The Confident Podcast
The Confident Podcast with host Lisa Tarkington, a certified coach, keynote speaker, and leadership strategist. Lisa brings her contagious energy, real conversations, and the signature leadership support to help you navigate the mindset, strategy, and habits required to have confidence in today’s world. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, facing a tough transition, or simply ready to grow, you’ll find motivation, clarity, and the confidence to lead yourself and others well. Each episode blends practical tools, powerful stories, and adventure-inspired insights to help you strengthen your self-awareness, protect your time, operate in your genius, and lead with more confiden...
EP 218 | Stop Performing, Start Living: Even When It Disappoints People with Judi Holler
Ever feel like you’re performing your life instead of actually living it? I sit down with best-selling author and keynote speaker, Judi Holler to unpack the courage it takes to stop pleasing, start trusting yourself, and make space for a truer version of success. From her decade-by-decade journey, Judi shows how small brave experiments compound into identity shifts.
We dig into why “make it till you make it” beats “fake it till you make it,” and how to jump with a parachute: savings, skills, support, and a plan. Judi opens up about the cave season that stripped a...
EP 217 | Beyond the Court: How Grand Rapids Rise Coaches Build Confidence, Trust, and a Winning Culture
Confidence doesn’t show up on command...it is the training that goes on behind the scenes through preparation, risk, and relentless attention to detail.
In this episode, I sit down with Cathy George, head coach and Mike Gawlik, associate head coach of the Grand Rapids Rise, a women's professional indoor volleyball team to unpack how pros build confidence, why team energy can swing matches, and what it takes to grow a startup franchise into a contender.
We explore mental versus physical demands at the elite level, what separates consistent pros from talented prospects, and the...
EP 216 | Pauses, Pivots, And The Power Of Self-Connection with Sarah Fechter
What if growth finally clicked the moment you stopped gripping the wheel? I sit down with Sarah Fechter, owner of Sarah Fechter Fitness, a global online coaching and premium in-person training business to unpack how real change happens. Throughout this episode, we get honest about the parts of leadership most folks skip: learning to lead humans, not tasks; investing in mentors earlier; and helping teammates see their vision inside yours. We share practical tools you can use today like always measure backwards to see progress, ask curious questions instead of assuming, and set boundaries that are real, not avoidance...
EP 215 | 6 Lessons In Leadership & Confidence From Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Ready to trade performative hustle for focused power? We kick off 2026 by unpacking six hard-won leadership lessons drawn from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—then translating them into simple moves you can use this week. From truly operating in your zone of genius to leading with emotional clarity, this conversation is a practical blueprint for confidence that compounds.
We start with alignment: why the Year of the Horse energy—boldness, flow, freedom—matters, and how a short holiday reset changed my eyes-under-bags reality. Then we get tactical. You’ll hear how staying in your lane elevates the whole team...
EP 214 | Why Successful People Have Coaches (And What Happens When You Do)
Most people talk about coaching like it’s a luxury or a nice-to-have. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually changes when you work with a coach. The before-and-after that happens internally, strategically, and professionally.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Why do successful people have coaches?”
“Is coaching really worth the investment?”
“Will it actually help me grow?”
…this is the episode you needed.
I’m sharing:
The real reasons leaders stay stuck — even high achievers The hidden patterns holding people back in their careers and businesses What it’s actua...EP 213 | Why Perspective Matters: The Skill That Changes Everything
In this episode, Lisa Tarkington breaks down one of the most underrated skills: perspective. She shares a personal story that reveals how quickly our minds create narratives, why perspective influences everything—from our reactions to our relationships—and what happens when we don’t have it.
You’ll learn how perspective impacts problem-solving, emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and growth, plus the frustration of having perspective when others around you don’t.
If you’ve ever spiraled, assumed the worst, or reacted from emotion instead of clarity, this episode will help you shift the story, stay grounded, an...
EP 212 | How do you handle feedback?
Let’s be honest, everyone says they want feedback until they actually get it. In this episode, I’m diving into why feedback feels so personal, how to take it without getting defensive, and how to give it in a way that builds trust instead of tension.
We’ll talk about:
Why feedback triggers us (and what it’s really reflecting back) The difference between opinions and growth-centered feedback What accountability actually looks like when the mirror turns toward youIf you’ve ever struggled with giving or receiving feedback or you’ve worked with someone who can...
EP 211 | Books That Changed My Leadership Journey (and Why You Should Never Stop Learning)
Lisa dives into one of her favorite topics, growth through learning. From the books that have shaped her leadership to the insights that have stretched her mindset, she shares her personal takeaways from some of today’s most powerful reads.
Lisa opens up about her own evolution from post-college burnout to becoming a lifelong learner and how reading, coaching, and continuous development have fueled both her personal and professional success. You’ll hear about the titles that shifted her thinking on time, visibility, leadership, confidence, and even faith.
Featured Books & Insights:
Trac...EP 210 | Trust the Rope, Trust Yourself: Adventures in Leadership and Life
Have you ever been at the edge, heart pounding, palms sweaty, knowing you have to go first? In this episode of The Confident Podcast, host Lisa Tarkington takes you on a journey through some of her most defining adventures from bungee jumping in New Zealand, skydiving at 14,000 feet, hiking solo, and even navigating life’s quieter challenges like tough conversations and major life changes.
Through each story, Lisa reveals what these moments taught her about leadership, courage, and confidence, the kind that isn’t built by having the map, but by trusting the rope and taking the leap...
EP 209 | In the ZONE: The Method for Working Smarter, Not Harder
What if the reason you’re tired, overworked, or stuck has nothing to do with how hard you’re working and everything to do with where you’re working from?
In this episode, Lisa introduces a brand-new method she created to help leaders and high achievers find clarity, protect their energy, and finally move forward with purpose. It’s the framework that changed how she works, coaches, and leads and it might just do the same for you.
You’ll walk away with fresh insights, honest reflection, and a tool that can realign the way you show u...
EP 208 | Becoming Parents with Confidence (and a Lot of Grace)
After a season away from the mic to welcome their son into the world, Lisa returns to The Confident Podcast with a very special guest her husband, Marc. Together, they open up about one of life’s biggest transitions: becoming parents for the first time.
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Marc share the highs and lows of pregnancy, birth, and navigating those first months of parenthood while juggling careers, emotions, and a brand-new rhythm of life. From private choices during pregnancy to walks that kept them grounded, they talk candidly about what confidence looked like in a...
EP 207 | Dear Future Me (A Letter Before the Pause)
Have you ever felt the pressure to keep going when everything in your body is telling you to pause? You're not alone. In a letter to future herself, our host Lisa Tarkington, talks how she plans to prepare for maternity leave and a temporary podcast hiatus. This isn't a goodbye – it's a transformation in progress.
Whether you're navigating parenthood, career transitions, or simply feeling burnout creeping in, this episode offers a gentle reminder that your identity isn't tied to what you produce.
The letter unpacks how we can lead powerfully from the background, reconnect with pl...
EP 206 | The Freedom of Being Unimpressive
Have you ever felt exhausted from constantly trying to impress people? That heavy feeling where your worth becomes tied to your impact, your confidence dependent on applause, and your authenticity lost in the performance? You're not alone.
In this episode, our host, Lisa Tarkington, pulls back the curtain on what true confidence really looks like - and why it might be the opposite of what we've been taught. She shares the story of her summer of 2021, when she experienced a profound sense of freedom by simply being myself without apology. Dancing on stage during keynotes, traveling solo...
EP 205 | Embracing the Pivot: How to Find Confidence in Change
What if the clarity you're desperately seeking only comes after you take the leap? In this deeply personal episode, Lisa Tarkington reflects on seven years of podcast evolution while unpacking the complex emotions surrounding change and transition.
Lisa identifies the subtle signs your professional life might be calling for transformation: dreading tasks that once energized you, feeling persistent heaviness, or catching yourself daydreaming about different paths. She also explores personal indicators like feeling drained in environments that used to inspire you, no longer relating to the same people, or experiencing physical manifestations of stress that won't subside.
EP 204 | Breaking the Patterns That Hold Us Back
What if the biggest obstacle to your dream career isn't your skills or experience, but the limiting beliefs you've carried for years without realizing it? Stacey Gorin, an executive coach at Ernst & Young, spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder at IBM before discovering her true calling, then another decade actively pursuing it.
Her journey reveals a truth many of us face: we often follow paths that don't align with our core values, strengths, or passions. The breakthrough moment came when someone finally asked her the right questions, helping her recognize the disconnect between her technical role and...
EP 203 | The Power of Integrity: How to Stay True to Yourself When Opinions Overwhelm
"I lost myself this year. I let everybody else's opinions dictate how I lived my life." Those tearful words from a friend struck me deeply because we've all felt that painful disconnect between who we are and who others expect us to be.
In this episode, I dive into the struggle of maintaining your integrity when the world is shouting its opinions at you. Drawing from my own recent battles with self-doubt and the pressure to conform, I share how even as a confidence coach, I've lost sleep wondering if I'm on the right path when faced w...
EP 202 | The Confidence Formula: 9 Daily Habits That Make a Difference
What if your biggest what-if wasn't about failure, but about success? This transformational question lies at the heart of confidence-building, as we explore the fundamental truth that confidence isn't innate—it's a skill carefully crafted through daily habits and mindset shifts.
Perhaps most powerful is the mindset shift from "what if I fail?" to "what if it works?"—a simple yet profound reframing that transforms energy, creativity, and possibility thinking. Through personal stories and practical examples, I share how these nine habits have transformed not only my confidence journey but those of countless clients who've implemented them.
...
EP 201 | Navigating Postpartum, Business & Marriage: Dr. Nona Djavid’s Story of Transformation
Have you ever found yourself sobbing, wondering how you ended up so far from the life you actually want? That's exactly where Dr. Nona found herself—a successful business owner with 13 employees, a new baby, and a marriage that wasn't working. Despite checking all the boxes of conventional success, she was deeply unhappy.
In this raw and transformative conversation, Dr. Nona shares her journey from that rock-bottom moment to completely rebuilding her life around an authentic vision. After immigrating from Iran at 16 without speaking English, she built businesses driven by fear and a need for validation. It wa...
EP 200 | Why Do We Hold Onto Things That No Longer Serve Us?
We all have them—relationships, jobs, habits, or beliefs that once served us well but now hold us back. Yet something keeps us hanging on, trapped in a comfortable prison of our own making. Why is letting go so difficult, even when we know it's time?
This episode dives deep into our reluctance to release what no longer serves us. I explore how fear of loss often outweighs potential gain, how our identities become entangled with roles we've outgrown, and how emotional attachments keep us tethered to the familiar even when it's harming us.
Through pe...
EP 199 | They Say These Are the 6 Habits to Have. Here Are Mine.
What if the key to transforming your life isn't about finding more time, but about how you use the time you already have? After years of research and personal experimentation, I've identified six powerful habits that consistently appear in the routines of high-performing individuals across industries – and I'm breaking them all down in this episode.
The beauty of these habits lies in their flexibility. I'll show you how to adapt each one to fit your unique lifestyle and needs, because the most effective habits are the ones you'll actually maintain. Ready to transform your daily routines? Your ne...
EP 198 | From $400 to Self-Made: Jenna Banks on Breaking Free, Betting on Herself, and Choosing Self-Love
Could you imagine starting your journey to success with just $400 into your business? Meet Jenna Banks, an inspiring entrepreneur who transformed her challenging upbringing into a remarkable tale of perseverance and triumph. Raised in a strict household, Jenna made a courageous decision at the age of 14 to seek a better life, a choice that set her on a path to becoming a bestselling author and successful businesswoman. Jenna's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and trusting one’s inner voice, and she shares her wisdom in her book "I Love Me More."
0:00: Jenna Banks on Br...EP 197 | Stop Talking, Start Doing: Making Every Meeting & Day Matter
Unleash your potential by turning endless chatter into powerful action. Join me, Lisa Tarkington, on the Confident Podcast as we tackle the pervasive issue of unproductive meetings and conversations that hinder progress. Did you know that professionals spend 35% of their time in meetings, with a shocking 67% being unproductive? We're not just talking statistics here—I'm offering you actionable strategies to reclaim your time and boost your productivity. Together, we'll explore how to create effective communication strategies and foster a disciplined approach to achieving your personal and professional goals.
In this transformative episode, you'll discover how to balance vi...
EP 196 | What’s In and What’s Out for Personal & Professional Development This Year
What’s in and what’s out for professional development in 2025? In this episode of The Confident Podcast, I break down the trends shaping how we grow—ditching outdated, cookie-cutter approaches and embracing strategies that truly align with our values. We’ll explore what habits, mindsets, and leadership styles are worth investing in and which ones are holding us back. From prioritizing well-being over hustle culture to embracing emotional agility and mindful productivity, we’ll discuss how to step into your ‘zone of genius’ and leave behind distractions like toxic positivity and drama. Plus, I’ll share a powerful practice my husb...
EP 195 | The best pieces of advice I have ever been given
Have you ever been paralyzed by self-doubt or felt like an imposter in your own life? I've been there too, and on this episode of the Confident Podcast, I share how stepping into my authentic self transformed both my confidence and leadership skills. Join me as I recount the invaluable advice from my mentors, who helped me embrace the uniqueness that sets me apart and taught me to find opportunity in adversity. This isn't just a discussion—it's a heartfelt exploration of mastering confidence by turning thoughts into actions, and wisdom about the hidden opportunities within difficulties.
0:00...EP 194 | Late to Love, Right on Time: How Self-Discovery Strengthened Our Relationship
What if finding true love starts with falling in love with yourself? On this episode of The Confident Podcast, I invite my husband, Marc Tarkington, to join me as we reflect on our journey of self-discovery and how it laid the foundation for our marriage. We pull back the curtains on our individual paths of personal growth and self-respect that led us to each other. It's not just about praying and waiting for the right partner but understanding that self-discovery is an essential prelude to a healthy relationship. Tune in to hear about my transformative trip to Haiti and...
EP 193 | Why Every Big-Picture Thinker Needs a Strategic Right-Hand with Kelsey Snyder
Trying to do it all isn’t always the best strategy. Lisa Tarkington opens up about the challenges of stepping back from day-to-day operations and embracing her role as a visionary. She’s joined by Kelsey Schneider, the integrator who keeps things running behind the scenes, to talk about the push and pull of leadership, the struggles of letting go, and the importance of having the right partner to bring ideas to life. It’s an honest look at what happens when vision meets execution—and why finding that balance can change everything.
0:00 Visionar...
EP 192 | Understanding Stress: Finding Your Triggers and How to Manage Them with Princess Castleberry
Uncover the keys to building confidence and navigating stress in this inspiring episode of The Confident Podcast. Host Lisa Tarkington sits down with Global Speaker, Princess Castleberry to explore how self-awareness, managing triggers, and embracing the present can transform your leadership and personal growth. Packed with relatable stories and actionable insights, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to tackle challenges and step into your authentic self.
0:00 Navigating Confidence and Leadership Challenges
7:49 Overcoming Words
14:54 Mastering Stress and Conflict as Leaders
<...EP 191 | Part 2: Confidence, Sobriety and the Power of Second Chances
This is Part 2 of 2.
In this week's episode, our host Lisa Tarkington continues her conversation from last week with Adam Wittbrodt, Marc Tarkington, and Peter Buist about sobriety and self-discovery. These courageous men delve deeper into the emotional challenges of recovery, from confronting the deceptive nature of alcohol to rebuilding their lives on foundations of self-love and genuine relationships. Together, they share the tools that helped them navigate life’s hurdles—like journaling, gratitude, and community support—while breaking down the outdated stereotypes surrounding men’s mental health. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of emoti...
EP 190 | Part 1: Confidence, Sobriety, and the Power of Second Chances
This is Part 1 of 2.
What if the path to your best self began with a single brave step forward? Join our host, Lisa Tarkington, as she sits down with her husband Marc and two inspiring individuals, Adam Wittbrodt and Peter Buist, to explore their personal paths to sobriety and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. These personal accounts reveal how overcoming addiction is not just about breaking free from substances but also about embracing second chances and building a foundation of self-love and strong relationships. Through their experiences, we highlight the importance of liv...
EP 189 | Ask Lisa: Answering Your Questions from Imposter Syndrome to Building Confidence
We’re kicking off 2025 with another exciting ‘Ask Lisa’ episode! Kelsey Snyder, Director of Lead, is stepping in as guest host to ask Lisa Tarkington, some of your most pressing questions.
From overcoming imposter syndrome to building confidence, strengthening leadership, and achieving personal and professional growth, we’re diving into the topics that matter most to you.
The start of a new year brings endless possibilities—a blank slate to redefine your goals, step into your power, and become the person you’ve always known you could be.
Here’s the best part: Confi...
EP 188 | Top 5 Unwrapped: #1 Empowering You to Refuel Guilt-Free and Have a Confident Recharge
Join us as we count down our Top 5 of 2024 in the Top 5 Unwrapped Series!
Topping the list at #1 in our Top 5 Unwrapped countdown is EP 142: Empowering You to Refuel Guilt-Free and Have a Confident Recharge.
This episode struck a chord with listeners by focusing on the importance of self-care and prioritizing yourself without guilt. If you want to start 2025 recharged and confident, this conversation will show you how to embrace self-care as a tool for growth.
🎧 Don’t miss this fan favorite—start the New Year strong!
EP 187 | Top 5 Unwrapped: #2 The Power of Positivity: How to Be a More Positive & Supportive Friend with Tara Williams and Jessica Robinson
Join us as we count down our Top 5 of 2024 in the Top 5 Unwrapped Series!
At #2 in our Top 5 Unwrapped countdown is EP 147: The Power of Positivity: How to Be a More Positive & Supportive Friend with Tara Williams and Jessica Robinson.
This heartwarming episode is all about the impact of positivity in friendships, leadership, and life. Tara and Jessica share insights on creating meaningful connections and being a source of encouragement for others. Perfect listening to start the year with optimism and purpose.
Visit Lead Within membership platform: https://leadwithin...
EP 186 | Top 5 Unwrapped: #3 How to Stay Confident After a Career Setback with Kelsey Snyder
Join us as we count down our Top 5 of 2024 in the Top 5 Unwrapped Series!
Ranked #3 in our Top 5 Unwrapped countdown, EP 163: How to Stay Confident After a Career Setback with Kelsey Snyder is all about resilience and bouncing back stronger than ever.
Kelsey opens up about handling setbacks, maintaining confidence, and rebuilding your momentum after life throws challenges your way. If 2024 wasn’t smooth sailing, this episode is your guide to starting 2025 fresh and confident.
Visit Lead Within membership platform: https://leadwithin.leadconfidently.org/
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EP 185 | Top 5 Unwrapped: #4 Silencing the Inner Critic, Strategies for Confidence with R1SE CEO Trevor Szafranski
Join us as we count down our Top 5 of 2024 in the Top 5 Unwrapped Series!
At #4 in our Top 5 Unwrapped countdown, we revisit EP 139: Silencing the Inner Critic, Strategies for Confidence with R1SE CEO Trevor Szafranski.
In this empowering episode, Trevor shares practical advice on overcoming self-doubt and quieting that negative inner voice that often holds us back. Perfect for anyone who wants to enter 2025 with a stronger, more confident mindset.
Visit Lead Within membership platform: https://leadwithin.leadconfidently.org/
Use promo code podcast50 for 50% off your first m...
Ep 183 | Leadership Lessons from Logan: Empowering Your Team for Success
Leadership isn’t just about being the boss or making the final call—it’s about creating an environment where your team feels like they’re running the show. It’s about building trust, making hard decisions, and having the confidence to lead through uncertainty.
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and mentor, Logan, who’s been a huge influence on me both personally and professionally. If you’ve been following the podcast for a while, you’ll remember Logan from two years ago when he first shared his journey of starting his company, Modern Re...
EP 182 | Why It's Perfectly Fine to Experience 'Off' Days
In this episode, I'll be talking about having ‘off’ days. You know those days when you just don’t feel like yourself? Whether it’s a lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed, or simply not being at your best, it’s essential to acknowledge that these moments are part of the human experience - and that's ok!
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More than just a podcast:
EP 181 | End the Year as an Effective Leader
As we step into the final months of 2024, I want to take a moment to explore the incredibly important topic of leadership. In this episode, we’re going to chat about how you can show up as a leader, no matter your level or title. Leadership isn’t just for those in management positions – it’s something everyone can embrace from wherever they stand.
Visit Lead Within membership platform: https://leadwithin.leadconfidently.org/
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More than just a podcast:
EP 180 | Your Guide To Mastering Boundaries with Sarah Weisbarth
In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Weisbarth to chat about something we all know is important but can be tough to tackle, and that’s setting boundaries. Whether you’re trying to find balance at work, at home or just in life in general, setting boundaries is key to protecting your time and energy. Here’s a breakdown of our conversation and some takeaways that I hope will inspire you to start making positive changes today.
Visit Lead Within membership platform: https://leadwithin.leadconfidently.org/
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EP 179 | Could You Be on the Verge of Burnout?
In this episdoe, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for many of us: burnout. In our fast-paced world, it’s become all too common to feel exhausted, disconnected, or even lost in our purpose. Burnout is the result of pushing ourselves to the limit—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Today, I want to share my personal journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps toward healing and growth.
More than just a podcast:
EP 178 | How This 10 Letter Word Changed My Life with TedX Speaker and Author Ginny Priem
Confidence is something that you will always need to work on—it’s not a one-and-done kind of thing. There are moments of growth, setbacks, and learning, but there was one 10-letter word that completely changed my life and how I view confidence. Today, we’re going to explore what that word is, how it can make a difference in your life, and the profound insights from our amazing guest Ginny Priem, Keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, life coach & podcast host.
Visit Lead Within membership platform: https://leadwithin.leadconfidently.org/
Use promo code podcast50 for 50% off your first...
