Sweat & Reflect

Hi Friend!It's not a Wednesday, but we do what we want here & today we're getting political as we talk about the SAVE Act that just passed the House & is going to the Senate for a final vote. Not sure what the SAVE Act is & why it matters?  Press play as I walk you through the bill, what the implications of it are & why you need you to educate yourself on this ASAP.Download the 5Calls App, read up on the bill & then call your representatives.  They provide a script & your reps' phone numbers & it is so damn easy!Use your voice.  Demand your vote.Let's fight this, together. xoxoThe SAVE Act (H.R. 22) - "A Voter Suppression Bill""This bill would hinder millions of eligible Americans from registering to vote by requiring citizens to present a birth certificate or passport in person to register.Millions of Americans don't have easy access to these documents.-More than 21.3 million Americans lack immediate access to documentary proof of citizenship-More than 140 million Americans do not have a passport & elderly Americans are one of the demographic groups least likely to have one-69 million women who have taken their spouse's last names do not have a birth certificate that matches their legal name-Similarly, transgender people who change their name to reflect their gender identity may be denied new passports & become ineligible to register-Disabled people are already must more likely to encounter a difficulty while voting compared to a non-disabled voter...-Citizens of color are three times more likely than white citizens to lack documents..."Information from 5Calls app.

hi friend!welcome back! i'm sooo happy that you're here because my girl, lindsey konchar is back!lindsey was originally on the podcast back in july of 2022 to talk about her book i've got 99 coping skills & being a bitch ain't one. (if you haven't listened to that episode, episode 79 - you can access it here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754571/episodes/10886506)  now she's back to talk about finances! before you think "this episode isn't for me...skip," i encourage you to take a listen.lindsey talks about finances in an empowering way - one that makes you believe that not only can you handle your finances, but you can be that badass financier you never thought you could be.i'm so grateful for lindsey's time & thoughts, & i cannot wait for you to hear all that she has to say!to follow lindsey & connect with her further, you can find her here:"Lindsey is a financial therapist, here to help you feel excited about money! (Yes, it's possible!) Money is more than just a math problem; there is always so much more to the equation. Merging behavioral therapy and financial coaching, Lindsey helps you live your dream life!IG:https://www.instagram.com/financialtherapistlindsey/Website: https://financialselfcareblog.com/financial-therapy/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-self-care-with-financial-therapist-lindsey/id1763148337?i=1000698685745FREE Guide: Investing 101: Get Investing Today "

hey there friend!after a somewhat unintentional hiatus, we're backkkkk!  it took some time but i'm feeling better about bringing you a weekly episode & making sure that our conversations are purposeful.we go through the thought process behind this hiatus, but part of my time away was a result of me feeling like i wasn't bring you good enough content & i didn't want to be wasting your time.  given where we're at as a society on this timeline, i felt compelled to come back with a focus to bring you conversations based on supporting our mental health, a bit of an escape from our day-to-day to-do lists, & honestly, just going with the flow.perhaps this will be great or perhaps we'll have to continue to pivot.  regardless, we are here to continue on this journey together.so grateful to be back & to be here with you. thank you for being here. xoxo 

hey friend!welcome back! let me start by saying that for those of you who have been directly impacted by the devastating fires in LA, my heart goes out to you & your family.  the entire situation is incredibly heartbreaking & i know words are often futile in this situation, so i will leave it with i am so sorry.between the fires, the congressional hearings, chaos around our country & throughout the world, i wanted to keep today's episode simple & remind you to hold on to the good wherever & however you can.perhaps that's getting lost in a good book.maybe it's finding joy in your new planner.perhaps it's saying "no" to an experience that you don't want to participate in.maybe it's making plans with your friends you haven't seen in a while.whatever it is, take time to not only protect your peace, but to find the good & then hold on to it.we need the good more than ever.  hopefully today's episode reminds you of that & you feel able to do so.i am always here for you. until next time, xoxo

hi friends!welcome back & happy 2025! we made it to another year!on today's episode i'm sharing my thoughts & perspective on the year ahead, holding space for those who are struggling right now between the tragedy in New Orleans on New Years Eve & the current wildfires in California.there are a lot of unknowns out there. there is a lot of heartbreak out there. all i can suggest right now is that we allow ourselves to sit in stillness when possible & we take every day as it comes.my goal this year is to be present & to try not to worry about the future or to set dates & goals that are ultimately going to stress me out.perhaps this is the reminder that you need to do the same.  allow yourself to just be.  everything will fall into place as it should & whatever stressors are out there, we will take them on together.here's to a new year & new possibilities.  thank you for being here with me.until next time, xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're keeping it short & sweet as i give you permission - not that you need it - to feel however you're feeling this holiday season...especially if you're not feeling very festive.i haven't felt very festive this holiday season which sucks as i typically love the christmas season, but i am honoring where i'm at & not pushing myself to be overly festive just because "i should be." i figured if i'm feeling this way, you may be feeling this way as well.  maybe it's your first holiday season without your loved one.  maybe you've been in a funk since the beginning of november...iykyk.  maybe it just feels like too much this year.no matter what you're reasoning is, it's okay.going into the next two weeks, don't be afraid to set boundaries for yourself & take the time that you need to feel whatever you're feeling. this doesn't mean you have to sit in it & be the holiday grinch, but it's okay to set a timer, feel the feels & then get back to the festivities in whatever capacity you can.the holidays can be difficult.  know that you're not alone.  i see you.  i love you.  i'm sending you all of the love.until next time. xoxoxo

hi friend!welcome back! yes, this episode is coming to you late in the day & is titled "early morning walk thoughts" but that's where we're at today.as i was walking this morning, i was thinking about what my life might look like right now had i not left teaching & the thought took me by surprise.  i started to think of all of the "good things" - salary based pay, better health insurance, etc., but i wasn't missing anything about the actual profession.i then started to think about what i do have in my life because i left teaching & all of the experiences i've had since i left the profession that i wouldn't have had otherwise.i wanted to share this with you because as 2024 comes to a close you may start questioning where you are, how you got here & if it was all worth it; & if that's where you are, i want you to look for the good.  i want you to see how much you've grown.but, if some of the choices you've made aren't sitting well with you, think about what you've learned & how you can continue to grow forward.life is all about the choices we make & the time we take to sit & reflect on where we've been.take the time to find the good & to celebrate yourself now.  i promise you it's worth it.then head over to instagram & bluesky & let me know what you think! xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back & happy december!!on today's episode we're breaking down the worldwide sensation - WICKED - the film adaption & omggggg!! there are no real spoilers since ya know, wicked has been out for 20 years & was a book long before that - but still...you've been warned!this movie has truly altered my brain chemistry.  i was a fan of the book & of the musical, & i had always dreamed that they would make a film adaption of both & man...this did NOT disappoint.i've already seen it twice & i don't plan on stopping any time soon because every time i see it i have another epiphany/takeaway obsession.& to forewarn you, yes, we get a little political because #everythingispolitical can't wait to hear what you think about this episode & what your biggest takeaways are/were from the movie! did it forever change you, as well?!thanks for being here! xoxo 

hi friend!happy thanksgiving eve! i'd love to tell you that this episode is all about what we're thankful for & finding the good, but honestly, that just did not feel right.ryan has joined me tonight & we're talking about what's really going on in our world, how we feel about it, & what we think you can - also - do, if you're amenable, to resisting the insanity in this world.has the podcast taken a turn?  yes.would it be easier for everyone if i kept my mouth shut & kept focusing on grief, mental health, etc.? probably.can i live with myself if i continue down that path? absolutely not.ryan & i are not here to add to the fear mongering. ryan & i are not here to pick apart your belief system.what we are here to do, right here in this minute, is to ask you to look around you, to think critically, to do your research & to actually see what is happening in front of us. we're all busy.  we all have a nucleus that we must focus on (kids, spouses, jobs, etc.) but at this point in time, i firmly believe we all need to come together & resist.  we need to resist the absolute hate & insanity that is happening in our world.we need to stand up & support one another.we need to realize that we're all in this together.i hope that this episode strikes a cord in you & that we are able to move forward together, but if we're not able to, i understand & i wish you nothing but the best.i've always been thankful for you & i will continue to be thankful for you going forward. may you have a wonderful thanksgiving. xoxo

hi friend,today we're jumping in to a controversial topic: to have a kid or not to have a kid...especially in this current climate.the decision to have a kid is always super personal & the stakes are always high... i mean, you're signing up to keep another human alive forever...but since the election the stakes to have a kid seem even higher.i'm for sure not trying to be a debbie downer or put down anyone who chooses to have a kid or not to have a kid; we are all entitled to our OWN choices, however, i know i'm not alone when it comes to making this decision, especially in the next 4 years.press play to hear all of my thoughts & then head over to instagram: @meredith.coviello or bluesky @meredithcoviello.bsky.social & let me know what you think.i for sure want to hear all of your thoughts on this one.regardless of how you feel, i hope you are taking time for you.  i hope you are taking time to support yourself however feels best in today's world.know i am thinking of you, that i'm grateful for you & that i love you. xoxo

hi friend,today i'm owning my ignorance.  i'm owning that i have not done enough to use this platform to truly highlight what's important -- stories from women & people of all backgrounds, all experiences.i thought that if i knew where i stood, if i educated myself, if i cared about other people that that would be enough.  unfortunately, this past week has taught me that that is not the case.  i need to use my voice.  i need to be a beacon of change.i am committed to learning, to growing, to evolving & not staying silent or in the dark.this podcast is taking a turn in terms of what we're going to cover & who we're going to give a voice to.i'm sorry for not doing more before.  from here on out i am committed to educating myself, to growing, to evolving, to being a better ally. the change starts with me.  it starts here.  i hope you're with me, but if you're not, i hope you find the support you need.thank you for being here. xoxo

hi friend.it's the morning after the election & honestly, i'm not okay.  maybe you feel the same way; maybe you don't.regardless, these are my thoughts as to where we are & where i am, right now.

hey friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're diving into the beachbody bullshit even further.  i'm talking the rhetoric they're using to get people to sign up & the sudden issues they've been having with beachbody products.  there are even people repping a brand that hasn't even put out an actual product yet.we're taking a look at why i think some of these behaviors are dangerous & what my overall issue is with this new realm of social media purchasing & marketing.disclaimer: yes, people are allowed to change their minds & people are in desperate need of an income, however, i truly feel that there is an honest & just way to do so & right now a lot of the 'marketing' out there is giving me the ick.press play & let me know what you think.  did i hit the nail on the proverbial head?  did i miss anything or am i just off the mark?can't wait to hear your thoughts. xoxo 

hey friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're getting a little spicy as we kick off this series on the beachbody drama.not sure what i'm talking about or why you should care?for starters, beachbody is dissolving their coaching program & switching to the affiliate model.  i don't have a problem with this but is social media blowing uppppp over this newswhy should you care? you may not care about beachbody, but have you ever been a part of something - something bigger than you that offered so many possibilities, brought key people into your life & yet something felt off about it?this is where the story starts.  i love(d) beachbody & what it provided me, but towards the end of my coaching career with them, i couldn't figure out why i felt off, why part of this whole opportunity felt icky.  hindsight is 20/20 but seeing how people are reacting to this change in the beachbody world i know very clearly see it wasn't me...it was the "higher ups." they felt icky.press play on part 1 of this series to get an in-depth look at why i joined beachbody & what i'm starting to realize now.so glad you're here. xoxo

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're diving back in to the mental health pond - after all, it is mental health awareness month.over the past week i've come to terms with the fact that i've had to ask for help; that i need more support than i am giving myself right now & that has been a very, very big deal for me.as a result of asking for help, i've been met with A LOT of opinions; opinions from people whom i love & trust, but...but here's what i'm finding, their opinions, as much as i appreciate them are based in what they think i need & even more importantly, what they believe.do you know what i mean?  you've told someone what you need & they respond with what they inadvertently need?here's the big takeaway: their opinions should NOT affect your judgement.  at the end of the day YOU know what YOU need.  you can seek their counsel but their beliefs, their suggestions are not the end all be all.you know what you need. dont' be afraid to lean into those needs & to push for what you need.you've got this. xoxoxo

hi friend!welcome back! we've been chatting a lot about mental health lately & today is no different.  please note that today we're chatting about depression; things feeling overwhelming; medication & when to know when to ask for help.  i am not a mental health professional or a doctor so please be mindful of the fact that i am simply sharing my experience(s) & what works for me.  please always, always do what is best for you and remember that it is okay to ask for help.  yesterday i had a thought as i was texting with my therapist so i told her: "i'm in a depressive state."  it was a heavy thing to say but i'm proud of myself for acknowledging where i am right now.a past version of me never would have admitted that.  a past version of me would have just kept going hoping that one day i would feel normal again.  instead, this version of me is taking note on how i'm feeling & i'm starting to realize that given my normal anxious baseline, it's time to truly truly explore being back on anxiety medication.each of our stories is different, but there is one fundamental truth: we are not alone.  no matter how heavy things may feel; no matter how chaotic the world may become (hopefully not much more...i beg), you & me, we are in this together.if at any point throughout this episode you realize you need someone to talk to ASAP, please reach out, find a trusted family member or friend, call your doctor, contact betterhelp or call 988.  you are not alone.  no matter what is going on i can absolutely guarantee that you, my friend, are not alone. as always, thank you for being here. xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! happy october!on today's episode i'm sharing the craziness of anxiety & the anxiety attack that i experienced over the past week.the biggest takeaways from this episode - in my opinion - are as follows:-know your body -- the more you know your body the better off you are at supporting yourself day-to-day, but especially during things like an anxiety attack.  knowing how your body responds to an anxiety attack is also crucial because if the manifestation is different than it normally is you can seek the help you need, immediately.-allow yourself to fully process your anxiety -- i know there are times where having a full blown anxiety attack is not possible, but don't stuff it down & pretend like it's not happening.  allowing the anxiety to fester in our bodies leads to physical problems that can become serious if we don't process our emotions.  give yourself space to process your feelings.-don't let others tell you there's nothing to be anxious about -- your feelings, your reactions are valid.  even if your life looks shiny & perfect on the outside it doesn't mean that there aren't things to be anxious about.  i'm not saying you should look for reasons to be anxious; i'm simply saying that you're allowed to be anxious, especially if your anxiety is chemical based like mine & is often uncontrollable in some regard.i hope you find this episode helpful & if you're currently experiencing anxiety, please speak with a medical provider, a confidant or at the very least journal so you can work on processing your anxiety.you're not alone. xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back & happy fall, y'all!i just love this transitional time into a new season! it's full of so much promise, opportunity & especially for this season, it's cooler temperatures, pumpkin everything & the smell of new beginnings.  on today's episode we're talking about the two things that you can do right now at the start of this season to call in new energy & growth.#1: declutter/donate/create space in your actual living space.  i don't know about you but i've had pilesssss of things lying around since the wedding & with this new energy -- & really a break at work -- i'm ready to clean up & regroup my physical space.  one thing i will caution you on - especially if you're easily overwhelmed with decluttering is to start with a small space.  don't tackle your closet or kitchen if you don't have the mental capacity to do it quite yet otherwise you will make a bigger mess & then find yourself extra overwhelmed & frustrated.#2: take time to reflect on how far you've come - or how many lives you've lived - since 2019! actually take a second to think about where you were in 2019 & where you are now. it's kinda mind blowing! taking the time to reflect will help you put things into perspective & will allow you to either celebrate yourself -- which you should be doing no matter what -- or will allow you to evaluate & make changes going forward.press play to hear the full scoop & then head over to instagram & let me know which part resonated with you the most & how you plan on full embracing this fall energy.as always, so grateful for you. xoxoxo 

hi friend!more than ever, thank you for being here. thank you for showing up to this platform to listen.this is perhaps one of the most vulnerable episodes i've ever put out.in this episode i'm pulling back the curtain & i'm sharing how honestly, i'm not sure where this podcast is going.i know i have a lot to say.  i know this is a beautiful space that is so beneficial to all involved on either side of the mic, & yet i know that we're not firing on all cylinders.in this episode i'm sharing some of my most intimate thoughts on how i think we got here & where we're going.whether you've been here for 3 years, a few months or just started listening, i am so beyond grateful for you.i want this podcast to be a positive beacon in your life where we can learn & grow together.we're going through some growing pains right now & that's okay.  life happens & that's what's happening with the podcast right now.i'm going to continue to reflect on where we go from here, but as always, your feedback is beyond welcome, so head over to @meredith.coviello on insta & let me know what content you want to hear.so beyond grateful for you. xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! while there were other topics floating in my head for this week's episode, it felt incredibly important to take the time to remember those we lost 23 years ago today on September 11, 2001.that day changed all of our lives in some way - for some, they lost their loved ones; for others, their view of the world shattered.no matter how you were impacted, i hope you take today to remember those we lost & perhaps, reflect on the day as a whole.one of the things i touch on is how - as a nation, as a community, as people - we came together in sorrow to support one another despite our differences because putting people first was more important.perhaps, we can also take this time to reflect on that goodness, that light & find a way to bring it into our world now.to those we lost 23 years ago today, you are never forgotten.  to those who need a little extra love & support today, we've got you. xoxo

hi friend!thank you so much for being here! happy september! before we go any further, please note that today's episode deals with domestic violence, mentions of addiction & suicide awareness/prevention month.  neither of us are psychologists, trauma specialists, or doctors so please keep that in mind as we discuss these difficult topics.the purpose of this episode is to open up the discussion on domestic violence - how we can support those leaving their abusive partnerships, those asking for help, reframing the conversation away from - 'why didn't she leave?' to 'why do men harm?'  ryan & i speak about justin baldoni - the director of the movie - & his interviews about domestic violence & how the movie is opening up this conversation. we also talk about the movie "it ends with us" in great detail so apologies now for any spoilers.thank you for listening to today's episode.  we'd love to hear from you over on instagram @meredith.coviello until next time xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! this episode is getting to you later than usual because #jetlag! we got back from our honeymoon yesterday & honestly i did not have the brain power to record this episode until now.thankfully ryan agreed to record this episode with me :) on this episode we're breaking down our honeymoon - where we went & what we did - with some insight as to the importance of communication no matter how long you've been with your partner.to clarify - at no point are we saying we're experts on marriage 2 & a half weeks in :) we're sharing what we realized about how we communicate in certain situations & how we can continue to get better & in turn, strengthen our foundation.we hope you like this episode & if you have any thoughts on where we should go for our next vaca, shoot us a message on insta!so grateful for you! xoxo 

hi friend!as always, thank you so much for being here! on today's episode i'm taking you behind the scenes of ryan's wedding gift & why i think you should have this experience for yourself!back in may i did a boudoir shoot.  this whole thing started back in august of 2023 & i've kept it under wraps until now!i decided to do this shoot for ryan because he has always made me feel seen & beautiful no matter if it's first thing in the morning, at my heaviest weight, or all dolled up for an event.  what started out as something for ryan quickly became a gift for me.  i felt strong, beautiful, sexy & just incredible throughout the entire shoot with my fantastic photographer, Anya.  honestly, just press play to hear how i felt hours after this experience! it was the best thing & the final product is beyond!!!!cannot wait to hear what you think! & if you've ever done a boudoir shoot - how was your experience?xoxo 

hi friend!thank you so much for being here! to round out the wedding series, ryan is here as we break down the most magical, special, incredible, joyful, love filled day!we got married on Sunday, August 11 & it truly was the best freaking day ever!on this episode we're sharing our insights on our first look, the ceremony, the venue, the food, the people, our incredible vendors ... every perfect moment of our special day. we hope you enjoy this inside look! as always, thank you for being here & for listening! xoxo

hi friend!welcome back & happy august! on today's episode we're talking body love, body image & the beautiful lessons the olympic games have taught me - & maybe you - about loving our bodies no matter the size, shape, makeup, whatever.this reminder has been critical as i approach the last few days before the wedding.  i've been picking apart my body; chastising myself for not working out harder or eating better because i'm not going to look "that way" on my wedding day.  yes, i know that's crazzyyyyyy but it's also real life. luckily, the olympics came at the perfect time & the badass women competing in all different specialties reminded me that our bodies are not only gifts, but shouldn't look the same.  one athlete in particular, ilona maher, posted several videos about how freaking strong & beautiful she is despite internet trolls trying to tear her down.while i hate that this happened to her, i am so grateful that she used her platform to remind us all that there is no "one size fits all." we're all beautiful & strong women & damn, that was a powerful reminder.press play on today's episode & then head over to insta @meredith.coviello to let me know if the episode resonated with you.thanks so much for being here! xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back & happy last day of july!! it legit feels like july just started & here we are saying goodbye...like what?!on today's episode we're chatting about being in a season where all of the things may be converging, finding time to reflect & choosing to see your past as a crucial part of who you are today.yes, that's a lot of thoughts, all which was inspired by a text message i sent a friend on monday night when she apologized for the broad spectrum of emotions & events i've dealt with over the past few weeks: my bridal luncheon, my wedding anniversary with tim, the countdown to my wedding to ryan...all. of. the. things. for better or worse i responded with "life wouldn't be life without the chaos" & while i was being a little cheeky, it's true.  we wouldn't be where we are - learning & growing (even in the darkest of moments) - if it wasn't for the chaos.press play on today's episode & let me know what resonated with you -- or if you have a completely different perspective -- over on instagram.as always, so grateful for you!until next time, xoxo

hi friend!thank you so much for being here today! today's episode is meant to serve as a quick reminder to find the joy & the gratitude in all that you do, but especially in a hustle season.we're 17/18 days out from the wedding (depending on which countdown you look at) & it is intense...honestly that's an understatement but i digress.i am being pulled in 1,000 different directions between the last minute wedding prep, work, taking care of myself, taking care of peanut & sadie, not disconnecting from the entire world, doing laundry, etc. etc.  right now it's a lottttt but what i keep reminding myself is that i am so freaking lucky that i get to do this.  i get to marry my best friend in a few short weeks. i get to have this wedding.   i get to work with these vendors, so on & so forth.there was a time where i wasn't even sure i'd get married again so to be on the cusp of marrying ryan ... i am nothing but grateful.  & so my reminder for you is no matter what season you're in right now - whether you're hustling, you're just trying to survive or you're thriving, remember to find gratitude.  take time to ground yourself in all that you are accomplishing right now - bumps & all, & celebrate what you're doing.i know it's not easy but i promise finding the joy, finding the good, finding a reason to be thankful is going to make this experience so much better.i'm so grateful for you! until next time, xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode i've brought back my better half to give a quick wedding update, including our little adventure applying for our wedding license earlier this week.can we first talk about the groom vs. bride vibes when you're a month out from the wedding?!  i'm "to-do list barbie" & ryan is living his best "ken" life playing xbox. like, why is this the way it is? lolas always, this episode is  transparent, real & a little chaotic. do you expect anything less at this point?press play & then head over to instagram @meredith.coviello & let me know if you experienced anything similar in the final weeks before your wedding or if i'm the problem :) as always, so grateful for you! xoxo

hi friend!thanks so much for being here! on today's episode we're chatting about celebrating YOU! yes, you!stop for a second & think about the following: when was the last time you really celebrated YOU! & not for a birthday or anything like that...when did you stop to celebrate how far you've come?  or celebrate that non-scale victory?  what about celebrating the fact that you left a toxic work environment?i don't know about you, but i sure as heck don't celebrate myself enough & that needs to change right now!life is too short for us to be saying, "i'll celebrate later" or "no one is going to want to celebrate this with me." WRONG.people DO want to celebrate you.  they WANT to see you succeed & life your best life, so let them in!  tell them that you want to celebrate ________ (fill in the blank) & then celebrate the shit out of yourself.this weekend i'm choosing to fully lean in to my bachelorette party & celebrate myself because while this is a milestone in counting down to my wedding, it's also a celebration of how far i've come.let's make a commitment to each other right here & now to go out & celebrate ourselves in some capacity in the next few days.head over to instagram @meredith.coviello & let me know what your celebrating & how so i can celebrate with you! i'm so grateful you're here! until next time, xoxoxo

hi friend!welcome back & happy july! i can't even believe we're in july! like when in the hell did that happen?on today's episode i'm sharing some reflections from my first few days as a 36 year old.  (i can't even believe i'm writing that...36...)we chat about being grateful for getting another trip around the sun, celebrating how far you've come & appreciating what got you here.it's a quick episode encouraging you to take a moment to reflect & appreciate where you are, because let's be real...life is moving so fast we need to take a second to be present & grateful.i hope you enjoy this episode!so grateful to have you here. xoxoxo

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're touching on a few different subjects from fantasy novels to this week's mega moment between taylor & travis.now, before you say, "this episode isn't for me," i urge you to press play because the takeaways from each topic are not only important, but key reminders that we - especially as women - need right now.i mean, first of all, who doesn't like getting lost in a good book that's got drama, sexiness & a whole other world?!& secondly, if this weekend taught us anything it's that we are not here to settle when it comes to our partner.  we deserve the world & even if we have to wait to find that person, trustttt that it's worth the wait.press play & then head over to instagram @meredith.coviello & let me know what you think of today's episode!  it took some time to actually record it, but i really think it's worth it.as always, so grateful for you. xoxoxo 

hi friend!thank you so much for being here! it took me 3 tries to record this episode but we got it done!on today's episode we're chatting about the overconsumption of information mainly through technology. picture this: you're at the end of a long work day & you find yourself scrolling social media only to realize you're not processing anything that's on your screen.you used to love listening to audiobooks but the idea of listening to anyone say anything right now feels overwhelming.you signed up for any & every course to connect with more people & to learn more about a certain topic & now the idea of doing anything with that information feels overwhelming.if any of those scenarios resonated with you, you're probably like me & have been consuming far too. much information.press play to hear how i'm navigating this overconsumption & what you can do to support yourself if you're in a similar situation.don't feel this way? head over to instagram & let me know how you prevent yourself from over-consuming information -- seriously, please share your ways with me!as always, so grateful that you're here! xoxox 

hi friend!welcome back! as i was thinking about content for today's episode it dawned on me that i never did a "happy birthday sweat & reflect" episode back in april; i guess life just got the best of me.& so, i decided that today was the day to reflect on the past 3 years of the podcast - the highs, the lows, the growth, the development, where we're going with the pod this year...really all of the things!honestly, there's even a few moments where i get a little extra sassy about the podcasting world overall...#sorrynotsorryanywho, press play to hear my reflections on the past 3 years & why i show up every week...for you, my dear listener.whether you've been here for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks or 3 days, thank you.  this podcast would be nothing without you.  i am truly grateful to have you here & to share this space with you.sending you all of the love & gratitude. xoxo

hi friend!welcome back! today's episode is inspired by all of the bullshit speculations surrounding taylor swift's body.  before we get any further, please know that i've included a trigger warning because there is a moment where i reference eating disorders.  please do not listen to the episode if this conversation could be a trigger for you.in case you missed it, there is a photo of taylor going around & has people questioning if she's pregnant.honestly though, it's 2024.  aren't we beyond this?   that's a rhetorical question given the current state of our society here in the us, but seriously, why?on today's episode we're going to chat about this picture of taylor & dive into the need for us to stop commenting on women's bodies, including our own.  commenting on other people's bodies is problematic for so many reasons.  we need to be uplifting in one another.  we need to remember that women's bodies change for a whole host of reasons at any given time.we need to be kinder to ourselves & love ourselves no matter what.there are lots of thoughts on today's episode on this topic, so press play if you feel called to do so & let me know what you think.i'm so grateful you're here! xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! i hope you had a lovely long weekend & Memorial Day! on today's episode i'm sharing one of my goals for the summer season & why i think you should be setting a similar goal.throughout this summer season i challenge you to do the following:-find a place where you can ground yourself a few times a week.  i will be making it a priority to get to our pool, to unplug & to be present exactly where i am.   water is also incredibly healing for me & since i can't get to the beach every week, the pool will have to do.-get your hands on a good book.  i know not everyone loves books/reading like i do, but i really believe that reading opens up our minds, our creativity & our ability to connect in so many ways.  if you need a place to start, i suggest a Colleen Hoover book or the series i'm currently obsessed with fourth wing & iron flame by rebecca yarros.  the way that this series lives in my mind....-set boundaries & reiterate them as often as possible.  i know we've talked about this before but this past weekend i had to reiterate some boundaries for ryan & while it was annoying at times, it reminded me how important it is to be vocal & clear about what i need.  it also reminded me that my body language often tells a very different story & so ryan & i need to always be working on our communication.  can you relate?it's a quick little episode that i hope gets you thinking differently about your summer & how you want to approach it.as always, i'm so grateful for you! talk to you soon xoxo 

hi friend.thank you for being here, today of all days.before we go any further, please know that today's episode will touch on grief & addiction.  please do not listen to this episode if it's going to be a trigger for you.today's episode is really just a stream of consciousness/reflective episode as i discuss the fourth anniversary of tim's death.4 years ago today, tim left our physical world, & while i've moved forward in so many ways, my body deeply remembers those final weeks, days & moments of tim's life & so this time is just a lot.throughout the episode i share my thoughts & feelings.  i touch on the various layers of grief & where my head is out right now.i also do my best to honor tim, the man i fell in love with.if you listen, thank you.  i appreciate you providing me the space to share this twisted milestone with you.if you, or someone you know is suffering from addiction, grief, or has any thoughts of self-harm, please call 988, the suicide/mental health hotline, or reach out to another mental health professional.no matter what you're going through, you're not alone. xoxoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode i want to take 10 minutes to sit in reflection with you.  maybe it's the northern lights - that i didn't get to see - the fact that we're in the middle of a new month, or it's my own projections on the world - but it feels like there's a lot happening energetically right now, & so, we need to pause.take a minute, whether it's now or later when you can sit in quiet contemplation, & take a deep breath before asking yourself what you need right now.do you need to take something off of your plate?do you need 10 minutes a day just for you?do you need to push off some tasks until a later date?whatever it is, choose something that benefits you right now.  yes, everyone needs something from you, but what do you need from you right now?once you have it in your mind, put it into existence.  do it.take time for you without feeling guilty.you deserve this.i'm rooting for you. xoxo 

hi friend!thank you so much for being here today.  please know that throughout today's episode we talk about grief & addiction.last night i was deleting pictures from my google photos account when i found text messages between tim & i.  the texts threw me right back to the pain, the struggles, the anxiety & the struggles that we - as a couple - were experiencing.  suddenly i had this thought "did i do the right thing? did i make the right decisions?"in that moment i had to force myself to put the phone down & remind myself that at the time - back in 2019/2020 - i was making decisions based on the information that i had right then & what i felt was best for both of us -- regardless of what anyone else thought.throughout the episode we discuss this part of the grief journey & the need to have touchstones - aka receipts - to help bring us back to the reality of the situation.what was actually going on at the time?what decisions were necessary for my own mental health?did i do the best that i could?grief brings up so many questions - especially when that grief is tied to addiction - & sometimes you need that reality check.i know that this is a heavy topic, so if at any point you feel overwhelmed, please stop the episode & contact your healthcare provider, or find a therapist at betterhelp, to help support you through this time.as always, thank you for being here & for allowing me to share my experiences & takeaways with you.i'm always here for you. xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back & happy may! i say it every month, but i literally can't believe we're already in a new month, let alone freaking may! time is flyinggggggganywho, on today's episode we're chatting about the new month, new energetics & how we can actively recognize/choose to lean in to certain energies that we are exuding. ever had a moment where you got really frustrated & instead of pulling back your frustration you leaned in?  what about recognizing your frustration & choosing to course correct yourself?i've been in both situations & given this new month, energetically speaking i want to be extra aware of where i am, how i'm responding in situations & where i want to go.press play on today's episode & then head over to instagram @meredith.coviello & let me know what you think of today's episode!as always thanks so much for being here! xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode i'm sharing the 5 ways you can support yourself during a tough season.april 21 - may 22 marks a tough season for me as it was the last month that tim was alive & i was handling his medical care from the phone as we were in the thick of the covid lockdown.even 4 years later this time frame has a significant hold on me.that being said, here are the 5 ways we can support ourselves when the world feels heavy:1) stick to a routine - but not to the point that you're not leaving yourself any time to breathe2) limit distractions - aka don't numb out with the scrolling & the tv just to fill a void3) let yourself feel - the worst thing you can do is try to dull the pain & talk about the memories to help release any extra emotion, if it feels comfortable for you4) have a strong support team5) set boundaries as needed to protect your peace, your sadness & any other emotions you're feelingi truly hope this episode helps! head over to instagram @meredith.coviello to let me know if this episode was helpful or leave a review wherever you listen!xoxo

good morning friend & welcome back!today's episode is a quick check in based on thoughts from my morning walk. (yes, it really is a quick episode despite what the time log says...garageband is giving me problems.)when was the last time you truly unplugged & allowed yourself to get lost in your thoughts?when was the last time you noticed the squirrels playing around you or the trees coming back to life right in front of you?at the risk of sounding like pollyanna or snow white, there's so much beauty in noticing the beauty around you.yes, we've talked about this before, but this morning it really hit me: we are missing out on so many thing when we turn our settings on to autopilot.yes, the larger world around us is often scary & overwhelming, but if you unplug & take the time to ground yourself, you'll find that the immediate world around you isn't so scary; it's actually beautiful.i hope today's episode encourages you to connect with the immediate world around you.  i hope you're able to ground yourself & be right where your feet are planted.  i hope you realize you're allowed to take time for you.as always, i'm so grateful to have you here. xoxo 

hey friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're chatting about a download that i had during emdr this week.as i was reprocessing a memory the following popped into my mind loud & clear: when people show you who you are, believe them.i then focused sooo hard on remembering this so that i could share this download with you.of course, this phrase has been around for forever, but hearing it during my session felt like i was hearing it for the very first time.we, especially women, often feel like we have to give people the benefit of the doubt, make excuses for them or whatever, but at this point in my life i realize how ridiculous that is.if people are showing us their negative side - insert here whatever is negative to you - there is no reason why we have to continue down this path - whatever it may be - with them.press play on today's episode & then head over to instagram @meredith.coviello & let me know your thoughts & if this episode resonated with you.as always, thanks so much for being here! xoxo 

hey friend!welcome back! it may be april 3, but i'm going to wish you a very happy new year! why? because right now, at this point in time, it really feels like a new year is upon us. there is rebirth, birth, & growth allllll around us & so it only feels appropriate to say that now is our new year.yes, it's exciting to turn the physical calendar year over from december to january, but think about it; it's dark, it's cold.  we're often stuck inside, questioning our worth, snuggled under blankets, counting down for the darkness to end.now, here in april, it energetically feels different.  things feel possible.& so, i say let's lean in to it.  let's use right now, this moment as our new year.let's set new goals.  let's focus on our growth.  let's embrace the beauty all around us.press play on today's episode & then head on over to instagram to let me know what goals you're setting for yourself, now.so glad you're here. xoxo 

hey friend!on today's episode we're having an impromptu chat with my guy, ryan.  i'm not going to lie; it was hard getting an episode out today.  i recorded two other episodes but neither sat right with me. last minute, ryan decided to hop on so we could chat about anything & everything with you.you'll hear about our wedding, ryan's first experience with a chiropractor, an odd connection to baseball, & so much more.thank you for being here.  thank you for pressing play & for choosing to spend this time with me, well, us.i am beyond grateful that you're here. xoxo 

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode we're talking about fear & i'm asking you to sit in reflection, & ask yourself: am i sitting in fear?perhaps you've been holding yourself back from taking that new workout class...perhaps you're tired of expending your energy towards someone who never seems to reciprocate...perhaps you've been questioning your position at work...but you haven't made a move to change the status quo.what do these things have in common? you're sitting in fear because you're afraid of:-making a decision-putting yourself in a new position-losing something that is currently important to youpress play to hear how you can navigate this fear & how you can put yourself on a path of growth & self-love.xoxo

hi friend!welcome back! on today's episode i'm breaking down the key takeaways from 75 hard!2 weeks ago today & i finished 75 hard & man...what an experience! it was truly transformative & i cannot wait until i can do it again, because...i will be doing this challenge again!when i sat down to put together these takeaways, i really thought about how they impact me, but most importantly, how these takeaways connect to you, your goals & your life.here are the major takeaways from 75 hard that we really dive into:1) you body changes even if you don't see it2) it forces you to reassess your relationship with food, beverages (i.e. soda) & alcohol3) fresh air is good for the soul! i said this back in episode 159 & it's still true4) when you're tired is when you dig deeper5) challenges shape & strengthen you6) put yourself firstsome other takeaways worth noting: - repetition is key - what is it worth to you?we dive deep into both of these ideas ^ in episode 159-if you say you can't do it, you're lying to yourself-if you're going to do it (whatever "it" is for you), freaking commiti cannot wait to hear your takeaways from today's episode! head over to @meredith.coviello on instagram & let me know what resonated most with you!until next time, xoxo 

hi friend!today's episode does come with a trigger warning as we will be discussing substance abuse, so please do not press play if this conversation will be a trigger for you. today is the first wednesday in march & it also marks black balloon day.black balloon day was created by a family - who lost their loved one to an accidental overdose - to honor those who have lost their lives to substance abuse.this is - of course - a very delicate subject.  everyone has their own connection to substance abuse & so today we're taking time to honor those who have lost their lives to an addiction, as well as honor those who have - & continue to love - someone with an addiction.in this space there is no right or wrong. there is no good or bad.  there is simply providing love & support to those who need it as they support themselves, a loved one - whomever, through a very difficult time. if you or someone you love is in need of support, please reach out to a therapist, an substance abuse treatment center, AA, NA, Al- anon, whatever it is that you need to best support you all during this time.there is no shame here.  only love, support & acknowledgment.if you need immediate assistance, please call 988 - the suicide prevention helpline.i am here for you.  i see you.  i love you.  thank you for honoring black balloon day with me.  

hi friend!let me just say that this was not the episode i was planning on recording but i am so freaking thankful that i did!on today's episode we're chatting about this phase of life everyone seems to be in - including me - where we're in a state of discomfort & ready to make a change, whether that's in our relationships, our work situations, our living situations - whatever.literally...everyone i know is in some state of growth right now...it's wild & so cool to see!that being said, that also means that we are met with analysis paralysis. we're being met with an internal resistance; we feel like we can't move the needle forward.here's the thing though...we absolutely can! we are beyond capable of going after what we want & getting ourselves out of this discomfort, thereby allowing ourselves to become the beautiful lotuses that we are!here are 4 steps you can take to get yourself out of the muck & onto the surface in all of your glory!1) acknowledge where you are2) start to research, make a plan for where you want to go3) loop someone in for accountability - a loved one, a significant other -- who is going to hold your feet to the fire (so to speak) when you want to bail on this shift?)4) baby steps - what's the first thing you can do to move the needle forward now that you've decided to make a change?i'm in the midst of the process as we speak, so if you want extra accountability, send me a message on instagram & let me know i can best support you in this season!xoxo

hi friend!welcome back & happy wednesday! on today's episode we're diving back into the wedding series & this time, we're focusing on wedding dress shopping for the second time...as a widow.surprise, surprise, i had been avoiding wedding dress shopping because i was afraid of how i would react. i was also worried i wouldn't get to have another "omg this is my dress moment."thankfully, i had the best wedding stylist & after a lot of trial & error... & being completely wrong about what I wanted/what would look good on me, i found my dress!!!!!why is this episode relevant to you?  because we're all given second chances, & when we're lucky enough to get that second chance, we need to go all in & fully embrace it.  we can't find ourselves in a scarcity mindset thinking that we don't deserve this (whatever this is).  we deserve it all.  we deserve these opportunities & when they come around we need to lean in & celebrate them...even when, well especially when it feels extra hard. i cannot wait to hear what you think about this episode! i would love to know how it resonates with you, so head over to instagram @meredith.coviello & let me know how you connect to the episode and/or to share what you think my wedding dress looks like!can't wait to hear from you! xoxo 

hi friend!happy wednesday & happy valentine's day! on today's episode we're going a little dark...but i promise it's for your benefit. on today's episode we're talking about having the tough conversations - the ones about medical intervention god forbid you have a terrible accident & need to be put on a ventilator, etc., & about what you want after you die.i know, i know. you're thinking, "why in the actual fuck are we having this conversation, meredith?" & we're having this conversation because it's important.  because you need to not only be able to express your wishes, but understand what your loved one(s) wants.it sucksssss that we have to have these conversations, but i would rather put you in the uncomfortable & force you to have these conversations to arm yourself with knowledge rather than avoiding it all.  unfortunately death is a part of life & the more we know just better prepares us for these situations - that i pray never ever ever happened to you.  if you need support having these conversations, or want to further talk through my own experiences with these conversations, let me know.  i'm here for you & only want the best for you.xoxo 

hey friend!welcome back! today's episode was unexpected.  what started out as an episode that was requested by ryan, quickly turned into something so much deeper. it all began with needing to chat about people's issue with taylor being shown at the chiefs' games for a whopping total of...*gasp* less than 30 seconds per game, & how i'm over the patriarchy & people's criticism of her.  especially since, hello, it's not her choice to be shown.that quickly turned into drawing parallels between her time with joe alwyn & my time with tim. no, i'm not saying we're the same.what i am saying is i understand what it feels like to make yourself small -- to stifle your voice, your thoughts, your opinions to save a relationship that you truly believe is worth saving.i understand what it's like to go into hiding because that's what you believe is best for the situation.i also very much understand the desire to show up & publicly embrace who you are in this new chapter.it's honestly a pretty powerful moment; one that i think you'll be able to relate to regardless of your feelings about taylor.press play & then head over to instagram @meredith.coviello OR leave a review wherever you listen, & let me know what you think! cannot wait to hear from you!xoxo