A gentle reset before the pour. I open with a short intro, then Dr. Nicole Pertillar and I dig into what a real pause looks like and why it matters.

Episode overview:
Today I’m sharing our co-live conversation with Dr. Nicole Pertillar as we partner her Sip from the Well: 10 Days of Pause (Oct 1–10) with my Positioned to Pause mini-retreat (Oct 11). We talk about rest as a brave choice, how to pause without guilt, and practical ways to return to yourself so you can pour from overflow, not empty.

What you’ll hear:

• How to pause with intention and not lose your momentum

• Simple practices to create room for rest in a full life

• Why community helps you keep your pause promise to yourself

Save your seat for Positioned to Pause on Oct 11. Light bites, teacher-led mindful movement, journal time, community space, and a wellness kit.
www.samanthaedu.com/retreats

• Sip from the Well: 10 Days of Pause with Dr. Nicole Pertillar (Oct 1–10) — Register Here

• • Follow Dr. Nicole Pertillar on IG

  Resources:

  • Join the Brown Heart Substack Community

  Disclosure:
  This conversation is a collaboration to uplift rest, reflection, and community care.

  
  

In this episode of the Brown Heart Wellness Podcast, Samantha sits down with Khalia Davis Philp and Demetrius Philp, co-founders of Smooth September. They share the inspiration behind their wellness beverage company rooted in Caribbean healing traditions, the role of tea as a daily ritual, and the “One Brave Thing” guiding their journey as entrepreneurs. Samantha also shares her own experience with Smooth September’s Awakening Blend and how it has become part of her morning ritual.

Smooth September is a proud sponsor of the Positioned to Pause Retreat happening October 11 in Atlanta. Early bird tickets are going fast, and listeners can also enjoy 15% off Smooth September teas and juices with code BHW2025.

👉 Shop Smooth September: smoothseptember.com/discount/BHW2025
👉 Join the retreat: samanthaedu.com/retreats

What does it take to reinvent your career and life in midlife with confidence? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Neca Smith—Midlife Career Strategist, coach, and founder of The Great Big Life—to talk about career reinvention after 40, overcoming self-doubt, and finding fulfillment in your next chapter.

Neca shares her journey of redefining success, the mindset shifts that helped her release “shoulds,” and the tools she uses to guide women in transition toward clarity and courage. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a fulfilling career and life that truly aligns with who you are now, this episode will inspire you to take that brave next step.

This conversation is also the perfect kickoff to two big things happening in our Brown Heart Wellness community:
✨ The One Brave Thing Group Coaching Program, launching September 9th → Join here
✨ The Positioned to Pause Retreat, a 3-hour mini-retreat in Atlanta on October 11th → Learn more

Connect with Neca Smith:
🌐 Website: necasmith.com
📸 Instagram: @thegreatbiglife

Let’s Stay Connected:
🤎 Follow me on Instagram: @brownheartwellness
🎧 Subscribe to the Brown Heart Podcast so you never miss an episode
📩 Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to take her one brave thing

✨ Whether you’re craving a career reinvention in midlife, looking for ways to overcome self-doubt, or simply ready to create space for your next brave step, this episode with Neca Smith offers both wisdom and encouragement.