Your Kick Ass Life Podcast

This was a hard episode to record.  As you probably know, I’ve been married to my second husband, Jason, for a long time, since 2008.  And after ten months of committed therapy, in January of this year, we decided to end our nearly fifteen-year marriage.  Out of respect to him and our children, I won’t disclose the details of the reasons we split, but will speak in vague ways and talk about my part… the things I acknowledge that contributed to the end.  Listen in to this minisode as I share what I can, and share a message I have for any of you who are in a place where you’re wondering if you should stay or go in your own relationship.  I share as much as I can, and I wish I could share more details with you. North Carolina divorce laws are weird, and at least for now I need to keep some things private.  But, soon I’ll be able to tell you what the last seven or so months have brought me. There are already enormous learning lessons that I hope will be helpful for many of you.  Learn more about your ad choices.

This week I am bringing you a guest whose work I find to be simply fascinating. Lena Morgan’s passion is to reunite people with their most powerful selves while healing old stories along the way. A midwife for over a decade, Lena shares insights on healing our life’s stories, unpacks six fight languages that keep us in conflict, and explains the importance of sacred partnerships. We also talk about intuition, including the difference between your intuitive voice and inherited voice (aka inner critic), and how to learn to trust your intuition. This episode is packed with new and interesting ways to understand yourself, make meaningful decisions, and, most importantly, heal. Lena has created a new path to better understanding ourselves and our partners. Her goal, as always, is to help you heal the stories and change your world. Feature topics:  Lena shares how her experiences as a midwife led her to create The Storyteller Collection and help others heal the stories that kept them in a specific version of thems

This week’s episode is for anyone who struggles with anxiety, fear, and self-limiting beliefs (like, all of us?).  If you're like me, you like to live in your head a lot and have a little bit of an anxious brain. If so, you're in good company with me! You’re also going to love today's guest, Chris Cirak.    Chris Cirak is an author, speaker, and mediator passionate about making sophisticated topics accessible, meaningful, and inspiring experiences. With an extensive background and design, psychology, and tech, he breaks down traditional teachings to make ancient wisdom accessible and discoverable by modern audiences. Featured topics: Techniques to help quiet an overactive mind and reduce the exhaustion caused by it (3:29) How to overcome living in a place of anxiety and fear  (15:55) Ever wanted to try yoga or meditation but struggled with starting? Chris offers some thoughts and advice for those who find either practice too hard or boring (26:28) Strategies to connect with your authentic self and step in

Welcome to part two of 11 Things Happy Women Do, UPDATED!  In 2014, I wrote an article that went viral. When I was brainstorming topics for minisodes I remembered this article and thought I Would just go through these 11 things and be done with it. However, when I read it, I shook my head, thinking how differently I would write this now, how I’ve changed, the challenges I’ve seen myself go through with some of these things, and if nothing else, the immense nuance that comes with each one.  If you missed it, check out part one HERE. Please listen to the episode a I go into detail about each one, and include what I wrote in 2014 and how I would change that.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we are talking about the intersection between loss and transformation. Whether you experience transformation in your career, or due to loss, or trauma - it has a profound effect. In fact, my guest, Cyndie Spiegel, talks about how loss can shift who we are and therefore, we must learn to understand our relationship to the world as the person we are today. In this episode, we also explore the concept of micro joys and positivity versus toxic positivity. Cyndie Spiegel is a born storyteller–turned–writer; she’s an aspirational voice and an igniter of powerful conversation around self-acceptance, integrity, and joy. She is the founder of Dear Grown Ass Women, an inclusive and highly relatable social community for women 35+, and she is also the author of A Year of Positive Thinking. Featured topics: Cyndie shares openly about compound grief and loss she experienced in 2020 and how it changed how she approaches her work and life (3:39) "Micro Joys," and how are they useful (11:33) Advice for women on

This week’s episode explores power, purpose, and money, yessss! Especially how women can close the gender pay and wealth gap, learn to trust themselves, and ask for what they are worth. My guest is Kelli Thompson, author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. One question Kelli leaves us with at the end of the conversation and would be helpful to ask as you move through your personal development journey is this, “Is the next right step in alignment with the life you are trying to create?” Kelli is a women’s leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. Featured topics: How to define your power and purpose (3:52) What keeps women from not having what they want in their careers (10:20) The five money conversations every woman needs to have to close the gender pay gap AND the wealth gap (20:09) Nego

Tara Renze joins me for a conversation about creating long-lasting happiness and fulfillment! We also explore what it means to be mentally fit, what holds women back, as well as emotional intelligence. This is such a full conversation, I know you’ll enjoy it!  For those new to Tara, here is a little about her: Tara Renze is an author, keynote speaker, emotional intelligence and positive intelligence practitioner, podcaster, thought-leader, wife and mother. She is redefining how we unleash purpose, level up our success and create sustainable happiness and fulfillment in all aspects of our lives. Featured topics: What it means for people to become “mentally fit” (3:32) Some patterns that causes women to be unhappy and how to break them (13:16) What holds women back in making an impact at work and what they can do to change that that doesn’t add more to their plate  (21:02) Six key emotional intelligence traits and characteristics that allow you to listen up, speak up, show up, and get what you want. (35:08)

In 2014, I wrote an article that went viral. When I was brainstorming topics for minisodes I remembered this article and thought I Would just go through these 11 things and be done with it. However, when I read it, I shook my head, thinking how differently I would write this now, how I’ve changed, the challenges I’ve seen myself go through with some of these things, and if nothing else, the immense nuance that comes with each one.  In two weeks I’ll release part two, but for now, here’s the start. Please listen to the episode a I go into detail about each one, and include what I wrote in 2014 and how I would change that.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exciting news…I’m bringing back coaching episodes to the podcast! In this episode I’m coaching a former client of mine, Amy.  Amy is in her late 40’s, climbed the corporate ladder fairly quickly throughout her 20’s, and now finds herself wanting something different…but she’s not sure what. She mentions fear getting in her way of making a decision.  I ask her questions that she says, “flip her brain” and you’ll hear me pull sentences from the questionnaire she filled out before our session (you know how I’ve said even applying for 1:1 coaching and answering those questions can give you insights?).  After we dig into what excites her regarding this new leap of faith, I ask her, “What’s next?” That’s where the real juice happens!  I think you’ll see some of your own life in this conversation with Amy. The circumstances might be different, but perhaps you’ve been in the place she is now. Or, sometime in the future you’ll be in the place where you’re given a fantastic opportunity and you’re scared to do it!  You'l

“Trust that you can feel any feeling and not perish,” says Maria-Victoria Albina. Yes, we are talking about big emotions in this week’s episode. Maria-Victoria joins me for a conversation about calming the nervous system and expanding emotional capacity. We also explore how small acts of self-love help you build self-trust and feel emotionally safe.  María-Victoria Albina (she/her) is a Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner and Breathwork Meditation Guide with a passion for helping humans socialized as women realize that they are their own best healers by reconnecting with their bodies and minds, so they can break free from codependency, perfectionism and people-pleasing and reclaim their joy. Featured topics:  Emotional outsourcing and what it has to do with co-dependent, perfectionist, and people-pleasing thinking (4:28) Signs and symptoms that let you know when you are being triggered and how to feel safe when our nervous system is activated (6:43) Bottling up big e

This morning I had a client session where she talked about being in transition in her life setting the intention of this next phase being about her. Not putting everyone else before her, not being utterly selfless, but choosing herself first.  So we made plans that honored her values and she was excited. But, before I let her go, I asked her a particular question that was directly related to “The Work”, but so often neglected. You’ll have to listen to this short episode to find out what it is ;)  When it comes to personal development, we want to check off the boxes first, feeling better that we did the thing, and fingers crossed it changes our life, right? And many times, we over think things– including our own personal growth– wanting to put things in categories, wanting to make sense of it all, wanting answers to our uncomfortable questions.  But often we can’t do that and racing through things or overthinking them keeps us stuck. I’ve certainly been there, and in an effort to work through that, I’ve record

Rae McDaniel returns to the show to discuss topics covered in their new book, “Gender Magic: Live Shamelessly, Reclaim Your Joy, & Step into Your Most Authentic Self.” In this episode, Rae and I talk about how to move from anxiety and self-doubt to a proactive state of mind, the keys to developing self-love, and how to design relationships that light you up.  For those of you new to Rae McDaniel, let me tell you a little about them. Rae is a non-binary gender and sex therapist-turned-coach who works with transgender/non-binary/questioning folks feeling lost while transitioning their gender identity. Even if you are someone who is not non-binary, transgender, or questioning their identity - Rae and I talk about several topics that are relative to everyone. Definitely tune into this episode, I think you will enjoy it! Featured topics:  How to move from anxiety, self-doubt, and fear to a confident, proactive state of mind (4:41) Navigating discomfort and celebrating your inherent worth (14:05) How to design r

Cait Donovan is here to talk all about the B word - burnout! Burnout can affect anyone and everyone - in fact, as Cait shares, “Stats show that burnout happens at a rate between 38.1%-89%.” Cait’s mission is to end burnout culture in organizations and individuals for better morale, health, and profitability. In this episode, we discuss the symptoms of burnout and what it is, Cait’s creative burnout recovery solutions, and why resentment is the burnout recovery tool we all need. While we spend a lot of time on the topic of burnout, we also explore how to have better communication in your personal and professional life.  Cait is host of FRIED. The Burnout Podcast, a Keynote speaker, and author of the book "The Bounce-back-ability Factor" and a burnout aficionado. Featured topics: Burnout: what it is, its symptoms, and how someone knows they’re experiencing it (4:17) Some of the professions/industries that experience burnout the most (8:52) Why resentment is the burnout recovery tool we all need (14:57) Boun

Today’s minisode is about the difference between being attached and unattached to the outcome.  Easy, right?  This is NEVER easy and always a work in progress. It will probably also ebb and flow throughout your personal development journey. This is still very hard for me, and I mention in this episode that I need this advice just as much as the next person.  I’ll walk you through two steps around how to work on this in your life, including examples around plants, jobs, relationships, and money.  You’ll also hear me walk briefly down memory lane about late night radio DJ’s on love song stations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Koren Motekaitis joins me for a conversation about what it means to be the leader of your life, creating meaningful work, and how to build a support network, even when it’s extremely scary and vulnerable.  Koren is a Master Certified Life and Leadership coach who is passionate about helping you create the life you truly desire. In this episode (and in Koren’s work), we explore what it means to be in connected relationships and enjoy this one precious life we all get to live NOW. Featured topics: Koren shares some key learnings from hosting her podcast, How She Really Does It, for over 16 years and having guests such as Kristin Neff, Brené Brown, and Gay Hendricks (4:53) Koren answers, “Is meaningful work even possible?” (8:59) What it means to be the leader of your life (12:00) Owning your voice: how to overcome the obstacle of silencing oneself and speaking your truth (18:05) Advice for building the support you need (21:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we are discussing one of my favorite topics ever - money. For most people, money is emotional; it’s not just about the money. We cannot hear enough from professionals about this topic, so I invited Keisha Blair to share her expertise on holistic wealth, including what it is and how to achieve it.   Keisha Blair is the award-winning, international bestselling author of Holistic Wealth Expanded and Updated: 36 Life Lessons To Help You Recover From Disruption, Find Your Life Purpose and Achieve Financial Freedom. She is regarded as the “Mother of Holistic Wealth” and the Founder of the Holistic Wealth Movement.  Featured topics: Holistic Wealth: what it is, why it is so important in today's world, and how it goes beyond money. (3:44) How having a life purpose can help someone who struggles with financial health (6:10) Keisha describes her Personal Financial Identity Framework (8:47) Advice for women who ignore or avoid financial issues (16:00) The impact of intergenerational trauma on our money s

Today’s episode is all about shit sandwiches. Of course, not literal shit sandwiches, but metaphorically when life gets hard. Save this podcast for when life hands you that type of sandwich, or send it to a friend going through a particularly tough time, or you may need these tips right now.  In this episode, you’ll hear me riff about the following:  The importance of acknowledging your feelings. Practicing the basics of self-care activities. Breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable steps. Making a plan and set achievable goals. Seeking help or support from friends, family, or professionals if needed. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life and gratitude. (this one has a caveat!) Keeping a growth mindset and learning from your challenges. Taking time for yourself to recharge and rejuvenate– whatever that is for YOU. Staying positive and maintaining a hopeful outlook for the future. Remembering that challenges are a part of life, and it's how you deal with them that matters. Learn

“What do we find when we push ourselves further than we ever thought we could go?” That is just one question Nicole Antoinette explores in her new book, How to be Alone: An 800 Mile Hike on the AZ Trail. This week, Nicole returns to the show to talk about her book and the lessons she learned from her loooong hiking journey. Together we have an insightful conversation about the privilege of choosing your own suffering and the process of becoming a better friend to yourself along the way. Nicole Antoinette is a writer, long-distance hiker, and former indoor kid who never imagined she’d wind up spending months of each year pooping in the woods. She is the author of two adventure memoirs, How To Be Alone and What We Owe To Ourselves (coming September 5, 2023), and she writes a weekly newsletter on Substack called Wild Letters. Featured topics: Why Nicole set out to hike the 800-mile Arizona Trail alone (5:13) How Nicole kept going even when it felt really hard (11:10) Being able to quit things publicly and out

This week, Rachel Luna returns to the show! Rachel joins me to talk about some of the topics featured in her upcoming book, Permission to Offend: The Compassionate Guide for Living Unfiltered and Unafraid. This book is so much in alignment with the work that I do and what you often hear about on this podcast. I am excited to share our conversation with you. We talk about what it means to have permission to offend and how it affects the many different roles in our lives. Rachel is a highly sought-after international speaker & Certified Master Neuroscience Coach to 6 and 7-figure earning entrepreneurs. Named by Forbes as one of The 11 Most Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs To Follow On Instagram, this former US Marine has a reputation for inspiring confident action and helping her clients double, triple, and quadruple their income. Her clients often referred to her as their “secret weapon.” Featured topics:  Why Rachel is giving people "Permission to Offend" and what she means by this phrase (5:41) The four Offe

I’ve been thinking about confidence and I turned on the mic today to give you a reminder about it. Confidence can be that thing we think will come along if we wish it into existence, but it does take actual steps to make it grow in our lives. I wrote a whole chapter on it in Make Some Noise but thing I’m focusing on today in this minisode, is how far you’ve come.  And you might be thinking, “How far I’ve come! I should be farther along than I am!” and if you’re thinking that, this episode is especially for you.  When we only see that we “don’t have our shit together” or that we’re moving too slow, or whatever else is in the realm of NOT being where we think we should be, we’ll keep looking for evidence of that and subsequently feel like shit.  But, if you look for even the slightest of progress you’ve made, the risks you’ve taken to step out of your comfort zone even when it doesn't work out as planned, THAT is progress, THAT is evidence that you are moving forward and that all adds up to your growth.  Listen