Have you ever felt completely paralysed by something that should be simple? Packing a suitcase. Choosing an outfit. Showing up as yourself. If you’ve ever spiralled over what other people might think of you, this episode is for you.

Marla is packing for a six-month solo adventure, which sounds exciting, until Polly Packer shows up. Polly is that relentless inner critic who turns packing a bag into a full emotional workout. In this episode, Marla traces that anxiety all the way back to its roots: shame.

Through two wonderfully mortifying stories, Marla unpacks how our brains turn moments of what should be just embarrassment into beliefs we carry for decades. She explores where shame comes from, why it has such a grip on us, and most importantly, how to loosen that grip with some honesty, a reality check, and a healthy dose of laughter.

Key Insights:

·Shame is not the same as guilt.

·Shame has ancient roots.

·Naming it takes away some of its power.

·Shame shrinks in the light.

Have a Polly Packer of your own? I’d love to hear about her. Send me a message at info@marlasimlett.com or find me on Instagram. And if this episode hit close to home, share it with someone who needs it. When you’ve got a revolution, the more the merrier.

Subscribe to the Laughter Revolution Digest at marlasimlett.com to follow along on Marla’s six-month solo journey, including what she’s learning and laughing about along the way.