ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What happens when you become incredibly good at functioning—but forget how to simply be?
Katharine Chestnut joins Born Without a Choice to explore survival mode, self-trust, mindfulness, nervous-system awareness, and the journey of reconnecting with yourself beneath the expectations and pressures of everyday life. After nearly three decades as a successful corporate executive, Katharine experienced her own journey of rebuilding after emotional trauma, eventually leading her toward mindfulness and a different way of living.
Her approach, The Return, focuses on practical mindfulness, breathwork, awareness, self-trust, and learning to recognize when we have become disconnected from ourselves. Rather than constantly pushing harder, Katharine encourages people to pause, become aware, and reconnect with their own wisdom.
Together, we explore why high achievers can become trapped in survival mode, how chronic stress can affect our relationship with ourselves, and what it means to embrace her philosophy: “This Moment Is Right and Perfect.”
Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to remember that sometimes we don’t need to become someone new—we simply need to return to who we already are.
📬 Guest Details
- Name: Katharine Chestnut
- Role: Mindfulness Teacher | Author | Speaker
- Background: Nearly 30 years as a corporate executive
- Approach: The Return
- Website: katharinechestnut.com
- Free Resource: Mindfulness Quiz — katharinechestnut.com/mindfulness-quiz/
- Expertise: Mindfulness, self-trust, nervous-system awareness, breathwork, stress management, intentional awareness and personal growth
- Key Themes: Survival mode, chronic stress, high achievement, overwhelm, self-trust, mindfulness, authenticity and reconnecting with yourself
- Core Philosophy: “This Moment Is Right and Perfect.”
- Focus: Helping high achievers move out of survival mode and reconnect with themselves through practical mindfulness and intentional awareness
