Podcast
Unlock Your Blocks with Elyssa
Hosted by Elyssa Smith · EN
You know you are meant for more, but you keep getting stuck in the same frustrating cycle!
I see you.
I’ve been there.
And I’ve got you!
I’m Elyssa Smith, a trauma-informed executive coach and the host of Unlock Your Blocks Podcast. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by triggers, stuck in survival-mode, and cycles of self-sabotage.
The great news is that you can overcome all of this! I know firsthand how to follow the roadmap to freedom. You can rewire your survival brain, heal the trauma holding you back, and unlock the next level of success and confidence!
On Unlock Your Blocks, I’ll teach you the exact tools and strategies to break free from self-doubt, regulate emotions, and finally be able to follow through with your biggest goals!
Subscribe now! Let’s get you the right keys to unlock your blocks and create the life you were made for!
46episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Productivity Trap That Keeps You Exhausted
Jan 1200:14:27Tap to summarizeIf slowing down makes you feel guilty, anxious, or like you’re falling behind, it’s not because you lack discipline — it’s because your nervous system learned that rest was unsafe. In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, trauma-informed executive coach Elyssa Smith unpacks how productivity quietly becomes a survival pattern for high-achieving women. When your worth, safety, or emotional approval were once tied to being helpful, productive, or high-performing, your body learned to equate rest with danger. You’ll learn why pushing harder only deepens burnout, how productivity can function as anxiety management, and what it actually takes to reclaim your energy without losing your edge. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why rest can feel undeserved, unsafe, or anxiety-inducing How productivity turns into a nervous system coping mechanism The childhood patterns that wire “doing more” to emotional safety Why planning, busyness, and overachievement can mask anxiety How productivity keeps your nervous system in survival mode What happens when you finally slow down (and why it’s normal) How to rebuild a sustainable rhythm of rest + productivity Simple ways to expand your tolerance for slowing down The question that reveals what your body is really afraid of 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 — When Rest Feels Unsafe 01:20 — Productivity as a Survival Strategy 03:00 — How Childhood Conditioning Shapes Adult Overachievement 04:25 — Why Your Mind Can’t Rest (Even on Breaks) 06:40 — The Nervous System’s Original Design for Rest & Work 08:30 — When Productivity Becomes Compulsion 09:45 — The Exhaustion Pendulum (What Happens When You Finally Stop) 11:30 — Why Slowing Down Feels Like a Threat 12:45 — How to Start Reclaiming Rest Safely 13:30 — The Question That Changes Everything 💬 Free Resource for Women ✨ 5 Nervous System Tricks You Can Do at Your Desk Designed specifically for high-achieving women who want to calm their body in under 60 seconds — even in the middle of the workday. 👉 Download it here: https://elyssasmith.com/reset 💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what’s keeping you from the balance, clarity, and peace you’ve been craving. This private call is just for women who are ready to stop running on empty and start leading with ease. 👉 elyssasmith.com/focus Let’s stay connected: Instagram: https://instagram.com/elyssacsmith 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/elyssacsmith
Transcribe →The Sexist Programming that Leads to People Pleasing in Women
May 5, 202500:17:34Tap to summarizeWhy do so many women feel responsible for everyone else’s comfort—often at the cost of their own? In this revealing solo episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith digs deep into the roots of people pleasing and how it’s tied to sexist societal programming that starts in childhood. From the pressure to "be nice" to the hidden toll it takes on women’s mental health, Elyssa unpacks why so many women find themselves stuck in cycles of overgiving, anxiety, and self-abandonment. She offers empowering insights on how to identify these ingrained behaviors, regulate your nervous system, and reclaim your right to take up space. This is a must-listen for any woman ready to choose authenticity over approval—and learn the life-changing power of setting boundaries. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why people pleasing is more than just a personality trait—it's a learned survival strategy How childhood messages around “being nice” shape adult behavior The link between people pleasing and anxiety, burnout, and self-neglect Why authenticity often feels unsafe for women—and how to reclaim it Tools for nervous system regulation to break reactive patterns How to set healthy boundaries without guilt The importance of understanding societal conditioning in order to break free 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to People Pleasing and Sexist Programming 03:06 – The Roots of People Pleasing in Childhood 06:11 – The Consequences of People Pleasing 09:00 – Breaking the Cycle of People Pleasing 11:46 – Nervous System Regulation and Self-Discovery 15:00 – Empowerment and Setting Boundaries Get a free call with Elyssa: Ladies - book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa to get to the root of why you are stuck playing small and help you discover your next steps. You are just 15 minutes from the clarity that will set you free! Book here: https://elyssasmith.com/focus
Transcribe →Breaking Cycles to Create Something New with Christiana Garza
Apr 28, 202500:34:45Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to leave the familiar behind and step fully into alignment? In this inspiring episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa sits down with Christiana Garza, visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Her Society Solutions. From humble beginnings as a virtual assistant in 2014 to creating a platform that supports female founders in building systems and scaling with soul, Christiana's story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lead with courage and intention. They dive deep into what it really means to pivot—not just in business, but in life. From battling self-sabotage and burnout to embracing community and the wisdom of the nervous system, this conversation is rich with actionable insights and vulnerable truths. If you’ve been craving alignment and a legacy that lasts, this episode is for you. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why overworking is often a sneaky form of self-sabotage How understanding your nervous system supports better decision-making The strength in asking for help—and why it’s essential How to create systems that nurture both your business and your wellbeing Why community is the key to sustainable growth The role of reflection and rest in building a lasting legacy What it truly means to find peace and purpose in your entrepreneurial path 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Christiana Garza 02:18 – Christiana's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:24 – The Courage to Pivot 12:48 – Understanding Self-Sabotage 17:26 – Asking for Help and Building Community 22:15 – The Shift in Mindset and Systems 28:05 – Helping Clients Overcome Procrastination 33:00 – The Importance of Pausing and Reflection Connect with Christiana: 🔗 Her Society Solutions 📸 Instagram Get a free call with Elyssa: Ladies - book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa to get to the root of why you are stuck playing small and help you discover your next steps. You are just 15 minutes from the clarity that will set you free! Book here: https://elyssasmith.com/focus 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
Transcribe →Understanding Procrastination: A New Perspective
Apr 21, 202500:13:18Tap to summarizeThink you’re just lazy or unmotivated when you procrastinate? Think again. In this episode, Elyssa breaks down one of the most misunderstood habits—procrastination—and reframes it in a way that’s compassionate, empowering, and deeply insightful. What if that moment you “put something off” isn’t about laziness at all, but a survival response rooted in your nervous system? You’ll learn how to differentiate true procrastination from natural shifts in your priorities, why shame isn’t the answer, and how to reclaim your agency around productivity and decision-making. If you’ve ever beaten yourself up for delaying a task, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reassess, and be kind to yourself. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why procrastination is often a nervous system response—not a flaw How to tell the difference between procrastination and simply reprioritizing Why rearranging your schedule isn’t failure—it’s flexibility The role of agency in intentional delays and task management How shame can sabotage progress—and what to do instead The power of self-compassion in moving forward with clarity and confidence 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Procrastination 03:05 – Identifying Procrastination vs. Other Behaviors 06:02 – Shifting Priorities and Changing Directions 08:50 – The Role of Agency in Delaying Tasks 12:06 – Reframing Shame and Self-Sabotage Get a free call with Elyssa: Ladies - book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa to get to the root of why you are stuck playing small and help you discover your next steps. You are just 15 minutes from the clarity that will set you free! Book here: https://elyssasmith.com/focus 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
Transcribe →Embracing Authenticity: The Path to Wholeness with Rebecca Lomax
Apr 16, 202500:33:32Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your identity is tied to your performance—and life forces you to stop performing? In this powerful episode, Elyssa sits down with Rebecca Lomax, a wealth relationship manager, speaker, and former dance artist whose journey from the stage to the financial world will move and inspire you. After a concussion forced her to rethink everything she knew about herself, Rebecca had to rebuild not only her career, but her sense of self-worth. Together, they explore the intersection of adversity, authenticity, and empowerment—and what it truly means to rise after a fall. Rebecca shares the messy middle of her transformation, from battling imposter syndrome to trusting that she is worthy just as she is. This is a must-listen for any woman learning to show up fully, even when life doesn’t go according to plan. ✅ What You’ll Learn: How a life-altering event can become a catalyst for deep transformation Why self-worth can’t be tied to performance or productivity How to rebuild confidence when it’s been shaken The power of small steps when big ones feel impossible Why women often leave too much on the table—and how to stop How music, movement, and mindfulness can bring you back to yourself The importance of rising with authenticity, not perfection 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Rebecca Lomax 02:12 – The Journey from Dance to Finance 05:03 – Facing Adversity: The Impact of a Concussion 10:08 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 14:13 – Taking Risks and Building Confidence 21:34 – Embracing Wholeness and Authenticity 27:43 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Women 28:35 – Motivational Music and Self-Care Practices Connect with Rebecca: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: www.elyssasmith.com/focus 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
Transcribe →Rewriting Your Inner Voice: Breaking Free from Negative Self-Talk
Apr 14, 202500:11:36Tap to summarizeYou wouldn’t talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself—so why is your inner voice so cruel? In this episode, Elyssa shines a compassionate light on one of the most common struggles for high-achieving women: negative self-talk. She unpacks how perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt drive the relentless inner critic and how this can manifest as anxiety, depression, or even paralysis when pursuing your goals. More importantly, she offers tactical steps to recognize, interrupt, and transform that inner dialogue—so you can move forward with more ease, self-compassion, and clarity. Whether you're stuck in a shame spiral or constantly feeling like you're not enough, this episode will help you begin to rewrite the story in your head. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why high-achievers are especially prone to negative self-talk How perfectionism and shame fuel the inner critic Why shame doesn't lead to lasting change Simple ways to recognize and interrupt harmful thought patterns How calming techniques can help regulate your nervous system The power of noticing "decision points" in your inner dialogue Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: www.elyssasmith.com/focus 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
Transcribe →Navigating Parenting with Play, Presence & Compassion with Jill Lerman
Apr 9, 202500:30:46Tap to summarizeParenting doesn’t come with a manual—but it can come with support. In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Elyssa is joined by play and parenting coach Jill Lerman to talk about emotional regulation, conscious parenting, and how to create a joyful, connected family life. They explore the power of play not just for kids—but for adults, too—and why modeling emotional intelligence is one of the most powerful tools a parent has. Jill opens up about her own journey into parenting support, and together they dive deep into how shame, survival mode, and generational trauma impact how we show up for our children—and ourselves. With practical tools, a few tears, and a whole lot of compassion, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed, under-resourced, or unsure of how to break old cycles. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why play is a developmental need for everyone (not just kids!) How to reframe mistakes as growth opportunities The impact of self-sabotage and negative self-talk in parenting How to recognize your inner child and shift old patterns Practical tools for emotional regulation and quick self-care The importance of modeling calm behavior for your children How to approach parenting with compassion, curiosity, and consciousness 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Play and Parenting Coaching 03:03 – The Importance of Play in Adult Life 06:03 – Jill’s Journey to Becoming a Play Expert 08:52 – Navigating Parenting Challenges and Self-Sabotage 11:55 – The Role of Emotional Regulation in Parenting 15:03 – Learning from Mistakes and Building Resilience 17:54 – Conscious Parenting and Breaking Generational Cycles 25:25 – Reframing Mistakes as Opportunities 26:04 – The Impact of Negative Self-Talk 27:05 – Emotional Regulation and Mistakes 29:04 – Understanding Shame and Mistakes 30:04 – Brain States and Child Behavior 32:37 – Recognizing Our Inner Child 34:05 – Generational Patterns and Trauma 35:33 – Tools for Parenting and Self-Care 38:01 – Practical Steps for Low Tolerance to Mistakes 42:53 – Quick Self-Care Strategies Connect with Jill 📸 Instagram @jillybeansnyc Website www.jillybeansnyc.com Playful Parenting Membership Free Guide To Independent Play 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: www.elyssasmith.com/focus 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
Transcribe →Unlocking Your Zone of Genius
Apr 7, 202500:14:28Tap to summarizeAre you operating in your zone of genius—or just stuck in survival mode? In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa explores the concept of the "zone of genius," as defined by Gay Hendricks, and why aligning your work and life with your unique talents and passions is the key to success, fulfillment, and emotional well-being. She also dives into self-sabotage, survival mode, and the nervous system’s response to misalignment, offering practical steps to identify your zone of genius and integrate it into daily life. If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed, this episode will help you make small but powerful shifts toward a more joyful and productive life. ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How operating in your zone of genius leads to greater success Why self-sabotage happens when you’re out of alignment How your nervous system craves safety and authenticity The importance of saying no to misaligned opportunities Why finding joy in daily activities boosts productivity How to identify what truly lights you up How support and accountability can help you stay on track The connection between past trauma and current limitations 🎧 Chapters & Key Moments: 00:00 – Understanding the Zone of Genius 02:49 – The Importance of Operating in Your Zone of Genius 05:58 – Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Survival Mode 08:48 – Finding and Embracing Your Zone of Genius 12:02 – Practical Steps to Align with Your Zone of Genius 💬 Loved this episode? Share it! If this conversation resonated with you, send it to a friend who needs to hear it! And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us keep bringing you empowering discussions. 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 🌍 www.elyssasmith.com/focus 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group: The Stress Less Lounge
Transcribe →Navigating the High Achiever’s Journey & Overcoming Burnout with Melissa Gamarra
Apr 2, 202500:39:37Tap to summarizeAre you constantly pushing yourself but still feeling drained? In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa and Melissa dive into the unique challenges high achievers—especially women—face in managing time, energy, and mental health. They discuss the overwhelming nature of endless to-do lists, the dangers of all-or-nothing thinking, and the reality of burnout in entrepreneurship. Melissa shares her personal experiences of building and rebuilding her business, highlighting the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and overcoming internal struggles. The conversation wraps up with practical steps to combat burnout and integrate self-care into a busy life. If you’re a high achiever struggling to balance ambition with well-being, this episode is for you! ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why high achievers often struggle with recognizing their limits How the pressure of endless tasks can lead to burnout The all-or-nothing mentality and how it hinders progress Why burnout stems from a lack of boundaries How to rebuild after burnout through self-reflection The importance of setting clear boundaries for mental health Recognizing self-sabotage patterns and how to shift them Practical routines to manage overwhelm 🎧 Chapters & Key Moments: 00:00 – The Can-Do Mentality of High Achievers 02:47 – The Overwhelm of Endless To-Do Lists 06:00 – The All-or-Nothing Dilemma 09:02 – The Journey of Entrepreneurship 11:59 – Burnout and the Need for Boundaries 14:58 – Rebuilding After Burnout 18:09 – Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries 20:51 – The Importance of Self-Reflection 24:00 – Overcoming Self-Sabotage 26:48 – Practical Steps to Combat Burnout 30:12 – The Power of Routines and Boundaries 33:01 – Final Thoughts and Self-Care Tips 💬 Loved this episode? Share it! If this conversation resonated with you, send it to a friend who needs to hear it! And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us keep bringing you empowering discussions. 📌 Connect with Melissa: 🌍 www.melissagamarramanagement.com 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 🌍 www.elyssasmith.com/focus 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group: The Stress Less Lounge
Transcribe →Reclaiming Your Time & Breaking Free from Busyness
Mar 31, 202500:20:31Tap to summarizeAre you constantly busy but never feel like you're getting ahead? In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa dives into the overwhelming busyness that so many women experience and shares practical strategies to help you reclaim your time and streamline your life. She unpacks the societal pressures that keep women stuck in survival mode, the impact of technology and emotional triggers, and the consequences of living in a constant state of stress. Most importantly, Elyssa offers actionable steps to assess how you spend your time, prioritize effectively, delegate responsibilities, and embrace a life of greater ease. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on a treadmill with no way off, this episode is for you! ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why women often feel overwhelmed by societal expectations How the constant drive to achieve can lead to burnout The stigma around asking for help and how to reframe it How technology contributes to constant busyness The role of emotional triggers in draining your energy Why living in survival mode leads to chronic stress and isolation The importance of assessing time usage to create change How prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities can reduce stress Why it's essential to rewire your mindset for ease and balance 🎧 Chapters & Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction to Overcoming Busyness 03:06 – Understanding the Roots of Busyness 06:00 – The Impact of Technology on Our Lives 09:12 – Emotional Triggers and Their Effects 11:53 – The Consequences of Survival Mode 15:09 – Practical Strategies for Streamlining Life 18:00 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources & Links: 🌍 Take the Self-Sabotage Quiz: elyssasmith.com/quiz 💬 Loved this episode? Share it! If this conversation resonated with you, send it to a friend who needs to hear it! And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us keep bringing you empowering discussions. 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 🌍 www.elyssasmith.com/focus 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook Group: The Stress Less Lounge
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