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The Balance Theory
How to Escape the Rat Race WITHOUT Quitting Your 9-5
Do you feel trapped in a 9-5 you dread, dreaming of escaping the rat race but can’t afford to quit your job? I've been there. It's a downward spiral of low self value and constant questioning of your life's purpose - you feel like your soul is being chipped away by the minute.
In this podcast, I'm going to walk you through a 6 step process that will change how you view your job to create a life you love—without even having to leave your current job. I’m going to share with you how I went from feeling unsatisfied and stuck in my job as a corporate lawyer, to finding & completely changing how I felt about my career. You don't need to feel stuck because of a job you don't love. Reframing how you think & feel about it is your key.
IN THIS EPISODE
Interview with Tracy Harmoush
TIME STAMPS
(00:00) Introduction
(03:34) Step 1
(04:56) Step 2
(07:01) Step 3
(08:32) Step 4
(08:56) Step 5
(10:12) Step 6
👉🏽 My FREE Work Life Balance Workshop
WHO AM I?
My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel!
📸 My personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/erikadpelle/
RESOURCES
▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon
▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge
LET’S BE FRIENDS
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebalancetheorypodcast/
📱Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebalancetheorypodcast
🌍 My website - https://thebalancetheorypodcast.com/
👋 Join our Telegram - https://t.me/+FwZELsF-OhdkOTNl
MY FAVOURITE STUFF
💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial
📚 Scheduling Meeting tool - Calendly
🧡 This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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47:00||Season 5, Ep. 26Have you ever felt a quiet (or not-so-quiet) nudge that you’re meant for something more ... but don’t know what to do about it?In this empowering episode, I sit down with award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and mum Layla Kardan, who shares her powerful story of breaking cultural expectations, walking away from the “safe” path, and choosing a life aligned with her true calling.We talk about:✨ How to recognize and trust the call for more✨ What it really takes to pivot, even when you’re scared✨ The truth about manifesting vs. doing the work✨ Redefining success, motherhood, and building a life that fits youThis episode is for anyone feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or afraid to make a change — but knows deep down that more is meant for them.TIMESTAMPS(01:34) Introduction(08:18) How did culture impact what you were expected to do?(13:16) How did you actually make a pivot to your greater calling?(20:39) How she funded her dream(22:03) How do you define success?(23:48) Creating a business for the life you want(28:39) Has Self Care changed since motherhood?(33:14) Does manifesting create your dream life?(37:44) You won’t change if you don’t do thisConnect with our guest on InstagramNUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and whole foods. I am currently LOVING the collagen powder and bone broth range.✨ GET 15% OFF USING CODE: THEBALANCETHEORYwww.nutraorganics.com.auLONDON DAIRYThank you to London Dairy, the sponsors of today's episode. This is your reminder to carve out a moment just for you today! Join me and my London Dairy ice cream tub on the couch for that self-care mmmm moment.WHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome! 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off25. 5 Easy Systems That Bring Instant Order to Your Life
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49:34||Season 5, Ep. 24Are you lost in the noise online? Or maybe your brand isn't growing despite your efforts? In this essential viewing episode, we dive deep with leading business and personal branding coach, Ange Simson, to uncover why a strong personal brand is non-negotiable in today's world and exactly how you can build one that gets you noticed, without the burnout or the overwhelm.You can expect actionable steps to define your unique voice, attract incredible opportunities, and confidently elevate your presence. Learn how to overcome self-doubt, simplify content creation, and truly stand out in a crowded digital landscape.Ready to transform your online presence and unlock new opportunities? Tune in now and start mastering your personal brand!NUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and whole foods. I am currently LOVING the collagen powder and bone broth range.✨ GET 15% OFF USING CODE: THEBALANCETHEORYwww.nutraorganics.com.auLONDON DAIRYThank you to London Dairy, the sponsors of today's episode. This is your reminder to carve out a moment just for you today! Join me and my London Dairy ice cream tub on the couch for that self-care mmmm moment.CONNECT📸 Connect with Ange on IG hereCheck her courses out in her link in bio.THE STUDIO 🎥We filmed this incredible conversation in the beautiful Pivotal Conversations Studio on the Gold Coast, Australia. Check them out if you're looking for high quality production, we couldn't recommend them enough!WHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off23. These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why
55:15||Season 5, Ep. 23Think you’re doing everything right — eating clean, avoiding junk, trying all the wellness trends — but still feel bloated, tired, or stuck? You’re not alone. In this episode, leading nutritionist Layla Al-Naif joins us to unpack the hidden ways your healthy habits might actually be backfiring — and what to do instead.This is not about restrictive diets or fear-based rules. It’s about helping you understand:Why fad diets often fail to create real, lasting change How cheat meals mess with your gut and mindset more than you realise What your gut actually needs to function well Why eating “clean” doesn’t always mean eating right How to build balanced meals that support your energy — even when you're busy If you’re:Always bloated, even on a “clean” dietFeeling low on energy despite eating wellConfused about what’s actually healthyCraving a simpler, more sustainable approach to food...this episode will help you reset your thinking and feel better — without the overwhelm. Simplified no BS advice from Layla to get your nutrition on track!CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST📸 InstagramLONDON DAIRYThank you to London Dairy, the sponsors of today's episode. This is your reminder to carve out a moment just for you today! Join me and my London Dairy ice cream tub on the couch for that self-care mmmm moment.TIME STAMPS(01:30) Introduction(02:52) FAD Diets: Which one should we avoid?(06:31) When diets are only a means to an end(11:30) Cheat meals are your worst friend(15:04) What your gut needs(16:53) Eating for your Blood Type(18:56) Does your cultural heritage play role in what you can and can’t eat?(27:07) Do emotions play a role in digestion?(30:38) Is Fasting good?(39:36) Should we aim for ‘healthy’ or ‘nutritious’?(43:49) Blueprint for building our plates(46:55) How to meal prep when you’re time poor?WHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off22. Moving to Dubai: Would I Still Do It? 3 Years Later HONEST Review
16:10||Season 5, Ep. 22Thinking of moving to Dubai? Or just curious about life here? 🌆 In this episode, I give you my honest review after living here as an expat for the past 3 years — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This isn’t a sugar-coated guide or influencer highlight reel. It’s the real, unfiltered truth about what it’s like to build a life in Dubai as a foreigner.Whether you’re considering a move for work, lifestyle, or a fresh start, this episode dives into:✅ What surprised me most about Dubai✅ The hardest parts of adjusting as an expat✅ What I absolutely love about living here✅ Would I recommend it — and to who?✅ What I’d do differently if I were starting again💬 Have a question or thinking of moving to Dubai? Drop a me a comment on socials – I’d love to hear your story or help if I can!LONDON DAIRYThank you to London Dairy, the sponsors of today's episode. This is your reminder to carve out a moment just for you today! Join me and my London Dairy ice cream tub on the couch for that self-care mmmm moment.WHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off21. Break This One Habit and Watch Your Self-Worth Transform w Davina Rankin
57:34||Season 5, Ep. 21If you've ever felt like your worth depends on what you do, how you look, or who approves of you — you're not alone. In this raw and empowering conversation, Davina Rankin opens up about her journey of chasing external validation through modelling, relationships, and perfectionism… and what it took to finally feel enough without it.We dive deep into:✨ The habit that keeps you stuck in cycles of not-enoughness✨ Why external validation feels so addictive — and how to stop relying on it✨ The emotional shift that comes from choosing yourself first✨ How motherhood, celibacy, and solitude helped Davina reclaim her worthThis episode is a MUST-listen if you’re tired of seeking approval, performing for love, or feeling like you constantly have to prove yourself. It’s time to break the cycle and remember: your worth isn't something you earn — it's something you own.NUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and wholefoods. I am currently LOVING the bone broth range!✨ GET 15% OFF HERE USING CODE: "THEBALANCETHEORY"CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST📸 InstagramTIME STAMPS(01:27) Introduction(01:57) Why Celibacy?(08:04) Uncomfortable truth about yourself(12:32) Radical Self Acceptance(14:28) Don’t have poor spiritual hygiene(20:10) How has your feminine energy shifted(23:08) Practical Tips for moving away from External Validation(27:57) First step to seek your own validation(33:41) Showing up authentically you in all areas of your life equally (EVEN WORK)(38:33) Losing yourself & finding yourself as a mother(42:40) How has your self growth influenced your parenting?(46:05) Genuine Self love v Bandaid Self Love(47:56) Learn from your judgemental sideTHE STUDIO 🎥We filmed this incredible conversation in the beautiful Pivotal Conversations Studio on the Gold Coast, Australia. Check them out if you're looking for high quality production, we couldn't recommend them enough!WHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off20. Overwhelmed by Gut Health & Nutrition? Here's What You Actually Need to Know
50:55||Season 5, Ep. 20If you’ve ever felt confused by food labels, overwhelmed by gut health advice, or unsure which supplements are actually worth it — this episode is for you. We sit down with Lisa Baker, a dermal therapist turned nutritionist and supplement product developer, to demystify what’s really worth paying attention to when it comes to nutrition. From breaking down misleading food label claims to understanding the connection between gut health and overall wellbeing, Lisa shares practical, no-stress tips to help you make more confident and informed choices.✨ You’ll learn:– How to actually read food labels without getting lost– What ingredients to watch out for (even in “clean” products)– When supplements can support your diet — and when they’re unnecessary– Why gut health matters more than you think– How to build a realistic, balanced approach to eatingThis is your no-BS guide to gut health and nutrition — grounded, practical, and empowering.CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST📸 Instagram📚 Books TIME STAMPS(01:33) Introduction(02:43) Lisa’s journey from outside to inside health(05:44) 5 steps to creating a high quality product(10:48) Can we trust healthy clean labels?(14:33) What to look out for on labels(19:25) What foods/ingredients do you 100% avoid?(23:53) Supplements or Food?(26:05) Gut Health research update(29:25) Gut health helps mum’s breast milk for baby(32:34) FAD Diets - which one is worth exploring?(37:28) How does your work help you as a mum feeding your kids?(42:42) Is there a common nutrition rule you don’t agree with?(44:54) Ozempic - a concerning trend in Nutrition right now?NUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and wholefoods. I am currently LOVING the bone broth range!✨ GET 15% OFF HERE USING CODE: "THEBALANCETHEORY"THE STUDIO 🎥We filmed this incredible conversation in the beautiful Pivotal Conversations Studio on the Gold Coast, Australia. Check them out if you're looking for high quality production, we couldn't recommend them enough!WHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial19. 8 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
10:35||Season 5, Ep. 19Ever feel like you should be further ahead by now? Like no matter how much you do, it still doesn’t feel like enough?In today’s episode, I’m walking you through 8 powerful signs that you’re actually doing far better than you give yourself credit for. If you’ve been doubting your progress, stuck in self-comparison, or just feeling behind in life — this one’s for you.💡 You’ll walk away feeling:Reassured you’re on the right path (even if it doesn’t look like it)- Validated in the quiet progress you have made- Clearer on what growth really looks like in this season- Let this episode be your reminder: you are not behind — you’re building.Press play and see if these 8 signs show up in your own life — chances are, they’re already there.🎧 Episode with Georgie StevensonNUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and whole foods. I am currently LOVING the collagen powder and bone broth range.✨ GET 15% OFF USING CODE: THEBALANCETHEORYwww.nutraorganics.com.auTIME STAMPS(00:00) Introduction(02:10) Sign 1(02:41) Sign 2(03:20) Sign 3(04:35) Sign 4(06:29) Sign 5(07:32) Sign 6(08:13) Sign 7(08:51) Sign 8👉🏽 My FREE Work Life Balance WorkshopWHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial18. The REAL Reason Progress Isn't Making You Feel Better w Annalie Howling
53:03||Season 5, Ep. 18🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode includes a discussion of self-harm. Please take care while listening.You’re doing everything right — checking the boxes, reaching your goals, and growing on paper. But deep down, something still feels off.Why doesn’t the progress stick? Why does every achievement feel good… but only for a moment?In this episode, we uncover how shame often hides beneath the surface of high achievement — quietly driving your need to succeed, be the “good girl,” or live up to others’ expectations.🔑 We cover:* How shame subtly drives high achievers without them realising it* Why your wins don’t land the way you thought they would* The pressure to be the “good girl” — and what it’s costing you* What to do when your identity no longer feels like it fits* Friendship breakups, saying no, and reclaiming space for the real youIf you’ve ever felt like your life looks perfect but doesn’t feel like yours, this conversation will help you reconnect with the version of you that feels truly aligned.💭 You might not even realise shame is the root — but if your progress feels empty or fleeting, this might be your missing piece.NUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and wholefoods. I am currently LOVING the collagen powder and bone broth range.✨ GET 15% OFF HERE USING CODE: THEBALANCETHEORYCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST📸 Instagram📚 Get UNAPOLOGETIC HereTIME STAMPS(00:00) Introduction(04:30) Are high achievers driven by shame?(07:55) Are Limiting Beliefs because of shame?(09:36) How do you know if your identity is actually you?(11:44) Why you shouldn’t say “be a good girl”(18:04) Be mindful of the word “SHOULD”(22:26) How do you be authentically you if others are used to another version?(24:31) How do you manage friendship breakups?(28:04) Narcissism in friendships(35:46) What’s the difference between being lonely or being on my own?(43:06) How does one get good at saying noWHO AM I?My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial