Episode 31

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Published on:

17th Feb 2026

The Masks We Wear Every Day - and How They’re Stealing Your Freedom

How many times have you said "I'm fine" when you weren't?

Smiled when something hurt.

Said yes when every part of you wanted to say no.

Most of us don't wake up trying to be fake. We just learn, slowly, how to survive. Be the good girl. Be the strong one. Be the funny one. Be the high achiever. Be whatever keeps us loved, approved of, and safe.

But those masks get heavy. They cost us energy. They cost us intimacy. Sometimes they even cost us our health and relationships.

This episode explores the subtle ways we hide behind roles like people-pleaser, overachiever, confident leader, or emotionally numb survivor and how to recognize when your body is telling you it's time to take the mask off.

You'll discover why resentment, exhaustion, and emotional outbursts are not weaknesses but signals that something is off. (And stay tuned for the next episode in this series where we go into practical solutions).

IN THIS EPISODE

  1. Why the simple question "How are you?" exposes how often we're not telling the truth
  2. The difference between authenticity and venting and how to share honestly without oversharing
  3. The people-pleaser mask and how it sabotages your relationships and your life
  4. How to recognize the physical signals that your yes is actually a no
  5. The hidden cost of overachieving, perfectionism, and proving yourself in high-pressure environments
  6. The confident mask: how "fake it till you make it" leads to exhaustion and burnout
  7. The funny guy, the shy one, the emotionally numb one and other. surprising masks you may not realize you're wearing
  8. Why your snapping, exhaustion, or sudden tears are not immaturity but information
  9. How childhood rewards shape the roles you still perform today
  10. The intimacy paradox: how vulnerability deepens connection and reveals who truly belongs in your life
  11. What it's really costing you to keep the mask on
  12. The first step to living authentically: listening to your body instead of overriding it
  13. How to respond differently in the moment by saying "Can I get back to you?" instead of automatic yes
  14. Why authenticity is not a one-time breakthrough but a daily choice

RESOURCES

  1. DM us TRAINING on Instagram to join the leadership training and transform your life in 90 days: https://www.instagram.com/freedomwithgiorgiaandawn
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About the Podcast

Unleash Your Freedom
Unleash Your Freedom gives trailblazers, rebels, dreamers and creators who are done playing small the mindset, strategies, and insights that will set you free.
Welcome to Unleash Your Freedom, a podcast for the trailblazers, rebels, dreamers and creators who are done playing small and are ready to create freedom and fulfilment in every area of their life.

Each week, leadership coaches Dawn and Giorgia bring you exclusive interviews with visionary leaders, inspiring stories of courage and resilience, and actionable mindset trainings to support you in breaking through inner barriers, lead with confidence, and master emotional intelligence, so you can finally start owning your power and build the life you came here for.

Whether you’re looking to level up your career, strengthen your relationships, or simply take control of your life, you’re in the right place. Get ready to unlock the mindset, strategies, and insights that will set you free.

It’s time to lead, grow, and unleash your freedom!

About your host

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Giorgia & Dawn

We are leadership coaches who met on our journey to becoming free while coaching together. Now we're coaching high-achieving people into breaking through their inner barriers, achieving those goals they once thought impossible, and truly unleashing their freedom.