Casey begins by sharing her story as both a longtime educator and a mother of four, offering a perspective shaped by decades of working with children and raising them across many stages of life. From early childhood through middle school and beyond, she reflects on what it means to parent in real time - often feeling like you’ve figured something out, only to realize each child brings a completely new experience.

What stands out most in this conversation is Casey’s honest and refreshing perspective: parenting has been more joyful than she was led to believe. While she acknowledges the very real challenges - responsibility, exhaustion, and the weight of raising humans - she shares how laughter has become a central thread in her family life.

Together, they also touch on bigger ideas - how we look for the good in our lives, how joy can coexist with hardship, and how what we carry from our past (even generationally) shapes what we pass forward.

This episode is both a permission slip and a gentle reminder: even in the messiness of parenting, there is so much to laugh about - and that laughter matters.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Parenting can be more joyful than we expect, even alongside its challenges.
• Laughter plays a powerful role in helping families navigate hard moments and build connection.
• Each child and each stage of parenting brings something new, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
• If we actively look for joy, we’re more likely to find it in everyday moments.
• Joy and hardship can coexist - parenting is both deeply challenging and deeply meaningful.
• Creating space for humor and lightness can support resilience for both parents and children.
• What we carry from past generations includes not only hardship, but also resilience, laughter, and joy.

Memorable Lines

• “I didn’t know how much I would laugh.”
• “You might have figured it out for one… but it’s going to be different for the next.”
• “If you look for joy, you’ll find it.”
• “The world is a hard place… but we’ve got to keep finding the joy.”
• “We laugh all the time - even when we maybe shouldn’t.”

Challenge for the Week

This week, try becoming someone who intentionally notices joy in your everyday life - especially in the middle of routines, chaos, or stress.

• Pay attention to one moment each day that makes you laugh (or almost laugh)
• Write it down, share it, or simply pause and let it land
• If you’re parenting (or working with children), notice what happens when you lean into the humor instead of rushing past it

And a gentle question to carry with you:

What if joy isn’t something I have to wait for… but something I can practice noticing?

Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and the opinions of the talent, it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

In this episode, Amy and Cheryl start by talking about The Seven Year Slip and quickly find themselves reflecting on something much bigger: how strangely time can feel, especially in the years since the pandemic. They explore how easily we lose track of where our time actually goes, how our perception of time shifts as we get older, and why quality time matters more than we sometimes realize.

From parenting milestones and doctoral coursework to scrolling, distraction, and flow, this conversation is a thoughtful reminder that while we can’t manage time itself, we can pay closer attention to how we use it.

Key Topics and Takeaways

• How The Seven Year Slip sparked a deeper conversation about time and personal growth
• Why the years since COVID can feel blurred, distorted, or hard to place
• The difference between the person you were seven years ago and the person you are today
• How children’s milestones can make the passing of time feel especially visible
• The idea that we cannot actually manage time, but we can manage our use of time and our energy
• Why tracking time can reveal surprising gaps between what we think we do and what we actually do
• How distraction, phones, and multitasking can quietly steal connection
• The role of quality time in relationships and why it matters so much
• How flow can make time disappear in the best possible way
• Why this might be the right moment to think more intentionally about who you want to become and how you want to spend your life getting there

Memorable Lines

• Amy Bond: “It just had me thinking a lot about time as kind of a construct.”
• Cheryl Priest: “You can’t manage time because time is constant.”
• Cheryl Priest: “What you can manage is your use of time.”
• Cheryl Priest: “I was not using the time in the way that I wanted to use the time, and I got caught.”

Challenge for the Week

Try a simple time-awareness experiment.

At the start of the week, write down how you think you spend your time. Include work, errands, family time, scrolling, rest, hobbies, and anything else that fills your days.

Then, for one full week, track how you actually spend your time in real time or at the end of each day.

As you compare the two, ask yourself:

• Where is my time really going?
• Where do I feel most energized?
• Where do I feel disconnected?
• Am I spending quality time on what matters most to me?
• What is one small shift I want to make next week?

Additional Resources or Links

• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
• The idea of flow and how deep focus changes our experience of time
• Reflection tools like weekly planners or time-tracking printables to better understand your rhythms and habits

Ways to Connect

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

Not brushed past it. Not minimized it. Not immediately moved on to the next thing—but actually let it land.

In this episode, Cheryl and Amy explore something that felt surprisingly hard to answer in real time: why we struggle to celebrate our own accomplishments. Through personal stories—from milestone birthday trips to promotions, to simply finishing a semester—they uncover how often we skip over meaningful moments without acknowledgment.

The conversation gently unpacks the deeper reasons behind this pattern: the pressure of timelines, the fear of appearing boastful, the habit of deflecting praise, and the tendency to keep moving the goalpost instead of pausing to recognize progress.

Together, they reframe celebration as something much more accessible and necessary—not just reserved for life’s biggest milestones, but available in everyday wins, effort, and follow-through. They explore how celebration can fuel motivation, reinforce identity, and bring more joy into daily life.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice what you’ve done, and practice something that may feel unfamiliar—but deeply important: celebrating yourself.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Many of us struggle to name our own recent celebrations—we move quickly to what’s next instead.
• Celebration often feels tied to an unspoken timeline, and if we miss it, we assume the moment has passed.
• There can be a fear that celebrating ourselves will come across as bragging or being “too much.”
• We frequently deflect praise, minimizing our accomplishments instead of receiving them.
• Moving the goalpost keeps us from acknowledging progress—we wait for the “big” moment, then skip past it.
• Celebration doesn’t have to be big—small wins, effort, and progress deserve recognition too.
• Celebrating along the way can fuel motivation, reinforce identity, and support follow-through.
• Accepting and modeling celebration helps others feel permission to share and celebrate their own wins.

Memorable Lines

• “When was the last time you actually let it land?”
• “We move right on to the very next thing.”
• “Does missing the moment mean it doesn’t count?”
• “Every step you take is worthy.”
• “We move the goalpost and forget to pause.”
• “Celebrate yourself like you would celebrate a friend.”
• “Celebration can be fuel.”
• “Let me just sit with this for a second.”

Challenge for the Week

Think about something you didn’t fully celebrate—a moment, a milestone, or even a small step forward.

Now revisit it.

• Say it out loud: “I did this.”
• Share it with someone you trust
• Or create a simple ritual—light a candle, take a pause, write it down

Your celebration doesn’t need to be big or public. It just needs to be intentional.

And if you’re willing, ask yourself: What would change if I became someone who regularly celebrates my own wins?

Cheryl shares what it’s like to guide a group of university students through a place she has now visited more than a dozen times. From organizing school visits and cultural experiences to managing the emotional dynamics of a group traveling together in a foreign country, she describes the invisible work behind the scenes of a successful study trip. Planning travel for others, she explains, means balancing structure and flexibility, making thoughtful logistical decisions, and considering the needs and personalities of the entire group.

One of the most unique aspects of Cheryl’s approach is her intentional focus on community building before the trip even begins. By using character strengths conversations and reflective practices, she helps participants understand one another and develop empathy before navigating the challenges of international travel together.

Amy and Cheryl also reflect on how meaningful travel often comes from the moments that aren’t scheduled—walking through a park, discovering a favorite café, or watching children explore nature in ways that spark new professional insights. For Cheryl, leaving space in the itinerary isn’t a planning mistake—it’s a deliberate design choice that allows people to experience a place more deeply.

Throughout the conversation, Cheryl shares what she has learned after many years of leading trips: expect the unexpected, plan the essentials carefully, and leave room for curiosity, connection, and discovery.

Key Takeaways

• Planning travel for a group requires thinking about many perspectives, personalities, and needs, not just logistics.
• Strong preparation behind the scenes actually makes it easier to be flexible when things inevitably change.
• Building a sense of community and grace within the group can prevent small irritations from becoming larger conflicts.
• Reflection practices—such as journaling about gratitude and strengths—can deepen learning and connection during a trip.
• A well-designed travel experience includes intentional open space, not just scheduled activities.
• Unexpected moments—like getting lost, discovering a new place, or taking a spontaneous walk—often become the most memorable parts of travel.
• Asking participants what they want from the trip can make the experience more meaningful for everyone involved.
• Planning the “skeleton pieces” (housing, transportation, key experiences) provides stability while leaving room for exploration.

Challenge

If you’re planning a trip for friends, family, colleagues, or students, try approaching it with curiosity rather than control.

Before finalizing your plans, ask the people traveling with you:

• What’s one experience you hope to have on this trip?
• What kind of pace helps you enjoy travel the most?
• What would make this trip memorable for you?

Then design your itinerary around a few key “anchor experiences” and intentionally leave open time for wandering, discovering, and reflecting.

Sometimes the most meaningful travel memories don’t happen on the schedule—they happen in the spaces between the plans.

Note: This episode reflects personal experiences only and is not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

In this week’s episode, Amy and Cheryl reflect on a recent gathering with their long-time book club friends. What started as a simple plan to reconnect turned into a deeper conversation about how difficult it can be to get everyone together as life becomes busier and schedules become more complicated.

They talk about the planning, the rescheduling, the moments of compromise, and the joy that comes from finally saying, “Let’s just make it happen.” Along the way, they explore the value of maintaining traditions, creating space for connection, and recognizing that sometimes the most meaningful moments come from simply being together.

This episode is a reminder that friendships, like many good things in life, often require intention, flexibility, and a willingness to show up.

Key Topics and Takeaways

• Why is gathering with friends becoming more complicated as life gets busier
• The reality of scheduling around eight adults with full lives
• The importance of protecting time for friendship and connection
• How traditions (like holiday gift exchanges) evolve over time
• Why the experience of being together often matters more than the details of the event itself
• The reminder that meaningful friendships require intention, not just good intentions

A Challenge for the Week

Think about the people in your life who matter to you but who you haven’t seen in a while.

Instead of waiting for the perfect time, consider choosing a date and simply saying:

“Let’s just make it happen.”

Connection doesn’t require perfection, just intention.

Ways to Connect

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

In this episode, Amy and Cheryl explore what happens when we set a boundary and the other person doesn’t listen. Why do some people treat “no” like it’s negotiable? When does persistence cross the line into pressure? And how do we stay grounded in our boundaries without damaging relationships?

Through personal stories, parenting moments, and a little humor (including a throwback to the D.A.R.E. program of the 1980s), Amy and Cheryl unpack the complicated dynamics behind hearing, and honoring, the word “no.”

Together they explore the gray areas: the difference between conversation and persuasion, when explanations help, and how we can respectfully repeat our boundaries when others keep pushing.

Key Topics and Takeaways

• Why people sometimes ignore or push past a “no.”
• The emotional reasons we might struggle to accept someone else’s boundary—or enforce our own.
• The role of ego, disappointment, and wanting to help in pushing past someone’s limits.
• How relationships can create patterns where “no” starts to feel negotiable.
• The difference between dialogue and pressure in conversations.
• How explaining your reasoning can sometimes create clarity, even when the answer stays the same.
• The importance of recognizing when persistence becomes boundary-crossing.
• The “broken record technique” of calmly repeating your no when someone keeps pushing.

Memorable Lines

“There’s been a lot of times lately where, even when we’ve said no… people haven’t listened.” — Cheryl Priest

“More often than not, when I probably pushed through somebody’s boundary of no, it was because I really didn’t want to be disappointed.” — Amy Bond

“They might always see no as negotiable.” — Cheryl Priest

“No is a complete sentence… but there’s also sometimes an opportunity for conversation.” — Amy Bond

“You think you want me because I’m the easy ask, but you really don’t want me to do this.” — Amy Bond

“Sometimes people don’t hear your no, they hear that it’s negotiable.” — Cheryl Priest

“It was the broken record technique. Just keep saying no.” — Amy Bond

Challenge for the Week

Pay attention this week to moments when you say no, or when someone says no to you.

Ask yourself:

• Am I respecting the boundary that was set?
• Do I assume “no” is negotiable in certain relationships?
• Is there space for healthy conversation without pressure?

Practice the broken record technique if needed: calmly repeat your boundary without apology or escalation.

Sometimes the most respectful thing we can do for ourselves, and others is simply allow “no” to stand.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Thanks for listening to This Was Supposed to Be Easy with Amy and Cheryl.

In this episode, we explore the complicated practice of saying “no” — especially when the invitation is meaningful, the people matter, and part of us truly wants to say yes.

What happens when our desire and our capacity don’t match? When we can technically make it work… but at a cost?

Through honest stories (including one very long stretch of highway driving), we unpack the emotional weight of overcommitting, the guilt that can follow a boundary, and the quiet strength it takes to choose sustainability over approval. This conversation is about self-trust, integrity, and learning to honor our limits before burnout makes the decision for us.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The difference between “I can” and “I have the capacity.”
• Why saying no often feels like letting someone down.
• The hidden cost of overcommitment.
• Capacity is not a reflection of character.
• Listening to exhaustion as information, not weakness.
• Why sustainable living requires honest boundaries.
• Every “yes” carries a cost — sometimes that cost is you.

Memorable Lines

• “Just because I can make it work doesn’t mean it’s wise.”
• “Capacity is not character.”
• “Exhaustion is information.”
• “Every yes costs something.”
• “Sometimes the bravest choice is staying home.”

Challenge for the Week

Before you automatically say yes to the next request, pause and ask yourself:

• Do I want to do this — or do I feel I should?
• What will this yes cost me?
• If I say no, what am I protecting?

Practice one intentional pause this week. Even if you still choose yes, let it be a conscious one.

What started as an idea that felt “supposed to be easy” has turned into something deeper: a space for honest conversation, imperfect learning, and meaningful connection. In this episode, we name the themes that kept surfacing again and again, and share what happens when you’re willing to press record, even when you don’t have the whole path figured out.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Connection is built through intention, not ease
• Joy is something you practice, not something you wait for
• Growth often begins with letting go
• Confidence is built in motion, not certainty
• Being heard is sometimes more powerful than being fixed
• Seasons matter, rest, pauses, and timing all have value
• You don’t need the whole plan to start, just the willingness to begin
• Consistency builds trust, even when things aren’t perfect
• Creating something public is vulnerable, and worth it
• Impact isn’t always loud, but it is real

Memorable Lines

• “Connection is built through intention, not ease.” -  Amy
• “Letting go can be just as loving as holding on.” -  Cheryl
• “Confidence is built in motion, not certainty.” -  Amy
• “Being heard is sometimes more powerful than being fixed.” -  Amy
• “The meaningful things rarely are easy, but they’re worth showing up for anyway.” -Cheryl

A Challenge for the Week

Take a few quiet minutes and ask yourself:

• What season am I in right now?
• What might I need to let go of, or lean into,  to honor it?
• Where could I take one small step forward, even without certainty?

No fixing. No rushing. Just noticing.

Additional Notes

This episode is a thank-you,  to each other, and to you. Whether you’ve been here since Episode 1 or just found us recently, we’re so glad you’re part of this community. Here’s to the next 50 conversations.

Ways to Connect

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

Key Topics and Takeaways

• Hope vs. Optimism (and why it’s not toxic positivity): Hope doesn’t ignore hard things—it acknowledges reality and believes change is possible.
• Hope is buildable: You’re not either “born hopeful” or not. Hope can be practiced and strengthened over time through small, intentional shifts.
• Mindset + action: Hope isn’t passive wishing. It includes agency (“I have influence”) and pathways (finding a route forward)—a nod to Snyder’s Hope Theory and VIA Character Strengths.
• How to “train your attention” toward hope: Curating what you consume (news, social media, “good news” accounts) and noticing kindness in everyday moments can restore perspective.
• Boundaries are part of hope: Being hopeful doesn’t mean giving everyone access to you. Protecting your mental health can be a hopeful act.
• Hope and grief can coexist: Amy names the difference between hoping and wishing—how “wishing things were different” can activate grief, and how hope can live alongside grieving what was or what could have been.
• Micro-practices that cultivate hope:
  • “Two good things” noticing (acts of kindness, small goodness)
  • Hope journaling (future-oriented reflection + next steps)
  • Turning hope into a SMART goal (one small step counts)
  • Having multiple pathways ready (Plan A, B, C)
  • Leaning on hopeful people—hope grows when shared

Memorable Lines

• “True optimism, true hope, is actually grounded in action.”
• “Hope is mindset plus action together.”
• “It’s not blinders… it helps to see the good things that are also happening.”
• “One of the ways for me to remain hopeful is to be aware of what I need to be hopeful… and it doesn’t mean everyone gets access to me.”
• “I wish you peace… I hope you find comfort… I hope you meet your goals in a way that doesn’t cause harm to other people.”
• “I’m going to grieve the loss of what was… and hope for the best.”
• “There’s so much hope inside the seed.”
• “Hope grows when it’s shared with others.”

This Week’s Gentle Challenge

Try a “Hope Practice” for several days—small on purpose. Choose one:

1. Two Glimpses of Good Each day, notice two moments of kindness, humor, or decency (tiny counts). Write them down or text them to someone.
2. Hope Journaling (5 minutes) Answer: What’s one thing I’m looking forward to? Then: What’s one baby step I can take this week? Bonus: Write two alternate pathways in case your first plan doesn’t work.
3. Plant a Seed (literal or metaphorical) Do one small future-facing action that says: I believe something good can grow here. Order seeds. Start a file. Send the email. Make the appointment. Take the walk.

And if you’re willing: share your hope practice with Cheryl and Amy—your story might become someone else’s “crumb” of hope this week.

Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and cited research summaries; it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

In this episode, Amy and Cheryl unpack why so many capable, thoughtful people are hesitant to step into leadership roles right now. Through honest reflection, real-world examples, and a post-COVID lens, they explore how leadership has changed, why it feels heavier than it used to, and what organizations (and individuals) might need to rethink if they want leadership to feel sustainable, and worth it, again.

This conversation isn’t about convincing anyone to lead. It’s about understanding what leadership actually costs today, what support is missing, and how we might redesign leadership in ways that feel human.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Why does leadership no longer feel like an obvious or attractive next step for many people
• How COVID, burnout, and constant change reshaped expectations of leaders
• The emotional and invisible labor that often comes with leadership roles
• Why boundaries, clarity, and support matter more than ever
• The difference between being good at your job and wanting to manage people
• How organizations unintentionally push strong contributors away from leadership
• Rethinking leadership as a choice, not an obligation

Memorable Lines

• “Leadership used to feel like growth, now it often feels like weight.”  - Amy
• “We tell people they should want leadership, but we don’t always tell the truth about what it requires.” - Cheryl
• “Not wanting leadership doesn’t mean you lack ambition.”  - Amy
• “Support isn’t a perk, it’s the infrastructure leadership needs to survive.” - Cheryl

This Week’s Gentle Challenge

Take a few minutes to reflect on your own relationship with leadership:

• What parts of leadership appeal to you?
• What parts give you pause?
• If leadership felt more supported, more bounded, or more human, would your answer change?

There’s no right response here. Curiosity is the goal.

Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and cited research summaries; it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Together, they explore how clutter isn’t just about “stuff,” but about habits, unfinished business, mental noise, and the weight of all the things we keep meaning to do. Amy reflects on the tension between being a collector of meaningful materials and recognizing when something no longer serves her current work or life. Cheryl offers solidarity, not expertise—sharing her own struggles with letting go of notebooks, curricula, and “just in case” resources from years past.

As the conversation unfolds, the focus widens from physical space to headspace, and finally to time. What happens when we stop carrying unfinished tasks around in our minds? How much energy is lost to reminders we haven’t acted on yet? And what might shift if we dealt with the small things instead of letting them pile up—on our desks and in our thoughts?

This episode marks the beginning of an eight-week shared experiment. Amy and Cheryl invite listeners to join them in choosing one habit, one space, or one pattern to gently work on—together, imperfectly, and with curiosity.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• How physical clutter directly impacts mental clarity
• The difference between “new you” and new habits
• Why buying organizing tools isn’t the same as using them
• Letting go of materials tied to old roles, certifications, or identities
• The mental weight of unfinished business (and why it matters)
• Organization as a form of self-support, not self-improvement
• How clarity can change our experience of time—even when schedules stay full
• Using accountability and shared reflection to support sustainable change

Memorable Lines

• “I physically feel less scattered in my brain because my space is a little less cluttered.”
• “It’s not a new me. It’s new habits.”
• “My space feels muffled—like a room full of people talking.”
• “The weight of unfinished business is very significant.”
• “I’m really good at creating a beautiful space. I’m terrible at keeping it that way.”

A Gentle Challenge for Listeners

Choose one space—a desk, a drawer, a bag, or even a digital folder—and try this:

1. Make two piles:

• This has fully lived its life
• This might still have a purpose (I’ll decide later)

You’re invited to stick with this for the next eight weeks, checking in with yourself (and with us) along the way.

Resources & References Mentioned

• Change management and behavior change theory
• Dr. Katy Milkman’s work on habit formation and change
• Marie Kondo’s approach to decluttering (informally referenced)
• Use of digital tools (including ChatGPT and search) as alternatives to holding onto physical materials
• Full-spectrum light therapy and the impact of winter on mood and focus

In this episode, Amy and Cheryl slow things down and talk honestly about what it feels like to re-enter life after a break. Instead of chasing a total reset, they explore a gentler question: What if we kept the things that are already working and let them lead the way?

This conversation is about resisting urgency, noticing what’s steady, and choosing intention over overhaul as we step into a new year.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The overwhelming “fix everything” energy that often shows up in January
• Why constant self-improvement can crowd out reflection and rest
• The difference between resetting and re-entering
• How small, already working habits can act as amplifiers for more
• Letting lived experience, not social pressure, guide next steps
• Permission to move into the new year without a full life overhaul

Memorable Lines

• Amy: “It feels like everywhere you look; someone is telling you what needs to be fixed.”
• Cheryl: “I don’t know that I was ready to jump back in at full speed.”
• Amy: “Maybe we don’t need to start over maybe we need to notice what’s already holding.”
• Cheryl: “What if keeping what works is the work?”

A Challenge for the Week

Instead of asking “What do I need to change?”, try this:

• Name three things that are already working in your life or routines
• Ask yourself how you might protect or gently expand one of them
• Let that be enough for now

No overhaul required.

Additional Resources & Gentle References

• The concept of “re-entry” vs. “reset” after rest or time away
• Reflection practices that focus on continuity instead of reinvention
• Conversations about seasonal energy, pacing, and sustainability

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Along the way, the two reflect on what it means to stop waiting for something to feel “easy” before you do it—whether that’s planning a trip, pursuing a big goal, or simply giving yourself an unscheduled day to breathe.

• Why New Zealand was a “trying something new” moment Amy shares how New Zealand has called to her since 2018, when she first encountered early childhood research connected to the country, and how that dream never fully went away.
• The reality of travel vs. the story we tell ourselves about it Amy admits she expected entering the country to feel intimidating, but it ended up being far simpler than she imagined, especially with English (and Māori) visible everywhere.
• The “getting there” part was easier than expected… the coming home part was not Amy describes the different emotional/physical experience of the long travel days and how adrenaline, planning tools, and listener tips helped.
• Tiny culture surprises that reminded her: you’re not in the U.S. From walking patterns in stores (left vs. right) to the surprising reality of no iced tea and very little ice, Amy shares the small moments that made the experience feel real.
• Expectation shifts: childcare center visits + the train ride that didn’t happen Amy talks about really wanting to visit early childhood programs, but running into practical barriers (including the inability to call local numbers). She also describes deciding not to take a 10-hour train trip for a one-hour stop and how that became a “next time” plan instead of a disappointment.
• Letting go of “I should be doing more” One of the biggest takeaways: giving herself permission to rest even in another country without guilt.
• Strengths in action: learning as a travel compass Amy notices how her “learning” strength shaped her solo days—libraries, museums, cultural experiences, and conversations with locals.
• Don’t wait for it to feel easy — make it possible Amy shares a practical mindset shift: prioritize what matters by investing money, time, energy, and planning in small ways over time.

• “New Zealand specifically… kind of calls to me.” — Amy
• “Don’t… wait for it to just magically happen, or feel easy.” — Cheryl
• “In making it possible, it felt easy on the other side.” — Amy

Choose one thing you’ve been “waiting to feel easy” before you do it and take one step to make it possible instead.

Here are a few easy-to-try options (pick one):

• Make a tiny “future me” fund (even $5/week) for something you want to do.
• Cancel one subscription and redirect that money toward your goal.
• Spend 20 minutes researching the thing (watch one vlog, read one thread, save one article).
• Plan one unscheduled block of time this week,no list, no errands, no productivity pressure. Just be.

Then ask yourself: What changed in my body when I stopped waiting for easy and started choosing possible?

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

This episode feels like a cozy “book club meets reflection circle,” full of laughter (including orange peels that are not pizza), gentle wisdom, and questions you can take with you into the rest of the year.

Guest introduction

Dr. JoDell Heroux returns with her signature blend of insight, honesty, and heart, sharing what it looks like to live in your values, make space for creativity, and reject the pressure to always be productive.

Dr. Holly Hoffman brings her joyful, connection-first energy and reminds us that meaningful relationships can be found everywhere, even on a flight when you didn’t pay to pick your seats.

Key topics and takeaways

• A question to start your year: What’s something new you want to learn or try in 2026?
• Creativity as care: JoDell shares how doodling became a mindfulness practice, and how giving yourself permission to create (without producing) can unlock new energy and ideas.
• The power of “unproductive” moments: Quiet drives, clay play, doodles, rest… and how those things can make us more connected and more present.
• Travel dreams and “homebody eras”: New Zealand kindness foundations, Sweden/Finland/Estonia adventures, Ireland and Scotland dreams, and the very real joy of staying home with your dogs.
• Reflection across the year: What are you proud of from 2025, and what do you hope you’ll be proud of when 2026 ends?
• Values in action: Living in alignment with your core values can create contentment, clarity, and a deeper sense of balance.
• How do you want others to feel after interacting with you? The group shares intentions like valued, important, authentic, and truly connected.

Memorable lines (quotes)

• “The more we take time to be what we would consider unproductive, the more productive we end up being.”-JoDell
• “I want people to feel valued… like their time, their brilliance, their person was valued.”- JoDell
• “I want them to know that they’re important… their ideas, their presence is important.”- Holly
• “Somebody in my presence would feel like they could be exactly who they are, and that that’s okay.”- Amy
• “How can I bring time back in and offer it to others?”- Cheryl

A challenge for the week

Pick one question from this episode and write your answer down, no overthinking, just honesty.

Try one of these:

1. What’s something new you want to learn or try this year?
2. Where is somewhere new (or different) you’d like to go, or how do you want to experience “home” differently?
3. What do you want to be proud of when this year ends?
4. How do you want people to feel after interacting with you?

Bonus: share your answer with someone you trust, or with us.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

Stay curious, stay connected, and keep wondering.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Why traditional New Year’s resolutions often create pressure, guilt, and burnout
• The concept of wintering as a season for reflection, rest, and gentle dreaming
• Using bingo cards, vision boards, or wishes as flexible intention-setting tools
• How breaking goals into “baby steps” can support motivation and self-compassion
• Letting intentions stay open-ended so they can grow in unexpected ways
• Challenging all-or-nothing thinking (full wins, half wins, and hearts count too)
• Creating categories for intentions (rest, relationships, personal growth, energy)
• The importance of curiosity when comparing how others approach goals
• Making space for quiet—silence, slowness, and reflection—as a form of care
• Moving forward without speed, urgency, or a perfect master plan

Memorable Lines & Quotes

• “Moving forward doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.”
• “Permission to be human gives us permission to show up less than perfect.”
• “What if we thought about direction without the speed… yet?”
• “It doesn’t have to be all or nothing—sometimes it’s a half-heart.”
• “Wintering invites us to tend, not push.”
• “Slower movement is still movement.”
• “There have to be seasons where it’s not about becoming more, but becoming truer.”
• “You don’t have to do everything right now.”
• “What do I want to nurture and offer care and attention to?”

Resources & Episodes Mentioned

• Episode 42 – Wintering, Rest, and Reflection
  • Referenced multiple times as the foundation for this continued conversation
• VIA Character Strengths Assessment
  • Discussed in relation to love, learning, wisdom, and shifting priorities
• Intention-Setting Tools Referenced
  • Bingo cards (annual or seasonal)
  • Vision boards
  • Wishes rituals
  • Word of the Year practices
• Upcoming Resources
  • Watch our social media for additional details on categories of rest will be shared via social media and the website

Key Topics & Takeaways

• What “wintering” means beyond cozy aesthetics
• The pull between hibernation and ongoing responsibilities
• Reflecting on goals without labeling them as success or failure
• Why bingo cards allow for reflection that SMART goals sometimes don’t
• How intentions can shift as life unfolds
• The importance of rest in creating space for clarity and future direction
• Different types of rest and how to identify what you need right now
• Letting go of internal criticism and practicing grace during reflection

 Memorable Lines

• Amy: “Creating some time and some space to not have to produce as much.”
• Cheryl: “You don’t know what you don’t know.”
• Amy: “I don’t think I failed. I think I reprioritized my time, effort, energy, and resources.
• Amy: “When I rest, it gives my brain the space to reflect.”

This Week’s Gentle Challenge

As you listen, ask yourself:

What type of rest do I need right now?

Is it:

• Intellectual rest
• Emotional rest
• Sensory rest
• Social rest
• Physical rest
• Spiritual rest
• Mental rest

Choose one area and give yourself permission to lean into it, without guilt, productivity pressure, or needing it to lead somewhere yet. We will be posting ideas for each on our Social Media and website!

 Additional Resources

• Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
• Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months by Emma Mitchell
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Key topics and takeaways

• Why holiday music is so powerful: it connects to our senses and makes memories more vivid (and more retrievable later).
• Nostalgia playlists: childhood albums, record players, and the songs that instantly bring you back.
• When is it “allowed” to start holiday music? November 1st, day-after-Thanksgiving traditions… and yes, even August (no judgment… mostly).
• Holiday decorating as a whole experience: music, rituals, themed trees, and making the work feel worth it.
• The “new music vs. traditions” debate: keeping favorites sacred while still letting new songs earn a place in your holiday story.
• Holiday concerts & events: Nutcracker, orchestral shows, jazzy Christmas, Mannheim Steamroller, and dream events like Trans-Siberian Orchestra and candlelight concerts.
• Holiday movies as mood-setters: from classics like Elf and Home Alone to cozy, predictable Hallmark/streaming movies you can wrap gifts too.
• Songs you love… and songs you cannot: the funny (and emotional) stories behind the “skip it immediately” list.
• Listener invitation: share your favorite winter-holiday songs, especially from holidays and traditions beyond the ones Amy and Cheryl grew up with, so we can build a community playlist.

Memorable lines

• “One of my favorite things about the holidays… is music.”- Amy
• “What makes Christmas special to me is that it’s a finite amount of time.”- Amy
• “We are saturated in Christmas music.”- Amy
• “It’s important to me to be in that top 0.5% of listeners…”- Cheryl
• “You’re not watching it because you’re like, ‘What’s gonna happen next?’ You’re watching it because it’s sweet and mindless.”- Amy

• “Those times that our senses are engaged, those are those moments when we might remember a moment.” - Cheryl
• “I would love for our listeners to share some of their favorites.” - Cheryl

A challenge for the week

Pick one memory you want to strengthen this season and pair it with a song on purpose.

• Choose a “signature song” for decorating, baking, driving, or wrapping gifts.
• Play it every time you do that activity.
• Notice how quickly your brain starts linking the music with the feeling.

Bonus: add one new-to-you holiday song to your rotation and see if it earns a permanent spot.

Additional resources or links

• The Art of Making Memories (book mentioned by Cheryl)
• We’ll be creating a Winter Holiday Playlist, and we want your favorites!

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

The holidays are supposed to feel magical, connected, and full of ease, but often they come with pressure, unspoken expectations, emotional landmines, and complicated relationships. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl take a heartfelt and humorous look at psychological safety during the holiday season and all the ways it can be challenged. They unpack why the dynamics we grew up with can impact how safe (or unsafe) we feel now, how to recognize when your nervous system is signaling danger, and how to create moments of emotional safety for yourself and the people you love.

Blending research from Amy Edmondson, Brené Brown, and the broader psychological safety literature with lived experience, this conversation offers real talk, permission to breathe, and gentle strategies for navigating family, traditions, and triggers, without losing yourself.

Key Topics & Takeaways

1. The Myth of “Holiday Ease”

• Many adults carry the belief that holidays should feel joyful and effortless.
• The pressure to host perfectly, avoid conflict, or keep the peace often leads to emotional overload.
• Psychological safety allows people to show up authentically, but holidays often highlight the places where authenticity feels risky.

2. Psychological Safety in Family Systems

• Family is the first place we learn what is safe or unsafe.
• Old patterns, roles, and expectations often resurface during holidays because those early relational imprints are activated.
• You may regress into “younger you” versions of yourself around certain relatives.

3. Navigating Triggers & Emotional Overload

• Holidays can amplify comparison, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and resentment.
• Your body often responds before your brain increases heart rate, irritability, shutting down, or over-functioning.
• Recognizing the signs early can help you intervene with self-kindness.

4. Boundaries & Psychological Safety

• You are allowed to say no.
• You are allowed to leave early.
• You are allowed to create new traditions.
• Safety is built through clarity, consistency, and communication not through avoiding discomfort.

5. Trust, Repair, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

• Brené Brown’s framework of trust as a set of small behaviors (BRAVING) applies strongly to holiday dynamics.
• When trust has been ruptured in relationships, psychological safety will be fragile.
• Repairing, when possible, requires honesty, empathy, and accountability.

6. Rewriting Holiday Narratives

• You don’t have to repeat the same patterns you grew up with.
• You can choose what “holiday safety” looks like for your adult self.
• Traditions that drain you can be retired; traditions that nourish you can be expanded.

Memorable Lines

During a moment of reflection on holiday interactions and relational rupture, Amy shares:

Amy: “That does not feel good. I do not trust that I can be myself around you for whatever reason.”

As Cheryl reflects on what it feels like to prepare for family or community events, she names something deeply relatable about the anticipation we often carry into holiday spaces:

Cheryl: “Those moments will exist where we don’t feel safe to be our true authentic self.”

A Challenge for the Week

Choose one moment this holiday season to intentionally create psychological safety, for yourself or someone else.

Options include:

• Setting a small boundary (leaving early, saying no, simplifying plans)
• Practicing a self-regulation strategy before a gathering
• Naming what you need (“I want this year to feel calm, not perfect.”)
• Offering someone else a safety cue (“You’re not alone; I’ve got you.”)
• Changing or skipping a tradition that no longer aligns with who you are

Pick one. Make it doable. Let it shift your holiday experience.

Additional Resources

• Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety
• Brené Brown’s BRAVING framework
• Diary of a CEO interview with Brené Brown (Trust & Emotional Literacy)
• Polyvagal theory basics (safety cues & nervous system responses)
• Tools for emotion regulation and boundary-setting
• Links to your previous episodes on authenticity, belonging, and leadership (optional)

 References

Edmondson, A. C. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. https://doi.org/10.2307/2666999

Edmondson, A. C., & Lei, Z. (2014). Psychological safety: The history, renaissance, and future of an interpersonal construct. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 23–43. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031413-091305

Brown, B. (2018). BRAVING: The anatomy of trust. In Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts. Random House.

Note: The BRAVING framework originates from Brown’s talks and writing and is most formally published in Dare to Lead. If you want to cite a specific podcast explanation, see below.

Brown, B. (Guest). (2023). Diary of a CEO: Discussing trust, boundaries, and emotional honesty [Audio podcast episode]. In S. Bartlett (Host), The Diary of a CEO.

With personal anecdotes and gentle wisdom, this episode invites listeners to reconsider the way we approach gift-giving and maybe release a little pressure in the process.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The emotional weight behind gift-giving Giving a gift isn’t always a simple transaction, it can bring up feelings of obligation, identity, or wanting to be understood.
• Letting go of control once the gift is given A gift doesn’t come with rules. Once it’s given, it belongs to the other person, even if they use it differently than you imagined.
• The invisible “meaning” we attach to objects Many of us unintentionally project hopes, expectations, or interpretations onto the gifts we give.
• Why generosity is often tied to self-worth How we give can reveal what we believe about ourselves, our relationships, and what we’re trying to communicate.
• The tension between intention and interpretation Just because a giver sees a gift one way doesn’t mean the receiver will experience it that way, and that’s okay.
• Releasing the pressure to make every gift perfect Gift-giving is about connection, not performance. Imperfection is part of the beauty.
• Permission to make gifting simpler Gifts can be joyful, thoughtful, small, practical, or even easy, if we let them be.

 Memorable Lines

• “Once you give a gift, it’s no longer yours to manage. That’s the whole point, the letting go is part of the gift.”
• “It’s wild how we attach all these emotions to objects, like the gift is holding the relationship.”
• “I didn’t realize I had expectations until I saw them not being met. Then I thought, oh… maybe this is my stuff to unpack.”
• “Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones that mean the most, because they’re given without an agenda.”
• “If the gift becomes a burden to them, that doesn’t mean your intention was wrong. It means they get to choose what they need.”

Challenge for the Week

Give a gift (big or small) with absolutely no expectations attached. Try this:

• Choose something simple or meaningful.
• Give it freely, without overthinking.
• Don’t monitor how it’s used.
• Let the gift go, emotionally and practically.

Notice how the experience changes when you detach from the outcome.

Ways to Connect

• Website: https://supoposedtobeeasy.com/
• Our Podcast Home: http.//supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcast |Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio 
• Social media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Thankfulness as a lifestyle rather than a seasonal practice
• How gratitude expands when shared with family, friends, coworkers, and community
• The impact of intentionally looking for the good
• Creative ideas for “Gratitude Games” that bring playfulness into the practice
• How gamification can boost motivation and awareness
• Using nature, art, and simple materials to create shared gratitude rituals
• Revisiting past gratitude to see growth and continuity over time
• Building community bonding through activities that recognize each other’s strengths

Gratitude Game Ideas Mentioned

• Gratitude Walks / Gratitude I-Spy Hikes
• Gratitude Tree
• DIY Branch Gratitude Tree
• Gratitude Paper Chain
• Gratitude Bingo
• Gratitude Pictionary
• Pass-Around Keepsake Object
• Pottery or Creative Keepsakes

Memorable Lines & Quotes

• “Thankfulness as a lifestyle… that is the launching pad for this conversation.”
• “How can we look for and think about spreading gratitude into our greater community?”
• “When we can make a game out of it—especially with other people—it connects us and helps us see things we didn’t realize we were grateful for.”
• “You don’t need the tree from Target. Grab a fallen branch and build gratitude right into your space.”
• “Any concrete item made by your community becomes a meaningful reminder that even in tough seasons, there is still joy.”

Challenge

Join the Conversation! Have you enjoyed a group or community gratitude game or practice? We’d love to hear about it! If not, which one are you willing to try this week and who are you going to try it with?

Give one of our gratitude games a try and let us know how it goes!

Resources, Apps & Past Episodes Mentioned

• 99 Walks App An app Cheryl used to gamify walking by setting goals and earning bracelets as rewards. (no longer in operation)
• Episode 34 Referenced: We Thought Noticing the Good Was Supposed to be Easy

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Key topics & takeaways

• Why “the day on the calendar” doesn’t have to rule your plans
• Swapping obligation for flexibility (and sanity)
• Thanksgiving reimagined: restaurants, leftovers, and low-lift joy
• Christmas Day at home: open-door, pajamas, and appetizers all day
• New traditions: Christmas Eve movies, turkey trots, Black Friday sister dates
• Making room for teens/partners/in-laws, and for people who’d otherwise be alone
• The magic question: “What’s the one thing that makes it feel like the holidays for you?”

Moments we loved

• “Control is expensive, presence is richer.”
• “It’s not the number on the calendar; it’s the people in the room.”
• “Our garage becomes the auxiliary fridge. #Michigan”

Challenge for the week

• The One-Thing List: Ask each person, “What one activity/food makes it feel like the holidays?” Prioritize those, skip the rest.
• Pajama Open House: Appetizers all day, drop-in welcome, no formal meal.
• Date Drift: Celebrate with extended family on the nearest low-stress weekend.
• Outsource Thanksgiving: Book a restaurant/hotel buffet; play games afterward.
• Anchor & Float: Choose one anchored tradition (e.g., Christmas Eve movie) and let everything else float year to year.

Shout-outs mentioned

• Turkey trot (walkers welcome)
• Christmas Eve movie + Chinese takeout tradition
• Matching family pajamas (dog bandana optional… or not)

Note: While we talk about our own family holidays and traditions, we know that it does not fully represent all that people celebrate. Please help us learn more about the holidays that you celebrate and the traditions that you share!

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 

• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/

• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio

• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Fresh off a “Joyful Leadership” workshop, Amy and Cheryl dig into the quiet engine behind joy and happiness: trust. They unpack how trust (or the lack of it) shows up at work, in partnerships, parenting, even in how we talk to ourselves. Expect real stats, relatable stories (hello, micromanaging), and practical ways to build, rebuild, and protect trust without burning out.

Key topics & takeaways

• Trust turbocharges wellbeing & results. In high-trust environments: 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, 106% more energy, 76% more engagement, 40% less burnout, and 13% fewer sick days (stats cited in episode from workplace happiness research).
• Micromanaging = “I don’t trust you.” Surveillance, keystroke tracking, or over-prescribing the “how” erodes autonomy and joy, and people either disengage or leave.
• Parallel at home: Treat partners as partners (not “babysitters”). Let different but safe approaches stand; over-functioning is exhausting and signals mistrust.
• Teens & trust: Pushback is developmentally normal; assume capability, set clear boundaries, and notice where cultural scripts (“you can’t trust teens”) bias your lens.
• Repair beats rumination. One breach can outweigh many positives. Own it fast, name impact, and map concrete repair steps; rebuilding takes repeated trustworthy moments.
• Five ways to build trust (daily):

1. Be honest (including “I don’t know”).
2. Listen with empathy before solving.
3. Give it time, trust accrues through consistency.
4. Invest in relationships/belonging (create chances to know one another).
5. Hold clean boundaries so your yes stays a yes (say no to over-commitment).

Memorable lines

• “Control is expensive, at work and in relationships.”
• “I’m not micromanaging; I’m guaranteeing the outcome… is still micromanaging.”
• “Boundaries make presence possible.”
• “Before you spiral, verify: ‘The story I’m telling myself is…’”

Challenge for the week

Pick one trust move and do it twice:

• Work: Delegate outcome, not method. Ask, “What do you need from me to succeed?” then step back.
• Home: Let a partner handle a routine their way (safety first); say thank you, not “next time do it like…”.
• Self: When a fear-story pops up, text or tell the person: “Hey,quick check. The story I’m telling myself is ____. Is that accurate?”

Additional resources / links

• Referenced research & ideas:
  • Meik Wiking’s work on happiness (incl. workplace studies)
  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni (trust as the base layer)
  • Brené Brown & Adam Grant on values alignment and repair (podcast conversations)
• Related episodes: Ep.27 Delegation (for anti-micromanaging tactics); Ep 3, 17, 34 Joyful Leadership series

Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and cited research summaries; it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

Connect with us

• Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ 

• Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/

• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio

• Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy

We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

Guest introduction

Shannon (“SayItShay05” on TikTok)

• Mom to a 10-year-old
• Legally divorced in 2022; separation and full boundary-setting journey in 2023
• Shares parts of her story (emotional/financial abuse, rebuilding, and co-parenting strategies) on TikTok: @SayItShay05

Key topics & takeaways

• Start with safety + assets. First moves: change locks, secure personal/financial accounts, and consult legal/estate planning support.
• Custody: ask for everything (then scale back if needed). Spell out specifics you’ll actually enforce: travel permissions, holiday splits, pickup logistics, sleeping arrangements/privacy, medical/education communication, and use of a parenting app.
• Know your context better than anyone. Bring cultural/legal nuances to your attorney (e.g., international travel/return risks) and insist they’re written into orders.
• Parallel parenting over constant conflict. Different houses, different rules—opt out of fights that don’t improve your child’s wellbeing.
• Put communication in one place. A parenting app (e.g., Our Family Wizard) time-stamps messages/expenses, reduces triggers, and creates a clean record for court if needed.
• Enforcement matters. Wage garnishment and state enforcement can reduce missed child-support payments and remove you from the reminder/chasing role.
• Boundaries save energy later. Holding the line early made medical-crisis coordination possible later—without emotional fallout.
• Self-care is strategy, not fluff. Therapy, walks, gardening, and small, finishable projects (hello, DIY patio) helped Shannon think clearly and heal.
• Coach the kid without poisoning the well. Be honest at their level, avoid disparagement, and teach skills for spotting/managing gaslighting.
• Find your allies. Build a loop of friends/family/professionals who won’t judge and can help you take the next right step.

Memorable lines

• “Ask for everything now and give back later—don’t forget to ask for something you’ll need.”
• “The app holds everyone accountable— including me.”
• “I’m not his secretary anymore.”
• “Boundaries up front saved us from conflict when things got hard.”
• “Don’t eat the elephant—one scoop at a time.”

Challenge for the week

If this speaks to you, pick one boundary or system you can implement (or tighten) this week. Options:

• Move all co-parent comms to a parenting app and stop texting elsewhere.
• Draft the specific custody clause you wish you had (sleeping arrangements, holiday rotation, pickup rules) and share it with your attorney for next steps.
• Set a personal de-trigger routine (e.g., read messages at set times only; take a 10-minute walk before replying).

Additional resources / links

• Shannon on TikTok: @SayItShay05
• Parenting app mentioned: Our Family Wizard
• Creator referenced: Ugly Truth of Co-Parenting (parallel parenting)
• Related episode: Our finances episode with Jeremy (for post-divorce money moves)

Note: This episode reflects personal experiences, not legal advice. Laws vary by state/country—consult a qualified attorney for your situation.

Connect with us

• Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
• Follow & share your takeaways: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy@

Key topics & takeaways

• Warm open: Girls’ trip vs. destination wedding at home (Mackinac!) and Michigan’s wild weather mood swings.
• RAS, in plain English: A brainstem network that filters sensory input, letting through what’s urgent or important and muting the rest.
• Top-down training: You can influence your RAS by setting intentions and goals (what you want to notice) so it highlights more of that.
• Leadership lens: Beware confirmation bias, leaders tend to find evidence for what they already believe about their teams. Choose better default beliefs and you’ll notice more of the behaviors you want to reinforce.
• Algorithm analogy: Your attention works a lot like TikTok’s feed. Engage with something, and you’ll get more of it, for better or worse.
• Joy is not toxic positivity: This is not glitter over hard things. It’s using neuroplasticity intentionally to notice genuine goodness alongside reality.
• Simple practices that work:
  • Daily or weekly gratitude reps (e.g., 3 things and why they mattered).
  • Photo-log your symbol (hearts, Blue Jays, a color you love).
  • Start meetings with “What’s going great?” to shift the room’s state.
• Stories that stick: Bronco Sport “Happy Blue,” heart-shaped clouds, Blue Jays as messages, and how one negative icebreaker can tank a meeting.

Memorable lines

• “Our brains are wired to find what we’re looking for”, Cheryl
• “It’s fortunate we can train our RAS easier than we can train our algorithm”, Cheryl
• “We tune in to what we want to see”, Amy
• “This isn’t fake glitter over hard things”, Cheryl
• “Ask, what’s going great? and watch the energy change”, Cheryl
• “All the stuff is still happening, we’re just choosing where to focus”, Amy

Challenge for the week

Find Your Signal (7-Day Mini-Experiment)

1. Pick a symbol you’ll look for (hearts, a bird, a color, a word).
2. Snap a photo or jot a note each time you spot it (aim for 10+ finds).
3. Gratitude add-on: Write one sentence on why one find mattered that day.
4. Leadership nudge: Open one meeting with “What’s going great?”
5. Share it: Post your favorite find and tag us so we can cheer you on.

Additional resources or links

• Mel Robbins, The High Five Habit (RAS + a simple daily experiment)

Ways to connect

If this episode sparked something for you:

• Follow/Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
• Rate & Review, it helps new listeners find the show.
• Say hi on social (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and share what you’re noticing, tag us so we can celebrate with you!

Episode Description

In Part 2 of our dating series, Amy and Cheryl continue our sit down with Lee, a therapist and widow, who takes us behind the scenes of midlife online dating: the hope, the gut checks, and hard boundaries. We talk about AI-polished profiles, spotting scams, healing after heartbreak, and what it looks like to "choose yourself" first. This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly funny, because sometimes the best way through a rollercoaster is to laugh, take notes, and keep your friends on speed dial.

Guest Introduction

Lee is a licensed counselor and thoughtful truth‑teller who recently spent six months exploring online dating after widowhood. With equal parts compassion and curiosity, she shares both her personal experiences and professional perspective on what helps, and what hurts, when you’re ready to connect again.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• AI & authenticity online: Profiles can read like travel ads, overly polished, tidy “lists of three,” and wording that doesn’t match the person’s real-time messages. Trust the mismatch; it’s data.
• Spotting scams & red flags: Look for formulaic language, over-religious signaling like “seeking a God-fearing woman,” and writing that feels generic or too perfect. Photos are often stolen; the writing is the tell.
• “Choose yourself” first: You can’t genuinely choose a partner until you’ve chosen yourself, liked yourself, backed yourself, and named your non‑negotiables.
• Dating takes work: For Lee, six months of dating across four platforms felt like a part-time job, time-consuming and not cheap. Effort in doesn’t always equal effort back.
• Hold the opposites: Take dating seriously and stay light-hearted. Hope for connection and release attachment to outcomes. Be invested and okay if it’s not forever.
• Boundaries are kindness: Protect your peace fiercely. Clarity about what you want, and what you won’t do, saves time, money, and heartache.
• Resilience after loss: Healing isn’t linear. A painful discovery set Lee back for a while; honesty (with herself and others) helped her recalibrate.
• Where Lee is now: Enjoying a high‑quality connection that’s currently limited by travel and availability, and taking a break from paid apps while life sorts itself out.

Memorable Lines

• “You can’t choose someone else without first choosing yourself.”
• “Dating was a part‑time job for six months.”
• “Protect yourself fiercely. Be on your own side.”
• “A good relationship makes the hard things softer and the good things better.”
• “Can you hold out hope and let go of attachment to an outcome?”
• “Have dinner with your girlfriends and tell them all your crazy stories.”

Connect with Us

If today’s episode landed for you:

• Subscribe & Review on your favorite podcast app
• Share this episode with a friend who’s dipping a toe back into dating.
• Join us on Instagram and Facebook @ThisWasSupposedToBeEasy for weekly prompts and behind‑the‑scenes.

— Amy & Cheryl

In this warm, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Lee to unpack what it’s really like to re-enter the dating world in midlife, after losing a spouse. From grief and menopause to algorithms and questionable selfies, Lee shares the highs, lows, and laugh‑out‑loud moments of navigating online dating while healing. She brings a counselor’s insight and a human heart to every detail, reminding us that finding connection starts with knowing who you are first.

This episode is packed with “aha” reflections, tender truths, and practical advice like how to tell when someone’s profile was clearly written by AI (spoiler: it’s the overuse of lists of three). And as always, Amy and Cheryl bring their mix of humor and heart to the table, making even the awkward parts of dating feel like an act of courage.

Lee is a licensed counselor and thoughtful truth‑teller who recently spent six months exploring online dating after widowhood. With equal parts compassion and curiosity, she shares both her personal experiences and professional perspective on what helps, and what hurts, when you’re ready to connect again.

• Grief meets dating: Lee’s therapist reframed the hurdle: dating wouldn’t be about being “ready,” but about making the loss feel more real and final, and that’s what’s scary.

• A planned re-entry: Lee chose Thanksgiving through New Year’s 2024 to rejoin apps, anticipating a grief wave when clients cancel more often; it happened, she processed it, and emerged ready.

• Apps tested (and what worked): eHarmony, Match, a plus-size–focused app, and OurTime. Best yield: Match and OurTime.

• Profile strategy: Lee intentionally wrote a longer, clearer profile (3–4 short paragraphs), highlighted values, and kept her occupation vague (“mental health services”) to avoid being cast as a fixer.

• Photo ethos: Real, current, no filters. A mix of full-body/close-ups; made-up and no-makeup. She expects the same effort from others.

• The “lazy like” filter: Hundreds of empty likes rolled in. Her stock reply: “Besides my photos, what in my profile made you reach out?” Non-answers = no.

• Safety & judgment cues: She avoids profiles showing young kids’ faces; prefers when faces are obscured for privacy.

• The “real‑life translation” test: If a photo pose/setting would be off‑putting in a real first encounter (gym mirror biceps, urinal selfie, scowling car pic), that’s a pass.

• Quality over quantity: Goal is not mass appeal; it’s alignment. Being “picky” about effort and reciprocity is healthy.

• What the numbers said: She scanned 5,000+ profiles (ages ~41–55) and interacted with <2%. Fewer than ~10% had truly written profiles.

• Algorithms & empty engagement: Many “likes” are to juice visibility; don’t take it personally.

• AI & scams-red flags: Over‑polished, PR‑like prose; repetitive “lists of three”; religiosity tropes (e.g., “God‑fearing woman”); writing voice in chat that doesn’t match the profile because AI wrote it.

• Self-respect first: “You can’t choose someone else until you’ve chosen yourself.” Confidence and effort are non‑negotiable.

• “It’s not about whether you’re ‘ready’ to date. It’s that dating can make the loss feel more real, and that’s what’s frightening.”

• “If someone won’t read two paragraphs, they’re not my person.”

• “A profile is your digital first impression, if the best you can do is a bathroom selfie, that tells me what effort will look like later.”

• “I’m not McDonald’s, ‘billions served’ is not the goal. Alignment is.”

• “You can’t choose someone else without first choosing yourself.”

Try Lee’s Intentional Dating Audit, a playful but powerful exercise to bring mindfulness back to your search for love:

1. Write (or update) your profile to include: values, how you spend time, what reciprocity looks like. Aim for 2–4 short paragraphs.

2. Photo check: 4–6 recent photos, including a full‑body shot and a natural look. Ditch the filters and show your real smile.

3. Set your lazy like reply: “Besides my photos, what in my profile made you reach out?”

4. Define 3 effort cues you require (e.g., a written profile, recent photos, a thoughtful first message).

5. Run the real‑life test on your own photos, and on others’. Would this vibe feel good in person?

• Subscribe and leave a review—it helps others find the show.

• Follow us: Instagram & Facebook — links in episode description.

• Share this episode with a friend who’s re‑entering dating after loss or just needs a laugh and a little courage.

This is Part 1 of 2. In Part 2: the “worst date in human history,” how Lee screens for readiness, and how to spot AI-written profiles in the wild (with examples).

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Covey’s Levels of Listening: ignoring, pretend, selective, attentive, and empathic use awareness to notice (and shift) your current level.
• Selective & Pretend Listening: why we drift, and the hilarious “hook word” story that snaps people back.
• The Power of the Pause: count to three before responding; silence invites depth (and stops hijacking the convo).
• Reflective Practice (without parroting): reflect meaning or emotion so people feel heard and can move on.
• Validation Loop: repeating often means “I’m not sure you heard me.” Reflect to break the loop.
• Nonverbals Speak Loudly: tone, pace, eye contact, posture listen to the spoken and unspoken.
• Ask Open-Ended, Invitation Questions: “What was that like for you?” “Tell me more…” and then actually listen.
• Designing for Joy & Curiosity: in families, teams, and trainings, listen for what’s said and unsaid to create autonomy and engagement.
• Relationships First: better listening → better connection.

Memorable Lines

• “Maybe more awareness will help me notice when I’m in a level I don’t want to be in.” – Cheryl
• “If you ask the question, listen to the answer.” – Amy
• “Reflect the emotion when you can’t reflect the words.” – Amy
• “Silence can be an invitation, not an absence.” – Cheryl (on leaving thinking pauses)
• “When you develop the skill of listening, you’re really improving relationships.” – Amy

Challenge for the Week

Pick one conversation and practice the 3–2–1:

1. Count 3 seconds after they finish.
2. Reflect 2 things you heard (one content, one feeling).
3. Ask 1 open-ended follow-up (“What felt most important about that?”). Notice what changes in them and in you.

Additional Resources or Links

• Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Levels of Listening).
• Brené Brown’s recent podcast conversations with Adam Grant—notice how the pauses are left in to model reflective listening.
• M. Scott Peck quote (from Part One): “Listening is being able to be changed by another person.”

Ways to Connect

Love this series? Share it with a friend who’s practicing better listening.

• Follow: @thiswassupposedtobeeasy (Instagram & Facebook)
• Subscribe & leave a review—tell us how you used the 3–2–1 challenge!

Through personal stories, reflections on ADHD, family dynamics, sarcasm, and even the role of technology, Amy and Cheryl unpack how listening shapes connection, and why it’s harder than we think.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Listening as a skill we can practice and develop.
• How family and cultural backgrounds influence listening styles.
• The difference between hearing and listening.
• Interrupting, cutting off, and the habit of “finishing” someone else’s thoughts.
• The role of distractions (phones, watches, competing priorities).
• Listening with intention: to respond, to learn, or simply to support.
• Why setting boundaries around time can improve listening.
• The trap of listening to fix versus listening to understand.
• Insights from Suzanne Axelsson’s work on.

Memorable Lines

• “Listening is being able to be changed by another person.” – M. Scott Peck
• “Hearing and listening are not the same thing. Hearing is vibration on your eardrum. Listening is doing something with it.” – Amy
• “Sometimes we need the courage to keep our mouths shut, even if we have opinions.” – Cheryl
• “Am I speaking to hear myself speak, or am I speaking because I have value to add?” – Amy

Challenge for the Week

This week, notice the why behind your listening. Are you listening to respond? To fix? To connect? Try pausing and asking yourself:

• Do I need to add something here, or would silence serve better?
• What does the other person really need from me in this moment?

Additional Resources

• Suzanne Axelsson’s The Original Learning Approach (chapter on Listening)
• Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (levels of listening).

Stay Connected

If this episode made you think differently about listening, don’t miss Part Two coming soon!

• Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @thiswassupposedtobeeasy
• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
• Leave us a review-we’d love to hear how you are practicing listening in your own life.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Start with comfort to try something new: Pick conditions (people, place, amenities) that make you excited, not overwhelmed.
• Environment matters: Design, small touches, and thoughtful amenities can flip a maybe into a yes.
• Nostalgia as a bridge: Keep the cozy parts (fires, walks with flashlights, coffee chats) while removing deal-breakers (cold, long bathroom treks).
• Reframe “inconveniences”: When the overall experience is positive, the tiny hassles don’t define the story.
• Baby steps aren’t cheating: Ease into new territory so you can show up as your best self and actually enjoy it.
• Growth through positivity: You don’t have to be in crisis to evolve joyful experiences that create change, too.

Memorable Lines

• “Think about all the little successes, even if it wasn't exactly as you imagined.”-Amy
• “Permission to take a baby step into something new.”-Cheryl
• “We decided that we were going to try things that we have been interested in.”-Cheryl

Challenge

Try one small “glamping-style” upgrade in an area you’ve been curious about:

1. Pick your new thing (something that genuinely appeals to you).
2. Add comfort: choose one or two “luxury” touches that remove your biggest barrier (location, gear, schedule, or a buddy).
3. Invite the right people: do it with someone who makes the experiment feel safe and fun.
4. Name the win: after you try it, identify 2–3 little successes—no matter how small.

Join the Conversation

Let us know what you are actually committed to trying in the very near future. What is the thing, what comforts will you add, and who might you invite to join you? We want all the deets and pics afterwards!

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Silver Birch Resort (Williamsburg, MI) — glamping domes near Traverse City. https://silverbirchmichigan.com/
• Traverse City area — food, fun, and new-thing opportunities. https://www.traversecity.com/

Stay Connected

This Was Supposed to Be Easy with Amy and Cheryl

• Subscribe & Review: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
• Instagram: @supposedtobeeasy
• Facebook: Supposed to be Easy

This episode also touches on cultural norms (pleases/thank‑yous), the risks and rewards of discomfort, and how educators can move beyond forced “I’m sorry” scripts toward authentic repair and connection.

Guest

Suzanne Axelsson (Sweden) - educator, international speaker, play activist, and author of The Original Learning Approach. Suzanne brings an autistic lens to questions of fairness, inclusion, and how communities cultivate genuine kindness.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Kindness ≠ Niceness: Niceness seeks approval; kindness centers well‑being (yours and others) even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Authentic Repair: Replace forced apologies with empathy‑building prompts that invite needs and solutions.
• Play as Practice: Play is the “safe lab” where children rehearse empathy, listening, and self‑regulation without high‑stakes consequences.
• Bravery Matters: Kindness often requires tolerating discomfort and saying firm, caring “no’s.”
• Skills Stack: Listening, patience, curiosity, self‑regulation, and community‑building scaffold kindness over time.
• Culture Counts: Words like “please/thank you” can be niceness scripts; gratitude and care can be expressed beyond language rules.
• Adults Are Learners Too: Give yourself permission to be new; refinement comes from repetition and reflection.

Memorable Lines

"Kindness is rooted in a genuine empathy, understanding, caring for other people, and that we're doing it, because we know it's the right thing." - Suzanne

"Kindness ripples."-Suzanne

"It takes bravery to be kind."-Suzanne

"Are girls taught to be nice more than boys?"-Suzanne

"Democracy has to be lived, not just learned about."-Suzanne

"Play is the safe space where we can practice being kind."-Suzanne

Try‑It‑Now (for educators & parents)

• Swap “Say you’re sorry” with: “I see you’re upset. Is there anything I can do?”
• Debrief conflicts with three questions: What happened? How do they feel? What would help now?
• Build a kindness skills menu: listening, turn‑taking, waiting, asking open questions, checking in.
• Create low‑stakes practice: cooperative games, role‑plays, and rebuilding together after mishaps.

Resources & Links

• Suzanne Axelsson-Substack, social links, and projects (https://suzanneaxelsson.substack.com/)
• Book: The Original Learning Approach (https://www.redleafpress.org/The-Original-Learning-Approach-Weaving-Together-Playing-Learning-and-Teaching-in-Early-Childhood-P2704.aspx)
• Purposeful Gatherings event (https://cherylpriest.com/purposeful-gatherings-in-early-childhood/)
• Study Group: Sweden & Finland (May 2026)-interest form (https://cherylpriest.com/inspiring-places-practices-sweden-finland/)

Connect with Us

• Podcast: This Was Supposed to Be Easy with Amy & Cheryl
• Subscribe/Review: If this episode resonated, leave a rating and share it with a friend.
• Instagram: @supposedtobeeasy
• Facebook: @Supposed to be Easy

Highlights

• Why women, in particular, often struggle with delegation and mental load.
• The common excuses: “It’s faster if I do it myself” and “No one can do it as well as I can.”
• Teaching kids life skills through delegation (laundry, cooking, chores).
• Delegation at work: handing off grading, sharing responsibilities, using AI.
• Avoiding micromanagement and learning to trust the process.
• How genuine recognition of others’ strengths builds trust and connection.

Themes

• Delegation as survival: letting go to reduce burnout.
• Life skills and empowerment: giving others the tools to thrive.
• Redefining success: focusing on outcomes instead of perfection.
• Mental load and fairness: sharing responsibility beyond just tasks.
• Identity and control: questioning why we tie self-worth to “doing it all.”

Listener’s Challenge

Identify one task this week that you could delegate. Ask yourself: Is this something only I can do? Or is this something someone else could take on and even enjoy? Then actually hand it off  whether to a family member, a colleague, or even technology. We’d love to know how it goes!

Ask Yourself Some Questions

1. What tasks drain my energy but could easily be done by someone else?
2. Do I struggle to delegate because I want control, or because I haven’t built trust?
3. How might teaching someone else a skill benefit them in the long run?
4. Am I delegating tasks and the mental load, or am I still carrying the hidden weight?
5. Where am I micromanaging instead of trusting the process?

Key Quotes (Amy & Cheryl)

• “The day I step into adulthood is the day I take 100% responsibility for my actions… including sharing the love.” – Cheryl
• “It will take you longer to explain it once, twice, maybe three times. But then you’re not the one doing it anymore.” – Amy
• “My proud moment was walking into the laundry room and catching my son teaching his younger cousin how to do laundry.” – Cheryl
• “Delegation isn’t a weakness.” – Cheryl
• “Sometimes delegating the mental load is what we really need to do.” – Amy
• “Which matters more; the how or the what? That’s the key to avoiding micromanagement.” – Amy

• Framing Season 2 as “a year of trying new things” together and in community
• Amy’s first passport + New Zealand trip prep (long-haul flight jitters, extra entry requirements and more)
• Cheryl’s courage cue: a possible mini–class reunion and a spring study tour to Sweden & Finland
• A conversation about the different “buckets” of new things that we’ve thought about trying and are getting ready to take action including:
  • Creativity bucket: sugared pansies on a cake, air-dry clay projects, glassblowing ornaments and more
  • Food & drink bucket: pasta and cheesemaking classes, charcuterie, craft mocktails
  • Nature & adventure bucket: boat outings, foraging chanterelles, forest bathing, Michigan outdoors
  • Play & connection bucket: escape rooms, karaoke/trivia, dance, language crash courses
• The core lens for the season: keeping a strength focus, reframing, trying new things of course, and more honest stories about when things aren’t “easy”
• Open invitation to listeners to suggest ideas publicly (social posts) and share experiences in being new at something

• Brave curiosity in community
• Permission to be human (and to say no)
• Creativity as fuel
• Reframing expectations vs. lived experience
• Everyday adventures (local and global)
• Hospitality of stories: learning from novices and experts

Pick one new thing to try in the next few weeks.

1. Choose a category (Creativity, Food/Drink, Nature/Adventure, Play/Connection) or make your own.
2. Define a tiny first step (15–60 minutes, make it low cost or even free).
3. Do it with someone or invite us to try it on your behalf.
4. Share a pic or a 3-sentence reflection on our socials so others can get inspired.

• What’s one thing I’ve been low-key curious about but keep postponing? Why?
• If “brave” were 10% more than I feel today, what tiny step would I take?
• Do I want to hear from beginners trying it for the first time, or from seasoned guides (or both)?
• How will I make this social-who will I invite, and where will I share my story?
• If it isn’t easy at first, how could I reframe the experience, so it still counts as a win?

Key quotes (Amy & Cheryl)

• “We can do it together. We can do it in community, and we can share our stories with each other.” -Cheryl
• “Sprinkling adventure and opening ourselves up to curiosity throughout this upcoming season.” -Cheryl
• “We’ll see how brave I am feeling.” -Amy
• “This is… this is permission to be human, permission to be messy, permission to be brave, and permission to say no sometimes.” -Cheryl
• “Food and drinks, a definite category that draws my attention.” -Cheryl

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Our behind-the-scenes journey—how a nine-month idea became a podcast with over 1.2K downloads.
• Fun listener stats (17 countries strong!) and what that milestone means to us.
• The episodes that surprised us, moved us, and resonated most with you (hint: friendships, strengths, joy, and workplace well-being).
• Heartfelt listener feedback that reminded us why we started.
• Why Fall might be our favorite season (sweaters, nail polish, and pumpkin bread included).
• The importance of taking imperfect action, because waiting until you’re “ready” means you may never start.

Looking ahead:

Season Two is coming NEXT WEEK! We’ll be bringing you more conversations, inspiring guests, and ways for YOU to join in.

We’d love to hear from you, what are some of the things in life that you thought were supposed to be easy, but weren’t? Drop us a note on social media or send us a message, we’re building Season 2 with you in mind.

Thank you for being part of our community. Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all 25, we’re so grateful you’re here. 

Don’t forget to subscribe so you get notified the moment Season Two drops!

We’re diving into the invisible work of mental load, the “good enough” mindset, and why sometimes doing less is the smartest thing you can do. You’ll hear us swap stories about multitasking myths, perimenopause brain shifts, and the small hacks that make a big difference like blocking off mornings, setting boundaries without guilt, and letting people know when you’re off the clock.

Episode Highlights:

• Why to-do lists never really shrink, and that’s okay
• The hidden weight of mental load (and how to lighten it)
• Boundaries without guilt
• Swapping perfection for “good enough”
• Simple tips to make life easier and more joyful

Themes:

• Boundaries & Balance: Protecting your time and energy by saying no to the wrong things so you can say yes to what matters most.
• Mindset Shifts: Reframing productivity, ditching perfectionism, and embracing “good enough” as a win.
• Mental Load Awareness: Recognizing the invisible labor we carry and finding ways to share or minimize it.
• Intentional Living: Making space for rest, joy, and presence instead of chasing endless tasks.

Listener’s Challenge:

This week, pick one task on your to-do list that you can either:

1. Cross off entirely without doing it.
2. Simplify into a smaller, “good enough” version. Then pay attention to how it feels lighter? More manageable? Maybe even joyful?

Ask Yourself:

• What’s one area of my life where I can shift from “perfect” to “good enough”?
• Am I saying yes to things that actually matter to me or just out of habit or obligation?
• What boundaries could I set this week to protect my energy?
• How can I build small moments of rest into my day without guilt?

Key Quotes:

• “The fall kind of starts off a routine again… and I know I’m up at a time that I need to accommodate everyone.” – Amy
• “I’m going into this fall with a do less mindset, and I’m going to let people know ‘do less’ is my motto right now.” – Cheryl
• “You can’t give half of your time, effort, and energy and then be mad that you didn’t get the full reward.” – Amy
• “Let’s take away that benchmark of perfection and replace it with good enough.” – Cheryl
• “Rest is not something you have to earn it’s essential to your well-being.” – Cheryl
• “Whenever you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else.” – Amy
• “Boundaries aren’t bad they’re just the way I choose to live my life.” – Amy

This isn’t about shaming past decisions, it’s about learning and growing together. Whether you’ve had credit card wins, made a few missteps, or you’re just curious about building healthier money habits, this episode invites you to reflect and share your own “credit card confessions.”

This Episode Touches On / Highlights

• Why so many of us lacked early credit card literacy
• The lure of store credit cards and their “bonus” perks
• The reality of minimum payments and lifestyle creep
• Strategies to track spending and avoid late fees
• Reframing credit cards as neutral tools — neither good nor bad
• Tips for building healthier credit habits moving forward

Themes

• Awareness and personal responsibility around spending
• Learning financial habits through trial and error
• Moving from shame to empowerment with money
• Building systems that work with your personality (not against it)

Listener’s Challenge

Track every dollar you spend for a time period. Use a notebook, notes app, or even a shoebox for receipts. At the end of that time, total it up and notice patterns. Where is your money really going, and are you okay with it?

Ask Yourself

• What were your earliest memories of using credit cards?
• How have your habits or beliefs about credit changed over time?
• If you could teach your younger self one thing about credit, what would it be?

Key Quotes

• “Credit cards aren’t bad, they’re neutral. We decide how to use them.” – Amy Bond
• “There’s no excitement about payday if you’ve already spent the money before it comes.” – Amy Bond
• “Do I still want this $50 meal when I realize I’ll end up paying $80 for it?” – Amy Bond

“Be aware, not ashamed. Awareness is what leads to change.” – Amy Bond

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance enjoying life now while still planning for later, this episode is packed with practical tips, relatable examples, and a little encouragement to just start where you are.

Guest

Dr. Jeremy Bond - Director of Online Learning, financial literacy advocate, and Amy’s husband

This Episode Touches On / Highlights

• How to split a raise between short-term fun and long-term goals
• Building automatic savings habits (so you don’t have to think about it)
• Why “passive income” isn’t always as passive as it sounds
• Recognizing lifestyle creep and making intentional financial choices
• The importance of financial independence, especially for women
• Letting go of comparisons and defining what stability means for you

Themes

• Balancing present enjoyment with future planning
• Automating good financial habits
• Breaking away from comparison and money myths
• Financial empowerment and independence

Listener’s Challenge

Pick one thing you can automate this week, even if it’s tiny. Set up a recurring transfer into savings, bump your retirement contribution by 1%, or redirect any upcoming raise before you even see it in your checking account.

Ask Yourself

• Am I letting lifestyle creep keep me from saving for the future?
• What would financial independence mean for me (regardless of relationship status)?
• Can I reframe “saving” as a way of taking care of future me rather than depriving present me?

Key Quotes

• “Split the raise between today-you and future-you. Let both win.” – Jeremy Bond
• “Make it automatic, so you don’t have to think about it every month.” – Jeremy Bond
• “Wealth isn’t tigers on gold leashes; it’s sleeping soundly at night.” – Jeremy Bond
• “The best time to start was yesterday. The second best is today.” – Jeremy Bond
• “Start where you are, because your future self will thank you.” – Amy Bond

Jeremy shares how our early experiences shape the way we think about money, why “wealth” isn’t always what it looks like on TV, and practical ways to start saving and investing without feeling intimidated. Whether you’re just starting your first job, somewhere in mid-career, or simply want to feel more confident about money decisions, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Dr. Jeremy Bond - Director of Online Learning, financial literacy advocate, and Amy’s husband

• Why most of us misunderstand what financial stability really looks like
• How media images of “wealth” (MTV Cribs, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous) can lead us astray
• Everyday millionaires and the surprising careers that lead to financial security
• Practical tips for understanding retirement accounts (401(k), 403(b), Roth IRAs) without overwhelm
• Simple ways to make the most of employer contributions and matches
• Mindset shifts to help saving feel less intimidating and more doable

• Demystifying finances
• Rewriting money narratives
• Practical financial literacy
• Building confidence with money decisions

This week, take a look at your own beliefs about money. What messages did you grow up hearing, and how do they shape your financial habits today? Consider one small step you could take, like checking if your employer offers a retirement match, that helps future-you feel more secure.

• What assumptions do I have about what “wealthy” looks like?
• How did my family’s approach to money growing up influence me?
• Am I taking full advantage of any employer contributions or benefits?

• “Being financially stable is for anyone, regardless of how little or how much we earn.” – Jeremy Bond
• “Most of us didn’t grow up talking about money it was off-limits, like religion or politics.” – Jeremy Bond
• “Forget MTV Cribs, some of the most financially stable people are driving paid-off Toyotas with 180,000 miles on them.” – Jeremy Bond
• “Just do whatever you need to do to get their money too.” – Jeremy Bond

This Conversation Touches On

• The power of pausing midyear to reflect
• Moving away from hustle culture and rigid timelines
• Using a “Bingo card” as a playful accountability tool
• Modifying goals with grace and intention
• Celebrating small, personal wins
• Redefining success across seasons

Themes

• Self-compassion
• Intentional living
• Playful goal-setting
• Micro-joys and personal fulfillment
• Community and accountability
• Permission to evolve

Episode Highlights

• Cheryl and Amy share their dive into the TikTok trend:  “New Year Bingo Cards”
• Amy and Cheryl reflect on wins like launching the podcast and setting a retreat in motion
• They discuss goals that no longer feel aligned and the freedom to release them
• Amy opens up about learning to crochet (or not!) and how goals sometimes shift shape
• Cheryl talks about finding real joy in “small luxuries” like naps and fiction reading
• The conversation affirms that not all goals need to be measurable or finished to be meaningful
• A powerful reframe: success isn’t about completion—it’s about alignment and growth

Listener’s Challenge

Take time this week for a gentle midyear check-in. Revisit any goals, dreams, or intentions you set earlier in the year (or make a new list or Bingo card if you haven’t yet!).

Ask yourself:

• What’s working?
• What’s no longer serving me?
• What do I want to release or modify?
• What small, joyful action can I take in the next month?

You don’t need a full plan—just one intentional step. Share your thoughts with us on social media!

Key Quotes (Direct from Transcript)

“You're not behind. You're right here. You're right where you need to be, and where you get to be to be able to take the next step in whatever beautiful thing is going to be your next step.” – Cheryl Priest

“I didn’t walk away from last weekend thinking, ‘Oh yeah, the weekend happened, and I still had to do all these things.’ It was: I did so much in this weekend that felt intentional and enjoyable and something I got to do.” – Amy Bond

“If we didn't do the thing, or we changed our minds, it's not failure. It's a re-prioritization of our resources.” – Cheryl Priest

“I assumed that there would be some that I’m a different person. I am gonna let that one go… because it's not important to me.” – Amy Bond

“The whole idea isn’t crossing everything off. It’s the process. It’s putting some hopes and dreams and simple wishes down.” – Cheryl Priest

“Sometimes we get to do things just because it feels good for us.” – Amy Bond

The conversation unfolds around themes like:

• Feeling guilty for taking time for oneself
• The connection between time, productivity, and self-worth
• The myth of “earning rest”
• How guilt is often embedded in the praise we give (especially to girls)
• The concept of pre-charging vs. recharging
• Reclaiming time and embracing rest as resistance
• Letting go of the “shoulds” and embracing the joyful yes

With personal anecdotes, cultural insight, and genuine reflections, Amy and Cheryl encourage listeners to reframe how they view rest, guilt, and self-care not as luxuries or rewards, but as essential parts of a balanced, joyful life.

Key Takeaways:

• Guilt is deeply rooted in how women are conditioned to be helpful and productive.
• Rest is often seen as indulgent or shameful unless it’s earned.
• Rest can be a radical act of resistance.
• Pre-charging is a new framework for viewing rest: fueling yourself before depletion.
• The language

Listener Challenge:  This week, reclaim one moment of rest—without guilt. Choose a small but intentional act of “pre-charging” that brings you joy: sit with your coffee for ten uninterrupted minutes, take a walk without multitasking, read a chapter of a book just for fun, or do absolutely nothing—and do it on purpose.

Then ask yourself:

• How did that feel?
• Did guilt show up?
• What might it look like to make this part of your regular rhythm?

Share your moment with us on social using #JoyfulYes or #PreChargePractice—we’d love to hear how you're building rest into your life without waiting to earn it.

“Guilt is stealing from us—it’s taking away our ability to enjoy those moments when they do arrive.” — Cheryl Priest

“Pre-charging is giving yourself permission to fill your battery before it’s empty.” — Amy Bond

“Stop shoulding on yourself. Guilt, you are not welcome here.” — Cheryl Priest

“I don’t think we’re praised for rest, especially as women. We’re praised for being busy, helpful, and doing things without complaint.” — Amy Bond

“Doing nothing isn’t a failure. It’s a full-body yes.” — Cheryl Priest

“What can I say yes to joyfully? Because no one deserves my negativity when I say yes.” — Amy Bond

This Conversation Touches On

• The non-linear path of building confidence at every age
• How trying new things (and not waiting for perfect) strengthens confidence
• The power of micro-wins and small acts of bravery
• Self-talk and why it matters
• The contagious nature of confidence in community
• Why asking questions shows strength, not weakness

Themes

 Curiosity as a pathway to growth  Confidence as service, not selfishness  Micro-wins and micro-steps that build resilience  Letting go of perfection to embrace progress

Episode Highlights

• Amy reflects on how stepping into new roles (like going back to school or launching this podcast!) has both boosted and challenged her confidence.
• Cheryl shares a personal story about advocating for herself — and how her daughter’s determination to intern in Manhattan reminds us not to close doors before we try.
• The duo unpacks the idea that truly confident people don’t ask others to shrink — they create space where everyone can shine.
• Practical strategies like affirmations, asking for feedback, and choosing “confidence boosters” (hello, power blazer or hot pink dress!)
• The magic of reframing from “Why me?” to “Why not me?”

Listener’s Challenge

Where in your life are you feeling extra confident these days? We also love to know where you might be stepping into something new that feels a little shaky? Share with us — we’d love to cheer you on!  Drop a comment on Spotify, message us on socials, or visit our website. Let’s build that contagious confidence together.

Key Quotes

📝 "Confidence doesn’t have to be loud. In fact, often the loudest ones in the room are some of the least confident people there." — Amy

📝 "It’s not about one of us being the most confident. It’s about creating a space where we can all feel confident." — Cheryl

📝 "Don’t shut the door before you ever actually turn the handle." — Cheryl

📝 "Why not me? Why wouldn’t I go after the thing I want?" — Amy

Listen Now

🎧 Find This Was Supposed to Be Easy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen!

This conversation touches on:

• How a virtual book study became a space for connection and growth
• The difference between joy and happiness
• Simple ways to bring more joy into teaching, leadership, and life
• Why joy matters, especially during stressful times

Themes:

• Joy as an intentional practice
• Leading with heart and authenticity
• Building community in professional learning
• Finding meaning in small moments

Episode Highlights:

• The origin story of their virtual book club and what made it special
• How participants used grant funding to bring joy into their work
• Reflections on what joy looks like in everyday leadership
• Tips for cultivating joy that lasts beyond fleeting happiness

Listener’s Challenge: Take some time today to practice Joy Spotting – noticing small, delightful moments that surround you whether it’s something of awe or beauty, or an interaction you observed or had: What did you notice? Consider sharing that joy with us to keep the ripple going.

Key Quotes: “Joy is just more a part of your being, and you’re infusing it into so many different things — a state of joy, an opportunity to be joyful in your heart and in your mind.” — Dr. Holly Hoffman

“People got to shop. It was a great time. We had these book club meetings. People bought materials that supported their teaching practice, connecting with students, cultivating joy.” — Dr. Katie Sloan

“There are so many areas of joy that might be overlooked during stressful times. We really wanted to make sure that joy was infused in their demeanor, in their content, in their classes, in their teaching supplies — all different kinds of things.” — Dr. Holly Hoffman

Listen Now: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This conversation touches on:

• The difference between support and subtle sabotage
• Why our “rational” advice can feel like rejection
• The power of emotional attunement in relationships
• What it means to lead with curiosity instead of control

Amy and Cheryl get personal about the times they’ve been on both sides of this moment—and what they’ve learned about showing up with trust instead of fear. Whether you're a dreamer or a well-meaning realist, there’s something in this episode for you.

Themes:

• Emotional intelligence in relationships
• Parenting adult children
• The tension between safety and authenticity
• Learning to listen without problem-solving

Episode Highlights:

•  Cheryl’s “candle-making” scenario and the trap of overprotective advice
•  Why we shift into consultant mode—and how it can shut others down
•  Amy shares a personal moment when she realized her support felt like judgment
•  The difference between helping someone feel seen vs. feel safe to be small
•  What it looks like to trust someone’s risk, even when it scares you

Listener Challenge:

This week, notice how you respond when someone shares a big idea or goal with you. Instead of jumping to advice, try saying: “Tell me more about what excites you about this.” See how that one question shifts the tone—and maybe the relationship.

Key Quotes:

“You weren’t trying to control—maybe just trying to prevent heartbreak. But it came across like fear.” “It’s not about agreeing with the dream. It’s about holding space for someone else’s courage.”

Listen Now:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

It all starts with a text about theater tickets… and unfolds into a conversation about detours, disappointments, and the weird in-between spaces where the “what has beens” are no longer on the path forward. There are laughs (of course), but also some real talk about grief, identity, and learning to find yourself again after plans fall apart.

Guest: Just Amy & Cheryl—no special guest needed for this one.

Themes & Ideas:

• When life hands you a path you didn’t originally see coming
• Letting go of the version of your life you thought you'd have
• Navigating identity when work or roles shift
• The grief that comes with change (even good change)
• How friendship helps us process the messy middle

Episode Highlights:

• Amy: “It wasn’t our choice to go down one road or another… it was picked for us.”
• Cheryl reflects on how motherhood, career changes, and time have shifted her sense of self
• The two share stories of things they thought would be easy, and weren’t—at all
• Tender moments, honest pauses, and some excellent mid-thought laughter
• The real gift of sitting with someone who’s been there too

Listener Challenge: What part of your life looks nothing like you thought it would? This week, sit with that for a second. Grieve it, laugh about it, write it down. And then ask yourself: What might be possible now that wasn’t before?

But this episode isn’t just about ranch. It’s about what happens when a lingering idea finally gets acted on. Ashley opens up about watching past businesses fail, learning to follow through, and what it feels like when something silly becomes something special—especially when other people start to care too.

Guest: Ashley Arnett, ranch-rating expert and creator of The Dressing Room at  DressingApproved.com

Themes & Ideas:

• Turning a persistent thought into a passion project
• What we learn when businesses don’t take off
• How humor can build unexpected community
• Loving something specific—and letting it be enough
• Ashley’s iconic 5-tier ranch rating scale: Top Notch, Runner Up, It'll Do, Store-Bought Sadness, and Nope

Episode Highlights:

• Ashley shares what it’s like to “fail forward” through different business attempts
• The unexpected power of naming your obsession and letting it grow
• Amy and Cheryl crack up over ranch texture, drive-thru loyalty, and the real emotional stakes of a bad dip
• Ashley reminds us that not all passion projects need to be monetized to matter
• A breakdown of why It’ll Do is sometimes more insulting than Store-Bought Sadness

Listener Challenge: What thought keeps circling in your head lately? You know the one. This week, take a few quiet minutes to sit with it. Ask yourself: What would it take to actually try this? Write it down. Say it out loud. Share it with a friend. Because sometimes the weird idea? That’s the one that sticks.

With warmth, honesty, and the kind of wisdom you’d expect from your favorite friend who’s been around the block a few times, we talk about what it means to honor friendships that have run their course, how to recognize the signs of distance, and how to let go without turning it into a big dramatic thing. Because sometimes… it’s not about blame—it’s just about becoming someone new.

Themes & Ideas:

• Outgrowing friendships
• Changing relationship dynamics
• Adult friendship grief
• Letting go with love
• Navigating awkward distance
• Real-talk on growing apart

Episode Highlights

• The unexpected grief of outgrowing someone
• Why guilt shows up even when no one did anything wrong
• Redefining relationships without ghosting or guilt
• How to hold compassion for yourself and the other person
• The difference between closing a chapter and burning a bridge

Listener Challenge

Think of one relationship that feels misaligned right now. Ask yourself: What season of life brought us together—and are we still in that season? Then, take 10 minutes to journal or voice note how that answer makes you feel.

• Letting go with grace
• Identity shifts
• Dream reevaluation
• Permission to change your mind
• Reclaiming purpose

• Cheryl shares how she’s currently living through a major crossroads and the emotional layers that come with it.
• Amy talks about how boredom can be a signal—not a failure—and how small tweaks can help reignite purpose without abandoning your path.
• Together they reflect on how everything you’ve learned up to the point of change still matters—and is never wasted.

Ask yourself: What in my life no longer fits the way it used to? Write down one small way you could honor that shift—with curiosity instead of criticism.

• Comparison culture
• Invisible doubt vs. visible confidence
• Building confidence through action
• Owning your presence even when you feel unsure

• Amy shares a personal moment when someone complimented her confidence, even though she felt far from it—and how that changed her view of comparison.
• Cheryl talks about the stories we create based on others’ appearances, and why the gap between what we feel and what we show can feed imposter syndrome.
• Together, they unpack how self-worth and intentional reflection can become tools to push back against the inner critic.

Think of a moment when you showed up despite feeling unsure. How did you carry yourself? What did others see that maybe you didn’t? Take a few minutes to write it down. Confidence grows when we name it—even retroactively.

Theme/Ideas: support during trauma, friendship, resilience, coping with crisis, showing up, decision fatigue, social support

Guest Information: Dr. Cheryl Geisthardt is a professor of child development with expertise in stress, coping, and resilience. In this episode, Cheryl shares her personal experience navigating her daughter’s cancer diagnosis, weaving together her professional knowledge and lived reality. Her openness, strength, and warmth offer listeners deep insight into what it’s like to walk through trauma—and how friendships make all the difference.

Episode Highlights:

• Cheryl shares her daughter’s unexpected cancer diagnosis while studying abroad and how it turned their world upside down.
• We discuss what real support looks like—practical ways friends and communities showed up (from meals to porch surprises).
• Cheryl talks about decision fatigue and how simple, specific offers of help can lift a huge burden.
• Insights on grace: giving yourself permission to not be perfect, to accept help, and to extend understanding to others.
• The long-term impact of social support on resilience and well-being, with takeaways from Cheryl’s research in childhood adversity and medical trauma.
• Reflections on making connections with other families navigating childhood cancer, and the power of small acts of kindness.
• How Cheryl is learning to prioritize her own self-care in the midst of long-term caregiving—whether it’s yoga, treading water with friends, or just getting outside.

Dedication: This episode was recorded near the end of 2024. Since then, Cheryl’s daughter Olivia has passed away. We want to dedicate this episode to Olivia, who was a bright light in the world. She is already deeply missed by family and friends. Olivia was an outgoing, kind, compassionate, creative, and energetic person who loved meeting new people and making new friends. She always saw the good in people. Even in her darkest days, Olivia brought immense joy into the lives of those lucky enough to know her and her smile brightened the world around her. In her last week of life, as we all gathered to pray over her, she offered US hugs. She loved her family and friends, travel, music, dance, theater, crafting, and her pets. She was also passionate about social justice and making the world a better place for all. Thank you Olivia, for all that you gave. To read her obituary, please visit https://www.clarkfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/Olivia-Rose-Geisthardt?obId=41774079

Challenge for Listeners: This week, we invite you to just show up for someone in your life. Whether it’s a simple “thinking of you” text, a meal left on the porch, or a listening ear—small actions mean more than you know. And if you’re in the middle of your own storm, we hope you’ll offer yourself grace and let others support you, too.

Themes covered: hospitality, vulnerability, hosting, friendship-building, connection, spontaneous gatherings, creative spaces

Episode Summary:

In this cozy, feel-good episode, Amy and Cheryl dive into the beautiful (and sometimes vulnerable) art of bringing people together. Inspired by personal stories—like Cheryl’s beloved neighbors Ralph and Hazel who turned simple dinners into lifelong friendships—we talk about how connection doesn’t always require grand gestures or fancy spaces.

You’ll hear us explore:

• How everyday activities (like cooking, crafting, or watching TV) can spark friendship opportunities
• Why vulnerability—even embracing your messy house—is a secret ingredient to meaningful gatherings
• Creative ways to invite others in, even if you don’t have your own space (think libraries, coffee shops, or local community spots)
• The magic of low-pressure, spontaneous invites—and why sometimes the best moments are unplanned
• Tips for building inclusive, flexible gatherings without feeling overwhelmed by “perfect host” pressure

Whether you're someone who loves having people over or you're more of a “pajamas by 9 PM” type, we’ve got ideas to help you create welcoming spaces that feel authentic and fun.

Challenge for the audience:

What’s one simple way you could invite connection this month? Whether it’s hosting a casual game night, starting a mini book club, or just having coffee with someone new—brainstorm one idea and tell us about it. Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your experience on social and tag us. We can’t wait to hear what you come up with.

Drawing on quotes from Tony Robbins and Steve Jobs, stories from cooking classes and trivia nights, and their own experiences as introverts and extroverts navigating adulthood, Amy and Cheryl walk us through ideas—and encouragement—for how to find friendship in unexpected places.

From book clubs to board game nights, professional organizations to pasta-making classes, this episode is full of practical takeaways and feel-good moments that will leave you both inspired and ready to try something new.

In This Episode:

• Why “change nothing and nothing changes” might be the nudge you need
• The hidden comfort of routines—and why they can keep us isolated
• The power (and fear!) of showing up solo to new things
• How to turn a wish into an actionable plan
• Tips for finding connection in places like libraries, community colleges, and even vinegar shops
• What it means to wear “different hats” in life—and how to explore the ones that light you up

Your Turn: What are the hats you wear? Which ones have been gathering dust? Whether it's a hobby you’ve been longing to explore, an organization you’ve thought about joining, or a class you've had bookmarked for ages—this is your sign to go for it.

 We’d love to hear your ideas! Drop a comment where you listen or connect with us on social. Share the places you’ve found connection—or the ones you want to try. You just might inspire someone else to take that next step, too.

 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Cozy & Flourish travel retreats for creatives and professionals
• Glassblowing, cheese making, trivia nights, and other delightful detours
• Local libraries, bookstores, and community colleges as underused gems
• How board games can break the ice for introverts and social butterflies alike

Together, they explore:

- Why disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time

- How internalized ableism shows up in our everyday lives—often without us realizing it

- The profound difference between the medical model and the social model of disability

- Why masking, minimizing, or denying a disability is so common—and what we can do to shift that

- How to support our friends, families, and even ourselves as we age or encounter disability

- The myth of “not being disabled enough” and breaking down the harmful hierarchy of disability

Dr. Heroux reminds us that disability isn't something to fix or hide—it's a natural part of the human experience. She shares practical next steps for learning more, connecting with disability communities, and challenging the way we think about inclusion, access, and value.

Whether you’re someone who identifies as disabled, someone who loves a disabled person, or someone who’s just beginning to think differently—this episode invites you to stay curious and keep growing.

- The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu

- Disability rights advocates like Imani Barbarin, Keith Jones, and more

- Local disability coalitions and online learning programs in Disability Studies

“Disability is not a burden. You are not a burden. And the way you move through the world is valid, valuable, and worthy.” — Dr. JoDell Heroux

In true This Was Supposed to Be Easy fashion, they unpack big ideas with honesty, vulnerability, and a few "we were bursting at the seams until we hit record" moments. From stress statistics that stop you in your tracks to questions that made us rethink our personal and professional circles, this episode is all about support, leadership, and redefining how women can show up fully—at work, at home, and in every space they inhabit.

 Topics we couldn’t stop talking about:

• Why 51% of women report being stressed and 42% worry most of the day—and what that means for generational wellness
• The critical role of managers and leaders in shaping workplace well-being culture
• The real difference between mentorship and sponsorship (and why many women are over-mentored but under-sponsored)
• The idea of building your own personal board of directors—who are the people who challenge, support, and amplify you?
• Showing up as your authentic self in every role you play, without compartmentalizing or shrinking
• Simple, powerful shifts like replacing “but” with “and,” and holding sacred space for friendship as part of your well-being plan

 One thing to listen for: The question we borrowed from the panel and asked each other—“What’s one action you believe could elevate the value or image of well-being?” Our answers surprised even us, and we’d love to hear yours.

 Your Two Challenges This Week:

1. Build your Board of Directors. Who are the people you’d invite to play an intentional role in your growth, decisions, and dreams?
2. Name your well-being action. What’s one thing (or a few!) you do to support your own well-being? Share it with us or someone else—it might just inspire them too.

 Bonus Affirmation: “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” (Amy keeps this as a stick on the back of her phone, and we think you might want to as well.)

 Mentioned in this episode:

• Karen Guggenheim (Founder/CEO, WOHASU)
• Kristen Berry (Director of Hiring & Analytics, Gallup)
• Ileana Ron Levy (Managing Director, Gallup)
• Swati Sharma (Editor in Chief, Vox)
• Dr. Ella Washington (Founder/CEO, Elevate Solutions)  Link to the WOHASU Women Panel: https://youtu.be/PbtlgnIY_wo?si=DInxWm6GKkc60Q_a

• In this episode, Cheryl flips the script and interviews Amy about her passion for coaching, learning, and leadership.
• Amy shares her powerful mantra: "Instead of getting furious, get curious." This mindset has transformed how she navigates conflict, decision-making, and growth.
• Her coaching style is all about asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that help others uncover their own answers, rather than giving advice or solutions.
• Amy introduces her personal coaching framework—developed over the past decade—built around self-reflection, curiosity, and helping people reach their goals without stepping on the field (so to speak).
• Key metaphor: A coach helps get the ball in the goal without ever stepping foot on the field.
• Coaching is deeply tied to Amy’s life purpose: helping others think differently and live better, more intentional lives.
• Amy believes you don’t have to hire a coach—you can coach yourself if you're willing to:
  • Ask the right questions
  • Be brutally honest with your answers
  • Stay open to feedback, change, and curiosity
• She challenges the phrase “I’m bad at that,” and instead reframes it as “I’m new at that” to foster a growth mindset.
• The episode explores the danger of the comparison trap, the importance of self-compassion, and how setbacks are part of the process.
• Amy and Cheryl talk about recognizing and honoring the “whispers of your soul”—those passions and callings that keep resurfacing.
• The episode closes with Amy’s invitation to be your own coach: Reflect, stay curious, and keep taking baby steps forward—because you’re capable of more than you think.

Website - https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ Instagram - @supposedtobeeasy Facebook - Supposed to be Easy

• In this episode, Amy interviews her co-host, Dr. Cheryl Priest, for a deep-dive into one of her biggest passions: cultivating a strength-focused mindset.
• Cheryl shares how her interest in strengths and positive psychology has been woven through her personal and professional life for over 25 years—dating all the way back to her doctoral work on character strengths in early childhood.
• The conversation centers around the VIA Character Strengths Survey, which outlines 24 universal character strengths. Everyone has all 24—just in different orders.
• Cheryl’s signature strengths? Gratitude, love of learning, hope, appreciation of beauty and excellence, honesty, humor, and creativity. (With a strong “five-ish” mindset!)
• She explains how understanding and using your strengths can lead to:
  • More energy at work
  • Deeper joy (which she distinguishes from happiness)
  • More authentic relationships
  • Better teamwork—by allowing people to lean into their strengths when divvying up tasks
• Cheryl offers reflections on how a shift in mindset—away from fixing weaknesses and toward building on natural strengths—can help people thrive, whether they’re 4, 52, or 85.
• There’s also a compelling case for bringing strength-based practices into early childhood, to help kids name and own what they’re good at before self-doubt creeps in.
• A free link to the VIA Character Survey is offered for listeners who want to explore their own strengths.
• The episode ends with an invitation: Use the link below to take the free 20-minute strength survey and then visit https://cherylpriest.com/ to see a few quick and “easy to try” strength-based strategies.  Use the comments to share what you tried and what you noticed—because your path to joy and success might start with simply recognizing what’s already strong within you.

Website - https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ Instagram - @supposedtobeeasy Facebook - Supposed to be Easy VIA Strengths Survey - https://supposedtobeeasy.pro.viasurvey.org/

• Cheryl and Amy welcome their first guest, Dr. Holly Hoffman—expert in laughter, joy, and creating human connection.
• Holly shares how friendships have shaped her life, especially during big life transitions like moving, parenting, and becoming an empty nester.
• The conversation explores how different friendships serve different purposes—from laughter and support to goal-setting and everyday connection.
• There’s a hilarious look back on office-sharing and the infamous “clean desk” photo prank, revealing how humor deepens bonds—even through messes (and moldy coffee cups).
• Holly shares her signature strengths: kindness, love, and humor—and how they show up in everything from teaching to daily life.
• You’ll hear how boldness and friendliness lead to the most unexpected friendships (like an 85-year-old plane-flying gym buddy).
• Cheryl and Amy reflect on Holly’s ability to spark connection anywhere, including elevators, seafood counters, and taxis. (“WWHD: What Would Holly Do?” becomes the motto.)
• Holly’s research on humor in education reveals that joy and meaningful teacher-student relationships lead to better engagement, learning, and connection.
• She emphasizes that joy is a mindset, and that the first step is being willing to laugh at yourself, especially when things go wrong (like forgetting to wear a shirt to class).
• A “T-shirt movement” is born: Holly shares how wearing joy-filled shirts helped her out of a pandemic funk and now inspires others to spread kindness and positivity every week.
• The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to share pictures of their own joyful shirts along with stories of joy and laughter —because finding joy might not always be easy, but it's definitely contagious.

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• Cheryl and Amy expand on their “why” for creating the podcast, diving into personal stories and behind-the-scenes planning sessions—complete with backpacks full of glittery inspiration and Ted Talk nuggets.
• They reflect on how friendship sometimes seems effortless in early childhood, but becomes layered with overthinking, self-doubt, and hesitations in adulthood.
• Amy discusses her passion for coaching around connection—drawing parallels between guiding young children into friendships and the often-lacking support for adults in making new connections.
• They share thoughts on friendship as a skill, not just a feeling—something that takes effort, intention, and practice.
• The episode highlights the importance of friendship in overall well-being, and how adult life tends to prioritize productivity over connection—even though friendships often make us better at everything else.
• Cheryl references a powerful Simon Sinek and Trevor Noah clip that emphasizes how we tend to sacrifice friendships for work, even though it’s our friends who carry us through life’s toughest moments.
• There’s a deep discussion on the diversity of friendship circles, and how different people bring out different versions of ourselves—some who push us, some who comfort us, some who make us laugh.
• Vulnerability, showing up, and taking turns in putting in the effort are named as core parts of maintaining lasting friendships.
• The duo invites listeners to reflect: Are you ready to put in the work that friendship takes? Share the books, podcasts, magazines, Ted Talks and other resources that you like to recommend!

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• Cheryl and Amy reflect on their journey from being work colleagues to becoming real-life friends.
• Discussion highlights the importance of craving connection—and how that desire often leads us to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
• They explore a common experience: why women often make things look easier than they really are—and what it means to let your guard down.
• The conversation touches on the science of connection: how validation + caring creates a powerful, proven recipe for stronger ties.
• Cheryl shares her unapologetic love for edible glitter, while Amy introduces us to her own term: “outsidey” (yes, it’s a vibe).
• This intro episode sets the tone for honest, curious, and occasionally sparkly conversations to come.
• The duo invites listeners to reflect: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Website - https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ Instagram - @supposedtobeeasy Facebook - Supposed to be Easy