321: The “Good Girl” Lie That’s Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Free) with Dr. Shefali

Hello, Brave Table fam! Oooof, today’s episode is pure medicine for your soul—and honestly, I’ve been dreaming of this sit-down with Dr. Shefali Tsabary for years. You’ve probably heard her on Oprah, or maybe you’ve devoured her best-selling books like A Radical Awakening or The Conscious Parent—but nothing beats what we’re unpacking today. We went all the way in on what it means to awaken as a woman, especially if you’ve been playing the “good girl” for too long. We unpack why women—especially those from immigrant, Asian, or traditional backgrounds—feel stuck in roles that shrink them. We talked about breaking the cycle of perfection, what it really means to sit with pain, and how to be a present parent without losing yourself in the process. So, if you’ve ever felt torn between being the “good girl” and living your wildest truth, or are in the middle of a reinvention season—this episode is calling your name. Pull up a seat, it’s time to get brave! What you'll get out of this episode… The “good girl” archetype is a lie. Pain is not your enemy—it’s the portal to your most awakened self. Conscious parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. You don’t have to heal before becoming a parent—parenting is the journey of healing. It’s okay if your awakening makes others uncomfortable. Keep rising. Gentle parenting isn’t about coddling—it’s about connection. Let go of legacy expectations (doctor, lawyer, engineer) and step into your soul’s truth. Key Timestamps 00:00 – The lie of the “good girl” archetype 06:30 – Breaking generational cycles with in-laws and elders 10:00 – How pain becomes the portal to awakening 14:30 – The trap of toxic positivity and how to reclaim your true self 17:00 – Conscious coaching & transforming your life with Dr. Shefali’s Institute 21:15 – Holding space as a mother while healing your inner child 27:00 – Gentle parenting vs conscious parenting—what’s the difference? 32:00 – How to raise emotionally resilient kids in the digital age 33:50 – What to do when you awaken, but others around you don’t 36:00 – All about The Conscious Circle community 37:00 – Spill the Chai: Guilty pleasures, chai recipes, and brave confessions To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to support@globalgrit.co 😘 SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you! IG / @neetabhushan IG / @thebravetable TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan WEB / https://neetabhushan.com YOUTUBE / @NeetaBhushan Connect with today’s guest, Dr Shefali Tsabary IG / @doctorshefali WEB / https://www.drshefali.com/ WEB / https://coaching.drshefali.com/ YOUTUBE / @doctorshefali Learn more about The Conscious Circle / https://www.theconsciousparent.com/consciouscircle Want more? Visit the website and order your copy of “That Sucked, Now What?” → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/ 🌿 Need a boost? Dr. Neeta Bhushan’s Chai Tonics nourish your gut, strengthen immunity & enhance mental clarity. Stay tuned—something exciting is brewing! ☕ Take my FREE quiz now → theemotionalreset.com/quiz Receive a FREE Self-Care Calendar! → https://neetabhushan.com/chaitonics If you loved this episode, check out… Ep. #295: From Pain to Power: Tristan and Sabrina Truscott's Journey of Healing and the Satori Method ( Apple | Spotify | YouTube ) Ep. #293: Raising Happy, Confident, and Successful Kids with Nadim Saad ( Apple | Spotify | YouTube ) Ep. #246: Parenting Plot Twist: Your Kids Can Help You Heal Generational Trauma ( Apple | Spotify | YouTube ) Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.