Podcast · Learning

The Balance Theory

by Erika De Pellegrin · English · Learning

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 57 min
Latest: 4 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

Sammy Robinson on Taking Risks, Burning Out and Backing Yourself

She built a brand from nothing at 22 with no financial backing and an industry full of doubt... and fully backed her self anyway. This kind of confidence is inspirational, so turn the volume up for this one! In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Sammy Robinson, founder of One Mile and content creator of over a decade, to unpack what it actually takes to build something on your own when the people around you are unsure. This is not a masterclass on starting a fashion brand. It is the honest story of what confidence, risk and burnout look like behind a business that looks…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

27 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 35 min

Alexis Fernandez: The Everyday Habits That Build Real Confidence

This is a conversation about confidence like you've never heard before. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Alexis Fernandez, a leading performance coach, speaker, and author whose work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, mindset, and high performance. She also is the host of the Do You F*cking Mind podcast. Today they unpack what real self assurance actually looks like once you take away the job title, other people's expectations and how you look. This is not a pep talk about ignoring everyone and doing whatever you want. It is an honest conversation about…
20 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

The Healthiest Version of You Isn't the Most Disciplined (It's THIS) | Dominique Elissa

You are allowed to let go of the rules and routines that no longer fit your healthiest self, and this episode might just be the permission slip and re-evaluation you've been waiting for. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Dominique Elissa, founder of Selfdom, for a conversation that moves through pregnancy, body image, grief and gratitude, and keeps landing on the same question: what does it actually mean to be well when your body, your routine and your world are all changing at once? This is not another conversation about doing more, optimising harder or adding one…
13 Sep 2026 · 22 min

13 Realisations That Will Instantly Change Your Life (For the Better)

Some realisations don’t just make you think... they permanently change the way you see your life. In this episode, I’m sharing 13 powerful realisations, mindset shifts and life lessons that you can’t unhear once you’ve heard them. The kind of ideas that instantly make you question the way you’ve been approaching your goals, relationships, confidence, habits, happiness and the person you’re becoming. These aren’t complicated self-development theories or another list of things you need to “fix” about yourself. They’re simple perspective shifts that have genuinely changed the way I think, make…
6 Sep 2026 · 1 hr

Dr Neeta Bhushan: What Nobody Tells the Woman Who Does Everything Herself

She did everything herself. She carried everyone. She showed up perfectly while quietly paying a cost she never even knew she was paying. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Dr Neeta Bhushan, 4x author, host of the top mental health podcast The Brave Table and founder of Chaitionics, for one of the most honest conversations about what it actually costs to be the woman who does it all. This is not a conversation about burnout or boundaries. It is about the moment you realise you have been performing your whole life for everyone else and what it looks like to finally…
30 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

The Real Reason You’re Afraid To Put Yourself Out There (And How To Fix It)

You don't need more consistency, clarity or strategy if you are struggling with even putting yourself out there in the first place... and the good news is, working through this is simpler than you think. Whether you work for yourself, someone else, have your own business or are a content creator, then this episode is the kick starter you need to move past all of those fears & uncertainties and CLAIM the opportunities that are waiting for you! In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Reim, CEO, Executive Producer, Founder, and Content Visibility Expert, to unpack what it…
23 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

Your Life Not Going to Plan IS The Plan (Here's How To Embrace It)!

Your ambition has not gone anywhere. Life just pulled the handbrake. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Nicki Bedford, founder of Founders Official and former Head of Asia Pacific at BuzzFeed, for one of the most honest conversations about what ambition actually looks like when life forces you to slow down. This is not a conversation about giving up or settling. It is about what happens when your drive is bigger than your current capacity and how slowing down might be the very thing that gets you there faster. If you have ever caught yourself thinking: "I can't…
16 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 6 min

Coming Back to Yourself When You Feel COMPLETELY Scattered and Lost | Naila

You are not falling apart. You are just in the messy middle. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with her best friend Naila, content creator and host of the Untempered podcast, for one of the most honest and unfiltered conversations the show has ever had. This is not an expert interview. It is two women sitting in the messy middle together, naming something the self-development world rarely admits -- that sometimes you feel mentally scattered, lost and disconnected from yourself, and that is not a failure. It is a season. If you have ever caught yourself thinking: "I feel…
9 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

How to Build Yourself When You've Been a Version for Everyone Else | Saina Babaee

What if your life looks good from the outside but still doesn't feel fully yours? This episode is for anyone who has achieved everything they were supposed to achieve and found themselves quietly asking: why do I still feel like something is missing? Erika sits down with Saina Babaee, VP at Siemens, founder of her own fashion label, and mother of twins. Someone who followed the prescribed path with excellence and then had to find herself inside it. This is not a story about burning everything down. It is about what it actually looks like to stop living for everyone else and start building a…
2 Aug 2026 · 48 min

It’s Not Just You... The Fear Behind Asking for Help (And How To Fix It) | Ghizlan Guenez

She has built the life. The career. The reputation for having it together. And somewhere along the way, doing it all herself stopped being a choice and became the only way she knew how to operate. This episode is not about learning to be less independent. It is about what that independence has quietly been costing her and the one shift that changes everything about what she is able to receive. Ghizlan Guenez, founder of F.Force, joins Erika for a second conversation that goes somewhere their first episode did not. If you have ever caught yourself thinking: "It is just easier if I do it…
26 Jul 2026 · 13 min

Mo Gawdat: The 30 Minute Saturday Practice That COMPLETELY Empties Your Mind

If your brain won't stop, if you lie awake at night, spiral through the same thoughts, and feel like you can never fully switch off, this is going to change the way you think about that completely. Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and one of the most compelling minds on human happiness, doesn't just talk about training the brain. He's been doing it for decades. In this 11-minute clip he shares the three unconventional techniques he's developed to become the architect of his own mind, including the 30-minute Saturday practice that drains every thought until his brain has…
19 Jul 2026 · 9 min

Not Everyone Is Supposed to Like You (Here's the Rule That Explains It)

If you ever find yourself holding back in conversations, softening your opinions, or leaving an interaction feeling like you didn't quite show up as yourself, this is for you. Most people don't realise they're doing it. But the desire to be liked is quietly running the show in almost every conversation you have. It's shaping what you say, how you say it, and how much of yourself you actually let people see. In this 5-minute clip, communication expert Shereen Mitwali introduces the rule of thirds: the framework that will immediately change the way you show up. Once you understand it, the…
12 Jul 2026 · 7 min

MANIFESTATION EXPERT: The 20 Second Exercise That Changes Your Reality

If you've tried vision boards, affirmations, and positive thinking and nothing has changed, this clip is why. Regan Hillyer, one of the world's leading manifestation experts, breaks down the real reason your reality isn't shifting: you're unconsciously copy pasting your past into your future and calling it life. In this insight clip (from our full podcast with Regan), she explains why wishful thinking alone will never work, what's actually happening at a quantum level when you try to manifest, and the simple 20-second practice (SNEAK PEEK: manifestation alarms) that conditions your energy to…
5 Jul 2026 · 11 min

#1 HYPNOTHERAPIST: Reclaim the Confidence You Were Born With in 9 Minutes

You weren't born with low self-esteem, you were actually born really confident. You learned low self-esteem. And the confidence you've been waiting to feel? You were born with that too - life just made you forget it. In this clip, therapist and bestselling author Marisa Peer breaks down exactly where low self-esteem comes from, why it isn't who you are, and why chasing other people's approval is the thing keeping you most stuck. She explains how other people's fears, stories, and limitations quietly become ours without us even realising it and what it actually looks like to reclaim your…
28 Jun 2026 · 59 min

Aimee Smale Was Shy, Had No Plan and Built a Million Dollar Brand. The Reason Will Surprise You.

You do not need to be the obvious person to build something real. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Aimee Smale, founder of Odd Muse and 29 year old millionaire, to unpack the story nobody tells about building something from nothing. Not the strategy, not the business plan, not the perfect moment. The quiet, unassuming journey of someone who was never supposed to do this and did it anyway. If you've ever caught yourself thinking: "I don't think I'm the right type of person for this" "I don't have a clear path or a blueprint to follow" "I've been waiting to feel…
21 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

STOP Introducing Yourself With Your Job Title (Say THIS Instead)

You already know what you do. But do you know who you are? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Rahaf Kobeissi, mental health and mindset expert, published author, and keynote speaker, to unpack one of the most quietly common experiences of high achieving people, building a life that looks right on paper and still feeling like something essential is missing. This isn't another conversation about doing more or optimising your routine. It is about stripping back everything you have built to find the person underneath it all. If you've ever caught yourself thinking: "I…
14 Jun 2026 · 48 min

The Conversation Your Parents Never Had With Themselves (And Yours Is Overdue) | Dr Shefali

Today Dr Shefali, a NYT bestselling author and the world's leading conscious parenting psychologist, joins Erika to unpack the childhood patterns running your adult life, and how to stop them here. This isn't another conversation about how to be a better parent. It's about understanding the difference between who you became by default and who you actually want to be. If you've ever caught yourself thinking: "Why does this keep happening to me no matter what I do?" "I know my past affected me but I don't know how much" "I keep reacting in ways I don't understand and I don't know why" "I've…
7 Jun 2026 · 56 min

You're 55 Minutes Away From NEVER Feeling Behind With Money Again (Money Expert REVEALS All!)

You're not bad with money. It's just that nobody ever taught you how to actually relate to it, and this conversation changes that. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Carol Glynn, award-winning Finance Coach & Mentor, Chartered Accountant (FCA) and founder of Conscious Finance Coaching, to unpack why so many women feel stuck with money, not because they're doing it wrong, but because they were never given the right tools. If you've ever caught yourself thinking: "I know I should look at my bank account, but I just can't bring myself to do it" "I've tried budgeting a…
31 May 2026 · 1 hr 55 min

Everything You're Consuming Is Making You Less of Yourself (Here's What You Can Do) | Mo Gawdat

You've been doing the work. Reading, listening, growing, trying. And yet something keeps feeling off, like the life you're building is quietly being pulled in a direction you didn't choose. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, bestselling author of Solve for Happy and Scary Smart, and one of the most original thinkers on the planet. This isn't a conversation about productivity or optimisation. It's about something deeper: the invisible forces shaping who you are, how you think, and what you believe is possible, and…
24 May 2026 · 1 hr

The Stress Advice That Actually Changed My Life | Alice Law

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or like your brain just won’t switch off? In this episode of The Balance Theory Podcast, we sit with Alice Law and unpack the stress advice that can actually change your life , not by pretending stress does not exist or that it’s unavoidable, but by helping you understand what is happening in your brain, body, environment and inner world when stress takes over. This conversation is for you if you have been wondering how to stress less, how to stop overthinking, how to decrease stress in your everyday life, or how to feel calmer when life feels uncertain. We…
17 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

How to Build Unshakable Belief Before Success Shows Up | Anam Khalid

What does it really take to become the version of yourself who can hold the success, business, life and vision you say you want? In this episode of The Balance Theory Podcast, I sit down with Anam Khalid, co-founder of SQUATWOLF, to talk about the personal evolution behind building a global brand, from leaving the corporate world, to trusting the unknown, to developing the self-belief required before success shows up. Anam shares her journey from growing up in Pakistan to moving to Dubai and building SQUATWOLF into an international activewear brand. But this conversation goes far beyond…
10 May 2026 · 56 min

How to Brainwash Yourself Into Becoming the 1% | Honia Kader

What does it really take to become her, the woman who creates abundance, wealth, success and a life that once felt impossible? In this powerful episode of The Balance Theory, I sit down with Honia Kader to unpack the mindset, identity work and self-belief required to become the 1%, not just financially, but emotionally, energetically and internally. Honia shares how she went from feeling like success, wealth and “that kind of life” were for other people, to completely rewiring her identity and building a life of abundance. We talk about the hidden work behind becoming successful, why mindset…
3 May 2026 · 57 min

Stop Just "Going Through" Life & Start FEELING It Again! | Dr Louise Lambert

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions of life… this episode is for you. On the outside, everything might look good. You’re doing what you’re “supposed” to do. But internally, something feels off. Like you’re not fully in your life. In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with psychologist Dr Louise Lambert to explore why so many of us feel disconnected from our own lives and what actually helps you feel like you’re living again. This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. It dives into what the science says about happiness, why simply “fixing…
26 Apr 2026 · 53 min

If You Want to Be More Confident, Communicate Like THIS | Shereen Mitwalli

What if confidence isn’t something you build… but something you express? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Shereen Mitwalli to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions around confidence: that it comes from what you say, when in reality… it comes from how you say it. If you’ve ever felt like you know what you want to say but hesitate, overthink, or struggle to articulate yourself clearly, this conversation will completely reframe how you approach communication. Because confidence isn’t about saying more. It’s about saying things in a way that actually lands. This…
19 Apr 2026 · 55 min

Why Fasting & Eating Clean Might Be Backfiring for You | Iman Hasan

What if the reason you still feel off… isn’t because you’re not trying hard enough, but because the advice you’re following was never designed for your body? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Iman Hasan to unpack one of the most frustrating experiences so many women face: doing everything “right” when it comes to health - eating clean, trying fasting, investing in supplements and still not feeling better. This conversation challenges the idea that more discipline or stricter habits are the answer. Instead, it explores what’s actually happening beneath the surface,…
12 Apr 2026 · 51 min

The Reason You Haven’t Changed Your Life Yet (And How To) | Shivani Pau

What if the reason you haven’t changed your life yet… isn’t because you’re not capable, but because you’re not ready in the way you think? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with top 1% podcast host and founder Shivani Pau to unpack the reality behind wanting more, feeling stuck, and questioning whether it’s time to leave your job. This isn’t another conversation telling you to “just quit” or “follow your passion.”It’s a grounded, honest look at what actually happens when you move too soon and what truly needs to shift before your life can change. If you’ve ever felt…
5 Apr 2026 · 57 min

If You Want Both a Career and a Family… You Need to Hear This

What if the reason so many ambitious women feel torn about motherhood isn’t because they have to choose… but because no one has shown them how both can actually work? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with psychologist and friend (and her first guest ever on the show) Nancy Sokarno, to unpack the real, unfiltered experience of becoming a working mum - beyond the surface-level advice and societal expectations. This conversation explores the identity shift that comes with motherhood, the internal conflict high-achieving women often face, and the uncomfortable truths that…
29 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 4 min

Manifest Your Dream Life Faster (Without Working Harder) | Regan Hillyer

What if the reason you’re not living your dream life yet isn’t because you’re not working hard enough… but because you’re focusing on the wrong things? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with manifestation expert and entrepreneur Regan Hillyer to break down what actually creates results and why working harder is often the biggest misconception holding you back. This is not about wishful thinking or surface-level manifestation. It’s about understanding your internal programming, shifting your emotional state, and learning how to align your actions with the life you…
22 Mar 2026 · 47 min

What to Stop Saying Yes To (If You Want a Better Life)

What if the reason you feel constantly busy, overwhelmed, or pulled in every direction is because you’re saying yes to the wrong things? In this episode of The Balance Theory, Erika sits down with Christine Assouad - author, serial entrepreneur, investor on Shark Tank Lebanon, and founder behind multiple ventures including Dunkin’ Lebanon and Semsom. She has mentored thousands of women across the Middle East and beyond and recently released her book The Power to Say Yes, which explores how learning to say yes to yourself can transform your life and career. In this conversation, Christine…
15 Mar 2026 · 51 min

How to Start Over (Even When You Think It’s Too Late)

What if the version of you that feels stuck, behind, or embarrassed about your past… is actually standing at the beginning of something powerful? In this episode, I sit down with Crazy Auntie Ann, who went from alcoholism and rock bottom to 3M+ followers on TikTok, not by trying to go viral, but by finally becoming herself. We talk about what it really means to stop caring what people think, how to reinvent yourself at any age, and why surrender, not willpower, changed her life forever. This is a conversation about identity, confidence, sobriety, self-forgiveness, and starting again. If…

About The Balance Theory

Struggling to find balance in your life and achieve your goals? Join Erika De Pellegrin on The Balance Theory, a self development podcast packed with actionable strategies to build confidence, crush your goals, unlock the life you want and transform your mindset in the process. As a lawyer who’s conquered burnout, she shares powerful tips on self-growth, productivity, and unlocking your true potential—without the guilt, overwhelm & stress that comes from trying to juggle different areas of life. The Balance Theory is a powerful approach to reframing life balance, so you can build the life you are dreaming of without compromising what matters most. Join us weekly for practical and personal tools and insights to help find your unique balance, to be inspired by guests like Kayla Itsines, Kelsey Wells, Steph Claire Smith, Laura Henshaw, KIC Founders, Sarah Davidson, Chontel Duncan, Georgie Stevenson and more. Tune in to break through barriers and start living the life you deserve! Spotify Playlists: Mindset Playlist Self Awareness Playlist Health + Fitness Playlist Head on over and connect with us on our TikTok, YouTube & Instagram!

The Balance Theory is a English learning podcast from Erika De Pellegrin. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Erika De Pellegrin
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 57 min
Latest episode: 4 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1515858773

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