You built the life you thought would make you happy.

So why doesn't it feel that way?

In this season opener of Be Your Own Dang Hero, Pauline McKinney explores the hidden truth behind success, burnout, self-discovery, and the question so many of us are afraid to ask:

What do I actually want?

If you've ever felt disconnected from your own life—even when everything looks good from the outside—this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Because maybe you're not broken.

Maybe you're simply ready to tell yourself the truth.

🎧 Listen now and start building a life that feels like you.

Coming Home: Mining the Wisdom of Returns

In this week’s Go Deeper episode of the Be Your Own Dang Hero Podcast, host Pauline McKinney invites you to reflect on the powerful theme of returns and homecomings—those moments when you re-enter everyday life after a transformative experience.

• Do you have your own hero's journey to share?

  I'd love to have you as a guest! Click ⁠here ⁠to submit your story!

  email: pauline@beyourowndanghero.com

  
  

  In this episode of the Be Your Own Dang Hero podcast, host Pauline McKinney discusses the final chapter of the Hero's Journey: the return.

  Titled 'Returns and Homecomings,' this episode explores the ways heroes share their newfound knowledge after completing their journeys.

  Pauline outlines three paths heroes might take: keeping the knowledge to themselves, selling it, or sharing it selectively to make a positive impact. She emphasizes that there's no right or wrong path, encouraging listeners to follow what feels right for them.

  The episode also touches on personal growth, the power of example, and the impact of sharing one's story.

  Pauline invites listeners to share their experiences and hints at exciting future episodes that will delve deeper into real-life applications of the Hero's Journey.

  
  

This is your sacred invitation to drop in and mine your own inner world for answers, ideas, and inspiration. There’s so much good stuff inside of you - let’s dig deeper and access it!

Temptations and Refusals: Navigating the Hero’s Journey Back to the Known World

In this episode of Be Your Own Dang Hero, host Pauline McKinney dives into a crucial but often overlooked stage of the Hero’s Journey: the Refusal of the Return. After the hero overcomes challenges, gains mastery, and receives their reward, there’s one final test—bringing those lessons and gifts back into the real world.

Do you have your own hero's journey to share?I'd love to have you as a guest! Click ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠to submit your story!

This is your sacred invitation to drop in and mine your own inner world for answers, ideas, and inspiration. There’s so much good stuff inside of you - let’s dig deeper and access it!

Sweet Rewards: What Comes After Facing Your Monsters

In this episode of Be Your Own Dang Hero, host Pauline McKinney explores the powerful concept of the reward that follows facing your biggest fears and inner dragons—the “ordeals” in your personal Hero’s Journey.

Every challenge we face, whether a professional leap, a personal transformation, or confronting deep-seated limiting beliefs, carries a hidden reward. Pauline shares her own story of returning from maternity leave, navigating career decisions, and taking the leap into a part-time role that allowed her to balance work and motherhood. Her breakthrough illustrates a universal truth: courage in the face of fear yields rewards—sometimes exactly as expected, sometimes in surprising forms.

This is your invitation to drop in and mine your own inner world for answers, ideas, and inspiration.

There’s so much good stuff inside of you - let’s dig deeper and access it!

This we’re going to be digging deeper into a current or past ordeal for better understanding.