PODCAST · society
Wholey Schmidt
by Sarah Schmidt
Welcome to Wholey Schmidt! A new kind of podcast where we use storytelling as a vehicle for self-actualization and reflection. This season, our host, Sarah Schmidt– walks us through the lessons and resilience found during her first 52 years on this planet.We cover some of the most difficult and complex parts of the human experience… dealing with a diagnosis, marrying a woman, adopting children, navigating divorce, co-parenting, marrying a man, having a biological child later in life, grieving a parent... Moments that will stop and make you say, Wholey Schmidt.
Episodes
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Ep: 39 Why Is It So Hard to Rest? The Hidden Gift in Slowing Down with Sarah and Zoe
In this episode, executive coach and host Sarah Schmidt and our 21-year-old bestie Zoe explore why rest feels so hard and why so many of us feel guilty, ashamed, or “behind” when we slow down. They unpack the childhood messages, family patterns, and productivity conditioning that taught us rest…
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Ep. 38: Why You Never Feel Enough — Advice for My 21-Year-Old Self w. Sarah & Zoe
Our favorite intergenerational duo, 53-year-old Sarah Schmidt and 21-year-old Zoe, are back with a heartfelt conversation exploring what each generation can teach the other about life, purpose, and self-worth. Together, they dive into the universal struggles of perfectionism, procrastination, and...
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Ep. 37: Why It Feels So Hard to Be Seen Online (Even When You Want To)
Why does being seen feel so uncomfortable—especially when we want to share? In this honest conversation, trained psychologist and executive coach Sarah Schmidt sits down with Grace and Jessica to unpack the deeper fears that surface when we show up online authentically. They explore the invisible...
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Ep. 36: Inner work is Just the Beginning -- Why True Healing Happens in Real Life
In this roundtable conversation with Sarah Schmidt, Grace Abbott, and Jessica Gill, we explore what happens after doing the deep inner work. Healing doesn’t end in the safety of therapy or journaling — it expands into real life, real relationships, and the moments that stretch us. Together, they...
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Ep. 35: Back to School, Back to Life: on Stress, Freedom & Letting Go with Sarah & Zoe
Sarah and Zoe are back, for a no BS back-to-school chat. This week’s episode gets real, raw, and maybe a little “woo-woo.” We dive into the paradox of wanting freedom without responsibility, joy without sadness, and health without discipline—and how the surprising truth is that freedom often…
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Ep. 34: What Lollapalooza Taught Us About Confidence, Style & Friendship: Season 3 Kick Off
We’re back! In this episode, Zoe (21) and Sarah (53) dive into the messy, rewarding, and often hilarious realities of navigating personal growth and romantic relationships. This intergenerational duo — and close pair of friends — share candid reflections on the vulnerability of getting to know...
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Ep. 33: Meeting the Real You: Embracing Your Truth & Taking Up Space – Season 2 Finale
In this heartfelt season finale of Wholey Schmidt, Jessica and Grace take a moment to reflect on the deep transformation they’ve experienced since Season 1. What began as a journey into embodiment has evolved into something even more powerful: a true connection with their most authentic selves.…
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Ep. 32: How Community Impacts Stress, Happiness, and Health
In the final installment of our Stress Kit series, we dive into perhaps the most vital and often overlooked pillar of well-being: community. Join Grace, Jess, and Sarah as they unpack the deep impact our relationships and social circles have on our happiness, resilience, and overall mental…
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Ep. 31: How Are You Building Your Legacy? Featuring Deval Patrick
Have you ever thought about your personal legacy—your unique contribution to the world—and how it might inspire connection and community? In this powerful episode of Wholey Schmidt, we’re joined by my dear friend, Deval Patrick. I first met Deval back in 2008 during his run for governor of...
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Ep. 30: How Exercise Relieves Stress: The Power of Movement for Mental Health
In this energizing episode of Wholey Schmidt, Sarah is joined by her powerhouse teammates Grace and Jessica for a candid, heartfelt conversation on movement, self-confidence, and how they each navigate their unique wellness journeys. Whether you’re lifting weights, doing Pilates, or dancing in…
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Ep. 29: How a Morning Walk Might Change your Life with Libby Delana
In this soul-stirring episode of Wholey Schmidt, we’re joined by Libby Delana—author, creative force, and co-host of This Morning Walk. Libby has taken a walk every single day for the past 13 years, and her simple yet profound practice is a reminder of the quiet power of reconnecting with nature,...
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Ep. 28: How the Way You Eat Impacts Your Stress: Building a Better Stress Kit w/ Katie McManigal
In this powerful episode, Sarah sits down with her own personal health practitioner, Katie McManigal – a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in functional and regenerative medicine. Katie shares her deeply personal story of battling unexplained health symptoms and how it led…
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Ep. 27: Turning Life’s Struggles into Strength with Emily Hayden
Today, we chat with Emily Hayden, who reminds us that our dream life lies on the other side of our fear. She emphasizes that we are the only ones who can decide to take a stand for what we want and shift from a victim mindset to an empowered one. Emily is an IFBB Pro, global speaker, coach, and...
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Ep. 26 - How to Find Your Voice & Financial Freedom After Divorce with Amber Shaw
In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Amber Shaw, a powerhouse on a mission to help women create their own financial security and confidence—especially after divorce. Amber’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and taking charge of her future. She shares her journey of starting…
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Ep. 25: How To Have Better Relationships With Remi Stern
Today, Sarah and Remi dive into conversations about marriage, family, societal norms, and what it means to live life on their own terms. As a new mom, Remi shares how she balances her passions, business, and interests while meeting the needs of her family. We explore all things mindset and…
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Ep. 24: How to Breathe with Megan Krouse
How to Breathe for Stress Relief & Inner Peace | Breathwork with Megan Krouse. Today, we’re exploring one of the most powerful pillars of the Stress Kit—breathing. Breath is literally life, and learning to harness it can transform our well-being. Our guest is Megan Krouse, a yoga and breathwork...
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Ep. 23: How To Have Deep Conversations With Your Parents – Getting Real With Barbara Schmidt
One of my favorite moments from last season was sharing my mom, Barbara, with our audience. Having the opportunity to engage in real, thoughtful, and meaningful conversations with our parents is one of the most powerful experiences we can have. Today, we talk about our bond, the importance of...
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Ep. 22: How Spirituality Shapes Us with Jasmine Nnenna
Today, Jasmine Nnenna and I sit down to discuss all things spirituality. We dive into our belief systems, exploring our connection with God and the universe, and how that shapes our relationships with the world and the people around us. We reflect on how these beliefs influence us as parents and...
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Ep. 21: Why Optimizing Your Sleep Is the Key to Managing Stress – Stress Kit Pillar #2: Sleep
Today, we’re diving into the second pillar of Sarah’s Stress Kit—SLEEP! Quality sleep is at the core of a healthy lifestyle and is essential for managing everyday stress. More often than not, when you’re feeling off, lack of sleep could be the culprit. But how can you improve your sleep? It all...
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Ep. 20: I Just Got Divorced...Here Are the Top Things I’ve Learned About Relationships
Relationships are one of the most powerful catalysts for personal growth—sometimes, that means outgrowing what once brought you together. In today’s episode, I open up about my second divorce, reframing “failure” as growth and transformation, and trusting that what blesses one blesses all. Today…
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Ep. 19: How to Transform your Health with Dr. Amy Shah, MD
Today, we chat with Dr. Amy Shah, MD – a leading expert in women's health, wellness, and nutrition. She shares invaluable insights on improving health literacy and offers practical guidance for thriving in the modern world—all from the comfort of her walking pad. Sarah opens up about her...
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Ep. 18: How Your Mindset Is Impacting Your Stress: Stress Kit Pillar #1 - Think
We can’t always control the world around us, but we can control how we respond to it. Whether we’re facing a challenge, a trigger, or just the everyday stresses of life, learning to pause before reacting can be one of the most powerful tools for transforming any situation. But in that moment of...
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Ep. 17: The 2025 Astrological Forecast with Asya Rose
2025 has been a wild ride so far, and we’re in for even more surprises. If we remember that every experience is inherently neutral and regulate our emotional response to it, we can reap the blessings and lessons the universe has for us. In this episode of Wholey Schmidt, we’ll explore the...
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Ep. 16: Welcome to Season 2 - Life Just Keeps Getting Better - Solo with Sarah
I’m so excited to welcome you back for Season 2! A lot has changed since I launched Episode 1 of this podcast early last year – I’ve transformed into someone I feel really proud of, and at 52, I’ve never felt better. Last season, I shared some of my Wholey Schmidt moments from the past – and this...
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Ep. 15: We Launched a Podcast & Everything Changed
We can’t believe we’re at the close of Season 1! Wholey Schmidt… what an amazing journey it’s been – from conception to launch and now here. It’s incredible to look back and reflect on what we thought this podcast was and could be, and compare it to the reality of what unfolded and the responses…
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Ep. 14: Rediscovering Purpose After 50
When Sarah first recorded this episode, late last year, she thought she had really found her purpose. But looking back now, she realizes the best is yet to come. Sarah shares how she found her way back to herself—throughout this podcast and through the many changes she’s experienced in the last…
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Ep. 13: Life After Death… a Conversation With Sarah & Her Mom, Barbara Schmidt
We’re joined again by Sarah’s mom, Barbara– and today the two reflect on the passing of Sarah’s dad and what it’s like to reclaim identity again after losing a loved one. The two discuss how to cope with losing a loved one, and how the relationship with him has continued to bloom, even in his...
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Ep 12: Grief: When a Loved One Dies
This week, Sarah opens up about her father's life, death, and their evolving relationship since his passing seven years ago. Raised in a small town within a devout Catholic family, her father wrestled with feelings of inadequacy despite outward successes and a wide circle of friends, keeping his...
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Ep. 11: Fertility and Pregnancy at 44
Sarah has been a mother in so many capacities – but wasn’t a biological mom until the age of 44! Living in a culture that puts a timebox on women’s fertility window, this is deeply expansive episode shares the story of someone who conceived later in life against the odds. Though Sarah did not...
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Wholey Schmidt Moment 2: Transforming Darkness Into Light With Katie Wee
TRIGGER WARNING: A conversation around sexual abuse with a minor is discussed during these time stamps 6:45 - 9:15 and 33:30 - 35:20. Please feel free to skip if that is too triggering to listen to. Katie Wee Follow Katie on Instagram here: @itskatiewee Work with Katie and learn more about her...
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Ep. 10: Peter Crone: What Does Freedom Really Mean? A Conversation With the Mind Architect
What does freedom mean? Today we’re diving in with renowned coach and thought leader, Peter Crone. Peter specializes in revealing the limiting beliefs and subconscious narratives that dictate and shape behavior, health, relationships, and performance. In true Wholey Schmidt fashion, Peter cracks...
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Wholey Schmidt Moment 1: Cheyenne on Learning to Live After Health Complications
How do you reclaim your body, your identity, and your destiny after a major health complication? Today, we are joined by Wholey Schmidt team member, Cheyenne, to share one of her “Wholey Schmidt” moments. Learn how she found resilience in the wake of a major life challenge. Have your own Wholey...
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Ep. 9: Body Image – How Do We Learn to Love Ourselves?
Body image is a common struggle for most people, especially women. And although it’s been a challenging journey for me, I feel like I’m finally starting to love and accept myself. Being a cancer survivor and dealing with such significant physical trauma made it really hard for me to feel safe and...
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Ep. 8: Reflections on Adoption & Creating a Family: A Conversation With Robert & Brian
Adoption is a path that many take to create their family, but where does one begin the process? In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friends Robert and Brian, whom I connected with when I adopted my first child 18 years ago. We bonded over our first adoptions and have supported each other as we...
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Ep. 7: What Is Motherhood? From Legal Guardianship, and Adoption to Natural Birth
In this episode, I delve into the multifaceted journey of motherhood and what it means to me. With five incredible children who have entered my life in unique ways, I've had the privilege of experiencing motherhood from various perspectives. From becoming a legal guardian to navigating the...
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Ep 6: Coming Out: Catholic in Wisconsin in 1996 - A Conversation With Sarah & Her Mom, Barbara
I don’t like to label myself and wasn't someone who thought much about my sexual orientation– throughout my life, I have just loved who I loved. But when I fell in love with a woman, and it was clear that she was my life partner– I, like all gay people, was faced with the challenge of coming out...
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Ep. 5: Falling In and Out of Love
I didn't expect to fall in love when I did… and my path to getting there was in no way conventional. In this episode, I share the journey of my first marriage– from falling in love with Julie unexpectedly to navigating my new sense of identity… all the way to divorce. I’m not someone who…
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Ep. 4: Is There a Conversation You’re Afraid to Have? Round Table With Grace Abbott & Jessica Gill
The "perfect moment" doesn't exist... stop waiting for it and face your fears. This week, we have a very special round table episode with Sarah and two team members, Jessica Gill & Grace Abbott. They had a front-row seat to recording last week’s episode and listened live as Sarah & her mom had a...
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Ep. 3: I Finally Had That Hard Conversation With My Mom... And You Get To Listen to It
“Regardless of what comes of this podcast, it will all be worth it just for this episode.” – Sarah We're thrilled to share this week's episode with you. This week, Sarah sits down with her mother, Barbara, to have a transformative and healing conversation about their relationship. Together, the…
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Ep. 2: So Your Parents Were Not Perfect? Finding Empathy, Forgiveness, and Creating New Relationships
Didn’t have perfect parents? Join the club. Listen to this week’s episode to find more empathy, forgiveness, and love for your parents. Can we give them the benefit of the doubt– maybe they were doing the best they could… Nobody will ever be, or has ever been, a perfect parent. In pursuit of...
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Ep. 1 – Part 2: Why Is It So Hard to Ask For Help? Does It Have to Take a Near-Death Experience…
Do you have the courage, strength, and humility to ask for help when you need it? Throughout this season, we will discuss many challenging topics such as death, divorce, and illness. Reflecting on my own difficult moments, I often felt unable to ask for help when I needed support the most, which...
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Ep. 1 – Part 1: Did You Have to Parent Your Parents? Reflections on Early Parentification and Perfectionism
Did you have to parent your parents? When I reflect on my own childhood, perfectionism and early parentification appear to be central themes that have shaped my identity. While these traits have undoubtedly brought about many positive things in my life– and a deep sense of independence… they have...
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Are You Able to Find Resilience in Life’s Hardest Moments?
When you look back on your life, there are some moments that will make you stop and say… Wholey. Schmidt. Over my half-a-centrury on this planet, I’ve learned a thing or two about finding the silver lining in some of life’s most challenging experiences…and if we can’t reflect back and make…
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Wholey Schmidt Trailer
Welcome to Wholey Schmidt! A new kind of podcast where we use storytelling as a vehicle for self-actualization and reflection. This season, our host, Sarah Schmidt, walks us through the lessons and resilience found during her first 52 years on this planet. We cover some of the most difficult and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Wholey Schmidt! A new kind of podcast where we use storytelling as a vehicle for self-actualization and reflection. This season, our host, Sarah Schmidt– walks us through the lessons and resilience found during her first 52 years on this planet.We cover some of the most difficult and complex parts of the human experience… dealing with a diagnosis, marrying a woman, adopting children, navigating divorce, co-parenting, marrying a man, having a biological child later in life, grieving a parent... Moments that will stop and make you say, Wholey Schmidt.
HOSTED BY
Sarah Schmidt
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wholey Schmidt have?
Wholey Schmidt currently has 44 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wholey Schmidt about?
Welcome to Wholey Schmidt! A new kind of podcast where we use storytelling as a vehicle for self-actualization and reflection. This season, our host, Sarah Schmidt– walks us through the lessons and resilience found during her first 52 years on this planet.We cover some of the most difficult and...
How often does Wholey Schmidt release new episodes?
Wholey Schmidt has 44 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Wholey Schmidt?
You can listen to Wholey Schmidt on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Wholey Schmidt?
Wholey Schmidt is created and hosted by Sarah Schmidt.
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