Refined & Unhinged

In this episode of Refined & Unhinged, Ali Stricklin & Jen Dryden Hess  dive deep into the transformative practice of journaling and how putting pen to paper can unlock clarity, growth, and self-discovery. Whether you're documenting your deepest thoughts or planning your dream future, journaling offers a powerful tool for personal development.
They explore the beauty of stream of consciousness writing, share practical tips for reintroducing good habits into your routine, and discuss why starting small is the secret to sustainable change. Learn why incremental gains matter more than grand gestures when it comes to building lasting habits.
Along the way, they share unfiltered stories about journal manifestations, shopping for lingerie in Paris, and discuss the cathartic ritual of burning journals whose stories no longer serve us.
 
Episode Mentions:
The Artists Way by Julia CameronSkylight 
 
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
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In this week’s conversation, Ali Stricklin and Jen Dryden Hess explore the complexities of self-perception, the impact of self-talk, and the importance of cultivating a positive mindset. They discuss personal experiences and their own natural tendencies for optimism and pessimism respectively. 
They offer practical tips and some funny anecdotes for navigating a better and more positive self view and call out the sneaky ways the stories we tell ourselves can knock us off track. 
From the significance of affirmations and mantras in fostering a healthier self-image, to naming your inner critic,  they provide practical tips for maintaining positivity in everyday life while acknowledging that sometimes you’re just in the shit!
 
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

In this episode, Shelby Diskin, founder of Lead Well and AFTRGLO Integration, shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, from building confidence and navigating major life transitions to embracing the importance of self-love and allowing others to love you. We explore how values and relationships shape both personal and professional growth, and why cultivating a culture of care in organizations matters more than ever.
Shelby also dives into the world of plant medicine and psychedelic healing, reflecting on how these sacred practices—when rooted in intention, respect, and indigenous wisdom—can support deep personal growth and emotional healing. We discuss the current psychedelic renaissance, the merging of science and spirituality, and how integrating these insights with leadership development can inspire transformation.
If you’re curious about self-growth, leadership development, and the healing potential of psychedelics, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for your own journey.
Don’t forget to visit our website to register for the October event, Fundamentals of Microdosing led by Shelby Diskin. Join us October 24, 2025.
 
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Shelby DiskinLead Well: @leadwellclubJoin or Learn More: Lead WellAFTRGLO: @aftrglointegration
Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

Join part 2 of our convo with Tatiana Schwirblat. She is the youngest of our family and we finish an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about navigating life's most challenging transitions. Tati take us through her personal journey of career pivots - from questioning her professional path to making bold moves and moving for love.
You'll hear candid insights about the importance of standing up for yourself at work - those crucial moments when self-advocacy can make or break your professional relationships and career trajectory. Then Tati dives into the messy realities of maintaining long-distance relationships, exploring how physical separation tests not just love, but communication skills, trust, and the ability to stay connected when miles apart. 
Throughout it all, the conversation weaves together themes of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Her story shows what it truly means to love and commit - whether to a person, a career, or to the ongoing project of becoming who you're meant to be. It's equal parts vulnerable, practical, and inspiring.
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

We had such a fun conversation with Tatiana Schwirblat, a 28-year-old who's basically living her twenties to the fullest. She's the kind of person who says yes to new adventures, whether that's packing up and moving somewhere completely new, diving into a different job and career path, or just being open to meeting all kinds of people along the way. Her energy is infectious.
As she shares her story from college graduation until today, we end up talking about everything—and there’s still so much more (part 2 next week). Tatiana gets real about dating and relationships today, dealing with all those expectations society puts on women, and why empathy and emotional intelligence matter so much in how we connect with people.
The stories she shares are inspiring. We're talking solo travel adventures, those random moments that somehow become spiritual awakenings, and figuring out what you really want in life. She's also super honest about her mental health journey—therapy, supporting others through tough times, and how sometimes our biggest struggles end up being what make us stronger.
This conversation is real. There's tons of laughing, some pretty deep insights, and those moments where you're like "oh wow, I totally relate to that."
 
Explore Volunteer Opportunities or Donate at Didi Hirsch
 
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

When Ali Stricklin and Jen Dryden Hess dive into the messy world of stress, things get real and funny. From Jen's debilitating stress induced migraines and her state of denial, to Ali's overwhelming anxiety at concerts (seriously, why does she keep buying tickets?), this episode is packed with good stories and genuine laughs.
They swap tales about social anxiety, surviving awkward group settings, and the sneaky ways stress ambushes both body and brain when you're least prepared. Since stress isn't going anywhere, they also share the small rituals, mindset shifts, and tactics that help them navigate the chaos while still making room for joy.
Stress can manifest differently for everyone.
Social settings can increase stress levels for some individuals.
Acknowledging stress is the first step in managing it.
Travel preparations can be a significant source of stress.
Physical symptoms of stress can include migraines and appetite changes.
Finding tools to manage stress is essential for well-being.
Planning ahead can reduce stress.
Leaning on your support system is imperative in coping with stress.
It's important to cherish the positive moments amidst stress.
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.
 

Ali and Jen are getting real about beauty, aging, and all the closed-door honest convos in between. We're talking about everything from Botox to facelifts, and the belief that you should do whatever makes you feel like you—whether that's going full natural or getting a little help from science. There's no "right" way to do aging, only the way you want to do it. Period.
Jen surprises Ali with some news she’s been keeping and Ali shares her own emotional journey with Botox (because why not?). They also dive into navigating the awkward (and funny) questions from kids about plastic surgery, cosmetics and makeup. How to not make it weird, how to answer the questions at face value, how to stay neutral, and how to navigate raising girls in Los Angeles with those beauty pressures that seem unavoidable.
Tune in to hear mom and daughter navigate what aging gracefully means to them. It's unfiltered, it's empowering, and yeah—we went there.
The term 'rewirement' signifies a positive transition in life.
Personal aesthetics are subjective and can evolve over time.
It's important to give oneself permission to explore cosmetic procedures.
Self-acceptance is a journey that varies for everyone.
Makeup can be a playful form of self-expression.
Understanding the nuances of beauty standards is crucial.
The impact of societal expectations on personal choices is significant.
Navigating beauty and aging requires open dialogue.
Embracing change can lead to greater self-confidence.
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

Ali Stricklin and Jen Dryden Hess are getting real about money on this episode of Refined & Unhinged – because apparently some of us have a plan (ahem…Jen) and some of us are out here pretending we have our financial lives together when we are just winging it with faith and a credit card (ahem…Ali).
They dive into the messy world of money management, tackling everything from crippling financial insecurity to that sneaky scarcity mindset that keeps us up at 3 AM wondering if we'll ever find ourselves homeless. They're sharing raw stories about debt (because who among us hasn't had that "oh no" moment with their bank balance?), why having an actual investment strategy matters, and how understanding your finances can be the ultimate power move toward real financial security. 
They're also unpacking how differently they view wealth & prosperity– spoiler alert, it's complicated – and why building an abundance mindset isn't just about manifesting your way to riches but in believing that money is a source of energy and that the energy flows. Most importantly, they're making the case for why women need to start having these money conversations out loud, as uncomfortable as it can be, because financial independence hits different when you have a support team.
Ready to get uncomfortable about your relationship with money? Same. Let's do this.
Ali expresses her discomfort with discussing money, feeling the conversation with others seems to stem from a lack mindset.
Jen shares her upbringing, which instilled a strict view on money and financial responsibility.
They discuss the concept of an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset.
Ali reflects on her chaotic relationship with money and how it contrasts with Jen's structured approach.
Jen emphasizes the importance of having a financial plan and being aware of one's financial situation.
The conversation highlights the need for women to take control of their finances and understand their worth.
Ali and Jen discuss the importance of transparency among women regarding income and financial situations.
They explore the idea that financial conversations can be empowering and supportive.
They launch an upcoming Refine Social Club event to foster discussions about money management over coffee.
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

In this conversation, Kelly Colon shares her personal journey of navigating neurodivergency as both an individual and a parent to neurodivergent children. She discusses her family's genetic neurodivergence patterns, the challenges of growing up in a large Boston family, and how family mental health challenges shaped her upbringing. Kelly's story illuminates the complexities of late diagnosis and its impact on understanding one's neurological differences later in life. We later dive into the challenges with mandated Return to Office policies and how "uninclusive" these policies can be. 
Kelly emphasizes the critical importance of supporting different learning styles, advocating for inclusive environments, and using appropriate language when discussing cognitive differences. As an educator, coach and advocate, she provides valuable insights into creating systems that honor neurodiversity while highlighting the significance of self-advocacy and autonomy for neurodivergent individuals. Her expertise spans both educational and workplace settings, offering practical guidance for those navigating neurodivergency in various life contexts, whether dealing with their own late diagnosis or supporting others on their neurodivergent journey.
Kelly is the Founder of Eledex Consulting a catalyst for a neuroinclusive tomorrow.
For great resources and more information:
Follow Kelly on Substack
Follow Kelly on Instagram
Follow Eledex on Instagram
Watch Kelly on Youtube
 
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.

In this special episode, Ali & Jen chat with Amelia Saberwal of Kinesthetica Coaching who just happens to be Ali’s personal Executive Coach. The ladies dive into the communication tools that truly deepen connection—think asking great questions, reading body language, and actually learning to listen (like really listen). 
Amelia, a classically trained actor, now works as communication expert and impact coach to leaders around the world. She shares how her background in performance shaped her approach to presence, curiosity, and conversation. From navigating awkward small talk to knowing when and how to gracefully exit a convo, this episode is packed with practical tips for anyone looking to sharpen their communication skills, build stronger relationships, and become a more intentional listener in both personal and professional settings. Listen for tips before a first date, a tough leadership conversation, or attending a party and challenge yourself to apply the concepts and connect deeper.
Follow Amelia on LinkedIn or explore Kinesthetica Coaching
 
SHARE & REVIEW:
If this episode resonated, please share with a friend or write a review. We would love to hear from you. Screenshot your share or review and DM us for a chance to win our monthly swag giveaway!FOLLOW:Refined & Unhinged: @refinedandunhingedRefine Social Club: @refinesocial.clubAli: @alistricklinJen Dryden Hess: @jendrydenhess
The podcast by Refine Social Club
Join our thriving community of open-minded, open-hearted women who are embracing the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Continue these important discussions, find your people, and attend exclusive in-person events—where podcast listeners become real-life connections.
Join our list to stay in the know.