How Lindsey Rodriguez Built Freedom Through STRs, Mindset, and Motherhood

In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Lindsey (Schmidt) Rodriguez shares the deeply personal journey that led her into real estate, short-term rentals, and a completely transformed way of living. From navigating New York City lockdowns in a 400-square-foot studio with her husband, to discovering financial freedom through house hacking, Lindsey opens up about the pivotal moments that reshaped her family’s trajectory.Lindsey also reflects on the mindset work that changed everything. The shift from survival mode to alignment, and the “missing piece” she discovered when learning to operate from trust, intuition, and a higher sense of purpose.As a mom of two little ones, she speaks candidly about the chaos, beauty, and gratitude of motherhood. She shares the nightly reminder that grounds her — a simple piece of art in her hallway that reads, “In another universe, I’m dreaming of this life right here.” It’s a conversation about ambition, identity, family, and the power of choosing the life you want.00:00 – 01:05 — Opening & Lindsey’s Early Spark 01:05 – 02:28 — Exploring New Paths Beyond Corporate Life 02:28 – 03:15 — Leaving NYC During COVID & Their First House Hack 03:15 – 04:25 — Discovering Real Estate & Seeing the Upside 04:25 – 06:20 — Their Accidental Entry Into STRs 06:20 – 08:05 — Taking Risks, Fear, and Momentum 08:05 – 10:10 — Motherhood, Identity, and Emotional Growth 10:10 – 14:22 — Staying Grounded Through Big Life Shifts 14:22 – 17:40 — Creating a Home That Feels Expansive & Intentional 17:40 – 21:30 — Fear, Gratitude, and Trusting the Universe 21:30 – 24:30 — Alignment, Ambition & Identity Shifts 24:30 – 27:38 — The Reminder That Grounds Her: “In Another Universe…” 27:38 – 31:46 — Embracing Chaos & Letting Go of Perfection 31:46 – 33:10 — Unlearning Self-Doubt & Internal Criticism 33:10 – 35:00 — Why Negative Feedback Lands Stronger Than Praise 35:00 – 38:33 — Mindset Teachings That Changed Her Path 38:33 – 39:04 — The First Call That Shifted Everything 39:04 – 40:15 — Peace, Surrender & Letting Go of Control 40:15 – End — Final Reflections on Motherhood & AlignmentConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/lindzrodriguezConnect with the Host:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitionsTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace