Let us know what you think about this episode or send us an idea!

Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to interpret discomfort, confusion, or lack of momentum as proof that something is wrong with us.

In this episode, Ryan and Vic challenge that assumption.

They unpack what it really means to get unfcked* — not by fixing yourself, but by recognizing when you’re simply under-resourced, not broken.

Together, they explore three core elements that are often missing when life starts to feel heavy or stuck:

• Clarity – not certainty or a 10-year plan, but orientation
• Direction – movement without needing to feel “ready”
• Autonomy – the right to want what you want without justification

You’ll hear personal stories, coaching reflections, and practical reframes to help you stop diagnosing yourself as the problem — and start asking better questions about what’s actually missing.

In this episode:

• Why confusion and discomfort are not character flaws
• How the “fix yourself” mindset quietly runs the self-help industry
• The difference between being broken and being under-resourced
• Why motivation follows action (not the other way around)
• What autonomy really costs — and why it’s worth it

Reflection questions from the episode:

• What are you assuming is a personal flaw that might actually be a missing input?
• If you didn’t need to be sure, what would you try?
• Where are you living someone else’s version of “enough”?
• If you assumed you weren’t broken, what would you stop apologizing for?

Key takeaway:

You don’t need fixing.

You need support, space, and permission to listen to yourself.

Hosts:

Ryan Reichert-Estes, StackRise Coaching | LinkedIn | Insta: @stackrisecoaching

Vic Smith, WhistleSmith.co | LinkedIn | Insta: @vic_bk