IT'S FINE. with Rachel Varkey - podcast cover

IT'S FINE. with Rachel Varkey

Rachel Varkeywww.rachelvarkey.com
Look — we’re all guilty of it. It’s so much easier to say “it’s fine” than to navigate the complexity of our very real, adult problems. "It's Fine" offers women, just like show host Rachel Varkey, to let it out, put it out there, and start talking about all the things we're not really fine on. From our lack of fulfillment, careers, relationships, mental health, self-love, and everything in between — we're going to admit what we're not fine about. If you'd like to learn more about this podcast and Rachel Varkey, visit www.rachelvarkey.com or find Rachel on Instagram @rachelvarkey.
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Episodes

039: Creating Body Values from Within (Decolonizing Yoga) with Divya Balakrishnan

Today, I am chatting with Divya Balakrishnan, a yoga educator, and lifestyle blogger. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Changing our physical practice from outcomes driven to internal motivation How our body ideals and ways to change are often layered with Western ideals and how to challenge those beliefs How to challenge yourself to build internal values around your health and wellness

Oct 17, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 38

038: The Second Trimester with Dr. Ali Rodriguez (Pregnancy Series)

Today, I am chatting with Dr. Ali Rodriguez, OBGYN and lifestyle blogger, educating women about their health and their bodies On this episode, we’ll talk about: Our 2nd trimester symptoms Pregnancy weight gain and exercise Feeling our babies move! (and why I haven’t yet) For my own pregnancy, I am doing a series called "Is This Normal?" for each stage of the Pregnancy Journey (Trying, 1st/2nd/3rd/Postpartum) to help womxn feel less alone on their journey of having a baby.

Oct 10, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 38

037: Will I Ever Be Able to Buy a House with Cherie Smith (1st Time Homebuyers)

Today, I am talking with Cherie Smith, an Austin Realtor and Director of Sales for JKB Realty Group. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Breaking down some of the homebuying misconceptions Some of the core areas for financing your home (including a discussion on Sept 2023 interest rates, home prices) First time home buyers “sacrifices” and how to manage through it

Sep 19, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 37

036: Are They *Really “The One”, Surviving Cultural Pressure on Your Relationship with Natasha Mahtani

I am talking to Natasha Mahtani, relationship & divorce coach. She helps women, globally, to increase their sense of self-worth, show up for themselves, identify and rewire their limiting beliefs and thrive in all relationships. On this episode, we talk about: How to deconstruct finding the “one” (your soulmate) Handling the expectations people place on what “your one” should look like Managing difficult conversations with family who don’t agree with you on your relationship Knowing when a r...

Sep 12, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 36

035: Living with ADHD with Janelle Hettick

Today, I am chatting with Janelle Hettick, a therapist who specializes in ADHD and also lives with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. On this episode, we’ll talk about: How ADHD may manifest for women What challenges ADHD can bring for adults How to share your ADHD diagnosis with your community

Sep 05, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 35

034: Living with Depression with Amanda Armstrong

Today, I am talking to Amanda Armstrong, a neuroscience and trauma-informed anxiety & depression coach and Founder of Rise As We, a mental health coaching space. On this episode, we talk about: Depression from the lens of the nervous system (Polyvagal Theory) What it looks like for our nervous system to go from regulated, to not What high functioning depression can look like And why self regulation can be helpful in managing depression

Aug 29, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 34

033: I'm PREGNANT - My First Trimester (Pregnancy after IVF, + Bonus TTC Tips) with Teale Kelley

Today, I am chatting with Teale Kelley (@tealekelleyy), a Fertility Nurse Coordinator. She also is a surrogate and has been sharing her story online! On this episode, we’ll talk about: Our personal experiences being pregnant via IVF What the first trimester looks like and some of the things we worry about (miscarriage being the biggest) The science behind getting pregnant and some tips to help you get there I split this episode into two parts - depending on what you'd like to listen to! If you'r...

Aug 15, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 33

032: Desi Women Dating Non-Desi Men with Disha Mazepa (Interracial Relationships)

Today, I am talking to Disha Mazepa, host of But What Will People Say, a South Asian interracial relationship and lifestyle podcast and the founder of Disha Mazepa Designs. On this episode, we talk about: How our types can transcend what we imagine for ourselves Our relationships with our parents impact how we choose our partners Brown girl guilt and the power of fighting against it with risk taking and value setting

Aug 08, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 32

031: Grieving Your Past (Inner Child Work) with Elaine Evans

Today, I am talking to Elaine Evans, a trauma informed therapist committed to bringing peace to the past and confidence to the present. On this episode, we’ll talk about: What does grief look like, especially in moments of transition Why grieving your past is important, especially for your inner child Why we might want to consider how and why we are confronting people for the bad things they did for us

Aug 01, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 32

030: Changing in a Relationship with Kim Polinder (Breakup Advice)

Today, I am chatting with Kim Polinder, founder of the Polinder Coaching Group. She has been counseling for over 10 years and utilizing tools from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Inner Child work. On this episode, we’ll talk all about: Using values to determine if a relationship is unhealthy How sometimes we step into relationships because of learned behavior from our past Some of the things couple can do to heal in their relationships What happens when you decide to move on and breakup...

Jul 25, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 30

029: I Think I Might Be Burned Out with Nina Nesdoly (Burnout, Career Advice)

Today, I am talking to Nina Nesdoly, she is a stress and burnout prevention speaker and researcher. She advocates for work-life balance and believes it is possible to be a high-achiever at work without burning out or letting stress take over. On this episode, we’ll talk about: What burnout actually is and where you experience it How to think about your life responsibilities as balls of glass and rubber How to consider self compassion as a way to avoid burnout How to set boundaries in the workpla...

Jul 18, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 29

028: Boundaries with Tiye Chambers

I am talking to Tiye Chamber, a life coach dedicated to empowering individuals to live their best lives by helping people connect the dots of toxic behavior and create healthy boundaries. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Where why we might lack boundaries How to set boundary foundations Some of the tactics people use to cross our boundaries What’s at risk if we don’t set boundaries If you are interested in learning more about Tiye Chambers and her work on boundaries, she has a course called “B...

Jul 11, 202331 minEp. 28

027: Am I A Perfectionist with Katherine Morgan Schafler⁠

Today, I am talking to Katherine Morgan Schafler the author of THE PERFECTIONIST’S GUIDE TO LOSING CONTROL. In her words, Katherine works with people who can present really well, seem completely put together when they want to be, and whose problems are not immediately apparent to others. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Katherine’s reframe on what perfectionism means to her - and how different it may look to mainstream media The five perfectionist personas and the pros/cons of each A universal...

Jun 20, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 27

026: It’s Father’s Day with Peter Mutabazi (Foster Care, Adoption, and Single Parenting as a Man)

Today, I am talking to Peter Mutabazi, foster care and adoption advocate and author of “Now I Am Known”. Peter is a single parent who has fostered 32 young people. I was drawn to his story, and I am excited to share his journey to parenthood and the lessons he’s learned along the way. On this episode, we talk about: Peter’s journey to fatherhood The challenges of fostering and adoption And how we can support folks who are called to fostering and adoption

Jun 13, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 26

025: Loving Your Body at Any Size with Benina Caviggiola (Body Neutrality, Mid-Size Fashion)

Today, I am talking to Benina Caviggiola, the creator of the Mama Knows Podcast and creator of Balkanina, where she shares lifestyle, fashion, and DIY tips. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Our changing bodies and biggest insecurities How we can change our goals for our bodies Trends for mid-size bodies that you should rock this summer! If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE, check us out on Instagram and Tik Tok @itsfinethepod.

Jun 06, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 25

024: Mom Guilt with Kate McReynolds (Mom Guilt Advice)

Today, I am chatting with Kate McReynolds, LMHC. She is the creator of the mom therapist on Instagram and is a licensed professional clinical counselor. On this episode, we’ll talk about: How we get to mommy guilt What mommy guilt is and how we can reframe it Whether or not we think our kids will need therapy How to find peace in mommy guilt and have meaningful relationships with our kids

May 30, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 24

023: I'm 68, Single, and Don't Have Kids with JoAnn Hummel (Self Love, Acceptance Advice)

Today, I am talking with Dr. JoAnn Hummel, a pastor, teacher, and leader who has served at a large church in Carrollton, TX for over 30 years. She is single and does not have any biological children. On this episode, we’ll talk about: The challenges of being single when you’re in your late 60s and the lessons she's learned along the way Where JoAnn finds her confidence as a single person What married people don’t realize about single people r Tik Tok

May 23, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 23

022: Should I Have Kids with Merle Bombardieri (Baby Decision, Child Free Life)

Today, I am chatting with Merle Bombardieri, author of ‘The Baby Decision’, and a clinical social worker and psychotherapist of over 30 years. She specializes in parenthood decision-making, infertility, adoption, and making the most of a childfree life. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Why it’s important to make the ‘baby decision’ - childfree or parenthood The myth of only children The tug of war between couples making the ‘baby decision’ If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE....

May 16, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 22

021: Motherhood after Infertility with Jesse Brown (Failed IVF, IUIs, and Adoption)

I am chatting with a woman’s podcast and story who encouraged me in the ups/downs of my fertility journey - Jesse Brown. She is the creator of Uniquely Knitted. Uniquely Knitted is a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit on a mission to heal the traumas of infertility and end the isolation that goes with struggling to conceive. They do that by running process groups for those affected by infertility. On this episode, we’ll talk about: Jesse’s non-traditional way of becoming a mom What infertility can ...

May 09, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 21

020: Real Talk with a Brown Mom with Anita Mannancheril

Today, I am chatting with a mother I admire so much - Anita Mannancheril. Anita is an extremely accomplished board certified Family Medicine physician in New Jersey, my cousin, and has been a big sister to me as I navigated my journey to motherhood. On this episode, we talk about: Anita’s approach to mom guilt Building boundaries as a brown mom And the biggest its fine thing happening to her now If you’re interested in learning more about IT’S FINE, check us out on Instagram and Tik Tok @itsfine...

May 02, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 20

019: It's My 31st Birthday (Solo Episode) - 5 Lessons From a Recent 30 Year Old

It’s my birthday this week! Today, you’re hearing from me. Me, myself, and I. For those new to the podcast, my name is Rachel Varkey, I am a podcast host, a marketer, a wife, a daughter, sister, a dog mama, and friend to many. On this episode, you’ll be learning about the five things I’ve learned since my last birthday! If you’re interested in learning more about me, follow me on Instagram @rachelvarkey.

Apr 25, 202315 minSeason 1Ep. 19

018: The Problem with Purity Culture with Erica Smith

Today, I am talking to Erica Smith, an award winning sexuality educator. In 2019, she developed the Purity Culture Dropout™️ Program to help people learn all of the sex education that they missed growing up in purity culture- sex ed that is accurate, queer inclusive, trauma informed, compassionate, and comprehensive. On this episode, we’ll talk about: The common blockers to having a healthy sex Debunking some common misconceptions from purity culture including First time sex Masturbation Partner...

Apr 18, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 18

017: Playing the Corporate Game (Career Advice, Workplace Advice) with Kendall Berg

Today, I am talking to Kendall Berg, That Career Coach. She has been coaching for over 6 years with a passion for transforming insecurity into stability and confidence. On this episode, we’ll talk about: What the corporate game is and how to play it Why building relationships are so critical to success at work How to navigate difficult relationships and promotions in the workplace How to get value out of your work If you’re interested in learning more about Kendall, you can find her on Instagram...

Apr 11, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 17

016: Should I Move? (Moving Advice) with Julie George

Today, I am talking to Julie George, creator of the Brown Girl podcast, a podcast that elevates voices, stories, and perspectives of the South Asian diaspora. On this episode, we’ll talk about: How moving can help you learn about yourself How waiting for approval is probably not a good use of your time Julie’s advice for navigating moving to a new place including “Embracing the suck” Living in a “vibey place” Putting yourself in uncomfortable places Using your connectors The do it anyway approac...

Apr 04, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 16

015: Dating Can Be Challenging (Dating Advice) with Ali Jackson

Today, I am talking to Ali Jackson, 35-year-old dating & relationship coach living in NYC who’s been there, in the trenches, looking for her person. On this episode, we’ll talk about Ali’s journey dating and supporting other womxn looking to find their person. On this episode, we’ll talk about: How we need to consider if the things we’re looking for in our partner are actually serving me Why finding your person should feel more like them fitting into your life, not the other way around How w...

Mar 28, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 15

014: Childhood Pals with Diviya Mathai and Dilya Baz (Friendship Advice)

A different kind of episode. One of my secrets to living beyond fine, and the thread across all the experts and conversations I’ve had this season - is community. On this episode, you’ll hear me chat with two of my oldest friends, Diviya Mathai and Dilya Baz, where we talk about what has kept us friends for 30 years and counting. What we think the secret is to keeping lifelong friendships and starting new friendships What we think about “busy-ness” when it comes to friendship How to make adjustm...

Mar 21, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 14

013: Transitioning to a Side Hustle with Emma Cortes (Career Transition Advice, Entrepreneurship)

Are you itching to make your side hustle your main hustle? I chat with Emma Cortes, Seattle Content Creator and Founder of Emma’s Edition to talk about how she transitioned from a six year career in corporate America to building her own brand. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How immigrant kids can struggle with transitioning to non-traditional careers How to prep your support system for making the transition to main hustle Practical tips on how to make the transition from side to main hustle ...

Mar 14, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 13

012: Loving Your Body (Body Confidence, Body Neutrality) with Tina Naidu

Is it possible to actually love your body? I talk with Tina Naidu (@fit2frolic), a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, on how her journey to loving her body and helping other women love theirs. On this episode, we talk about: Tina’s journey to getting to loving her body How other people’s opinions about our bodies shouldn’t determine if we love them Some tips for building body neutrality and positivity, even when you have goals to change your body Tina has such a fun energy arou...

Mar 07, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 12

011: Finding Your Big A (Career Advice) with Deanna Figurito

How do women uplevel in their careers? In this episode, I chat with Deanna Figurito, Founder and Lead Coach of DFig Connects Coaching, about how women can leverage executive coaching to achieve the big dreams and goals in their life. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why career coaching can help a woman up level in her professional and personal life Determining what fulfillment looks like for you by creating a personal mission statement What are the “saboteurs” or the limiting briefs that hold ...

Feb 28, 202324 minSeason 1Ep. 11

010: Do I Love Myself (Advice for Self-Love, Self-Discovery)

Have you done the work of self discovery? Today, I am talking to Ribicca Mamuye, the founder and creator of amromenor.com about all things self-love, self-discovery, and learning how to love yourself. On this episode, we’ll talk about: The power of self discovery and why we often define our worth by the roles we play and how good we are at them Why solo dating can unlock exploring and discovering the things you love How to start figuring out who you really are (and trying to forget about other p...

Feb 21, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 10
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