Having majored in political science and minored in psychology, I am particularly interested in politics and human dynamics. I am also continuously committed to learning, growing, and connecting - as you likely are, too.

In this solo episode, I approach politics through the lens of balance and nuance. I offer insight on:

• prioritizing truth over ideology

• avoiding common misconceptions

• recognizing manipulative tactics

• identifying red flags

• finding common ground and discussing politics maturely and constructively

• evaluating political ideas and policies

• sourcing credible information

• maintaining perspective

• balancing between apathy and burnout

• doing your part to improve the world

• preserving hope

I hope you finish feeling informed, grounded, discerning, and inspired.

I hope this opens your eyes, mind, and heart.

I hope you feel even more connected to yourself and to others.

Thank you for listening.

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

In this hard-hitting yet cozy episode, I sit down with the SheEO herself: Sheena Daniels. Sheena is a podcast host, businesswoman, yoga instructor, and female empowerer. She shares tough lessons she’s learned upon getting a divorce and leaving the LDS church. We also get into:

• how to connect with yourself and your kids

• how to empower yourself and your kids

• how to reduce shame and guilt

• how to learn to trust yourself

• how to use your body as a healing tool

• the power of the pause and the necessity of stillness

• how your mistakes are your entry points for connection

• how to make your mess your message

It’s good. Oh, so good.

Find Sheena on Instagram @shelyfe, and listen to her on Pivot and Pursue, the podcast she hosts with Britney Neibaur

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

I identify a certain blind spot you might have that’s interfering with your  friendships, relationships, and social interactions, and how to address it. I explain  why giving and taking are equally important.

I suggest what to do if you find yourself imbalanced on either side. I guide you on how to tell if you dominate conversations.

I also share a tip for preserving your battery if you find yourself depleted during social interactions.

It’s a short - but important - episode.

Thanks for listening,

w

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

I start this free-flowing solo episode with no set topic or structure. In this age of personal branding, formulaic creating, and calculated sharing, I discuss prioritizing connection over commodification. I tell how after extensively researching and studying the best marketing practices, I opted for authenticity over algorithm. I note where I think social media is heading, and suggest what to do about it.

What comes forth ultimately coalesces into a theme of reclamation: of self, of creativity, of privacy, of time, of authenticity, of soul, of passion, of balance, of LIFE. Whether you have a personal brand or not, this episode touches on something we can all relate to: choosing how we show up in the world, and how we individually and collectively shape that world.

We’re all in it together.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

x,

w

Wow - I did not expect this conversation to go as deep or as long, but man am I glad it did. If you want a comfortable, superficial, breezy listen, this isn’t it. If you want a meaningful, profound, and heart-opening listen, this is it. Do with that what you will.

In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known since elementary school: Catlin Palmer, LMSW and published author. I initially asked Catlin, a licensed therapist and Ute tribe member, to come on to share his work incorporating Native American culture and spirituality in recovery (interesting, right?!). While we did cover that, we also [un]covered so much more.

Throughout our dynamic session, Catlin candidly relays how his personal experience with OCD and substance abuse inform and heighten his efficacy as a counselor. As if that wasn’t deep enough, the conversation really intensifies (in a good way) when Catlin explains the role of Indigenous culture and history in understanding not only his specific clients, but the community as a whole. (Note: Catlin is careful to speak to his own knowledge and experience, and not for Indigenous people as a whole.) He clarifies how and why Indigenous people are so often misunderstood, and how damaging and frustrating that can be. THIS MATTERS.

Catlin emphasizes rather than pity, retribution, or compensation, he simply seeks awareness: of what the Indigenous people experienced, of why the ripple effect is so extensive, and of how the history is still relevant.

We spotlight the importance of identity - personal, cultural, national - and how threatening/losing it can damage our lives, our health, and our connections (to ourselves and to others).

Thank you for listening. xx

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Find Catlin on Instagram @flomentum_movement

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

This is a special episode because it features a special person: my close friend Melissa Curtis, who shares her experience having a medically-complex child. She tells us the progression from first receiving the unexpected news, to adapting and navigating her new reality. She discusses how she maintains perspective, and suggests things for us all to remember, no matter our situation. Melissa has a way of navigating life with such poise, grace, awareness, and resolve. Get ready to be inspired.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

xx,

w

In this playful and inspiring episode, I sit down with competitive adult gymnast Peyton Kiggins. Daring to defy society’s age limits, Peyton shares why she re-entered competitive gymnastics, and how she’s a stronger competitor now than when she was younger. Peyton tells us how she stays fit mentally and physically, and what she does to minimize injury and maximize growth and FUN. She highlights the crucial role of playfulness, and offers a helpful and empowering re-frame for failure. She exemplifies how we can do far more than we think - and are often told - we can. Peyton’s approach to gymnastics - and life in general - is remarkably healthy, balanced, and motivating. Listen, and you’ll see what I mean.

Find Peyton on Instagram @peytonamore

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

As we’ve hopefully come to recognize now, there are multiple ways to be and to live, and motherhood is no exception. To me, motherhood symbolizes nurturing, loving, and life-giving.

In this short solo episode, I explore the various manifestations of motherhood, beyond the traditional sense. I outline ways one can be a mother, ie a life force, without children of one’s own (so to speak). I reveal my own experiences with pregnancy and motherhood (something I haven’t previously publicly shared), and my current thoughts on potentially being a parent myself.

Thank you for listening.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

x,

w

In this short solo episode, I share one of my top tenets in life. This approach helps you see more, experience more, learn more, contribute more, connect more, and thrive more. It improves your communication, enhances your understanding, revitalizes your relationships, and boosts your happiness. It opens doors, dissolves barriers, illuminates opportunities, and makes life FUN.

Okay okay, I know - those are some big claims. Basically, I talk about how to have a rich life that benefits you and the people around you, no matter your budget, your location, your history, or your social life.

Thank you for being here.

xx

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

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Do you ever feel unable to decode what your body is telling you? Unsure why you’re feeling a certain way, physically or emotionally? Are you caught in a loop of stress/anxiety? Have you experienced persistent, maybe even baffling, symptoms? Do you feel stuck and frustrated? Untethered? Lost? Does the past have a chokehold on you? Or maybe you feel okay but want to feel your best.

In this episode, I explain embodiment, and why you need it for true, optimal health. I outline how and why you can become disconnected from your body, and how to restore that vital connection. This is an episode that may at first glance feel irrelevant to you, but may actually be your missing link - exactly what you need. It definitely was for me.

Thanks for being here.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Feminism gets a bad rap, and is clouded by myths and misunderstandings. I’m here to [possibly] change your understanding, not your mind. This episode aims to clarify and illuminate something many may support without even knowing it: feminism. I debunk myths, I explain what feminism is and is not, and I share my thoughts and experiences being a woman in this world. If you’re a human, this episode is for Y O U. You decide what to believe and how to live your life.

Happy National Women’s History Month.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

xx,

w

Are you sorry? Should you be sorry? Do you apologize excessively? Are you unsure of how to connect with someone during a disagreement/misunderstanding (personal or professional)?

In this episode I diverge from all the apology guidance I’ve seen, and specify where I differ. I reveal a hot take (you may agree, you may not) on what not to apologize for, and what actually weakens our apologies. I clarify what an apology is and is not, and outline 7 clear steps to apologize effectively. I identify our true objective with apologies, and advise on how to frame it so both sides feel fulfilled. I highlight common landmines to sidestep when apologizing, and uncomfortable truths that just may transform your approach, relationships - even life (big claim, I know!).

I also share formulas for what to say when you don’t think you even did anything wrong, but you still care about the person/relationship - personal or professional.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Thank you for being here. xx

Ever feel overwhelmed by world events? Ever feel dragged down by negativity? Ever feel frustrated by miscommunication? Ever feel compelled to elevate your interactions/environment? Ever wonder how much you actually matter?

This episode is for you.

Well, really, there’s something in here for all of us.

In this episode, I differentiate between influence and manipulation. I explain how and WHY our thoughts and words are so powerful. I briefly nerd out on how energy and vibes aren’t “woo woo” and are actually grounded and measured in science and physics. And most helpfully, I offer you specific questions to ask and steps to take to influence yourself, and the people and world around you.

Love you.

As promised, if you’re interested in getting involved with the Goodwill Gang (as mentioned in the episode) as a gangster/donor/nominator/subscriber, please click on the tab at the top of this site (aptly labeled Goodwill Gang), and follow the instructions. You may also navigate there directly via www.thenativist.net/goodwill-gang

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

It’s my absolute (and long-awaited) pleasure to introduce the podcast’s new monthly guest: Brooke Anderson - who so happens to be my sister and BFF. In this “soft opening” first episode with her, we talk about…talking. Direct communication, to be specific (and direct!): what this looks like, what it doesn’t look like, what it means, what it yields. Naturally, this leads us to touch on other topics relevant to all of us: boundaries, co-dependency, self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-accountability, relationships/friendships. Trust me, this is merely a nibble of the treat we have in store for you.

Brooke is a mother and a photographer committed to helping other parents break into the photography industry by creating their dream job without sacrificing their parenthood. She offers training on starting your own thriving photography business. She also just released iPhone Camera Academy, a mini photography course showing how to shoot and edit polished photos using only your phone. (She’s also my soulmate creative partner and forever business partner.)

Follow her on Instagram/Facebook for more helpful tips and inspiration: @thehomebodybybrooke and @brookerichardsonphotography

Connect with me on Facebook/Instragram @the_nativist

If you’re like me, you make life 10x harder than it needs to be. Because you’re exhaustively overthinking, because you’re obsessively problem solving, because you’re overly complicating.

In this short episode, I share realizations I’ve made, and techniques I’ve used, to flow with life, not against it. I offer perspectives and identify possible energy and time sucks that are zapping you dry. You might be surprised.

Love you.

Whitney

Connect with me on Facebook and instagram @the_nativist

Want to maximize peace and happiness and minimize disappointment? This is your episode.

Expectations. They powerfully influence our perceptions, our experiences - and therefore our lives. They impact our relationships, our careers, our productivity, our accomplishments, our peace and happiness (or lack thereof).

So they’re probably worth thinking and talking about, yeah? Excellent. You’re in the right place. In this episode, I offer perspectives on the different roles expectations play in our lives, and I offer tips on cultivating success.

Thank you for being here.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Life on your own terms means first defining those terms, yeah? So how are you defining the words in those terms? Whose definitions are you using? If you ever catch yourself comparing yourself to others, and/or telling yourself you “should” do this or “shouldn’t” do that, do you ever stop and truly ask yourself why? Have you ever questioned what success means to you? Do you analyze what actually resonates with you (eg as “successful” or “acceptable” or “fun”) or do you just obediently accept others’ definitions? Whose yardstick are you using to measure your life? Yours or society’s? Yours or your parents’? Maybe upon closer inspection those yardsticks match, and maybe they don’t. But YOU get to decide.

So that’s basically what I talk about in this episode. Happy you’re here.

Connect with me on Facebook and/or Instagram @the_nativist

The book I reference in the episode is The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price

In a world of black and white, gray can be revolutionary, whether you’re accepting life’s nuances or your hair’s natural color. What if we leaned into the gray, instead of fighting or ignoring it? Meg Holmes shares her experience doing just that, by transitioning to her natural hair color and letting her silver shine through. She shares her steps, her thoughts, and her advice, including surprises she’s encountered along the way. We discuss how your beauty is for you to define, and how options empower us all. There are some gold nuggets of wisdom in here, including the dynamic questions Meg suggests asking yourself when. contemplating any life decision.

Beauty on YOUR terms.

You can connect with Meg on Instagram @megstoho and follow along on her journey. Her account is private, so shoot her a friend request and cross those fingers she accepts.

Thank you. Love you. Mean it.

You can find me on Facebook or Instagram @the_nativist

Image by Brekka Hartman Photography

Image by Brekka Hartman Photography

What you feed, grows. What you focus on becomes your reality. If you want to change your reality, you must first change your focus.

What you focus on affects your life, your relationships, your environment, and the world. Sound dramatic? I’ll explain why it’s not. I’ll also offer different ways of evaluating how you’re spending your most valuable currency (your focus), and suggest various ways to upgrade this. Some of these may surprise you.

The considerations are complex, but the solutions are simple. Come join me.

Find me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Do you feel emotions intensely? Struggle thinking/speaking on the spot? Feel affected by loud sounds/smells/etc? Maybe you know someone who does/is.

I am on a crusade. My cause? To rebrand sensitivity. I aim to spotlight how being sensitive benefits ourselves, others, and the whole wide world. Let's make "You're so sensitive" a compliment, not an insult.

In this episode, I explain what it means to be a highly-sensitive person, and how that’s reflected in our physiology. I reference fascinating studies showing it’s not just nature vs. nature: we were born this way, baby! I share a short quiz to guide you in assessing if you/people you know could qualify as highly sensitive.

I offer new ways of viewing highly-sensitive people, some [all?] of which may be a relief to you, if you’re sensitive.

Love you. Mean it.

Book referenced: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone read this - not just if you’re sensitive)

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist