On the 29th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm excited to have Cortney McDermott, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and strategist for Fortune 500 executives and creative entrepreneurs, joining me as a guest. Cortney takes us on a profound exploration of true freedom and the liberating act of being yourself. She shares her personal journey, which was spurred by a sense of emptiness following her successes as an executive, that led her to discover what truly needed to be explored and expressed in her life. Throughout the episode, Cortney reveals her personal processes that guided her back into her body and feelings, shifting her focus from external seeking to realising that everything she needed was already within her grasp. We delve into the immense energy that arises from aligning with one's essence and the importance of expanding our sense of trust in life. While Cortney also emphasises the significance of neither rejecting one's ego nor emotions, or blindly following ready-made prescriptions for life. If you find yourself grappling with a sense of emptiness despite your achievements and are yearning for more in life, this episode offers a wealth of contemplation. It will open new doors of perspective and fresh curiosity for what may come next, whatever that looks like for you. If you enjoy this conversation, the digital version of Cortney’s latest best-selling book, Give Yourself Permission, is discounted here (https://amzn.to/3Oe5oxO) for the next week! Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections. Contact me at [email protected] to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question. Running Order: 01:50 Podcast begins 02:27 How can I be free? 05:30 Becoming aware of our conditioning 08:45 Connecting with and exploring all of what we are feeling 14:32 Giving yourself permission to be you 17:25 Exploring self-expression 22:05 Everything is within you 25:43 Realising what you are seeking is right here 29:02 The point of letting go 32:25 Using your Ego in alignment 38:32 The astonishing powers of connecting 41:23 Expanding your trust  45:42 Learning to think and paying attention 49:24 Finding your own lane, not following other people’s prescription 54:46 Wild experiences in consciousness 1:02:50 Summary of conversation 1:05:25 What is a good life for Cortney? For further content and information check out the following:  - For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos - My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/ - My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/ - Cortney's website: https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/ - Cortney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneymcdermott/ - Cortney's Book: https://amzn.to/3Oe5oxO