In this episode [EP 39] of UnCeiling You, host Dr. Natalie Luke talks with Bart Merrell, who shares how he faced some of life’s toughest challenges and still found ways forward.

If you’ve ever felt like your skills aren’t special, or like you don’t have what it takes—this conversation is for you. Bart shows that you don’t need to start big. You can begin right where you are, with what you already know and do every day.

Together, Natalie and Bart talk about:

• How community and mentors can help you see strengths you may be overlooking in yourself.
• Why being prepared—bit by bit—can make life’s challenges feel less overwhelming.
• How taking small, safe risks can open doors you never imagined.

This episode is about more than money—it’s about realizing you already have value. Even if you doubt yourself now, you’ll learn how everyday experiences can be turned into opportunities, and how setbacks can become stepping stones toward something better.

Because you don’t have to believe 100% in yourself yet. You just have to believe enough to take the next small step.

Resources from this episode:

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or thought “I don’t have anything valuable to offer,” these resources are here to help you see the possibilities already around you:

✨ Free Guide: 25 Successful Side Hustles for 2025
— Bart’s “memory jogger” to spark ideas you may be overlooking in your own life.

🌐 Website: BartMerrell.com
— Learn more about Bart’s story, resources, and side hustle process.

▶️ YouTube: Bart Merrell, The Side Hustle Samurai — Practical videos to help you start small and grow your confidence.

🌿 Join the UnCeiling Zone

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough or that your ideas don’t matter—this is your invitation to step into a safe space where you don’t have to carry those doubts alone.

Inside the UnCeiling Zone, you’ll find:

• Supportive peers who get it
• Live coaching and encouragement from me, Dr. Natalie Luke
• Simple, practical tools to help you believe in yourself, one small step at a time

Because you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to believe enough to take the next step. And we’ll be right there with you.

👉 Join the UnCeiling Zone here

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What happens when the world tells you you’re not enough — and you start to believe it?

In this episode [EP 38] of UnCeiling You, host Dr. Natalie Luke engages in a profound conversation with Neena Perez about self-worth, healing from trauma, and the journey of self-discovery. Neena shares her personal story of overcoming significant challenges, including abuse and poverty, and how she transformed her experiences into strength. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-trust, the dangers of outsourcing one's value, and the necessity of facing fears and judgment. Neena also highlights the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on others, as well as the importance of healing family relationships. The episode concludes with insights on overcoming self-doubt and embracing one's true self.

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In this episode (EP 37), Lynn Quinn discusses her model of the Four Zones of Communication, which includes the pink, yellow, higher, and halt zones. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these zones to foster better communication, build trust, and create a supportive community. The conversation explores the significance of introspection, reflection, and writing in effective communication. Lynn shares personal anecdotes and practical tools to help listeners navigate their communication styles and transform their mindset from a victim to a warrior mentality, ultimately leading to stronger connections and community building.

Takeaways

• Lynn Quinn created the Four Zones of Communication model.
• Understanding the zones helps build trust and community.
• Introspection is key to effective communication.
• The pink zone fosters compassion and clarity.
• The yellow zone represents a victim mentality.
• The higher zone is about connection and flow.
• Reflection writing can help rewire your brain.
• Building a strong community requires trust and openness.
• Each interaction is unique and should be approached with presence.
• The Ferris wheel metaphor illustrates mental capacity and communication flow.

Resources

Lynn's Website: https://zoalq.com/

https://unceilingzone.com/

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In this conversation (EP 36), Dr. Michele D. Clark shares her profound journey through breast cancer, strokes, and personal trauma. She discusses the importance of redefining identity after trauma, the impact of community support, and the power of self-talk in healing. Dr. Clark emphasizes the need for women to embrace their stories and create a new standard of beauty that transcends physical appearance. Her insights inspire listeners to find resilience, faith, and purpose in their struggles, ultimately encouraging them to support one another in their journeys.

Takeaways

• Dr. Michele D. Clark's journey includes surviving breast cancer and two strokes.
• Healing begins when you stop running from your pain.
• Community support is crucial in overcoming trauma.
• Self-talk can significantly impact your healing process.
• Redefining beauty goes beyond physical appearance.
• Faith plays a vital role in resilience during adversity.
• Transforming pain into purpose can empower others.
• It's important to share your story authentically.
• You don't have to go through struggles alone.
• Creating a supportive community can change lives.

Resources

Michele's Website: www.micheledclark.com

UnCeiling Zone: https://unceilingzone.com/

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In this enlightening conversation (EP 35), Dr. Natalie Luke and Pat Fenner explore the transformative journey from isolation to connection, particularly in life changes such as divorce and career shifts. Pat shares her experiences rebuilding her life and community, emphasizing the importance of intentional networking and asking more profound questions to foster meaningful relationships. They discuss the power of podcasting as a tool for healing and community building, and the significance of mindset shifts in embracing change and personal growth. The conversation is rich with insights on self-discovery, empowerment, and the journey of reclaiming one's voice and identity.

Takeaways

• Pat emphasizes the importance of community in overcoming isolation.
• Networking can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
• Asking better questions leads to deeper connections with others.
• Intentional sharing of personal stories can foster stronger relationships.
• Mindset shifts are crucial in navigating life transitions.
• Podcasting serves as a therapeutic outlet and a means to connect with others.
• It's important to trust yourself during times of change.
• Gratitude can transform your perspective on challenges.
• You have the agency to choose your community and connections.
• Personal growth often comes from embracing vulnerability and sharing experiences.

Resources

📘 Rebuilding Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy

📓 Pats' upcoming journal

🌐 PatFenner.me website

The UnCeilingZone

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In this episode (EP 34) of the UnCeiling You podcast, Natalie Luke and Dr. Maggie Baker explore the intricate relationship between money, self-worth, and emotional well-being. They discuss how inherited beliefs about money can shape our financial behaviors and the importance of breaking free from shame and societal taboos surrounding money. The conversation delves into the concept of money dysmorphia, the impact of childhood experiences on our financial mindset, and the various money types that individuals embody. Ultimately, they provide actionable steps for listeners to become 'money masters' and cultivate a healthier relationship with their finances.

Takeaways

• Stop letting shame dictate our financial lives.
• We need to get real about money to build a supportive network.
• Money has always been a taboo subject, especially for women.
• Revisit and reframe your earliest money memories to understand your beliefs.
• Money dysmorphia can rob you of joy and self-trust.
• Understanding your money type can help you navigate financial decisions.
• The negative reaction to loss is more powerful than the joy of success.
• Breathing exercises can help calm anxiety around money.
• Writing down your thoughts can provide clarity and perspective.
• You can control your actions, but not everything around you.

Chapters

• 00:00 Breaking the Money Taboo
• 05:35 Understanding Money Dysmorphia
• 08:13 Childhood Influences on Money Mindset
• 10:36 Identifying Money Types
• 13:08 Building Resilience and Self-Worth
• 15:47 Practical Steps to Becoming a Money Master
• 18:11 The Role of Connection in Financial Growth
• 35:41 Breaking Free from Financial Shame
• 36:34 Redefining Our Relationship with Money

Resources

https://maggiebakerphd.com/

https://unceilingzone.com/

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In this conversation (EP 33), Dr. Natalie Luke and Dean Taylor discuss the journey of rediscovering dormant dreams, the importance of community and support, and the transformative power of morning routines. Dean shares his experiences of overcoming fear, embracing gratitude, and building a support system that aligns with his values. They explore the redefinition of networking, the impact of legacy and leadership, and the significance of personal growth in achieving fulfillment. Dean emphasizes that transformation is a gradual process that can lead to profound changes in various aspects of life.

Takeaways

• You don't have to wait for permission to dream again.
• It's not too late to return to your dreams.
• Transitioning from self-reliance to strategic support is crucial.
• Fear often stems from unfamiliarity with new experiences.
• Gratitude can shift your mindset from lack to abundance.
• Co-creation with others enhances personal growth and achievement.
• Networking should focus on helping others rather than just receiving.
• Leaving a legacy of inspiration for your children is powerful.
• Transformation occurs one day at a time, leading to ripple effects in life.
• Awareness of limiting beliefs is the first step to personal growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 Rediscovering Dormant Dreams
• 03:41 Breaking the Mold of Masculinity
• 05:49 Transformative Morning Routines
• 07:41 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
• 09:47 The Power of Gratitude
• 11:56 Building a Support System
• 13:43 The Importance of Co-Creation
• 15:51 Redefining Networking
• 17:59 Legacy and Leadership
• 19:53 Talking to Your Younger Self
• 21:45 Awareness and Transformation
• 23:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections
• 26:01 Reconnecting with Dreams
• 26:53 Shifts Towards Intentional Living

Resources

https://offers.deantaylorofficial.com/home

It is a free guide for career fathers who are feeling stuck in mediocrity and looking to find their purpose so they can start working towards the life they want.

Book: UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age

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In this enlightening conversation (EP 32, Dr. Elaine Lyn Hering discusses the importance of unlearning silence and reclaiming one's voice, particularly for high-achieving women. She explores the roots of silence, the impact of conditioned behaviors, and the necessity of fostering a voice culture in professional environments. The discussion emphasizes the significance of authenticity, understanding personal needs, and the role of leadership in creating spaces where everyone feels empowered to speak up.

Takeaways

• Many high-achieving women feel silenced despite their ambitions.
• Silence is often a learned behavior, not a personality trait.
• Understanding the difference between strategic and conditioned silence is crucial.
• Voice encompasses more than just spoken words; it includes actions and presence.
• Recognizing and meeting personal needs is essential for empowerment.
• Silence can be comfortable, but it may not serve our best interests.
• Leaders must create environments that encourage open communication.
• Networking should be about mutual support, not just small talk.
• Each individual's unique perspective is valuable in a team setting.
• Unlearning silence is a journey that requires self-awareness and community support.

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Silence and Its Origins
• 07:26 The Role of Voice in Our Lives
• 12:11 Navigating Silence and Agency
• 17:10 The Importance of Networking
• 22:31 Encouraging Open Communication as a Leader
• 22:55 Unlearning Silence: The Impact of Past Experiences
• 24:10 Communication Styles: Understanding Team Dynamics
• 27:16 Recognizing Unwelcomed Voices in Corporate Settings
• 29:41 The Weight of Representation: Women in Leadership
• 32:42 Empowering Voices: Tools for Change
• 34:27 Personal Reflections: Learning from Silence
• 35:05 The Power of Speaking Up
• 35:31 Leading with Authenticity
• 35:53 Community and Collective Growth

Resources:

The Book: Unlearing Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully

The Book: UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age

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