118: Breaking Free From Expectations: Authenticity, Self-Trust & Personal Freedom with Spencer West

In this episode, Mind-Body Psychic Medium & Executive Intuitive Coach Kara Lovehart interviews Spencer West, motivational speaker, author, disability advocate, and content creator, to explore authenticity, self-trust, disability, identity, and what it takes to stop living for expectations and start living for yourself.

In This Episode

•  Breaking free from family, cultural, and societal conditioning 
•  Disability, queerness, and reclaiming personal identity 
•  Trauma, nervous system awareness, and self-trust 
•  Relationships, self-worth, and authentic connection 

Meet Our Guest
Spencer West is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, disability advocate, and content creator known for his powerful storytelling around resilience, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Born with a genetic condition that led to the amputation of both legs, Spencer has inspired audiences worldwide through his advocacy, speaking, and new book, Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself.

Who Should Tune In

•  Highly sensitive people navigating identity and self-discovery 
•  Anyone healing from people-pleasing or perfectionism 
•  Those seeking deeper self-trust, authenticity, and meaningful relationships 

Connect
Guest Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.com
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest
Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spencer2TheWest
Guest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Spencer2TheWest

Connect with Kara:
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 🙌  Ready to elevate your journey? Let's connect and transform together! 

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Transcript

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Introduction: Breaking Free From Expectations

[00:00] HOST: Kara Lovehart

Kara introduces Spencer West, author of Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself. The conversation explores authenticity, people-pleasing, identity, self-trust, disability, trauma, and personal freedom.

Meet Spencer West

[00:02] GUEST: Spencer West

Spencer shares his experience growing up with a genetic condition that led to the amputation of both legs at age five and how disability shaped his understanding of identity and belonging.

Authenticity, Identity & Coming Out

[00:05]

Discussion on growing up queer in Wyoming, navigating societal expectations, attending college, and realizing the difference between living authentically and performing for approval.

Role Models & Representation

[00:07]

Spencer discusses the impact Rosie O'Donnell had on his journey and the importance of visibility for queer and disabled individuals.

Social Media, Visibility & Authentic Living

[00:09]

The conversation explores how social media can create space for authentic storytelling, representation, and community.

Trauma, Therapy & Nervous System Healing

[00:12]

Spencer shares his experience with panic attacks, therapy, internalized ableism, and developing a spiritual practice rooted in meditation and self-awareness.

Somatic Awareness & Disability

[00:16]

Kara and Spencer discuss body awareness, accessibility, nervous system regulation, and how disability creates a deeper relationship with the body.

Accessibility, Community & Mutual Care

[00:18]

The importance of designing a more accessible world and recognizing disability as a natural part of the human experience.

Public Speaking, Resilience & Purpose

[00:21]

Spencer shares key themes from his speaking work, including resilience, asking for help, overcoming challenges, and creating inclusive workplaces.

Spiritual Practice & Daily Rituals

[00:26]

Meditation, seated yoga, nature connection, and rituals that support emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Breaking Free From Conditioning

[00:28]

How to identify inherited expectations, reconnect with joy, and rediscover the parts of yourself that have been hidden.

Relationships, Self-Worth & Love

[00:38]

Spencer discusses dating as a queer disabled man, learning self-love, and how authentic self-acceptance ultimately led him to his relationship with Mario.

Being Seen & Authentic Connection

[00:44]

A powerful discussion on visibility, emotional intimacy, eye-gazing, and what it means to truly see yourself and others.

Authenticity & Social Impact

[00:49]

How showing up authentically gives others permission to do the same and contributes to collective healing.

Final Reflections

[00:53]

Self-care, creativity, Lego building, empathy, community care, and creating a more compassionate world.

Educational content only — not medical advice.