Project You 2.2

PODCAST · education

Project You 2.2

Project You 2.2 is your go-to podcast for navigating life transitions with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Hosted by Carrie Helmer, a retired teacher and health coach. Each episode dives into practical strategies for mindset shifts, personal growth, and actionable steps to create the life you want. From transforming your health and fitness to mastering your emotions and setting bold goals, Project You 2.2 shows you how to connect with yourself, rewire your subconscious, and take intentional steps to level up. Tune in to find inspiration and motivation as you put yourself first and glow up.

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    Carrie - What Books Teach Us: When to Stay, When to Quit, and How to Grow

    Send us Fan MailWhat if the messy, frustrating middle of your life is exactly where growth is happening? In this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie shares stories that are equal parts heartfelt and hilarious — from hiding behind the couch to avoid a VHS movie in high school, to helping her husband survive the chaos of a brand-new career after decades in education, to learning how small steps added up to a 50-pound weight loss.You’ll hear real-life examples of staying when it stretches you, quitting when it shrinks you, and discovering when a chapter has run its course. If you’ve ever felt impatient with your progress, overwhelmed by change, or unsure whether to stay or move on, this episode will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready to take the next step in your story.

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    Carrie - Eric Dane’s Final Words: 4 Lessons on Living Fully

    Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt episode of Project You 2.2, we reflect on the last messages Eric Dane shared for his children — a powerful, posthumous gift full of life lessons. Best known as Dr. McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy, Eric’s words aren’t just for his kids — they’re a blueprint for all of us: Stay present and let go of regrets.  Fall in love with life, purpose, and the people around you.  Choose your friends wisely and nurture meaningful connections.  Fight for your spirit and resilience, even when life gets hard. Join me, Carrie Helmer, as we unpack these lessons and explore how to apply them to your relationships, work, and everyday life. If you’re ready to step into your next chapter, live fully, and find more clarity and courage, this episode is for you.Visit www.projectyou22.org or email me at [email protected] to schedule a free call and see how you can take intentional steps toward your most fulfilled life.

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    Carrie - The Things No One Can Take From You

    Send us Fan MailWhat are the things in life that no one can take from you?In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie Helmer shares the story of her son and father training side by side for their black belts—an experience that almost never happened. What began as a simple “yes” turned into years of growth, connection, resilience, and unforgettable moments.Through this story, Carrie unpacks a truth so many of us face: we often say no to the very things that could change us because they feel like too much—too hard, too time-consuming, too uncomfortable.But what if those are the exact moments that shape who we become?This episode is a reminder that the most meaningful parts of life aren’t just the outcomes—they’re the relationships built, the confidence gained, and the version of yourself you step into along the way.If you’ve been feeling stuck, holding back, or waiting for the “right time,” this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible.Because time will pass either way… the question is, what will you have built?

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    Carrie - Brain Wins: Real-Life ADHD Tips for Teens and Adults

    Send us Fan MailEver feel like your brain leaves the room mid-conversation? Or your teen can’t stay on task no matter how hard they try? ADHD isn’t laziness...it’s a brain wired to notice everything at once. In this episode, I share real-life strategies from my classroom and my home—creative, playful, and practical ways to help teens and adults focus, engage, and succeed. From “snow globe resets” to bouncy balls, micro-steps, and sensory hacks, we explore tools that work in the moment and build confidence over time.I also share inspiring stories, small experiments that make a big difference, and how to help brains thrive without shame. Whether you’re a parent, adult, or educator, this episode gives actionable strategies to guide attention, celebrate small wins, and turn ADHD challenges into real-life victories.For more information on working with me through 1:1 coaching, visit www.projectyou22.org or email me at [email protected].

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    Greg - Respecting the Vessel

    Send us Fan MailWhat would change if the body you’re living in wasn’t yours — but borrowed from someone you deeply love?In this Project You 2.2 follow-up episode, Greg Helmer builds on Carrie’s powerful mindset shift and offers three practical ways to treat your body with stewardship instead of shame:• Why endurance is about consistency, not intensity• How stewardship changes the questions you ask about your health• What one intentional choice a day can do over seven daysDrawing from endurance sport, leadership, faith, and lived experience, this episode reframes health as a long game — and challenges listeners to give their body back better than they found it.A grounding listen for anyone who’s been pushing, neglecting, or waiting to “get it together.”

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    Carrie - Borrowing Grace’s Body: A Mindset That Can Transform Your Health

    Send us Fan MailWhat would change if the body you’re living in wasn’t yours… but borrowed from someone you deeply love? This episode explores a transformative mindset that can shift your health journey in the most gentle, powerful way.

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    Carrie - The Math of Joy: Solving the Equation for a Life You Love

    Send us Fan MailFor 31 years, Carrie Helmer taught students how to solve for X—finding the missing number, balancing equations, and showing your work. But as retirement approached, she realized there was one equation she’d never solved for herself: Joy = ?In this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie shares her journey of rediscovering joy beyond grades, schedules, and expectations. From backyard adventures and Barbie houses as a child, to learning to say “yes” to life’s scary, exhilarating moments as an adult, she reveals the lessons that transformed her life—and how they can transform yours.If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, or like life is passing by while you wait for the “right moment” to feel happy, this episode is for you. Carrie breaks down the simple formula she now lives by: Joy = (Presence + Purpose + Play) ÷ Expectations, and shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can ignite joy, confidence, and meaningful connection.Tune in to hear how you can start choosing joy today—and take the first steps toward the life you’ve always wanted.Ready to start living your best life? Visit www.projectyou22.org or email Carrie at [email protected] to schedule a free call and explore how coaching can help you uncover joy, confidence, and your spark for life.

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    Carrie & Kelsey Hammack - The A Isn’t Worth Your Anxiety: Releasing Perfection to Actually Live

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie sits down with Kelsey Hammack, a 24-year-old American Sign Language interpreter who’s mastered the art of reflection, journaling, and self-discovery at a young age. We explore the pressures of perfectionism, the anxiety tied to chasing straight A’s, and how life experiences, including loss and personal growth, shape the way we approach expectations.Kelsey shares how releasing the need for perfection allowed her to become more present, productive, and at peace. We also discuss journaling as a tool for insight, navigating body image and fitness, and how turning personal growth into action can open doors to exciting new opportunities, like her upcoming work in interpreting for recorded media content.This episode is for high-achieving students, young adults, and parents who want to understand how pressure, grades, and expectations can impact well-being, and how to shift from striving to truly living.Key Takeaways:    •    How to release perfectionism and reconnect with yourself.    •    The importance of self-reflection and journaling for growth.    •    Shifting focus from fear-driven success to love-driven action.    •    Insight for parents on supporting children without adding pressure.    •    Turning personal growth into meaningful opportunities.Tune in to hear Kelsey’s inspiring story and practical advice for anyone ready to stop performing and start living fully.

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    Greg - Who's Your Charlie?

    Send us Fan MailThis episode delivers three leadership lessons that shape lives and break cycles:• Why high expectations are an act of belief — not pressure• How accountability paired with love builds real endurance• What it takes to become the person someone else needs to believe againThrough the true story of Charlie — an underdog turned champion runner, U.S. Army veteran, and deeply present father — Greg Helmer explores how one leader’s belief can change a life, and how that life can change the next generation.A powerful listen for leaders, parents, coaches, and anyone called to hold the line for someone else.

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    Carrie - We All Want to Be Remembered

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, we explore the universal human desire to leave a mark on the world. From childhood scratches on desks and trees to the stories we carry as adults, our need to be remembered is less about fame and more about significance—about the impact we have on others.Through reflection, psychology, and gentle coaching, we examine the difference between being seen and being meaningful, and how we can live with intention in the time we have. You’ll be invited to pause, consider what truly matters, and take one deliberate step toward leaving a lasting, quiet legacy in the lives around you.

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    Carrie & Carly Jibson - From My Classroom to Broadway: What Happens After the Dream Comes True (Part 2)

    Send us Fan MailWhat happens after the dream comes true?In Part 2 of this deeply personal conversation, Carrie Helmer and Broadway actress Carly Jibson move beyond the spotlight and into the moments that shaped who she is today.From stepping away from a rising career to be with her mother during a stage four cancer diagnosis… to navigating loss, identity, relationships, and the pressure to keep going—this episode reveals the side of success most people don’t see.Together, they explore:How life’s hardest seasons can redefine your prioritiesThe emotional reality behind chasing big dreamsConfidence, body image, and the inner voice, so many women struggle withWhat it really means to grow, evolve, and stay grounded through it allThis episode is raw, reflective, and full of the kind of truth that stays with you long after it ends.If you’ve ever felt pulled toward something more… but held back by fear, doubt, or uncertainty—this conversation will meet you there.Because the real story isn’t just about achieving the dream…It’s about who you become along the way.

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    Carrie & Carly Jibson - From My Classroom to Broadway: When You Finally Get Your Shot (Part 1)

    Send us Fan MailWhat does it really look like when someone steps into who they’re meant to be?In this powerful and entertaining episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie Helmer sits down with former student turned Broadway actress Carly Jibson to explore the early chapters of a story that started in a high school classroom in Michigan—and led all the way to the Broadway stage.From being discovered at just 16 years old to moving to New York City at 17… and landing the lead role in the national tour of Hairspray only five months later—Carly shares what it actually felt like to take those leaps.This episode is filled with:Behind-the-scenes stories from Broadway and early career momentsHonest reflections on fear, risk, and stepping into the unknownHilarious and heartfelt memories from Carly’s high school yearsA powerful “Carrie’s Classroom” moment breaking down what success really looks likeYou’ll laugh. You’ll feel nostalgic. And you’ll be reminded that the people who light up the world often start out simply by being fully themselves.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.In Part 2, the conversation shifts into the moments that tested everything—and redefined what success truly means.

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    Greg - When Love Ends

    Send us Fan MailThis episode offers three grounding shifts that help people navigate loss without rushing healing:• Why grief affects the nervous system, not just emotions• How loss disrupts identity — and what helps rebuild it• What actually supports healing across mind, body, and spiritThrough neuroscience, lived experience, and faith, Greg Helmer explores how endurance is built not by pushing through pain — but by staying present, supported, and honest while healing unfolds.A steady, compassionate listen for anyone walking through heartbreak, divorce, or the loss of a partner.

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    Carrie - When Love Ends: Breakups, Divorce & Grief That Reshape You

    Send us Fan MailIn this vulnerable and powerful episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie explores the three forms of relationship loss that reshape us: breakups, divorce, and the death of a partner. Through honest storytelling, emotional truth, and grounded guidance, she walks listeners through what it means to lose love — and what it takes to slowly find your way back to yourself again.You’ll learn why young heartbreak feels so intense, how divorce becomes a grief with paperwork and identity shifts, and why losing a spouse creates a silence that alters everything. With compassion and clarity, Carrie breaks down the emotional, neurological, and practical layers of each type of loss — offering strategies, mindset tools, and gentle reminders for anyone navigating an aching season.This episode is a reminder that your grief is not too much, your healing is not linear, and your life is not over. You can miss someone and still move forward. You can hurt and heal at the same time. And even when your heart feels like it’s living in the past, you still have a future that is worth stepping into.If you’re in the middle of heartbreak, divorce, or profound loss — this episode reminds you that you are not alone, you don’t have to rush the process, and you will rise again… slowly, imperfectly, beautifully.

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    Greg - 3 Signs You’re Not Stuck — You’re in a Middle Mile

    Send us Fan MailEver feel restless but can’t explain why?In this episode, Greg reflects on Carrie’s conversation with Ammar Assad and explores the psychology behind identity shifts, endurance, and the quiet moments where life asks us to realign.Learn why your brain resists change, how stress quietly drains your energy, and three simple steps to move forward with clarity and courage.

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    Carrie & Ammar Assad - Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time: Reinventing Your Life and Leading Your Family

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie sits down with mindset coach and mentor Ammar Assad to talk about what it really takes to step out of comfort and build a life aligned with who you truly are.Ammar shares the story of how the COVID shutdown forced him to rethink everything—from running rental car franchises to investing in himself and stepping into the world of coaching. What began as uncertainty turned into a powerful lesson about discipline, courage, and believing in your own potential.Together they explore:• The mindset shift that helped Ammar reinvent his career• Why discipline and consistency matter more than talent• The fears that come with betting on yourself• How youth sports teach kids resilience and confidence• What success really looks like when family comes firstAlong the way, Ammar reflects on fatherhood, the lessons he hopes his children learn from watching him, and why waiting for the “perfect time” to live your life may be the biggest mistake we make.If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something more—but weren’t sure how to start—this conversation will challenge you to rethink comfort, courage, and the life you’re creating.

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    Greg - Which Glasses Are You Wearing? Choosing Light When It Would Be Easier to Complain

    Send us Fan MailIn this Friday follow-up to Carrie’s powerful story about her Grandma Charlotte and her rose-colored glasses, Greg explores how perspective shapes leadership, relationships, and resilience. From a tense board meeting filled with anger and oversimplification to a deeply personal story of his father’s battle with Parkinson’s, this episode shows how mindset is not about ignoring reality — it’s about choosing how to face it. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and real-life endurance, this conversation challenges listeners to notice the lenses they’re wearing and intentionally choose light, discipline, and perspective when life gets hard.

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    Carrie - The Light in Her Pocket: Lessons from Grandma Charlotte

    Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie shares the story of her Grandma Charlotte — a woman who lived with almost nothing, yet carried more joy, generosity, and light than most people ever do. Through warm memories of softened butter on saltines, a single shared lightbulb, and the soft purr of a therapy cat, Carrie explores what it truly means to see the world through “rose-colored glasses.”This episode dives into the contrast between people who brighten a room and those who drain it — and how our perspective shapes our relationships, our happiness, and the energy we bring into every space we walk into.Carrie invites listeners to ask a simple, transformative question: What color glasses am I wearing today? Through the legacy of her grandmother’s kindness and unwavering faith in the good, this episode challenges you to shift your perspective, reclaim your joy, and carry your own light — even in the hardest seasons.

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    Greg - The Candy Bowl Test: Discipline, Excuses, and Self-Trust

    Send us Fan MailThat candy bowl on the counter.That dessert you didn’t need.That “I’ll start tomorrow” promise.In this Friday follow-up episode, Greg breaks down how excuses quietly steal confidence — and how discipline, practiced in small moments, becomes the source of real self-trust and magnetic energy.If you’ve been negotiating with yourself instead of honoring your goals, this episode will hit home.

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    Carrie - Break Excuses, Build Confidence, Own Your Next Chapter

    Send us Fan MailExcuses feel safe — but they’re really just fake news that keep us stuck in our comfort zone. The truth? You’re one thought, one choice, one action away from momentum.This episode is all about:Breaking free from autopilot thinking Replacing “I can’t” with “I choose”Choosing discipline over impulseBuilding magnetic energy and unstoppable self-trustSurrounding yourself with people who lift you higherIt’s time to stop living your fears in advance and start living your potential now.

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    Greg - Escaping the Invisible Prison: Freedom Begins in the Mirror

    Send us Fan MailIn this Friday follow-up to Carrie’s powerful episode on invisible prisons, Greg Helmer explores why so many of us stay stuck long after the door to freedom is open. Drawing on psychology, lived leadership experience, and Lead with Endurance (Milestone 7: The Mirror), Greg unpacks how conditioning, fear, grief, and comfort quietly shape lives built around survival instead of growth.This episode reframes freedom as a daily practice — not a dramatic escape — and invites listeners to use honest self-reflection as the first step toward lasting change. If you’ve ever felt trapped by roles, habits, loss, or beliefs that no longer fit who you’re becoming, this conversation will help you reclaim choice, identity, and forward momentum with compassion and clarity.Freedom doesn’t begin by running from your life.It begins when you’re brave enough to tell yourself the truth — and choose differently.

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    Carrie - Escaping the Invisible Prison: Why We Stay Stuck and How to Break Free

    Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie explores the psychology of captivity — not the kind you see in crime stories, but the kind we all live in every day.Inspired by stories of survival like The Marsh King’s Daughter and Elizabeth Smart, Carrie draws powerful parallels between physical captivity and the invisible prisons we build in our own lives — fear, grief, comfort, and self-doubt.Why do we stay stuck in jobs, relationships, or routines that no longer serve us? Why does our brain choose the familiar over the free? And how can we begin to loosen the emotional chains that keep us small?Carrie brings warmth, insight, and truth to this conversation, reminding listeners that escaping doesn’t always mean running — sometimes it means reclaiming.If you’ve ever felt trapped by your circumstances, weighed down by loss, or afraid to change — this episode will help you see that freedom begins within. It’s not about erasing your past. It’s about writing your next chapter with courage, purpose, and self-compassion.

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    Greg - 3 Signs You’re Not Stuck — You’re in a Middle Mile

    Send us Fan MailFeeling restless?You may not be stuck — you may be in a middle-mile season.In this episode, Greg reflects on Carrie’s conversation with Heike and shares:How to recognize when an old identity no longer fitsWhy pushing harder might actually be draining youOne practical step to move forward without burning outWhether your “mile 20” is a hospital waiting room, a career shift, or quiet midlife tension — this episode will help you endure the season with clarity and courage.

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    Carrie From Burnout to Strength: How to Rebuild Strength, Energy, and Confidence after 40 with Heike Yates

    Send us Fan MailWhat if the very thing that once made you strong is now what’s holding you back?In this powerful episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie sits down with midlife fitness expert, ultramarathoner, Ironman triathlete, and author Heike Yates to explore why pushing harder eventually stops working — and how to rebuild your life, body, and confidence in a way that finally feels aligned.This conversation is for:    •    Parents learning how to guide without controlling    •    High achievers who feel tired, stuck, or disconnected from their bodies    •    Midlife women and men who want energy, strength, and confidence without burning out    •    Anyone who senses it’s time to evolve past the version of themselves that once workedBefore diving into the SPARK framework, Carrie shares a gripping story about her middle son — the youngest competitor in the Ironman in Waco, Texas — and how his endurance journey reflects the way many of us respond to change by pushing forward. For him, it was a way to stay connected to movement, purpose, and himself during a season of change. As his mom, Carrie saw a young man choosing challenge as a way to stay grounded — and it changed the way she sees resilience.Together, Carrie and Heike unpack the SPARK framework, nervous system regulation, sustainable strength, and what it really means to partner with your body instead of fighting it.If you’ve ever wondered, “Why isn’t this working anymore?” — this episode is for you.Press play. Your next chapter starts here.

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    Greg - The Quiet Power of Presence

    Send us Fan MailThis episode offers two mindset shifts that change how you lead, work, and relate to people:• Why confidence almost always follows action — not the other way around• How small, unnoticed choices quietly shape your reputation and relationshipsThrough real stories and reflection, Greg Helmer explores why presence and discipline matter more than polish — and how growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels rewarding.Perfect for anyone who’s capable, committed, and still finding their footing.

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    Carrie - From the Back of My Classroom to the ER with Dr. O'Brien

    Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to step up, even when no one is watching? In this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie Helmer reunites with former student Chanel O’Brien, now an ER physician and medical director, to unpack the small choices, discipline, and mindset shifts that create extraordinary lives.Chanel (Dr. O'Brien) shares her journey from a high school student quietly showing up in the back of the classroom to leading in high-stakes emergency rooms—revealing lessons on confidence, overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and turning discomfort into growth. Listeners will come away with practical insight into how to build presence, resilience, and consistent habits that quietly yet powerfully transform their lives—whether you’re a teen finding your path or an adult chasing your next version of yourself.This episode is for anyone ready to turn ordinary decisions into extraordinary results.

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    Greg - The Messy Middle Is Bigger Than You Think — And That’s the Point

    Send us Fan MailIn this Friday follow-up to Carrie’s episode on the messy middle, Greg Helmer explores why the most uncomfortable phase of change often feels overwhelming — and why that doesn’t mean something is wrong. Drawing from leadership experience, including a district-wide transition from Microsoft Word to Google Docs and MacBooks to Chromebooks, Greg shows how resistance, frustration, and pushback are natural parts of growth. This episode reframes the messy middle as a necessary season of sorting, endurance, and becoming — reminding listeners that what feels disruptive now often becomes foundational later.

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    Carrie - The Messy Middle

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie Helmer dives into the messy middle — that challenging, frustrating, and often overwhelming part of any journey where progress feels slow, life feels chaotic, and giving up seems easier than continuing. Through heartfelt storytelling from her own life, including her weight loss journey, her college and teaching experiences, and building a coaching business from scratch after retirement, Carrie shows listeners that struggle is not failure — it’s part of growth.She shares practical lessons on how to navigate setbacks, push through overwhelm, and take life “one drawer at a time,” while offering empathy, encouragement, and actionable strategies to keep moving forward. Whether you’re facing health challenges, career transitions, or personal reinvention, this episode will remind you that the messy middle is temporary — and the breakthroughs on the other side are worth every step.

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    Greg - Identity Under Pressure: The Decision, the Nervous System, and the “Athlete Year” Mindset

    Send us Fan MailIn this Friday follow-up to Carrie’s interview with Mikayla Jai, Greg breaks down the neuroscience and psychology behind real transformation: identity, decision-making, nervous system regulation, and the courage to move before you feel “ready.” You’ll hear why “ready” is often a lie your brain uses to protect you, how an athlete's mindset blends discipline with recovery, and how micro-actions build a new identity over time. This episode ends with a practical challenge to stop negotiating with your goals and start honoring your decisions — one day at a time.

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    Carrie & Mikayla Jai - "When the Leap Comes Before the Proof"

    Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to say yes before you feel ready?In this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie sits down with mindset coach Mikayla Jai to explore courage, identity, and the moments that quietly shape who we become.From early responsibility and teenage resilience to leading with calm under pressure, Mikayla shares how trusting yourself before the proof arrives can change everything. Together, they reflect on a transformative retreat in Italy and Greece — filled with unexpected challenges, laughter, and powerful lessons in composure, leadership, and self-trust.This conversation explores the mindset shifts that enable you to stop waiting for permission, release self-doubt, and step into the version of yourself that can foster growth, success, and abundance.If you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling a pull toward something new, or wondering if you’re “ready,” this episode is your reminder: the courage you’re looking for may already be inside you.Listen, lean in, and take the leap anyway.

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    Greg - Showing Up Fully: Energy, Authenticity, and the Courage to Be “Too Much”

    Send us Fan MailIn this Friday follow-up to Carrie’s interview with Rachael Gray (105.3 Hot FM), Greg explores what it really means to show up fully without losing yourself. Drawing on themes of energy regulation, routine, criticism, kindness, and identity, this episode blends neuroscience, mindset, leadership, and endurance to help listeners stop shrinking and start aligning. If you’ve ever been labeled “too much,” exhausted by expectations, or unsure how to protect your energy while staying authentic, this episode offers clarity, validation, and a grounded challenge for the week ahead.

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    Carrie & Rachael Gray - "You're Not Too Much: Owning Your Voice and Your Life"

    Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to show up every day when life is messy, loud, and unpredictable?In this episode, Carrie sits down with Rachael Gray, morning radio host on 105.3 Hot FM in Grand Rapids, MI. She is a mom, storyteller, and one of the most unapologetic real humans you'll ever meet. From live radio mishaps and parenting fails to early mornings, mental health, and learning when to rest, Rachael shares what it looks like to live life fully - without pretending to have it all figured out. With humor, honesty, and heart, this conversation dives into juggling career and family, being "too much" in a world that asks you to be smaller, finding courage outside your comfort zone, and why kindness still matters most. You'll laugh, reflect, and walk away feeling seen - and maybe a little braver about being yourself. Perfect for anyone balancing a lot, questioning their pace, or just needing a reminder that you're not alone in the chaos. 

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    Greg - Eliminating Excuses: When Preparation Meets Reality

    Send us Fan MailIn this Friday follow-up to Carrie’s episode on eliminating excuses, Greg Helmer explores why “I can’t” is rarely about ability and almost always about choice. Drawing from Lead with Endurance and his recent journey from foot surgery to completing the Palm Beach Marathon, Greg shows the difference between making excuses and making adjustments. Through real-world training challenges, mindset shifts, and honest reflection, this episode invites listeners to stop negotiating with fear and start moving forward — even when conditions aren’t perfect.

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    Carrie - Eliminating Excuses

    Send us Fan MailExcuses sound logical, but they quietly keep us stuck. In this episode, Carrie breaks down the difference between “I can’t” and “I won’t” — and how that simple shift pulls you out of victim mode and into power. You’ll learn how to recognize the excuses holding you back, replace them with ownership, and take your next step toward the life you actually want.

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    Carrie & Heather Campbell Green - "Behind the Glam: A Cozy Conversation Between Friends"

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie sits down with her dear friend Heather Campbell Green, founder of Celebrity Style Guide, a fashion platform that’s been helping people find the looks they love for over 20 years. From Texas to Michigan to Colorado, Heather has built a trusted brand that bridges Hollywood glamour and everyday confidence. Together, they talk about friendship, fashion, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to grow something from the ground up — all while staying true to yourself.

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    Greg - Growing Without a Coach: Why Most Adults Stall—and How to Break Free

    Send us Fan MailAs kids, growth was built into our lives through teachers, coaches, and structure. As adults, that structure disappears — and many of us quietly stall. In this episode, Greg reflects on why capable adults stop growing, how comfort disguises itself as contentment, and why intentional challenge and support are essential at every age. Through personal stories and endurance lessons, this episode invites you to stop drifting and start training for who you’re becoming next.

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    Carrie - The Secret to Growth After 30, 40, and Beyond

    Send us Fan MailAs kids, we had teachers, coaches, and parents guiding us, holding us accountable, and helping us grow. As adults, that structure disappears—but the need for support doesn’t. In this episode, Carrie reflects on why having someone in your corner matters, even when you’re independent, experienced, and capable. You’ll hear how guidance, perspective, and encouragement can help you:Notice the possibilities you might be overlookingStep into challenges with confidence instead of fearRekindle your joy, curiosity, and sense of purposeKeep growing even when life feels busy or overwhelmingThis episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t stop with age, and having someone to walk beside you can make all the difference.

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    Greg - From Presence to Courage: Staying Grounded When the Next Chapter Is Unwritten

    Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt like the next chapter of your life is coming…But you don’t quite know what it looks like yet?In this episode of Project You 2.2, Greg Helmer talks about what it means to stay present when the future feels uncertain — when roles shift, identities loosen, and fear tries to rush us ahead.Greg shares honest stories about change, family, leadership, and the quiet courage it takes to stay grounded instead of panicking your way forward.You don’t need the whole plan.You don’t need all the answers.You just need to be present long enough to take the next step.

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    Carrie - From Complacency to Presence: How to Level Up Your Life

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie dives deep into the power of presence — and how learning to live fully in the moment can unlock peace, clarity, and the next level of your life.She explores how so many of us spend our days stuck in the past (feeling regret or sadness) or racing ahead to the future (feeling anxious or fearful), instead of being grounded in the only place peace truly lives — right now.Through heartfelt stories — from her dog Calvin’s joyful presence to the lessons kids unknowingly teach us — Carrie reminds us that the present moment is a powerful teacher. She also shares how exposure to new ideas, people, and experiences can expand what we believe is possible.From dreaming of a house with pillars as a young girl to building a life that reflects that vision, Carrie shows how dreams, presence, and action work together to move us out of fear and into growth.She reminds us that leveling up isn’t about perfection — it’s about shedding old fears, stepping into discomfort, and surrounding yourself with inspiration.This episode is your reminder that the universe is full of miracles — and the moment you step out of your own way, you start to see them everywhere.

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    Greg - Leadership, Neuroscience, Spirit & Your Inner Spark

    Send us Fan MailGreg picks up where Carrie’s “It Factor” message left off and explores what really creates that magnetic spark we feel in certain people—and sometimes lose in ourselves. Through the lens of leadership, neuroscience, and faith, he explains how our “it factor” isn’t vanity, it’s vitality: the alignment between our inner world and outer world, when beliefs, energy, and presence all line up.Greg shares a powerful story from a foggy 20-mile run along Lake Michigan that becomes a living metaphor for life in the “in-between”—when direction feels blurry and purpose feels muted. He unpacks how emotional fog, stress, and overload can hide our spark, and how small steps of trust, alignment, and reconnection with God can bring it back to the surface. This episode is an invitation to stop believing your spark is behind you and start realizing it’s still within you—waiting for clarity, courage, and your next brave step.

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    Carrie - "It" Factor

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie dives into the magic of the elusive “it” factor—the confidence, spark, and magnetic energy that makes people unforgettable. Drawing on vivid memories from high school, she explores how both men and women exhibited “it” through style, charisma, and self-assurance. Carrie shares how life, careers, and parenting can make us lose that special spark, and how we can actively reclaim it in midlife and beyond.Listeners will hear stories of her husband, her clients, and even themselves reflected in the quest to reconnect with joy, confidence, and personal style. Carrie also discusses practical ways to step back into your best self: from wardrobe and self-care to mindset shifts and intentional confidence. She offers an invitation to a coaching call for those ready to reclaim their vitality and magnetic energy, proving that it’s never too late to shine.Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this episode is all about remembering your sparkle, igniting your confidence, and walking into the world as your most magnetic self.

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    Greg - Letting Go When Leadership Costs You Everything

    Send us Fan MailGreg opens up about the hardest chapter of his leadership career — losing his superintendent role after a politically orchestrated complaint. He shares the shock, grief, 72-hour collapse, and the turning point 26 days later that rebuilt his identity and restored his peace. Through the lens of endurance and integrity, Greg shows how to let go of painful chapters without surrendering your values. A raw, honest episode for anyone who’s been blindsided, betrayed, or pushed out — and is ready to rise again.

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    Carrie - Letting Go: Releasing Pain Without Losing Yourself

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie explores the process of releasing resentment, anger, and hurt caused by others. She emphasizes that holding onto these negative emotions only drains our energy and keeps us trapped, while forgiveness is a tool for reclaiming peace and joy—not excusing harmful behavior. Listeners are guided through practical strategies for letting go, including naming feelings, reframing the perspective on the person who hurt them, learning from the experience, and replacing resentment with self-compassion. The episode encourages daily practice, helping listeners reclaim their emotional freedom, cultivate growth, and prioritize their own happiness.

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    Greg - What is 100-Year-Old Self Had to Say

    Send us Fan MailGreg sits down with the older, wiser version of himself to uncover what truly matters in life. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to slow down, release unnecessary pressure, and be present for the moments you’ll one day miss.

  45. 37

    Carrie - A Letter from My 100-Year-Old Self

    Send us Fan MailIn this deeply reflective episode, Carrie invites listeners to imagine a conversation with their 100-year-old self — the wiser, softer version who has lived the full story and finally found peace. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt dialogue, the episode explores what truly matters in life: presence, joy, and self-compassion.Carrie shares personal moments — from Christmas mornings spent chasing perfection to the quiet gratitude found in her own scars — as her future self reminds her that the magic was never in doing everything right, but in being present for it all.Listeners are encouraged to release worry, stop hiding from their own story, and start saying yes to what makes them feel alive. The message is clear: growth isn’t about becoming someone new, but remembering who you’ve always been.This episode will leave you grounded, emotional, and inspired to live with more gentleness, gratitude, and awareness — today.

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    Greg - Manifest Like an Athlete. Build Momentum Like a Leader.

    Send us Fan MailIn today’s Project You 2.2 episode, Greg connects Carrie’s message on manifesting with real stories from NCAA Nationals, dream-home visualization, public speaking breakthroughs, and the neuroscience behind goal-setting.This episode shows you how clarity, emotional belief, and micro-action momentum turn dreams into reality.If you’re ready to stop wishing and start aligning — this one’s for you.

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    Carrie - Manifesting Beyond the Vision Board

    Send us Fan MailRemember the excitement of flipping through a Christmas catalog as a kid, circling the toys you dreamed about? Manifesting works the same way—clarifying what you want and taking small, intentional steps to make it real. In this episode, Carrie shows you how to create a vision board—physical or digital—use micro-actions to move toward your goals, and reflect on your progress. Whether you’re new to manifesting or want to deepen your practice, this episode gives you strategies, inspiration, and a fun challenge to bring your dreams to life.

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    Greg - Thermostat vs. Thermometer

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Greg builds on Carrie’s “thermostat vs. thermometer” message and gets practical about what it means to train your emotional triggers in real time. Through honest stories—from a sharp 5:45 a.m. email to a cluttered garage after a long day—he shows how small pauses, simple mental bridges, and intentional questions can shift you from reacting out of habit to leading with calm, steady presence at home, at work, and within yourself.You’ll walk away with a “Three-Pause Day” practice, if–then plans for your top triggers, and a new picture of leadership: not just reading the temperature of a room, but setting it with purpose, clarity, and endurance.

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    Carrie - Thermostat & Thermometer Energy – Mastering Your Emotional Triggers

    Send us Fan MailEver wonder why some people react instantly to every little irritation while others stay calm? In this episode of Project You 2.2, Carrie breaks down emotional triggers, why they happen, and how patterns from our past shape reactions. Using the thermostat vs. thermometer analogy, she shares practical strategies to pause, observe, and respond intentionally instead of reacting automatically. Learn how to turn your triggers into opportunities for growth, build emotional resilience, and create calm in your relationships, work, and daily life.

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    Greg - Your Future Self Is Counting on You

    Send us Fan MailIn this follow-up to Carrie’s “Your Future Self Is Counting on You,” Greg shares a powerful message about leadership, legacy, and endurance. Through stories of humility, courage, and fatherhood, he reminds us that our future selves and our families are counting on the choices we make today. From the stage of the Michigan Principal of the Year award to the private moments of hard conversations and fatherly pride, Greg reflects on how faith, conviction, and consistency shape the men and leaders we become. This episode challenges you to lead yourself first, live with purpose, and build the kind of endurance your future self will thank you for.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Project You 2.2 is your go-to podcast for navigating life transitions with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Hosted by Carrie Helmer, a retired teacher and health coach. Each episode dives into practical strategies for mindset shifts, personal growth, and actionable steps to create the life you want. From transforming your health and fitness to mastering your emotions and setting bold goals, Project You 2.2 shows you how to connect with yourself, rewire your subconscious, and take intentional steps to level up. Tune in to find inspiration and motivation as you put yourself first and glow up.

HOSTED BY

Carrie Helmer

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