Katie Bean (she/her)

Katie joined Momma on March 25, 2024 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Vulnerable Storytelling, Journaling & Yoga

About Katie

Katie Bean (she/her) is the author of Fragile Thoughts: A Healing Memoir which was published in May 2023 by New Degree Press. She spends her 9 to 5 empowering college students to embody a healthy lifestyle and the rest of her time is spent trying to listen to her own advice. She runs a monthly online Learning Circle, a book club with a self-study twist, to build connection with the purpose of healing and is starting to build a Substack community around this idea as well because we all have a #WriteToHeal.

Fragile Thoughts is written as both a personal narrative and a practical guide to healing. The memoir explores the intersection of three powerful healing tools: writing, vulnerable story-telling in community, and yoga practices. Through the author's personal stories, journal prompts, and instruction for yoga-based activities, the readers are encouraged to engage in their own healing journey.

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website - www.beanagent4change.com

• Substack - https://katiebeanwellness.substack.com/

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katiebeanwellness/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebeanwellness/

• TikTok - @katiebeanwellness112

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Book Recommendation: Fragile Thoughts: A Healing Memoir by Katie Bean 

• Book Recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk 

• Favorite Poem: Do Not Stand At My Grave & Weep 

• True Crime Show Recommendation: Making a Murderer 

• True Crime Show Recommendation: Tiger King 

• Podcast Recommendation: Yoga Girl 

• Eckhart Tolle 

• Book Recommendation: Badass Stories: Grit, Growth, Hope, and Healing in the Shitshow by Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt 

• Elizabeth Gilbert 

• Brene Brown 

• Book Recommendation: The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali by Satchidananda 

• Ram Daas 

• Podcast Recommendation: Meditation Minis with Chel Hamilton 

• Book Recommendation: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown 

• Book Recommendation: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski 

• Book Recommendation: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

• Book Recommendation: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan 

Episode Summary

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace vulnerability, find clarity through journaling, and discover the mental health benefits of yoga in a way that’s real, relatable, and down to earth.

Key Takeaways

• Neglecting self-care can lead to physical and mental health issues.

• It is important to make time for self-care and listen to your body's needs.

• Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.

• Toxic work environments can have a detrimental impact on well-being. Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.

• Journaling prompts and techniques can help individuals explore their thoughts and emotions more deeply.

• Sharing vulnerable stories can create connections and help others feel less alone.

• It's important to set healthy boundaries when sharing vulnerable stories in public or online spaces.

• Writing can be a cathartic and transformative process, allowing individuals to gain insights and find healing. Small groups can provide a safe space for healing and sharing one's story gradually.

• Being prepared for negative comments when sharing online is important, and it's crucial to be solid and sturdy in one's own healing.

• Yoga goes beyond physical postures and can be a powerful practice for mental health and emotional well-being.

• Books like 'The Gifts of Imperfection' and 'Burnout' offer valuable insights and strategies for healing.

• Learning Circle programs can create connections and facilitate healing discussions.

In this episode of "Even Tacos Fall Apart," MommaFoxFire sits down with Katie Bean, a yoga teacher, writer, and advocate for mental health. The discussion centers around the power of vulnerable storytelling, the practice of journaling, and the healing benefits of yoga. Katie shares her journey into these practices and how they’ve shaped her approach to life and mental well-being.

Katie begins by discussing her passion for storytelling, particularly the kind that involves deep vulnerability. She explains that sharing our stories—especially the messy, painful parts—can be a powerful tool for connection and healing. By opening up about our struggles, we invite others to do the same, creating a space where people feel less alone. Katie emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability, as it fosters genuine human connection and allows for a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

The conversation then shifts to journaling, a practice Katie has found invaluable in her personal growth and mental health journey. She describes journaling as a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s a way to process emotions, gain clarity, and document life’s ups and downs. For Katie, journaling is more than just writing; it’s a form of self-care and a method of storytelling that helps her navigate life’s challenges. She encourages listeners to start journaling, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, as it can lead to profound insights and personal breakthroughs.

Katie also touches on the role of yoga in her life, particularly its connection to mental health. She shares that yoga is not just a physical practice but a holistic one that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Through yoga, Katie has learned to listen to her body, cultivate mindfulness, and find peace amidst chaos. She discusses how yoga has helped her manage anxiety and stress, offering tools to stay grounded and present. Katie also highlights the accessibility of yoga, noting that it’s a practice anyone can adopt, regardless of experience level or physical ability.

Throughout the interview, Katie and MommaFoxFire discuss the intersection of these practices—storytelling, journaling, and yoga—and how they complement each other in the journey toward mental wellness. Katie reflects on her experiences leading workshops and retreats where she combines these elements to help others heal and grow. She talks about the importance of creating safe spaces for people to explore their emotions and share their stories without fear of judgment.

Katie encourages listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities, start journaling, and consider incorporating yoga into their lives. She reminds us that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that by sharing our stories, we can inspire others to do the same. The episode leaves listeners with a sense of hope and empowerment, reinforcing the idea that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, there are tools and practices available to help us pick up the pieces and move forward with grace.