Becoming Your Authentic Self: Paula Stone Williams on Gender, Faith, and the Messy Middle

It’s Both — Personal Growth For Real Life Transitions

When belonging and truth collide, how do you stay authentic? If you’re navigating transitions, this convo gives language and tools for the gray areas.

International speaker, author, and counselor Paula Stone Williams joins Nikki P. to talk about identity, faith, gender, and the cost—and gift—of living as your true self. We dig into why belonging often outranks “truth,” how misogyny shows up in everyday rooms, and why proximity + narrative change hearts faster than shouting. Paula shares her hero’s-journey losses and rebuilds, her view on church after fundamentalism, and why she rejects the idea of a “dead name” in favor of an integrated life.

You’ll hear:
• Practical ways to balance head, heart, and body when identity feels complicated
• How to name privilege, bias, and misogyny without abandoning yourself
• What to do when your tribe polices your voice (and how to find a better room)
• A hopeful framework for faith reconstruction and authentic belonging

If you’re in the messy middle—sorting identity, faith, or community—this episode offers nuance, compassion, and next steps to move forward when it isn’t either/or…it’s both.

Resources & Links:

- Connect with Paula Stone Williams

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Join the Courageous Living Group Transformation

- It's Both on Instagram & Youtube

Thank you again for listening and remember, life isn't either/or, it's both.

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1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:00:00)

2. Meet Paula Stone-Williams: Her Journey (00:00:17)

3. Exploring Identity and Authenticity (00:00:38)

4. The Complexity of Gender Transition (00:01:16)

5. The Hero's Journey and Authenticity (00:02:26)

6. The Role of Truth and Belonging (00:04:21)

7. Reflections on Religion and Community (00:04:51)

8. Closing Thoughts and Next Season Preview (00:53:21)