In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of The Secret KeepHers Podcast, I'm joined by the courageous and radiant Sophia Portelli: media professional, advocate, and vibrant soul who shares her journey of stepping out of secrecy and into authenticity. Sophia opens up about growing up in a small Midwestern town, coming from a deeply connected and faith-filled Italian family, and the internal battle of holding a secret that shaped so much of her early life. From entering college as a pre-med student to discovering her true calling in entertainment, she takes us through the identity shifts, internal dialogue, and pressure to overachieve that often accompany the experience of hiding a fundamental truth. We dive into: How perfectionism can be a mask for fear and self-protection Sophia's experience coming out and reconciling her identity with her faith The impact of secrets on mental, emotional, and physical health Why learning to love ourselves changes everything—and everyone around us Identifying and interrupting the inner critic with humor, awareness, and self-compassion How the energy we give off reflects how safe others feel around us What true acceptance feels like—and why it starts within Sophia also shares the moment she realized she wasn't broken or in need of fixing—just in need of alignment with her truth. From leading with love to finding joy through community, cooking, movement, and humor, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and deep healing. Whether you're navigating your own coming out story, struggling with inner critics, or searching for self-acceptance, this conversation is an invitation to remember that you are whole, worthy, and already enough. A nugget of wisdom from Sophia: "Before you can come to terms with everyone else, you have to make peace with yourself. That inner dialogue is everything." Connect with Sophia: Instagram: @sophia_portelli TikTok: @sophia_portelli – for humor, queer news, and authentic joy Join the Conversation: Let us know what resonated with you. Tag us and share your favorite moment from the episode! And remember—you don't have to keep secrets to be safe. You are safe to be seen. Bio: Sophia Portelli is the head of Content Partnerships at FOX Entertainment. She's currently based in Los Angeles but grew up in the Midwest, hoping to chase her dreams of working in the entertainment industry one day. Connect with me:  www.corinnezuleger.com

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