The Nativist

Defusing the F-Bomb: What Feminism Actually Is

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.

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Sorry/Not Sorry: How to Apologize When You're Sorry, What to Say When You're Not

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.

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Thank you for being here. xx

It Starts With You: Influencing Others and Changing the World

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 navigate there directly via www.thenativist.net/goodwill-gang and follow the instructions. Thank you!

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Straight Talk:Communicating Directly

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 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: (Instagram) @thehomebodybybrooke and @brookerichardsonphotography

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Growing Pains: Avoiding the Traps in Optimization and Finding Your Flow in Grow

We’re constantly encouraged to have a growth mindset; to be disciplined; to always strive to improve and to evolve, in virtually every area of life. But can that ever be taken too far? How do you know when it’s become problematic? What can you do to prevent that? Is there ever a time when a growth mindset is not appropriate or beneficial? What is true growth?

In this solo episode, I highlight red flags to be aware of and questions to consider when setting goals and seeking your highest self. I offer a re-definition of your actual highest self, and explore the importance of self-trust. I differentiate between discipline and dogmatism, and propose how to own your routine (rather than it owning you). I explain why rigid rules are common for those with conditions such as ADHD and eating disorders, and what that rigidity indicates. I reveal the reasoning of why I chose The Nativist brand name, and how I feel about it now.

It’s all so simple, yet so complex. C’est la vie.

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Life Lessons in Parenting

Love. Communication. Discipline. Respect. Resilience. Adaptability. Empathy. Humility. Tenacity. Curiosity. Patience. Consideration. All key words for parenting and for life, and how you apply them matters. 

In this episode Byron + Ashley Hunt share how they fostered healthy cohesion while nurturing individual empowerment  - for themselves + their kids. They reveal how they became a close family team that shows up for each other in every way. 

They reveal what made the difference for them in cultivating a family that genuinely respects + supports each other. 

Their approach contains heavy-hitting life lessons for ALL of us. Worth listening to even if you’re not a parent. Worth listening to if you’re a human who values connection. 

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

The books we reference in the show: 

• The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It by Warren Farrell and John Gray
• The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
• Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way by Jocko Willink

In with the Old:Re-thinking Aging

Chasing youth seems to be society’s prescribed pastime. How does this obsession affect you? Your wallet? Your energy levels? Your outlook?

We have all the anti-aging creams and regimens we could ask for (and those we don’t ask for). Are there pro-aging products? Opinions? Acceptances? Should there be? [How] Have our views on aging shifted? [How] Have your views on aging shifted?

In this episode I offer points to ponder on how we personally and collectively see and experience aging. I question how we currently regard it, and suggest how we could re-frame it. I also share what pisses me right the hell off (slash bums me out). Insert smiley face.

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Lightening Up: My Implant Removal Story

In this first episode back after my hiatus, I detail my experience having my breast implants removed. I share with you the health scare that compelled me to finally get them taken out, the explant surgery and recovery processes I went through, and the complications and emergency surgery I encountered. I open up about body image and how I feel about mine post-explant. I talk breast implant illness symptoms, and why this condition is receiving more awareness.

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Let Life Be Easier

Are you making life harder than it needs to be? Maybe you are and you're just not aware of it. If you’re like me, you make life 10x harder than necessary. 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

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Define Yourself Using Your Definitions

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.

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