The Becoming Years with Alina Wilson

The Becoming Years is an ad-free podcast built around meaningful, intergenerational conversations that shape how we live - where experience, curiosity, and perspective meet. This is not a debate or a performance, but a spacious, intelligent conversation designed to offer clarity and connection.

The Becoming Years with Alina Wilson is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Becoming Years with Alina Wilson, a arts show with 15 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #15

  Margaret Gardiner: Damaged Beauty - The Stories Behind The Mirror

  Aug 10, 202656 minS1

  In this episode of The Becoming Years, Alina and Margaret Gardiner, former Beauty Queen, Journalist, & Author, talk about her debut novel Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar and the deeper themes behind it: self-worth, people-pleasing, and the cost of performance. Margaret shares how her background in psychology and her early experiences in beauty and fashion shaped the story. Together, they explore how women are often trained to self-blame, stay likable, and put others first at their own expense. Margaret explains why her protagonist, Joey, is intentionally unlikable at first — because real healing often begins in uncomfortable, imperfect places. They also discuss how books can open difficult conversations between mothers and daughters and how compassion can coexist with strong boundaries. The episode closes on a hopeful note: you are not your image, you are not your mistakes, and it is always possible to change. Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar , is the kind of story that stays with you — honest, messy, powerful, and so worth reading. Timeline 0:01 — Introduction to Margaret Gardiner and her background 1:13 — Margaret explains the inner voice and the book’s core message 2:09 — Fiction vs. autobiography and why the story is partly personal 8:12 — The hidden cost behind glamour and public images 12:14 — Teaching younger generations what to do in hard situations 13:57 — Why the book can spark mother-daughter conversations 17:18 — Self-blame and people-pleasing in women 20:28 — Breaking repeated patterns and creating new outcomes 22:53 — Performative behavior and living for others’ expectations 31:37 — Navigating obligation, self-sacrifice, and self-worth 33:40 — Using tools to protect your emotional safety 43:04 — Margaret shares a story about online bullying and responding with compassion 52:09 — Shame, harmful habits, and the danger of self-destruction 55:05 — The power of stepping back before falling too far 58:34 — Final message: women don’t have to be perfect to change Win a signed copy of Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar - Here’s how to enter: Follow on Instagram: @margaret_gardiner and @thebecomingyearspodcast Tag a friend in the comments Every friend you tag = one extra entry Winner will be chosen randomly on 8/17/26 More about Margaret: https://www.margaretgardiner.com/ Order the book: https://a.co/d/02m6s3zg YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/MargaretGardinerUniverse FB: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretGardinerOfficial IG: https://www.instagram.com/margaret_gardiner/

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  Episode #14

  Dame Clarissa Burt: You Are More Than Enough

  Aug 5, 202637 minS1

  Unlock the secrets to boosting your self-esteem and transforming your life with wisdom from Dame Clarissa Burt, a knighted international media icon, former supermodel, and author of The Self-Esteem Regime . In this inspiring episode, Clarissa shares how her tumultuous childhood fueled her passion for helping others, revealing practical, bite-sized tools to strengthen confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence, especially when life feels overwhelming. You'll discover the four pillars of self-esteem - look good, feel good, be good, and give back—plus actionable steps to nurture each. Clarissa breaks down how to cultivate inner strength through boundaries, integrity, and a growth mindset rooted in genuine self-care. She shares personal stories from her time in fashion and television, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and a supportive tribe. Learn how to navigate rejection in industries rife with it, and why showing up with honesty and kindness creates ripple effects far beyond your expectations.This episode underscores why self-esteem isn’t just about feeling good—it’s your foundation for resilience during storms, your tool for meaningful connections, and your secret weapon for a life of purpose. Perfect for anyone seeking confidence, clarity, and connection - especially women navigating change, rejection, and growth. Leave feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with tangible strategies to elevate your self-esteem from the inside out. Clarissa Burt is an award-winning media personality, former model, and social advocate, honored by the Vatican and renowned for her work empowering women through self-love and resilience. Her story of transformation proves that it's never too late to redefine your path and embrace your true power. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Clarissa Burt and her knighthood 01:07 - Clarissa's background and diverse career journey 02:47 - The motivation behind her book, The Self-Esteem Regime 04:29 - Navigating the self-help landscape and social media influences 06:56 - Handling life's storms with the right emotional tools 08:43 - Overcoming feelings of being 'too much' 09:43 - Building emotional intelligence and value systems 12:28 - Approaching personal growth as a journey, not a task 15:01 - Clarissa’s experience with the modeling industry and her purpose beyond appearances 18:32 - The importance of integrity and professionalism in rejection 21:02 - Clarissa’s process for enhancing self-esteem through her book’s chapters 22:45 - Empathy and understanding your purpose in helping others 25:24 - Highlighting her recognition by the Vatican and her charitable work 30:01 - Addressing domestic violence and creating pathways for escape 36:57 - Final thoughts on giving back and living with purpose Follow Dame Clarissa Burt Online! https://clarissaburt.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaBurtInternational IG: https://www.instagram.com/clarissaburt/ The Self Esteem Regime

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  Episode #13

  Danielle Van Auken: How One Dream Became A National Franchise

  Jul 23, 202639 minS1

  Some conversations feel less like interviews and more like catching up with a life-long friend—and that’s exactly what this episode is. Today, I’m joined by my dear friend Danielle Van Auken, founder of Organic Bronze Bar, to talk about the journey of turning a passion for helping women feel confident into a nationally recognized franchise rooted in purpose and connection. Danielle and I share more than a friendship—we share a belief that beauty is about so much more than appearance. It’s about how we make people feel, the stories we carry, and the communities we create along the way. In this conversation, Danielle opens up about the evolution of Organic Bronze Bar from a single spa location into a growing franchise, the importance of protecting what makes a brand truly unique, and why integrity, authenticity, and shared values matter more than rapid expansion. This episode is a beautiful reminder that the most successful businesses are often built on something much deeper than a product—they’re built on relationships, purpose, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring conversation about friendship, entrepreneurship, and creating a legacy that empowers women one connection at a time. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Danielle Van Auken and the story behind Organic Bronze Bar 00:20 - What makes Organic Bronze Bar's formula unique? The importance of natural ingredients and transparency 02:28 - Challenges of protecting a formula without a patent, and actions taken to safeguard secrets 03:09 - Danielle’s inspiration from her early days in aesthetics and the evolution of spray tanning 03:54 - Building a business rooted in safe, clean, and effective products during a time of high UV risks 05:13 - The significance of community and customer stories in franchising growth 10:11 - From a single salon to a national franchise: the journey and the power of word-of-mouth 13:54 - The importance of purpose in franchising: empowering women and fostering a caring community 17:13 - Key qualities and values Danielle seeks in franchise partners: authenticity, love for women, respect 22:02 - Personal stories of franchise clients overcoming health struggles and feeling celebrated 25:42 - Protecting the culture: Danielle’s deliberate standards for selecting franchisees 26:49 - The societal shift towards ethical business and women’s empowerment 29:25 - Employee development and leadership as a core part of business growth 32:34 - Creating career pathways for employees and supporting women entrepreneurs 38:11 - Words of wisdom: following your passion with integrity and building options for yourself and others 40:10 - Connecting with Danielle and the legacy of Organic Bronze Bar Resources & Links: Organic Bronze Bar Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

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  Episode #12

  Amy Lenius: Rebuild Your Confidence With 3 Simple Steps

  Jul 13, 202652 minS1

  If you’re ready to level up your self-worth, ditch the perfectionism, and celebrate even the smallest wins, then this episode is your new best friend. Join Alina & Amy on a rollercoaster ride through the wild worlds of hormones, success, and the core beliefs that shape our lives - told in a way that only Amy Lenius can deliver. This episode is packed with practical, hilarious insights on transforming your mindset and habits. Amy explains how tiny tweaks—like celebrating laundry or ditching perfection—can lead to massive success. If you've ever wondered how to thrive as a woman, embrace holistic growth, and stop self-sabotaging, this one's for you.Key Topics: The three foundational pillars: Self-Worth, Self-Belief, and Consistency The power of celebrating small wins for building confidence How to tailor habit trackers to your unique season of life The difference between self-esteem and self-worth explained in three sentences Frameworks for creating unshakable self-belief: State, Prove, Self-Assign Handling core wounds: Defective, Unlovable, Unwanted—oh my! Vulnerability and authenticity in relationships with men and women The importance of personalized habit tracking and freeing yourself from perfectionism How personality profiling informs effective self-growth The magic of 'letting go' and embracing internal maps to liberation Resources & Links: Next Level University Book Recommendations for Self-Confidence and Growth Connect with Amy: Instagram Facebook Alina’s show notes: Resources: - Get Alina's Book! Thoughtful Aging - Restoring Honor to the Aging Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D92HZ5/ - Get your free Thoughtful Aging Guide: https://www.bpwcenter.com/ Follow Alina and her work here: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingYears - Instagram - @bridgeportlaserandwellness: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeportlaserandwellness - Facebook - @bridgeportwellness: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeportwellness/ Have A Question? - Have a Question For Alina That You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Leave her a Voice Note Here: https://www.speakpipe.com/thebecomingyearspodcast

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  Episode #11

  Shannon Donahoe-Simpson: Choosing Joy - How to Magnetize the Life & Love You Deserve

  Jun 23, 202652 minS1

  Ever feel like life keeps testing your patience and your joy? Today, Shannon Donahoe-Simpson is a TEDx speaker, cancer survivor, and joy enthusiast. She joins Alina to spill the tea on how she turned life's chaos into a pathway for awakening her inner happiness. Spoiler alert: it involves boundaries, bravery, and some awesome dance moves. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome to the Becoming Years: Finding Joy in the Journey 02:07 - Shannon’s childhood trauma and her breakthrough moment 03:50 - Sharing her story to empower others and break silence 06:44 - Filing her first police report against her grandfather 07:47 - Life crashing down: cancer diagnosis and managing autism 10:23 - The coaching journey and inner work through plant medicine 12:55 - The moment she realized she was asking her children to do her inner work 15:28 - Becoming the mirror: reflecting on anxiety and personal growth 16:48 - The profound insight: “It’s not everybody else, it’s me” 18:34 - How intuition and self-trust create peace amidst chaos 20:49 - The vulnerability of joy and the courage to love again 22:29 - Joy as a solo experience—learning to find happiness within 23:37 - Dancing as a daily practice for emotional regulation 26:17 - Grief and joy: how to make space for both 28:13 - Tools for calming the nervous system and staying present in relationships 30:37 - The importance of feeling safe and cultivating inner peace 36:44 - Communication, boundaries, and staying centered during conflict 39:05 - Recognizing when it’s safe to open your heart and find true safety 41:14 - Becoming magnetized to the love and joy you desire 45:43 - Practical steps for online dating and self-discovery 48:17 - Trusting your intuition and reading body language for better relationships 50:53 - The power of small steps and brave decisions in life and love 51:33 - Final words: follow joy, take action, and embrace your authentic self Resources & Links: Upcoming Brave Enough Workshop https://shannondonahoesimpson.com/workshops The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo Shannon Donahoe-Simpson’s Website - https://shannondonaho simpson.com Follow Shannon on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shannondonohoesimpson/ Toolbox Tuesdays Podcast https://shannondonahoesimpson.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.donohoesimpson LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/shannondonahoesimpson Twitter https://twitter.com/shannondonahoesimpson YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@shannondonohoesimpson/videos

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