A candid conversation with Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak

What if beauty isn’t just something we see—but something that changes us?

In this deeply reflective and soul-stirring episode, Michelle sits down with concert cellist Dr. Larissa Kuplak to explore how beauty—especially through music and nature—has the power to awaken our hearts, heal what’s broken, and draw us closer to God.

From the difference between analog and digital sound to the lost art of truly seeing, this conversation invites you to slow down, become childlike again, and rediscover the wonder that makes you feel fully alive.

When was the last time you:

• Sat outside and truly noticed a tree?
• Listened to music without multitasking?
• Allowed yourself to be moved… without rushing on to the next thing?

Beauty requires attention. And attention opens the door to transformation.

• Step outside and linger - notice details you’d normally miss
• Listen to a piece of music (start with “The Swan”) without distractions
• Ask your kids (or yourself): “What do you see?”
• Create small moments of beauty in your home
• Let go of perfection - and embrace playful curiosity

We don’t need more noise—we need more wonder.

As Larissa shares, when we open ourselves to beauty, we allow it to:

• soften our hearts
• restore what’s been dulled
• and draw us back to the One who created it all

Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak is a concert cellist who began performing with her family ensemble at venues like the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. She holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from UC Santa Barbara and has performed with orchestras, recorded as a session musician, and toured with artists including Marco Antonio Solis, Gloria Trevi, and Scythian. She now shares her passion for beauty and music through performances and her concert series Painting with Music.

• Email: lfedoryka@gmail.com

• Sadie Hoyt's classical music listening guides for families: sadiehoyt.com
• Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites (as interpreted by Pablo Casals)
• Saint-Saëns: The Swan (performed live by Larissa during the episode)

A heartfelt conversation with Katherine Sikma Wadsworth.

In this powerful and life-giving episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with leadership coach Katherine Sigma Wadsworth to unpack the truth about identity, strengths, and what it really means to be fully alive.

Rooted in the truth that you are God’s masterpiece, this conversation explores how understanding your natural strengths can free you from comparison, silence the lies of “not enough,” and help you step boldly into who you were created to be.

Because here’s the truth:

You were never meant to be everything to everyone.

You were created on purpose—with purpose.

Together, Michelle and Katherine dive into the transformative tool of CliftonStrengths and how it reveals not just what you’re good at—but how you’re wired to thrive.

They also explore how fear and anxiety show up in our lives—and how learning to understand ourselves (instead of fighting ourselves) can lead to deeper peace, healing, and freedom.

• Learn what the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) assessment is and how it works
• The difference between signature themes, supporting strengths, and non-patterns (hint: there are no weaknesses!)
• The four domains of CliftonStrengths: Executing, Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking, and Influencing — and why we need all of them
• Why you are not meant to be well-rounded — you're meant to be part of a well-rounded team
• How knowing your strengths can free you from shame and comparison
• Why self-knowledge is the foundation for living the life you were created for

Katherine Sikma Wadsworth is an ICF-certified leadership coach, teacher, group facilitator, and the host of the You Gotta Try This! podcast. She loves to help women reignite the fire within them, helping them reclaim their power, purpose, and passion.

• Facebook: Katherine Sikma
• Instagram: @ksikma, @ksikmaphotography, @yougottatrythispodcast
• LinkedIn: Katherine Sikma Wadsworth
• Website: reanimationconsulting.com

• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
• The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride
• Inside Out (Pixar) — a great illustration of Internal Family Systems

Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.

🎧 New episodes released weekly.

➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement.

✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

🎙️ Embracing Your Beautiful & Seeing It In Others

Michelle Hillaert dives into a deeply personal and transformative conversation about what it truly means to embrace your beautiful. In a world constantly telling us who we should be, Michelle reminds us that God already created us with intention, purpose, and beauty - exactly as we are.

Through powerful storytelling, Scripture, and a moving personal encounter with God’s mercy, this episode explores how shame, comparison, and fear of rejection keep us from stepping fully into who we were created to be - and how we can begin to break free.

Whether you’ve lived a relatively unscarred life, carry deep wounds, or are still building your foundation, this episode meets you where you are and invites you into greater freedom, healing, and identity in Christ.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You were intentionally created - your “different” is not a flaw, it’s your calling
• True beauty begins in the heart
• You cannot fully love others if you do not learn to receive and extend love to yourself
• Boundaries are not selfish - they are a recognition of your God-given worth
• Shame keeps you stuck; mercy sets you free
• The way you see yourself impacts how you see and treat others

📖 Scripture References:

• Psalm 139
• Matthew 22:37
• Philippians 4:8

✅ Resources Mentioned:

• 🎵 "Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful" by Jody Messina
• 📘 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership — John C. Maxwell
• 📘 Brené Brown (shame research)
• 📘 Stephen Covey
• 📘 Patrick Lencioni
• 🧠 16 Personalities test
• 💪 Gallup StrengthsFinder (Katherine Sigma Wadsworth, coming in a future episode)

Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.

🎧 New episodes released weekly.

➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement.

✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us