Ep. 44: Are Your Belief Systems BS? Bridgette Simmonds on Living, Playing & Dreaming More
What I believe to be true is that wellness is the pathway to the most authentic version of success that we're missing when we're just climbing a ladder and checking boxes.
~ Bridgette Simmonds
Have you spent the last 20 or 30 years fitting into other people’s expectations?
Do you question your worth unless you're productive?
Have you been unwittingly chained to BS belief systems that you thought served you, but are really holding you back?
Then this episode is for you.
In this candid and energizing conversation, Bridgette Simmonds joins Michele to dismantle the BS belief systems Gen X’ers were raised to follow—like the myth that productivity equals worth, or that joy is something you earn after burnout.
We talk about what happens when you actually stop and ask: “What do I believe? And who taught me that?”
Bridgette shares her own journey of awakening to purpose, the discomfort that sparked it, and why self-worth isn’t something you hustle for—it’s something you remember. We explore how intuition taps you on the shoulder, the role of play in real wellness, and why living, playing, and dreaming more isn’t some hashtag—it’s how we truly step onto the path of our most authentic, healthy, selves.
You’ll leave this episode with fresh questions, real talk, and a new lens for looking at your life.
🗝️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
→ You don’t need to be productive to be worthy. Your presence is enough.
→ Comfort isn’t the same thing as happiness—don’t settle.
→ Play, creativity, and joy are non-negotiables for wellness.
→ You have every right to question your beliefs—and change them.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS WORTH A REPLAY
23:48 – What it costs to ignore your intuition
36:12 – The invitation to evolve and reinvent yourself
52:42 – Why play isn’t optional—it’s essential
58:43 – Challenging your belief systems in everyday life
01:03:14 – Three grounding questions for people in survival mode
⭐️ GUEST BIO
For over a decade, Bridgette Simmonds has empowered thousands of leaders and coaches around the globe to unlock their full potential, elevate their leadership, and transform their passions into profit. As the founder of Bridgette Simmonds International, a top-tier professional development brand, she equips high-achievers with the mindset, strategy, and action plans needed to achieve extraordinary success.
Known for her bold approach and transformational coaching style, Bridgette has become a sought-after authority in leadership development, helping clients break through barriers and create lasting impact in their organizations. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and recognized as a Top 15 Coach in Tampa Bay, she’s built a reputation for delivering results that truly matter.
Bridgette is passionate about guiding leaders toward meaningful growth and fulfillment. Through one-on-one coaching, immersive retreats, and inspirational content, she provides actionable insights that inspire leaders to embrace excellence and innovation. Her mission is simple: help ambitious leaders rise above challenges, realize their greatest goals, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Whether leading a boardroom or building a business, those who work with Bridgette gain the clarity, confidence, and tools to lead with purpose, power, and passion.
💫 CONNECT WITH BRIDGETTE
https://www.facebook.com/bridgette.simmonds?
Free download: Pause. Breathe. Believe. Three-Minute Breath & Belief Activation
🎧 WATCH/LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
🙏🏻 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you resonate with this episode, please remember to take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with other Gen X’ers.
Also, if you’re enjoying The Gen X Shift podcast, please consider donating to help Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. The podcast is a one-woman, one-dog show right now, so every bit of support goes a long way.
#thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit