Podcast appearances and mentions of less stress

What if feeling better didn't require another routine, another habit, or one more thing on your list, but simply stepping outside?   In this episode, Whitney sits down with Linda Åkeson McGurk to talk about friluftsliv, the Scandinavian philosophy of open-air living, and why it feels so needed right now. This conversation goes way beyond hiking and outdoor adventures. It's about getting outside in small, everyday ways, slowing down a little, and remembering that we don't have to book a wilderness adventure to enjoy nature. Whitney and Linda talk about why so many of us feel overstimulated, disconnected and tired, and how something as simple as fresh air, noticing the weather, or taking a walk can shift the way we feel.   They also talk honestly about motherhood, busy schedules, screen time, work culture, and the pressure to always be doing more. You'll walk away with practical ideas you can actually try, whether you live in a city, have little kids, or haven't intentionally spent time outside in a long time.   If you've been craving more breathing room, more presence, or just a reminder that life doesn't always have to feel so rushed, this one's for you.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: What friluftsliv is and why Scandinavians see nature as part of everyday life Why being outside doesn't have to mean big hikes or perfect weather How nature can help with stress, creativity, and feeling more grounded The pressure of modern life, motherhood, and always being "on" Easy ways to bring more outdoor time into your week Why disconnecting from screens can feel surprisingly good Raising kids who feel connected to nature The idea that doing less can sometimes give us more Reflection question to ponder:  Is this how I want to spend my time? Is this important? Or is there something else that I could be doing instead?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Linda: Instagram | Website | Book | Substack

In this episode, we will be speaking about having Less Stress, More Joy. We take a look at how to have a smarter, more empowering way to approach the stress that shows up in our work and daily lives. Instead of relying on outdated advice, we explore how to rethink stress, understand where it's really coming from, and take clear, practical steps to move forward with confidence. This conversation is all about cutting through the noise, reducing overwhelm, and discovering how small shifts can lead to meaningful change. If you're looking to feel lighter, more focused, and bring a greater sense of balance and satisfaction into your day, you won't want to miss it because joining us today is: Amy is an optimistic, joy-seeking, recovering workaholic he's also a leadership consultant with over 25 years of leadership experience, including a decade in the C-suite, who has helped over 100,000 leaders, teams, and organizations (from Fortune 100 companies to the public sector) thrive at work through keynotes, coaching, and training, centered on less stress and more joy. A first-generation college student, Amy earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees while working full-time and later raising a family. She has studied leadership at Yale, neuroscience at the Neuro Leadership Institute, andstress resilience at Harvard Medical School.  Amy has appeared in Forbes, Katie Couric Media, Inc., CEOWORLDMagazine, and other prestigious outlets. She is a regular contributor to Fast Company and the author of the national research study, The State of Stress and Joy at Work 2026. She is also the author of Cheers to Monday, which has recently made the USA bestseller list. Which can be found on her website, AmyLeneker.com, or on Amazon.

Join the 2026 free summer joy challenge for moms!   Growing up, friendships just happened. We didn't put much thought or effort into them because they just were. As an adult and as a mother, life can feel very different. Just the thought of navigating a new friendship can feel heavy and exhausting, but research shows having social connections is full of benefits for women. ‌ Emily Siegel is my guest today. She's a mom, friendship mentor and coach, and podcast host. As the leader of The Connected Mom Life Community, she helps busy moms create the circle of friends they crave. Because Emily firmly believes we weren't made to mom alone, she's on a mission to see that we stop trying. ‌ Life is easier and more fulfilling when we live the phrase "it takes a village." Being intentional and consistent are two parts of this. Emily shares the five different types of friends every mom can have, and so much more. ‌ We are a few days away from Mother's Day! Emily and I would love to know what you connected with from today's episode with your friendships and how they are filling you up. Share today's episode on Instagram with one take away and be sure to tag us - @‌theconnectedmomlife and @‌whitneywoman! ‌ Here's what to look forward to in today's episode: Myth that "Friendship just happens" Two tips on how to create friendships as an busy mom Friendships with ease Learn the five different types of friends Emily believes every mom needs Get very clear on what it is you're craving in your relationships Research on belonging and gathering The erroneous assumptions women have about fostering friendships What's one question women should be asking themselves more? What are you craving most right now in friendship? Name it so and focus on it. Reflection question to ponder: What do I need right now?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast Connect with Emily: Instagram l Website l Free Guide: Create Your Village and Never Mom Alone Again

Cooking at home can be stressful, especially when you're tired, standing in the kitchen, and not sure what to make. In those moments, it's easy to feel stuck before you even start. Serena Wolf, a classically trained Le Cordon Bleu chef, bestselling author, and culinary instructor, believes cooking should be fun, flexible, and enjoyable. She encourages home cooks to think of recipes as invitations, not rigid rules. As the author of the new book You Do You, Serena is on a mission to help you build confidence in the kitchen, which ultimately leads to trusting your culinary intuition.   In this episode, you'll learn: How to make ingredient swaps without second-guessing yourself Simple ways to build confidence in the kitchen Why there are no "stupid questions" when you're learning to cook How letting go of perfection brings more ease and enjoyment into cooking The reason small joys can lift your mood  A surprisingly easy way to get more organized and reduce stress You'll feel empowered to let go of pressure, build trust in yourself, and find a more joyful way to cook and eat.   Learn More about Serena Wolf: You Do You The Dude Diet Website: serenagwolf.com Blog: domesticate-me.com Instagram: @serenagwolf   Learn More about Elise Museles: Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% discount for podcast listeners) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles

What if #addiction isn't a disease—but a #stressreduction strategy that's gone wrong? Dr. Gary Sprouse, "The Less Stress Doc" shares a powerful new perspective that could transform how we understand #AddictionRecovery and #healing. Listen to this episode now to learn about his groundbreaking "Stress Reducer Loop" model that explains why the very things we use to #feelbetter can sometimes become the source of even more stress. And even better, learn practical strategies to recognize destructive coping patterns, #reducestress at the source, and create #healthierhabits that actually support your wellbeing.ABOUT DR. GARY SPROUSE:Dr. Gary Sprouse is an expert on happiness, mindset and stress reduction. Dr. Gary says, “Please don't resign yourself to living stressed out. There is another way!” He is extremely passionate about bringing happiness into people's lives through humor, compassion and understanding. He is committed to helping people improve their mental health and has a unique perspective on stress that no one else is talking about. He has uncovered a groundbreaking new way to define where the majority of human stress originates. This new insight and the tools he developed to deal with stress are changing lives. Dr. Sprouse helps people have less stress, feel happier and be more productive through innovative tools to reduce stress, worry, guilt and regret.Also known as The Less Stress Doc, Dr. Sprouse has had his own 55-gallon drum of stress for decades, dealing with a malpractice suit, the medical board, hospital administrators, insurance providers and more. He talks about it in his award-winning book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress and developed tools and strategies to effectively reduce or eliminate it. These tools worked for him and he is pleased to share them with the world. Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. His goal is to have everyone living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse also collaborated on a book with Jack Canfield. The new book, Mindset Matters, is a best-seller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more and connect with Dr. Sprouse at: www.thelessstressdoc.com#addictionawareness #StressManagement #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalHealing #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #SelfCompassion #TraumaHealing #MindsetShift #MentalWellness #RecoveryJourney #StressRelief #HealthyHabits #BehaviorChange #EmotionalWellbeing #HealingJourney #InnerHealing #SelfAwareness #Resilience #OvercomingAddiction #Psychology #PositiveChange #WellnessJourney #PersonalDevelopment #addictionrecoverypath #liveyourbestlife  _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness.  Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently.  Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ

What if #addiction isn't a disease—but a #stressreduction strategy that's gone wrong? Dr. Gary Sprouse, "The Less Stress Doc" shares a powerful new perspective that could transform how we understand #AddictionRecovery and #healing. Listen to this episode now to learn about his groundbreaking "Stress Reducer Loop" model that explains why the very things we use to #feelbetter can sometimes become the source of even more stress. And even better, learn practical strategies to recognize destructive coping patterns, #reducestress at the source, and create #healthierhabits that actually support your wellbeing.ABOUT DR. GARY SPROUSE:Dr. Gary Sprouse is an expert on happiness, mindset and stress reduction. Dr. Gary says, “Please don't resign yourself to living stressed out. There is another way!” He is extremely passionate about bringing happiness into people's lives through humor, compassion and understanding. He is committed to helping people improve their mental health and has a unique perspective on stress that no one else is talking about. He has uncovered a groundbreaking new way to define where the majority of human stress originates. This new insight and the tools he developed to deal with stress are changing lives. Dr. Sprouse helps people have less stress, feel happier and be more productive through innovative tools to reduce stress, worry, guilt and regret.Also known as The Less Stress Doc, Dr. Sprouse has had his own 55-gallon drum of stress for decades, dealing with a malpractice suit, the medical board, hospital administrators, insurance providers and more. He talks about it in his award-winning book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress and developed tools and strategies to effectively reduce or eliminate it. These tools worked for him and he is pleased to share them with the world. Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. His goal is to have everyone living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse also collaborated on a book with Jack Canfield. The new book, Mindset Matters, is a best-seller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more and connect with Dr. Sprouse at: www.thelessstressdoc.com#addictionawareness #StressManagement #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalHealing #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #SelfCompassion #TraumaHealing #MindsetShift #MentalWellness #RecoveryJourney #StressRelief #HealthyHabits #BehaviorChange #EmotionalWellbeing #HealingJourney #InnerHealing #SelfAwareness #Resilience #OvercomingAddiction #Psychology #PositiveChange #WellnessJourney #PersonalDevelopment #addictionrecoverypath #liveyourbestlife  _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness.  Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently.  Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ

At times, the unforeseen disrupts our plans. Whether it's losing a job, the end of a relationship, or facing health issues, it can completely upend our lives. How do we navigate these turbulent times with hope and not despair? How do we cultivate resilience and ease our anxieties and stress about the future? Listen to this encore podcast for a path to see uncertainty as a gateway to new beginnings, opportunities, and hope on the horizon. Maybe Everything Is Okay: A Parent's Guide to Less Stress and Worry is now available in paperback and Kindle! Lastly, you can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you are interested in my work, please check out my books, The Gift of Maybe: Finding Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times (including a new audiobook), A Year Without Men: A 12 Point Guide To Inspire and Empower Women and my new Audiobook,  Maybe Everything Is Okay, A Parent's Guide To Less Stress and Worry. Also you can check out my new Maybe Cards: A Path to Stress-Free Living or my new digital Maybe Journal. Above all, my heartfelt hope is that this podcast has supported your journey of personal growth, helped shift your mindset, reduce stress, built emotional resilience, and brought you less suffering and more joy, clarity, and peace.      

Join the 2026 free summer joy challenge for moms!   Do you ever feel like you've gotten so busy taking care of everyone else that you've lost touch with yourself a little bit?   In this episode, Whitney sits down with social worker and author Amy Haydak for a conversation about the parts of motherhood we don't talk about enough. They dive into the identity shifts that happen when we become moms, the pressure to hold everything together, and why so many women feel guilty admitting that motherhood can be both beautiful and really hard at the same time.   Amy shares simple ways to reconnect with yourself when life feels overwhelming, along with insights on emotional regulation, asking for help, and paying attention to what your mind and body might be trying to tell you before you hit burnout. They also talk about the unrealistic expectations many moms carry and why taking care of yourself isn't something you earn, but rather something you need.   If you've ever missed parts of who you were before motherhood, felt stretched too thin, or wondered how to show up for yourself while showing up for everyone else, this conversation is for you. Press play and join us for a heartfelt discussion about motherhood, self-compassion, and finding your way back to yourself.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why so many moms feel like they've lost themselves in motherhood The pressure to be everything to everyone Grieving past versions of yourself while embracing who you're becoming How to recognize the signs of overwhelm before burnout hits Why asking for help can feel so hard The connection between self-care and emotional regulation Modeling healthy emotions for your children Finding small ways to reconnect with yourself in busy seasons Letting go of perfection and embracing self-compassion Reflection question to ponder: What do I need right now?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Amy: Website | Facebook | Book: Unwritten Stories: A Mother's Journey on Becoming | Cycle Breaker Course

Most volunteer leaders learn on the job, through trial and error, and sometimes burnout. But what if you could start with the skills that really matter?In this episode, Tobi Johnson draws on 25+ years of experience to share the essential skills she wishes she had from day one. You'll learn why self‑regulation and emotional resilience are critical for preventing burnout and leading with clarity. She also breaks down strategic planning that connects program design, metrics, and budgets, including how to advocate for volunteer‑related expenses.Tobi also tackles change management and influence, especially when you don't have formal authority. Her participatory leadership approach helps you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and build trusted teams. Plus, she offers a free worksheet to help you develop your personal leadership philosophy.If you're ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact, this episode is your toolkit.Skills I Wish I Had – Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Management Skills[04:08] Top Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills[08:46] Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership[12:54] Strategic Planning for Nonprofits[17:08] Budgeting for Volunteer Programs[24:10] Change Management and Influence[31:12] Participatory Leadership and CollaborationHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Nation Episode #185: To Burnout & Back – My Secret Struggle with Long COVIDVolunteer Nation Episode #022: My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins Volunteer Nation Episode #205: My Top Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Volunteer ManagersVolunteer Nation Episode #186: Strategy vs Tactics – How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning Independent Sector Value of Volunteer TimeVolunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!Summer Cohort: June 18 – July 24, 2026Learn the Essential Frameworks for Attracting and Engaging, Enthusiastic, Committed Volunteers with Less Stress and Greater Confidence. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.  For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Why are so many people #stressedout? What if the biggest threat to your health isn't your diet, age, or genetics—but your stress?Dr. Gary Sprouse, "The Less Stress Doc", says, “Please don't resign yourself to living stressed out. There is another way!” Dr. Sprouse reveals how #chronicstress impacts every system in the body and shares #practicaltools to help you #reclaimyourhealth, #happiness, and #peaceofmind.In this uplifting conversation, Dr. Gary explains why your "happy place" is already within reach and how understanding your mind can dramatically #reducestress and improve your life.Dr. Sprouse has a unique perspective on stress that no one else is talking about. He has uncovered a groundbreaking new way to define where the majority of human stress originates. This new insight and the tools he developed to deal with stress are changing lives. Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. His goal is to have everyone living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse also collaborated on a book with Jack Canfield. The new book, Mindset Matters, is a best-seller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more and connect with Dr. Sprouse at: www.thelessstressdoc.com#StressManagement #MentalHealth #MentalWellness #EmotionalWellbeing #ChronicStress #StressRelief #MindsetMatters #PositiveMindset #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #EmotionalResilience #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #HappinessHabits #HappinessJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #MindBodyConnection #InnerPeace #AnxietySupport #Resilience #Wellbeing #HealthyMindset #LifeTransformation #DrGarySprouse #liveyourbestlife  _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness.  Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently.  Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ

Why are so many people #stressedout? What if the biggest threat to your health isn't your diet, age, or genetics—but your stress?Dr. Gary Sprouse, "The Less Stress Doc", says, “Please don't resign yourself to living stressed out. There is another way!” Dr. Sprouse reveals how #chronicstress impacts every system in the body and shares #practicaltools to help you #reclaimyourhealth, #happiness, and #peaceofmind.In this uplifting conversation, Dr. Gary explains why your "happy place" is already within reach and how understanding your mind can dramatically #reducestress and improve your life.Dr. Sprouse has a unique perspective on stress that no one else is talking about. He has uncovered a groundbreaking new way to define where the majority of human stress originates. This new insight and the tools he developed to deal with stress are changing lives. Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. His goal is to have everyone living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse also collaborated on a book with Jack Canfield. The new book, Mindset Matters, is a best-seller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more and connect with Dr. Sprouse at: www.thelessstressdoc.com#StressManagement #MentalHealth #MentalWellness #EmotionalWellbeing #ChronicStress #StressRelief #MindsetMatters #PositiveMindset #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #EmotionalResilience #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #HappinessHabits #HappinessJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #MindBodyConnection #InnerPeace #AnxietySupport #Resilience #Wellbeing #HealthyMindset #LifeTransformation #DrGarySprouse #liveyourbestlife  _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness.  Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently.  Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ

Welcome to Season 4 of the Less Stress in Life Podcast.This season, Deb Timmerman, registered nurse and board-certified reflexologist, and Lindsay Vertalka, master's-level licensed physical therapist, are focusing on what it really looks like to live well with chronic illness.Through practical tools, research-backed insights, fresh approaches, and honest conversations with guests who are walking this path, this season is here to help you feel more hopeful, more informed, and more supported.In this first episode, Deb and Lindsay begin with a practical question: What actually counts as a chronic illness?Is it only major diagnoses like autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis? What about migraines, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, chronic pain, or symptoms that never seem to fully go away?Together, they explore what chronic illness really means, why symptoms are often more connected than they seem, and how stress, pain, nervous system patterns, and daily life can all overlap.Whether you've been diagnosed for years, are still searching for answers, or are supporting someone you love, this episode offers a grounded starting point for understanding chronic illness through a more holistic lens.Follow Us:Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of raising children in today's world? Whether it's fears about school violence, illness, bullying, or simply not knowing what tomorrow holds, it's easy to lose hope when life doesn't go as planned. In this episode of 10 Minutes to Less Suffering, we explore a powerful mindset shift that helps parents navigate the unknown with greater ease and renewed hope. Through practical tools and uplifting perspective, this episode explains the "Maybe Mindset" — a simple yet profound approach that has already helped thousands of parents face life's unpredictability with confidence. In this episode, you'll learn:     •    Why uncertainty doesn't have to feel so overwhelming     •    How the "Maybe Mindset" can reduce daily stress and worry for parents     •    Why embracing the unknown opens you up to new possibilities Whether your child is 2, 22, or has children of their own, this episode offers a resilient mindset for every stage of parenthood. If worry is keeping you up at night, this episode will remind you that maybe — just maybe — everything is okay. Maybe Everything Is Okay: A Parent's Guide to Less Stress and Worry is now available in paperback and Kindle! Lastly, you can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you are interested in my work, please check out my books, The Gift of Maybe: Finding Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times (including a new audiobook), A Year Without Men: A 12 Point Guide To Inspire and Empower Women and my new Audiobook,  Maybe Everything Is Okay, A Parent's Guide To Less Stress and Worry. Also you can check out my new Maybe Cards: A Path to Stress-Free Living or my new digital Maybe Journal. Above all, my heartfelt hope is that this podcast has supported your journey of personal growth, helped shift your mindset, reduce stress, built emotional resilience, and brought you less suffering and more joy, clarity, and peace.      

As per Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's national advisory, 1 in 3 parents is feeling high levels of stress. There are 63 million parents living with children under the age of 18 in the US, so this is roughly 210 million people who are feeling burnout. Today we have Harvard stress expert Dr. Aditi Nerurkar on the show to break down the different types of stress (adaptive and maladaptive) and how we can rewire our brains to manage daily pressures in the long term, as she outlines in her NYT bestselling book, The Five Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the 2026 free summer joy challenge for moms!   What if rest wasn't something you had to earn, but something you were simply allowed to need? Whitney connects with Scottie Durrett, motherhood and lifestyle coach, who offers an honest look at why exhaustion and overwhelm are so common in motherhood, and what we can do to shift out of survival mode. They unpack the pressure moms feel to "do it all" and how that mindset can leave us stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, resentment, and disconnected from ourselves.   Scottie shares how having small, intentional moments of awareness can help moms reconnect with ourselves. She gives us the tools we need, like tuning into our body's signals to setting boundaries within our families, and remembering that our kids' experiences aren't tied to our self-worth.   This is the kind of episode that truly feels like a deep breath. If you've ever felt like you're constantly pouring from an empty cup, Scottie gives us the reminder that we don't have to wait for permission to take care of ourselves. It's time to let go of the myth that we have to be the "perfect mom" and start embracing the real and present version of ourselves.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: The belief that we as moms have to always be busy Breaking the cycle of mommy martyrdom and fostering independence in our children Using busyness as a mask for discontentment and the dopamine hit of productivity Reframing rest as a tool and not a guilty pleasure The negative impact of tying our self-worth to our children's achievements and experiences Reflecting on your own happiness, independent of your children's performance Having small daily check-ins with your body   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Scottie: Instagram | Website | Momplex Podcast

Most organizations see volunteers as free labor. That narrow view hides their true value.In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why redefining volunteer roles unlocks hidden assets: relational capital, advocacy reach, donor pipelines, and community credibility. She covers practical steps to write clear role descriptions, reduce staff‑volunteer tension, and stay legally compliant, from U.S. Department of Labor standards to local laws.If fuzzy definitions are holding your organization back, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to turn volunteers into your most valuable strategic asset.What Is a Volunteer? – Episode Highlights [00:00] Understanding Volunteers: Definitions and Importance[04:47] Valuing Volunteer Time: Beyond Wage Replacement[11:23] Legal Perspectives on Volunteerism[21:05] Defining Volunteer Roles vs. Paid Staff Roles[24:54] Clarity in Volunteer and Staff Relationships[34:56] Action Steps for Defining Volunteer RolesHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Nation Episode #214: Defending National Service & Community Resilience with Kaira EsgateVolunteer Nation Episode #009: Helping Nonprofit Employees See the Value of VolunteersVolunteer Nation Episode #096: Volunteer Work or Staff Position? How to Decide! Volunteer Nation Episode #129: Paid or Volunteer Role? A Simple Checklist Volunteer Nation Episode #157: A Fresh Take on Volunteer Position Descriptions Independent Sector Value of Volunteer Time US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Final Rulings and Option Letters Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!Summer Cohort: June 18 – July 24, 2026Learn the Essential Frameworks for Attracting and Engaging, Enthusiastic, Committed Volunteers with Less Stress and Greater Confidence. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.  For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

What if you're not burned out or unproductive—what if you're simply working against your natural instincts? In this episode of the Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen sits down with Amy Bruske, President and Integrator of Kolbe Corp, to explore the powerful principles behind her new bestselling book, Do More, More Naturally, co-authored with David Kolbe. Amy explains why success isn't about forcing yourself to improve your weaknesses or manage your time more efficiently. Instead, it's about understanding how you're naturally wired to take action, solve problems, and make decisions. Together, Nicole and Amy discuss the often-overlooked conative part of the mind, the role of energy management, and how leaders can create thriving teams by leveraging natural strengths rather than fighting against them. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or high achiever feeling stretched thin, this conversation will help you discover how to work in alignment with your instincts and create sustainable success. What We Discuss in this Episode The three parts of the mind: cognitive, affective, and conative What the Kolbe Index measures and why it differs from personality assessments Why capability and desire aren't enough for sustainable performance How natural instincts influence decision-making, problem-solving, and execution The four Action Modes and how they show up in everyday work Why procrastination may be a clue - not a character flaw How to identify the tasks that energize you versus those that drain you The connection between burnout and working against your natural strengths Why time management is often less important than energy management How leaders can build stronger teams by understanding individual strengths The difference between hiring clones and creating complementary teams Why diverse thinking styles improve innovation, adaptability, and execution How to give people freedom while maintaining accountability for results Practical ways to create a more resilient, high-performing workforce Highlights and YouTube Chapter Titles 00:00 – What If You're Not Burned Out? 02:00 – Understanding the Conative Part of the Mind 05:00 – Why Natural Instincts Matter More Than You Think 08:00 – The Four Action Modes Explained 12:00 – The Hidden Reason Behind Procrastination 15:00 – Working in Your Zone of Strength 18:00 – The Kolbe Exercise That Reveals How People Take Action 22:00 – Building Teams Like a Chess Master, Not a Checkers Player 26:00 – Why Great Leaders Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses 29:00 – Hiring Complements Instead of Clones 32:00 – The Power of Diverse Thinking Styles 35:00 – Time Management vs. Energy Management 39:00 – Why Certain Tasks Drain You Faster Than Others 43:00 – Doing More by Working More Naturally 46:00 – Creating Sustainable Success and Freedom to Be Yourself Episode Show Notes and Links: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/553-do-more-more-naturally-with-amy-bruske/ Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________

Leadership can look confident on the outside while quietly collapsing under pressure on the inside. We sit down with Rajesh Naji, a CEO mentor and “business physicist,” to get brutally practical about why high-performing founders start to flounder in stressful moments and what actually restores clear thinking. Rajesh uses a model that stuck with me: performance equals potential minus interference. When fear, doubt, anxiety, and sleepless nights pile up, the interference grows and the quality of decisions drops, even for the smartest leaders in the room.From there, we go deeper into what Rajesh means by applying physics to business: the strength of the chain equals the strength of its weakest link. Instead of chasing every tactic, we talk bottlenecks, throughput, and why simplicity often beats complexity. Rajesh also shares the surprising metrics he uses when deciding whether he will work with a CEO, including family meals, time with parents, and showing up for your kids. It's a leadership mindset that ties business performance to real life fulfillment.We also explore resonance as a coaching principle, how listening and reflecting can unlock movement without “fixing” people, and how community and belonging shape culture across countries. Rajesh shares concrete assignments, including a powerful practice to rebuild faith during uncertainty and a simple business exercise that flips your focus from what you want to what your customers want, with a nod to Peter Drucker's view of what business is for.Subscribe for more leadership conversations like this, share this episode with a founder who needs a reset, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it's about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you'll explore what today's leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you're managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you'll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Stress is never going away, but Dr. Gary Sprouse believes we can change the way we understand and manage it. In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora talks with Dr. Sprouse about why many people who feel overwhelmed may not be depressed—they may simply be carrying too many problems at once. He explains how worry, guilt, regret, low self-esteem, and overwhelm can be side effects of valuable human skills, and why the goal is not to lose those skills but to reduce the side effects. Dr. Sprouse also shares practical tools like "delumping," the empathy wall, realistic optimism, and the worry organizer to help people separate stressors, shift perspective, and regain control. This conversation is especially helpful for health coaches and practitioners who support clients through stress, overwhelm, and behavior change. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Dr. Sprouse says stress is an unavoidable part of adapting to a changing world How worry, guilt, regret, overwhelm, boredom, and low self-esteem can be side effects of human skills Why some people labeled as depressed may actually be overwhelmed How "delumping" helps separate problems so they feel more manageable What the "happy place" is and why it includes gratitude, joy, anticipation, fulfillment, contentment, connection, safety, humor, and hope How health coaches can use an "empathy wall" to care about clients without taking on their stress How realistic optimism and a worry organizer can help clients stop spiraling and take practical action Memorable Quotes: "Stress is our adaption to a changing world with our changing self." "The majority of human stresses are side effects to having a skill." "The more separate you keep them, the less overwhelmed you're going to be." Bio: Dr. Gary Sprouse – The Less Stress Doc – is an award-winning author and speaker. He helps people who are stressed and overwhelmed find calm again without medication or long-term therapy. He developed an innovative system that includes a simple, practical method designed to help people separate problems, lower stress, and take back control. Dr. Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. He has become a holistic doctor to address people's physical and psychological needs. Certified in hypnosis and NeuroLinguistic Programming, he uses these skills to help people adjust their perspectives and reframe their past to improve their future. Dr. Sprouse is committed to helping people improve their mental health. He has taken everything he has learned about stress and crafted his award-winning book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress. Best-selling author Jack Canfield reviewed the book and said, "In the span of getting to know Dr. Gary Sprouse and reading his book, I have been introduced to many new concepts and ideas. His ideas and models for stress reduction are life-changing. You will absolutely love this. A must-read." Dr. Sprouse also collaborated on a book with Jack Canfield. The new book, Mindset Matters, is a best-seller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. An expert on mindset and stress management, Dr. Gary Sprouse is extremely passionate about bringing happiness into people's lives through humor, compassion, and understanding. His groundbreaking discovery defines where most human stress originates. This insight and the tools he developed to deal with stress are changing lives. He aims to have everyone living in their Happy Place. Mentioned in This Episode: Your Happy Place: https://thelessstressdoc.thinkific.com/products/courses/your-happy-place Highway to Your Happy Place: https://www.amazon.com/Highway-Your-Happy-Place-Roadmap/dp/B0CH25H25V Mindset Matters: https://amzn.to/4dAY2iU Links to Resources: Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Join the 2026 free summer joy challenge for moms! Have you ever noticed that what brings you joy as a mother might look nothing like what you've been told it should?   In this episode, Whitney explores the messy, beautiful and often overstimulating reality of modern motherhood, especially during high-demand seasons filled with end-of-school chaos, emotional labor and the pressure to keep everyone afloat. She reflects on how easy it becomes to slip into autopilot and lose touch with your own needs, rhythms and desires while trying to meet everyone else's expectations of what a "good mother" looks like.   Through personal stories and conversations with women in her community, Whitney invites listeners to slow down, pay attention and reconnect with what feels grounding, nourishing and genuinely life-giving in this season of life.   She also shares a few simple practices to help create more space for joy in everyday motherhood, not by adding more to your plate, but by shifting the way you move through your days. This episode offers a reminder that your joy matters, too. When women reconnect with themselves, they often bring more presence, creativity and energy into every part of their lives.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why motherhood can feel both deeply joyful and deeply overwhelming The pressure moms feel during busy seasons like May and summer break How joy looks different for every woman and every season of motherhood Letting go of "shoulds" and learning to trust yourself Why self-care and joy directly impact how we show up for our families The connection between stress, overwhelm, and losing access to joy Simple ways to reconnect with yourself throughout the day The "broaden-and-build" effect and how joy changes our mindset Details about the 2026 Electric Ideas Summer Joy Challenge for Moms Reflection Question to Ponder: What makes me feel alive?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast

A generic “thanks” isn't enough. Personalized thank-you notes can transform volunteer retention.In this episode, Tobi Johnson shares a simple four‑step framework to write meaningful appreciation: specific actions, impact, acknowledgment, and gratitude. She also offers creative ways to recognize remote volunteers, scale appreciation, and build a culture of genuine gratitude.If you want volunteers to feel valued and stay engaged, this episode gives you an easy, actionable formula for better thank-you notes.Full show notes: Episode 216 - Your Quick Guide to Better Volunteer Thank You Notes Volunteer Thank You Notes – Episode Highlights [00:00] - Introduction to the importance of volunteer thank you notes[06:30] - The transformative power of the right thank you note[13:49] - Recognizing all volunteers, not just stars[20:32] - Connecting volunteer efforts to organizational impact[25:15] - A quick four-step framework for crafting your message[30:30] - Closing remarks and call to actionHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Thank You Letter Cheat Sheet Volunteer Nation Episode #215 – 5 Ways to Boost the Fun Factor for Community Volunteers Volunteer Nation Episode #176: Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Appreciation Ideas for VolunteersVolunteer Management Fundamentals Live!Summer Cohort: June 18 – July 24, 2026Learn the Essential Frameworks for Attracting and Engaging, Enthusiastic, Committed Volunteers with Less Stress and Greater Confidence. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.  For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Most of us think of questions as something we ask other people. Dr. Marilee Adams has spent years showing the opposite: the most consequential questions we ask are the ones we ask ourselves. Adams, founder of the Inquiry Institute and author of the half-million-copy bestseller Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, (a new 5th edition has just been published) joins us to make us smarter about our internal questioning. She introduces us to two mindsets that live inside all of us  — Judger and Learner — and the Choice Map™ that helps you notice which one is driving the bus. The conversation takes her work directly into the world of retirement, where Judger questions (What do I regret?, What do I resent?) can quietly shape our moods, relationships, and the texture of later life. But Learner questions (What would be meaningful next?, What does my heart want me to do?, What can I contribute?) open up possibilities for a different future. Along the way, Adams explains the physiology underpinning the two mindsets, and a single powerful question: Who do I choose to be in this moment? that she returns to again and again. She also introduces us to the five-to-seven-second “Stop, Breathe, Be” practice that can shift your nervous system anytime (from The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience by Aditi Nerurkar, MD). If you’re thinking about designing the non-financial side of your next chapter, or looking to enhance your life in retirement, this is an episode worth re-listening to with a notebook in hand. _________________________ For More on Marilee Adams, PhD Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, 5th Edition Take the Survey & Download The Choice Map™ The Inquiry Institute __________________________ Bio  Dr. Marilee Adams is an award-winning author, executive coach, and leadership consultant whose work has shaped how leaders think, communicate, and make decisions for more than four decades. She is Founder and CEO of the Inquiry Institute, a leadership development and organizational consulting firm dedicated to building inquiry-based cultures that accelerate results and deepen engagement. Its executive coaching, training, keynotes, and eLearning programs — all grounded in Question Thinking™ — are used by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, healthcare systems, and universities worldwide. Her book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life has sold more than half a million copies worldwide and been translated into 26 languages. Now in its 5th edition, it remains one of the most enduring frameworks for mindset shift, leadership development, and human performance — and its newest edition addresses one of the defining challenges of our moment: how to lead and think with wisdom, curiosity, and connection in an age of artificial intelligence. At the heart of Dr. Adams’ work is a deceptively simple insight: the questions we ask — of ourselves and others — shape everything. They determine the quality of our thinking, our relationships, our decisions, and our cultures. In a world increasingly mediated by technology, the human capacity for inquiry is not just a leadership skill. It’s a competitive advantage — and an essential one. Dr. Adams has coached senior leaders and advised organizations internationally and is a recognized pioneer in inquiry-based coaching and organizational transformation. She speaks and teaches worldwide, helping leaders use Question Thinking™ everywhere it matters most. __________________________ Wise Quotes On the Two Mindsets “We’re always asking ourselves questions that affect our moods, that help with our decisions, and also make a difference in whether we have a positive quality mindset or the opposite. All of us human beings have two mindsets. We always will have them — which means they are normal…The more we accept our Judger, the more acceptance and forgiveness and empathy come online. That helps you open your heart to yourself and to others.” On Questions  “Typical Judger questions in later life are: How can I just fill up my time? What would keep me from being bored? What do I regret or resent about the past? Learner questions sound different: What would be meaningful and satisfying for me going forward? What does my heart want me to do next? What can I contribute? What would be fulfilling? People who are more in Learner mindset literally live longer and have better quality lives. People who are past-oriented, regretful, resentful, live not as long and not as fulfilling. On Retirement “When you think about retirement, what’s exciting is to be open to the future and not get stuck in the past. Now you’re talking about creating a future that is intentional, and fulfilling, and healing.” _________________________ Retirement Podcast Conversations You’ll Also Love The Second Fifty – Debra Whitman Thinking Better to Live Better – Dr. Woo-kyoung Ahn The Mindful Body – Ellen Langer ________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 2 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy.    

In today's mini jolt episode, I share a simple yet transformational tool – the energy audit. Performing an energy audit brings powerful awareness to where in our lives we're energized versus what activities, places and people leave us drained. It will also help you identify leaky energy moments in your daily life, such as mindless scrolling that brings you down instead of inspiring you.   Completing an energy audit will force you out of autopilot and empower you to create space for what truly fuels you. You'll also stop or shift some of the activities that bring you down. If you are not aware of your energy, your loved ones - and you - aren't getting the best of you.   Where do you want to spend your energy? I would love to hear from you about any shifts you're making after your energy audit. Message me or tag me on IG with your thoughts - @whitneywoman.   Here's what you can look forward to in today's episode: What is an energy audit Why it's important tO focus on where you spend your energy, and the problem it can create if you forget to do that How you can conduct your own energy audit The importance of paying attention to what energizes you and what drains you throughout your day Reflection question to ponder: Where do I no longer wish to spend my precious energy?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast

What if the reason you feel so overwhelmed with wellness isn't that you're doing it wrong, but that you're trying to do too much of it at once?   In this conversation with Lindsey Kaszuba, we get really honest about what it feels like to be a woman (especially a mom) trying to "do health right" in a world that is constantly telling you what to eat, how to move, what supplements to take, and what you're missing. Lindsey shares her own story of being stuck in that cycle by doing all the things, following all the rules, and still feeling tired, stressed, and disconnected from her body. It wasn't until she started pulling things back and actually listening to her body that everything started to shift.   We talk about what it really looks like to tune out the noise and rebuild trust with yourself. Lindsey breaks down her simple plate rule for eating in a way that feels doable instead of restrictive, and we dig into how to tell the difference between something that's "healthy" and something that actually feels supportive for you.   If you've been feeling overwhelmed by all the wellness advice out there, constantly trying to figure out what you "should" be doing, or just craving a simpler, more realistic approach to feeling good, this conversation is for you.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why wellness feels so overwhelming right now Lindsay's shift from overdoing everything to trusting her body How to start noticing your body's signals in everyday life The Simple Plate Rule and how to make eating easier Why "does this feel supportive?" is a better question than "is this healthy?" How to simplify movement and stop forcing workouts that don't feel good A more grounded way to think about energy, habits, and daily choices   Reflection Question to Ponder: Does this feel supportive to me?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Lindsey: Instagram | Website

SFO is one of the busiest airports on the West Coast — and first-time visitors who arrive without a plan often lose valuable time. Here is what to sort before you land. To learn more, visit https://limosfvip.com/sfo-car-service-san-francisco/ Limo SF VIP City: San Francisco Address: 1555 Yosemite Ave Website: https://limosfvip.com/

Live with Less Stress & More Authenticity with Isabelle DaikelerWhat if stress isn't just about how busy you are—but how disconnected you feel from your authentic self?In this deeply heartfelt and eye-opening episode, I sit down with visionary holistic wellness expert Isabelle Daikeler to explore how living authentically can dramatically reduce stress and create space for true healing. Isabelle is known for helping clients—from Hollywood celebrities and rock stars to Olympic athletes—align body, mind, and spirit. As a fitness and nutrition expert and co-creator of Shakeology and several BODi programs, she has spent decades in the wellness world. Yet her most profound insights come not from success, but from surrender.Isabelle shares her powerful personal journey through devastating physical challenges that ultimately led her to deep spiritual awakening and inner alignment. As a gifted track and field athlete, her life changed overnight after a serious car accident left her with a diagnosis that she might never walk again. While that experience was difficult, she explains that her greatest transformation came later—after the birth of her son—when she lived with chronic and acute pain and was unable to walk for nearly a decade.During this season of deep struggle, Isabelle began to pray for the first time and experienced a profound somatic and spiritual healing process that included three days and nights of involuntary shaking and emotional release. What followed was a powerful surrender and a deeper connection to something greater than herself. Through that experience, she discovered that authenticity isn't about trying to become someone new—it's about letting go of everything that isn't truly you.Together, we explore how releasing layers of fear, expectation, and conditioning allows us to reconnect with our authentic selves and reduce stress at its root. Isabelle shares how honoring your inner truth, building harmonious relationships, and recognizing yourself as a spiritual being having a human experience can create lasting peace and clarity.In this episode, we discuss:Why living authentically reduces stress at its sourceLetting go of what you're not to discover who you truly areHealing through surrender, prayer, and somatic releaseHow chronic pain and adversity can become catalysts for growthThe connection between spirituality, energy, and true wellnessMoving from belief to deep inner knowingCreating harmony in body, mind, and spiritIsabelle's story is a beautiful reminder that healing isn't about perfection—it's about alignment. When we release what no longer serves us and honor our authentic selves, we open the door to peace, purpose, and profound transformation.Connect with Isabelle Daikeler:Website: https://www.authenticitystressless.comIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who could use a little more peace and authenticity in their life. And as always, remember—you have the power to heal, grow, and become the champion of your own story.Listen, Share, and SupportIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need hope today.Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and help us spread more healing and inspiration to the world.Free Resource for HealingIf you're ready to release stress, calm your mind, and begin healing from within, visit:

Hey friend,  Do you lie in bed replaying today's hard moments? Does your brain start running tomorrow the second your body lies down? Do you fall asleep cataloging the ways you weren't enough as a mom? I'm Ashley — a mom living with chronic illness, raising neurodivergent kids. Chronic Illness Moms is a podcast for moms with chronic illness or chronic symptoms who want stress relief, better sleep, and simple, realistic habits that actually work inside a full, demanding life. This is the series finale, and it's a different kind of episode. Instead of adding another practice to your night, we're naming three quiet patterns that are stacking your fatigue: the Replay, the Rehearsal, and the Review. I walk you through what each one is, why the Review is the most expensive of the three (especially for moms of faith), and how to choose one to drop tonight. Links mentioned: Coaching → https://ashleybraden.com/coaching Facebook Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/chronichealthmoms Related Episodes: 218. Tired When You Didn't Do Much? How Emotional Stress Drains You 214. Why You're Sleeping But Still Exhausted Connect: Email → hello@ashleybraden.com YouTube → https://bit.ly/chronicillnessyoutube Facebook Page → https://www.facebook.com/chronicillnessmoms Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chronicillnessmoms Next steps: 1. Join the Facebook group to connect with other moms 2. Follow the podcast so you don't miss the rest of this series 3. Learn more about coaching if you want deeper support

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the "right" things — journaling, healing, meditating, trying to grow — and still feel disconnected from yourself?   Like somewhere between motherhood, self-improvement and trying to hold everything together, you lost the thread of what actually makes you feel alive?   In this episode, Whitney connects with Meg Sylvester, author of The Mindful Mom, for a conversation about the exhausting pressure to constantly fix, optimize and improve yourself — and what it looks like to step off what Meg calls the "healing hamster wheel."   Meg shares her own experience of diving deep into personal growth only to realize she felt more tangled than free. Together, she and Whitney explore the shift from chasing your "best self" to reconnecting with your favorite self — the version of you that feels most true, playful, grounded and alive beneath the roles, expectations and endless shoulds of modern motherhood.   They talk about joy, authenticity, mindfulness, creativity and the quiet ways mothers drift onto autopilot while caring for everyone else. This conversation offers a gentler way forward. One rooted less in self-optimization and more in presence, self-trust and actually noticing your life while you're living it.   If you've been craving more play, more peace or simply a way to feel like yourself again, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. You'll walk away with a softer, more grounded way of thinking about personal growth, and a few simple ways to bring more ease and presence into your everyday life.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: When self-development starts to feel like pressure "Best self" vs. "favorite self" and why the shift matters Why striving can disconnect you from joy How slowing down changes what you notice in your life Joy as something you practice, not something you chase Simple ways to bring more ease into your day Reconnecting with creativity and presence in everyday moments Reflection Question to Ponder: How can I let this be easier?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Meg: Instagram | Website | Book: The Mindful Mom

In this episode, Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, a Harvard physician, stress expert, and author, breaks down the science behind stress and burnout, what's actually happening in our brains when overwhelmed, and the actual tools to do something about it. Dr. Aditi explains how you can be burned out without even realizing it, why toxic resilience is ruining us, and the effect that doomscrolling has on our brains. Plus, she shares her five science-backed and cost-free resets to rewire your brain in a busy world.Key Takeaway / Points:Dr. Aditi's personal story from a stressed patient to a leading stress expertThe difference between good stress and bad stress (and why zero stress isn't actually the goal)What modern burnout really looks likeWhy 74% of people have at least one feature of stress or burnout right nowThe resilience myth: why you can be deeply resilient and completely burned out at the same timeWhat doomscrolling and information overload is actually doing to your brain and how to create digital boundaries that stickThe concept of "Popcorn Brain" and revenge bedtime procrastination Why women are more likely to experience burnoutOrder The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience HEREFollow Dr. Aditi:Instagram: @draditinerurkarWebsite: www.draditi.comFollow me:Instagram: @cameronoaksrogersSubstack: Fill Your CupWebsite: cameronoaksrogers.comTikTok: @cameronoaksrogersYouTube: Cameron Rogers

Burnout is often treated like a badge of honor—but what if constant stress is actually sabotaging your performance?In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, Chris Villanueva sits down with leadership advisor and former C-suite executive Amy Leneker, who once experienced over 100 stress-induced panic attacks in just three months while leading at the highest levels of business. Despite advising Fortune 100 companies and building a high-powered career, Amy realized she had mistaken constant stress for a meaningful life. She recently released the book: Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy, which is currently climbing best seller lists.Now a leadership consultant who has helped 100,000+ professionals and executives, Amy shares the science and strategy behind working with less stress and more joy—without sacrificing ambition or results.Together, Chris and Amy explore why high achievers often glorify stress, how burnout sneaks up on even the most successful professionals, and what leaders can do to perform at their best without sacrificing their health or happiness.You'll also learn Amy's practical framework for “unstressing” your work life, the surprising research behind why 79% of people perform best when connected to joy, and simple habits you can use immediately to create more clarity, focus, and energy in your career.In this episode, you'll learn:Why ambitious professionals often confuse stress with purposeThe moment Amy realized her “dream job” had become a nightmareA powerful framework for sorting and managing different types of stressThe ABC of Joy (Awareness, Breathe, Connection) and how it impacts performanceWhether stress is actually necessary for successWhat to do when you have to work long hours but still want to avoid burnoutIf you're a driven professional, leader, or job seeker trying to grow your career without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation will help you rethink how high performance, joy, and ambition can coexist.Resources MentionedCheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy (Wiley // March 24, 2026)Follow Amy on LinkedInLess Stress, More Joy Podcast Amy's InstagramConnect with Chris, the hostLet's Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if a small daily dose of meditation reshaped how you feel, think, and move through your life?   In today's episode, Whitney traces the role meditation has played in her life and why she sees it as one of the most steadying tools for women—especially mothers carrying full schedules, mental overload, and chronic stress. She returns to a season when she felt stuck and untethered, and shows how meditation helped her shift perspective, quiet the noise, and find her way back to herself.   Whitney also examines the research: meditation lowers stress, steadies the nervous system, strengthens emotional regulation, and can reshape the brain over time.   To help you begin, she shares a guided meditation from her program Five Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction. If you've felt drawn to a practice—or want to return to one—this episode offers a place to start.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: How meditation helped Whitney during a difficult season of motherhood The emotional and mental benefits of a regular meditation practice How meditation supports stress relief and nervous system regulation What science says about meditation and positive brain changes Common blocks women have around starting meditation How to make meditation feel simple and sustainable A guided meditation to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more grounded   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast

Ryan Barone, CEO and co-founder of Rent Ready, joins Joe Jensen to break down how he accidentally stumbled into building one of the most practical landlord tools on the market. What started as Ryan trying to solve his own problem as a first-time renter in NYC (missing out on an apartment because he was unprepared) turned into a much bigger idea once independent landlords told him the tenant side was only "the tip of the iceberg." That insight shaped Rent Ready into a platform designed to make things smoother for both landlords and tenants, creating better experiences while reducing turnover and vacancy. Joe and Ryan dig into what actually drives landlord stress at scale, with Ryan sharing insights from surveying landlords across all 50 states. The biggest worry: on-time rent payments. Ryan explains how Rent Ready tackles that with automated reminders, streamlined rent collection, and automatic deposits into the right accounts, which becomes especially helpful once landlords scale into multiple properties and LLCs. The episode centers on reducing the repetitive, mentally draining tasks that slow landlords down, so owners can manage their portfolio with more predictability and far less follow-up. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram RentRedi.com

What if the very thing that's helped you succeed in life - pushing harder, doing more, and powering through - was also the thing quietly leading you toward burnout?   In this episode, Whitney is joined by Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, a clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and award-winning yoga instructor who also happens to be a recovering perfectionist. Together, they talk about how so many of us inherit beliefs around overworking and overriding our needs, and why those patterns often resurface even more intensely after becoming a parent.   Dr. Hubbard breaks down why perfectionism and high achievement can quietly fuel burnout, how to recognize when your "push through" mode is no longer serving you, and what it actually looks like to build in rest, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness in small, realistic ways. They also talk about guilt and why it shows up when you slow down, and how to start questioning what it's really asking of you. She shares practical, doable shifts you can use in the middle of a busy day, especially in those transition moments where stress tends to build.   Press play on this episode if you're ready to rethink what productivity, rest, and success actually look like.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: How the athlete mindset and "push through" conditioning can follow us into adulthood Why perfectionism is a major vulnerability for burnout The difference between self-care as productivity vs. rest as a human need How motherhood can amplify hidden patterns around overworking and control The role of guilt in rest, and how to interrogate what it's asking you to do Simple nervous system practices using daily transitions (not adding more to your to-do list) Reframing success as how you move through life, not just what you achieve   Reflection Question to Ponder:  What is my guilt asking me to do? And is that ask in service of my humanity?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Dr. Hubbard: Instagram | Website | Tedx talk on burnout | Productivity Pattern Quiz

Guest: Ryan Fitzgerald — Plumbing Department Leader, Fitzgerald Heating Air and Plumbing (Las Vegas, NV)Guest Links: Facebook: Ryan Fitzgerald (Las Vegas, Nevada)This episode covers how to layer a plumbing department onto an existing HVAC company and scale it from almost nothing to over $5 million in a single year. Ryan Fitzgerald joined a company in Las Vegas that was doing $14 million in HVAC but only $400,000 in plumbing, and within his first full year built the plumbing side to $5.4 million with a team of eight technicians and four installers. He breaks down exactly how that happened: a dedicated outbound team hammering phones to fill the board, assigning calls based on each tech's strengths and weaknesses, a four-option sales process where the homeowner feels empowered to choose rather than pressured, and leveraging HVAC cross-selling to get plumbing in the door. The conversation gets into why implementing systems too early can actually hurt you, including a real example of a field manager role they tried at $5 million that created friction between installers and sales techs and had to be pulled back until $7 or $8 million. Ryan also shares how growing too fast led to warranty callbacks when his install crew got overloaded, how he trains techs to turn leak detection and water quality testing into high-ticket opportunities in the Las Vegas market through education rather than pressure selling, and why the culture shift between HVAC and plumbing went from "redheaded stepchild" to healthy competition once the plumbing guys started keeping pace on revenue. He explains his leadership approach of quarterly deep dives with each team member, leading by example by still jumping into the trenches, and why accountability has to go both ways between leaders and the team.

Your body is constantly receiving messages from your thoughts, digestion, hormones, brain, and food to either heal or cause inflammation. If you are stuck and it hard to lose belly fat, listen to this episode where I share more about the foods that can help lower stress and reduce fat and the foods that you may be eating/drinking daily that is causing more stress to your system. Enjoy!!! Connect with Me:Instagram: sarahtmwellness1:1 Coaching: Schedule a free discovery call! Join my newsletter!!!!!Zebra- My favorite lip gloss & deodorant- code: sarahdavies Thesis- Nootropics to help with focus & stress- code: sarahtmwellness LiveHealthIllie - All low-toxic finds in one shop- code:sarahdavies Sun & Moo Tallow-Based Skincare - code: sarahdavies Prime Protein- 15% off Discount (my fave protein powder) Buoy Electrolytes (no sugar, 87+ trace minerals)- 20% off Find the Good Brand - code: sarahdavies10Royo Bread- High Protein, High Fiber Bread & Bagels- Code: sarahda10If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to share it with a friend or a family member and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Sending you love, health, and all good vibes! xoxo, Sarah

Would you like to live in peace? For to live in peace, especially in our current day, it's simple. We must protect our peace. When it comes to living in peace, we really have two options. We can either keep chasing peace, keep replacing the sheep, or we can build a cage for the lion. Listen and find out what we're talking about, you'll be Happy you did!If you would like to help us spread the Happy PayPal: www.PayPal.me/StevoHays Cash App: $HappyLifeStudios Zelle: StevoHays@gmail.com Venmo: @StevoHays Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/HappyLifeStudio Check: Payable to Hays Ministries or Steve Hays and send to 27240 213th Place S.E. Maple Valley, WA 98038  Contact us Linktree: www.Linktr.ee/HappyLifeStudios Email: Podcast@HappyLife.Studio Yo Stevo Hotline: (425) 200-HAYS (4297) Webpage: www.HappyLife.lol  YouTube: www.YouTube.com/StevoHays Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hays-b6b1186b/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@happylifestudios Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HappyLifeStudios  Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HappyLife_Studios  Twitter: www.x.com/stevehays We would also like to give a special thanks to James Kocian, for the use of his amazing songs "bumper 1", "Some Kinda Way" and "Still A Kid". Check out more of his amazing stuff here www.JamesKocian.com or here www.Facebook.com/jameskocianmusic and tell him thanks from Happy Life Studios. The song we used for the intro was "Are You Happy" by Primitive Radio Gods. The ending song was "Make Someone Happy" by Jimmy Durante. We don't own any rights, but we do think they are amazing songs.

Send us Fan MailPublishing more often can help your podcast stay top of mind, get more downloads, and keep your audience engaged. But if you increase your cadence the wrong way, it can also make podcasting feel heavier, more rushed, and a lot less fun.In this episode, we answer a listener question from Rich (Two Guys on a Plane) about moving from biweekly to weekly episodes and break down what has actually worked for us. We talk about the benefits of adding shorter episodes, why quick wins can sometimes perform just as well as longer releases, and how publishing more often has helped us stay in practice without doubling the workload.We also get into the real risks of pushing your schedule too hard, including burnout, lower-quality episodes, missed deadlines, and losing the energy that makes a podcast worth doing in the first place.Listen for different ways to make a higher publishing frequency sustainable, including lighter episode formats, Q&A episodes, bonus conversations, two-part episodes, and experimenting without feeling locked into a forever commitment.Contact BuzzcastSend us Fan MailTweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPodsThanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Ever wonder why life can look good on paper, yet still feel like something is missing? In this episode, Whitney sits down with life coach and founder of The Good Girl Revolution, Emilie Karun, for a conversation about the "good girl" rules so many women grow up with: the pressure to be nice, keep everyone happy, not ask for too much, and hold it all together.   Emily opens up about creating the life she always thought she wanted, only to realize she still felt disconnected from herself. Together, she and Whitney talk about how women can lose themselves in motherhood, marriage, work, and trying to meet everyone else's expectations. They also dig into boundaries, guilt, people-pleasing, and why wanting more for your life doesn't make you selfish. It usually means there's a part of you asking to be heard.   If you've ever felt guilty for wanting more or wondered why life feels heavy even when it looks good on the outside, this one will speak to you.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: What "good girl conditioning" is and how it shapes women's lives Why wanting more doesn't mean you're ungrateful or selfish The hidden cost of people-pleasing and overgiving Why boundaries are essential for protecting your energy Learning to trust your desires and inner voice again How to stop living only through roles like mom, wife, or career title Practical ways to reconnect with who you are beneath expectations   Reflection question to ponder:  What do I want?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Emilie: Instagram | Website | Private Podcast Series

Stress is a common concern across all ages and demographics. It causes some to seek relief by engaging in destructive behaviors. Dr. Gary Sprouse, or as he is better known across the country, "The Less Stress Doc," discusses how he helps clients alleviate the stress in their lives with the goal of living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse is a former primary care physician from Maryland who retired from private practice after 38 years. He is the author of the award-winning books, "Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress" and "Mindset Matters." He also has developed his Stress Reducer Loop Model as a replacement for how we define addiction. Dr. Sprouse's contact information, socials, and publications are available at The Less Stress Doc. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

April 13, 2026 – Discover how dividend-paying stocks can add income and stability to your portfolio. Jim Puplava shares insights on dividends, inflation, tax benefits, and strategies for every stage of investing on Financial Sense Newshour...

704. Do you ever feel like you go from "zero to sixty" with your kids before you even realize you're angry? If you find yourself in a constant state of parental stress and "fight-or-flight," you aren't alone—and it isn't your fault.In this episode from March 2024, Dr. Nanika Coor explains why so many of us have underdeveloped "noticing" skills and how that leads to automatic, reactive parenting. She introduces the intensity scale (1–10) to help you catch your triggers early and shares how mindfulness can help you regain control of your prefrontal cortex so you can parent with clarity and compassion.You'll learn:The Power of Noticing: Why we were taught to ignore our inner experience and how to start listening again.The Intensity Scale: How to set boundaries when you're at a "Level 2" before you hit a "Level 7" meltdown.3 Practical Exercises: Simple ways to practice mindfulness through eating, perspective-taking, and observing strong emotions.The "Reset" Button: What to do when you lose your cool and how to use parent-initiated repair to stay connected.Stop striving for "perfect" and start being present. Discover how lowering your own anxiety through a regular mindfulness practice creates a more peaceful, resilient relationship with your child.Project Parenthood is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Dr. Nanika Coor. Have a question for Project Parenthood? Email: parenthood@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Project Parenthood!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available on your podcast app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you're constantly rushing through life, but not actually feeling present in it? In this mini jolt, Whitney shares reflections from a recent family trip to Kenya and Tanzania, and the lessons it sparked around energy, pace, and how we move through motherhood. From early morning safaris to watching animals in the wild, this experience shifted the way she thinks about how we spend our time and attention.   Whitney breaks down two simple but powerful takeaways: why being more selective with your energy matters (especially as a mom), and how embracing a "pole pole" (slower slower) pace can help you feel more grounded in your everyday life.   If you've been feeling stretched thin, constantly in go-mode, or a little disconnected from yourself, this is a gentle reset. Press play to start moving through your days with a little more intention and a lot more ease.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: My family trip to Africa and the lessons learned while there How to become more intentional with your time The meaning of "pole pole" and how it applies to motherhood Choosing the energy you want to embody in this season of life Reflection question to ponder:  What energy do I want to embody in this hopeful season of spring, and what pace would support that?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast

Amy Leneker discusses how to spot and stop stress for more joyful days at work. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The top five barriers to joy at work 2) The three-step un-stressing method 3) The simple practice that leads to more joy Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1142 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT AMY — Amy Leneker is an optimistic, joy-seeking, recovering workaholic. She's also a leadership consultant who has helped over 100,000 leaders and teams – including those at Fortune 100 companies – lead with less stress and more joy. Her soul goal? To help one billion people do the same. With over 25 years of leadership experience – including a decade in the C-suite – Amy understands the soul-crushing toll of burnout because she's lived it. Twice. After surviving her own brush with burnout, Amy became determined to help others succeed without sacrificing their joy, their health, or their weekends. A first-generation college student, Amy earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees while working full-time and later raising a family. She has studied leadership at Yale, neuroscience at the NeuroLeadership Institute, and stress resilience at Harvard Medical School.• Book: Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy• Study: "The State of Stress & Joy at Work 2026"• Website: AmyLeneker.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brene Brown— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.• Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO• Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/better• Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll with gusto.com/AWESOMESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Leneker, leadership consultant, trainer, keynote speaker, podcast host, and USA Today bestselling author of Cheers to Monday, joins me on this episode. She's an optimistic, joy-seeking, recovering workaholic—and the founder and CEO of the Center for Joyful Work, where she has helped more than 100,000 leaders and teams, including those at Fortune 100 companies, lead with less stress and more joy. With over 25 years of leadership experience, including a decade in the C-suite, Amy is deeply committed to helping leaders, teams, and organizations thrive. Her work has appeared in Fast Company, Inc., CEOWORLD Magazine, and other notable media outlets.

Does it feel like your brain has become mush ever since becoming a mom? In this episode, Whitney connects with neuroscientist and therapist Dr. Jodi Pawluski to unpack the truth about "mommy brain" and what's actually happening in the brain during pregnancy and postpartum. Despite what we've all joked about, your brain isn't actually turning to mush; it's changing in really intentional ways to help you care for your child.   Together, they break down the science behind mom brain, why so many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and overwhelm, and how mental load and modern motherhood can make it all feel even heavier. You'll learn how your brain is changing, why those changes matter, and how to better support your brain during this season.   Hit play to shift the way you see your brain, and start supporting it in a way that actually works for this season of life.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: What "mommy brain" really means Why your brain can feel foggy when it's working overtime What's changing in the brain during pregnancy and postpartum How mental load affects your memory, focus, and emotions Why modern motherhood can feel so mentally overwhelming The importance of support, partnership, and not doing it all alone Simple ways to support your brain in everyday life Reflection question to ponder:  What does my mom brain need?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Dr. Pawluski: Instagram | Website | Book: Mommy Brain | LinkedIn | Podcast: Mommy Brain Revisited | Substack

We all know that our jobs are a huge part of our lives, and the way we feel about our workplace, our supervisors, and coworkers has a lot to do with our ability to stay positive and mentally healthy and be optimistic about our future. Blue Sky guest Amy Leneker was achieving every success she'd ever imagined in her work, but was still unhappy and eventually became burned out. She's since made it her life's work to get to the bottom of what burns us out at work and what steps we can take to do something about it.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Amy Leneker's Journey  This chapter introduces Amy Leneker, founder and CEO of the Center for Joyful Work, and her mission to help leaders reduce stress and find joy. It highlights her extensive background, including studies at Yale and Harvard, and her book "Cheers to Monday," setting the stage for the discussion on workplace burnout and optimism.  02:26 Optimism, Upbringing, and Career Amy Leneker discusses the roots of her optimism, attributing it to both innate personality and her Midwest upbringing with 'plenty of love and never enough money.'   05:44 Defining and Recognizing Burnout  Amy explains the three components of burnout according to the World Health Organization: exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of self-confidence. She clarifies that burnout isn't just about lack of passion but also the execution and environment of work, tracing its origins to a 1970s physician in healthcare.  09:34 The Overcomplication of Stress  Amy shares how her personal experience with burnout, even after leaving her initial high-stress job, led her to deeply research workplace stress. She discovered that stress is surprisingly common and often overcomplicated, with many attempted solutions actually worsening the problem, prompting her to seek simpler remedies.  12:08 Misguided Solutions and Managerial Curiosity  Amy provides examples of ineffective stress solutions, such as managers offering calendar management advice when the real issues are social or system stress. She emphasizes that leaders should be curious and ask direct reports what truly causes them stress and joy to avoid removing meaningful tasks from their workload.  16:09 The Power of Authentic Questions  Amy highlights the importance of leaders asking simple questions like 'What causes you the most stress and joy?' to genuinely understand their team's needs. She notes a significant disconnect between executives who value joy at work and those who perceive it as frivolous, despite employees largely seeing it as essential for best performance.  19:50 Defining Joy in the Workplace  Amy defines joy at work through three conditions: meaning in daily tasks, mattering to colleagues as a human, and experiencing momentum or making a difference.   23:19 Joy as a Resilience Strategy and Recognition's Role  Amy explains that joy is not something to be postponed until stress is gone, but rather a vital resilience strategy that helps individuals navigate tough times.   31:39 Navigating External Stress and Contagious Joy  Amy addresses the increasing challenge of external stressors like political division and 'eco-anxiety' influencing workplace well-being. She highlights that stress is contagious but joy is even more so, rippling out into home and community life, urging leaders to manage their own stress and foster joy for broader positive impact.  38:01 Cheers to Monday: A Collective Framework  Amy explains that 'Cheers to Monday' means having the ability to handle whatever stress comes, without delaying joy, and taking control of one's approach to work. She stresses that her book is for everyone, not just leaders, as stress and joy are interconnected and a common framework can prevent burnout across the entire organization.  

Hello Beautiful, I'm so grateful you're here with me.

Have you caught yourself wondering why you keep getting in your own way? We all do it, and sometimes we do it without even realizing it. In this episode, Whitney connects with Tracy Litt, founder of The School of Becoming, to talk about the life-changing practice of radical personal responsibility.   Her message is super simple, yet impactful: We are both our obstacles and our answers. Once we stop making excuses and start owning our choices, everything shifts, and we start to become an energetic match for our desires.   During the conversation, Tracy shares how embracing this mindset can change the way we see everything around us. Even small things like swapping out the simple phrase "I can't" for "I won't" can be extremely powerful. Plus, she offers a quick and easy breathwork practice to calm your nervous system.   If you're in need of a perspective shift or just need a little nudge to stop holding yourself back, this conversation is sure to leave you feeling inspired.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Understanding radical self-responsibility Excuses are the lies we tell ourselves Breaking free and repatterning your mind Changing your mindset from "I can't" to "I won't" What Tracy wishes every woman knew about the nervous system Breathwork tools that can easily be used in our day-to-day lives Reflection question to ponder: What am I afraid of?    Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Tracy: Instagram | Website

Hi mama,  Summer can be one of the most magical seasons when you have kids.  Beach days, ice cream runs, pool time, backyard dinners, and those long evenings when the sun doesn't seem to set.  But for working moms, summer also comes with a lot of logistics and planning.  Between camps, sports schedules, vacations, childcare, and work responsibilities, it can feel like summer becomes another schedule to manage instead of a season to enjoy.  In today's episode, I share a simple framework to help working moms plan an intentional summer so you can handle the logistics while still creating meaningful family memories.  Instead of letting summer fly by in a blur, a little planning now can help your family experience a season that feels more relaxed, fun, and connected.    What You'll Learn in This Episode 

Stress is something every manager experiences. Tight deadlines, constant decisions, competing priorities; it can feel like pressure is simply part of the job.Most leaders treat stress like one big, unavoidable force. In reality, stress isn't just one thing. It appears in different forms, and each requires a different response. When leaders don't understand the source of their stress, they often try to solve the wrong problem or end up stuck in cycles of overthinking and burnout.Fortunately, this week's guest shares a practical framework for understanding stress and turning it into something leaders can actually manage.Amy Leneker is a former C-suite executive, a leadership advisor to Fortune 100 companies, and the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy. Her work focuses on helping leaders identify the sources of stress in their work and create simple systems to reduce it while increasing clarity and joy.In this conversation, we explore the different types of stress leaders experience, how stress flows through teams, and practical ways managers can help their teams talk about stress more openly and productively.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(01:34) Why isn't all stress the same, and why that matter for leaders(04:12) The different types of stress managers experience at work(07:25) Why identifying the source of stress is the first step to solving it(10:48) How unmanaged stress quietly spreads through teams(14:22) Why leaders often underestimate the stress their words create(18:36) Helping teams talk about stress without judgment(22:41) Why unclear priorities create unnecessary stress for teams(27:18) Practical ways leaders can reduce stress while improving clarity and trust(30:02) Simple leadership habits that create more moments of joy at work(33:01) [Extended Episode Only] The three-step “unstressing” method for identifying and solving stressors(36:21) [Extended Episode Only] A powerful team exercise that revealed 73 hidden stressors(41:58) [Extended Episode Only] Avoiding toxic positivity and creating real moments of connection on your team