Becoming a Kindness Warrior: How to Break Free from People Pleasing and Reclaim Your Power | ANEW Insight Ep. 72

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Welcome to Episode 72 of the ANEW Insight Podcast with your host Dr. Supatra Tovar—clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and bestselling author of Deprogram Diet Culture. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Dr. Tovar continues her dialogue with MD, author, and podcast host Dr. Marcia Sirota. In Part 2 of their compelling interview, the two mental health professionals explore how to break free from people-pleasing patterns, heal trauma, and become what Dr. Marcia Sirota calls a “Kindness Warrior.”

Drawing from her book Be Kind, Not Nice, Dr. Marcia Sirota shares her most effective strategies for helping clients overcome the fear and anxiety that drive self-sacrificing behaviors. From the impact of childhood trauma to the roots of compulsive giving, this episode reveals why many women (and men) find it so hard to say “no”—and how to rewire the mindset that equates love with over-functioning.

Key takeaways include:

• The emotional cost of people-pleasing and how it keeps you stuck in toxic dynamics
• A mindfulness-based challenge to stop pleasing others and watch what happens
• The difference between being loving and being used
• How self-compassion starts by questioning your inner critic
• The importance of self-trust, inner safety, and emotional clarity
• What it really means to be a Kindness Warrior—and why it matters now more than ever

Dr. Marcia Sirota also delves into her therapeutic philosophy, which integrates trauma-informed healing with practical tools like the Inner Warrior, Inner Wise One, and what she calls “ruthless compassion”—a form of clear-eyed, boundary-driven care that fosters true self-love. This episode also addresses trauma recovery, addiction, and why healing requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes body, mind, and spirit.

Together, Dr. Tovar and Dr. Sirota challenge long-standing myths about trauma, including the stigma of personality disorders, the limits of self-sacrifice, and the belief that healing must come from external sources. Through their deeply personal and clinical insights, listeners are guided toward a new model of strength, one that embraces empowerment, personal responsibility, and radical honesty.

Whether you’re recovering from burnout, navigating codependent relationships, or simply trying to reclaim your time and energy, this episode will inspire you to build a new foundation rooted in self-worth and agency.

📘Dr. Marcia Sirota’s  Social media channels:  https://marciasirotamd.com/, https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00DXGVO3A, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6i7Wq-bh3faMBvCc5F0fPg, https://podcast.reelmental.com/, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless-compassion-with-dr-marcia-sirota/id1085239678, https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marcia-sirota.

Ready to reject diet culture and start your own healing journey? Visit anew-insight.com and enroll in the 7-step online course Deprogram Diet Culture today.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!