In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sasha Shillcutt, cardiac anesthesiologist, professor, entrepreneur, and mom of four and her story is one so many women will immediately relate to.
For years, Sasha was doing everything:working, parenting, saying yes to everyone, and carrying the mental load of an entire household.
But behind the scenes, she was burned out, overwhelmed, gaining weight, and losing herself.
She kept saying she was “fine,” but she wasn’t fine at all.
When she finally admitted the truth, everything shifted.
Inside the episode, we talk about:
• The moment she realized she had disappeared inside motherhood and work
• How gaining 30 pounds became her wake-up call
• Why busy women stay busy to avoid uncomfortable emotions
• The emotional cost of people pleasing
• The shift from “I’m fine” to real honesty
• How 30 minutes alone each day changed her clarity and confidence
And more!
This episode isn’t just about burnout.
It’s about identity, clarity, boundaries, and giving yourself permission to live differently.
If you’ve been operating at capacity for way too long, Sasha’s story will show you exactly what becomes possible when you finally choose yourself.
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More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything
Nathalia Melo [00:00:04]
Welcome back to another episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life. Today I have an incredible guest, Dr. Sasha Shillcutt, and the way we met was completely random and honestly perfect. We met in an elevator after she complimented my arms, and the next day we ended up seated right next to each other at a dinner with dozens of tables. It felt meant to be.
Who Dr. Sasha Shillcutt Is
Sasha [00:03:51]
Sasha is a cardiac anesthesiologist, professor, entrepreneur, author, international speaker, and the founder of Brave Enough. She has coached thousands of women and leads global conversations about boundaries, burnout, and work life control.
Her story did not start from success. It started from total overwhelm.
Losing Yourself in Success and Motherhood
Sasha [00:04:15]
For years, she was doing everything right.
Four kids. A demanding medical career. Leadership positions. Speaking events.
But internally she was exhausted, disconnected from herself, gaining weight, and feeling like she was failing at home and failing at work. She said it felt like there was no Sasha left.
The Wake Up Call
Sasha [00:05:10]
A colleague she admired deeply died by suicide.
That loss forced her to stop and ask herself why she believed she was immune to the same outcome. She realized she had been ignoring her own wellbeing for years.
She did not recognize herself anymore. She had gained 30 pounds. She had stopped doing anything she loved. She had no time for herself at all.
The First Boundary That Changed Everything
Sasha [00:05:50]
She decided to carve out 30 minutes for herself each morning.
Walking. Writing. Drinking coffee. Sitting alone without noise.
This one habit led to better sleep, more energy, weight loss, joy, and confidence.
It was the first time in years she chose herself.
The Loneliness Women Never Admit
Sasha [00:07:00]
After rebuilding her health, she realized something deeper. She was lonely. She had lost friendships because she had spent so many years pouring everything into work and motherhood.
She created a small text group with nine women.
That group grew into a community of over twelve thousand physicians.
From that community came her company, Brave Enough.
How Women Get Punished for Ambition
Nathalia and Sasha [00:18:00]
Women face criticism for ambition in ways men never do.
People assume women are bragging or showing off or that success came easily.
Women get judged for things men are celebrated for.
Sasha explains that some women will be inspired by you and some will be triggered by you. Their reaction is a reflection of their own insecurities, not your worth.
You Cannot Be Liked and Stay Well
Sasha [00:24:50]
Women often try to be liked and stay well at the same time.
Sasha teaches that this is impossible.
If you spend your entire life trying to keep everyone happy, you will end up burned out, sick, resentful, and exhausted.
Boundaries require being willing to let people down.
You Cannot Set Boundaries Without Clarity
Nathalia [00:27:00]
Most women do not even know what they want.
If you have never asked yourself what you truly want, it becomes impossible to set boundaries that protect your time and energy.
Clarity is the first step.
Boundaries come next.
The Morning Routine That Anchors Her Life
Sasha [00:29:10]
She protects her morning routine without exception.
Alone time. Movement. Meditation. Journaling. A peaceful cup of coffee.
She also holds boundaries with email, text messages, phone use, and availability.
These boundaries keep her grounded and productive.
Taking Care of Yourself Changes Everything
Sasha [00:31:55]
As she took care of her physical health, everything shifted.
Her confidence grew. Her joy returned. Her presence changed. She felt alive again.
People even assumed she was having an affair.
She told them she was having an affair with herself because she finally liked the woman she was becoming.
Women in Caregiving Careers Carry More
Nathalia and Sasha [00:36:00]
Women in healthcare and caregiving roles often have the strongest people pleasing tendencies.
They struggle to ask for help.
They feel guilty for having needs.
They believe they must earn rest.
This mindset leads straight to burnout.
Outsourcing Is Not Lazy
Sasha [00:40:00]
She outsources almost everything she can.
Cleaning. Laundry. Morning help. Administrative tasks.
She refuses to feel guilty for buying back her time.
Women often attach their worth to chores because of outdated expectations.
Sasha teaches women to let people be wrong about them and choose what supports their wellbeing.
Boundaries Inside Marriage
Sasha [00:50:00]
Her business took off only when she let her husband into her vision.
They had honest conversations about ambition and support.
Ambitious women do not need partners who limit them. They need partners who allow them to grow and contribute in their own way.
Modeling Boundaries for Your Kids
Sasha [01:00:00]
Kids learn boundaries by watching their parents.
If you never say no, they will not learn to say no.
If you never protect your time, neither will they.
Children thrive when their parents model emotional health, structure, and self respect.
The First Boundary Every Woman Needs
Sasha [01:02:11]
Start with 30 minutes alone each day.
This is not optional.
If you cannot find 30 minutes, the problem is not your schedule. The problem is your boundaries.
Clarity comes when you slow down.
Change comes when you choose yourself.
Nathalia [01:03:28]
This episode is powerful for every woman who has been stretched too thin and trying to be everything for everyone. Sasha, thank you for your wisdom and honesty. And to everyone listening, your life will not change until you choose yourself.
