Episode 9

full
Published on:

25th Mar 2026

Are You Addicted to Approval Like I Was?

Mel gets real about approval addiction and the fear of pivoting in business. She shares her own messy journey from resume writer to unapologetic personal branding coach, calling out how easy it is to let other people’s opinions run the show.

She urges Black women to ditch perfection, embrace their true selves, and build brands that actually reflect who they are...not what society expects. Tune in for tough love, real talk, and a reminder: your identity is your strategy.

Links:

Book a Digital Brand Audit: mellynated.com/digitalbrandaudit

Subscribe to the Substack: substack.com/@mellynated

Subscribe to the YouTube channel: youtube.com/@melanieldenny

Timestamps:

Making a Huge Decision (00:00:00)

Approval Addiction and Fear-Based Building (00:00:03)

Podcast Introduction and Mission (00:00:30)

Understanding Approval Addiction (00:01:11)

When Approval-Seeking Becomes a Problem (00:02:11)

Approval-Seeking in Everyday Life (00:03:22)

Personal Story: Pivoting from Resume Writing (00:04:31)

Launching a Branding Firm and Facing Anxiety (00:05:45)

Public Perception and Self-Doubt (00:06:57)

Building from Fear vs. Confidence (00:08:48)

Struggling with Authentic Branding (00:10:58)

Rebranding and Embracing Authenticity (00:12:09)

Finding Her Voice and Starting the Podcast (00:13:13)

Balancing Approval and Authenticity (00:14:34)

Approval Addiction in the Digital Age (00:15:52)

Recognizing and Managing Approval Addiction (00:16:54)

Call to Action: Brand Audit Offer (00:18:10)

Podcast Closing and Affirmation (00:19:16)

Join the Conversation on Substack (00:19:50)

Final Affirmation (00:20:05)

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About the Podcast

Codeswitch Rebellion
For the ones who are done performing professionalism
Codeswitch Rebellion is a thought-provoking podcast for Black women who are tired of editing themselves to be seen, heard, or taken seriously.

Hosted by personal branding strategist, Melanie L. Denny, this show explores authenticity, identity, visibility, and personal branding without the pressure to perform professionalism, dilute your voice, or shrink your presence.

Through raw solo reflections and conversations with bold thinkers, creators, and leaders, Codeswitch Rebellion challenges the myths we’ve been taught about credibility, success, and what it means to “sound professional.”

This is a space for reclaiming your voice, honoring your rhythm, and building a brand rooted in who you actually are.

If you’re done code-switching for comfort and ready to show up whole, you’re in the right place.

About your host

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Melanie L. Denny

Melanie L. Denny, also known as Melly D, is a personal branding consultant who helps Black women stop performing professionalism and start showing up with bold authenticity.

Her core belief is simple: your identity is the strategy.

With over a decade of experience guiding professionals and entrepreneurs through visibility, messaging, and positioning, she is known for helping her clients build brands rooted in who they actually are, not who they were conditioned to be.

As the host of Codeswitch Rebellion, Melanie leads truth-telling conversations unpacking identity, authenticity, visibility, and storytelling...and what it means to show up with integrity, authority, and bold authenticity so you can attract better clients and bigger opportunities.