Coffee in the Corral

In a world that is brimming over with extensive research, excellent advice, and endless knowledge at our fingertips, it can feel overwhelming learning to incorporate and “do” all the things.Today, I will boil it down to three simple steps you can take that have the potential to truly change how you feel, how you think, and how you respond.I also talk about:Playing the “What if” game from a different perspectiveThe quantum law, “What you focus on expands”How to change the way you feelThe meaning of being mindfulThe three steps to taking your powerHere is the song, “Not My Circus”, that I am loving right now:https://open.spotify.com/track/0ptOINiyIh0GarbBcPX3cC?si=f6a6137fe1434655

Instant Stress Hack - a conversation with my girls! #196This week is a special episode brought to you from the front seat of our truck! My two daughters, Tanaya and Avriella, join me today in a thought-provoking conversation about some cool things I am learning from Dr. Ellen Langer.I just love talking with my girls. Not only is it an absolute blast, but I also always appreciate their perspectives and thoughts on different subjects. I’m pretty sure you will, too. ;)We discuss:Dr. Ellen Langer views stress and how we can live and work without stressThe difficulty of being your authentic self in school or at workThe podcast, The Florence Given Show, and why Tanaya likes itHow to make an embarrassing moment less embarrassingMusic and what it does for usPlease check out the plant guru Katy Henson at her website, Wildscapesmo.comAnd last but not least, we reference one of our favorite comedy YouTube channels, “Studio C” and “JK Studios”. Check them out on YouTube! They have some ridiculously fun stuff to watch!

Overflowing with gratitude today as I share my recent accomplishment for my film, From Cult to Queer!! Over a year ago, I hobbled into the office of my friend and film director, Taylor Brown, with crutches to begin telling my story. In the midst of recovering from a motorcycle wreck, I took the leap to start making a film about my life. I was terrified, shaky, and fearful that it would all be too traumatic and a huge waste of my time. I worried no one would find value in my message. But amidst all the voices screaming at me to stay silent, to stay stuck in what I was familiar with, to not step outside of my comfort zone, I did it anyway.Why? Because I was tired of the negative messaging that kept me feeling insecure, small, and unworthy. And ready or not, I was going to tell my fucking story and believe that somewhere, somehow, it would help somebody and make some sort of a difference in the world. Listen today as I unveil the exciting news about my film, which recently received an award from the LGBTQ Unbordered International Film Festival!This is only the beginning, baby. We are just getting started. The me I am today is already so different from the me that started this journey last year. No more playing small. If others can be wildly successful and travel the globe to share their message, then why not me? Why not you? Are you ready to dream big? The Universe wants to give you what you want. Are you ready to stop making excuses and get started?Let’s fucking GO!!!!Here are the two podcasts that my teenage daughters got me onto. If you need some daily inspiration, these chicks have it going!!Inspired DelusionsThe Florence Given Show

Are you an all-or-nothing person like me? If so, this episode is for you. It’s for me. It’s for all of us who grew up being told that our worth comes from what we can accomplish. I have lived my whole life giving one hundred and ten percent. Sometimes, it was great, but more often than not, it was detrimental to my health in a myriad of ways. Who knew that a workout program designed specifically for women in perimenopause was going to be the thing that taught me a new way to approach life? Thanks to Betty Rocker and her quote, “All or Something”, I am learning to listen to my body. You can too. In fact, you deserve it. You deserve the care and attention and permission to give what you have for that day and reserve the rest for yourself.It’s time for us to stop giving all of ourselves away. It’s time for us to rewrite the story. Life isn’t about doing. It’s about living. #LFG

Happy Pride Month, my lovely community!! I am so fucking grateful to be sharing today about my own queer journey and the things I am learning in this beautiful season!I talk about:What I believe that Pride is all aboutMy current struggle of feeling judgmental towards the other side nowHow I want to treat all of humanityThe need for diversity in ALL humansMy journey to discovering my queernessHow Jenna forever changed my lifeThe history of the first Pride flag design (fucking cool!)And last but not least, a very eye-opening documentary that everyone should watch about the first Pride parade on June 28th, 1970, in New York, commemorating the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. See the link below!!This link takes you to the article about some Pride history. Scroll down to find the documentary to watch. It’s only twelve minutes long and worth every second of your time! Enjoy!https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/

Today I am joined by my lovely partner, Jenna, as we discuss our recent trip and how it reminded us that we need to keep finding ways to rejuvenate our lives.At the start of this episode, Zelle seemed strongly determined to sabotage our session, and despite our many efforts, she stuck around to keep us on our toes. ;) Gotta love those animals!It's so easy to go through life, get stuck moving from thing to thing to thing, and forget that we deserve moments of rejuvenation. Women, especially, are taught from a young age to be martyrs. It can be a hard belief/habit to break. I get it.Join Jenna and me today as we discuss the challenges we face in this area and the ways we are learning to care for ourselves!Here is the delightful, humorous episode on the "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2G12NH8rsmVkPcstewF1KS?si=DPeer55pSrOvv5W2A79M0w

Have you ever had a bad feeling about something but excused it away for one reason or another and then ended up very much regretting it?Yeah. Me too. Today I share my recent, unfortunate visit to a new dentist. What I thought was going to be a checkup and possible cavity filling turned into a horrible experience that I am still currently suffering from.My body knew. From the beginning. But I reasoned it away. I ignored the feelings. I dismissed the urgent voice begging me not to go back. Our culture teaches us from a young age to ignore our bodies - especially if you are raised in religion. Join me today as I unpack the story and what I am learning from this experience.

This episode isn’t what I planned it to be. But that’s the way life is sometimes, I reckon. What was supposed to be a fun, substitute job at a new building ended up being me taking over ISS (in-school suspension) for the day. Before this week, I had never done ISS, and yes, that was on purpose. I never want to be known to my students as an authority figure who enforces shame and strict laws on them. However, I went where I was needed and saw firsthand how absolutely bizarre, and quite honestly inhumane, ISS really is.So, I talk about this today. And share how I tried to still find ways to show value to each of the guys in my class. And last but not least, I share why I love fossils so much and how a simple, dusty rock in my pasture helped me find compassion and love for myself. Rocks really do rock.

I think it’s fair to say that we all love finding ways to save time. Our time and energy are precious commodities, and we try to protect them to the best of our ability. Often, our lives are so busy that time feels like a runaway train that we are constantly trying to catch up with.Life is not only busy, but also often stressful. We can quickly end up carrying immense amounts of frustration throughout our day due to the various situations we encounter. But this doesn’t have to be our normal! Today, I dive into some exciting tools that I have been learning about and how I am applying them to my daily life! I discuss:The longest contraction in the English language, y’all’d’ve (you all would have), and why we love contractions 🙂How labor contractions can teach us to navigate life betterMy “flower” story of turning frustration into relaxationSurrendering to “speed things up.”Trusting the timing you can’t seeThe “cold shower” challenge!Martha Beck's episode - What to do with Pain

This week I share some things I learned from my recent cycling trip to complete 225.1 miles of the Katy trail! Going on this adventure challenged me in many ways but by the end of it, I finished feeling strong and empowered! I hope that after listening to this episode, you are inspired to go on an adventure of your own. 😎 Life is way too short to keep making excuses!Today I discuss:Why sleeping in a tent alone terrified meHow being WAY out of my comfort zone gave me numerous growth opportunitesThe unexpected realization that my body wants to help me outAllison’s belief about people that proved to be true on the trailNo matter how bad our country gets, nature continues to live and thriveMy renewed sense of gratitude and reset on life It’s all in the way you look at it 🙂

Join me this week for this special sunrise edition of waking up with nature! To me, there is nothing as peaceful as being immersed in nature, and today we do this together as I talk about the wildlife in my little part of the world and what it teaches me.During this recording, I saw several flocks of ducks take flight from the pond in front of me, a glorious number of over twenty ducks in just forty minutes! The red-winged blackbirds brought the beautiful background music as the sun peeked up quietly before being covered in clouds.Stick around to learn some amazing facts about the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher! If you have not observed this bird in the wild, it’s high time you do! And though they are not as numerous in central Missouri, Jenna and I recently were lucky to watch several Flycatchers in action! Last but not least, I finish this episode with a poem I wrote while sitting in nature the other day, called “The More That I Listen”.  🙂*Next week, there will not be a new podcast episode due to my week-long cycling trip! See you all in two weeks!

Join me today as I talk about one of my favorite subjects ever… OUR BRAIN!I have been learning from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s new book, “Whole Brain Living”, and I am super excited to share how I am applying it to my life!I discuss:The 4 parts of the brainThe function of each partUnderstanding this can empower us to choose how we want to respond to each situationWhy I don’t believe it should be about “Republicans vs. Democrats."How a mini cupcake gave me insight into my own brainIf you make it to the end of the episode, there is a real special treat for you! I act out a skit of a real scenario that happened to me last week while substitute teaching. 🙂 Zellle even makes sure to get in on the fun!Here are the links to learn more about Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor!Dr.Jill Bolte Taylor Interview PodcastWhole Brain Living Book on AmazonHer book is also available in quite a few other places, so feel free to check out your local bookstore and support small businesses!

This week, I am incredibly honored and excited to share this episode, in which my friend and favorite barista, Russ Powers, shares his journey from self-destruction to redesigning his whole life.You won’t be disappointed. Russ opens up about his struggle with addiction that began as a child, lasted many years into adulthood, and eventually brought him to the brink of death. After he finally surrendered and decided to face the dark reality of his life, he slowly began learning a new way forward. Healing isn’t linear, and in Russ’s story, we learn that we can choose every day to continue rewiring our brains, or we can choose to live unaware and fall back into unhealthy patterns.This episode is well worth your time, and I enjoyed every single minute of this conversation. Russ is the real deal. This authentic, hopeful, truth-telling interview inspired and reminded me that we really can have the kind of life we want if we are willing first to believe and then start taking small steps toward the future we want. All the ways to connect with Russ!Contact Russ through his email at [email protected] Click the link below to purchase a copy of Russ’s book on Amazon today! There is also an app you can purchase on the App Store, called Reality By Design, that pairs beautifully with the book!amazon.com/Reality-By-DesignIf you or anyone you know is looking for life insurance or mortgage protection, check out Oak Harbor Finance at Oak Harbor Finance on Facebook!Need a professional website built that doesn’t break the bank? Head to powerscreative.co to see all the great options Russ offers!Coming soon, Russ will be launching his new solar business, smarthaven.house. If you are interested in some super cool solar solutions to prepare you for rising energy prices, this website is where you can explore all the possibilities!And last but certainly not least, don’t forget to swing by LoveCraft Farms - Kombucha + Coffee, off of Sunshine, Friday or Saturday between 8 am and 2 pm to get the world’s most delicious coffee!

I realize our country is a complete shit show right now. I also realize that sometimes we need to disengage and care for our mental health. Today’s episode is exactly for that.If you need to kick back, breathe, and laugh, this episode is for you. If you love animals like crazy, this episode is for you.If you enjoy silliness, stories, and a mom and her girls cutting up, you’re in the right place.My teenage daughters bring absolute joy to this episode with their delightful animal stories and open-hearted, refreshing honesty. In the midst of hardship and heartbreak, we all deserve to take moments to laugh and remember that there is still so much beauty in life to enjoy!Huge hugs to all my animal lovers and their lovely animals!

This week I share a story of how my messy teen helped me discover some deeply unhealed parts of myself. Learning to parent our children in a completely different way than we were parented can be so exhausting, confusing, and difficult.I discuss:- my relationship with constant, high stress- the book I am reading that is helping me change my brain- how journaling opened my understanding - why messes trigger me so bad- the importance of setting boundaries- the incredible conversation we had with our teen- how I am learning to balance the things I "see"- my advice to other parents who want to break the unhealthy parenting cycle and write their own story

Join me and my two amazing partners, Nate and Jenna, as we share our thoughts about the recent public premiere of my documentary, “From Cult to Queer.”This episode is a delightful, laid-back conversation that covers our experience at this event and what we loved most. We discuss:Why I do not want to move to HawaiiWhat we loved about the premiereOur favorite highlightWhere we plan to go from here with the documentaryHow we move forward and make decisions in our livesThe importance of never settling for less than what feels peacefulThe story of choosing the home we have nowPlease check out and follow us on our documentary socials!Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587813077335Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fromculttoqueer/Search the episodes to find and listen to the life story of Taylor Brown (director of From Cult to Queer)"Healing with Compassion" #67 - a meaningful, vulnerable conversation with my dear friend Taylor Brown “The Freedom Of Being A Failure” - #108 A brave, in-depth conversation about several controversial, religious concepts with Taylor Brown - and why he continues to speak up

Today, I am super pumped to share some fascinating wisdom with you that has the power to transform your “actual” life! Join me as I read several pages from my new favorite book, “Reality By Design” by Russell L. Powers.The concepts I talk about today:Your personality is your personal reality - and how knowing this can help you change your reality.The power is in the present moment - why it’s so important for us to keep coming back to the present moment, for us to create the change we desire. Your beliefs are just thoughts - why we believe our beliefs are true and how we can completely change our lives by releasing old, limiting beliefs.To dive deeper into these principles, check out the authors that Russell Powers learned from:Joe DispenzaVadim ZelandNapoleon HillJim RohnEarl NightingaleJames AllenNeville GoddardI will be gone next week, so there will not be a podcast episode on March 4th. Head over to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to grab your tickets for the March 7th public premiere of my documentary, “From Cult to Queer”! Click the link below!https://drafthouse.com/springfield/event/live-q-a-from-cult-to-queer

This week I share about the important but difficult balance of loving our children while also still loving ourselves. Coming out late in life and completely changing our family dynamics was hard on my kids - and rightly so. Over the years, I have worked really hard to make space for my kids to have their feelings and be able to voice their struggles. But carrying all of their pain and my own insecurities can get really heavy. If you came out late in life and have older children, this episode is for you. It’s important to know we aren’t alone in this crazy adventure. Though it is tempting at times to give up and go back to what makes everyone comfortable, it’s vital that we continue to honor ourselves. Loving and embracing our truest self is the very best thing we can do for our kids. Check out my new website page dedicated to my documentary film, “From Cult to Queer.”https://www.freedomforthetaking.org/fromculttoqueerClick here to follow my FB documentary page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587813077335Click here to follow my Instagram documentary account:https://www.instagram.com/fromculttoqueer/

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you abandon yourself in exchange for others’ comfort? Yeah, me too.Today, I share two recent stories that left me upset and frustrated. After having these experiences, I became curious as to why staying true to myself in some situations feels impossible to me. Join me as I unpack my “5 whys” and get to the root of the problem. We have immeasurable value. We deserve to be cared for when we pay for services. It is not rude or selfish. It is their job. Our job is to advocate for ourselves. As we learn and practice this, please remember that it’s not about never failing. It’s about learning to “say something sooner.” You got this! If this podcast resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend!

Do you feel exhausted and overwhelmed with your life constantly?Do the things you love also bring you immense amounts of stress sometimes?Good news! You are not alone, AND there are ways to manage this stress that do not have to be complicated or cost a lot of money.A weekend away in Branson with my love Jenna not only rejuvenated my soul, but also helped me remember why I choose the life I do. Join me today as I share what life is teaching me and how a simple night away was exactly the reset I needed. You will learn:The benefit of taking time to resetHow to make a couple of lists that will help you re-examine the daily stress you manageIdeas for simple, cheap resets that do not take all your time or resourcesThe role of an auctioneer and why I relate to themAnd last but not least, a live, in-the-moment skit that depicts my daily life as an auctioneer :) LOL! My new life motto: “Find what feels better - and keep coming back to this whenever you can’t ‘life' anymore.” 

Quite a few people wonder why I have a zebra as the logo for my nonprofit organization, Freedom For The Taking. Well, today, my friends, you will wonder no more!! Join me as I not only explain why I am so in love with zebras, but also why zebras are some of the coolest animals on the safari! Learn what a group of zebras is called (it’s so freakin cool!)Discover all the benefits of their black and white stripesWhy have zebras never been successfully domesticated?How does a zebra defend itself?What can zebras teach us?But first, come with me as I trudge out in 6 inches of snow, with wind chills below zero, to go visit the beautiful horse herd on our ranch. Watching the horses eat hay and nap in the sunshine, we are reminded that one simple way of finding peace is learning to live in the present moment.

This week started really shitty. Not the kind of Monday anyone wants to begin their week with. In less than 30 minutes, we lost 10 chickens.Not just any ol’ chicken. Eight of my daughters’ prize bantams and two beloved older hens. It was a massacre. Today I tell the story. That horrific moment when we all realised something horrible had gone wrong in the chicken pen. But stay with me. After taking a day to grieve, process, and recalibrate, I was able to conduct some research into long-overdue questions. Questions about coyotes and how they seem to keep proliferating despite many efforts to control their populations. As I dug into the research, I was surprised to learn so much more. The more we can learn about things we do not understand, the better off the whole world will be. Instead of controlling, we can learn preventive practices that will help us coexist with nature in harmony and respect. Join me as I share my findings, and even more importantly, the lessons I learned from this whole painful endeavour. And if you can take one moment to share this episode with a friend, I would be utterly grateful! Spread the love!

Are humans designed to live in groups? If so, why is there so much fighting and hatred and division? Aren’t we meant to live in a social structure?Join me today as I explore a little about the history of homo sapiens and how we got where we are today. Sadly, there isn’t a huge difference between our existence millions of years ago and how humans treat each other in this day and age. The fact that we all live in such larger communities explains why things have gotten so out of hand. Is it hopeless?The recent release of my documentary, “From Cult to Queer,” coupled with a beautiful experience with my horse herd,  gave me fresh insight, hope, and a vision for a better way forward. We can do this. One person, one group, one ripple at a time.Super fun, short, science video about human evolutionHuman Evolution: We Didn't Evolve From Chimps: Crash Course Biology #19Heartbreaking  but important statement from the wife of Renee Nicole Goodhttps://www.thedailybeast.com/renee-nicole-goods-wife-rebecca-good-gives-heartbreaking-statement-after-ice-shooting/?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_social_post_id=647614679&utm_campaign=owned_social&utm_social_handle_id=37763684202&utm_source=facebook_owned_tdb&via=FB_Page&source=TDB&fbclid=IwZnRzaAPTh_lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeNNN5UTjYpmZlnM4iaoqyaL79KhvC3GUMGeuakn4nBSAstOU3ckQ248T6O_w_aem_-24rJ6tsHKxVr55njV5laQ

Audio only while Spotify is having issues with my computer.With age, our bones shrink in size and density (this explains why we get shorter as we get older- that is, unless you are Jenna)Muscles lose strength, flexibility, and enduranceAll this affects our balance, coordination, and stability as we ageThis sounds like a depressing episode, but stay with me. Today, I discuss the science and truth of aging, but I also share the exciting things I am learning about how to better care for my body as I get older. Our bodies change whether we like it or not, but there is still so much in our control that we can take charge of to ensure that we continue to thrive even as our bodies change.If we do what we’ve always done, we will NOT get what we have always gotten because our resources are limited, and as we age, they begin to run out. However, with intentional care, strategy, and a whole lot of willingness, we can find ways to supplement and help our bodies have the best shot at life!Do your research. Learn about your body. Listen to what it tells you.And click this link below to check out this incredible interview that Mel Robbins did with Dr. Stacy Sims!https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EV0Mv07qs5XzmYwfJZg08?si=oeVRU0yvRyOMRlw8B3SEkA

With age, our bones shrink in size and density (this explains why we get shorter as we get older- that is, unless you are Jenna)Muscles lose strength, flexibility, and enduranceAll this affects our balance, coordination, and stability as we ageThis sounds like a depressing episode, but stay with me. Today, I discuss the science and truth of aging, but I also share the exciting things I am learning about how to better care for my body as I get older. Our bodies change whether we like it or not, but there is still so much in our control that we can take charge of to ensure that we continue to thrive even as our bodies change.If we do what we’ve always done, we will NOT get what we have always gotten because our resources are limited, and as we age, they begin to run out. However, with intentional care, strategy, and a whole lot of willingness, we can find ways to supplement and help our bodies have the best shot at life!Do your research. Learn about your body. Listen to what it tells you.And click this link below to check out this incredible interview that Mel Robbins did with Dr. Stacy Sims!https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EV0Mv07qs5XzmYwfJZg08?si=oeVRU0yvRyOMRlw8B3SEkA

Hello friends! I am excited to share a little bit about the Chinese Zodiac Sign for 2026 and some of the personality traits of “Horse”! Join me as I talk about the strengths and challenges of “Horse” and why this specific zodiac sign makes me feel hopeful for the new year.With the new year comes new opportunities!  Are you ready for them? Do you have space freed up?What have you collected along the way that no longer serves you?*Special treat - AJ does a little skit to demonstrate how we end up carrying more things in life than we need to. At the end, you will hear the things that I want to let go of this year so that I can be open and ready for new growth in 2026! After listening to this episode, I highly encourage you to write your own “Let Go” list. Thanks for listening! See you next year!Articles I researched on and used as part of my podcast today: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-zodiac/article/3335586/why-year-fire-horse-2026-could-bring-chaos-also-great-progresshttps://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/horse/

Hello friends! I am excited to share a little bit about the Chinese Zodiac Sign for 2026 and some of the personality traits of “Horse”! Join me as I talk about the strengths and challenges of “Horse” and why this specific zodiac sign makes me feel hopeful for the new year.With the new year comes new opportunities! Are you ready for them? Do you have space freed up?What have you collected along the way that no longer serves you?*Special treat - AJ does a little skit to demonstrate how we end up carrying more things in life than we need to. At the end, you will hear the things that I want to let go of this year so that I can be open and ready for new growth in 2026! After listening to this episode, I highly encourage you to write your own “Let Go” list. Thanks for listening! See you next year!Articles I researched on and used as part of my podcast today: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-zodiac/article/3335586/why-year-fire-horse-2026-could-bring-chaos-also-great-progresshttps://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/horse/

Ever wonder why this song sings about 6 different birds then is broken up with “Five golden rings” before it goes on to describing the last 5 days of performances by people? Was the author really talking about actual gold rings?Hello! It’s Christmas Eve, and today I share 5 things I have learned that help me step into my power! This podcast was inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas song, and during this episode, I share the history behind that song. Listen in to hear some of the theories floating around and why evidence actually points to “five golden rings” being about another bird! After doing the research, I was inspired to dig in and uncover my five golden rings!The 5 rings of my “step into your power” rock circle.The power to say noThe power to say yesAccepting other’s disapprovalDeconstructing the liesUnapologetically claiming your spaceMaybe this Christmas, you step into your power. The very best gift, in my experience, isn’t the birth of some “god-child” - it’s the gift of choice. The freedom to choose what feels most honoring to you. And what better time to gift this to yourself than during the “season of giving”? Check out this blog to read the full story behind the “ring-necked pheasant” theory!https://blog.nature.org/2024/12/01/the-5-golden-rings-they-might-be-pheasants/

I had some feelings today. My son left to go back to Hawaii after a ten-day visit. So I took an official “sad day” to allow myself time to just feel. It’s been good. Really good. And I realized in the midst of it, I was actually accomplishing something really important.Join me today as I talk about what I believe to be the best way to change the world.We all want to have an impact. We all want to feel like we made a difference. Well, you can. It’s not as hard as it sounds. And it doesn’t have to involve ever even leaving your own home. ;)Listen all the way to the end for a special reading of a poem I wrote today!

This is a question I was asked recently by a young person in their 20’s. Today I take this overwhelming, huge question and break it down into what felt manageable to me. It’s not unusual for humans to ask themselves some version of this question many times over the course of their life. We all want to feel like we offer value to this world and know that our life is important and purposeful. However, from my experience, I find that living a life filled with meaning doesn’t have to involve a complicated, exhausting search. There is no magic answer - but there is an answer. What are the ways that make life worth living to you?Listen to today’s episode as I share what brings meaning to my life and a simple way you can discover your own meaningful moments!

This week, my amazing partner Jenna takes the lead on the podcast and interviews me about my documentary, which is coming out in January 2026!I share the heart behind it all by answering these questions:What led me to decide to make this documentary?What do I hope to accomplish through it?What do I worry about when sharing my story?What is the most important lesson I have learned through the process?Three words to describe what this documentary means to meFollow me on one or all of my social media platforms to find out the details of when the documentary is available and where!Click below to follow me on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087793158579Click below to follow me on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/freedomzebracoach?igsh=MTFud2w2bmJ5dG5wMw==Click below to follow me on TikTok!https://www.tiktok.com/@zebra.coach?_r=1&_t=ZP-91tIfLUv3p1

Today I talk about a very important lesson my ankle taught me and how I am applying it to my life.I discuss how the things that bring us support and healing can eventually limit us from reaching our full potential and how to know when it's time to take off the brace.You will learn the method that I have found effective for my healing journey that comes simply from these three things:AwarenessReleaseTrustStay till the end to hear the Pat Parelli phrase that has helped me over the years in not only my horsemanship journey but my personal life as well!

It’s so easy to see what we have yet to accomplish and forget to celebrate how far we have come. Our culture has ingrained so many toxic ways of thinking into our minds that most of the time, we don’t even realize that we are in autopilot mode and buying into these lies. Instead of being aware of our journey, we rush around living in constant stress with an unending To-Do List. Maybe this isn’t your experience. But for those of us who have spent most of our lives believing we needed to prove our value, life can feel like trying to catch a train that refuses to slow down. It’s certainly no way to spend our precious one life.It’s time for us to remember.It’s time for us to slow down and realize that we get to choose how we live.It’s time for us to realize that we already fucking won.It’s time to celebrate ourselves!Please share this episode with someone you think needs this reminder! 

I have spent most of my life trying to be as selfless as possible. The very word selfish still sends me into a bit of a panic. This is what religious trauma can do to you. Join me today as I unpack the word “self-centered”. You will learn:The meaning of the word and when it was first used in our languageWhat was happening in England during 1645 The similarities between then and nowThe history of “Agreement of the People”My theory of why that word came into existence during that time An essay I wrote about the enlightenment I received after doing the research for this podcastWhy I want to be a “Leveller” and an “Agitators” Check out this simple website to learn more!https://kids.kiddle.co/An_Agreement_of_the_People

Join me and my hardcore partner Jenna as we laugh and share about our recent 43.4 mile cycling adventure and all the wild experiences we had along the way!Being new to gravel biking, and brand new to bike packing, it quickly became evident that we had no clue what we were getting ourselves into. But it was still a blast! We made the best of it, laughed our asses off in between exhaustion and freezing to death. ;)If you aren't living life adventurously, you aren't fucking living!

It's been a rough week here at Peace Out Ranch. One week ago, my beloved horse Zelle came down really sick. Today I share the story of how we are trying to find healing amidst a very scary neurological disease called West Nile Virus.Life is precious, fragile, and unpredictable. Remember to give those you love, furry friends and all, an extra squeeze this week.If you are interested in herbs for your horses, I recommend checking out SilverLiningHerbs.com.

Everyone loves fall - the beautiful colors and cool weather. But did you ever wonder why some trees drop their leaves and others do not? Why is it that some animals stock up and prepare to hibernate while others fly away?After some delightful research, I am excited to share some super cool nature facts and basic science that is sure to spark your interest! This research trail led me into curiosity about myself and what lessons nature might be offering me. -How am I preparing for the next season of life?-What changes do I need to make to preserve and protect my peace?-What do I need to let go of?-Where is my energy most needed?A great place to hike!Springfield Conservation Nature CenterCoolest bird migration article ever!birdlife.org/news/2018/06/27/migration-marathons-7-unbelievable-bird-journeys/

Today, I share some tips on how to find your alignment when life starts irritating you. I often find myself trying to “push” myself and think that if I just ignore the irritation and force myself to keep going, it will go away. But the friction only goes away when I take time to stop, assess the situation, and adjust where I have gotten out of alignment. It’s simple but important in order to continue staying true to who we are today. We are the mechanics of our own life. It’s our responsibility to ensure we are prepared and well-equipped for the challenges of life. Yes, life is hard and full of unexpected potholes that will bend us out of our “true”. But with awareness and intention, we can realign and get back on the road - one “spoke” at a time. 🙂

This is not my favorite episode. I tried to find a way to avoid talking about a recent horrific situation with AirBnb and one of their hosts, but my brain has been stuck on it. So I showed up anyway. In the middle of the mess. And shared my story. Life is complicated, hard, and often sucky. It’s so important that we continue building moments of joy and delight into our life. For those that make it to the end of today’s difficult conversation, you will find a delightful video of me and my family all riding horses together. These are the moments that keep me going. ♥️

This week, I am delighted to share with you…My new favorite book in the whole wide worldOur wonderful experience at a recent PridefestThe lessons that I am learning while building a roof with NateThe incredible science behind the design of a “truss”Why I believe there is a missing truth to “strength in numbers”How we can “bridge the gap”The 3 most important traits we must learn if we want to be effective world-changersThe book I highly recommend:“The House In The Cerulean Sea” by T.J. KluneThe YouTube link about the design of a truss! (From someone who actually knows what they are talking about! 😀)How Trusses Work! (Structures 5-1)

Today's episode is a little different. After seeing so much disdain, hate, and negativity online, I spent several hours writing this song. It helped me process my feelings and find what I wanted to say. So instead of talking about the current social climate, I decided to sing about it. :)I hope this song reminds you to value all humanity, no matter what. The ecosystems that thrive are the ones that are diverse! And this includes the truth that it's good for us to have people that disagree with us. We need many perspectives! Boxes and Lines - by AJ9/23/25I am right and you are wrongAnd this is why I write this song All the fighting drives me crazyIf I am pink and you are blueWhat the hell does that even doExcept to separate the babies?Boxes and lines need redesignsAnd I don't need you to defineWhat kind of label to slap on meIf rules make laws and laws are cruelWho do you think your gonna fool?You're only filling up your bellyIf one makes two and two makes fourThen each should get to choose their doorIt's not a matter of religionTime is short and life goes byAnd I don't need to know the whyEveryone has their own opinionA heart that beats is theirs to keepNo one wins when we all bleedWe need a thriving ecosystemNo red or blue is always trueThe color pallet must includeA celebration to be humanA celebration to be humanLet's all remember we are human.

I am so excited to bring this episode to you all this week! What started as a simple question that popped in my mind during meditation quickly turned into a three and a half hour research dive that has me delighted to share my findings with you!In this episode you will hear about:My morning meditationMy desire to find others who experienced failure but did not quitSome very incredible humans who changed our worldThe definitions and my thoughts on the words - failure, attempt, and successThe inspiration and takeaway I got from doing this researchThese are the people I share a little about:Thomas EdisonHenry FordAlexander Graham BellStephanie KwolekBette Nesmith GrahamAlan Turing

Recently my family attended the Japanese Festival held in the Japanese Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Not only was it a gorgeous festival with incredible performances, it was also life changing. I walked into it knowing very little about the culture, but I walked out with a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the beautiful humans I encountered. Words hardly describe the feelings our family had while we enjoyed this tiny glimpse into the culture of Japan but afterwards we all agreed that we loved the Japanese people and were all wishing we were Japanese. Also, today I present a new event that Freedom For The Taking is going to start hosting, called “Campfire Stories”. Listen to the end for details and how you can sign up! Please share this information with your friends or anyone you think may benefit from this new event that is a support group for those who have experienced religious trauma, high-control environments, or are cult survivors.If you head to freedomforthetaking.org you can click the banner at the top of the webpage to sign up for “Campfire Stories”!

Interested in how our truple relationship thrives? This week I have a delightful, belly-laughing episode to share! My two darling daughters, Tanaya and Avriella, join as the hosts to interview and find out how well Nate, Jenna and I know each other. 😎 For this unique episode, Coffee in the Corral becomes “Cider in the Dining Room” and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face! Life is too hard to not build meaningful, fun moments in between the shit. I encourage you to have a family conversation like this one! 

It's a tough one for me today. Being a parent who loves their kids as deep and as wide as possible and watching your kids grow up and struggle might be one of the hardest parts of parenting I have yet experienced.Today I share about how I am learning to let go of my need to make my kids happy and learn to let them have their own experiences. Somedays I feel so heavy hearted for them and wish so bad that I could make it all better.This episode is for those parents going through the season of their kids getting older. I see you. I feel you. We must remember that this too shall pass. And if you need an excellent book to remind you to stay in your lane, check out this book."Too Much - A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency." by Terri Cole

This week I am excited to talk about a recent job I did with Nate and how learning to install a chain link fence fascinated my brain! (Also, due to a heat advisory, I was truly in the “hot seat” today. Youch!! ;)I share:My new appreciation for baristasWhy I juggle everyday for a minute or twoHow my horse, Skye, demonstrates the gift of asking for somethingThe genius but simple design of the chain link fence and what we can learn from it!

Hello friends! This week I am so excited to share about why I decided to make a documentary of my story and how the filming process is helpng me heal on a deeper level!In this episode I discuss:Why I feel passionate to tell my storyHow the filming process brought up a lot of difficult feelingsWho I chose to make the documentary and whyHow seeing my story through the eyes of an adult instead of being a child caught me off guardWhy I believe we all deserve freedomWe all have a story and we all need each other's storiesTo learn more about the marketing company I hired check out frequencymarketingteam.comOr find them on Instagram and Facebook at frequencymarketingteam

This week I talk about something that makes me very uncomfortable to talk about. Discussing my weight feels embarrasing but I also felt it was important to share. We are all tempted to struggle with our weight and some of us, (I’m talking about me), can get hyperfixed on a certain number. But we don’t have to stay stuck in that shame-filled space.Today I share:-The reason I weighed myself-The slippery slope afterwards-How 5lbs hijacked my brain-The tools I used to return to a healthy mindset-My committment to myself-My new favorite podcast! (see link at the bottom)-Realizing I am a horrible friend to myself-What if we already won?-Happiness is a choiceHere is the link for the Simon Sinek interview!Click below or find it on the podcast, Modern Wisdom #964 Simon Sinekhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7jymUFu6DpeQQHuNvvU6rh?si=Nx9YaBymSRaLw4shGGCrMw

This week I am incredibly excited to share this beautiful, vulnerable conversation I was honored to have with the incredible Amy Temple! In this episode we discuss:- Why Amy stopped at Ash Grove Pharmacy and how her willingness to be vulnerable created a connection - The struggle to find what was real in the religious environment she grew up in as she endured constant rejection from her family-Amy's determination to be true to herself-How trauma pushed her to look for help back inside the Christian system but eventually once again proved that they did not practice what they preached-What Adam and Eve have in common with Brittany Spears ;)-How we are all trying to mask and why it's so important to have space to be our authentic selves-The Colorado "brain breaking" story-How our healing helps increase our capacity - the Pendulum Effect-Learning to not be a perfectionist-Acknowledging significant momentsFind and follow Amy at:Facebook - Amy TempleInstagram - amytempletime

Anxiety, panic, and chaos have taken our country by storm right now. It can be so difficult to find ways to step outside the constant turmoil. Today I will give you some practical, simple ways to ease your anxiety and return to a peaceful place inside your body.We all deserve to feel tranquil. It's time to take our power back and not let the chaos rule our everyday lives. We make the most progress when we move from a grounded, peaceful place! Who knew chickens could be so empowering?!The name of Martha Beck's new book that I mention in this episode, is "Beyond Anxiety". :)