Chasing Courage
By Courtney Wendzicki
Welcome to The Chasing Courage Podcast, a space surrounding personal development, mental health and motherhood.
Host Courtney Wendzicki knows that you have dreams, and just because you have a tiny human to keep alive or toddler tantrums to survive, that after doesn't mean you have to stop chasing those dreams. So let's be courageous, navigate the anxiety and become the best DAMN version of ourselves!!
Chasing CourageDec 23, 2020
62. Becoming an Entrepreneur + mom on a mission with Amy Traugh
The year 2020 impacted us all and for my guest and friend, Amy Traugh, it changed her life. Amy took a voluntary furlough from a career in physical therapy to home school her children during that time and then build her first business.
In this conversation we discuss that journey of building her first successful business which in turn helped her discover an even deeper passion, empowering women with the skills to do the same.
Amy is a mother of 2, the founder of the community Moms on a Mission, host of The Motivated Mompreneur (with over 200 episodes in 1 year!) and a Business Mentor.
This local Ohio woman is a friend to me, an inspiration to me and I hope that she encourages you, I hope that our chat about mom expectations makes you feel a little less alone and I really hope if you are able you will join us at her event CONFIDENCE SELLS on OCT. 12, 2023 in Canton, OH. Tickets are on sale through the end of Sept. 2023. Click here to check out more about the 1 day event.
61. 10 Takeaways from Summit of Greatness, Making a DAMN Decision + 3x a charm!
What started in the middle of the pandemic is finally, 3 years later, going to get my full time and attention again... well as much time and attention as a mom of two who also works part time can give lol
This podcast has always meant so much to me, even as I have started other podcasts, started a business, etc. I could never fully step away. So now here we are again for a 3rd go around, for the 3rd year stepping into what I'm simply passionate about; sharing and connecting with you on all things mental health, motherhood and personal growth.
I also share in this comeback episode my takeaways from a personal growth summit that I recently attended in Columbus Ohio, the Summit of Greatness. It was my first time attending this event put on by Lewis Howes and I was NOT disappointed!
In this episode we talk about slowing down to speed up, why I'm in the process of phasing out my social media mgmt business I've spent the last year and a half building, I dive into what it means to be the rock but how I desire to be more like water and also a little bit about changes in and with me since becoming a mom to 2.
I am sure that at least 1 if not more of these takeaways are going to hit home with you, regardless if you are a mama or not.
Come connect with me on Instagram @courtney_wendzicki, this is the only account going forward as of Sept. 2023 that I will be posting on and updating on a regular basis.
60. THE ONE WHERE I interview my husband: Rob's take on my FIRST YEAR in Entrepreneurship
In this episode I sit down in my home office with my husband :)
This conversation is actually our 2nd time recording a podcast together, if you wish to check out the first go back to Episode 31: My favorite story: OURS
In this episode Rob answers questions surrounding my career path and his take on my first year in full-time Entrepreneurship.
We discuss:
- At what point did Rob know that I had no idea what I actually wanted to do, career wise?
- What did he think when I said I was going to leave my 'traditional' job to become a nanny?
- What impact does he believe that personal growth, therapy and podcasting had / have on my mental health?
- What was one of his greatest fears as I stepped away from working for someone else to working for myself?
- Is my Rob jealous or mad that I take naps in the middle of the day? LOL
- How much money did I make in my first year of entrepreneurship?
- What is something about me that has changed since we first met 9 years ago?
- What is one thing that has NOT changed about me? And that he doesn't want to change
- What is his ideal goal / plan for us + our careers?
Listening back to this I'm just proud; proud of myself, proud of my marriage, proud of what we are creating - a life and careers worth celebrating #confettiworthy
Share your biggest takeaways on social and TAG me @courtney_wendzicki so I can personally THANK YOU!!
+ I send my love and gratitude to you for choosing to press PLAY on this episode today :)
59. Time Management Tip - Structure your day like a football game
I am so excited to share this time management method / idea that came to me last week.
In real time I've only been practicing it for a few days but I wanted to put this out there for you all to try ALONG with me, because while it ultimately may NOT work for me, it may be just the mindset or structure shake up that you needed.
The basis concept is dividing up your day into 4 quarters with a halftime in the middle. For all the details and how I'm specifically implementing this with my schedule as a work from home entrepreneur and a mom you will just have to listen in. :)
Follow along with my day to day, all things mom life and business building at @courtney_wendzicki on Instagram
Thank you SO Much for listening and if you found what you heard today to be inspiration or educational I ask that you share it to socials or with a friend :)
58. Creating an ABUNDANT LIFE with our MONEY and our MINDSET [an interview] with Jen Piala
From budgeting and saving, to dreaming and goal setting, Jen works with her clients to create an abundant life, in money and in mindset.
If you are someone who thinks you have a money problem, listen in
If you are someone who thinks you have a behavior problem around money, listen in
If you are someone who believes that life would just be better, easier if money wasn't so "heavy" in your life, listen in.
If you are someone who wants to create a culture in your home where money is positive and saving is normal, listen in.
Jen can be found on Instagram and she also has a FREE public Facebook Community - Creating Confidence with your Cash
The link to her linktr.ee with ALL the links and to book a FREE Cash Clarity Call is here.
4 Tips to Navigate FOMO (fear of missing out) and Comparison
So many of you shared with me that you struggle with comparison and or the fear of missing out.
...and in tune with that, for today's episode, I do some story-telling surrounding a hard decision that I made to opt out of one event in order to attend another.
Are you in a place in your life or business where you are having to choose between 2 or 3 things? Are you comparing what you are or ARENT doing to those you follow on social?
If you are and if you hang tight through the story-telling; there are some powerful tools that you can utilize to help you tackle the FOMO or the comparison head on.
I personally feel FOMO in not being able to attend the PowerHouse Women conference, not being able to attend or even apply to attend Kacia's Peach house retreats, or Kacia's EmpowerHer live for year 2. And then I feel the comparison trap of being behind in the planning of my own in person retreats or events. Women all around me are hosting their first retreats and or in person events and I just can't do that right now, I'm 6 months pregnant.
4 Tips to battle the FOMO or Comparison
1. Be aware of your triggers and avoid those triggers if possible
2. Journal it out - what are you afraid to miss out on, who/ what your comparing yourself to and how that makes you feel
3. Focus on what you DO have, what you CAN do
4. Use the FOMO / Comparison as motivation
If you found today's episode insightful or helpful I invite you to share it! Share it your social media stories or send it to a fellow mom friend or business bestie.
Come say hi + connect with me on Instagram I am there almost everyday sharing personal growth content as well as #momlife behind the scenes and advocating for mental health as women and as business owners.
56. It's time to SHOW UP + SHOW OUT: From teenage mother to college HONORS graduate + business OWNER [An Interview]
Ready to go to church in the middle of the week? Today's interview is one that if you don't have goosebumps around/by minute 21-24 I will be SHOCKED ;)
Join me as a sit down with the owner of a BODY by Erica, a Holistic Wellness Spa in Sandusky Ohio. Erica Taylor is a friend and local entrepreneur who is working full-time as a HR specialist for the city WHILE ALSO participating on boards and building her spa business. She is a wife, mama of 3 and grandma to 1.
We discuss:
- What is the role that your spouse / partner plays in the ability for you to chase your dreams
- She shows some amazing appreciation for her husband - who cooks + cleans!
- The role that faith has played in her blooming business and marriage
- Challenges she has overcome as a black woman - having a baby at 15 and still building a life and business that is valued and successful.
- What it means to be a 20 gallon woman
Please note that the event Erica and I discuss may have been postponed or cancelled since our recording. Please reach out to Erica for details or with interest.
Follow BODY on Facebook
Website for BODY by Erica Taylor located in Sandusky, OH
Business IG @bodybyericataylor
Personal IG @issericataylor
55. Get to know YOURSELF and Discover your DIRECTION w/ Author + Speaker Ashley Stahl
Ashley Stahl is a career coach, podcast host, keynote speaker and the author of You Turn, one of the BEST books I've ever read on clarity in choosing your career path < in my opinion!
I was humbled and OVER the moon excited when I asked Ashley to come onto my podcast after reading her book and she agreed, she also saw it was my birthday and sent me a Happy Birthday voice memo, I mean HOW SWEET! Ashely's story and her message is so important for women like you, women like me; who don't want to settle for less than when it comes to the work we do on a daily basis. And she understands that it's all about experimenting.
If you are someone who is trying to figure out who you are, what you should do, if you should take a professional "you turn," I highly recommend this podcast episode and I even more so HIGHLY recommend Ashley's book and her podcast.
Some of my favorite mic drop moments from our conversation
"You don't know yourself until you do and you don't know what fits until you try it on"
"What's key is that you are able to, very clearly, express how you used your skill of the past and how it's translating into the direction of the future. "
"There is a lot of purpose in contribution"
"I'm heading into a place in my life where security sounds better than adventure"
"I'm not afraid to make less money being who i am, I'm not afraid to make a lot of money being who I am"
If you are ready for more of Ashely
Grab the book > Author | Listen to the podcast > Host, You Turn Podcast | Follow her > Instagram
Visit ashleystahl.com for a FREE quiz on what career path is a fit for you!
As ALWAYS thank you so much for taking time out of your day to tune into CHASING COURAGE! I would be BEYOND grateful if you took 60 seconds to leave a rating and review for the show on Apple Podcast or Spotify, this is how we get the message of personal growth, mental health and mom life navigation to the ears of those who need to hear it! + If you don't know how to leave a review, send me a message on Instagram, I'd be happy to walk you through it and just SAY HI!
54. Courage in the Changes: Moving to a new state for a new job with Meghan Hurley-Powell
Have you wanted to leave a job that you have worked in for years?
Do you desire to move to another state and start over?
If you have felt or experienced any of the above this interview may resonate with you.
Writer, podcaster, High School English Teacher, avid reader, wife, dog mom + most importantly my friend, Meghan joins us to discuss some BIG recent life changes.
We discuss
how sometimes things in our life become so heavy that they even affect our hobbies and our passion projects.
how maybe it isn't the industry you're in that you hate, maybe it's the environment
We explore some of the logistics behind interviewing for a job that's out of state
We dive into what it looks and feels like to be in this place where you have an exit plan before you begin
and so much more
Check out Episode 16 of Confetti Worthy Women podcast where Meghan and I chatted about her book and journaling in April of 2022
Grab Meghan's book on journaling here
Follow Meghan on Instagram + find the link to her podcast and her website in her bio
53. Life is a puzzle, consisting of many pieces. We need ALL OF THEM.
"My child is, my children are my world"
Have you heard this said before, have you read it on a social media posts or seen it inside of a Pinterest quote? I know I have.
+ both before I had a child or my own and now that I do have an almost 5 year old with another on the way, that saying doesn't resonate with me, it actually gives me anxiety.
This is solely my opinion but if any part of your life, if any single person in your life is given that much weight, what happens to you and to your life once that person or that thing is gone?
I know this is not something we want to think about, losing someone, in any manner, especially if it wasn't expected or is out of our control is THE WORST.
If you are married to the person who is your best friend, your partner in crime, your soulmate and then for whatever reason you get a divorce after 25 years; is your life suddenly over? Don't you still have purpose?
If your world rotates around the tiny humans that you are raising right now what are you going to do, who are you going to be when they are 13, 18, 28 and they begin to have interests and lives outside of the one you built for them?
I TRULY don't say any of this to sound harsh, I say it out of love and I would and WILL say and explain it to my sons one day when they are older. It is a HUGE belief of mine that while giving up our life, metaphorically, for those we love is a great act of love, allowing ourselves to LIVE is an even GREATER ACT OF Love.
"What if a responsible mother isn't one who slowly dies and calls that love, what if a responsible mother is one who shows their child how to fight and be wildly alive?" - author Glennon Doyle
- - - - - - - - -
Come hang out with me on Instagram
52. Going against the grain, choosing to be CHILD-FREE by choice and LISTENING TO YOUR GUT with Kelly Bluth
Have you ever felt like when the rest of the world goes right you want to go left? Like everyone is on this bandwagon but something is just telling you to not get on it?
Maybe you are someone who truly has it in her heart to have many kids, a big family or maybe you are a woman who is child-free by choice?
In a society like we live in today any of the above can be considered "going against the grain" but is the grain a bad thing? I think it all just depends on your mindset.
For today's interview I sat down with Kelly Bluth, a teacher, a holistic nutritionist, a podcaster and one of my friends and we deep dive into 2 areas of her life where Kelly has and continues to "go against the grain;" electing to be a married woman who is child-free by choice and by opting out of a partnership with a popular gut supplement company because it didn't feel in alignment with her.
2 Fun facts>
1. Kelly and I both attended the same college, Otterbein University, but didn't meet each other until years later in a zoom room.
2. The cover art for Kelly's podcast is designed by yours truly :)
Go give Kelly a follow and some love on Instagram where she shares the most amazing recipes
And you can listen to her podcast here
And finally you can join her FREE FB Community where she hosts dance infused workout sessions as well as book clubs!
51. Just because you CAN do it doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. Capability vs. Capacity
Yes you could run a marathon, yes you could scale your business, yes you could make a homemade gift for the housewarming party you are going to.
BUT SHOULD YOU?
You maybe have run a marathon in the past, you maybe in able to fit the marathon into your schedule but is it during your child's busy season at school?
You could scale your business, take on another client but you also could maintain, you also could honor the fact that you have been in a hustle season the past 6 months and so the next 6 months you want to slow down.
You could make a cute XYZ for your neighbors housewarming party, but say work is crazy right now, or you are just coming out of a season of cold and flu in your house and it would be much easier to go buy a candle and hand towels from Target.
If you are interested in learning more from Jen Underwood or Tim DeSutter, the individuals who lead the mini course Rock Solid I mention in this episode, go follow them on Instagram.
My reminder for you today "You are WILDLY capable BUT what's your capacity level?"
Come hang out with me on Instagram for all things motherhood, mental health talk and personal growth
If you want to make sure you never miss a Wednesday episode of Chasing Courage make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the show (it's FREE) by hitting that (+) plus button on whichever platform you are listening in on!
50. 3 HARD TRUTHS from Trent Shelton's recent STRAIGHT UP episode
I'm coming in with some spice today! Get ready to go to church on a Friday!
This episode contains > 3 Hard Truths I'm accepting from from the podcast, Straight Up Episode 162 > Stop Playing God
1. Sometimes our plans have to FAIL so that God's plan can PREVAIL
2. Have you PRAYED about it as much as you have COMPLAINED about it
3. This may not be meant for you to CARRY, it may be meant for you to MOVE
The message, the reminder I want you to take away from this episode is HERE YOU GO GOD.
If you are ready for more real talk about our personal growth, about mental health and motherhood I invite you to subscribe to this podcast. Click that + button on whatever platform you listen to podcasts on and you will be subscribe (it's FREE) this ensures you never miss a weekly episode of Chasing Courage.
And if you're craving community, relatability and inspiration on a daily basis come follow me on Instagram @courtney_wendzicki
I'm so thankful for you, I'll chat with you next week.
49. We're BACK! It's time to QUIT making excuses, STOP playing the victim + SET some boundaries!
After 14 months away from this podcast we are back.
I spent a year pouring into another podcast, Confetti Worthy Women, totally go check out the content there! BUT I'm being drawn back to Courage, to mental health to motherhood and personal development as my focus.
I will be here weekly again throughout 2023 on this podcast, on all platforms to pour into you and into myself all things motherhood, anxiety, depression and just that good mindset stuff!!!
Today's comeback episode is a little spicy with some calling out on excuses you may be making in your life, playing the victim when you aren't actually the victim and on the need to set some boundaries with other, or HECK WITH YOURSELF!!! Yup, I said it!!
You can find more content and behind the scenes of my life over on IG at @courtney_wendzicki
I look super forward to connecting with you there!
+ if I can ask for one favor it would be that you leave a rating and a review for the show here on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Reviews are how we spread the message and how we let the podcast platforms know that this is content that you need and want to hear.
I promise it will take just 1 minute of your time :)
48. That's a Wrap - The Finale Episode (+ all about my new podcast!)
I'll tell you what, when I recorded episode #46 I truly didn't think it would be almost 6 months before I recorded again. But it was and it was for the best. In this episode I give you some more insight as to what I have been working on during my time off and I introduce you to my new company, Confetti Worthy and my new podcast, The Dream Driven Mama.
To all of you who ever tuned into Chasing Courage I am so thankful for you, your support and your feedback. I hope and pray that you find success and joy and I am still, and forever will be passionate about all things personal development and mental health for mamas so feel free to reach out anytime :)
Follow my company on Instagram @confettiworthy.co
Listen to The Dream Driven Mama on Apple Podcast or Spotify every other Monday in 2021 and every Monday in 2022
The Dream Driven Mama is for momprenuers in their 30's who are trying to juggle motherhood, mental health and building a business they adore. This podcast features a mix of solo episodes as well as inspiring interviews with authors, photographers, content creators and more! My promise is to provide you with tips, tools and and encouragement. My hope is to help you create a life and a business worth celebrating! The Dream Driven Mama is hosted by Courtney Wendzicki and is a production of Confetti Worthy Co.
47. [Interview] Calling all MAMA's, Network Marketers & Infulencers w/ Vicky Huff
Vicky Huff is one fierce female!!
Vicky and I met online in a personal development community and podcasting course, SheGoes Podcasting with Kacia Fitzgerald.
Vicky lives in Houston Texas. She is married and a mama to two littles, 3 and (almost) 2 years old. And in addition to that she also....
- is a Skincare Rep for Veribella
- Has an Online Boutique: Closet Candy
- Does Hair and lashes locally in Houston a few days a week
- Manages a FREE Facebook group for network marketers
- Super consistent on Instagram
- Has 40K + followers on TikTok
- Hosts a podcast, The Glow Up
- + she does all of this with an ADHD diagnosis
We dive into how time blocking was and is a game changer for her. How setting boundaries is essential and finally, how finding what ALIGNS with you is the secret sauce and when something stops becoming aligned than it's time to MOVE ON.
Vicky's ultimate goal is to be a body positivity influencer like The Birds Papaya Instagram
Click here >> for Vicky's Website where you can find links to ALL THE THINGS mentioned in the interview and above~!
**This will be the last episode of Chasing Courage for a TBD amount of time - I am SO incredibly grateful for this journey, 1 whole year of podcasting!!! I am SO thankful to each one of you, weather you pressed play 6 times or 47 times for each episode thus far. To stay in the loop with everything and what I'm going to do next be sure to head over to my Instagram and hit that follow button.
46. PIVOTS [what's next for me and the podcast]
I'm going through a season of change, a period of time where my patience is being tested and my priorities are shifting.
If you are going through some uncertainty right now, or if you feel like you are super confused or if you just don't want to feel like you are the only person who is a hot mess express than press play.
I wish I had some tips for you but I don't because I am in the thick of it myself, I can promise however that whenever I make up my mind you all will be the first to know and I appreciate you all listening to me as I process my thoughts over the mic with you :)
Come hang out with me on Instagram :)
45. Intuitive Eating with Sam Cartina, RDN
Sam is a Registered Dietitian who is anti diet culture and resides in Florida.
Sam uses her Instagram platform to educate followers on intuitive eating and encourages them to approach hunger from a place of self-trust.
In this interview we explore the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist. Same shares her definition of intuitive eating and how you can get curious about it and begin your journey with it right away. Understanding however 2 important aspects of intuitive eating however;
1. Intuitive Eating is NOT another diet
2. Intuitive Eating is a constant journey, you don't just someday "arrive at food freedom land" as Sam says
Books Referenced
3. Anti-Diet
Join Sam's FREE group on Facebook > Intuitive Eating Newbies
Follow Sam on Instagram, food.freedom.newbies
Come hang out with me over on Instagram for inspirational quotes, some fun reels and all things Chasing Courage Podcast
++ NOTE for those of you who were interested in or anxiously awaiting the launch of our online membership community the launch date is TBD. As much as I would love for the launch to coincide with the 1st birthday of this podcast in June I am trusting my gut that's telling me I'm not quite ready yet and you know I don't want to give anything less than 100% to you all!!
44. You are ALLOWED to want MORE!
We got a fierce one today!
Are things good but you want great? Is there a burning in your belly that you want more out of your career? Does your gut tell you that your relationship(s) could be turned up a notch? If so, than this one is for you!
Quotes
"You don't have to fit in the box that the world has created for you"
"If it's in you (a dream, a goal, a gut feeling) it's there for a reason"
"People on their death beds talk about the things that they never attempted but wish they would have"
Resources
Untamed by Glennon Doyle (at the time of this episode I'm only 20% done with this book & I'm obsessed!)
Let's connect on Instagram! I love chatting in the DM's with my listeners, my community and my friends. If you have never stopped over, just say hi! I'd love to hear how you found the podcast and what you want to hear more of :)
43. Negative NUMBING Mechanisms
What do you do when you have had a bad day? When work has stressed you out or your to do list is just too overwhelming?
Do you reach for a glass of wine, binge eat, scroll on social to zone out...?
We all have things that we do to cope with hard or tough feelings, but it's important to choose positive over negative coping mechanisms. DUH Courtney! i know i know, just press play on this episode to get a big more of a break down on what I mean and how you should identify your own personal numbing/coping methods.
Quote
"The more we love ourselves the less we will use [food] to cope with our lives" - Corinne Crabtree
[insert your negative numbing mechanism here]
References
Talking Body Podcast, Episode 12, Interview between Amy Porterfield & Corinne Crabtree
Productive App - A daily habit tracker - this is where I am currently tracking the days I go without alcohol
Announcements
The Chasing Courage Community is coming soon!!
The GO LIVE date is scheduled for June 2, 2021. If you want more information or want to lock in a special discounted monthly rate, sign up by May 31st, 2021 by emailing me @ courtney.kw4@gmail.com, or DM me on Instagram or Facebook
BONUS: Self-Trust (+ some HOW TO'S and Housekeeping)
In this BONUS episode you will hear:
- What it means to subscribe to a podcast
- How to leave a review within apple podcasts
- The OFFICIAL launch date for the Chasing Courage membership community!!
- What is self-trust? Do you keep or more commonly; break promises you make to yourself?
Resources
How to Stop Feeling Like SHIT by Andrea Owen
The children's book about filling buckets that I mention > How Full is Your Bucket
Quote: "Vows made in storms are often forgotten in the calm" - origin unknown
Come hang with me on Instagram for slide decks and soundbites from my episodes + inspirational reminders (you know you need them & love them) + cute pictures of my son, Chase
42. Dear Chase: An audio message for my son
no intro, no extro ….just some real, transparent words and thoughts from myself to my almost 3 year old son.
He won't listen to this message anytime soon. But one day, when I feel the moment is right I will have him listen and I hope and I pray that it gives him the reassurance of how much I love him, despite my short comings as a mother. I hope that it captures how truly hard but also how incredibly joyful raising a child can be.
Follow my personal journey around motherhood (as well as all things podcasting) over on Instagram!
41. Can we get a MOMENT of SILENCE?! Interview w/ Claude Racine Valinsky
Claude Racine Valinsky was born outside of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She began dancing at the age of 7 and moved to the states (AZ) with her family when she was 8. At 20 years old Claude moved to LA to pursue dance; some of the credits to her name include: touring with Avril Lavigne, appearing in music videos for everyone from JLo, Chris Brown and Blink 182. She has been in musicals such as the Ten Commandments with Val Kilmer and done commercials for Disney and Dr. Scholl's. Claude has choreographed for Glee, Fuller House and Will & Grace! And you may recognize her as a cast member from Beachbody's 21 Day Fix or 9 Week Control Freak.
Claude currently resides in Las Vegas with her husband Noah and their 15 month old son, Nova. While Claude's presence on Beachbody on Demand is caught my eye, her transparency in sharing her journey into motherhood and battle with her post-baby body and postpartum is what caught my soul's attention.
Listen in to this raw story of postpartum depression, anxiety, grief of what was, appreciation for what is and the mentality to never settle!
Resources referenced in the interview
Sleeping program for babies - Taking Cara Babies
Claude's at home birth story on the Down to Birth podcast
Follow Claude on IG - she responds to every Direct Message!!!
40. PUT it in PARK & Stop the Self-sabotage!!
Park, Reverse, Neutral & Drive
What gear are you currently selecting for your life?
Drive- the only transmission position most people select for forward progress
Reverse (Verb) - to move backward (Noun) - a complete change of direction or action
Neutral - a disengaged position of gears in which the engine is disconnected from the driven parts
Park (Verb - as it pertains to motoring) - to bring a vehicle that is driving to a halt and leave it temporarily
I make some connections between PDNR and the book I am currently reading (& listening to) How to Stop Feeling Like Shit by Andrea Owen, she has such an eye opening take on Self-sabotage, what I refer to as being in the neutral gear.
QUOTES
"Self-sabotage is your one-way ticket to feeling like shit over and over again" - Andrea Owen
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" - Albert Einstein
Let me know what you think, send me a DM to hi or follow more of my journey over on Instagram
39. B.E.D. It's NOT a lack of WILLPOWER
I am sooo happy to be back with you all!!! 6 weeks was too long!
But we have a heavy topic to talk about today... Binge Eating Disorder. I'll let you listen for all of the details but here are the 2 lists that I work through throughout the episode as well as the websites and books referenced.
A BED episode occurs when at least 3 of the following 5 things happen:
- Consuming food faster than normal
- Consuming food until you are uncomfortably full or sick
- Consuming lots of food even when you are not hungry
- Consuming food alone due to embarrassment of what or how much you are eating
- Feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after eating
BED is NOT the following:
- It is not just about the weight (# on the scale) BED can occur in normal, overweight or obese adults
- It is not a lack of willpower! Research shows that BED can be caused from brain chemicals, stressful life events or through genetics
- It is not just overeating. BED episodes are classified as those that occur 1 or more times per week for 3 or more months
* another disclaimer that I have not been diagnosed by a medical professional with this disorder
RESOURCES
National Eating Disorder Association
Vyvanse a Medication to treat moderate to severe BED in adults
Intuitive Eating 4th Edition - a book I am currently reading on an anti-diet approach
Come follow my journey and hang out with me outside of the podcast on Instagram
38. ANNOUNCEMENT [See you in April!]
Hey Hey!!! Big things are happening for us, yes you and I!
Click play to find out how I plan to connect with you on a deeper level and build community with young women and badass moms all across the globe :)
To anyone who has played a part in my journey thus far, thank you so much! Every person who I interviewed on Chasing Courage gets a special shout out in today's episode - so listen for your name or the name of your favorite interviewee!
AND if you have been cheering me on behind the scenes; sending me DM's, sharing the podcast on social media... it truly means the world and it gives me the COURAGE to keep showing up each day.
Continue to follow me and my journey over on Instagram & I WILL be back in April, exact date TBD!
Can't wait to hear what you all think and what out of this next phase of our journey together :)
37. Vision Board 101 [Interview] w/ Twin SISTERS!
Jamie Schoepke
Resides in Fox Valley, WI and she and her husband have an (almost) 3 year old daughter. Jamie is a health nut; an online & group fitness instructor and coffee lover!
Jules Philippi
Resides about 30 minutes from her sister in Wisconsin. She and her husband have an (almost) 3 year old son who is just 15 days apart from his cousin. Jules is a group fitness manager and online fitness coach.
What is a vision board? A collection of images, notes and words on some type of (digital or physical) canvas
5 steps to create a Vision Board
1. Reflection
2. Dream Big
3. Write out your SMART goals (S - specific, M - measurable, A - achievable, R - realistic / relevant, T - Time bound)
4. Gather supplies
5. Assemble / Display / Share
Books referenced
The Latte Factor by David Bach
Finish. by Jon Acuff
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Indistracable by Nir Eyal
Podcast referenced
The MIndset Mentor w/ Host Rob Dial
Episode #33 of this podcast, Chasing Courage
Positive on Purpose (the twin sisters podcast!)
Quotes / Nuggets / Terminology
"Where your attention goes, your energy flows" - Jamie & Jules
"Work on your mindset before your midsection" - Jamie & Jules
AMRAP = As many rounds (reps) as possible, Blue Sky Time, Habit Stacking and Time blocking
Jamie Schoepke's Instagram
Jules Philippi's Instagram
36. SLOW DOWN! You don't always have to Go Go Go!
This episode was inspired by an excerpt from "Seasons: A Devotional To Refresh the Weary Mom" by Heather Gilstrap
Do you find that you are always rushing? in the shower, in the car, eating your food, making a to do list even when the to do list is done?! That's how I have operated for years, but FINALLY with the help of my husband, personal development and a little bit of faith I have been allowing myself to slow down and be still sometimes, and it really pays off!
QUOTES & Resources
"Creating a space for what you know you need or what you want is SO SO important" - CW
"Be Still & Know that I am GOD" Psalm 46:10
"Maybe if we don't react that might be the perfect reaction?" - CW
Be sure to check out episode 32, an interview on Morning Routines
&& The other book I quote from, which I am currently reading Don't keep your Day Job by Cathy Heller
35. DO IT for FUTURE you & feel free to CHANGE YOUR MIND! w/ Kacia Fitzgerald
34. EMOTIONAL Eating w/ Weight Loss COACH Billie Blake Risboskin
33. Tips to find your PURPOSE & discover your GIFT
This episode was inspired by Chapter 8 of the book, You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero *
We dive into 3 tips to help you find your calling, your gift, your passion, WHATEVER you want to call it!!
1. Take the FIRST step
2. Do the best wherever you're at
3. Allow your gift (passion, etc.) to change and evolve
I also share how I have made pivots and changes to what it is that I feel called to do in this life. Because changing our mind is NORMAL!!! & I call my shot on my newest goal (which has been on my heart for years) but I am finally giving it lip service :)
*I'm finally almost done with this book and I TOTALLY recommend it!
Here is a link to The Home Edit - the professional organization company that I am obsessed with
Let's hang on Instagram! It's my favorite platform to connect with my listeners!! Send me a direct message or audio message, introduce yourself or let me know what you took away from the episode :)
32. Learning to LOVE Mondays & Morning Routines w/ Sarah Jac
What do you get when you take 2 mamas who identify as an Enneagram 2's and are obsessed with personal growth?!
THIS energy filled interview!!!
Sarah Jac is a mom of 2 girls, ages 8 and 13. She is a newly wed, #covidbride, is a business owner and podcast host of Experience Life with Sarah Jac! She loves to run, read and write; she is even working on writing a book [like for real, right now!!]
This interview is all about Sarah's LOVE for Mondays, the importance of identifying where our energy goes and the REAL talk that you need to have your OWN time and routine, outside of your babies or significant other!
This conversation has so many "quotable" takeaways from Sarah; here are just a few of my FAVS:
- "Life is a marathon...each weekend is a rehydration station"
- "If your kids are your alarm clock, you're SCREWED!" (note we said kids/ toddlers, not babies or newborns :)
- "The meaning of life lies within your EXPERIENCES"
- "It's your life, your script!"
I HIGHLY encourage you to follow Sarah on Instagram and subscribe to her weekly podcast, Experience Life w/ host Sarah Jac
Also, if you are interested in being a part of THE COLLECTIVE, the personal growth community that brought me and this girl together, go hang out with Kacia on IG she can give you all the details!
I also would love to connect with you more personally, send me a DM on Instagram or screen shot this episode & share it to your stories SO I can THANK YOU. This is how we create a community of confident, courageous mamas!!
31. My FAV story, OURS. An [Interview] with my husband Rob
I got to interview the most handsome man I know, my husband!!
This conversation is a "highlight reel" of our story, from meeting in early 2014 to being a married for almost 4 years with a 2.5 year old. Find out ALL (Well MOST) the details about when and how we met, where we went on our first date, when we knew we loved each other, how Rob proposed, some favorite wedding day highlights and the birth of our son.
Rob - Thank you babe for being you and overcoming your nerves to get behind the mic with me! :)
Some resources / references from the episode
Finding Love in the City - Episode titled "A Little Light at the End of the Tunnel"
My interview w/ podcast host Danielle about how online dating lend me to my dream man
The husband and wife photography team who shot our engagement and wedding photos as well as our wedding video, they are Cleveland Ohio locals but will travel ANYWHERE
Our wedding video on YouTube
30. Christmas Break (& Future Episode TEASER!)
I'm celebrating my consistency for the past 30 weeks and allowing myself some GRACE to fully embrace some family and relaxation time during this holiday season.
I hope you have a very Merry CHRISTMAS and I will be back next week on 12/30 with an interview you won't want to miss (press play for a bit more detail)
29. LOVE yourself! DESPITE pant size OR # on the scale
28: Mindfulness, Meditation & Intuitive Eating w/ Jen Emswiler
27: Some of my FAV podcasts RIGHT NOW
In this episode I share with you 10 of the podcast that I listen to (or at least try to!) on a regular basis.
In no particular order:
- The Rachel Hollis Podcast w/ Rachel Hollis
- Straight Up w/ Trent Shelton
- EmpowerHER w/ Kacia Fitzgerald
- Full Out w/ Samantha Jo Harvey
- The Real Marriage Podcast w/ Griffin & Heather Gilstrap
- Rock Your Best Life w/ Becca Halverson
- The Price of Avocado Toast w/ Haley & Justin Brown-Woods
- The Kind Mind Project w/ Emily Helderman
- From Jen to Zen w/ Jen Emswiler
- Relatable Much w/ Becky Whelchel
- (Bonus) Mind Your Hormones w/ Corinne Angelica
Come hang with me on Instagram for cute pictures of my son, inspirational quotes and sound bites of podcast episodes :)
26: CELEBRATE what you're doing RIGHT & practice GRATITUDE
25: Loneliness & Solitude
Solitude - the state of being alone (Oxford) lack of contact with people. It can have both a positive and negative effect (Wikipedia)
Loneliness - of a place, the quality of being remote, isolation (Oxford) an unpleasant emotional response to PERCEIVED isolation (Wikipedia)
During this time, 2020, a global pandemic; many people are feeling lonely and that's OKAY but what if we labeled that feeling as solitude instead and learned to love the one and only person we are guaranteed to always be with, OURSELF!
Let's connect and continue the conversation on Insta!!
TAG the show in your Facebook or IG stories so we can spread this message for moms and powerhouse women everywhere!!
Also feel free to send me your thoughts, feedback, and future episode ideas by leaving me a voice message or sending a DM
24: [Interview] Crisis COUNSELING & Suicide PREVENTION for kiddos w/ Emily Helderman
Emily Helderman is a spunky, beautiful 26 year old who resides in Columbus, OH. She has a master degree in social work and works as a crisis therapist in a well-known hospital system counseling adolescents who have struggled with or attempted suicide.
Emily also hosts a weekly podcast called The Kind Mind Project, it is a must listen for ladies looking to throw out the nasty self talk and "move the mountains we were made to FREAKING MOVE!"
Emily and I "met" through The COLLECTIVE, the personal development community created by powerhouse podcaster Kacia Fitzgerald. You can check out her podcast, which drops new episodes 2X per week here > EmpowerHER
In this interview we talk about the importance of therapy for yourself and or your child, how to not beat yourself up as a parent if your child struggles or will struggle with mental health and some techniques; CBT and DVT *
CBT - Cognitive behavioral therapy: a psycho-social intervention[1][2] that aims to improve mental health.[3] CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions (e.g. thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors, improving emotional regulation,[2][4] and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.
DBT - Dialectical Behavioral therapy: an effort to treat borderline personality disorder (also known as Emotional Instability Disorder).[2] There is evidence that DBT can be useful in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm, and substance abuse.
TAG EM & CHASING COURAGE on social with your takeaways from this conversation!!!
Follow Emily and her Kind Mind Project on Instagram
Let's chat over on IG, Follow me for weekly podcast updates, inspiration and cute pictures of Chase! Also send me a DM of your thoughts or a topic you would like me to dive into/research!
Chasing Courage on Instagram
23: A story of RECOVERY. An [interview] on ADDICTION w/ Kassie (Kent) Pidgeon
Today's episode, an interview with my sister, takes us through her battle with addiction.
It all began at the age of 13 with alcohol, experimenting with pain medication a few years later and progressed into her 20's with heroin.
Drug addiction, or addiction of any kind is a disease. This disease tore our family apart but in some ways brought us closer together and by the GRACE of GOD Kassie didn't lose her life or her freedom to the drugs. Kass is one of the lucky ones, she didn't end in jail or 6 feet in the ground but after a decade of in-patient rehab, out-patient therapy and dozens of relapse she made the decision for HERSELF that she wanted to be clean.
If you or someone you love is battling drug or alcohol addiction reach out for help. Some resources are listed below.
Narcotics Anonymous > https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Alcoholics Anonymous > https://aa.org/pages/en_US/find-aa-resources
Northeast Ohio area > URBAN MINORITY ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE OUTREACH PROGRAM > https://www.mansfieldumadaop.com
Follow Chasing Courage on Instagram. Send me a DM with your thoughts on the episode, screen shot and share the podcast in your stories!
Please RATE & REVIEW on Apple Podcast, this helps new listeners discover the show!
Click HERE to find out how to leave a podcast review on Apple Podcasts
22: 3 ways to improve your SEX life NOW
"Let's talk about SEX baby, let's talk about you and me!!!" lol
I can't help but think of that song when I think about talking out loud to anyone (other than my husband) about sex. But seriously sex is SUCH an important and beautiful part of a marriage and unless you are some type of unicorn woman and mother you have probably gone through a season or 2 (or 3) in your marriage where intimacy was one the back burner. I know I have been there, really recently as you will hear me talk about in this episode.
But I want to share with you all 3 ways to improve your sex life, the imitate moments with your spouse right now, especially if you are a mama!
1. Change your location / scenery / environment
2. Don't always expect a home run
3. Be patient and understanding
I hope that you all can take and apply one (OR ALL 3) of these tips within the next week, whether your sex drive is in high gear right now or has stalled out.
A few resources to reference:
- The Real Marriage Podcast: Season 3, episode 13 - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JjrMOJiIYkHCk0SJzfqVY
- Lasting (relationship) App - https://getlasting.com/
- Period and intimacy tracker - https://gpapps.com/
&& finally, come hang with me on Instagram and let's continue the conversation https://www.instagram.com/chasingcourage_podcast/
21: Postpartum Depression SPARKS friendship
20: Get PAST your past, Be PRESENT in the present and look FORWARD to the future
pssttt....Listen in for the surprise guest in today's episode ;)
3 Tips to get past your past
1. Acceptance
Acceptance is the beginning of the healing process
2. Forgiveness
Sometimes forgiveness is just internal
3. Gratitude
3 Tips to wish for you future but not get wrapped up in it
1. Finding the balance between dreaming of your tomorrows while being content with today
2. Realize that you only have today
3. Most of our fears never come to fruition
19: It's OKAY to not be OKAY
18: Moving Forward: An [interview] on Suicide w/ Katie-Jean
This is a story that may cause you to shed some tears but more importantly what I hope you are left with is an acknowledgement that mental health is real and that suicide should be taken seriously. I also desire that a sense of hope can arise from this story of my dear friends.