeking assistance with content creation.

Alexandria [54:17]: "Come join the co-working WhatsApp group... you can learn about all the coffee shops and events."

She encourages personal and meaningful outreach, emphasizing genuine connections over generic messages.

Alexandria [53:14]: "Slide into my DMs with a voice note... make it personal."

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Notable Quotes

• Alexandria [01:20]: "I set the intention that I really wanted community."

• Courtney [02:33]: "Invite me to as many things as possible."

• Alexandria [07:58]: "Life is actually super simple. If you don't like something in your life, you can change it."

• Alexandria [15:54]: "If you do the thing that lights you up, people are going to be magnetized to that."

• Alexandria [23:50]: "We decided to take the co-working concept to the next level."

• Alexandria [34:01]: "You have to give yourself the permission to dream again."

• Alexandria [45:27]: "Removing them was one of the absolute best things that could have happened for me."

• Alexandria [53:14]: "Slide into my DMs with a voice note... make it personal."

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Conclusion

This episode of Slay The Gatekeeper serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to dismantle traditional barriers and cultivate a life rich in community, self-awareness, and purposeful action. Through Alexandria's personal anecdotes and actionable strategies, listeners are empowered to take bold steps toward personal and professional transformation.

Transcript

[Alexandria]

Foreign.

[Courtney Johnson]

Welcome to Slay the Gatekeeper. I'm your host, Courtney Johnson, and I.

[Guest Speaker]

Am here to un. Gatekeep the gatekeep. Thank you so much for being here.

[Courtney Johnson]

Enjoy.

[Guest Speaker]

Hello. Welcome to Slay the Gatekeeper. This is really full circle because you heard me on a podcast and now you're coming on my podcast after we. Yes.

[Alexandria]

Pretty crazy feeling. Feels very meta.

[Guest Speaker]

It's like a loop that's. That's ever repeating.

[Alexandria]

Yes. Yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

Well, Alexandria, you have so many good cheat codes that I've learned from you after working with you, after being friends with you. And I wanna start out with the cheat code. That is just the one that I think is the most amazing about you and I've learned the most and that is your network. So for those listening, Alexandria has this insane network of entrepreneurs in Austin, and it's like every single person I have wanted to connect with or I really admire or, you know, those people like you followed on Instagram for like 10 years and you're just obsessed with everything they do. Well, Alexandria is friends with all these people and has the most insane network I've ever seen. So first cheat code is building your network, finding your network. Like, how the fuck did you even do that?

[Alexandria]

Oh, I mean, it's been a work in process for about the last three years. I moved to Austin. I only knew two people when I moved to Austin, and that was like, exactly three years ago. And when I moved, I set the intention that I really wanted community. I was living in LA during COVID and there was no community. So when I got to Austin, I was like, okay, I am going to build an amazing community. I'm going to have a support system. I'm just going to grow. And the first thing that I did was just reach out to the two people that I knew and I was like, hey, invite me to, like, anything and everything. Like, I'm really just trying to get out there. And. And so that's. That's step one. Step two is the harder part. They're gonna start inviting you to things and then you actually have to show up. There were a lot of things that I did not wanna go to. Like, I was just like, hi. Like, I don't wanna go. I could just easily stay home tonight, hang out with my dog. I'm comfortable. Whatever. No, get up and go to the thing. Especially the things that you don't wanna go to because, like, you don't even know. Like, you could meet one person at that event that could introduce you to somebody else that can introduce you to Somebody else. That's like the big thing that you've been looking for, especially in Austin. Like, you just. Yeah, get out of your comfort zone, say yes to the things, and then just start reaching out to the people that you meet from other people and then continue to grow that way and follow up with them after.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, I love that cheat code of, like, identify the people you know in a city and be like, hey, I'm actively looking to build community. Invite me to as many things as possible. I think that's something that a lot of people might feel uncomfortable with because they're like, well, I don't want to look lame. I want to look cool, whatever. Like, there's no. No looking cool. Like, you gotta go all fucking in.

[Alexandria]

No, you just have to accept it. Like, you're the new kid at school, basically. Like, think of Austin like you're at this brand new school and you just have to reach out to people. Like, I would slide into DMs of people that, like, I knew of, didn't even know personally and just would be like, hey, it seems like you go to cool things. Can I come to the next one? What's the next thing that you're doing? And they'll invite you because it's Austin and everyone here is kind of on the same, like, page anyway. People want to connect, so it's like, just reach out to them. And so many people are like, oh, my God, I would never, like, slide into a stranger's DMs. I'm like, why? Like, it's social media. We are supposed to be connecting with each other. Why would you not reach out and try? The worst that they can do is just look at you. Look at it and not respond. Yeah, whatever.

[Guest Speaker]

I know so many people, especially women that move to a new city and then they just, like, find other women that they're like, oh, I think we would vibe slide in their DMs, like, Hey, I think you look really cool. Do you want to get coffee? Like, yeah, like, this is normal. Like, this is like, the way to meet people now.

[Alexandria]

100%.

[Guest Speaker]

It's okay.

[Alexandria]

I mean, in a way, that's how we connected. I heard you on that podcast and I was like, I feel like we'd be friends. And then I looked you up and then that you lived in Austin, and I was like, we're gonna be friends 100%.

[Guest Speaker]

You have such a directed energy that works really well too. Like, you have such an openness about you that makes people want to be friends with you. And you are a very, like, easy person to be friends with. And I think it's because you're very open. But I'm curious if you are conscious to why that is.

[Alexandria]

I'm not sure. I think that I just lead with kind of acting as if, like, in my mind, I think that I knew that you and I would get along, so I was like, how would I approach this? As if we were already friends. And I think that that eliminates a lot of the weirdness that people lead with where, like, I think a lot of people, when they slide into people's DMs, they kind of pedestalize them or, like, they act like they're, like, untouchable almost. I'm like, this is still just a person. Like, kind of pretend that they're already your friend. And just how would you talk to that person?

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alexandria]

Make them disarm them with that, make them feel comfortable. And then they'll be more receptive to want to connect.

[Guest Speaker]

Totally. Yeah. This is a cheat code that I share. That's act like a peer, never a subordinate. And that could go for the people you work with, the people you want to connect with. But if you go in someone's DMs, and you're like, oh, my gosh, I'm such a fan of you, or I'm, like, obsessed with everything that you're doing, they're immediately putting you in, like, fan category instead of peer category. But you can still give someone a compliment. Like, I admire your work. I really resonate with what you do. Absolutely.

[Alexandria]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

But the energy that you bring is very much like a peer. And I think that shows, again, it reflects in your network. Like, you are such good friends with all these people that you could have easily been like, oh, my gosh, I'm such a fan of your business or your work or whatever, and you're just like, no. Like, we're on the same playing field. Like, let's be friends, yo.

[Alexandria]

And like, even when I have not been on the same playing field, like, do that with. I've never. Even with people I've worked with, I never will. I will never say I work for so and so even if I'm directly working for them, I work with them. We are. We are on the same page. It's the CEO of the company. I'm not saying I work for them. Like, I work with them. Well, I might even say they're a client of mine.

[Guest Speaker]

That's such a powerful reflect.

[Alexandria]

I don't know. It's a cheat code for sure, because it's just a mentality. If you start saying that you work for them, it's, it's always that in.

[Guest Speaker]

This like lesser than type of vibe, subordinate.

[Alexandria]

And a lot of people that I've worked, worked for, have been friends. And I don't want to say like I work for a friend because it's always kind of felt equal, even if it's not, even if I've been in a supporting role. Like that has helped me grow and accelerate in my career as well.

[Guest Speaker]

Love this new cheat code unlocked. Stop saying I work for this person, start saying I work with them. And not only are you associating in others perception of you that you're on equal playing field, but in your own mind. And that's going to level up how you're showing up for that client, that person, that business that is so fucking good. I also want to share that when I first moved to Austin, what I did was went on LinkedIn and I searched like first connections that live in Austin. And I didn't really know a lot of people that lived in Austin. I mean, to be honest, I moved to Austin for a boy and we broke up immediately after I got here. And I didn't make any friends, so I had to make all my own friends from scratch. And that was really scary. Anyways, for the best, for the best. But I went on LinkedIn, typed in first connections in Austin and it was like a lot of people maybe I'd met once in college or something, made a spreadsheet of them, went to their Instagram and I invited every single one of them to like a pre game at my apartment. And that is was my first domino of making friends of just like being so creepy stalkerish. And it wasn't creepy stalkerish. They were like, oh yeah, they had just assumed like maybe a friend had introduced us or maybe some of these people I didn't even know, they didn't.

[Alexandria]

Know they were on a spreadsheet.

[Guest Speaker]

They didn't, they didn't know they were on a spreadsheet.

[Alexandria]

You're much more organized than I am.

[Guest Speaker]

Thank you. Okay, our next cheat codes are starting over. So our starting over cheat code is believe that you can just jump off a cliff. How the fuck do you do that? Jeez.

[Alexandria]

So first of all, like, life is actually super simple. Like if you don't like something in your life, I've got news for you, you actually can change it.

[Guest Speaker]

Whoa.

[Alexandria]

You probably just don't want to because it's going to be really uncomfortable or scary or stressful or like, it might get worse before it gets better. But, like, step one, if something in your life you don't like, like, you can be like, I can't change this. Like, I can leave this job. I can leave this relationship. Like, that is the first thing, because there's a lot of people I know for sure that aren't happy with where they're at. I know this because I've shared about, like, I quit my job, and you can, too. And they're like, no, but that's easy for you to say, because this, this, and that, and I. I couldn't. And you must have so much money saved up, and immediately all these limiting beliefs come up, and I'm like, that's why you can't. That's exactly why you can't. Like, you have to believe that you can, even if you don't have a safety net, even if you don't have savings, even if you like. And this isn't, like, professional advice. Like, it is scary. And it's not for everybody to, like, jump with no safety net. You have to really, really believe in yourself. But, like, it is possible. Like, that's step one. You have to start believing that it's possible. Like, that's how you jump.

[Guest Speaker]

How do you start believing it's possible? Is it affirmations? Is it seeing that other people did it? Like, how. How did you start to step into that belief?

[Alexandria]

Um, it's a combination of things. First of all, you have to kind of take a step back from all of the people in your life that are telling you that it's not possible. Like, you don't have to cut anybody out, per se. Maybe you do. I don't know. But, like, just distance for starters. And then start envisioning the type of life where it could be different. Like, and you might not know at first. It's really hard to envision, like, what kind of life you want. Like, you would want if you've only seen a certain kind of life for so long. Like, for a long time, the path that I was going down, like, I was like, I don't see how I'm gonna get out of this. Like, I. Everything just felt like a nice to have, like, seeing other people, like, chasing their dreams and stuff. I was like, I was kind of in that mindset where I was just like, I don't know. Like, I don't know how I could do that. I'm not sure. And then I started surrounding myself, like, even just on podcasts, like, listening to stories of other people that have Done that. It's kind of like the four minute mile. You know, like one point in time that was crazy impossible. Then one person did it and then people just started doing it. And now it's like, not even that big of a deal. I mean, I can't run a four minute mark. I'll stick to what I know. But like, you know, like, people just start doing that and so you just have to kind of understand that there is a different reality possible for you. And then for me, I would do like a lot of meditation, journaling, scripting, acting as if. And like a lot of those things I'm realizing, like, are happening. And I was like, I want to like be on podcasts and like connect with people that are doing similar things things. And like, I am doing that. Like, it's crazy. The day that I had the other day, I was just like, whoa. Like this felt like a page out of like my journal from two years ago where I'm like, I'm on this big podcast and like, you know, I'm, I'm meeting up with all my amazing friends later and I'm hosting events and doing all these things and I'm like, yeah, like it can be real and it can happen a lot faster than you think. Because I think that's another thing that stops people is they think that, oh, well, if I jump now, I'm starting over and it's going to be forever until I get to this thing. It's like the sun costs fallacy. So then they just stay where they're at. Things can actually happen very quickly. You'd be surprised.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Your, your journey's been, been quick, it's been rapid, but that helps.

[Alexandria]

So, you know, you've been a huge catalyst in that.

[Guest Speaker]

Thank you. Yeah, a cheat code that really helped me is like actually go to the worst case scenario. Like if I failed right now, what is the worst case scenario?

[Alexandria]

That one's so good.

[Guest Speaker]

Like in the past, in other types of, in other parts of my life, it's been actually like pretty fucking horrible worst case scenarios. But right now, worst case scenario, I get a full time job and I make like, I don't know, a hundred thousand dollars a year at like a boring tech job. Great. That is the absolute worst case scenario for me. Like, tap into what that is and maybe you don't have the experience for that to be your worst case scenario. Maybe your worst case scenario is you have to move back in with your parents. Or maybe the worst case scenario is you have to bartend on the weekends, and that is the worst thing that can happen. But, like, truly go to that worst case scenario and use again. I've been at the place where, like, my worst case scenario was literally I would be homeless because I didn't have the skills, I didn't have the fallback. I didn't have, like, a family to go back to. But you can build up your skills in a way and create the, like, money portals in a way where your worst case scenario is not that bad. So, like, what is your worst case scenario at this moment?

[Alexandria]

Oh, my gosh. So, yeah, I've ran through this a lot and it's like, the more that I run through the worst case scenario, and the more that I talk to other people about the worst case scenario, they share theirs with me. And it's like, oh, it's not that bad. So, for example, like, when I quit my job, I didn't have that much in savings, so I was like, I kind of have to make this work and that's like a really scary place to be in. Then I started talking to other people and they're like, yeah, but like, you could also take out like a zero interest credit card and like, you can use that to invest in yourself. I'm not saying be, you know, super irresponsible.

[Guest Speaker]

And like, I did it. I was really irresponsible with debt and I don't regret it. So.

[Alexandria]

But you can also make it work. But also, like, what is irresponsible?

[Guest Speaker]

Right?

[Alexandria]

Because I think that that's subjective probably. Like, I don't know. I. I just think that it's like, what if you take out this credit card and you enroll in courses and mentors and things like this, and then you end up paying off the credit card and then you end up, like, making it work. I don't know. It's gonna work out one way or another. Like, I've gotten myself into debt before and gotten out of it, so I'm like, is that really the worst case scenario or is the worst case scenario what I think that people are gonna think about me? Because I've always thought that people view me as somebody successful, and then if I'm not, then maybe they won't like me anymore. Like, a lot of the worst case scenario isn't even the worst case scenario. It's what you think about yourself from the worst case scenario.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, totally. Totally. Yeah. And I love that you're, like, bringing it to that, because again, like, even if that happened and let's say it was horrible and like, you lose the place you're living. Like, you have such a strong network. You would have the support. Like, again, it's important because we see this as like catastrophic and most of the times it's not catastrophic. Um, yeah, we gotta have a whole episode on debt because I have honestly what to say, guys. I. Yeah, that. That's a whole other conversation. But a mutual friend of ours, and I am sharing this because she made a post about this publicly, but I won't share who it is she shared that she was like $30,000 in debt from. Yeah. Zero interest credit cards from like courses and stuff she's taken. And I have no doubt that she is. I mean, just based on the hourly rate that she charges me, I have no doubt that she is in a position of making it all back. So any different. Different episode. Let's talk about that for sure.

[Alexandria]

Absolutely. Yeah. I have so much to say. I'm like, people go into debt for student loans and all this stuff, but like a mentor, a coach. No way.

[Guest Speaker]

I know, I know. Like, guys, I have literally like a $30,000 payment plan right now for a mastermind that I'm in. So it's like 36,000. $36,000 and it's already paid off and it's been like two weeks and I've already paid it off 30%. So slay.

[Alexandria]

Yes.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay, so next code, get rid of the people that tell you to be realistic. Like, how did that show up for you? And how did you.

[Alexandria]

I'm very fortunate that I don't even think that I had that many people in my life anymore that were telling me to be realistic. Again, like, most of the people that I maybe thought would be like that, that was like me thinking that they were going to be like that. They weren't actually like that. I had to get over, like the fear of being seen in my authenticity. And to be like, actually, this thing is not really what I want. And I want to go do this other thing. Like, I want to start making content. I want to start speaking up. And I had this about other people being like, well, you shouldn't do that because you should do this thing because it's making money. No, like those. Nobody, nobody really cares what you do. And actually, if you do the thing that lights you up, people are going to be magnetized to that. So you should probably just go do that anyway.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. I mean, if you're not doing the thing that lights you up, if you are lying to yourself and you're in some job that you hate or it or relationship or it's not totally aligned. Like, that's when you get sick. That's when you start numbing yourself. That's when it's just not.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, I mean, I can attest. I feel like all those things were happening to me.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, same.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, it's miserable.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay, our next cheat code is build a community. If you don't have one or join a community, like, you are really a queen of community. How does this look like for you and how have you plugged into or created community?

[Alexandria]

Well, somebody very wise in my life gave me a tip that I should start a coworking community because honestly, like, building something as a woman, building something as anybody, honestly, is pretty lonely and isolating at times. Doing it in community makes everything so much better, and there isn't a ton of that out there. Like, a lot of the times people think that co working is actually this, like, waste of time thing. That's like code for we're gonna go get coffee and we're just gonna yap the whole time. Right. Like, it can actually be really productive. It can be a huge tool. Both you and I know that this is like the master hack, if you have adhd is to have somebody just around while you're working. Like, set a time. We're gonna. We're gonna focus from this time to this time. During that time, no talking, and we're just gonna be around each other having a community of women to do that with. And then after. Then you can share. Like, I'm trying this thing. Have you ever done this? Like, you have the kind of, like, equal parts mastermind, equal parts, like, co working community that's gonna accelerate growth so much. And I realized that I needed that. So I was like, well, why don't I just be the person that starts it?

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. Something that Alexandria did was start a co working for Austin Girls WhatsApp. So if you're desiring, if you're like, oh, I want a community of yoga women in my city, or I really want a community of people. Like, I have a client in San Antonio, and she's like, I really want a community of Christian female entrepreneurs in San Antonio. Okay, then be the center of that community. Then go make it. Like, if it doesn't exist, that is a sign that it is something that you can create. And what's really amazing is if you create the community, if you're the one creating the networking event or the WhatsApp or the Facebook group or whatever it is, you're the hub of the community. You now have control over that community. So if you want to go, you know, like, round everyone up and bring them to a coffee shop, bring them here or there, like you have that control over them, which is really powerful. But yeah, coworking is such an easy one because it is a win win. Like let's say you want to be a content creator, Go invite content creators to like a free co working club and find people that you admire and hold this space for them. Like, that is such a good win win. Like easy way to network and just get visibility with people.

[Alexandria]

Especially if you're trying to become a content creator. Because I didn't surround myself with content creators. I surrounded myself with people that were like, maybe like, oh, like that's kind of cringe. Why are you talking on camera? You're posting these videos of you talking about stuff like, ew, I would never. Okay, if that's something that I want to do, then I have to kind of reconsider who I'm spending my time with. And then I'm around you and you're like, what if you do this video that's like this and then what? Have you ever considered this? And that is so much more inspiring to be around and it just like make your dreams normal.

[Guest Speaker]

Yes. Go where they're already normalized.

[Alexandria]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

My aha moment with content creation is I went to a food blogger event, like Food Food Influencer event in Austin like three years ago. And I'm not a food influencer. I have no interest in being a food influencer. But just going to this event and being around people where it was normalized for them to be posting and talking about their brand deals and whatever. That flipped a switch in my head where I was like, I'm finally going to start taking this seriously because it's normalized with all these people that are.

[Alexandria]

There's like a whole world of it where it's normal totally to put yourself in it.

[Guest Speaker]

So if somebody wants to be a hub in co working, like walk me through how a co working container could. Could work. Let's say I really want to do coworking for other entrepreneurs in la and I'm bringing people together. We're at a coffee shop. Like, how can they set it up in a way that's productive? That's going to be a win win to everybody there.

[Alexandria]

Yeah. I mean, I think the most simple way to do it is just get everybody to introduce themselves, say what they're working on and then just. Yeah, like what would be a win for them? You can even take it One step further and have everybody say one thing that they're looking for. I feel like that can get kind of overwhelming because then you have to remember, like, all these things. But if somebody says what you are looking for, then you know that you could connect with that person. Then you set a time frame, go into focus mode. The end. You share your wins. It's like this little bonus dopamine hit. It just feels really good. Yeah, that's like. That's another cheat code. Like, share your wins. Share your wins. Share what you're working on. And then when you accomplish those things, like, your brain just. It's. It's great.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. Clock those micro wins. Like, even. Even if something. This is such a cheat code. Clock your micro wins for anything that you want to see more of. Let's say it's money. If you can clock a micro. Micro win of, oh, my gosh, I just got a coupon or I found a dollar in my pocket or a client, even if you didn't close a deal, but you're like, somebody got on the phone and I had a sales call, or I optimized my landing page, and that got me like, 1% closer to the money. The more you can clock it, the more you can recognize it, the more your brain is gonna show you more. And this is like the basic manifestation.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

[Guest Speaker]

Totally.

[Alexandria]

I started doing that too, because you're. Most of the time, you're doing a lot better than you think because they're like, oh, like, what's happened in the last month? And like, a month maybe doesn't seem like that much time, but if you had to sit down and think of all of the good things that happened in the last month, you would just maybe start slow, and then it would just be this, like, cascade. And you're like, whoa, there's been a lot of things that have happened.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. I. I work with so many clients where I'm like, so what's your win in the last week since we talked? And they're like, oh, nothing. And I'm like, no, you have to give me a win. And they're like, well, an old client reached out and wants to work with me again, and this I got, you know, 40,000 views on a post and blah, blah, blah. But they're like, but that doesn't count, right? That does.

[Alexandria]

I know. Why does it always not count?

[Guest Speaker]

That's. I do that all the time too.

[Alexandria]

I didn't. I'm like, well, that doesn't count with manifestation stuff, especially.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. Or. Or I' Say it doesn't count because it's too easy.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, 100.

[Guest Speaker]

It does count.

[Alexandria]

But, like, would that thing have been easy six months ago? A year ago? Probably not. Like, you probably would have been doing backflips. Like, if that was.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah.

[Alexandria]

You know, a year ago you'd be like, no way.

[Guest Speaker]

Exactly.

[Alexandria]

And then now you're just like, well, it's just kind of like what happens.

[Guest Speaker]

Exactly.

[Alexandria]

I don't know.

[Guest Speaker]

You have to have to share the wins.

[Alexandria]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay. I want to talk about your retreat because you ran a fucking amazing, incredible co working retreat. There's probably lots of cheat codes in here, but I just want you to share. Like, what is it? Why should people come give us the. The rundown on fully focused.

[Alexandria]

Yes. The fully focused retreat was such a fun thing to create. Like, thank you for being a co facilitator in that. That was so much fun to do. Um, yeah, I'm just. I'm amazed how, like, that came together. So basically we decided that we're gonna take this co working concept to the next level because, like, going to a designated location, whether it's a coffee shop or whatever, like, that's cool, but you only get a couple hours at best, and then you don't really get with the other people around as much. So we're like, what if we take this up a notch and we do it in, like, a really nice Airbnb and we have a curated group and we're doing these sessions every day and then we're also doing kind of like mastermind workshops, and then we also have really good food. Basically, I just wanted to think about all of the things in my life that make me feel good, like meditation and journaling and connection, community, good food. And bring all those things together and then put the co working with it and just have this, like, ideal week of productivity. So that's what we did.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. It's so amazing because you're not take, like, so many retreats, take you out of real life. Like, you are going dramatically into real life. Like, how can we take our calls, do our work, work on our projects and make it blissful and enjoyable and like, in community.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, like crazy. What if it gets to be, like, easy and fun and you're more productive than ever? Like, why not?

[Guest Speaker]

Why not?

[Alexandria]

Why not?

[Guest Speaker]

And it works.

[Alexandria]

You've been told that you have to, like, work a 9 to 5 behind a desk in a cubicle or like, whatever. No, please, no, don't do that anymore. Like, create a new system, work two really focused blocks a Day and then connect with other people that can help you grow the rest of the day or, like, move or learn or whatever, teach others. I don't know all those things.

[Guest Speaker]

That's also such a magical part about co working is, like, when you create a boundary and you're like, I cannot check my phone. I can't be on social media. I can't do anything for this hour. You'll get, like four hours of work done in an hour, and you'll have the whole rest of the day to day. Like, you just realize how much more time that you actually have.

[Alexandria]

Really spend time. Like, you can fucking manipulate. Because that's usually what happens. You just. You will expand the time. It's like Parkinson's law. Like, you'll expand the time that you give yourself. You're like, well, I have eight hours to work today. So, like, you're gonna make your work last eight hours versus, like, consolidating it in four and then having the rest of the day to enjoy yourself. But I think we've all been sold this lie that you have to be suffering and working really hard and working long hours in order to be successful. I'm like, I'm. No, I don't. I don't agree.

[Guest Speaker]

What's so fun, and it came up a lot in your retreat was like, we did, like, I think, two to three hour work blocks. Two hour work blocks.

[Alexandria]

Was it two and a half?

[Guest Speaker]

I think, yeah, like, two and a half. But about halfway through the work block, a lot of the women were like, oh, I'm done. I like, finished everything I need. Now what do I do? And it's like, to. To even be able to sit in that, like, discomfort of boredom of, like, you have another hour that you blocked off and. And, like, fill it. Like, you made a commitment to, yeah.

[Alexandria]

Go create some content. Most of the time that's what would happen too, is they're like, I just have this idea for this thing. It's like, yeah, because you're removing distractions. And when you remove distractions, you'll get a lot more ideas.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, remove distractions. And a lot of times people would work on their work for the next day, and they're like, oh, shit, I got two days of work done in three hours. Or they would have an idea that came up of like, yeah, I've always had this idea in the back of my head for this course, and now.

[Courtney Johnson]

I have an extra hour and a half.

[Guest Speaker]

Like, perfect time to just dive into it. Yeah, yeah.

[Alexandria]

And like, yeah, one of the girls that was there. She's like, I want to create this course. And then she was just overwhelming herself of like, but it needs to be pretty and it needs to be this. And then you were there and you're like, no, actually you can just like record it on loom and you can like get it out tomorrow if you wanted to. Like, that is the other thing. Like, we tend to get in these thought spirals of like, I can't do this or it has to be like this. And it's just us in this just, just negative spiral and you can have somebody else just shatter it and they're like, actually no. Like you can do this other thing. And then because they're pushing you power and they believe in you, then you're like, okay. And then it starts to have a ripple effect and that's really powerful. And I love creating containers like that. So much fun.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, Yeah. I think if you guys like, if you are a content creator and you've kind of like always, or maybe you're an entrepreneur, maybe you're not a content creator, but you've kind of always wanted to host a retreat, but you like, don't really want to do like all these sessions, you don't want to plan too much and you don't want to have all these workshops. You should reach out to Alexandria and have her like, her do your retreat for you. Or real.

[Alexandria]

I want real. I think that that's a thing that a lot of people, a lot of creators think that they would love to have this in person, like implementation aspect of their business, but they're too in their business to be able to create it. And it's like, the thing is, is like if you pulled back and you created it, then you probably actually would have like more time because you'd get more done in the retreat container. But yeah, especially for coaches and stuff too. I think that that's going to be so powerful and I think that we're starting to swing that direction. After everything was so online with COVID like everything went to zoom, Everything went virtual. Like, we're so tired of zoom connection. My God. Like we want to be in person. Yeah, yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

That's so, so important.

[Courtney Johnson]

You know that feeling when nobody really, really gets what you're going through when you're surrounded by all of these people, but you're somehow still feel alone. I lived that reality for years until I discovered the power of healing and community. Reinvigorate and Restore is a luxury six day retreat in Cape Town designed specifically for women who are ready to move beyond survival mode to begin living your best life truly and authentically. Imagine six days in Cape Town April 14th through 19th by the way, in a luxurious villa where everything is designed for your restoration. Morning yoga overlooking the mountain, Sound healing sessions. Authentic connection with people who understand your journey without explanation. Imagine six days with people who truly get it, who see you, hear you and walk alongside you in your healing journey. Time is limited, so book your spot for April again. The retreat is April 14th through 19th and you can visit survivorsriseretreat.com to book a call with Paula to learn more. Your people are waiting for you. Nexus Point is a best in class outsourcing company that helps business owners and entrepreneurs scale efficiently and profitably by leveraging the global talent pool. Founded by entrepreneurs like yourselves, Nexus Point uses its vast infrastructure to find, hire and train best in class talent from around the globe at just 20% of the cost of hiring locally. Nexus Point will provide you with pre vetted talent with college degrees and at least three years of work experience, often with US based business owners. From executive assistants to social media managers, customer service reps, data entry and research analysts and other back office functions, Nexus Point can help take you and your business to the next most profitable level yet. Use the special link or mention Slay the Gatekeeper and have the $500 search fee completely waived. Delegation is so important, but it can be so hard to find the right talent. So I highly recommend checking out Nexus Point again. You can book a call at Go NexusPT IO CourtneyJohnson or visit the link in the Show Notes Today's episode is sponsored by my Sunrise Content Club. I created Sunrise Content Club because I really desired accountability in my content creation.

[Guest Speaker]

How it works is we meet on.

[Courtney Johnson]

Zoom every single weekday from 8 to 9am we get on the Zoom, we play some fun music, we have a little mindful moment and then I give you a content prompt and we spend about 45 minutes working on this prompt together. In this time you can ask questions, get feedback on your content and at the end we all share our wins and we also share our content that we have created during that time so we all get an initial boost because we are liking and commenting on each other's posts. There's also a really fun and supportive group chat where you can ask questions, share your content, get Accountability the Sunrise Content Club is an incredible way to stay consistent in your content creation and have community support. It is especially helpful with with folks with ADHD who find value in body doubling for a very limited time. You can join The Sunrise content club for just 99amonth. This is a very special limited time founders rate and I am so excited.

[Guest Speaker]

To see you guys there. Is there any cheat code that a takeaway from running the retreat? And maybe if other people run retreats, they run in person events and you're like, oh, I learned that and I could pass that on.

[Alexandria]

I think just making sure that you have the run of show generally figured out beforehand. Like I had it pretty much down to man, I want to say like 15 every like 15 minutes was like planned out. Like I knew generally when things were going to happen and like that's okay. It can be subject to change. We pushed, we ended up pushing things back. We're like, okay. We realized that we actually like aren't gonna wake up at 6am to meditate. Crazy. And that's okay. Like you just push it back a little bit, but you have the general idea and then you stick to the schedule as much as possible and then you maybe have somebody there that can support you. I think having like a chef is a major unlock. I think that that's something that I'll make sure that I'll do at the next one versus trying to like juggle catering. Like it's not worth it to try and like save that money. Like just have somebody handle it and it'll be better too. So I mean it turned out fine, but I think that that's, that's what I learned that I would do in the future.

[Guest Speaker]

So big cheat code. Get a chef or get catering and have that all taken care of. Yeah, yeah, I. For reals. Okay, next cheat code is using AI for self development. How do you use AI for self development?

[Alexandria]

Oh, this is so good. AI is like. So like, I know it's getting to this point now. You see all these memes and it's like ChatGPT is my therapist and oh my God, like ChatGPT, like taking a mental health day after listening to me talk all day or like whatever it might be, but it really is such an unlock. And like, I don't mean for it to be this like cheesy thing of like, oh my God, me and ChatGPT are manifesting our dreams together. How? However, if you use it the right way, you can learn a lot about yourself and you have to use the right prompts and you have to make sure that it's not just becoming this echo chamber of like telling you what you want to hear. Like, there's other videos that I've seen about like chat GPT, like Casually ruining my life because it's like yes, girl, like you, you, you should break up with him.

[Guest Speaker]

Yes. And like cheat on him and buy.

[Alexandria]

That purse that you can't afford and whatever. Like it's all about making you feel good. Like no, like calm down. Like we gotta first figure out like what, what you want. So I've used ChatGPT especially in this like season that I'm in right now of figuring out what my ideal life looks like. Because so many people, you ask them like, what is your dream? You do this all the time with people. What is your dream? How often are they like crystal clear what it is?

[Guest Speaker]

No, not never.

[Alexandria]

Never. Absolutely never. Like most people, I don't know, we like gave up permission to dream. I don't know when at some point in life. So you have to give yourself the permission to dream again. And like once you start doing that and visualizing that it' possible that's when you can actually start taking steps and realize the things that you need to do in order to make that dream come true. And also like the habits and stuff that you are doing currently that are blocking you from that. And I think the more that you share with ChatGPT, the more that it'll kind of get to know you. Like mine will tell me like it's actually told me like you, you would actually benefit from being in mastermind containers and being around more people because like you know, you have, you have a lot of it but like you doubt the self belief and so being around other people like is very helpful for you to like continue taking action towards your goals or whatever it might be. But yeah, you can also have it describe to you your perfect day. Like I've done this and you've done this and it's wonderful. Like you have it give you a list of questions about like all of the things that you want your life to look like. Vivid detail and then it reads it back to you as if it's like a page out of a best selling book. And then that's your life and you can start to be like whoa, like maybe my life really could be like that. You just give your yourself permission to dream into it.

[Guest Speaker]

I, I just got a, a digital product idea for you.

[Alexandria]

Okay.

[Guest Speaker]

The AI enabled dream something package package or whatever and it has your perfect day prompt. It has your budget prompt. Like the one that's like the amount of money you need to leave your dream life.

[Alexandria]

Oh yeah, that one's huge too. It's actually like not as much as you might think. I Was kind of shocked. I was like, well, I could do this.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. Especially not if you live in a different country. Like, I think that you're perfect, like the. To live your full fucking dream life. The amount of money you needed per month was like $30,000. But if you lived in like Mexico City, It'd be like 10,000 or Bali.

[Alexandria]

Or be like 5,000.

[Guest Speaker]

Like, that's crazy.

[Alexandria]

Like, I will move to Bali.

[Guest Speaker]

So we've got your. The. The money one. The perfect day one. Just like if you bundled maybe five of these prompts, plus you made a loom video explaining it and maybe you had like a one on one in order to help people implement those prompts. That would be a really good package and you could probably charge like a few hundred bucks for that. So.

[Alexandria]

Okay, let's talk. Yeah, let's talk.

[Guest Speaker]

That would be awesome. Okay. Yeah. You, you're so good at AI. I just think you guys need to like follow and see all the amazing things because there is the prompt that's like your perfect day as like a best selling novel. And I bawled like I was in full fucking tears reading this. It was just so beautiful. And. And I can even imagine you could like maybe record that or put it through like an AI recorder and make like a hypnosis track or something.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, I've thought about taking that to the next level. I've been listening to a lot of Mimi Bouchard and she made an entire app called Activations that's basically like that. She did it for herself and then she turned it into an app of like, just stepping into your future day and hers are amazing. But I thought, like, wouldn't it be so much better if it was my life and it was my story and what I wanted to do and then, yeah, make that, like, find some like binaural beats. I'm like, okay, like, I need to find one of my DJ friends to maybe turn this into a thing. I thought about that.

[Guest Speaker]

One of my mentors, she did this and she made me like a money sleep track and she found just somebody on Upwork that was like $10 to do it. So I can send you the person.

[Alexandria]

Oh, cool. Yeah, I just had somebody pop in my head actually. Okay.

[Guest Speaker]

Out of.

[Alexandria]

Out of my network of tech bro entrepreneurs that I have in my back pocket. Hello.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay, so next cheat code is subconscious reprogramming. A lot of people think I just need to take the next course, I need to learn the next skill. I need to get better at my writing. I need to get better at Sales. I need to have a skill. And although skills are important, the subconscious reprogramming of it all has, is, is it won't work without it.

[Alexandria]

You can regulate your nervous system. Yes, that's it. I know that's like cliche and we're starting to see that everywhere. And it's like, I don't know, I feel like people are abusing like regulate your nervous system. And what that really means is like a way that they're like, oh, I sell this course on how to regulate your nervous system. Like, do you want to regulate your nervous system? Put down your phone, go sit in nature for like a long time until your body feels safe again. Because constantly looking at your phone, constantly looking at technology consuming content about how to regulate your nervous system is the last thing that's going to regulate your nervous system. I promise you. That is like the biggest lie I've ever seen because it's just, it's hyping up your body. You feel so stimulated, like just, just being. Reducing your screen time in general. Step one, like we always think we need to do more. Regulating your nervous system is by doing less.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah.

[Alexandria]

And then once you feel like you're in a receptive, safe state, then you can start doing like some reprogramming where you're like listening to like a self hypnosis, like a, to be magnetic. Which has been a life changer for me. That's been so huge. But yeah, you have to get yourself in that state of safety first. And like I'm still telling myself that like I'm not there. There's days where I am like rattled and I cannot, I'll like do a meditation before. I can like do a meditation before I can even do tbm. Like it's crazy. It's crazy. Or I'll have to like go on a walk without any music or anything. Which is like highly underrated. Oh my God. I think everybody should do that very often.

[Guest Speaker]

To have that awareness of it though is like the first step. So you're using TBM to be magnetic.

[Alexandria]

Yes.

[Guest Speaker]

Also, I just want to say I used to have this thought in my head of like, oh, I can cheat the system and I'm not going to use any self development tools. I'm not going to, to hire any coaches, I'm not going to whatever because I've already got the information. Like I thought I was cheating the system because I was like saving money or something. And that's just like not it. That's not true.

[Alexandria]

You need other people making money on Tools is great. Other people are great. I used to think. I used to think I could just, like, read books. Like, I'm like, I can read a book on how to regulate my nervous system or, like, heal my trauma.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, you really need people. But I think TBM is so good because it is the most accessible. It's like $30 a month or something.

[Alexandria]

It's crazy. They never raised their price on that. I.

[Guest Speaker]

They probably could raise their price. I know it's the most accessible resource that I found. So, yes, like, you can hire a coach. You can do all these healing modalities. You can. There's so many things you can do. But I always come back to TBM just because it's the most accessible for, like, the science, the price.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, they really have put so much science into it. And it's one of those things that I feel like it is almost. It's gonna seem like, oh, this doesn't count because really, it's just journaling and these, like, deep imagining meditation things. Like, it takes time. Like, you're not gonna have some breakthrough after, like, one of them, but if you're doing it consistently. I've noticed my thoughts start to shift when I'm not doing them, and, like, that's where it really counts. But I think a lot of people think that, like, regulating your nervous system is gonna be this big, like, epiphany Kundalini awakening, where you're like, I'm regulated now. It's not like that. It's like you have to put in the work day after day.

[Guest Speaker]

If you do want an atomic bomb, though, just take a fuck ton of mushrooms.

[Alexandria]

That works too.

[Guest Speaker]

That works too. But you need. You need to.

[Alexandria]

But it's still a consistent practice. Yeah. After you do that, like, there's no, like, one. One thing that you can do, and then you're enlightened. And then whatever that happened to me.

[Guest Speaker]

When I took bufo, because I'm like, oh, I'm gonna do bufo. And if you're unfamiliar, bufo is 5 Meo DMT. It's like the strongest psychedelic. And I was like, I'm gonna do bufo and I'm gonna be fine. Fixed. And literally the bufo told me, bitch, you got more work to do. Like, it humbled me. I'm like, this is the magic pill, bufo. And I never have to do work again on myself. No, it really. It was like, you thought, bitch.

[Alexandria]

I know.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay. You also went to a Joe Dispenza retreat. How. How was that?

[Alexandria]

Oh, my God. I Mean, Joe Dispenza is also incredible. Like there's some people that make that their entire. Like that is like their. If they could pick one thing, like I might pick tbm, they might pick Joe Dispenza. They're honestly kind of similar in a lot of ways. Joe de Swenza's maybe a little bit more intense. A lot more intense. I mean that was intense. Like we meditated. It was a seven day retreat, I think, and we meditated for probably like 45 hours. Like that is a full time job of meditating. Like it's like that's crazy. Like that's so much meditation. Yeah. I mean I ended up like feeling almost like I had the flu. Flu about halfway through and people are like, oh, this is the, the Dispenza influenza. Like you're, you're up leveling your cells and I'm like, am I or like, am I just in a conference room with like 4, 000 people and my immune system isn't the best? Who knows, maybe both. It did feel like both. Actually. It was pretty crazy. It did feel like there was some massive up levels happening and like reaching these psychedelic states without anything at all.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah.

[Alexandria]

Which was really crazy.

[Guest Speaker]

It's definitely. I've, you know, I used to be such a hater. I'm like, psychedelics are the best. Like it's the only thing to reach a psychedelic state. But I've learned recently that it's not true. And I've heard the same about Joe Dispenza. I actually want to share with you guys a resource, one of my Sunrise Content club facilitators, Maria. Her Instagram handle is M A R I A period M V A L. Oh, I just realized I don't follow her. Sorry, Maria. Anyways, she is a volunteer for Joe Dispenza retreats.

[Alexandria]

Oh, incredible.

[Guest Speaker]

So if you guys have any questions, like I would just DM her and sure, she'll like give you all of the resources. The volunteers are the ones that are like ambassadors for the program.

[Alexandria]

So yeah, it's incredible. I really like. One of the things that he does is he'll lecture a lot and then you're meditating the rest of the time. But in his lectures he'll say something and then he'll say, turn to the person next to you and say what I just said. Like so often we're reading stuff and we're consuming stuff and then like, could you teach it? Did it really stick? Like, no. So I think that that's another cheat code is having Somebod. Like, if you listen to a podcast, reach out to somebody and be like, hey, I just learned this really cool thing on Diaries of a CEO. Do you mind if I, like, share it with you? Or maybe as a way to retain it or post about it? Yeah, or post about it. Absolutely. That's a really good way, because then you have to make sure that you know what you're talking about when you're saying it.

[Guest Speaker]

And yeah, yeah, this is basically my Patreon. Like, anytime I go to a webinar, if I read a new book, if I learn something from a coach, I make it into a Patreon episode. That way I don't have to, like, make it all fancy and edit it or whatever, but at least I'm, like, regurgitating my thoughts, and it's just, like, the best way to learn. I also worked with a coach. I talk about her a lot, Morgan May. And anytime she teaches me something, she makes me do a somatic exercise to cement it into my body. So I'll have to beat my chest or do an exercise or a workout or jumping jacks or something to actually get it into my body. Which is crazy, because when I was growing up, I grew up Catholic, and we had to beat our chests and talk about how we were sinners and unworthy, which is so crazy, because now I. I look back and I understand, like, the context of drumming in psychedelics and subconscious reprogramming and all of this. And.

[Alexandria]

Well, you remember that because that was, like. You remember that because that was, like, such a. Like, impounded into moment.

[Guest Speaker]

We literally would have to do it every day. Like, there was, like, a whole prayer, and we'd have to be like, I'm not even. I'm not gonna beat my chest and say it. But we'd have to be like, I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. And looking. What the. Okay, last cheat code. Get your titties out. Oh, my God.

[Alexandria]

Not for everyone, but some. Not for everyone, but if you have fake ones and they make you feel like shit, I would consider removing them.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah, so your cheat code is you got fake titties. You're like, ooh, I look great. I look awesome.

[Alexandria]

It was fun. We had a good run. I got them when I was 21, and then I got them out when I was 30.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, 30. Coming up on two years without them, which is crazy. But, yeah. I mean, I don't know. I was somebody that did fitness competitions. It was, like, very normal to get them. And then, like, I lived A healthy life. Like, I mean, quote unquote healthy. Like, bikini competitions, I wouldn't say are healthy, but, like, I was very much, like, fitness minded. I knew how to eat healthy. I was a little bit extreme about it, but, like, generally I had good practices. And then around seven years into having them, my health just started tanking. Like, unexplained, like, gaining weight, like, severe anxiety, depression. Like, I think I was, like, borderline agoraphobic at one point. Like, I would, like, leave the house and, like, people seemed like aliens. Like, it was. Yeah, it was dark time. Dark time. That was also when I was living in la and it was very lonely too. So to not have community around during all of that was really challenging. And, yeah, I mean, I started doing all of these things. I was like, okay. Like, is it pcos? Okay, I'm gonna, like, do these things for pcos. Okay. Like, maybe it's my gut. Okay, I'm gonna, like, do this cleanse. Like, oh, you know, like, I would go to the doctor and she's like, oh, you just need an antidepressant. And I was like, no, don't. Don't want that. She's like, oh, your PMS is crazy. Here's an antidepressant. And I'm like, whoa. Like, this is. This is not good. And I kept doing all of these things and, like, nothing was working. Nothing was working. And I was just like, what gives? And then I figured out, like, started listening to a few podcasts of women that were saying they had all these issues and they had breast implants also, and they removed them. And I was like, oh. Like, does it have to be this? Like, I don't really want to go through with another surgery. But that ended up being one of the absolute best things that could have happened for me. Because taking them out was like, like, not just about that. Like, first of all, it's not even this. Like, you take them out and everything in your life gets better. It was more like a gradual thing. But for me, it was realizing all of the things in my life that additionally weren't working. Like, those represented a totally different time in my life. And then I took them out and I'm like, do I really need, like, the really long hair extensions and, like, how heavy I do my makeup? And I'm like, what am I? What am I running from? Like, is this job serving me? Like, I went to Bali and did a yoga teacher training. It became like this, like, really, like, Eat, Pray, Love era. But, yeah, like, I felt like it was like, Kind of a coming home to myself to go through that and removing them. And it's been really beautiful and I wouldn't change it. And it's also created like a lot of viral con content and I have a lot of trolls now because of it. They're just like, oh, like, you're dumb and it was all your fault and you should have done your research. I'm like, well, like, you know, you live and learn. It's fine. Wouldn't trade it.

[Guest Speaker]

It is crazy. I just known so many people that have gotten them out. So what are just a few, like, signs that maybe if you're. They're listening to, to this, they maybe think it's something else and they might just want to consider again, consider. Like, we're not telling you to do anything. Maybe listen to some podcasts, maybe get a second opinion. Like, what are some of those signs?

[Alexandria]

Yeah, for sure. I mean, the signs can be like anything. That's why it's so tricky is because it's like anything could be gut issues, hormone issues, like extreme fatigue, weight gain, like that sounds like anything. And all the doctors will tell you, like, it's just part of being a woman. But like, for me, it was like this knowing I was like, no, like, this is something isn't right. So you really just have to trust your intuition. And then also, like, there are ways that you can kind of figure out, am I more susceptible to having issues with foreign objects in my body for a long period of time? Like, if you have poor drainage and detox pathways, like, you can do genetic testing. If you have the MTHFR gene mutation, I have that. That means your body has a slower time naturally detoxing. So. So you look at the world that we live in, there's so many environmental toxins, so many things like that we put in our body on our body, like cleaning pro, like, you name it. There's just so many things. And some bodies have a better time naturally detoxing. Like, our bodies are designed to naturally detox, some don't, and they need a little extra support. But then if you think that you have like, foreign objects in your body for a decade and your body's also trying to like, fight off all of the other things that are in the world, eventually it just kind of like slows down. You think of it like a shower drain and like you, you know, you're taking a shower, your hair goes down the drain. Eventually you're gonna need to like, get that out, you know, and your body slows down in the Same way. And then that just leads to chronic inflammation. And that's really the root of all of these symptoms. And I think that's what people don't realize because they're like, well, a lot of people tell me, like, breast implant illness must not be real because, you know, I've had them for 10 years, and I'm fine. And it's like. But it just depends on how your body handles inflammation. Some people have issues, some people don't. Yeah, yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

So the. The biggest takeaway from hearing this is the biggest indicator is if you're listening to this and then there's something in your gut being like, yeah, maybe you're.

[Alexandria]

Like, I've had mine and I don't feel my best anymore. Like, yeah, and you can do all the other things too. Like, go get your genetics tested. Like, give yourself the peace of mind. Like, also, environmental toxins. I had really high levels of mold. Like, those symptoms also are gonna mimic what they say the symptoms of breast implant illness are. Like, you just have to decide how am I gonna heal the best. And for me, I was like, I will probably heal better without, like, you know, these bags of silicone on top of my lungs and heart. Probably.

[Courtney Johnson]

Yeah.

[Alexandria]

If I had to guess, I think my body would like to be free from that. It would probably do better. Like, no promises, but yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

That's so powerful. Like, again, I feel like this is a topic that's kind of on the precipice of people to talk about it, but it's not really mainstream yet. So I just think it's really important to address. So. Yeah. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Alexandria]

It's way more controversial than it needs to be.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah. Why is it so controversial?

[Alexandria]

Yeah. I don't know. I think because as our society, like, we've been told that it's like, this is okay and this is good. And I think that people are really attached to the standard of beauty. So when you start to say, like, actually, I don't need this, they're going to project a lot of shit onto you. I mean, that's been my experience with having a few posts go viral. I've had people tell me that I'm like, a danger to society spreading. Spreading misinformation that, like, implants are bad. And I'm like, so you're saying that they're blindly safe? They're like, well, the FDA doesn't recognize breast implant on this. I'm like, oh, the fda, the fda? We should blindly trust them because they're not bought and paid for by lobbyists, but, you know, whatever.

[Guest Speaker]

The fda. If you want to learn more about the FDA from physicians that have a lot of data, I would listen to Life of Flow podcast. Go listen to Life of Flow podcast. Anyways, they'll. They'll share about the fj. Anyways.

[Alexandria]

Yes.

[Guest Speaker]

Anyways. Yeah. So many cheat codes.

[Courtney Johnson]

Wow.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay, so somebody's listening to this and they're like, yo, you're cool as fuck. How do they work with you and what does that mean? I mean, there's a lot of ways to work with you, so just share them all.

[Alexandria]

I would love for somebody to just, you know, take my advice and just slide into my DMs, send me a voice note. Okay, that is the, that's the other cheat code. When you are sliding into somebody's dm, send them a voice note. Like, otherwise you just sound like. Even if you don't use AI to write this, which like, please don't like, reach out to them and make it personal and just say something that resonated and then say something that like, I think we'd connect because of this. Like, hey, Courtney, like, I really loved, you know, what you said about overcoming the fear of being seen. Like, I, I would really love to connect with you about that or something. That's like exactly what I did when I reached out to you actually. And it worked. So it's like, yeah, like you just very natural, you know, Go to my.

[Guest Speaker]

Episode, go to the Slay the Gatekeeper episode about networking and we talk about this concept called a breadcrumb. And that's exactly what you're saying, find a breadcrumb. Is there an article that something resonated is, did you see a post? Hey, I really liked when you talked about this. Did they have an event and you're like, hey, I would have loved to go to that event. Looked really cool. I was out of town. But. But blah, blah, blah. I love a voice memo and also use Voice memos on LinkedIn too. Okay. So people can reach out to you via voice memo. I love that. And in what ways? Well, one, they're gonna reach out cause you're cool as fuck and they just wanna be friends with you. What other ways or things might they reach out for?

[Alexandria]

Come join the co working WhatsApp group. That's one way to connect. Through that you'll get information about where not just me, but like hundreds of women in Austin are co working. You can learn about all the coffee shops, all of the places to work, also other events that are happening sharing in there. So that's really cool. That's taking off. Also, we're doing another fully focused retreat in the fall, so reach out to me. Just get in my community, and then you'll be up to date on all of that. And then also, if you need help with content creation, I can help with that as well.

[Guest Speaker]

So, yeah, if you feel like you need a doula for your content, you're like, oh, my God, I have so many.

[Alexandria]

I love that. That's the word that we landed on.

[Guest Speaker]

It is a doula.

[Alexandria]

Like, I'm birthing your content out into the world.

[Guest Speaker]

It is. Because a lot of people are like, I have so many ideas. I just have so much I want to say, but I don't know where to start. Really great resource for that. And again, if you're interested in running retreats, like, if you are a content creator, an entrepreneur, if you're just like, someone who loves community, and you're like, I've always wanted to run a retreat. I just don't want to organize it.

[Alexandria]

Yeah, I'm a girl.

[Guest Speaker]

You're a woman with many hats.

[Alexandria]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay.

[Alexandria]

Many hats.

[Guest Speaker]

Where can people find you on social media?

[Alexandria]

Social media. Instagram, Alexandria. TikTok. Alexandria. Pretty much just my name on everything.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay, beautiful. And it'll be in the. The show notes as well.

[Alexandria]

Yes. You can tag everything.

[Guest Speaker]

Well, thank you for coming on. You're so amazing.

[Alexandria]

Thank you so much.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay, y' all, if you like this episode, you would love, love my Patreon. Okay. You get exclusive access to me, exclusive content, tons of other resources, and a lot of juicy. Okay. So I hope to see you on my Patreon. It.