Done Pretending Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:56:04 -0400 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susan-houston2 en-us © 2026 Done Pretending yes 62ec0369-4eea-54b5-aab3-e85b3199d22e Susan Houston episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Susan Houston https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ppa58fzxcb8w57e1b18xnqx3usp1?.jpg Done Pretending https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susan-houston2 Episode 4 | Holiday Family Drama: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Stop Getting Triggered Episode 4 | Holiday Family Drama: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Stop Getting Triggered The holidays have a way of pulling us right back into old roles, especially when family dynamics start testing your patience and your sense of self. I talk about how to stay grounded and calm in the middle of the chaos, using simple, science-backed tools that actually work when emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt judged, triggered, or completely exhausted after a family gathering, this will feel very familiar.


I share how to spot your personal triggers before you walk through the door and what you can do to mentally prepare for those predictable moments. We get into practical ways to calm your nervous system in real time, so you’re not snapping, shutting down, or people-pleasing. I also walk through how to set boundaries that are kind but firm, without turning dinner into a debate or a blowup.


We even talk about what happens after the gathering, because that part matters too. I’ll show you how to reflect in a way that helps you grow instead of replaying everything you said or wish you’d said. This episode is about staying true to who you’ve become, even when family dynamics try to pull you back into old versions of yourself.


Key Timestamps: 

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:24] Family drama during the holidays.

[00:06:41] Boundary strategies for conflict prevention.

[00:11:47] Mental labeling for emotional regulation.

[00:15:20] Grounding techniques for stress relief.

[00:20:48] Debriefing after events.


Memorable Quotes:

"Judgment is someone else's projection. Usually, it's a projection of their fears or their inward problems that they haven't dealt with." [00:09:13] – Susan Houston


"You don't go home for the holidays to prove who you are. You go to practice staying who you've become." [00:21:59] – Susan Houston


Join our FREE Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/done-pretending-susan-houston-4882


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

]]> The holidays have a way of pulling us right back into old roles, especially when family dynamics start testing your patience and your sense of self. I talk about how to stay grounded and calm in the middle of the chaos, using simple, science-backed tools that actually work when emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt judged, triggered, or completely exhausted after a family gathering, this will feel very familiar.


I share how to spot your personal triggers before you walk through the door and what you can do to mentally prepare for those predictable moments. We get into practical ways to calm your nervous system in real time, so you’re not snapping, shutting down, or people-pleasing. I also walk through how to set boundaries that are kind but firm, without turning dinner into a debate or a blowup.


We even talk about what happens after the gathering, because that part matters too. I’ll show you how to reflect in a way that helps you grow instead of replaying everything you said or wish you’d said. This episode is about staying true to who you’ve become, even when family dynamics try to pull you back into old versions of yourself.


Key Timestamps: 

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:24] Family drama during the holidays.

[00:06:41] Boundary strategies for conflict prevention.

[00:11:47] Mental labeling for emotional regulation.

[00:15:20] Grounding techniques for stress relief.

[00:20:48] Debriefing after events.


Memorable Quotes:

"Judgment is someone else's projection. Usually, it's a projection of their fears or their inward problems that they haven't dealt with." [00:09:13] – Susan Houston


"You don't go home for the holidays to prove who you are. You go to practice staying who you've become." [00:21:59] – Susan Houston


Join our FREE Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/done-pretending-susan-houston-4882


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

]]> Susan Houston d624ea6e-83f0-41cf-a716-4aecb9717c47 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:22:19 -0500 1479 4 false Episode 3 | The Cost of Being Your True Self: Family, Friends, and Personal Growth Episode 3 | The Cost of Being Your True Self: Family, Friends, and Personal Growth It still amazes me how our brains shift the moment we stop pretending and start showing up as our real selves, and I share a little story about that spark of authenticity that changes everything. In this episode, I break down the brain science behind being true to yourself: how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social prediction work together in everyday life. You’ll hear how understanding these processes makes navigating work, relationships, and even tough conversations feel a lot less confusing. My goal is to make all of this feel accessible and surprisingly encouraging.


I also open up about the fear that comes with choosing authenticity, especially when your brain is wired to avoid rejection at all costs. We talk about why people react the way they do when you start growing, and why some relationships stretch while others snap back. When you understand the neuroscience behind those reactions, it becomes a lot easier to take things less personally. And honestly, it brings a whole new level of calm to the process.


To wrap things up, I share the real-life benefits I’ve seen: clearer mental space, deeper relationships, and that quiet relief of not pretending anymore. You’ll hear some practical ways to stay grounded when the people you love don’t quite understand the changes you’re making. And I leave you with one small, doable step you can take today to get closer to your truest, most comfortable self. Because you deserve connections that feel safe, supportive, and aligned with who you really are.


Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:02:09] 3 brain processes for developing authenticity.

[00:04:24] Why do people react when you change?

[00:07:05] Benefits of becoming your true self.

[00:11:11] What to do when loved ones disapprove of your growth?

[00:16:21] Building a life on authenticity.


Memorable Quotes:

"Authenticity can cost you, but it can also save you." [00:10:59] – Susan Houston


"Here's the truth that psychologists and neuroscientists consistently return to: being your true self and not hiding anymore, it's not about losing people. It's about finding the people who can stay and who can lift you up." [00:16:31] – Susan Houston


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

]]> It still amazes me how our brains shift the moment we stop pretending and start showing up as our real selves, and I share a little story about that spark of authenticity that changes everything. In this episode, I break down the brain science behind being true to yourself: how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social prediction work together in everyday life. You’ll hear how understanding these processes makes navigating work, relationships, and even tough conversations feel a lot less confusing. My goal is to make all of this feel accessible and surprisingly encouraging.


I also open up about the fear that comes with choosing authenticity, especially when your brain is wired to avoid rejection at all costs. We talk about why people react the way they do when you start growing, and why some relationships stretch while others snap back. When you understand the neuroscience behind those reactions, it becomes a lot easier to take things less personally. And honestly, it brings a whole new level of calm to the process.


To wrap things up, I share the real-life benefits I’ve seen: clearer mental space, deeper relationships, and that quiet relief of not pretending anymore. You’ll hear some practical ways to stay grounded when the people you love don’t quite understand the changes you’re making. And I leave you with one small, doable step you can take today to get closer to your truest, most comfortable self. Because you deserve connections that feel safe, supportive, and aligned with who you really are.


Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:02:09] 3 brain processes for developing authenticity.

[00:04:24] Why do people react when you change?

[00:07:05] Benefits of becoming your true self.

[00:11:11] What to do when loved ones disapprove of your growth?

[00:16:21] Building a life on authenticity.


Memorable Quotes:

"Authenticity can cost you, but it can also save you." [00:10:59] – Susan Houston


"Here's the truth that psychologists and neuroscientists consistently return to: being your true self and not hiding anymore, it's not about losing people. It's about finding the people who can stay and who can lift you up." [00:16:31] – Susan Houston


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

]]> Susan Houston 14903c9f-d663-4fa4-be71-a65d1520ff54 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:09:18 -0500 1246 false Episode 2 | The Toll of Judging and Being Judged: Reclaim Your True Self Episode 2 | The Toll of Judging and Being Judged: Reclaim Your True Self It’s wild how much judgment, both fearing it and dishing it out, can quietly shape our lives without us realizing it. Today, I’m breaking down how those tiny moments of “What will they think?” slowly pull us away from who we really are. You’ll hear the real reasons we start shrinking ourselves to fit other people’s comfort zones and why it leaves us feeling disconnected and exhausted. This episode is a gentle nudge to notice where judgment shows up in your day and what it might be costing you.


I talk about how easy it is to become a collage of other people’s opinions, and how hard it can be to remember who you are when no one else is watching. You’ll learn the physical and emotional signs that judgment has been running the show, plus the surprising ways judging others weighs us down, too. I share a few stories from my own life, so you can hear how this plays out in real time, and not just in theory. My goal is to make these patterns feel familiar enough that you can spot them in your own world.


By the end, I’ll walk you through simple things you can try this week to build confidence and soften the fear of being judged. These small steps really do add up and help you create proof that being seen, messy, bold, or opinionated, is survivable. You’ll get a few grounding reminders to support your most authentic self, without pressure or perfection. If you’re craving a little more freedom and a lot less second-guessing, you’ll feel right at home in this conversation.


Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:14] The cost of judgment.

[00:09:18] Body image issues and judgments.

[00:14:30] Overcoming fear of judgment.

[00:19:01] Judgment and personal growth.



Memorable Quotes:


"You have to ask yourself, who am I when no one is watching? If you can't answer that question, you're living someone else's life." [00:07:17] – Susan Houston


"This version of you needs to be unedited, unapologetic, but it's always more powerful than any performance that you could ever be." [00:18:43] – Susan Houston


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Join our FREE Skool Community and get instant access to the 30-Day Freedom from Judgment Tracker, the tool that helps you break free from what's holding you back and step into your calling.


👉 Join here:  https://www.skool.com/done-pretending-susan-houston-4882


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com



]]> It’s wild how much judgment, both fearing it and dishing it out, can quietly shape our lives without us realizing it. Today, I’m breaking down how those tiny moments of “What will they think?” slowly pull us away from who we really are. You’ll hear the real reasons we start shrinking ourselves to fit other people’s comfort zones and why it leaves us feeling disconnected and exhausted. This episode is a gentle nudge to notice where judgment shows up in your day and what it might be costing you.


I talk about how easy it is to become a collage of other people’s opinions, and how hard it can be to remember who you are when no one else is watching. You’ll learn the physical and emotional signs that judgment has been running the show, plus the surprising ways judging others weighs us down, too. I share a few stories from my own life, so you can hear how this plays out in real time, and not just in theory. My goal is to make these patterns feel familiar enough that you can spot them in your own world.


By the end, I’ll walk you through simple things you can try this week to build confidence and soften the fear of being judged. These small steps really do add up and help you create proof that being seen, messy, bold, or opinionated, is survivable. You’ll get a few grounding reminders to support your most authentic self, without pressure or perfection. If you’re craving a little more freedom and a lot less second-guessing, you’ll feel right at home in this conversation.


Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:14] The cost of judgment.

[00:09:18] Body image issues and judgments.

[00:14:30] Overcoming fear of judgment.

[00:19:01] Judgment and personal growth.



Memorable Quotes:


"You have to ask yourself, who am I when no one is watching? If you can't answer that question, you're living someone else's life." [00:07:17] – Susan Houston


"This version of you needs to be unedited, unapologetic, but it's always more powerful than any performance that you could ever be." [00:18:43] – Susan Houston


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Join our FREE Skool Community and get instant access to the 30-Day Freedom from Judgment Tracker, the tool that helps you break free from what's holding you back and step into your calling.


👉 Join here:  https://www.skool.com/done-pretending-susan-houston-4882


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com



]]> Susan Houston 498fe8d7-6132-49fc-8841-526f82c91fd2 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:20:00 -0500 1284 1 2 false Episode 1 | I’m Done Pretending: How I Stopped Shrinking Myself & Started Living Authentically Episode 1 | I’m Done Pretending: How I Stopped Shrinking Myself & Started Living Authentically I’ve spent so much of my life trying to outrun other people’s opinions, and in this episode, I open up about the moment I finally realized I was done pretending. I share the childhood memory that taught me how quickly judgment can shape the way we shrink or show up. You’ll hear how that old story followed me into adulthood and built a life that looked “fine” but didn’t feel aligned. And you’ll get a real, honest look at what pushed me to start this podcast.


I talk through how judgment sneaks into our daily choices and keeps us playing small without even noticing. You’ll learn three simple steps I use to break that pattern and practice showing up more fully in my own life. I also share the mindset shifts that helped me clear out the noise and trust myself again. If you’ve ever felt held back by what people might think, you’re going to feel right at home here.


I share why community has been such a huge part of my healing and why I wanted this podcast to feel like a cozy space to land, not another place to impress anyone. You’ll hear how we can support one another as we unlearn old habits and build something more honest together. I’d truly love to hear your stories and walk this out with you. Hit play on this very first episode of the Done Pretending podcast, and let’s start practicing authenticity side by side.


Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:00:43] Healing through authentic living.

[00:05:34] Childhood trauma and its effects.

[00:10:11] Dreaming big vs. mediocre life.

[00:14:25] Judgment and vulnerability exploration.

[00:19:25] Stepping out of comfort zone.



Memorable Quotes:


"It's my goal to teach you how to be the real you, how to stop pretending to be something just to be safe, just to keep everybody else happy. We're going to let all that go." [00:02:59] – Susan Houston


"I want you to get vulnerable, and I want you to just post something that is real." [00:16:35] – Susan Houston


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Join our FREE Skool Community and get instant access to the 30-Day Freedom from Judgment Tracker, the tool that helps you break free from what's holding you back and step into your calling.


👉 Join here:  https://www.skool.com/done-pretending-susan-houston-4882


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com


]]> I’ve spent so much of my life trying to outrun other people’s opinions, and in this episode, I open up about the moment I finally realized I was done pretending. I share the childhood memory that taught me how quickly judgment can shape the way we shrink or show up. You’ll hear how that old story followed me into adulthood and built a life that looked “fine” but didn’t feel aligned. And you’ll get a real, honest look at what pushed me to start this podcast.


I talk through how judgment sneaks into our daily choices and keeps us playing small without even noticing. You’ll learn three simple steps I use to break that pattern and practice showing up more fully in my own life. I also share the mindset shifts that helped me clear out the noise and trust myself again. If you’ve ever felt held back by what people might think, you’re going to feel right at home here.


I share why community has been such a huge part of my healing and why I wanted this podcast to feel like a cozy space to land, not another place to impress anyone. You’ll hear how we can support one another as we unlearn old habits and build something more honest together. I’d truly love to hear your stories and walk this out with you. Hit play on this very first episode of the Done Pretending podcast, and let’s start practicing authenticity side by side.


Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:00:43] Healing through authentic living.

[00:05:34] Childhood trauma and its effects.

[00:10:11] Dreaming big vs. mediocre life.

[00:14:25] Judgment and vulnerability exploration.

[00:19:25] Stepping out of comfort zone.



Memorable Quotes:


"It's my goal to teach you how to be the real you, how to stop pretending to be something just to be safe, just to keep everybody else happy. We're going to let all that go." [00:02:59] – Susan Houston


"I want you to get vulnerable, and I want you to just post something that is real." [00:16:35] – Susan Houston


Connect with Susan Houston:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhouston.kienitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanhouston.kienitz/


Join our FREE Skool Community and get instant access to the 30-Day Freedom from Judgment Tracker, the tool that helps you break free from what's holding you back and step into your calling.


👉 Join here:  https://www.skool.com/done-pretending-susan-houston-4882


Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com


]]> Susan Houston 9b1106e7-1a4a-4992-9655-a21e0a245ef6 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:10:00 -0500 1327 1 1 false Welcome to Done Pretending! Welcome to Done Pretending! What if the most exhausting thing you've ever done was pretending to be fine for too long?Welcome to Done Pretending, where healing meets authentic living. Hosted by Susan Houston, this podcast is a movement for anyone who's tired of hiding, for the people pleasers, the perfectionists, and the ones who've spent their whole lives being strong for everyone else.Susan knows what it's like to appear strong while feeling completely unseen, to sacrifice who you are for who everyone else needs you to be, and to wake up one day realizing you don't even recognize yourself anymore. But she also knows what happens when you finally take that mask off.This isn't just another self-help podcast. This is a sanctuary for the soul.Each week, you'll hear powerful stories from real people who've done the brave work, people who have faced their shame, found their voice, and stepped into the freedom of being themselves. We'll explore what it really takes to heal, to let go of the version of you that everyone expects, to stop living for approval and start living on purpose.Because here's the truth: The world doesn't need another version of who you think you should be. It needs the real you.If you're ready to take off the mask and step into authentic living, this podcast is for you.

]]> What if the most exhausting thing you've ever done was pretending to be fine for too long?Welcome to Done Pretending, where healing meets authentic living. Hosted by Susan Houston, this podcast is a movement for anyone who's tired of hiding, for the people pleasers, the perfectionists, and the ones who've spent their whole lives being strong for everyone else.Susan knows what it's like to appear strong while feeling completely unseen, to sacrifice who you are for who everyone else needs you to be, and to wake up one day realizing you don't even recognize yourself anymore. But she also knows what happens when you finally take that mask off.This isn't just another self-help podcast. This is a sanctuary for the soul.Each week, you'll hear powerful stories from real people who've done the brave work, people who have faced their shame, found their voice, and stepped into the freedom of being themselves. We'll explore what it really takes to heal, to let go of the version of you that everyone expects, to stop living for approval and start living on purpose.Because here's the truth: The world doesn't need another version of who you think you should be. It needs the real you.If you're ready to take off the mask and step into authentic living, this podcast is for you.

]]> Susan Houston d23db5bc-13bf-4544-a985-7a7a7ccd5e02 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 94 false