Lots to Unpack There

Send a textJess and Lisa reflect on Season One, exploring the themes, growth, and insights gathered through 20 episodes of genuine conversation.• Time management, bravery, parenting, confidence, productivity, and authenticity emerged as key topics• Started the podcast in a period of heaviness, now feeling stronger and more supported in carrying life's burdens• Discussed how vision boards serve as powerful reminders of values and help attract aligned opportunities• Lisa shared how her "professional pause" created space for intentionality and new habits• Examined the importance of balancing seasons of intensity with periods of rest• Recognized the podcast's appeal extends beyond their demographic to universal human experiences• Planning to take a brief hiatus before returning with Season TwoJoin us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast and subscribe to our Substack for more content. We've also opened access to our "Unpacked Snacks" bonus episodes for a limited time.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa explore the changing nature of social connections and unpack their contrasting approaches to building relationships.• Beginning with a discussion about the decline of casual social gatherings like potlucks• Reflecting on how the pandemic accelerated our disconnection from casual adult socializing• Examining how parents now prioritize child-centered activities over adult gatherings• Lisa shares her "breadcrumb" approach to relationships—revealing herself slowly and strategically• Contrasting Lisa's measured approach with Jess's preference for immediate deep connection• Discussing how Lisa's approach evolved from trying to be perfect for everyone to authentic but measured• Exploring their different "rings" of friendship—Jess with fewer close connections, Lisa with a wider middle circle• Reflecting on the transient nature of relationships and how people move between different levels of closeness• Appreciating the complementary differences in their friendship stylesWe'd love to hear how you approach relationships! Are you a breadcrumb-dropper or do you dive deep right away? Connect with us on social media and share your thoughts.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textMusic creates powerful emotional connections and serves as a unique memory trigger, sometimes functioning as a sixth sense for those who experience it as a full-body phenomenon.• Music can transport us back to specific memories and moments in our lives• For some people, music is physically overwhelming and makes multitasking impossible• Using music strategically to alter moods or validate feelings is common• Sound creates beautiful visual patterns when visualized through mediums like sand• Children can develop specific music preferences linked to emotional states from an early age• Having a personal "happy place" provides mental refuge during difficult times• Happy places aren't always physical locations but can be emotional states• Incorporating elements of your happy place into everyday life creates ongoing comfort• Coffee plays a significant role in many people's comfort rituals• Finding moments of peace and control helps manage daily stressSupport the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa unpack the phenomenon of professional loneliness, particularly how increasing responsibility and leadership roles can lead to fewer safe spaces for vulnerability and authentic connection.• Professional loneliness manifests differently than social loneliness• Leaders often lack peers who understand their unique challenges• Creating space for emotions at work is vital yet challenging• Vulnerability paradoxically builds trust rather than diminishing it• Imposter syndrome creates a self-reinforcing cycle of isolation• Most people judge us far less than we fear they do• Asking for help can actually strengthen professional relationships• Solopreneurs face unique challenges in combating workplace isolation• Volunteering and community involvement help rebuild connection• Self-judgment often creates barriers that prevent authentic relationshipsIf you're experiencing professional loneliness, ask yourself what you need to act in ways that might bring other people in, and consider letting go of self-judgment or perceived judgment from others.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa explore the disorienting experience of losing track of time and unpack the complex interplay between confidence, uncertainty, and knowing what you truly want.• Lisa shares about losing an entire Tuesday after her daily routines were disrupted from being laid off• Jess recounts a frustrating Girl Scout meeting mishap when leaders moved locations without informing parents• Discussion about the crucial but undervalued importance of logistics in every organization and relationship• Exploring the difference between regulating emotions versus suppressing them• Lisa unpacks a conversation where a friend suggested various career paths she felt unequipped for• Distinguishing between confidence in abilities versus confidence in knowing the right next step• The importance of maintaining non-negotiables in job hunting while remaining flexible on nice-to-haves• Introduction to BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) as a powerful negotiation concept• How having alternatives gives us confidence and freedom to be authentic in any situation• Recognizing that not having confidence about the future is perfectly normal and healthySupport the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa explore life's big questions about identity, personal growth, and whether our younger selves would be proud of who we've become. This thoughtful conversation weaves through personal turning points and the wisdom that comes from seeing life as a series of chapters.• Reflecting on how our 14-year-old selves would view our adult lives• Finding peace with life's unexpected turns and the different "lifetimes" we've lived• Understanding how our stories change depending on where we choose to start and end them• Recognizing decision fatigue and what we offload first when we're overwhelmed• Exploring our personal "superpowers" like intuition and reading people• Appreciating the perspective that comes with middle age and looking back across life chapters• Considering the "what ifs" of paths not taken without regretWe'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Share with us whether your younger self would be surprised by your life today, and what lessons you've learned from navigating your own life chapters!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa confront the psychology behind feeling indebted to employers who provide remote work accommodations, questioning whether workplace flexibility should come with the burden of overperformance.• Judgment versus curiosity: how these mindsets are mutually exclusive and impact our perspectives• The concept of remote work exemptions and the psychology of feeling indebted to employers who provide flexibility• Examining non-negotiables in job searches and what they're designed to protect• Time as the most precious resource and how commuting impacts personal and family life• The difference between community and geographical proximity in career decisions• Career values and priorities beyond salary and title• The evolving nature of workplace loyalty and viewing employment as a renewable transaction• The tension between short-term security versus long-term prosperity in job decisionsRemember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every week. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your own career non-negotiables with us on social media!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textWe discuss strategies for surviving beach vacations with pale children, including the "reverse beach day" approach of going to the beach after 3pm when UV rays are less intense. We share our upcoming childcare swap plans and navigate the anxiety and excitement that comes with watching each other's children.• The "reverse beach day" strategy: doing indoor activities during peak sun hours and beach activities after 3pm• Navigating different house rules – one household allows couch jumping while the other doesn't• Planning a "mom swap" where friends trade overnight childcare duties• Different levels of anxiety about watching each other's children• Creative ideas for entertaining each other's kids, like reading Harry Potter with character voices• How our different backgrounds (coastal vs. landlocked upbringing) influence our parenting approachesSupport the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textHave you ever found yourself drawn to something that seems utterly unproductive yet feels essential to your wellbeing? That's exactly what we explore in this heartfelt conversation that begins with home projects but quickly delves into the deeper spaces of what truly nourishes our souls.Lisa kicks things off sharing her triumph of finally renovating her mailbox after months of planning—complete with a glossy black post and custom vinyl decals. This evolves into a discussion about her family's seasonal bucket list chalkboard where cherished activities get the attention they deserve. "If it's not on the list," Jess notes, "it stays in the someday pile instead of the actionable now-we're-doing-it pile." This visual representation of family values not only creates accountability but offers visitors a glimpse into what matters most in their home.The conversation shifts to parenting philosophies as we unpack the sometimes tedious but ultimately rewarding practice of consistently teaching children to ask politely for what they need. Those repetitive moments of redirecting a child's "I'm THIRSTY" or "I want water" to "May I please have some water?" build crucial life skills—though we laugh about the irony of making parenting harder in the short term to make life better in the long term.But the heart of our discussion emerges when Lisa shares a profound moment of lying under a flowering tree in the park, allowing her mind to wander freely without productive intention. This seemingly simple act resulted in unexpected clarity and deep rejuvenation. "I kept coming up with all these things I wanted to unpack," she reflects, "not because I was trying to be productive, but because my mind finally had space to wander."This leads us to grapple with important questions: How do we identify the activities that truly feed our souls? How do we make space for them in busy lives? And perhaps most crucially—how do we ensure we recognize these soul-nourishing opportunities before we reach the breaking point of desperately needing them?We'd love to hear what feeds your soul when nobody's watching. Share your thoughts with us or simply take a moment today to ask yourself what your soul might be calling for that you've been too busy to notice.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textHave you ever felt simultaneously overwhelmed with work yet creatively restless? That bizarre contradiction sits at the heart of this week's conversation as Jess unpacks her experience of being caught in a sprint toward professional goals while feeling the creative itch that comes from a backlog of unprocessed insights.We dive into the fascinating concept of mental libraries—how we collect experiences and knowledge like books that need proper shelving in our minds. When we're racing toward milestones, those books pile up faster than we can organize them, creating a tension between accomplishment and integration. Jess shares her realization that working "in" her coaching business has temporarily prevented her from working "on" her business, sparking an interesting exploration of how we balance learning and doing.The conversation expands into a deeper examination of two distinct types of learning: theoretical collection versus practical application. That restless feeling many of us experience? It might simply be the signal that your pendulum has swung too far in one direction. Whether you're completing certification hours, launching a project, or managing massive change, understanding this tension helps recognize when restlessness signals a need for balance rather than a problem requiring solution. We also touch on how transitions in life—whether chosen or unexpected—provide rare opportunities to rediscover aspects of ourselves that we've placed "high on the shelf" during certain phases of our careers.Join us for an illuminating conversation about mastering your relationship with time, honoring the creative restlessness that fuels growth, and finding ways to integrate learning amid achievement. What parts of yourself have you set aside that might be asking to return to the forefront?Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa explore the emotional complexity of ending coaching relationships and how setting firm boundaries enables us to become the people we want to be in both personal and professional contexts.• Jess shares the bittersweet experience of a coaching client ending their relationship after achieving their goals• Coaching creates intimate spaces where clients can share vulnerable thoughts, making the conclusion of these relationships emotional• Boundaries are immutable lines we draw, while everything "to the left" of the boundary remains negotiable• Effective boundaries allow us to protect our time and prioritize what truly matters• Drawing boundaries around family time creates safety and enables intentional parenting• Time-blocking specific commitments (like limiting evening events to twice a month) helps maintain balance• Confidence, like grief, isn't linear but follows ups and downs that can feel more painful after experiencing success• Zooming out during difficult moments helps provide perspective on how far we've come• Self-care through keeping promises to ourselves builds resilience during confidence dipsSupport the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa explore the emotional rollercoaster of major life transitions, focusing on Lisa's recent layoff experience and her struggle between constant action and creating space for strategic thinking.• Lisa describes feeling like a "passenger" in her own emotional journey after being laid off• The pull between taking immediate action and allowing space for clarity and intentional next steps• The concept of a "white room" – creating mental and physical space to think strategically rather than reactively• Recognizing how our professional identities become tied to constant busyness and productivity• The generational shift from destination-focused careers to journey-oriented approaches• The pressure we put on decisions when viewing them as ultimate rather than next steps• Shifting from asking "what do I want to do?" to "who do I want to be?"• Treating major life changes as gifts to be unwrapped intentionallySupport the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa dive deep into the mysterious ways our professional identities shape our personal interactions, revealing surprising insights about hidden assumptions and unexplored potential.Jess shares her puzzling tendency to apologize when canceling subscriptions or requesting refunds—despite not considering herself a people-pleaser in other contexts. This "subscription guilt" prompts a fascinating exploration of why we sometimes feel obligated to justify our consumer decisions. Could it be that professional communication patterns are bleeding into personal interactions? The friends unpack how our work personas can unconsciously influence behavior in unexpected ways.The conversation takes a profound turn when Jess reveals how her coaching practice has evolved beyond her initial target demographic of "moms in leadership." Through a new platform where she couldn't select her clients, she found herself working with numerous male executives—something she hadn't anticipated. This experience challenged deep-seeded assumptions about both her capabilities and her clients' receptiveness. "Who I am is so much more multifaceted than I was giving myself credit for, and who they are is so much more multifaceted than I was giving them credit for."This revelation speaks to a universal truth about professional growth: stepping outside our comfort zones often leads to unexpected discoveries about our capabilities. Like a chef's knife being honed for specialized purposes, Jess discusses how diversifying her client base is "sharpening" her coaching skills in ways working exclusively with similar clients never could.Whether you're questioning your own professional boundaries or curious about how subtle limiting beliefs might be operating in your life, this episode offers valuable perspective on recognizing and challenging the assumptions that constrain our growth. Connect with us on social media to share your own experiences with limiting beliefs and how you've overcome them!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textNavigating the complex emotional terrain of sharing layoff news with professional connections reveals stark differences in how people respond based on relationship closeness.• Close colleagues often react with validating support and even anger on your behalf• Acquaintances typically offer polite sympathy but little more, which can trigger insecurity • Most people's muted responses come from their own discomfort or self-reflection• Post-pandemic layoffs are widely understood as rarely performance-related• Professional reputation concerns can make broadcasting layoff news on platforms like LinkedIn feel risky• A phased approach might work best - starting with one-on-one conversations with key contacts• Ultimately, accepting that you can't control others' perceptions is freeingWe can only control how we share our news, not how others perceive it. Focus your energy on connections who truly understand your value rather than worrying about judgments from those who don't know you well.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textWhen a door closes, what if it's not just a setback but an opportunity for liberation? This week, Lisa shares her raw, unfiltered response to being laid off—and it's not what you might expect. Rather than devastation, she describes feeling "relief bordering on giddiness" as constraints and frustrations suddenly lifted from her professional life.After 18 years in cybersecurity, Lisa finds herself at a crossroads that many mid-career professionals face: continue with the expertise she's built, or use this unexpected transition to explore untapped passions and possibilities. Her story challenges our conventional understanding of job loss and invites listeners to consider how we sometimes stay in careers simply because we've invested time in them, not because they still fulfill us.What makes this conversation particularly powerful is its honesty about the complexities of career transitions. Lisa describes the peculiar experience of remaining at work for a month after being notified of her layoff—creating awkward interactions but also allowing colleagues to share meaningful feedback about her impact. One comment in particular—"You are one of the best things to happen to this company in a long time"—finally broke through her composed exterior days after receiving the news.The metaphor that emerges throughout is striking: rather than merely facing closed doors in her work, Lisa felt she'd been running into bricked-over walls that wouldn't budge despite her best efforts. Now, suddenly, all doors stand open—creating both freedom and the paralysis of possibility. As she navigates this unexpected transition, her determination to remain intentional rather than reactive offers a masterclass in turning disruption into opportunity.Whether you're facing a career transition yourself or simply wondering if you're on the right path, this conversation offers permission to experience these pivotal moments authentically and on your own terms. What doors in your life might be waiting to open?Tune in next week as we unpack what it looks and feels like to sharpen your edge and in the process of venturing outside our comfort zone, maybe even evolve into something new.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textJess and Lisa dive into a profound discussion about the concept of belonging and how it relates to our sense of self and our place in various communities.• Sharing the ups and downs of family life including the inevitable sharing of germs• Exploring the relationship between productivity and waste, suggesting productivity increases when waste decreases• Challenging traditional views by proposing that belonging starts with declaring "I belong here" rather than waiting for external validation• Distinguishing between "fitting in" (changing yourself to match others) and "belonging" (being accepted as your authentic self)• Examining belonging through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion using a dance floor analogy• Considering the role of self-confidence and authenticity in creating a sense of belonging• Questioning whether belonging is something we create for ourselves or something bestowed upon us by othersJoin us next time as we unpack unexpected career transitions and how to move forward in choice.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textThursday is the best day of the week. At least according to Jess, who had her perspective permanently shifted by a high school biology teacher's grocery store metaphor 25 years ago. But why do certain random moments stick with us so powerfully? How do offhand comments from adults shape children's entire worldviews?This episode dives deep into how our perspectives form and evolve through seemingly minor interactions. We explore parenting moments where asking thoughtful questions reveals surprising truths—like when Lisa's five-year-old daughter claimed she had "no friends" but was actually struggling with the complexities of navigating different friendship dynamics. The power of a simple "tell me more" creates space for understanding that problem-solving never could.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Lisa unpacks her experience being repeatedly interrupted and cut off during professional meetings as the only female manager in her organization. We examine the double standards at play when well-intentioned advice like "limit yourself to two questions" would ultimately reinforce the very inequality it aims to address. The "likability trap," unconscious bias, and the exhausting mental calculations required to navigate predominantly male spaces reveal how workplace dynamics reflect broader societal patterns.Whether you're navigating parenthood, leadership challenges, or simply trying to understand why certain days feel different than others, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on how our perspectives shape—and are shaped by—our daily interactions. Join us for an honest conversation about finding authenticity in a world that often encourages us to make ourselves smaller.Tune in next week as we unpack the idea of belonging everywhere you go.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textWhat You’ll Hear: Bravery in the Everyday – How courage isn’t just for big leaps but also for the small, uncomfortable moments we push through. Owning Your Story – The power of reflecting on where you’ve been and how it shapes where you’re going. The Ripple Effect of Validation – Why being seen and heard is one of the greatest gifts we can give—and receive. The Impact of Mentorship – How a simple conversation can plant seeds of confidence and possibility in someone else’s life. Try It Until You Become It – The mindset shift that can help you grow into the person you want to be.Notable Moments: “Maybe we have to be brave just to live our lives.” (22:30) “Try it until you become it.” (28:39) “Your voice matters today—not just when you have a degree, experience, or a platform.” (34:45) “We assume small things don’t change the world, but maybe they do.” (43:06) “Take the gifts you don’t know are gifts and hold onto them forever.” (54:47)This episode is a powerful reflection on bravery, identity, and the small yet meaningful ways we shape each other’s lives.Of note! The podcast episode Jess mentions is this one, and the psychologist she quotes is Caroline Fleck. Tune in next week, when we'll unpack Thursdays being the best day of the week, the likability trap, and working in a male-dominated field.Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textWhat You’ll Hear: The Power of Self-Perception – How what we say about ourselves influences how others see us—and how we see ourselves. Breaking the Burnout Cycle – Why pushing through exhaustion leads to the “capability trap” and what to do instead. Nature’s Reset Button – How a simple walk in the sun can shift motivation and mindset. Owning Your Narrative – The surprising impact of defining (and declaring) your strengths. Aligning Who We Are With How We Show Up – The role of intentionality in leadership, parenting, and personal growth.Notable Moments: “If you don’t take the time to care for yourself now, you’ll be forced to later.” (11:22) “I learned that I wasn’t a thoughtful person—and carried that story for 20 years before I questioned it.” (36:28) “You don’t need to fix your whole life—just figure out what fills your tank by the end of the day.” (17:28) “If you say you’re good at something, people will believe you. So what story do you want to tell?” (24:37) “Maybe we need more bold declarations in life.” (48:06)This episode explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, how self-care impacts the way we show up for others, and how a little self-belief can go a long way.Tune in next week as we dive into the ideas of bravery and validation—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textIn this episode, we explore what it really means to show up authentically in both personal and professional life. From navigating resilience in the face of frustration to redefining what it means to be supportive in relationships, this conversation is a deep dive into self-awareness, values, and growth.What You’ll Hear:🔹 Resilience in real time – How discomfort and struggle can ultimately lead to empowerment.🔹 Authenticity vs. conformity – The challenge of living in alignment with personal values in a world that often pushes for sameness.🔹 Parenting and leadership parallels – The shift from being needed to being a supportive presence and why awareness of these transitions matters.🔹 Self-reflection as a tool for growth – How recognizing shifting paradigms in life and work can lead to more intentional decisions.Notable Moments:💬 "Resilience doesn’t always feel like strength in the moment—it often looks like frustration, but it’s shaping us." (33:45)💬 "There’s a difference between being needed and being truly supportive. Learning that shift is part of the work." (08:30)💬 "When you live in alignment with your values, you find clarity—not because it’s easy, but because it’s true to you." (40:02)Whether you’re navigating career transitions, evolving family roles, or just trying to stay true to yourself, this episode offers insights to help you move forward with intention.Tune in next week as we dive into the idea of self-perception and strengths—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textLife has a way of throwing curveballs, and in this episode, Jess and Lisa get real about the stressors piling up in their worlds—from illness and unpredictable weather to the pressures of work, family, and everything in between. With humor and honesty, they unpack the emotional weight of their responsibilities and explore how stress manifests in their lives.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:It's been a day, a month, a week, a year....Jess unpacks some feedback from her daughter's teacher that caught her off-guard and made her think about (over-)achievement culture.Lisa unpacks her new stress escalation matrix to find ways to disrupt the stress cycle and get back to a place of good.From brain breaks to mindful walks, Jess and Lisa explore strategies for interrupting the stress spiral before it takes over.Why You Should ListenIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the relentless demands of life, this episode is for you. Jess and Lisa’s raw, insightful conversation offers a mix of personal stories, hard-won wisdom, and practical strategies for navigating stress with self-awareness and resilience.Tune in next week as we dive into the ideas of "before" and "after," resilience in action, and values—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textTimers have revolutionized Jess's relationship with time and reduced the constant stress of time blindness that comes with her neurodivergence. Through various timer tools and intentional calendar management, she's created systems that allow her to function better while alleviating the shame that comes with chronic lateness.• Experiencing time blindness as a neurodivergent person means getting deeply absorbed in tasks and losing track of time• Multi-timed hexagonal timer allows for setting different time intervals for various tasks• Visual timers provide clear indicators of remaining time, especially helpful for children• Phone alarms serve as reliable reminders for daily transitions like school pickup• Setting calendar appointments for departure times rather than arrival times ensures adequate travel time• Using buffer time between meetings prevents back-to-back scheduling and allows for decompression• Timers create a "safety net" by outsourcing time management stress to external mechanisms• Alarms facilitate easier task-switching by providing clear signals to transition between activitiesSupport the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textWelcome to the first full episode of our podcast! We’re Jess and Lisa—best friends, moms, and professionals in our forties—figuring out the messy middle of life together. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin between work, family, and your own aspirations, you’re not alone. This is the space where we unpack the real, raw, and sometimes hilarious moments of navigating personal and professional growth at the same time.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:January is the longest month of the year, and this year it has some fun existential dread peppered inLisa unpacks what it means to take up space, especially in a male-dominated workforce. She struggles with not wanting to take up time and resources from others at work, and recognizes this is holding her back.Jess unpacks the difference between a "manager's schedule" with lots of meetings, and a "creator's schedule" that allows for deep, uninterrupted work. She is trying to find ways to prioritize exercise and self-care within her schedule as an entrepreneur, which needs to accommodate both manager and creator schedules.Both ladies look for the adult in the room, only to realize that it's them.Tune in next week as we dive into overachievement and stress—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

Send a textMaking Space for Real ConversationsIn this very first episode, Jess and Lisa introduce themselves, their backgrounds, and the vision behind their new podcast. As a leadership coach and entrepreneur (Jess) and a tech industry leader with a psychology background (Lisa), they’ve built a friendship grounded in trust, honesty, and the kind of deep conversations that help them see their lives—and themselves—more clearly.Together, they’re creating a space to unpack the messy middle of motherhood, leadership, and personal growth—without judgment, pretense, or pressure to have it all figured out. They share why this podcast is their safe place to process real-life challenges and how they hope it becomes that for listeners, too.Tune in to hear:🎙️ Why they started this podcast and what to expect in future episodes🎙️ The power of safe, unfiltered conversations🎙️ How choosing to show up for yourself leads to growth and clarityThis is a podcast for anyone navigating the in-between moments of life, searching for deeper conversations, and ready to embrace the process of figuring it out—one honest conversation at a time.Hit play and join us in the conversation!Support the showWant to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected]. Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together! 📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack 🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌