I interview Dr. Nancy Wadsworth, political scientist, about why so many women struggle to feel comfortable with power. We explore the hidden conditioning that teaches women to seek permission, people-please, and apologize for their success, the psychology of imposter syndrome, and how to develop grounded, healthy leadership without losing yourself. We also discuss deconstructing limiting beliefs, overcoming shame, building inner authority, and why true power comes from aligning with your deepest values rather than external approval. Dr. Nancy shares a powerful framework for reclaiming your confidence and stepping into your authentic, grounded power.
***
Dr. Nancy Wadsworth is a Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of Denver whose work sits at the intersection of culture, politics, race, religion, and social movements. She's the author of *Ambivalent Miracles: Evangelicals and the Politics of Racial Healing* and has written for The Washington Post, Vox, and The Denver Post. With a PhD from the New School for Social Research, Nancy brings both deep scholarship and a commitment to combining academic rigor with public discourse — exploring power, identity, and how ordinary people create change. https://nancywadsworth.com/
**
0:00 Why Women Struggle to Hold Power
2:00 Why We Were Never Taught How to Hold Power
4:00 The \"Pretty & Nice\" Trap
6:00 How Shame Makes Women Give Away Their Power
8:00 The Femininity Paradox
10:00 Why Powerful Women Are Judged Differently
12:00 The Double Bind Every Woman Faces
14:00 Why Some Women Become More Comfortable With Power
16:00 Building Confidence Through Action
18:00 The Hidden Cost of Female Leadership
20:00 Imposter Syndrome & Permission-Seeking
22:00 Why Women Apologize for Being Powerful
24:00 Hillary Clinton and the Price of Female Power
27:00 How to Become Comfortable Holding Power
29:00 Brave Spaces vs. Safe Spaces
31:00 Oprah, Michelle Yeoh & Healthy Female Power
33:00 Finding an Inner Source of Power
35:00 Have Women Always Been Disempowered?
37:00 Decolonizing Yourself From Limiting Beliefs
39:00 How Society Conditions the Way We Think
41:00 How Do You Break Free From Conditioning?
43:00 Listening to Your Inner Authority
45:00 Is Power Worth It If You Lose Yourself?
47:00 Becoming the Author of Your Own Life
48:30 How Women Can Hold Power Without Seeking Permission
50:00 Final Reflections
EPISODE LINKS
https://nancywadsworth.com/
PODCAST LINKS
Website: www.innercalling.org
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4
WHAT IS INNERCALLING?
INNERCALLING is a podcast where clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Ranade explores psychology, mental health, neuroscience, spirituality, wisdom, and what it means to live a meaningful life. Through long-form conversations with leading scientists, psychologists, physicians, authors, philosophers, and spiritual teachers we explore the biggest existential questions in life—from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and resilience to purpose, consciousness, faith, intuition, leadership, and human flourishing. These conversations bridge science and spirituality while exploring what helps us become more fully human. Learn more at www.innercalling.org.
THANK YOU so much for joining me today. I'm grateful you're here and for your support of INNERCALLING. If you'd like to connect, find me here:
Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade
Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com
Email: info@innercalling.org