The Knowing Podcast | Emotional Intelligence, Business Growth, Personal Development

S2 Ep2 - Presence Over Performance: Reclaiming What Matters

In this heartfelt episode of The Knowing Podcast, Christene Marie sits down with entrepreneur and lifestyle investor Justin Donald for a deeply honest conversation on what it means to truly know yourself—not through achievement, but through presence.
 
Together, they explore:
-Why emotional intelligence isn’t optional for leadership
-How to shift from performance to presence in your relationships
-The myth of "doing more" and the courage to just be
-Powerful metaphors about family, business, and what’s truly fragile
-The role of curiosity, faith, and identity in building a life that lasts
 
Justin opens up about fatherhood, boundaries, success, and the wake-up calls that made him reevaluate his priorities. Christene brings the emotional depth and clarity that makes this podcast a sanctuary for those hungry for both truth and transformation.
 
🔹Complimentary Marriage and Family Planning Day https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVxZgVEF6vZR0F_S65LGl52bzsxOQb47/view?usp=drive_link
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:30 Christene Intro to the Podcast
1:08 Guest Intro
6:16 Curating Communities & Boundaries
11:23 Presence Over Performance
16:51 Childlike Curiosity & Self Discovery
20:30 Ego Walls & Emotional Safety
26:05 Business Growth by Choosing Family
30:46 Marriage & Family Planning
35:48 Glass Ball vs Rubber Ball Mindset
37:28 Faith, Marriage, Children, & Purpose
41:36 Mentorship, Masterminds & ROI on Growth
 
🔔 Subscribe and tap the bell for weekly insights on knowing yourself, your relationships, and your purpose.
👇 Drop your favorite moment or takeaway in the comments—we'd love to hear what spoke to you.
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🔹 Follow The Knowing Podcast on Instagram: @theknowingpodcast
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🔹 Learn more at: https://www.theknowingagency.com/
🔹 Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/
🔹 Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/
 
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👤 ABOUT JUSTIN DONALD Justin Donald is the founder of Lifestyle Investor, a community and investment network that helps people create wealth without giving up what matters most. Through private deals, conscious investing, and his signature courses, Justin teaches leaders how to build financial freedom and a meaningful life.
 
📘 Author of The Lifestyle Investor – a WSJ Best Seller
🎯 Host of The Lifestyle Investor Podcast
💡 Creator of the Lifestyle Investor Mastermind and Investment System
🌐 Website: https://justindonald.com
📘 Book: https://lifestyleinvestorbook.com
🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifestyle-investor-investing-passive-income-wealth/id1541009357
📸 Instagram: @justindonald
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justindonald01
 
🔹Complimentary Marriage and Family Planning Day Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jVxZgVEF6vZR0F_S65LGl52bzsxOQb47/view?usp=drive_link
 
#TheKnowingPodcast #JustinDonald #EmotionalIntelligence #PresenceOverPerformance #FaithAndBusiness #LeadershipWisdom #knowingyourself
 

S2 Ep1 - Am I Enough? How Grief Reveals Your True Self

Welcome to Season 2 of The Knowing Podcast. In this powerful solo episode, host Christene Marie returns to the mic with unfiltered honesty, guiding us through what it means to live in vertical alignment, reclaim our self-worth, and wake up to our truest selves.
 
Through personal stories, daily practices, and emotional breakthroughs, Christene shares how to:
 
-Stop outsourcing your worth
-Heal from shame stories that started in childhood
-Reconnect with the person you were before the world told you who to be
 
Whether you're navigating grief, growth, or a season of self-reflection, this episode will meet you where you are—and move you forward.
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:30 Welcome To the Podcast
1:09 Podcast Start
4:13 Key Practices for Personal Growth
6:14 The Pain of Loss and Grief
11:48 Self-Worth and Presence in Grief
16:46 Worthiness Discovery
19:49 61 Day Challenge and Overcoming Narratives
29:59 Discovering Purpose and Emotional Intelligence
36:09 Nature vs. Nurture: A Self-Exploration
46:41 Intentional Energy 
48:45 The Power of Emotional Intelligence
 
👉 New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and reflect with us.
🪞 Start your Knowing journey: Are you brave enough to pursue joy?
 
Recommended Books by Christene Marie:
📖 Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
📖 Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore
 
📲FOLLOW + 📌CONNECT:
🔹 Follow The Knowing Podcast on Instagram: @theknowingpodcast
🔹 Follow The Knowing Podcast on TickTock: @theknowingpodcast
🔹 Learn more at: https://www.theknowingagency.com/
🔹 Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/
🔹 Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/
 
#EmotionalIntelligence #SelfWorth #GriefHealing #KnowYourself #ChristeneMarie #PodcastForWomen #PurposeDrivenLife #HealingJourney #FaithAndHealing #EmotionalGrowth #TheKnowingPodcast

14 - Who Are You? Awakening, Responsibility, and the Light Within

What if truly knowing yourself could change everything? 
 
In this episode of the Knowing Podcast, Christene Marie walks listeners through a personal exercise on self-awareness, encouraging them to pause, engage, and explore the connection between logic and emotion. She introduces three key steps in deep inner work: identifying the source of emotions, building a strong personal foundation, and taking action to change old patterns. She emphasizes the importance of truly knowing oneself and making space for both thought and feeling in decision-making.
Drawing from her life experiences—grief, loss, and relationship struggles—she shares how unprocessed emotions can quietly shape our lives. She challenges listeners to reflect on their own defining moments and take responsibility for their growth rather than falling into a victim mindset. The episode wraps up with a reminder to practice “vertical alignment” daily, making space for self-awareness amidst life’s distractions. 
 
Important Moments:
0:00 Intro
0:37 Words of Welcome From Christene
3:15 The Three Steps to Deep Inner Work
5:19 Balancing Logic and Emotion
9:57 Who are you?
12:16 What was a Catalytic Moment that Forced you Awake?
16:53 Summary of The First Two Questions from Christene
19:28 Have you Assumed Responsibility Over Self?
26:55 The Body’s Wisdom and Intuition
37:31 Narratives and Their Impact
43:11 Embracing Both Shadow and Light
48:07 What is the Light in You?
 
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
Connect with Christene on her socials:
Instagram: @christenemarie_
LinkedIn: @christenemarie and @theknowingagency 
Facebook: @christenemarie

13 - Unveiling the Power Within: Releasing Past Hurts, Embracing Forgiveness, and Setting Boundaries

Is it important to forgive to find healing? 
 
In this episode of the Knowing Podcast, Dafne Wiswell, a champion of inner healing and forgiveness, shares a deeply moving conversation with Christene Marie on her experiences with chronic autoimmune conditions and the powerful role forgiveness played in her healing journey. 
 
Dafne sheds light on the often-overlooked connection between childhood wounds, unresolved emotions, and physical health, emphasizing the significance of addressing these root causes for genuine well-being.
 
From this podcast, gain insights on setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and embracing the power of forgiveness in seeking greater emotional well-being and personal growth.
 
Important Moments
 
0:00 Intro
1:14 Dafne Wiswell Greeting
2:18 The Importance of Sharing Stories with Honor
5:38 Dafne's Personal Background and Family Life
10:34 The Truth of the Past during Sickness
11:56 The Journey to Healing
17:35 The Power of Intuition and Emotions
18:54 Navigating Anger and Understanding Emotions
26:05 Forgiveness and Family Relationships
30:39 Starting the Healing Journey
39:09 Embracing the Mystery of Healing
42:30 Women and Self-Sacrifice
48:20 Recognizing what Emotions to Let Go
52:34 Practical Steps for Inner Healing
 
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
Enjoyed what you heard from Dafne? Connect with her and her amazing resources!
THE CHRONIC ILLNESS COACH - https://thechronicillnesscoach.co/
GET A FREE E-BOOK! Breakthrough by Dafne Wiswell - https://thechronicillnesscoach.co/books/  
‘4 Keys to Connect with Your Spouse When Your World is Crumbling’ - https://fiercemarriage.com/4-keys-to-connect-with-your-spouse 
Website:  www.dafnewiswell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dafnewiswell/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dafnewiswell/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedafnewiswell/ 

12 - Manifesting Your Dreams: Self-discipline, Mindset, and Achieving the Impossible

What does it really take to have self-discipline?
 
In this episode of the Knowing Podcast, prepare to be moved by a heartfelt conversation with Monica Levi, an executive self-discipline coach and former lawyer, on overcoming limiting beliefs, manifesting realities, and the power of discipline. 
 
Monica shares her story of personal transformation that started when she left her successful but unfulfilling legal career to pursue a more authentic path.
 
She details actionable strategies for building self-discipline and practical tips for creating a life that aligns with your values and goals
 
Learn valuable lessons to create a meaningful life with Monica’s blend of strategic planning and belief in manifestation.
 
Important Moments: 
 
0:00 Intro
3:20 Growing Up in Communism in Bulgaria
7:50 The Power of Discipline
11:53 Willpower vs. Discipline
14:08 Creating Intentional Family Relationships
20:01 Manifestation and Discipline
23:10 Monica's Journey to the U.S.
28:03 Facing the Fear of Leaving Law
29:24 The Turning Point: Internal Instincts
30:41 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies
32:45 Parental Expectations and Personal Values
36:32 The Journey of Self-Discovery
49:12 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success
 
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
Take Monica's 1-on-1 coaching program to learn how to build self-discipline and start taking consistent action towards your goals. Visit https://www.monicalevicoaching.com/ for program details. 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicalevicoaching/ 
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_discipline_coach/
 

11 - The Ascension Journey: Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul and Embracing Higher Consciousness

In this episode of the Knowing Podcast,
Christene Marie dives into a meaningful conversation with James Valentine, ascension coach, bestselling author, and international speaker, about the path to inner peace and self-forgiveness. 
 
James passionately discusses the importance of non-reaction to thoughts, emotions, or external events, viewing reality as a projection of our thoughts. By choosing non-reactivity, individuals can break free from negativity.
 
He highlights the significance of self-forgiveness in healing past wounds and fostering personal growth. By forgiving ourselves, we detach from limiting beliefs and embrace change.
 
He also shares his views on deconstructing the ego to reconnect with one’s true self. By examining and challenging these narratives, individuals can rediscover their authentic selves.
 
Important Moments: 
[2:53] The Catalyst for Transformation
[07:28] Exploring Consciousness and the Ego
[10:46] Awareness and Emotional Healing
[15:58] Consciousness and Individual Realities
[19:04] Rejecting Subconscious Judgements 
[21:40] Unchecked Thoughts and their Consequences
[24:32] Thoughts vs Emotions vs Feelings
[28:18] Accountability for Yourself 
[32:16] Scientific Emotions and What you can Control
[37:41] Ego and its Origin 
[44:10] Older and Younger Self Introductions through Therapy 
[52:42] Existing in the Moment by Moment 
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
Enjoyed what you heard from James? Connect with him and his amazing resources!
 
Book: 
 
Daddy Loves You: Relationship Chronicles - https://www.amazon.com/Daddy-Loves-You-James-Valentine/dp/B08Y9WFNL1 
 
Podcast:
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/the-journey-to-ascension/id1766370467 
 
Socials: 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-andre-valentine/ 
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theascensioncoach_1111/ 
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awakeningtoLove1/?_rdr 
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAscensionCoach_1111 

10 - Awakening to Purpose: Building a Life and Business That Matter

Allow AI to elevate roles in your business!
 
In this episode of the Knowing Podcast, Mark de Grasse, a modern marketing expert and AI advocate, speaks with Christene Marie about the intersection of AI, marketing, personal growth, and business leadership. 
 
Mark delves into his transformative personal journey and its profound influence on his approach to life and business. He reflects on his "awakening" experience, sharing how he transitioned from a state of unfulfilled contentment, to a deeper understanding of happiness, purpose, and authenticity. 
 
Mark recounts how this awakening prompted him to reevaluate his priorities, moving away from materialistic goals and toward a mission-driven perspective.
 
Mark also emphasizes the critical role of branding, consistency, and long-term vision in creating sustainable success. Rejecting the notion of "vanity metrics," he advocates for defining meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with personal and organizational values. Mark discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining processes and enhancing branding consistency, underscoring the importance of human oversight in leveraging AI tools effectively. 
 
From this podcast, gain insights to elevate your business using innovative AI-driven approaches.
 
Important Moments:
 
[4:12] Pursuit of Growth Over Perfection
[6:50] The Importance of Vision in Business
[9:07] Introduction to AI Branding Academy
[11:19] AI’s Role in Business and Marketing
[17:20] Navigating Overcommitment and Burnout
[19:40] Awakening and Redefining Success
[26:22] Shadow Work and Emotional Healing
[28:46] Physical Fitness and the Mind-Body Connection
[37:30] Spirituality and Health
[43:15] AI’s Future Role in Systems and Branding
[47:25] Balancing Brand Consistency with Customer Experience
[55:12] The Freedom of Purpose-Driven Work
[59:00] Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth
 
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
If you are interested to learn more about Mark’s framework that can elevate your brand through AI-powered applications, visit https://markdegrasse.com/ 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-de-grasse-19a50127/ 
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdegrasse/ 
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkdeGrasse 
 

9 - Honesty, Responsibility, and Actionable Love: Transcending from Lies and Failures

Are you committed to honesty, even when it's difficult?
 
In this episode of the Knowing Podcast, Kasim Aslam, a successful entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, shares with Christene Marie his personal journey from a self-proclaimed liar to a leader who values truth, responsibility, and love. 
 
Kasim shares insights on his transformation from a troubled youth who relied on carefully crafting false identities to suit the needs of his situations, to embracing his true identity as a father, a responsible lover, and a successful businessman.
 
He elaborates on the crucial role that failure played in his growth, teaching him valuable lessons and ultimately leading to his greatest achievements. His unique perspective on love as an action that requires both truth and responsibility to flourish.
 
From this podcast, reflect on the role of truth in your life and embrace your failures as opportunities for learning and growth. 
 
Important Moments:
 
[01:43] - Pathological Lying and Early Identity
[08:43] - Beginning to use the Truth
[11:30] - Reinventing The Self
[14:40] - Greatness isn't Perfection
[17:00] - Actions and Behaviors
[18:37] - Pursuing Greatness
[23:32] - Learning from Failure
[25:05] - Balancing Truth, Responsibility, and Love
[32:20] - The Power of Self-Narratives
[37:42] - Forgiveness and Personal Growth
[47:13] - Actions and Integrity
[49:42] - The Long Road to Success
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
Enjoyed what you heard from Kasim? Connect with him and his amazing resources!
KASIM ASLAM, a digital marketing thought leader - https://kasimaslam.com/ 
Book: The 7 Critical Principles of Effective Digital Marketing - https://kasimaslam.com/the-7-critical-principles-of-effective-digital-marketing/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasimaslam/ 
X: https://x.com/kasimaslam 

8 - Rewriting Your Inner Narrative: Unlocking your Potential Through Self-Knowledge

In this episode of The Knowing Podcast, Christene Marie and Paul Sheesley speak on  the transformative power of therapy and mindfulness. They explore how self-awareness and emotional intelligence are essential to personal and professional growth. 
Paul, a seasoned therapist and coach, emphasizes the importance of carving out time for self-reflection, noting that even small daily rituals can help individuals reconnect with their inner selves. He shares insights on how to identify emotional patterns and narratives, encouraging listeners to name their feelings and understand the messages behind them to gain greater control over their actions and choices.
Paul underscores how addressing core emotional challenges can foster healthier relationships, improved leadership, and a more balanced approach to life. The conversation leaves listeners with actionable steps to practice mindfulness, engage in meaningful self-assessment, and embrace the courageous journey of therapy for lasting transformation.
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Important Moments:
[01:22] - Paul’s Work as a Therapist and Coach
[03:30] - Engaging Clients in Therapy and Coaching
[12:31] - Practical Mindfulness Strategies
[15:48] - Building Healthy Morning Routines
[22:23] - Prioritizing Personal Investment
[24:42] - Understanding Emotional Patterns and Relationships
[29:00]- The Purpose in Being a Therapist
[33:54] - Role-Playing in Therapy
[37:12] - Leveraging and Exploring Emotional Narratives
[41:48] - The Child-Mode and Rewriting Painful Memories
[47:27] - Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
[48:46] - Rewriting the Conclusion
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
Paul is a psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in the field of clinical psychology and human behavior
He equips high-powered professionals, prominent couples, and families committed to healthy interpersonal relationships with personalized support.
He has tailored treatment, and necessary steps to regain a balanced self that positively impacts all areas of life.
He helps his clients achieve balance in their personal and professional lives so they can reach their goals and make a significant impact.
Connect with Paul!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sheesley-psychotherapist-dc-md/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.sheesley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Paul-B-Sheesley/61559109681500/
X:  https://x.com/paul_sheesley
 

7 - Harnessing AI for Innovation: Business Transformation and the Future of Technology

In this engaging episode of The Knowing Podcast, host Christene Marie sits down with Seema Alexander, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Virgent AI, to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in modern business.
The conversation delves into the critical need for businesses—especially small- and medium-sized enterprises—to embrace AI, not just as a tool for efficiency but as a foundation for innovation and strategic growth. Seema emphasizes that AI is not about replacing jobs but empowering individuals and organizations to focus on creativity, strategy, and meaningful work. 
Seema and Christene urge businesses to embrace AI thoughtfully while maintaining their core values and human touch. This episode is a compelling call to action for leaders to innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose in an AI-driven world.
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Important Moments:
[01:47] - Seema’s Background and Career Highlights
[03:52] - Personal Story of Entrepreneurship and Lessons Learned
[05:40] - The Rise of the Internet
[09:40] - The Power and Evolution of AI
[11:45] - Use Cases of AI in Personal and Professional Life
[15:43] - AI in Business Operations and Customization
[20:43] - The Future of Customer Experience with AI
[31:04] - Modern AI Framework for Businesses
[41:25] - Structured Data and Informed Decisions
[45:25] - First Steps in Operational AI
[51:32] - The Four Elements of Changes in AI
[57:02] - The Soul of the Business with AI
 
—
Sign up for Christene Marie’s Newsletter: https://christenemarie.com/receive-newsletter/ 
Read the blog: https://christenemarie.com/blog/ 
Invite Christene to speak: https://christenemarie.com/speaking/ 
—
Seema is the Co-Founder & President of Virgent AI
Accelerates AI adoption for businesses & industries, safely
Identify & integrate AI into companies within their functional areas
AI education & workshops
 
Visit www.VIRGENT.AI  for more information.
 
Connect with Seema!
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seema.p.alexander