The Dance Between Being and Doing

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In episode 162 of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim Romain and Louise Neil explore what it means to embrace being in a world that constantly demands doing. They unpack the tension between presence and productivity, and what it looks like to live in alignment without burning out.

Together, they reflect on how growth doesn't have to be forced, it naturally unfolds when we’re present. Instead of chasing clarity, they show how you can find it by simply showing up as you are. They unpack the tension so many of us feel between stillness and movement, presence and productivity, planning and play. 

With a dose of laughter (and baloney sandwiches), they explore how self-awareness and inner alignment help us navigate this dance between being and doing without losing ourselves in the push.

"Presence is when I feel like I get to actually be me." – Kim Romain

"Sometimes letting go is the experience.” - Louise Neil

Key Takeaways

• The difference between doing and being (and how to honor both)
• What true presence feels like (and why it’s the key to authentic living)
• How to grow without burning out or losing yourself
• Why coaching and therapy serve different needs—and how to know which you need
• How to balance your inner planner and your spontaneous self
• What it means to know yourself deeply—without judgment or striving

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and intro

02:07 Celebrating three years of podcasting and the magic of unscripted conversations

04:33 “When is it okay to just be?”

06:34 How presence reveals the truest parts of ourselves

09:13 What being present really means (and how it differs from productivity)

12:49 The many hats we wear and how to stay authentic while shifting roles

15:05 Baloney sandwiches and school buses: a metaphor for your inner world

19:10 The joy of conversation without an agenda

23:36 Why your planner and your spontaneous side need each other

25:06 Self-trust grows when you honor the needs of all your parts

28:27 Coaching vs. therapy: unpacking vs. choosing your train

32:55 Getting unstuck by releasing the “why” and tuning into the “what’s next”

36:54 Let the journey be the destination

Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries community and mentorship program.

Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.

If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to feministpods.com to explore everything we have to offer.