Emotions, Identity & Finding Brave Spaces with Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers Artwork

Empowered & Embodied Show

Kim Romain and Louise Neil, alongside their refreshingly candid guests, welcome you to an entertaining and profound journey exploring the human experience. Through everyday ups and downs, The Empowered & Embodied Show dives deep into what it genuinely means to be gloriously, messily human. This isn't your standard self-help podcast—it's an unfiltered exploration of the laughter, tears, and "what the heck just happened?" moments that define our lives. Whether you're riding the wave of success or navigating the swamp of self-doubt, Kim and Louise unpack the complex realities and unexpected joys of personal growth with wit, wisdom, and healthy self-deprecation. Because let's face it—becoming your most empowered self is never a straight line.

All Episodes

Empowered & Embodied Show

Emotions, Identity & Finding Brave Spaces with Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers

March 04, 2025 • Kim Romain & Louise Neil • Episode 149

0:00 | 57:08

Send us a Message

Episode 149 of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down with Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychological Services at Customized Behavioral Healthcare. As a queer, chronically ill, neurodivergent woman of color, Dr. Essence brings a unique and powerful perspective to conversations on identity, emotional awareness, and belonging. Together, the trio explore the importance of emotional literacy, how to create brave spaces for self-exploration, and why curiosity is a superpower when it comes to discovering who we truly are.

"The discomfort of growth is temporary. Staying where you don’t belong is forever." - Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers

Key Takeaways

🔹 Feeling stuck? Get curious!

🔹 Emotions are data, not obstacles.

🔹 Safe spaces are essential for growth.

🔹 Find your right ecosystem.

🔹 Diversity fuels belonging.

🔹 Stop cleaning up your emotions.

Key Moments

[00:00] – Introductions and celebrations of presence, alignment, and freedom

[03:42] – Finding community and opportunities that align with your vision

[07:09] – The myth of “figuring it all out” at 18 and why identity is fluid

[10:31] – Differentiating between doing and being through a values-based approach

[18:20] – How to recognize brave spaces for self-exploration

[22:08] – Emotional literacy as a skill and using the “How We Feel” app

[26:35] – The importance of tracking emotions and body sensations

[35:58] – Belonging, diversity, and why we stay in environments that don’t serve us

[43:18] – Embracing brave vulnerability and showing up authentically

[48:57] – The power of diverse communities and allowing yourself to evolve

Resources Mentioned

📱 How We Feel App – A free tool for tracking and identifying emotions. https://howwefeel.org/

🎨 Emotion Sensation Wheel by Lindsay Braman – A tool to connect physical sensations with emotions. https://lindsaybraman.com/sensation-feelings-wheel/

Connect with Dr. Essence:

Website: https://customizedbehavioralhealthcare.com/dr-essence%2C-psyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essencerivers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressencerivers/

Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program.

Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.

If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com