What if the reason you're exhausted, disconnected, or stuck… isn't failure — but shame? In this deeply vulnerable and transformational episode, performance coach and trauma expert Annalie Howling joins Matt to reveal how shame shapes our identity, fuels burnout, and keeps us from experiencing real connection — with others and ourselves. Annalie shares her raw story of overcoming childhood trauma, healing internalized beliefs like "I am bad," and learning to live a truly shameless life — one filled with freedom, self-compassion, and unshakable inner peace. If you've ever felt like a black sheep, unworthy of love, or driven by pain instead of purpose… this episode is a mirror, a roadmap, and a permission slip to finally come home to yourself. 🔑 What You'll Learn: Why shame is a belief system, not a behavior The link between burnout and unresolved trauma How your inner critic guards your comfort zone Why self-compassion is the antidote to shame Signs that shame is still running the show in your life The difference between being seen and just performing 📚 Grab Annalie's Book: 👉 Unapologetic: Unshackle Your Shame, Reclaim Your Power — out May 13th Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Unshackle-Shame-Reclaim-Power/ 🔗 Connect with Annalie: Instagram: @annaliehowling Website: annaliehowling.com 🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode spoke to your soul. Welcome back to Decoding Success — the podcast for the black sheep ready to come home.