The Alli Worthington Show

Stop Tolerating What’s Draining You: Permission to Walk Away Without Guilt

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Here is a truth most people avoid: Just because it's familiar doesn't mean it's faithful to your future. That friendship where you're the unpaid therapist? That group you got guilt-tripped into joining faster than you could say, "I guess I can help"? That job that drains your soul every Sunday night, just thinking about Monday morning? Yep. That.
 
You don't need a crisis to walk away. You don't need a round of applause to choose peace. But since I'm here, let me say it anyway: You have the power to put it down now. God never asked you to carry all that.
 
This episode is for the woman who's tired of spinning all the plates while smiling like everything's fine. You're not alone in this struggle. Whether you're raising teens with more opinions than clean laundry, building a business from scratch, or barely keeping it together while Instagram keeps showing you everyone else's picture-perfect life, I need you to hear me clearly: You are allowed to walk away. 
 
You don't need permission, but if a little holy affirmation helps, here it is: You're not quitting; you're obeying. You're not letting people down; you're laying your burdens down.
 
Let this be the day you stop apologizing for no longer being available for chaos. The peace you crave isn't selfish—it's sacred. It's your right to prioritize your well-being.
 
Timestamps:
 
(01:31) -The Permission Problem
(02:23) - 3 Types of Drains We Tolerate
(06:24) -The Real Cost of Tolerating What’s Quietly Draining You
(07:31) - Why We Keep Holding On to What’s Holding Us Back
(08:17) - Your Step-by-Step Liberation Plan to Finally Let Go
 
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
 
Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - What's Up Beauty - Watch Me! Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
Alli

Podcasting, Growth, and the Hidden Rules No One Shares. Annie F. Downs on Smart Girl Summer

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Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I’m sitting down with the incredible Annie F. Downs, a best-selling author, podcaster, speaker, and Enneagram enthusiast, for a powerhouse conversation you won’t want to miss.
 
We’re two Enneagram Sevens pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a thriving business and grow a platform, without losing yourself in the process. You know those glossy success stories that make it all look effortless? 
 
Well, we’re here to talk about the real journey, the bad advice we ignored, the behind-the-scenes realities no one tells you about, and the lessons that shaped us.
 
So, if you love business and you need a fresh shot of motivation and wisdom, this one’s for you. Buckle up, friend—it’s going to be a good one!
Timestamps:
(08:05) - Why 2025 Is the Best Time to Start a Podcast
(11:02) - What Actually Grows a Podcast (And What Doesn’t)
(25:15) - Find Your Lane and Run Fast
(32:02) - Don’t Just Dream—Get in the Room with People Who’ve Done It
(39:22) - What’s Really Working on Social Media Right Now
 
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
Links to great things we discussed: 
 
Annie’s Favorite Skin Care Product - Cattle + Comb Tallow Lotion
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
 
Alli

The Myth of Being Low Maintenance: Why Downplaying Your Needs Is Wrecking Your Life

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Do you know what’s quietly stealing your joy, keeping you small, and making sure everyone else’s needs come first, while yours barely make the list? Being low maintenance. Yep, I said it.
 
Somewhere along the way, we got the message: don’t ask for much, don’t rock the boat, and definitely don’t be “difficult.” But let’s get real—that’s not a virtue. That’s a survival strategy we learned to keep the peace, and it’s keeping us stuck.
 
Today, I’m calling it out. If you’ve ever said, “No worries, whatever works!” when it absolutely did not work, or if you’ve ever ignored that little voice in your head telling you what you actually want, it’s time to break free. You’re not “too much.” You’re not “demanding.” You’re a human with real wants and needs, and you deserve to own them, without apology.
Timestamps:
 
(02:42)-Where Exactly Did the Low-Maintenance Myth Come From
(04:22) - The Cortisol Cascade: How People-Pleasing Wrecks Your Nervous System
(06:49) -Your Identity Is at Stake: What You’re Really Losing When You Keep the Peace
(08:52) - Practical Ways to Start Showing Up Without Shrinking Your Needs
(12:01) - How to Finally Break the Low-Maintenance Cycle
 
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
 
Don't forget -- The Uplift app is FINALLY here! Try it free for 30 days.
Alli’s Product Recommendation - Native Path Bone Health Collagen Peptides
Some things are beautiful, some things are meaningful—but when you find both in one? That’s something special. Little Things Studio’s Hymn Tea Towel set brings beloved hymns to life through stunning floral designs printed on 100% cotton for the perfect blend of charm and function.
 
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
 
Alli

The Business Side of Art: What Creatives Need to Know with Kelly Pelfrey

Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I’m sitting down with my coaching client and dear friend, Kelly Pelfrey — a wildly gifted artist whose work is as breathtaking as her story. I call her the modern Monet (even though it makes her blush).
 
Since we started working together, Kelly has tripled her income, discovered her creative rhythm, and built a business that honors both her art and her well-being. Her success is a reassuring sign that you can find a balance between passion and profit—you can have both.
 
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of making a living doing what you love without running yourself into the ground, this episode is for you. Get ready to hear how Kelly protects her peace, grows with intention, and turns creativity into not just a calling, but a thriving business.
Timestamps:
(08:40) - How Coaching Can Change Everything
(13:49) - A Simple Daily Structure That Supports Productivity and Peace
(20:18) - What’s Broken in the Art World (And How Creatives Can Lead the Change)
(22:30) - What She’d Do If She Were Starting Over Today
(25:51) - The Morning Routine That Fuels Creative Success
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
Kelly’s TV Art
Kelly’s Song Recommendation - Psalm 90
Kelly’s Book Recommendation - Here One Moment
Kelly’s Product Recommendation - Donama Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
Kelly’s Makeup Recommendation - MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot
Kelly’s App Recommendation - Every Dollar
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And did you know that I'm on YouTube! If you’re enjoying the content, it would mean the world if you left a review and sprinkled some stars—it’s like a virtual hug for me! 🥰 Take care, be amazing, and keep shining bright!
 
XO,
Alli

The Cost of Carrying Everyone: How Over-Functioning Is Making You Sick and Stuck

What if your exhaustion isn't due to laziness or a lack of motivation but because you've unknowingly become the overworked, unpaid CEO of everyone's life?
 
You're not alone in feeling this way. You're not tired because you're weak. You're exhausted because you're carrying the weight of multiple lives, including a golden retriever, and the emotional burden of your group chat, while rage-washing dishes, whispering, "It's fine" through clenched teeth.
 
Let's be real. Overfunctioning isn't sustainable. Emotional CrossFit is not a life plan. Doing everything isn't noble—it's exhausting.
 
I've lived this, and I'm sharing the mindset shifts and practical steps that helped me break free from overfunctioning and finally breathe again. Let's do less, live better, and take back our peace.
Timestamps:
(2:53) - Are You Over-Functioning Without Realizing It?
(3:30) - Sneaky Signs You're Carrying Too Much
(4:58)- Why We Started Over-Functioning in the First Place
(6:31) - The Hidden Costs You’re Paying
(9:00) - Manageable Steps for Breaking Free from Over-Functioning
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
 
Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift!
Alli’s Book Recommendation - Tiny Experiments
 
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And did you know that I'm on YouTube! If you’re enjoying the content, it would mean the world if you left a review and sprinkled some stars—it’s like a virtual hug for me! 🥰 Take care, be amazing, and keep shining bright!
 
xo,
 
Alli

The Gut-Brain Bombshell: What If Your Anxiety Isn’t All in Your Head? With Dr. Nicole Cain)

Today, we’re diving into part two of my powerful conversation with Dr. Nicole Cain, and let me tell you—this is one you don’t want to miss. Our first episode was so packed with wisdom and life-changing advice that we had to break it into two full sessions.
 
Dr. Nicole Cain is a licensed naturopathic doctor and clinical psychologist who blends holistic health, modern psychology, and practical tools to help you heal from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt stuck in anxiety, overwhelmed by stress, or exhausted from emotional burnout, her insights are exactly what you need. 
 
This isn’t just another conversation—it’s a roadmap to true healing. Your peace, your mindset, and even your future start right here. So, let’s jump in.
Timestamps:
(01:43) - How to Reintegrate Your Mind and Body for Lasting Peace
(06:44)- Building Your Window of Tolerance
(13:29) - The Gut-Anxiety Connection
(14:12)- The Gut-Healing Strategies That Also Soothe Anxiety
(19:07)- Why Gut Health Is a Game-Changer When It Comes to Healing Anxiety
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
Dr. Nicole Cain’s Book - Panic Proof
 
 
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
Alli

How to Build Real Connections in a World That Feels Disconnected

We live in a world where connection is everywhere—our notifications buzz with likes, comments, and DMs. And yet, why does it still feel like something’s missing? Why do we scroll through highlight reels, surrounded by digital admiration, yet still feel unseen at the end of the day?
 
Here’s what we rarely admit: we don’t need more people in our lives; we need deeper connections. The type of connections where you can be yourself—messy bun, tired eyes, no filters—and feel confident in being loved. The kind where you’re not performing or proving, just existing—and that’s enough.
 
Today, let’s drop the pressure and talk about genuine relationships. The kind that refreshes your soul instead of draining it. Because you don’t just deserve friendships—you were made for them. So, let’s dig in and find the ones that remind you that you belong.
Timestamps:
 
(04:28)- Why Disconnection is Self-Protection 
(05:58) - You are Wired for Connection
(06:33) - 3 Shifts to Build Soul-Filling Friendships
(09:01) - The 3-Step Plan to Build Real Connections
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
 
Get on the waitlist for  Uplift!
Alli’s Drink Recommendations - Bubbly Bellini Bless & LaCroix Strawberry Peach
Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Eye Balm
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
Alli
 

The Real Truth About Anxiety with Dr. Nicole Cain

Today's guest is an absolute powerhouse—Dr. Nicole Cain. If you've ever felt trapped by anxiety, overwhelmed by emotions, or stuck in patterns you just can't shake, this episode is going to be a game-changer.
Dr. Cain is a licensed naturopathic doctor and clinical psychologist who brings holistic health, modern psychology, and practical tools to help you heal from the inside out. She's here to help you break free from cycles of fear and frustration.
Dr. Cain shares powerful strategies you can use today. Whether it's rewiring your brain for peace, navigating trauma, or finally learning how to move forward, these are not just theoretical concepts, but practical tools. With heart, wisdom, and real results, Dr. Cain's approach empowers you to take control of your mental health.
You don't want to miss this one!
 
Timestamps:
(02:27) - Dr. Cain’s Personal Story with Anxiety
(08:10) - Why Anxiety and Fear Aren’t the Same
(14:04 - The Stoplight Strategy for Managing Your Anxiety
(18:44) - Dr. Cain’s 4-Step Panic Reset Process
(21:20) - Quick and Practical Tools to Calm Your Body and Soothe Your Nervous System
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
Links to great things we discussed: 
 
Dr. Nicole Cain’s Book - Panic Proof
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
Alli

Stop Playing Small: How to Think Bigger and Go After What You Want

Let’s get honest about a lie holding too many of us back. Somewhere along the way, we picked up this false idea that humility means shrinking, that dreaming big somehow makes us prideful. But here’s the truth—thinking bigger isn’t prideful, it’s faithful.
Playing small doesn’t honor God. Stewarding your gifts—that’s what glorifies Him. So today, we’re tearing down the lie that safe and small equals holy. We’re stepping into the dreams deep in your heart—the ones so bold and beautiful, you almost feel guilty for wanting them. The ones that whisper, “Who do you think you are?”
 
Here’s the answer: You are His. And it’s time to trust Him enough to dream bigger.
Timestamps:
(01:04) - Why Playing Small Doesn’t Honor God
(04:43) - Name the Fear That’s Keeping You Stuck
(06:15) - Stop Chasing Outcomes: Shift to Identity-Driven Thinking
(07:41) - Make Room for Bold, God-Sized Dreams in Your Life
(10:06) - 2 Practical Ways to Finally Stop Playing Small
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
Join the waitlist for Uplift!
Standing Strong
Alli’s Product Recommendation - NOW Solutions, Vegetable Glycerin
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 
 
xo,
Alli

How to Read a Room: The Hidden Psychology of Influence, Confidence, and Knowing What Everyone Else Misses with Dr. Mike Bechtle

Oh, I know that feeling—you walk into a room, and suddenly, your mind is racing with doubt. But here’s the truth: You’re not alone and don’t have to stay in doubt.
 
Today, we’re diving into a game-changer—how to read the room so you can swap second-guessing for confidence, clarity, and a calm presence that leads with grace.
 
Dr. Mike Bechtle is here to help us break free from overthinking and finally see the social cues most people miss. It isn’t about performing or pretending—it’s about stepping into every space with grounded authenticity.
 
By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a decisive mindset shift and a practical four-step framework that will transform how you speak, lead, and connect in every room, meeting, and moment. Let’s get into it!
Timestamps:
(00:54) - The One Belief That Silently Destroys Your Confidence in a Room
(03:14) - Why Scoping Out the Room First Gives You the Upper Hand
(06:05) - The Confidence Secret No One Talks About: It Comes from Competence
(13:27) - Dr. Mike’s 4-Step Process to Read Any Room
(19:21) - How to Be the Most Memorable Person in a Crowded Room
(20:34) - How to Show Up Confidently in Online Meetings
 
WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE
 
Links to great things we discussed: 
Mike’s TV Show Recommendations - American Idol, The Voice, & High Potential
Mike’s Product Recommendation - Little ELF Gift Wrap Cutter
Mike’s App Recommendation - Picture This & Merlin Bird ID
 
I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright! 
 
xo,
Alli