Pulling Threads, Weaving Authenticity
Pulling Threads is a podcast for women navigating life, career, past and current trauma, breakups and divorce, motherhood, reinvention, and the brave work of becoming who they’re meant to be. Hosted by therapist, coach, and founder of The LooM Life, Leslie Mathews, JD, MSW, this show blends trauma-informed guidance, nervous system education, and meaningful conversations about the patterns that shape our relationships, identity, and purpose.
Each episode explores the complicated places where life asks us to grow — healing from emotional abuse, rebuilding after divorce, midlife identity shifts, attachment wounds, dating again, motherhood, and rediscovering your voice. Many guests share their own stories of reinvention, entrepreneurship, career pivots, and stepping into authenticity, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for women building new chapters.
Through expert interviews, personal storytelling, and mindfulness-based tools, Pulling Threads supports women who are healing, expanding, and creating aligned lives and businesses. It’s a space for those navigating toxic dynamics, strengthening emotional regulation, or following the pull toward something more authentic and more fulfilling.
If you’re ready to untangle old patterns, trust your intuition, and weave a life — and identity — that feels grounded, empowered, and true, this podcast is where your next chapter begins.
Pulling Threads is a podcast for women navigating life, career, past and current trauma, breakups and divorce, motherhood, reinvention, and the brave work of becoming who they’re meant to be. Hosted by therapist, coach, and founder of The LooM Life, Leslie Mathews, JD, MSW, this show blends trauma-informed guidance, nervous system education, and meaningful conversations about the patterns that shape our relationships, identity, and purpose.
Each episode explores the complicated places where life asks us to grow — healing from emotional abuse, rebuilding after divorce, midlife identity shifts, attachment wounds, dating again, motherhood, and rediscovering your voice. Many guests share their own stories of reinvention, entrepreneurship, career pivots, and stepping into authenticity, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for women building new chapters.
Through expert interviews, personal storytelling, and mindfulness-based tools, Pulling Threads supports women who are healing, expanding, and creating aligned lives and businesses. It’s a space for those navigating toxic dynamics, strengthening emotional regulation, or following the pull toward something more authentic and more fulfilling.
If you’re ready to untangle old patterns, trust your intuition, and weave a life — and identity — that feels grounded, empowered, and true, this podcast is where your next chapter begins.
Episodes
May 11, 2025
May 11, 2025
45 min
Embracing Entrepreneurship and Home Organization with Kirsten FisherIn this episode of 'Pulling Threads,' we are joined by Kirsten Fisher, a home organizer and entrepreneur, as she shares her journey from a career in sports marketing to starting her own business in home organization. Kirsten discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur, adapting to market uncertainties, and the importance of mental health through decluttering. She also offers practical tips on home organization and discusses how her unique 'letting go' bins and membership programs help maintain an organized and stress-free environment. Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the profound impact of an organized home on mental well-being.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:41 Kirsten's Journey to Home Organization04:09 Starting and Growing a Business07:11 Navigating Challenges and Pivots09:35 Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs12:07 The Importance of Community and Support28:41 Shifting Gears: Mental Health and Home Organization29:39 Emotional and Mental Shifts from Home Organization33:54 The Membership Program: Ongoing Support for Organization37:16 Dealing with Emotional Clutter41:55 Decluttering as Emotional Self-Care48:53 Practical Tips for DIY Decluttering55:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
17 min
Understanding Trauma and Self-Preservation: Why We Sabotage OpportunitiesIn this episode of 'Pulling Threads,' we explore how trauma influences self-preservation behaviors that can unintentionally sabotage relationships and career opportunities. Learn what trauma is, how it manifests as hyperarousal and self-sabotage, and ways to identify and overcome these patterns. We delve into attachment issues, fear of intimacy, and avoidance in relationships, as well as fear of failure and hyper-independence in professional settings. Discover therapeutic approaches like CBT and EMDR to reframe traumatic experiences and build a supportive community to encourage growth and healing. Don't miss this insightful discussion on how to reclaim your potential and break free from the constraints of past trauma.00:00 Introduction to Self-Preservation01:29 Understanding Trauma and Self-Preservation02:15 Impact on Personal Relationships05:32 Impact on Career and Professional Life06:58 Steps to Healing and Overcoming Self-Preservation10:52 Personal Experiences and Examples20:16 Practical Techniques for Healing23:25 Conclusion and Encouragement
Apr 19, 2025
Apr 19, 2025
1hr 8 min
Welcome to another episode of 'Pulling Threads.' Today, our host sits down with Chelsea Larkins, a renowned hairstylist and entrepreneur from The Little Black Door Salon in Tampa. Chelsea shares her inspiring journey from working at a local salon to owning her own business, touching on her early love for cosmetology, the steps she took to become independent, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. They discuss the powerful role of beauty and hair in personal identity and mental health, as well as the importance of patience, resilience, and trusting the process in entrepreneurial ventures. Chelsea also offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on her personal growth, professional satisfaction, and how she maintains a healthy work-life balance. Join us for this captivating conversation about beauty, bravery, and the transformative power of hair.Find Chelsea on Instagram at @chelseaschairllc and @thelittleblackdoorsalon00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:21 Chelsea's Entrepreneurial Journey06:14 Starting the Salon Business09:36 Balancing Business and Personal Life14:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs17:58 The Power of Beauty and Hair23:13 Emotional Connections with Clients33:03 Managing Energy and Setting Boundaries37:33 The Physical and Mental Demands of the Job37:57 Memorable Client Experiences39:53 Gratitude and Personal Growth41:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life44:21 Dreams for the Salon's Future45:42 Advice to Younger Self and Reflections52:32 Embracing Beauty and Self-Care01:06:13 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Us
Apr 18, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
1hr 28 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-discovery, moving from societal expectations to finding one's true path. Today’s guest is Rebecca, a heart-led coach who once walked the halls of law and art and now walks with the energy of others. Leslie and Rebecca discuss the importance of understanding oneself, rebuilding one's foundation, and the liberation that comes from reframing one's story. The episode emphasizes the power of personal responsibility, mindset shifts, and the fundamental human desires for love, worthiness, and self-honor. Rebecca has uncovered and is sharing how she has trained AI tools to help her in her journey and with her clients. She explains why and how AI can be a powerful tool that accompanies it's users on their individual journeys! It concludes with a powerful message that everything we seek is already within us, waiting to be uncovered.Rebecca's course Divine Alchemy Coach can be found here https://www.divinealchemycoach.com/divine-alchemy-aiYou can follow Rebecca on Instagram @heart.led.revolutionShow Notes00:00 From Teenager to Working Adult: A Life Realization00:05 The Turning Point: Resignation and Intuition00:20 Questioning Life's Norms00:26 Piecing Together Life's Puzzle00:33 Living for Others vs. Living for Yourself00:50 Rebuilding Your Foundation01:05 Diverse Beliefs and Personal Convictions01:29 Finding Self-Understanding and Purpose02:04 The Power of Personal Responsibility02:27 The Desire for Love and Worthiness02:39 Reframing Your Journey02:47 The Freedom of Non-Personalization02:53 The Message: Everything is Within
Apr 9, 2025
Apr 9, 2025
23 min
In this episode of 'Pulling Threads,' we delve into the common human desire to control what we fear losing, particularly in the context of relationships. Whether you're in the early dating stages or years into a partnership, the urge to define, predict, and control the relationship can often lead to its downfall. Through personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, we explore why we cling to control and how we can shift towards a more grounded, mindful approach to love. Learn how to embrace connection, practice self-love, and navigate the complexities of modern dating with grace and openness. Join us as we unweave old patterns and build stronger ties for a more fulfilling romantic journey.
00:00 Introduction to the Human Experience of Love
00:17 The Desire to Control in Relationships
00:43 Early Stages of Dating and Relationship Sabotage
01:37 The Importance of Connection and Common Behaviors
03:12 Exploring the Fear of Getting Hurt
08:20 The Role of Control and Safety in Love
09:01 Navigating Modern Dating and Seeking Advice
16:07 Understanding Attachment Styles
17:15 Embracing Love Without Guarantees
21:29 Conclusion: Trusting Yourself and Finding Peace
Mar 31, 2025
Embracing Grief and Healing in Divorce
Mar 31, 2025
Mar 31, 2025
1hr 9 min
In this episode of Pulling Threads, the host is joined by Bev to discuss the often-overlooked topic of grief during and after breakups and divorce. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of ending marriages and relationships, the unique type of grief associated with it, and practical tips to help both the individuals going through it and their support systems. They cover a range of topics, including the unexpected waves of grief, the process of healing, the importance of having a support system, and strategies for moving on. They also discuss what not to say to someone going through a divorce and how to be there for friends in these difficult times.00:00 Introduction to Grieving Breakups and Divorce02:15 Understanding the Emotional Impact of Divorce06:16 Navigating the Complexities of Divorce Grief07:51 The Decision-Making Process Before Divorce13:36 Financial and Social Challenges Post-Divorce16:40 Stages of Grief in Divorce22:13 Rebuilding After Divorce30:34 Advice for Those Considering Divorce38:29 Setting Personal Goals and Evaluating Relationships39:29 Assessing Compatibility and Support in Relationships42:21 Making Decisions and Taking Action43:37 Navigating Divorce and Emotional Challenges44:47 Effective Communication During Divorce47:31 Self-Advocacy and Understanding Others57:26 Coping Strategies and Professional Support01:03:29 Final Thoughts and Moving Forward
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
55 min
Mar 14, 2025
Episode 6: Trauma Anniversaries
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
14 min
Have you ever felt off around a certain time of year—sad, anxious, or even physically drained—without knowing why? Then suddenly, you realize: This is the anniversary of that thing that happened. Maybe it was a loss, a breakup, a trauma, or a life-changing event.This is called an anniversary reaction, and it happens because our bodies remember even when our minds don’t. Trauma isn’t just a memory—it’s stored in our nervous system, emotions, and even our physical sensations. When that anniversary arrives, your body keeps score, resurfacing old pain, triggers, and feelings you thought you had moved past.In this episode, we’ll explore:🧠 Why our bodies hold onto trauma and how anniversary reactions work💭 How trauma anniversaries might show up emotionally and physically📅 How to prepare for these difficult dates so they don’t catch you off guard💖 Practical strategies to move through the pain and use it for healing🌱 How grief can be an opportunity for growth and deeper self-compassionIf you’ve ever struggled with feeling the weight of your past around certain dates, this video is for you. You are not alone, and you don’t have to just suffer through it. Let’s talk about how we can honor our grief, process our emotions, and reclaim our healing—one step at a time.💬 Have you experienced an anniversary reaction before? How did it show up for you? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.✨ If this video helped you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it. You deserve healing, and we’re in this together.🔔 Subscribe for more videos on trauma healing, emotional wellness, and self-care: [Insert Your Channel Link]📚 Resources & Further Support:📖 The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk#traumahealing #thebodykeepscore #grief #mentalhealth
Feb 25, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
Episode 4: Introductions
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
7 min
Welcome! I’m Leslie, a holistic therapist, and coach. In this video, I’m sharing my personal journey out of the fog of disconnection, uncertainty, and self-doubt—toward a life of authenticity, peace, and purpose.I know how hard life can feel when you’re overwhelmed by struggles with money, relationships, careers, and family. I’ve been there too. But through my own experience with therapy, coaching, and spiritual guidance, I learned how to peel back the layers of trauma and misalignment to find a healthier, more grounded version of myself.Now, I’m combining my life experience, professional training, and studies to help others process their trauma, reconnect with their bodies, and live the life they’re meant to live. Through The LooM, my practice and online space, I provide support in the form of therapy, coaching, courses, and accessible resources for those who might not otherwise have access to mental health support.In this video, I explain my mission and how I’m here to guide you on your own healing journey. Whether you’re ready to dive into deep inner work or just need small, practical tools to help you feel better today, I’m here for you.✨ Subscribe to join this community and receive more tips, insights, and support.✨ Follow me on social media: @thelesliemathews and @the.loom.life✨ Learn more about my work at: theloomlife.comYou deserve healing. Let’s begin this journey together.#Therapist #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthSupport #Authenticity #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #Therapy #LifeCoach #SelfGrowth #TheLooM



