Real Women Real Lives

Even in moments when our head is telling us one thing—and our expectations another—something deeper inside us always knows what is true for this moment (or any moment, for that matter).  Today, Melissa and Barb share how they differentiate between thinking and 'knowing.' They also reveal how our ‘knowing' can come in a flash and unexpectedly, like the one they experienced only minutes before recording this episode.  

In today's episode, Barb and Melissa discuss the concept of being 'all in' in different areas of life. Despite not knowing if something will work out or be reciprocated, our hosts demonstrate that choosing to be all in creates a level of fulfillment that just doesn't exist when we are reserved or waiting for outside indicators to give us the green light to show up fully.   Are there places in your life inviting you to be all in?

We've all been down paths that, at the time, felt off course or nowhere near where we thought we should be.  Today, Barb and Melissa discuss their "crooked paths" that led them to exactly where they are now, reminding us that being 'off course' is nothing but a trick of the mind.  Are there places you've been or directions you might be heading that don't feel like they line up? Take time to listen to this episode—you may feel differently on the other side of this conversation. 

In today's episode, Barb and Melissa explore the expansive landscape of imagination, the fertile ground from which all things new spring forth.  Our hosts discuss how they've learned that relying on their intellect and referring to the familiar can be an Achilles heel when creating something fresh and new.   Are there times when it would serve you to lean in to your imagination?

Pivot. It's a word we've all likely used ad-nauseum in the past two years, yet it's an empowering topic of discussion for Melissa and Barb in today's episode.  Join us today as Barb and Melissa share their pivot stories, and demonstrate the power behind having the ability to 'turn on a dime' when things don't go our way. 

In today's episode, Barb and Melissa discuss how perceiving something as unreasonable comes from doubt, especially when we are in uncharted territory. They encourage us to get less ‘reasonable' and listen to our wisdom rather than preconceived ways of doing things.  In what areas of life could you get a little less reasonable?

Today, Barb and Melissa offer a fun conversation about a heavy topic. Most of us find ourselves living under undue pressure in certain areas of our lives. This conversation between our two hosts beautifully shines a light on what we sacrifice by turning up the pressure and offers us ways to shift so we can be more productive while enjoying a life of more ease. 

All of nature—even our bodies—have an innate intelligence that brings things back into harmony and balance. Wouldn't the same be true of our minds?  Today, join Melissa and Barb for a discussion highlighting the inherent reset capabilities within all of us, focusing on the profound difference simply realizing this can make in our lives. 

Today's episode, in all its solemnity, offers us a raw look at how, even when in authentically challenging and painful life situations, we can—and do—rise to the occasion. 

All or nothing. That seems to be a practice many of us can relate to. But what are that mindset and approach costing us?Today, Barb and Melissa share their insights about their seemingly innate temptation to drive and strive. They share with us how they curb their workaholism, discovering even more productivity and fulfillment. 

Is this a ‘Leap and the net will appear' episode? Not exactly. But it is a conversation dedicated to how engaging and simply doing what we desire not only gives us more information about what we want to do but offers us way more fulfillment. Today, Melissa and Barb share with us how they've both pushed through their fear of jumping in, demonstrating how the actual ‘doing' of something creates momentum that preparing and planning simply cannot.

When faced with situations that seem insurmountable—or impossible—we can get paralyzed or discouraged. But what if we could pause, clear our minds, and allow other ideas to come forward? In today's episode, Barb and Melissa discuss insights they've had around “facing the impossible” and demonstrate some of their successes in shifting from a seemingly impossible moment into, at times, an even better outcome. 

We have all experienced overwhelming pain and seemingly insurmountable moments in life—be them our own, someone else's, or those of the world at large. Today, Melissa and Barb speak frankly about events happening in our collective world and our respective lives, with a reminder to ask ourselves, "What is mine to do in moments like these?"Barb and Melissa share their own answers to this questions with poignancy and hope. Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

Failure—we all dread it. But what if it's a sign that we're getting closer to succeeding? In today's episode, Barb and Melissa discuss the misconception and made-up construct of failure and help us recognize that the best of the best failed innumerably before everything fell into place.   Failure. What if we just had to shift our perception slightly to realize what a gift it truly is. Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

Feelings. We all have them, yet there are places in our lives where they seem taboo or should somehow take a backseat.Today, Melissa and Barb discuss how feelings are part of the natural design of our human experience, yet why do leaders often shy away from leading from the heart? What's possible when we speak from our hearts? What's possible when leaders let their humanity be seen and felt by their teams?Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

What if we showed up in tenderness and love in all areas of our lives—be it ourselves, family, partners, friends, or even our clients? Today, Barb and Melissa discuss how coming from the heart expands our experiences, despite preconceived notions that love is taboo in certain situations. What difference would it make in your life if tenderness was front-and-center? Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

Life can feel heavy, and circumstances seem serious. But what if having a lighter state of mind could shift all of that?Today, Barb and Melissa talk about the errant belief that ‘grinding' and taking our lives and businesses too seriously is somehow beneficial. Are there areas in your life where you can lighten up and discover the real possibilities of freedom and joy from a freer, lighter mind? Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

What if courage nor confidence were needed to step more fully into our lives? In today's episode, Melissa and Barb demonstrate ways to show up in life without having to have it all figured out before we do. Though courage and vulnerability are often present in our lives, Barb and Melissa discuss the beauty of being able to take action regardless.Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

Join us today as Barb and Melissa discuss the pitfalls of comparing ourselves to others, while also acknowledging that being real and authentic is in fact most women's (most people's) true desire. What things challenge you in your quest to be who you truly are—unmasked, with no filters?Melissa and Barb remind us that we find our authenticity and our unique expression within. Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

In today's episode, Melissa & Barb discuss how allowing external circumstances to affect their state of being is risky business. With compassion for themselves and others, our hosts share anecdotal moments of recognizing how our state of our mind can lend to moments that make for the best memories, or how our overthinking can get in the way.Are there areas in your life where you recognize that a stirred up state of mind or errant thinking affect your experiences?Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

Are you wondering what french fries have to do with a clear mind? Join our hosts for today's episode to discover the wisdom within french fries and other “incidents,” as they recognize, through their own hilarious yet profound stories, how the internal state of our mind very much affects our life experiences—and visa versa ifwe let them. And, don't be surprised if your mantra for today becomes, “Get out of the car!” Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

In this episode, Barb and Melissa take Maya Angelou's famous sage wisdom to demonstrate the transformative power in showing up real and in the moment in our everyday connections; be them in our intimate relationships, our businesses or with anyone with whom we interact. This episode includes beautifully articulated insights and anecdotal moments that convey  ways in  which our hosts have witnessed the power of getting more curious about what's right in front of them, rather than having so much of themselves on their mind. Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!

What if you could do what you love, have a fulfilling personal life, be successful and fully express the real you in life?Join Barb and Melissa today as they discuss their journeys and transitions from their hustle and bustle lives, where ‘efforting' was in fact not the magic formula. Instead, making space to go within and showing up in the present moment proved to be a far more accurate navigation system than leaning into the grind.Want to deconstruct your limited ideas about what's possible for you?This episode will inspire you to shed the preconceived notions of who you should be, encourage you to simply show up as the real you, and give you reason to follow your own inner well of creativity to achieve your dreams and live your best life.Please find us on Melissa's website or  Barb's website.If you enjoy the show, please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us out. Thank you!