Last episode I talked about the wires. This week we go into one of the most foundational ones: who you are letting into your life and what it is actually costing or feeding you.

I am sharing the science behind why the people in your consistent circle are reshaping your brain whether you realize it or not, walking you through the Arthur Brooks research on friendship and happiness that I have been wanting to talk, and giving you the Friend Inventory, a mental sort for your circle that does not require a single hard conversation this week. We also get into trauma bonds in friendship, and what it looks like when you are hiding your wins from the people who are supposed to be your people.

This one is going to sit with you. Clear your schedule for the drive home.

Last episode, I asked you who benefits from your exhaustion.

Today, we answer it.

I'm Desiree Rew, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and in this episode, I'm naming the three systems and people that benefit directly, materially, and concretely from your depletion. The wellness industry is built on your spending. The workplace that extracts your best and promotes you last. And the person sitting in your phone contacts right now who has been running their life on the fuel of yours.

With data, clinical truth, and with the names for things nobody gave you permission to call what they actually are.

Self-Care*ish AF! The Podcast— It's time to take your life back.

I moved to Portugal because I wanted to. Full stop. No other reason required.

And the fact that that sentence feels radical to some of you, that reaction is exactly what this podcast is about.

I'm Desiree Rew, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Season 3 of Self-Care*ish AF! is about going underneath the surface version of self-care you've been sold. In this opener I'm catching up with longtime listeners, welcoming new ones, and laying out exactly what this season is, who it's for, and what problem we are solving together.

For the woman who is tired of being the strong one. For the woman who is doing everything right and still feels like something is missing. For the woman who is capable of everything and exhausted by all of it.

You are exactly who I made this for. Subscribe and stay with me this season.

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/desireerew/ for a discount on your first month of therapy. February has come and gone, but the power of self-love is year-round. In this episode, we dive into why self-love is the ultimate kryptonite to imposter syndrome, stress, and anything that stands between you and your best self. Recorded in February but released at just the right moment, this conversation will inspire you to embrace self-love every single day.(Disclosure: I may receive a commission for referrals.)

We’re back for Part 2, and it’s time to get real about taking your self-care to the next level. If shame has been running the show, we’re flipping the script. This episode is all about practical, no-nonsense ways to ditch the guilt, set boundaries, and finally put yourself on the priority list without apology.

Ready to stop talking about self-care and start doing it? Click the link for the Self-Care Audit (https://calendly.com/desiree-rew/self-care-audit-call) mentioned in the episode and take the first step toward a guilt-free, thriving version of yourself today.

Have you ever felt guilty for taking time for yourself? Or have you caught yourself thinking needing self-care is wrong, means you are slipping, or is unnecessary?

In this first part of a two-part series, we break down the shame game and set the stage for real, guilt-free self-care. We'll explore why shame has so much influence over when (or if) we prioritize ourselves. It’s time to call it out, shake it off, and start rewriting the story.

Welcome to Self-Care*ish AF!®, the podcast that shakes up everything you thought you knew about self-care! Whether you’re curious about how to take better care of yourself, feeling stuck in old routines, or just looking for new ways to recharge, this podcast is here to disrupt the traditional self-care conversation and invite you on a personal growth journey.

******** New here? Perfect! Every episode is designed to be relatable and actionable, whether you're a first-time listener or a returning fan. You’ll leave each episode feeling empowered, energized, and ready to live your best life.

******** This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a space for you to engage, ask questions, and share your personal stories. I want to hear from you! Your experiences matter; they might inspire someone else on their self-care journey. Feel free to submit your self-care questions, thoughts, or stories, and let's keep the conversation going. ********

And if you’re looking for a supportive community where real conversations about self-care happen, join the Loving Me Tribe: ⁠⁠Loving Me Tribe Community⁠⁠.

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Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you love the podcast! Your support means the world, and it helps others find the show and lets me know what topics you want more of.

⁠⁠Click here for gift⁠⁠ mentioned in episode one of season two.

Want to connect with me? Visit my website. ⁠https://desireerew.com/⁠

Welcome to Self-Care*ish AF!®, the podcast that shakes up everything you thought you knew about self-care! Whether you’re curious about how to take better care of yourself, feeling stuck in old routines, or just looking for new ways to recharge, this podcast is here to disrupt the traditional self-care conversation and invite you on a personal growth journey.

******** New here? Perfect! Every episode is designed to be relatable and actionable, whether you're a first-time listener or a returning fan. You’ll leave each episode feeling empowered, energized, and ready to live your best life.

******** This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a space for you to engage, ask questions, and share your personal stories. I want to hear from you! Your experiences matter; they might inspire someone else on their self-care journey. Feel free to submit your self-care questions, thoughts, or stories, and let's keep the conversation going. ********

And if you’re looking for a supportive community where real conversations about self-care happen, join the Loving Me Tribe: ⁠Loving Me Tribe Community⁠.

********

Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you love the podcast! Your support means the world, and it helps others find the show and lets me know what topics you want more of.

⁠Click here for your gift⁠ mentioned in episode one of season two.

Want to connect with me? Visit my website. https://desireerew.com/