Podcast appearances and mentions of less stress

How is it possible that we're already at 200 episodes of Electric Ideas? When Whitney started this podcast, she had no idea where it would take her or how much she would learn along the way. In this special episode, Whitney is reflecting on the journey from leaving the corporate world and navigating early motherhood to finding coaching, meditation, writing, and a deeper sense of purpose.   Over the years, Whitney has talked with more than 150 experts about motherhood, identity, mental load, self-fulfillment, and the pressure to do it all. She's sharing some of what those conversations have taught her, why she created Electric Ideas, and how the podcast has evolved. She'll also share what's ahead, including a book she's working on and the new Come Back to Yourself collection.   Most of all, this episode is a thank-you to everyone who has listened, shared an episode, or been part of this community. Tune in to the 200th episode of Electric Ideas and celebrate this milestone with her.   Check out Whitney's new Come Back to Yourself Collection   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  

Have you ever wondered if becoming a mom meant giving up a part of yourself? In this episode, Whitney talks with Ruthie Ackerman, author of The Mother Code, about the tension between motherhood, ambition, identity and the life you imagined for yourself. Ruthie shares her own experience of feeling torn between having children and the creative, adventurous life she wanted, and how she came to realize that becoming a mother didn't require giving up the other parts of who she was.   They talk about the messages women grow up with around motherhood, including the idea that being a good mom means putting your own passions and ambitions aside. Ruthie also shares how her views on feminism influenced her feelings about becoming a mother, how her family's history shaped her fears around having children, and what she learned through her own fertility journey with egg freezing, IVF, and ultimately using donor eggs. Along the way, she found herself questioning a lot of the assumptions she had about what motherhood and family are supposed to look like.   If you've ever felt like you had to choose between being a good mom and pursuing the things that make you feel like yourself, tune into this episode of Electric Ideas.   Here's what you can look forward to in today's episode: The pressure to choose between motherhood and ambition Why women often see motherhood as a sacrifice of identity and passions Rethinking what feminism and motherhood can look like together How family history and personal trauma can shape decisions about motherhood The emotional and financial realities of egg freezing and IVF The fertility wealth gap and why fertility preservation isn't equally accessible Choosing donor eggs and letting go of the focus on DNA Redefining what makes someone a mother Balancing ambition, motherhood, and guilt Creating a version of motherhood that actually fits your life   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 Ruthie: Instagram | Website | Book: The Mother Code | Substack

Have you ever wondered why motherhood can bring out emotions you didn't even know were there? One minute you can feel completely in love with your kids, and the next you're angry, overwhelmed, guilty, or wondering why something that seems so small is affecting you so deeply. In this episode, Whitney talks with Dr. Angele Close, a clinical psychologist and certified IFS therapist, about matrescence, the emotional and psychological transformation that happens when we become mothers, and why so many of us aren't given the language to understand what we're going through.   Dr. Close shares her own experience of becoming a mother and realizing that being a therapist didn't make her immune to the challenges of motherhood. Through major life changes, grief, moving from Canada to the U.S., and the uncertainty of the pandemic, she found herself confronting emotions and reactions she didn't always understand. She eventually discovered Internal Family Systems, or IFS, which helped her understand the different parts of us that show up to protect us when we feel stressed, overwhelmed, or hurt. Whitney and Dr. Close also talk about mom guilt, the pressure to be a "good mom," and why some of our biggest reactions with our kids may be pointing us toward parts of ourselves that need more attention and compassion.   This conversation offers a different way to look at the hard parts of motherhood. Dr. Close shares how getting curious about our emotions can help us feel calmer, more connected and compassionate with ourselves and our kids.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: What matrescence is and why motherhood can feel like such a major internal shift Angel's unexpected journey into motherhood Why motherhood can bring up anger, guilt, shame, and overwhelm How Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help us understand our reactions The pressure to be a "good mom" and where mom guilt comes from How motherhood can bring unhealed parts of ourselves to the surface What "self-energy" means and how to cultivate more calm, compassion, and connection Simple ways to reconnect with yourself through mindfulness, nature, and creativity How our inner work can impact our connection with our children   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. Close: Instagram | Website | Book: Unburdening Motherhood

Moving houses, raising kids, one with special needs, job changes, it's no wonder that Kristen Evans is an expert in feeling frazzled. So how do you keep the stress levels down? Kristen and AllMomDoes host Julie Lyles Carr talk about the very real impact feeling frazzled has not just on your family, but on your own health, and simple things you can do right now to restore some peace.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4h9a4Do Key Topics:The impact of stress on moms and childrenThe connection between faith and mental healthSimple exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous systemThe importance of mindfulness from a Christian perspectiveStrategies for saying no and setting boundariesRecognizing physical signs of stress and emotional painTakeaways:Deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can lower heart rate and blood pressure.Practicing mindfulness through biblical principles helps reduce stress and anxiety.Saying no to unnecessary commitments can significantly lower stress levels.Physical pain and emotional stress are interconnected and should be addressed together.Regularly releasing burdens to Jesus through prayer and physical relaxation techniques can improve mental health.Sound Bites:“Eighty percent of parents feel overwhelmed.”“Faith and mental health are interlaced.”“Releasing burdens to Jesus calms our minds and bodies.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction: The reality of feeling frazzled and overwhelmed00:56 Kristen shares her personal journey through stress and mental health crisis03:10 The stigma around mental health in faith communities03:53 The importance of integrating faith and mental health awareness06:00 Research on parental stress and mental health statistics09:04 The impact of technology on stress and coping skills12:13 Practical steps: Breathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous system14:01 The power of saying no and setting boundaries16:48 The importance of self-care and recognizing physical signs of stress19:59 Biblical mindfulness and being present with Jesus22:47 Releasing burdens through prayer and physical relaxation techniques28:53 Kristen's new book: The Frazzled Parent's Guide to Less Stress29:58 Where to find Kristen Faith Evans and resources for momsKeywords: mom stress management, mental health, mindfulness, Christian parenting, self-care, stress relief, emotional health, parenting tips

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about stress, intentionality and why doing more isn't always the path to greater success. My guest this week is Trish Walker, executive coach, speaker and former president of home and services at Best Buy.Trish shares how an unexpected “lifequake” led her to step away from a long and successful corporate career and reconsider what she wanted next. Here we explore the importance of listening to our own signals, asking for help and trusting ourselves when life doesn't go according to plan.We also challenge the high-achiever belief that our value is measured by how much we do. Trish shares why slowing down can create greater clarity, focus and confidence, and how small shifts can help us move through work and life with less stress and more success.About My GuestAs a former Fortune 100 executive, Trish Walker guides leaders to perform at their highest levels and achieve Less Stress. More Success™. By blending C-suite executive experience with mindfulness and neuroscience, she translates insight into practical, real-world strategies. She helps leaders think more clearly, make better decisions and strengthen performance to elevate leadership in the moments that matter.~Connect with Trish:Website: https://www.mydaily-dash.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciatrishwalker/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my-daily-dashInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_daily_dash/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://www.kimmeninger.com

Dr. Gary Sprouse, known as “The Less Stress Doc,” is passionate about helping people live happier, more fulfilling, and productive lives through humor, compassion, and innovative stress-reduction tools. A retired primary care physician with 38 years of experience, he now focuses on helping clients reduce stress, worry, guilt, and regret while finding their personal “Happy Place.” A graduate of George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and a Mensa member, Dr. Sprouse combines medical knowledge with holistic approaches, hypnosis, and NeuroLinguistic Programming. He developed a unique perspective on the origins of human stress and practical strategies for changing perspectives and reframing the past. He is the award-winning author of Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress, which identifies six major sources of stress and provides practical tools to overcome them. His mission is to help people create meaningful, positive change and ultimately live with greater happiness, peace, and fulfillment.

What if the recurring problems in your career or business aren't a sign that you need to work harder, but a sign that you need a better system? For busy professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs with ADHD, constantly remembering, rescuing, reorganizing, and starting over can create an "ADHD tax" in time, energy, money, and mental bandwidth. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min In this episode, Dave explores questions to help you: Identify where you're paying the ADHD tax in your business. Turn recurring problems into simple systems Reduce mental load by externalizing information Automate, delegate, or eliminate unnecessary work Stop relying so heavily on memory Find opportunities for a 1% improvement The goal isn't a perfect system. It's creating a little more ease, control, and space for what matters.

We live in a culture that constantly tells us we're too busy. There's never enough time, there's always something else to do, and the things we want for ourselves keep getting pushed to the bottom of the list. But what if we're thinking about time all wrong? In this episode, Laura VanderKam, author, time management expert, and mom of five, shares a different way to look at our time and the choices we make with it.   Laura has spent years studying how people actually spend their time, and what she's found is pretty surprising: even the busiest people tend to have more discretionary time than they realize. We talk about how to find those pockets of time in your own day, why our default habits can easily take over, and how simple systems can make life feel a little lighter. More than anything, this conversation is about being intentional with the time we have and making sure we're actually making room for the things that matter to us.   If you've ever caught yourself saying, "I don't have time for that," this conversation might make you stop and think about that a little differently. Laura shares practical ways to rethink your relationship with time, make space for the things you love, and start taking some of those bigger ideas and dreams off the "someday" list.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Rethinking the belief that we never have enough time Moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset around time Finding the discretionary time hiding in your everyday schedule Why tracking your time can change the way you see your days Making your "golden hours" more intentional Creating simple systems that reduce mental load Making space for your own goals, joy, and self-care Breaking big dreams into small, doable steps Leaving room for spontaneity instead of filling every minute Letting go of perfection when life gets complicated Asking yourself what you want to spend more and less time doing Reflection question to ponder: What do I want to spend more time doing?   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 Laura: Instagram | Website | Book: Big Time | Facebook | Podcast: Best of Both Worlds | Podcast: Before Breakfast

What can Dolly Parton's life teach us about being more courageous, trusting ourselves, and fully embracing who we are? Beyond her music and larger-than-life personality, Dolly built a life rooted in creativity, courage, generosity, and a willingness to do things her own way. In this Mini Jolt, Whitney reflects on Dolly's legacy and the lessons her life offers women who are navigating their own paths in a world that can make us feel like we need to fit a certain mold.   Whitney explores three powerful lessons we can take from Dolly's life: finding your own way to do what's in your heart, trusting your own knowing even when it means saying no to an incredible opportunity, and refusing to water yourself down to make other people more comfortable. Dolly never seemed particularly interested in fitting herself into someone else's idea of who she should be. Her story is a powerful reminder that we don't have to follow the traditional path, wait for permission, or make ourselves smaller to create a meaningful life.   If you've ever wondered whether you're being too much, held yourself back because you didn't fit the "right" mold, or ignored that little voice telling you what you really want, this episode is a chance to reconnect with that part of yourself.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Finding your own way to pursue what's in your heart What Dolly Parton's unconventional creative process can teach us Trusting your gut, intuition, or "inner knowing" The story behind Dolly saying no when Elvis wanted to record "I Will Always Love You" Why self-trust is something we build through practice Refusing to water yourself down to fit someone else's expectations What Dolly's authenticity can teach us about being "too much" Turning perceived limitations into strengths Using your own experiences and challenges as a source of contribution Carrying Dolly's legacy forward by letting yourself be fully who you are Reflection Question to Ponder: What would Dolly do?   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

My book, Productiveness, is now available. It's about the difference between doing more and doing what matters, and how we lost the ability to tell them apart. I'll send the release date the day it's set. Visit https://mikevardy.com/productiveness to learn more and get your copy today.Most people describe work stress as one undifferentiated thing: I'm stressed at work. Amy Leneker's research says there are actually five distinct kinds, and the one doing the most damage to working people isn't the one that shows up most often. It's the sudden kind — the unexpected thing that yanks you off whatever you'd planned to do — and it has a nasty habit of multiplying into all the others.Amy is the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy, and her book is built around a sequence — see, sort, solve, and then celebrate — that has to be done in that order, though almost nobody does. We got into why writing a stressor down doesn't make it bigger, why "just forget about it, it's not important" is terrible advice your brain physically can't follow, the research on how you ask for help mattering far more than who you ask, and why the shortest section of the book might be the one people skip most.Six Discussion PointsA ten-word question — what are your hobbies, what do you do for fun — can expose how completely you've lost track of yourself, which is exactly how Amy's own unraveling started.There are five distinct types of work stress: schedule, suspense, social, sudden, and system — and sorting your stressors into the right one is what makes them solvable rather than just heavy.Sudden stress does the most damage despite occurring least often, largely because it snowballs — one person's missed deadline instantly becomes another person's social stress.Writing a stressor down doesn't make it more real or bigger than it is; those stressors are already running in the background like open browser tabs whether you name them or not.Telling yourself something unimportant isn't worth thinking about doesn't work — your brain hates open loops, and simple acknowledgment is what actually lets it move on.New research shows that how you ask for help determines whether it builds trust or damages it — framing it as learning and problem-solving reads as credible, while framing it as handing off your problem does the opposite.Three Connection PointsCheers to Monday by Amy LenekerFind Amy and her work at amyleneker.comStop Managing Your Time, Start Crafting Your Time InsteadThe average person works roughly 2,109 Mondays in a lifetime. Deciding in advance that you're going to dislike all of them is a big thing to sign up for without thinking about it. If this conversation gets you to sort even one stressor into the right category this week, that's a start — and the book will take you the rest of the way.

If you've ever stood in front of the fridge at 5pm with no idea what to make, or hit that same energy crash every afternoon like clockwork, this episode is for you.Meal planning advice for PMOS is everywhere, and most of it contradicts itself. One source says cut carbs, another says never skip a meal, and you're left more confused than when you started. The problem isn't that you haven't found the "right" plan yet. It's that most plans aren't built around how your life actually works.In this episode, we're breaking down a simple, realistic system for PMOS-friendly meal planning, one that supports steady blood sugar without demanding a total overhaul of your week.We cover:How to build balanced meals that support steady blood sugar and PMOS (PCOS)How to prep smarter, not harder, so meal prep stops eating your whole SundayHow to stock your kitchen so PMOS-friendly choices become the easy defaultSimple go-to meals for the nights you're running on emptyHow to make a meal planning system fit your actual lifestyle, with no rigid rules and no all-or-nothing thinkingThis is not an episode about following a stricter meal plan. It's about building a system that works with your hormones, schedule and life.Ready for more support than a podcast episode can give you?Our PMOS Recovery Program starts October 2026. This is a 12-week program teaching you everything you need to know to manage PMOS with gentle nutrition and lifestyle change, no restriction, no burnout, just a sustainable path forward.Inside, you'll get real transformation through live coaching, courses, personalized meal plans, daily chat support, and more.Join the waitlist here. We'd love to have you!

Ready to dive into a world bursting with color, a powerful force that shapes our experiences every day? Take a moment to think: when was the last time you really felt how a certain shade impacted your emotions? Throughout history, scientists and scholars have studied the fascinating connection between colors and our psyche, shining a light on their incredible power. While everyone has their own color preferences, there are some universal truths about how they affect our minds and souls.   In today's episode, join Whitney as she connects with Color Psychology Expert, Michelle Lewis, author of "Color Secrets: Learning the Universal Language We Were Never Taught." They'll explore everything from science and history to medicine and the mystical realm of how colors influence our moods. Discover how to surround yourself with the perfect hues that match your needs and desires.   While you soak up all the wisdom Michelle and Whitney share, think about the moments that really hit home for you. Which color totally captivates your spirit or just repels your senses, and why? Share your insights from today's episode on Instagram, and make sure to tag us at @‌thecolorcure and @‌whitneywoman. Let's go on this exciting journey together as we unravel the mysterious language of color!   Here's what to look forward to in today's episode Eight colors have been scientifically documented to evoke reactions in people - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, and magenta What story brand colors tell for businesses Every color evokes emotion / strong reaction There are positive and negative emotions for each color based on experience When to use/wear specific colors and when to avoid them The stark difference between pink and magenta Successful situations and the colors involved Incorporating color into your home environment and the clothes you wear What can women be asking themselves more? Are there colors you're repulsed by, colors that you need to heal things from the past? ‌ 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 Michelle: Instagram l Website l Book: Color Secrets l Brand Color Quiz

Ten years into marriage and two kids deep, Arthur and Melissa found their relationship reduced to logistics — schedules, dishes, and diapers, with no room left for connection. In this episode, Julia sits down with the Boston couple to unpack how "good intentions" quietly built a wall between them, and the practical shifts — naming real needs, asking "what else could be true?", and leading with vulnerability instead of demands — that brought intimacy back. It's a real look at how connection isn't a personality trait, but a practice._______

DOWNLOAD 5 DAYS TO LESS STRESS, MORE SATISFACTION HERE   What if the reason you feel disconnected from yourself in motherhood isn't that you're doing something wrong, but that you've gotten so used to putting everyone else first? In this Mini Jolt, Whitney gets honest about her own experience of navigating motherhood, career, burnout, and the feeling that she was somehow failing at both work and home. Looking back with the perspective of years of coaching, self-reflection, and conversations with more than 150 experts, she explores why so many mothers find themselves becoming the most negotiable part of their own lives.   Whitney also digs into the identity shifts and grief that can come with motherhood, especially when your career, priorities, or sense of self starts to change. Rather than offering another list of things moms should be doing, she invites you to slow down, look inward, and start building a life from the inside out. You'll hear why self-abandonment isn't simply a scheduling problem, how motherhood can train us to override our own needs, and why creating more space to listen to yourself can be the first step toward feeling more intentional, grounded, and connected to your own life.   And if you're wondering where to start, Whitney shares a simple practice you can try right away: the "What Do I Need Buffer." It's a small pause built into your day to check in with yourself and ask, What do I want right now? What do I need right now? Tune in for a conversation about motherhood, identity, and finding your way back to yourself.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: The pressure of being told you can "have it all" Her own experience with motherhood, career, and burnout The identity loss and grief that can come with major life transitions Why so many mothers become the most negotiable part of their own lives What it means to build a life from the inside out Why self-abandonment isn't just a time-management problem The "What Do I Need Buffer" and how to use it in your own life Rebuilding self-connection through small, intentional pauses Moving from urgency and overwhelm toward more choice and agency Reflection question to ponder:  Where in my life have I gotten used to treating myself as negotiable?   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

We all have an inner child who lives inside of us. Hopefully she was cherished and celebrated in her youth. But for those who faced any sort of misunderstanding, hurt or abandonment from a caregiver, oftentimes unintentionally, those experiences can haunt us in our most intimate relationships and lead to lots of havoc and suffering in adulthood.   In today's episode, I talk with Gloria Zhang, a relationship coach based out of Canada who is best known for her top 100 show: The Inner Child Podcast. Gloria helps high achievers permanently break patterns of toxic love and create secure, successful relationships through her unique Inner Child re-parenting methods.   In our conversation, Gloria helps us understand how unresolved inner child wounds can show up in our lives, especially with our partners. We delve into the link between our relationship with our parents and how that plays out in what we look for in a spouse later in life. Listen until the end to find out things you can do to move past your discovered behaviors and her best tips for better communicating in our relationships.   I would love to know what you connected with in today's episode. Drop us a note to let us know -  @bygloriazhang and @whitneywoman!   Here's what to look forward to in today's episode: A deeper look at how to define the Inner Child The big core wounds that can show up in your life and signs to look for The link between a relationship with our parents and how that impacts a relationship with our partner Examples of issues with your mom or dad as a child Tips for things we can do, aside from therapy, to move past behaviors that we recognize Advice for women who feel like they've surrendered their identity after starting a family Rules for the road when it comes to having fair, better communication and relationships The best time to get into the right mindset with yourself How to build a healthy relationship A helpful and powerful question to ask yourself   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 Gloria: Instagram | Website | Podcast: The Inner Child Podcast

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Dr. Ricki Pollycove to discuss her upcoming book, A Happy, Healthy Mom: Your Guide to Less Stress, Better Teamwork, and More Joy on the Journey. A nationally recognized OB-GYN with more than four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Pollycove shares practical guidance for navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the many physical and emotional changes that come with motherhood. Drawing from both her medical expertise and personal experience as a mother, she offers a compassionate perspective on helping women thrive through every stage of life. Dr. Pollycove practices at San Francisco Integrative Gynecology, where she focuses on women's health, hormone optimization, healthy aging, and preventive care. Throughout her career, she has educated both patients and healthcare professionals on topics including fertility, menopause, bioidentical hormones, breast health, and maternal wellness. She is also the author of The Pocket Guide to Bioidentical Hormones and continues to lecture internationally on women's health and integrative medicine. This conversation covers: How new mothers can reduce stress during the postpartum transition. The importance of teamwork and support throughout parenthood. Strategies for balancing self-care while caring for a growing family. Common challenges mothers face during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Whether you're preparing for your first child, navigating the early years of parenthood, or simply interested in women's health, this episode offers thoughtful advice and practical strategies for supporting both mothers and families! Connect with Dr. Pollycove: Website LinkedIn Preorder A Happy, Healthy Mom

DOWNLOAD 5 DAYS TO LESS STRESS, MORE SATISFACTION HERE   If you've ever wondered, "How can I lead a team at work or run the parent-teacher organization with confidence, yet feel completely at a loss when my child falls apart?" this conversation is for you.   Many of us were taught to solve problems, push through discomfort, and work harder when something isn't going well. Those instincts build successful careers and meaningful contributions to our families and communities.   But they don't always build deeper connection with our children.   In this episode, Whitney connects with maternal mental health expert Kate Kripke to explore why motherhood asks something entirely different of us. Together they unpack the difference between our achievement brain and our connection brain, why anxiety is often an overwhelmed nervous system rather than a personal failing, and how learning to steady ourselves first changes the way we show up for the people we love most.   Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, standoffs with teenagers, or simply trying to be more present in the middle of a full life, this conversation offers a refreshing alternative to trying harder. You'll leave with a completely different way of thinking about patience, connection, and why the moments you most want to escape are often the ones your child needs you most.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why high-achieving women often struggle most in motherhood The difference between your achievement brain and your connection brain Why your child's meltdown isn't always a problem to solve How your nervous system shapes your parenting more than any script or strategy Why trying harder can actually make anxiety worse What children really need when they're overwhelmed The difference between being physically present and helping your child feel truly seen Practical ways to regulate your nervous system before responding to your child How to recognize when you've slipped into fix-it mode One powerful question that can transform difficult parenting moments   About Kate Kripke Kate Kripke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a specialty certification in Perinatal Mental Health. She is a maternal mental health expert who helps mothers move beyond anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout by strengthening emotional regulation, calming the nervous system, and building deeper, more secure connections with their children.   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 Kate: Instagram | Website | Podcast: Motherhood Uncut

If your kids are heading back to school in the next week or two, I know there's a good chance that you're counting backwards from the first day and thinking about what you need to do to prepare. There's an instinct to get it all organized - bedtimes, screens, wake-ups, chores, etc. I'm actually here to talk you out of that way of thinking today. Now don't get me wrong, I love routines. But the week before school starts is not the time to force it.I'm making the case for joy over stress in the final days of summer. You'll Learn:Why you might be craving routine at this point in the summerWhat back-to-school and jet lag have in commonWhy forcing school routines early isn't worth itHow to savor the last days of summerMy favorite back-to-school tradition (do we have a picture of this I can use in the post?)Read the full show notes here.---------------------------------------Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit!In this free guide you'll discover:✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you've started (This one thing will get you calm.)✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!)✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.)✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!)Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit hereConnect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

What if the habit helping you cope with stress is now creating even more of it? Dr. Gary Sprouse returns to explain how recognizing that cycle can help you change it without allowing shame or harmful labels to define you.Known as “The Less Stress Doc,” Gary is a retired primary care physician, speaker, and author of Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress. In this conversation, he introduces his concept of “stress-reducer loops,” recurring patterns that can involve alcohol, tobacco, social media, work, shopping, exercise, self-sacrifice, or almost anything used to escape stress.You will learn:How an ordinary coping behavior can become a stress-reducer loopWhy caring people are especially vulnerable to burnoutHow replacing “I have to” with “I choose to” can restore controlWhy setbacks should become learning experiences instead of sources of shameHow gratitude, connection, hope, and purpose create an accessible happy placeGary also shares plans for Loop Breakers, his hybrid educational program designed to help people understand their patterns, reduce stress, and build healthier responses.Learn more about Gary at https://thelessstressdoc.com/ or contact him at lesstressdoc@gmail.com.This episode is sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group. Visit https://tarheelconstructiongroup.com/ or call 410-638-7021.Subscribe, leave a review, share this episode, and join the conversation.Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/Tar Heel Construction GroupHarford County Living Stamp of Approval for Roofing, Siding and Exterior Services Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

The reciprocal relationship between mindfulness and creativity is fascinating. Sometimes when we're our most tapped in and mindful, we invite in powerful waves of creativity. Other times, when we're out of sync, creative endeavors can be a vehicle for exploration and expression that helps us ease back into more mindful rhythms.   In today's episode I talk with Katy Oberle, a licensed psychotherapist turned Creative Mindfulness Coach and singer/songwriter. Katy is passionate about expanding the definition of mindfulness to include creative, nature-based and embodied practices. She coaches clients to develop their own "brand" of mindfulness that honors their innate creativity, life circumstances, values and goals. Katy believes that when our wise creative spirits come out to play, healing and transformation can happen at all levels.   Katy shares with us what it means to practice mindfulness and some of the benefits that come with it. Additionally, Katy talks about being mindfully creative vs. creative mindfulness, provides advice on how to tap into compassion for ourselves and different ways to be creative.   Katy and I would love to hear your take on creative mindfulness and how you implement it. Share today's episode on Instagram and be sure to tag us - @katyoberle and @whitneywoman!   Here's what you can look forward to in today's episode: Katy's take on what it means to practice mindfulness Some benefits of mindfulness The differences between meditation and mindfulness Being mindfully creative vs. creative mindfulness Advice on how to tap into compassion for ourselves Transforming emotions by channeling creativity The importance of focusing on the process, not the end product E.M.A.P. (everyday mindfulness action plan)   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 Katy: Instagram | Website | Facebook Group: A Creatively Mindful Life Katy's Book/Author recommendations: An Artful Path to Mindfulness: MBSR-Based Activities for Using Creativity to Reduce Stress & Embrace the Present Moment by Janet Slom, MFA Self Compassion by Kristin Neff Still Life: the myths and magic of mindful living by Rebecca Pacheco The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

How you feel on Sunday night tells you something real about your relationship with work. Amy Leneker, the author of Cheers to Monday, calls it one of the most honest assessments we have, and she would know. Seven weeks into medical leave after a panic attack, she sat in a doctor's office, got handed a questionnaire, and could not answer a question about what she did for fun. In this conversation, Amy walks through what she learned from that unraveling and the research that followed. She explains the difference between the stress that helps you perform and the stress that wears you down, and why leaders and their teams so often talk past each other on exactly that point. She shares the zero-to-10 question that opens up a conversation about stress without putting anyone on the spot, her three-step See, Sort, Solve method, and how to separate what you can control from what you cannot. There is a lot in here you can use this week if you lead people. Including one calendar trick involving a standing Friday appointment with Dr. Green. About our guest Amy Leneker is the founder and CEO of the Center for Joyful Work and the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy, published by Wiley in 2026. The book debuted as the number one bestselling business book on the USA Today list. Amy spent more than two decades in leadership, including ten years in the C-suite, before burnout forced a different path. She has studied leadership at Yale, neuroscience at the NeuroLeadership Institute, and stress resilience at Harvard Medical School. She leads an annual national workforce study on stress and joy at work, has trained more than 100,000 people, and hosts the Less Stress, More Joy podcast. She and her family live in the Pacific Northwest. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:10 The question in a doctor's office she could not answer 05:05 The signs she ignored for years 05:55 Why your Sunday night mood is honest data 07:10 Turning her own burnout into a literature review 09:35 Eustress and distress, and why leaders and teams talk past each other 11:40 The check engine light and the cost of waiting 13:20 See, sort, solve 15:25 The stress ruler and the zero to 10 question 19:40 Stress and joy are both contagious 20:45 Values that leave you out will burn you out 24:10 Sorting what you can control from what you cannot 26:45 Why the people quickest to offer help are the slowest to ask for it 28:50 Cancel a meeting 30:20 The Dr. Green calendar story 32:35 What leaders get wrong in uncertain moments 34:45 Stress thrives in isolation A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more Mentioned in this episode: Xenium HR Leadership Cohorts Connect with Amy Leneker: Website LinkedIn Cheers to Monday Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn Instagram About Connect with Xenium HR: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Have you ever ended the day wondering where all your time went? Between work, motherhood, endless to-do lists, and trying to squeeze in a little time for yourself, it's easy to feel like you're always busy but never quite caught up. In this episode, Whitney sits down with productivity and time- management expert Ronna Belinky to talk about a different approach. One that's rooted in compassion instead of hustle.   Together, they explore how simple planning habits can actually create more freedom, not more pressure. Ronna shares practical ways to quiet the mental load, stop feeling like everything has to get done today, and make space for the things that matter most. From realistic to-do lists to protecting your energy and letting go of guilt, this conversation is full of small shifts that can make everyday life feel a little lighter.   Tune in for a conversation that will leave you with practical tools to reclaim your time, protect your energy, and create more space for what matters most.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why not everything needs to get done today The difference between productivity and hustle culture How planning ahead creates more freedom and presence Simple ways to reduce decision fatigue and mental load Why brain dumps are one of the easiest ways to feel less overwhelmed How to break big projects into manageable steps The importance of pacing yourself instead of trying to do everything at once Why tracking your time can help you create more realistic plans How planning tomorrow today can make your mornings less stressful Tips for protecting your energy and reducing constant task switching Setting boundaries with email, notifications, and distractions How self-compassion plays a key role in sustainable productivity Why understanding your own rhythms leads to a planning system that actually works   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 Ronna: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR THE POD LIVE? GET YOUR FREE TIX HERE Are you doing all the "right" wellbeing habits but still feeling exhausted? In this episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by performance dietitian, executive coach and author Jessica Spendlove to explore why so many people are running on empty despite knowing the wellbeing basics. Jessica shares her practical approach to sustainable wellbeing, built around five key rhythms: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, recovery and connection. Together, they discuss the power of consistency over perfection, why recovery is the antidote to stress, and how small, proactive habits can help boost energy, resilience and overall wellbeing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you can feel exhausted even when you're doing all the "right" things How consistency supports better energy, sleep and wellbeing Why recovery is essential, not optional The importance of sleep timing and daily rhythms What "structured flexibility" means and how it can work for you How to build resilience through simple, sustainable habits Why your busiest days should shape your wellbeing strategy About Jessica Spendlove Jessica Spendlove is a performance dietitian, executive coach, speaker and author of For the Long Run: Build Your Daily Operating System for Energy, Recovery and Wellbeing. Her work helps people build sustainable energy, resilience and high performance through practical, evidence-based strategies. Connect with Jessica Website: jessicaspendlove.com Instagram: @jessicaspendlove LinkedIn: Jessica Spendlove Get the Book For the Long Run: Build Your Daily Operating System for Energy, Recovery and Wellbeing (Wiley) Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our brains are busy all day monitoring our bodies and balancing our thoughts. In order to care for this complex, powerhouse organ, we need to give it extra layers of support. "Nourish your mind, nourish the world," as today's guest, Dr. Mary Rensel likes to say.   Dr. Rensel is both the Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic and Director of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Wellness at the Mellen Center of Cleveland Clinic. She is board certified in neurology and integrative medicine and continues to be voted via Cleveland Magazine as "Best Doctor" in Cleveland since 2010. Dr. Rensel shares strategies for nourishing our brain with simple, extra layers of support each day and why this is so needed. We also delve into how to harness creativity through our brains, the benefits of deep breathing and how intentional breaks boost long-term brain function. Dr. Rensel and I would love to know how you are supporting and nourishing your brain today. Share today's episode on Instagram and be sure to tag us - @the_brain_fresh and @whitneywoman! Here's what you can look forward to in today's episode: ·       Why we need to give our brains additional support each day and some of Dr. Rensel's favorite ways to give that support ·       Situations and states that are good for your brain ·       What happens in our brain when we enter flow state ·       Ways to intentionally harness creativity ·       Benefits of deep breathing and intentional breaks for better brain function ·       Advice for an aging brain ·       Why doing something new is so good for our brains ·       Areas of brain research that are catching Dr. Rensel's attention   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. Rensel: Instagram | Website

Have you ever noticed how summer can bring out both the best and the hardest parts of motherhood? One minute you're soaking in a perfect family moment, and the next you're wondering why everyone is cranky, the dishes are multiplying, and nothing is going according to plan. If you've ever felt the pressure to create the perfect summer for your family, this conversation is for you.   In this Mini Jolt, Whitney shares a story about a beach picnic that almost didn't happen, and why letting go of her original plan ended up creating one of her favorite memories of the summer. She also explores why so many moms put extra pressure on themselves this time of year and offers three simple mindset shifts that can help you enjoy the season instead of trying to control it. You'll hear about the practice of impermanence, why we often create extra suffering through the stories we tell ourselves, and one question that can completely change how you move through the ups and downs of family life.   Tune in and discover how to let go of perfect, embrace what's right in front of you, and create a summer that feels meaningful in all the ways that matter most.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why summer can feel emotionally bigger for both the joyful moments and the frustrating ones The beach picnic story that became an unexpected lesson in letting go How practicing impermanence can help you enjoy the good moments and soften the hard ones What it means to not second arrow yourself and why it can dramatically reduce mom guilt A simple mindset shift that helps you focus on who you want to be instead of how you want every moment to unfold Why the most meaningful family memories often come from imperfect days Practical ways to stay grounded, present, and connected through the beautiful messiness of summer motherhood   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

716.Understanding how your particular child's temperament interacts with their environment—and you are your child's environment—helps you set them up for success and increases opportunities for positive interactions. In this episode, Dr. Nanika Coor explains how leaning into your child's temperament can help you lower resistance and increase calm and cooperation.Project Parenthood is hosted by Dr. Nanika Coor. Find Project Parenthood on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the Quick and Dirty Tips newsletter for more tips and advice.Project Parenthood is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Find transcripts on the Quick and Dirty Tips WebsiteLinks: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/subscribehttps://www.facebook.com/QDTProjectParenthoodhttps://twitter.com/qdtparenthoodhttps://brooklynparenttherapy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health! The Go-To Holistic Health Podcast for Christian Women Seeking to Boost Their Energy and Overall Well-Being! Blubrry Nominated as a Favorite Woman Podcaster! Ranked in the Best 15 Christian Health Podcasts! While nutrition is one of the foundations of wellness, caring for your body also means creating intentional rhythms of rest, restoration, and self-care. During perimenopause and menopause, chronic stress, hormonal changes, and the demands of everyday life can leave many women feeling physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and disconnected from their own well-being. In this episode of Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health, Dr. Rekishia McMillan shares three simple weekly self-care rituals that have become part of her personal wellness routine and have helped her maintain healthy skin, manage stress, and support lasting energy. Drawing from her own experience, Dr. Rekishia explains why she believes true wellness extends beyond food. She shares how caring for the body's largest organ—the skin—along with intentionally supporting the nervous system through restorative practices can help women create a stronger foundation for overall health. You'll also discover the science behind each ritual, including what current research says about clay masks and skin health, the relaxing benefits of magnesium foot soaks, and how aromatherapy may help support stress management, emotional well-being, and healthy sleep. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply need permission to slow down and care for yourself, this episode will encourage you to embrace practical, faith-centered habits that nourish both body and mind. In this episode you'll learn: Why true wellness goes beyond healthy eating How chronic stress can affect your hormones, skin, sleep, and energy Why your skin is an important reflection of whole-body health The benefits of a weekly Aztec Healing Clay facial and what current research says about clay-based skincare How magnesium foot soaks can become a relaxing part of your stress-management routine What research suggests about aromatherapy and essential oils for relaxation, sleep, and emotional wellness How simple weekly self-care rituals can support your nervous system and overall well-being Practical ways to create your own rhythm of restoration during menopause and beyond Join Dr. Rekishia for the launch of her brand-new summer podcast series: Sign up on Eventbrite Start Your 5-Minute Wellness Check. No pressure—just a simple way to gain clarity about what your body may be communicating Wellness-check.us  "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10  Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for our health is to slow down, be still, and allow our bodies the opportunity to rest, restore, and renew.   Love, Health & Blessings,   Dr. Rekishia L. McMillan Integrative Medicine Provider | Wellness Educator | Certified Social Worker   Listen to Related Episodes: 286 | Tired, Wired & Out of Sync? How Women Can Reset Their Circadian Rhythm for Hormonal Balance, Better Sleep & Energy 270 | Low Magnesium in Women Linked to Body Cramps, 3 Simple Fixes to Restore Balance 163 | Adult Acne in Women and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), 6 Holistic Strategies for Clear Glowing Skin & Balanced Hormones   Disclaimer: Information shared on this podcast and any referenced resources is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your personal health concerns before making changes to your healthcare plan.

Summer is a season that invites in lots of play and childlike wonder. For many of us, it's an easier time to be outside and take advantage of simple pleasures like a picnic in the park, swimming or an ice cream cone with the kids. While it's good to cherish all the summer fun, it's also normal to slip out of balance when we detach from our typical routines.   In today's episode, I connect with master acupuncturist, herbalist, Chinese nutritional therapy practitioner and wellness coach Rachel Brumberger to get perspective on honoring our mind, body and spirit by checking in with our evolving needs seasonally. With a little awareness, we're able to be more intentional about staying balanced and well while also enjoying summer.   Rachel runs her own practice in Bethesda, Maryland and hosts UnscRxipted, a podcast focused on healing and wellbeing. She's also an adjunct and clinical faculty member at the Maryland University of Integrative Health.   I would love to know what resonated with you about this episode and so would Rachel! Connect with us on Instagram @reallyrachelb and @whitneywoman.   Here's what to look forward to in today's episode: ·       Why it's so important to treat mind, body and spirit together ·       A look at the intricate nature of how we come in and out of balance in our lives ·       Practices for self-compassion as we experience new things ·       Methods for reflecting and tuning into to your seasonal wellness needs ·       Advice for times where you may be feeling conflicting emotions ·       Shifting your expectations into intentions ·       Using a wellness checklist to shift where we are and how we're feeling   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 Rachel: Instagram | Website | Podcast

June is brain health awareness month so Host Maria Shilaos and Amber Wykstra with Ovation Homes talk about mental clarity, emotional well-being, and how movement, routine, and the home environment can reduce stress and support healthier living. Lisa Phinney from the Utah Alzheimer’s Association Chapter is their featured guest. Presented by Ovation Homes.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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:

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