Instructions Not Included is your go-to podcast for navigating the complexities of life, community, and personal growth—without a manual. Each episode dives into thought-provoking conversations on well-being, self-discovery, and the collective wisdom that comes from building meaningful connections.
Join us for heartfelt stories, actionable insights, and personal perspectives that will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to embrace life's messy, beautiful journey.
🎧 Tune in every Tuesday for a fresh episode and connect with a community that thrives on real talk and authentic growth.
Let's figure it out together—one conversation at a time.
What does it really mean to be vulnerable—and why does it matter? In this episode, Arielle and Imani explore vulnerability as a tool for personal growth, deeper relationships, and even spiritual clarity.
Arielle and Imani unpack the fine line between sharing and oversharing, how control shows up in unexpected ways, and why true connection starts with letting go of perfection. From crying at work to faith in the unseen, this is a conversation about choosing honesty over ease.
We talk about:
Navigating discomfort in relationships, work, and community
The difference between accountability and self-criticism
How vulnerability deepens connection—with others and with yourself
Quote to hold onto:
“Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s how we grow, connect, and show up fully.”
Join the conversation, follow us @ini.pod
6 May 2025
The Balance of Creating and Consuming – How Intentionality Shapes What We Make and Take In
In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between creating and consuming—and how each can either support or sabotage your personal growth. It’s not about picking sides, but about practicing intention. From the confidence that comes with making something from scratch to the inspiration that comes from engaging with others’ work, we unpack how balance is the key to unlocking your potential. We also dive into what happens when things go off-balance: burnout, comparison, perfectionism, and passive consumption that feels productive but isn’t.
What You’ll Learn:
Why creating builds self-trust, reflection, and mental agility
How intentional consumption can inspire and support creativity
The traps of overconsumption, perfectionism, and burnout
How to tell when it's time to create—and when it's time to take in
Ways to reset your balance and engage with content more mindfully
Reflection Questions:
Are you consuming in a way that fuels you—or distracts you?
What’s something you’ve been putting off creating?
This Week’s Challenge:
Replace one act of passive consumption with something creative. Instead of letting the algorithm choose what’s next, you decide.
Follow us @ini.pod and join the conversation
15 Apr 2025
The Illusion of Connection
Why are we more connected than ever, yet lonelier than ever?
In this episode, we explore how technology has reshaped what community means—and why it often leaves us feeling more isolated. From our biological need for connection to the rise of digital loneliness, we unpack how we got here and what we can do about it.
🔍 We cover:
Why humans are wired for belonging
How capitalism and individualism impact connection
The role of tech: helping or hurting?
Parasocial relationships & the myth of closeness
Small, real-world steps to rebuild community
💬 Challenge: Replace 30 minutes of screen time with real connection this week.
🧠 Reflection: How many of your recent digital interactions felt truly meaningful?
Follow us @ini.pod and join the conversation.
18 Feb 2025
8 Dimensions of Wellness - Part 2
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💪 Physical Wellness – How movement, nutrition, and sleep impact energy levels, stress, and long-term health.
🌍 Environmental Wellness – Why your surroundings matter, from personal spaces to access to green areas and sustainable living.
💰 Financial Wellness – The reality of wages, cost of living, and the pressure of financial comparison in the digital age.
💼 Occupational Wellness – The key to job satisfaction, balancing passion with stability, and finding meaning in work.
🎧 Listen now!
4 Feb 2025
8 Dimensions of Wellness - Part 1
In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we deep dive into the first 4 of 8 Dimensions of Wellness, focusing on how external and internal factors shape our well-being. From the spaces we inhabit to the way we work, connect, and grow, these dimensions influence our daily lives in powerful ways.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🤝 Social Wellness – The impact of relationships, community, and having a 'third place' for connection and belonging.
📚 Intellectual Wellness – How continuous learning, curiosity, and new experiences contribute to overall well-being.
❤️ Emotional Wellness – Understanding emotions, managing stress, and cultivating resilience in an overwhelming world.
🧘 Spiritual Wellness – Exploring personal values, mindfulness, and practices that foster inner peace and purpose.
Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and these dimensions intersect in unique ways for each of us. Tune in for insights, real-world examples, and practical steps to cultivate balance in every aspect of your life.
🎧 Listen now!
21 Jan 2025
Boundaries
Boundaries are the foundation of healthy, thriving relationships, but how do you define and maintain them? In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we unpack the concept of boundaries and explore their critical role in safeguarding emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
From emotional to time-based boundaries, we dive into the different types, why they matter, and how to set them without guilt or fear of conflict. Whether you're struggling with saying "no," dealing with overcommitment, or navigating rigid boundaries that keep others at arm's length, this episode provides actionable insights to help you reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind.
Key Takeaways:
What boundaries are and why they are essential for self-respect and autonomy.
The risks of lacking boundaries, including burnout, over-involvement, and emotional entanglement.
How rigid boundaries can isolate you and prevent meaningful connections.
Practical examples of healthy and unhealthy boundaries across emotional, physical, time, material, and intellectual domains.
Strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries, overcoming guilt, and addressing resistance with clarity and confidence.
Quotable Moment:
"Boundaries aren't walls to shut people out; they're bridges that teach others how to connect with you respectfully."
🎧 Tune in now to learn how boundaries can transform your relationships—and your life.
8 Jan 2025
Progress Over Perfection
New year, new goals—but how can you set yourself up for success without feeling overwhelmed?
In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for embracing progress over perfection. We’ll reflect on the past, create a solid plan for the present, and set ourselves up for a future filled with growth and purpose. Whether you're revisiting last year’s goals or starting fresh, we’re here to help you stay consistent, focused, and kind to yourself along the way.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to reflect on past achievements to create a meaningful plan
✅ SMART vs. PACT goals: Which framework works best for you?
✅ Why progress beats perfection (and how to avoid common goal-setting pitfalls)
✅ Tools and systems to stay on track throughout the year
✅ The power of accountability, self-compassion, and realistic timelines
Quotes to Remember:
✨ “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”
✨ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
✨ “Change is slow—it’s going to take longer than you expect.”
Resources Mentioned:
📚 Atomic Habits by James Clear
📅 Goal-setting tools: Vision boards, planners, and phone reminders
👯♀️ Accountability partners: How to find and work with one
Takeaway:
It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. This year, let’s focus on setting realistic, actionable goals and building systems to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Remember, the journey matters just as much as the destination.
🎧 Tune in now and start building your roadmap to success!
17 Dec 2024
Prioritizing Rest and Relaxation
In a world that glorifies hustle and constant productivity, rest can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. But what happens when we shift our mindset and treat rest as an essential part of living a fulfilling life?
In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we explore the power of prioritizing rest and relaxation—not as something to "earn" but as a vital act of self-care and balance. We dive into:
Why rest is crucial for personal growth, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
Practical ways to set boundaries that protect your downtime.
How to overcome guilt and societal pressure around slowing down.
Tune in as we challenge the hustle culture narrative and discover what it truly means to rest well.
10 Dec 2024
Do It Scared
What’s holding you back from living the life you truly want? Fear might just be the culprit—but it’s not the same for everyone. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking concept of fear archetypes, introduced by author and entrepreneur Ruth Soukup.
Learn how fear manifests differently in our lives, from the Perfectionist to the People Pleaser, and discover practical ways to recognize and overcome the patterns that might be keeping you stuck.
What You’ll Learn:
The 7 fear archetypes and how they shape your decisions
Why fear isn’t inherently bad—and how to use it to your advantage
Identifying your personal fear archetype and breaking free from its grip
This conversation is packed with insights to help you move past self-doubt and step boldly into your potential.
🎧 Listen now!
✨ Join the Conversation:
Which fear archetype do you resonate with most? Share your thoughts on Instagram @ini.pod and tag us!
3 Dec 2024
Exploring Our Values
In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we dive into the heart of what makes us us—our values. These core beliefs shape our decisions, relationships, and how we view the world, yet they’re often overlooked.
Join us as we unpack:
✨ Why understanding your values is essential for personal growth
✨ How to identify the principles that guide your life
✨ Real-life stories of how values influence decisions, big and small
Whether you’re feeling stuck or seeking clarity, this episode is here to help you reconnect with your foundation.
Share your values journey with us on Instagram @ini.pod
🎧 Tune in now!
26 Nov 2024
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Instructions Not Included - the relaunch!
Where we talk about the things in life that we wished we had instructions on.
In our podcast you’ll hear facts coupled with our personal experiences to give you the practical and the relatable.
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Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
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