Small Talk with Sheila

The Real Reason I Was Afraid to Be Creative—The Fear of Being Too Much

Sheila opens up about the journey of rediscovering her voice and embracing her creativity—messy, vulnerable, and all. If you've ever felt like you're hiding in plain sight, this one’s for you. She shares the power of self-expression as a non-negotiable need, not a luxury, and why creativity is a muscle worth flexing. This episode will inspire anyone who’s ever dimmed their light to step forward, own their story, and express themselves fully. Perfect for creatives, closet artists, and recovering perfectionist
 
Get your FREE “Is It Me or My Cycle?” Guide!: https://small-talk-with-sheila.kit.com/4a6b93e891
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Shrinking in the Clothing Store: Owning Your Work
01:48 – What Being a Self-Expression Junkie Really Means
04:12 – Hiding in Plain Sight: Corporate Creativity
06:34 – Creativity Is a Muscle
08:59 – Weekly Assignment: Do One Bold, Expressive Thing
 
Learn More About Sheila:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheila/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallTalkWithSheila
Newsletter: Get your FREE “Is It Me or My Cycle?” Guide!: https://small-talk-with-sheila.kit.com/4a6b93e891
 
KEYWORDS:
self-expression, creativity, personal storytelling, overcoming fear, vulnerability, creative courage, women in podcasting, expressive living, healing through creativity, confidence building

How to Find the Right Therapist—What I Learned From Ghosting Mine

This episode is for anyone seeking practical advice on navigating therapy with confidence and clarity.Going to therapy can feel overwhelming, but finding the right therapist doesn't have to be. Sheila shares five essential tips to guide listeners in discovering the therapy that's right for their unique needs, without losing themselves or their finances in the process. You'll learn how to identify your therapy goals, recognize if your therapist is the right match, and understand when it's time to move on. Sheila emphasizes the importance of affordable, accessible mental health support and encourages listeners to remember their own power throughout the healing journey. 
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – The Reality of Finding Therapy 
01:30 – Tip 1: Know Your Therapeutic Needs 
02:45 – Tip 2: Be Real, Not Perfect 
03:53 – Tip 3: It's Okay to Outgrow Your Therapist 
04:40 – Tip 4: Affordable Therapy Options 
05:25 – Tip 5: Remember Your Own Power
 
For more Sheila, check out:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheila/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallTalkWithSheila 
 
KEYWORDS:
Therapy tips, mental health support, affordable therapy, choosing a therapist, emotional well-being, EMDR, somatic therapy, self-empowerment, mental health podcast.

Slipping Into Therapy Codependency — And What Happened When I Had to Stand Alone

What happens when your therapist becomes a crutch instead of a guide? In this episode, Sheila Kazan dives into the often-overlooked topic of therapy codependency—the emotional entanglement that can form when support turns into over-reliance. Through raw and relatable stories from her own experience, Sheila unpacks how different therapists influenced her growth, the fine line between help and dependency, and the deeper work of learning to trust yourself again.
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Navigating Emotional Turmoil02:48 Understanding Therapy Codependency06:11 The Impact of Different Therapists08:50 Therapy Breakups and Self-Reliance12:03 Finding Balance in Support and Independence
 
For more Sheila: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheila/
 
KEYWORDS
therapy, emotional support, self-trust, therapy codependency, personal growth, mental health, healing, therapist experiences, emotional resilience, self-awareness
 

Loving Myself Isn’t Easy—But Here’s How I Try Anyway

In this short and sweet episode of Small Talk with Sheila, Sheila shares five tangible ways she shows up as a better partner to herself—no yoga retreats or big transformations required. From journaling pep talks to to solo dates at French cafés and celebrating small wins, she reframes self-love as something accessible, real, and deeply kind. With humor and heart, she reminds us that liking ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation.
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome & Recap of Last Episode
00:25 – The Question: Is Liking Yourself Narcissistic?
00:45 – Introduction to 5 Ways to Be a Better Partner to Yourself
01:00 – #1: Morning Journaling as Pep Talks
01:38 – #2: Weekly Solo Dates (Yes, Alone!)
02:08 – #3: Talking to Yourself with Kindness
02:54 – #4: Buying Yourself Thoughtful Gifts
03:34 – #5: Celebrating Small Wins Like Red Carpet Moments
04:14 – Final Thoughts & Weekly Challenge
04:50 – Closing Message: You’re a Catch
 
For more Sheila: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheila/
 
KEYWORDS
self love, self care tips, journaling prompts, solo dates, positive self talk, celebrate small wins, self compassion, personal growth habits, mental health, self relationship

We’re in a Lifelong Situationship With Ourselves—Let’s Make It a Love Story

We’re talking about the longest relationship you’ll ever have—the one with yourself. I get real about confidence (spoiler: it’s not about being perfect) and share why showing up for you matters most. Tune in for a pep talk on self-love, some hard truths wrapped in kindness, and practical tips to start being your own biggest fan.
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Lifelong Relationship with Yourself
03:02 Understanding Confidence and Self-Love
06:52 Trusting Yourself and Self-Compassion
09:59 Creating a Loving Relationship with Yourself
 
For more Sheila: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheila/
 
KEYWORDS
self-love, confidence, self-compassion, personal growth, mental health, self-relationship, self-acceptance, self-care, emotional intelligence, personal development

Short n’ Sweet: How to Declutter What’s Holding You Back

Last week Sheila walked us through the importance of spring cleaning the outdated expectations and labels that are holding us back. In this week’s Short n’ Sweet Sheila gives tips on how to actually get it done. Take the leap, turn down the outside noise and most importantly stay in touch with yourself. Small Talk With Sheila is written and hosted by Sheila Kazan. It was produced by Kathleen Speckert and edited, mixed and mastered by Ali Sirois.

Spring Cleaning Your Identity

This week we’re doing a spring clean! But we’re not cleaning out those pairs of jeans that are too small or those kitten heels that make you walk funny - we’re spring cleaning all the things that aren’t working for us. Be it a job that’s draining or a hobby that is more stressful than exhilarating, Sheila guides us in decluttering our lives for the better. The more you let go of who you’re not, the more space you make for who you are.Small Talk With Sheila is written and hosted by Sheila Kazan. It was produced by Kathleen Speckert and edited, mixed and mastered by Ali Sirois.

A Walking Meditation for the Restless and Fabulous

This week Sheila launches a new audio experience - a walking meditation. Now, this isn't your average meditation, and let's be real Sheila’s not your average guide. In this meditation we're not sitting alone in silence and analyzing each breath. This is a walking meditation for people who can't sit still and honestly don't want to. We’re walking, we're thinking, we're laughing, and most importantly we’re having fun. Small Talk With Sheila is written and hosted by Sheila Kazan. It was produced by Kathleen Speckert and edited, mixed and mastered by Ali Sirois.

Meditation, But Make It Fashionable

Ever tried meditating but ended up spiraling about the 86 texts you haven’t answered—or what the heck to do with your hands? Same.This week, Sheila ditches the ocean waves and empty-space vibes for a better approach: strutting through New York in a killer outfit with full main character energy. Because maybe meditation doesn’t need to be painfully zen—it just needs a rebrand. One that’s fun, playful, and actually feels like you. And who better to lead that rebrand than Sheila?Small Talk With Sheila is written and hosted by Sheila Kazan. It was produced by Kathleen Speckert and edited, mixed and mastered by Ali Sirois.

Short n’ Sweet: How I Make Space for My 9-to-5 and My Creative Side-Hustle

Balancing a full-time job, a social life, family, and friends is already a lot — so why not add a weekly podcast to the mix? In this week’s Short n’ Sweet, Sheila shares how she carves out time for both her 9-to-5 and her creative passions. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real — and hopefully the little nudge you need to start that project you've been wanting but putting off.Small Talk With Sheila is written and hosted by Sheila Kazan. It was produced by Kathleen Speckert and edited, mixed and mastered by Ali Sirois.