Don't Shrink to Fit: Empowering and inspiring women one story at a time.

40 Episodes
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By: Claudia Noriega-Bernstein

Don’t Shrink to Fit: The Podcast for women who refuse to play small.Empowering conversations. Inspiring transformations. Limitless possibilities.Are you ready to step into your power, break free from limitations, and create the life of abundance and joy you’ve always wanted? Don’t Shrink to Fit is more than a podcast—it’s a movement.Hosted by Claudia Noriega-Bernstein, an abundance coach, author, and speaker, Don't Shrink to Fit isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. Each episode brings you powerful insights from incredible experts who share strategies and mindset shifts to help you break through limitati...

Raising Kids in a Multicultural World with Efrat Amira
Last Tuesday at 7:00 AM

In today’s episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit, I sit down with someone I deeply admire—not just as a friend, but as a fierce and intentional mother—Efrat Amira.

We dive into the realities of raising kids across cultures—what’s beautiful, what’s hard, and what we’ve both had to unlearn along the way. Efrat opens up about her decision to homeschool, how she built her children’s education around curiosity and connection, and why she’s now open to exploring new educational paths.

We also talk about:
 ✨ Why structure builds emotio...


What your emotions are trying to tell you (and an announcement!) with Vickie Padavano
#124
06/24/2025

Being a woman in today’s world comes with invisible expectations that are quietly making us sick — literally. Did you know women have an 80% higher chance of developing an autoimmune condition?

This month, I want to focus on something we don’t do enough: helping ourselves. Helping ourselves be healthier mentally, emotionally, and physically — not just for a moment, but for real, lasting wellness.

That’s why this week on the podcast, I’m so excited to share my conversation with Vicki Padovano. Vicki is dedicated to helping women with autoimmune issues end the flares...


Could Reiki be the missing link in your mind-body balance? with Siri Baruc Thorton
#123
06/17/2025

This week, I’m so excited to share a conversation that feels perfectly aligned with what I want for all of us right now — deep healing for our soul, mind, and body.

Recently, I booked what I thought was just going to be a simple facial — but I left that room feeling completely different: more present, more at peace, and even free of the back pain I walked in with. The magic ingredient? Reiki, sound vibration, and energy work.

I knew I had to bring my dear friend and Reiki Master Siri...


Calling in aligned love without settling with Michelle Chung
06/10/2025

In this juicy episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit, I sit down with love strategist and author Michelle Chung, joining us all the way from Australia, to talk about something so many ambitious, self-sufficient women wonder: Can I attract a partner who truly aligns with who I am—without dating burnout or settling?

Michelle shares her powerful journey from divorce to manifesting a deeply aligned relationship, and breaks down why core values—not chemistry or hobbies—should lead the way. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or wondering why love keeps feeling out of reach, this episo...


Helping or handicapping? How to support your adult kids without enabling them with Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#122
06/03/2025

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit, I get real about one of the hardest truths for modern parents: the fine line between supporting our adult children and enabling them.

Drawing from my own experience as a mom of three daughters, I share personal stories, practical tools, and insights from research, including why 76% of parents who financially support their adult children suffer negative consequences. From boundaries to budgets, steak dinners to Uber Eats, this conversation is an honest, compassionate guide for anyone parenting grown kids in today’s worl...


Grief, Love, and Healing with Dr. Devin DeGreif
#121
05/26/2025

In this deeply moving episode of the Award winning Don’t Shrink to Fit, I welcome Dr. Devin DeGreif—a somatic therapist, embodiment coach, and author of Good Grief—to explore one of life’s hardest yet most transformative experiences: grief.

Devin shares her personal story of losing her mother to a traumatic and unexpected murder, and how that moment catapulted her into profound depression, spiritual awakening, and eventually, a life of purpose. We talk about what it means to sit fully with pain, the difference between losing someone to death versus choosing to let go of so...


✨ Your story is your superpower with Amanda Johnson
#120
05/20/2025

Have you ever felt the pull to write a book but stopped yourself because you weren’t sure your story mattered? You’re not alone.

This week, I sit down with Amanda Johnson, a strategist, coach, and guide for high-performing professionals who feel stuck when trying to put their wisdom into words. Amanda helps her clients use the power of storytelling not just to publish—but to heal.

In this episode, we explore:

Why writing your story feels vulnerable (and how to work through it)The surprising healing that can happen during the writing proces...


Growing Up with a Narcissistic Parent: What I’ve Learned About Shame, Healing, and Worthiness with Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#119
05/13/2025

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit,  I reflect on the deep emotional wounds caused by growing up with a narcissistic parent—a topic that resonates with many, especially in the days following Mother’s Day. I share my personal story and break down what narcissism really is through the lens of Dr. Brené Brown’s research, highlighting the powerful connection between narcissism, shame, and empathy.

This episode is not about blame—it’s about understanding, healing, and reclaiming your worth. I explain the lasting effects narcissistic parenting can have on a child’s self-w...


Feeding Your Body, Mind & Soul with Jenn Trepeck
#118
05/06/2025

In this enlightening episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit, I sit down with the incredible Jenn Trepeck—wellness coach, nutrition expert, and host of Salad with a Side of Fries—to explore what it really means to nourish your body without dieting, guilt, or confusion. Jenn shares her powerful journey from the corporate world to coaching and how her own struggles with health and weight led her to a more holistic, empowering approach to food.

We dive deep into the myths we’ve been taught about “eating less” and break down how blood sugar, hormones, and lifestyle ch...


The Science of Sisterhood with Anna VanAgtmael
#117
04/29/2025

I don’t know where you are in this journey, but I want to invite you to listen to my latest podcast episode with Anna VanAgtmael. Like me, Anna had a life-altering awakening that led her to pivot and create a more aligned life, and guess what? Now she holds retreats too.

If you're ready to get curious about your own path, your femininity, or what it means to be held in community, this episode is for you.

And if you’re a guy reading this—share it with your mom, sister, partner, or a f...


I always wanted to be the good girl my mom wanted me to be with Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#116
04/22/2025

This episode is one of the most personal and emotional ones I’ve ever recorded. It’s not just about motherhood, or healing, or family—it’s about my journey of unbecoming the “good girl” I was told I should be, and finally becoming the woman I was always meant to be.

For decades, I tried to earn a kind of love that should have been given freely. I over-gave, over-delivered, and shrank myself to fit into a mold that never truly fit me. I wore the “good girl” costume so well, hoping it would lead to connection, appr...


Finding the courage to pivot with Emily Florence
#115
04/15/2025

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit, I sit down with author, coach, and storyteller Emily Florence for an inspiring conversation on courage, authenticity, and the power of trusting your inner voice.

Emily shares her bold journey of leaving law school just days after starting, walking away from a life that looked “successful” on the outside but felt misaligned within. From listening to the whispers of her intuition to becoming a published author and working with global brands and personalities, Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that we are allowed...


The Mild Side of Wild with Candace Dunaway
#114
04/08/2025

In this inspiring episode of the Award wining Don’t Shrink to Fit Podcast, I sit down with the radiant and grounded Candace Dunaway—creator of the beautiful six-part video series The Mild Side of Wild. Candace is a passionate storyteller, nature lover, and gratitude practitioner whose mission is to help others reconnect with the natural world, find joy in everyday moments, and embrace a more active, intentional life.

We talked about her journey, her deep connection with Mother Nature, and how spending time outdoors has been one of the most powerful tools for healing, growth, and joy...


Healing Generational Conditioning: Why It Stops With Me! with Kate Kripke
#113
04/01/2025

This week on my podcast Don't Shrink to Fit, I dive into this very topic with the incredible Kate Kripke, a maternal and child mental health expert, therapist, and author of Reinventing Supermom. Kate has spent over two decades helping high-achieving moms navigate the emotional weight of motherhood, breaking through anxiety, guilt, and burnout to create a more authentic and fulfilling experience for themselves and their children.

In our conversation, we explore:

✨ Why women feel conditioned to be good girls and how that impacts our parenting
✨ The pressure of perfectionism in motherhood and...


The power of trust – Building it in our kids and ourselves with Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#112
03/25/2025

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Don’t Shrink to Fit, Claudia explores the essential role trust plays in our lives—especially in the way we raise our children and show up for ourselves. From building trust through consistency to understanding how secrets can form when trust is broken, this episode offers insight, tools, and a personal story that highlights how trust can shape confidence, self-worth, and lifelong emotional health.

Claudia shares how she built a foundation of trust with her daughters and how that decision continues to influence their confidence and decision-making today. She also disc...


The Power of Saying YES to Yourself with Lori Pappas
#111
03/18/2025

This week on Don't Shrink to Fit, I had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Lori Pappas—a woman who has shattered expectations, defied societal norms, and lived life entirely on her own terms.

Lori’s story is a testament to resilience, choice, and the magic of saying YES—not just to opportunities, but to yourself. She shares her journey from overcoming a challenging childhood to building a successful business in a male-dominated industry, redefining success on her own terms, and eventually embracing love and purpose in ways she never expected.

Here a...


Loving yourself in one week and for the rest of your life with Rachel Madorsky
#110
03/11/2025

In the latest episode of Don't Shrink to Fit, I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Rachel Madorsky about empowerment, self-love, and shifting the way we approach boundaries in our lives. Have you ever had one of those moments where a single conversation shifts something inside you? Where words resonate so deeply that you feel like you’re being seen, understood, and guided—all at the same time?

That’s exactly what happened in today’s episode. My guest, Rachel, brought so much wisdom and insight to our conversation that, at times, I felt like I was th...


Living between two worlds: The Immigrant Experience with Fabiola Noriega-Daneri
#109
03/04/2025

What does it mean to belong? For many immigrants, the answer is complicated. In this episode of Don't Shrink to Fit, I sit down with Fabiola Noriega-Danera, who shares her powerful journey of immigrating to the U.S., moving back to Peru, and then returning once again—only to realize that a sense of home isn’t tied to a place, but to who we are.

We dive into the emotional complexities of feeling torn between two cultures, the struggle of fitting in vs. belonging, and the resilience it takes to star...


Unbecoming for self-love with Vevian Vozmediano
#108
02/25/2025

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Award winning podcast Don't Shrink to Fit, I sit down with Vevian Vozmediano, a trauma-informed mental health coach who helps women release stored emotions tied to their past and reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve been too afraid to explore alone.

Vevian shares her courageous journey of self-discovery, the emotional price she had to pay to distance herself from family due to religious beliefs, and the profound transformation that came from unbecoming the version of herself she once accepted in exchange for love.

...


Are you helping or enabling? with Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#107
02/18/2025

Have you ever found yourself trying to fix things for the people you love? Whether it’s your child, partner, or friend, we want to help. We want to make things easier. But what if, instead of helping, we’re actually holding them back?

In this week’s episode of the Award winning Don't Shrink to Fit Podcast, I’m diving into a tough but necessary conversation: the difference between helping and enabling.

For years, I thought I was supporting my daughters by stepping in, solving problems, and shielding them from struggle. But I’ve rea...


Just ask Spirit with Sherianna Boyle
#106
02/11/2025

What if your emotions were the key to unlocking messages from Spirit?

When life feels frightening or uncertain… what if the answers are already within you?

On this episode of the award-winning Don't Shrink to Fit podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Sherianna Boyle, author of 11 books, including the Emotional Detox series, Energy in Action, and her latest, Just Ask Spirit. Sherianna shares how our emotions and Spirit, working together, provide infinite resources for healing, clarity, love, and purpose.

...


Permission to Pause: A Powerful Conversation with Liz Clifton
#105
02/04/2025

Have you ever felt guilty for taking time for yourself or prioritizing your own well-being? That’s about to change!

Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

On this episode of my award-winning podcast, Don't Shrink to Fit, I’m thrilled to welcome Liz Clifton, who is here to share powerful insights on how to give ourselves permission to pause, embrace self-love, and practice self-care without guilt.

Why is important to pause? 

Pa...


Supporting Moms Through Every Emotional Stage with Mandy Rees
#104
01/28/2025

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

In this enlightening episode of the Don't Shrink to Fit podcast, we’re joined by Mandy Rees, founder of Mother for Life and a passionate advocate for women’s emotional well-being. Together, we dive into the raw realities of pregnancy and motherhood—the excitement, the doubts, the ever-evolving identity, and the crucial need for genuine support. From postpartum depression to the importance of finding a tribe of like-minded moms, Mandy offers expert insights, heartfelt stories, and practical strat...


How we heal our mother’s wound with Theresa Ritcher and Ariel Eversoll
#103
01/21/2025

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

In this episode I’m joined by an extraordinary mother-daughter duo, Ariel and Theresa, who turned unimaginable pain into a powerful mission to impact and empower others. After experiencing the devastating loss of their brother and son to suicide, Ariel and Theresa found themselves lost in grief, struggling to survive. Instead of staying in the darkness, they embarked on a healing journey that led to the creation of Impact and Empower Inc.—a safe space dedicated to helping women heal em...


Unlock the Magic of Energy and Art with Debra Hillard
#102
01/14/2025

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

This week, I’m thrilled to share with you a very special guest on Don't Shrink to Fit: Debra Hillard, an extraordinary artist and energy worker who considers herself a modern-day shaman. At 70 years old, Debra has embraced her authentic self, creating unique pieces of art that are so much more than what meets the eye—they are medicine for the soul.

Debra’s paintings are born from a deep spiritual journey and a connection to ancient, mystic...


A Transformative Conversation on Healing Childhood Trauma with Cassandra Love Lambert
#101
01/07/2025

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

In this powerful episode, I have a very raw and informative conversation with Cassandra Love Lambert, a trauma-trained somatic transformational coach and author, to discuss the raw and often misunderstood journey of healing from childhood trauma. Cassandra shares her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, exploring the complexities of emotions tied to trauma, such as the confusion survivors may feel when seeking comfort from an abuser despite knowing their actions are harmful.

Together we delve into the...


Manifestation & Alignment: Steps to Create the Life You Dream Of for 2025 - Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#100
12/31/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the possibilities of a new year, this episode dives deep into the real secrets of manifestation. Forget the clichés about vision boards and endless affirmations—this is about uncovering the deeper truths that truly make manifestation work.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✨ Why alignment with your authentic self is the foundation of manifestation.
✨ How subconscious beliefs and hidden patterns may be blocking your progress.
✨ The power of navigat...


Practical Tips and Insights for Parenting with Love and Boundaries with Shridhevi Veerappan
#99
12/24/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

This week  we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—parenting! I’m joined by the amazing Shridhevi Veerappan, a special educator, behavior analyst, and parenting coach, who shares her wealth of experience and empathy on the challenges parents face when kids don’t behave the way we expect.

As a mom herself—and an immigrant from India who transitioned from architecture to supporting families—Shridhevi brings invaluable insights to this conversation. Together, we discuss:

How to Get You...


Lessons in Parenting, Finances, and Empowerment with Julie Bennet Co-Founder of Lemonade Standers
#98
12/17/2024

Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – Winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching Category! 🎙️

Hi, everyone! I’m Claudia Noriega-Bernstein, your host. I’m an abundance coach, an author, and—above all—a mom.

As I mentioned December is a special month for me—it’s my birthday month! 🎂 To celebrate, I’ve lined up incredible guests who, like me, are moms dedicated to empowering other moms to find balance, overcome emotional guilt, and create the lives they truly love.

This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you...


Dealing with mama guilt while trying to create balance with Zahra Premji
#97
12/10/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

Hi, everyone! I’m Claudia Noriega-Bernstein, your host. I’m an abundance coach, an author, and—above all—a mom. And like many of you, I know the emotional struggles moms face when trying to balance life, work, chores, and everything in between. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I get it.

This December is a special month—it’s my birthday month! To celebrate, I’ve lined up incredible guests who are moms just like me. These inspiring...


The Ripple Effect of Empowerment: Johanna Crawford’s Inspiring Journey (Part 2)
#96
12/05/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

In this second part of my conversation with Johanna Crawford, the visionary founder of Web of Benefit, Inc., we delve deeper into the pivotal moments that shaped her purpose-driven career. Johanna shares how her childhood experiences influenced her mission to empower survivors of domestic violence and how founding Web of Benefit became a life-changing milestone.

She also introduces the transformative Pay-It-Forward program, a capstone to her organization’s grant-giving efforts. Through thi...


It takes a woman with Johanna Crawford Part 1
#95
12/03/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

I am honored to welcome the extraordinary Johanna Crawford  to the Don't Shrink to Fit Podcast, winner of the  Women in Podcasting Award 2024, Coaching category,  for an enlightening two-part interview. 

For over 50 years, Johanna has dedicated her life to community service, working tirelessly to empower and uplift others through her advocacy and groundbreaking initiatives.

In 2004, at the age of 58, she founded Web of Benefit, Inc., a transformative organization that has directly supp...


Gratitude in the Toughest Times - Claudia Noriega-Bernstein
#94
11/28/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

Hi friends, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Today, I want to talk about gratitude, not the kind that’s easy to find when everything is going well, but the kind you dig for when it feels like your world is crumbling.

The past two years have been some of the most challenging of my life, and, honestly, gratitude often felt out of reach. But as I sit with everything I’ve experienced, I’ve come to see that this j...


Real Estate, Purpose, and Transformation – with Ann Reed!
#93
11/26/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

What if your journey to finding purpose could be just as valuable as your path to success? This week on Don't Shrink to Fit, I’m excited to introduce you to Ann Reed, a true multi-hyphenate in the world of real estate – not only a Realtor, but also an Interior Designer, Investor, Podcaster, Course Creator, and Director of a Non-Profit with an inspiring mission.

Ann has been in the real estate game f...


A Candid Conversation with Kate Walker – Your Guide to Life, Love, and Leadership
#92
11/19/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

What does it really take to lead a life of purpose, resilience, and success? This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Kate Walker to Don't Shrink to Fit, where we dive into the essentials of life, love, and leadership.

Kate is an Executive Consultant, HR expert, and Bestselling Author whose experience spans over two decades in senior-level Human Resources, where she’s worked with companies like Nintendo, the United States Tennis Association...


Meet Heinna – Your Secret Weapon for Business Growth & AI Insights - Heinna Vea
#91
11/12/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

Imagine having a dedicated supporter by your side, one who cheers you on, helps you unlock new possibilities, and genuinely feels your passion for growth. That’s Heinna, the vibrant Online Business Manager (OBM) who’s ready to become your guiding light in this week’s episode of Don't Shrink to Fit!

In this episode, we dive deep with Heinna into all things AI and explore how it’s changing the game for business owners like you...


The shift I did to change my life with Brittany Cates
#90
11/05/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Brittany Cates, a former teacher who made a courageous shift into UX design. Like many, Brittany spent years searching for the right path, finding herself repeatedly drawn back to education. Through trial and error, she learned to trust herself, making the changes necessary for a more aligned career and a better work-life balance.

In today’s conversation, Brittany and I dive into the importance of giving ourselves permission to change paths when ou...


A super mom moment, and the world we are leaving behind with Claudia noriega-Bernstein
#89
10/29/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

When someone recently asked about my vision, I realized it’s all about leaving behind a world with more kindness, less trauma, and deeper connections. As a mom, my contribution to that vision begins with raising daughters who understand the importance of every choice they make and how it can uplift others. At the heart of every relationship is authenticity and trust, and these are the values that have shaped the bond I share with my daughters—nurturing a connection...


Español - Creando el Equilibrio Perfecto: Ser Mamá y Profesional con Rocío Calderón
#88
10/24/2024

Hoy les tengo una conversación muy especial que estoy segura les va a encantar. En este episodio, tengo el honor de hablar con Rocío Calderón, una mujer increíblemente exitosa, quien nos comparte no solo anécdotas de su carrera, sino también su experiencia al lograr el equilibrio perfecto entre ser una mamá presente sin dejar de ser la profesional exitosa que es.

Les prometo que esta conversación les va a inspirar, y espero que disfruten tanto como yo al escuchar las historias y reflexiones de Rocío. ¡Acompáñenme en este episodio lle...


Recognizing the Signs: A Journey of Autism Diagnosis and Support with Crystal Reckker
#87
10/22/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Don’t Shrink to Fit – the winner of the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award in the Coaching category!

I am thrilled to share some incredible news with you! Don’t Shrink to Fit has won first place in the Coaching category at the Women in Podcasting Awards! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support, encouragement, and the incredible community we’ve built together. I want to thank each of you for being such a huge part of this accomplishment—it truly means the world to me!

In this episode, I had the privilege of...