The Why Me Podcast

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon explores a deeply personal reflection on burnout, disruption, and the search for meaning in everyday life through the lens of David Brooks’ book The Second Mountain.After reading one line—“What is life asking of me?”—Brianna begins to re-examine her own journey through corporate success, motherhood, identity shifts, and unexpected health challenges. What once felt like achievement and forward momentum slowly gave way to a deeper sense of disconnection, leading her into what Brooks describes as “the valley” between two mountains.Drawing from her experience in corporate America, stepping away from a high-achieving career, navigating early motherhood, entrepreneurship, and illness, Brianna reflects on the tension between external success and internal fulfillment. She unpacks Brooks’ framework of the “first mountain,” rooted in achievement, status, and identity, versus the “second mountain,” which centers on service, purpose, and contribution to others.Rather than offering answers, this episode invites listeners into a more grounded and honest question: What is life asking of me right now?This conversation is especially relevant for anyone experiencing burnout, life disruption, career dissatisfaction, or a sense of being “stuck” despite outward success. Brianna shares why this question has shifted her perspective on ambition, productivity, motherhood, and daily life—and how it has created a sense of peace in embracing a more present, service-oriented season.This episode is a reflection for anyone standing in transition—between success and uncertainty, exhaustion and clarity, or the first and second mountain.The Why Me Podcast invites listeners to turn hardship, disruption, and life’s unexpected detours into meaning, growth, and connection.

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon explores why major life events—loss, success, illness, or unexpected change—often make life feel like it splits into a “before” and an “after.”We tend to describe these moments as identity shifts, where the future we were imagining no longer matches the life we are living inside of. Why does this happen, and what are we actually experiencing psychologically when life feels divided in two?This conversation is deeply informed by the work of bestselling author David Brooks, particularly his book The Second Mountain, where he explores how life often moves from a first stage of achievement and identity-building into a second stage focused on meaning, service, and deeper purpose.Brooks’ framework offers a powerful lens for understanding why some life changes don’t just alter our circumstances—they reshape who we are and how we see our future.Drawing from personal experience, listener stories, and the concept of the “Second Mountain,” this episode explores how expectations shape our sense of reality—and why certain moments fundamentally change the way we understand our lives.

In March 2012, high school softball player Emily Stuckwisch (Bobb) was struck by lightning under mostly clear skies during practice—an event that stopped her heart on the field.What followed was nothing short of miraculous: bystanders in the right place at the right time, resuscitation, and a second chance at life.In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Emily shares the full story of that day from her perspective—what she remembers, what it felt like to wake up after being revived, and how that moment changed the way she sees life, faith, and resilience.But her story doesn’t end there.Years later, Emily faced another devastating “Why me” moment with the unexpected loss of her father—forcing her to once again navigate grief, identity, and meaning in the middle of life-altering change.This conversation explores survival, trauma, grief, and the quiet ways people rebuild after moments that divide life into “before” and “after.”Topics include:Near-death experience; lightning strike Grief and loss of a parentFaith, identity, and resilience through hardshipMaking sense of the “Why me?” questionA powerful story of survival, loss, and second chances—and what it means to keep going when life changes without warning.News article: https://www.wave3.com/story/17174863/condition-of-teen-struck-by-lightning-improves/Intro/Outro music licensed via Descript

Feeling out of balance? In this episode of the Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shares her personal journey navigating chronic illness, motherhood, and life’s unexpected disruptions. She explores the power of holistic health, functional medicine, and going back to the basics—sleep, nutrition, movement, grounding, and mindfulness—to regain energy, clarity, and well-being. Whether you’re facing a health challenge, burnout, or life in disarray, this episode offers practical, actionable ways to start feeling better, one small step at a time.

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon shares a powerful and honest update after stepping away from social media for 40 days. What started as a simple break quickly became a life-changing reset.Brianna opens up about how much time she was spending scrolling, the habit loops she didn’t even realize she was stuck in, and why so many people struggle to admit just how consuming social media has become. She walks through what happened when she deleted her apps, the unexpected discomfort of boredom, and how that boredom led to greater productivity, clarity, and presence in her daily life.Throughout the episode, Brianna reflects on the deeper impact of disconnecting—from improved focus and creativity to stronger, more meaningful relationships. Without constant updates and passive consumption, she found herself more engaged with her family, her work, and the moments that truly matter.This episode is a relatable and motivating listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by screen time, distracted by endless scrolling, or simply curious about what life could look like with more intention and less digital noise.If you’ve ever wondered how to take back control of your time, break free from social media habits, and become more present in your own life—this episode offers a real and inspiring perspective.

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon dives into the often-overlooked space between struggle and success—the middle ground where most of life actually happens. Drawing from her experience navigating seven months with Myasthenia Gravis, Brianna shares the challenges and small victories of rebuilding strength, energy, and confidence while living with uncertainty.She explores how even the people we admire—like Michael Jordan—spent the majority of their lives in the “boring middle,” practicing, showing up, and quietly building the habits that led to their success. From personal health setbacks to parenting and life-altering decisions, Brianna emphasizes how growth, reflection, and gratitude thrive in this space.Listeners will relate to the in-between moments of life, learn to embrace the journey, and discover why thriving somewhere in the middle can be more meaningful than rushing to the next milestone.

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon explores the powerful idea that motivation doesn’t come before action — it follows it. She breaks down why waiting to feel ready often keeps people stuck, and how small, seemingly meaningless actions can create the momentum needed to move forward.Drawing on psychological research like Behavioral Activation, Brianna explains how taking action can improve mood and activate the brain’s reward system, helping rebuild motivation over time. She also reflects on insights from Mel Robbins’ 2011 TEDx talk “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over” and William H. McRaven’s 2014 commencement speech on the importance of making your bed — showing how small daily actions can create structure, resilience, and forward motion.Using the metaphor of falling dominoes, this episode captures what it feels like when life suddenly stops your momentum — and why you don’t get to start over or restack the past. Instead, Brianna shares a simple but powerful perspective: there is always a next step, and sometimes the smallest action is enough to start everything moving again.This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what comes next — and offers a grounded reminder that you don’t need motivation to begin. You just need to push the next domino.

What if the small moments that make you uneasy could actually train your brain for life? In this episode, Brianna Spurgeon shows how choosing discomfort in everyday situations can build resilience, strengthen mental toughness, and prepare you for unexpected life disruptions. From the universal “stomach-drop” moment in meetings to tiny, practical challenges, Brianna explains how elective discomfort acts like a mental gym, helping the brain adapt, think on its feet, and stay calm under pressure.She also explores how these principles can guide children to become critical thinkers, adaptable problem-solvers, and resilient adults. Drawing on insights from exposure therapy, Brianna explains how gradually facing controlled challenges rewires the brain to handle stress more effectively.Packed with practical ideas for navigating personal challenges and everyday situations, this episode helps listeners develop the confidence and mindset to face the next “why me?” moment.

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon explores how ChatGPT and generative AI can become your ultimate “coach in your pocket” for navigating personal and professional change. Drawing on her experience as a transformation lead at a major biotech company, Brianna breaks down how AI can help you process uncertainty, manage resistance, and make rational decisions when life or work throws unexpected challenges your way.From corporate change management to everyday life disruptions, Brianna shows listeners how to leverage AI to organize thoughts, clarify priorities, and create personalized action plans — all while staying grounded in your own values and judgment. Discover practical tips, real-world examples, and a simple prompt framework to get personalized recommendations that truly fit your situation.Whether you’re struggling to adapt to new systems at work, make high-stakes decisions, or navigate life transitions, this episode offers a powerful, practical approach to harnessing AI for clarity, confidence, and actionable insight.

On this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon shares a deeply personal realization that challenged how she was spending her time — and what she was actually leaving behind.During a season of uncertainty, Brianna began reflecting on legacy, impact, and the mark she wanted to leave on the world. What she discovered was uncomfortable: despite years of learning, reading, scrolling, and consuming, she struggled to define what she was truly creating.After listening to the Diary of a CEO episode “Brain Rot Emergency,” the pattern became clearer. Short-form, dopamine-driven content is everywhere — news, social media, sports scores, recipes, endless research. And most of it is consumed automatically.In this episode, Brianna explores: • Why overconsumption may be the silent habit of our generation • Her bold analogy comparing smartphones to cigarettes • How deleting social media apps revealed just how conditioned she had become • Why creativity is “mental fitness” in the age of AI • A 40-day challenge to create more than you consumeThis isn’t an anti-technology message. Brianna is a strong advocate for AI when used strategically. Instead, this is a conversation about resilience, agency, and raising children who can think for themselves in a world designed to capture their attention.If you’ve ever felt stuck on autopilot…If you’ve wondered what you’re truly building…If you want to strengthen your mind for life’s “Why Me” moments…This episode is your wake-up call.Brain rot is reversible.And we still have the power to think for ourselves.

This week on The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shares a quick experiment that shifted her energy and perspective in just days. Feeling emotionally heavy, she noticed something surprising at a coffee shop — a barista’s infectious joy completely changed the way she showed up in the world.Inspired, Brianna decided to test two simple habits: adding a little extra warmth to everyday interactions (“sprinkling a little love”) and auditing her digital inputs by removing social media from her phone.In this episode, Brianna dives into:​ How emotional contagion affects the way we feel and interact​ Why small acts of kindness can completely shift the energy around us​ The surprising impact of stepping back from social media​ A simple framework to guard our inputs and choose our words intentionallyIf you’ve been feeling flat, overwhelmed, or just a little “blah,” this episode offers practical insights and a mindset shift that could change the way you move through your day.Listen now to see how tiny adjustments can create big ripple effects in your energy, your mood, and your life.

We’re often taught that if we work hard enough and make the right choices, we’ll eventually reach a finish line — a clear ending where the struggle is behind us and the victory is secure.But not every journey works that way.In this episode, Brianna explores the idea that some of life’s most meaningful experiences aren’t races to be completed, but rhythms to be understood. From the heaviness of winter and the tension in today’s world to personal setbacks and shifting capacity, she reframes progress through the metaphor of dance — and the steady rotation of the Earth between light and darkness.Instead of pushing harder or waiting to “arrive,” Brianna invites listeners to assess where they are, release self-judgment, and recognize the purpose in every season. Because growth doesn’t always look like forward acceleration. Sometimes it looks like recalibration, reflection, and quiet strengthening.You’re not behind. You’re in motion.

What if giving up isn’t quitting — but the most faithful, freeing decision you can make?In this hallmark episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon introduces The Art of Giving Up — a powerful framework for discerning what to hold onto and what to lay down when life feels exhausting, misaligned, or out of your control.If you’ve ever felt stuck on a hamster wheel…Burned out by responsibilities that drain you…Or afraid to walk away from something that once defined you — this episode is for you.Brianna shares the deeply personal story of the day she almost didn’t quit her job — the fear, the doubt, the feeling of failure — and the moment of surrender that ultimately set her free. Anchored in faith, intuition, and lived experience, this episode reframes giving up as an intentional, courageous act of alignment rather than weakness.You’ll learn a simple but transformative 3-step framework to help you evaluate any area of your life: 1. How am I meant to serve in this season? 2. How does this effort serve me? 3. What value would I gain by giving this up?This episode also includes practical scripts for how to actually let go — whether that means quitting a job, stepping away from a commitment, releasing control, or saying no without guilt.Rooted in Christian faith while honoring a global audience, this conversation speaks directly to the “why me” moments — the unexpected disruptions, diagnoses, identity shifts, and crossroads where life doesn’t go according to plan.This is an episode about surrender, trust, courage, and learning how to float instead of fight.If you’re navigating burnout, career confusion, chronic illness, motherhood identity shifts, faith and surrender, or a season of letting go — this episode will meet you right where you are.

Rest feels lazy. Unproductive. Even shameful — especially for high achievers, working parents, and anyone who’s been conditioned to equate worth with output.In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shares how a myasthenia gravis diagnosis forced her to confront overworking, control, and self-imposed productivity — and why learning to rest didn’t make her weaker, but mentally stronger than ever.We talk about:​ Why rest feels so uncomfortable (and why that’s not your fault)​ The hidden shame around productivity and burnout​ How overworking became a badge of honor in corporate culture​ What happens when your identity is built on achievement​ Why your body will eventually force you to slow down​ How to rest without guilt — even with kids, responsibilities, and limited time​ The “full battery” mindset that changed everything​ How rest unlocked creativity, clarity, and emotional regulationIf you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in constant go-mode — this episode is for you.Because rest isn’t quitting.It’s how you come back online.

Self-limiting beliefs don’t show up as fear — they show up as logic.In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna walks listeners through a powerful personal story of loss, disruption, and decision-making after being laid off eight months pregnant — and the coaching tools that helped her separate fact from assumption.You’ll hear how the brain creates limits to protect us, why even high-achieving people fall into these patterns, and how to interrupt them with simple, practical questions.This episode includes:​ A real-life example of how self-limiting beliefs quietly shape our choices​ A mindset exercise you can apply to any decision you feel “stuck” in​ Insight into how life disruptions (career changes, health diagnoses, transitions) magnify limiting beliefs​ A reminder that clarity comes from curiosity, not fearIf you’ve ever thought, “That would be nice, but I can’t,” this episode is for you.

What do you do when the life you imagined no longer fits the reality you’re living?In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon explores what it really means to let go of future expectations — without losing hope, identity, or forward momentum.After a life-altering diagnosis, Brianna found herself facing the quiet loss of an imagined future: a timeline for having another baby, a new business she was just beginning to build, and the version of herself she thought she’d become.This episode is for anyone navigating: • Chronic illness, unexpected diagnoses, or health setbacks • Career changes, job loss, or paused dreams • Fertility challenges or delayed family plans • Major life transitions, identity shifts, or burnout • The emotional weight of “what could have been”Brianna shares two deeply personal stories — about family and career — along with three powerful coaching questions to help you determine whether your future plans truly need to change or simply adapt.You’ll also learn grounding practices to help you stay present, cultivate gratitude during difficult seasons, and find hope even when the path forward feels uncertain.If you’ve ever asked “Why me?” or felt stuck between the life you planned and the life you’re living, this episode will remind you that the only thing that’s real is this moment — and that what lies ahead may surprise you.

What’s your first step when life shakes up your plans?In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shares how to rebuild your life one small habit at a time when unexpected change disrupts your health, routines, and confidence. Drawing inspiration from Atomic Habits by James Clear, this episode explores how tiny, consistent habits can help you regain momentum, rebuild confidence, and create a system that survives change.Brianna opens up about navigating health complications, unexpected weight gain, and limited ability to exercise — and how anchoring to the right outcome and focusing on 1% improvements makes forward progress possible without overwhelm. Instead of trying to “go back” to life before change or reinvent everything at once, she explains how micro-habits like hydration, gentle movement, sleep, and nutrition can help you rebuild in a way that’s sustainable and realistic.If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure where to begin after a major life shift — whether related to health, identity, career, or personal growth — this episode will help you find clarity, direction, and hope through small daily habits that compound over time.In this episode, you’ll learn:​ How to begin rebuilding your life after unexpected change​ Why small habits matter more than big overhauls​ How Atomic Habits principles apply when routines fall apart​ How to create systems that support health, healing, and long-term growth​ Where to start when you feel knocked off your pathThis episode is for anyone navigating change, rebuilding after setbacks, personal growth, health challenges, mindset shifts, or identity transitions — and looking for a gentle, practical way forward.

Feeling fear doesn’t mean you should wait to take action. In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shares her personal story of facing a health crisis and how she discovered that courage comes before confidence. From ICU moments to everyday challenges like career moves, tough conversations, and salary negotiations, Brianna breaks down how stepping forward scared can lead to confidence, competence, and lasting growth.Learn how to embrace fear, take bold action, and start doing the things that scare you — because courage is the first step toward the life you want. Brianna also shares a simple mental tool using the tide of the ocean to help manage fear in the moment.Plus, she invites listeners to share their own “Why Me” moments and explains how you can be featured in future episodes when she starts interviewing inspiring stories of resilience and transformation.

Life Feels Unfair? Reframe and reclaim your life.Do you feel stuck in circumstances you didn’t ask for? In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shares a powerful mindset shift: viewing life’s challenges as raw material instead of labeling them “fair” or “unfair.”This simple but profound reframe protects your nervous system, fosters resilience, and strengthens a growth mindset — helping you move forward even when life doesn’t go as planned. Learn how to transform obstacles into opportunities and create space for clarity, creativity, and personal growth.If you’re ready to stop spinning in frustration and start using life as a teacher, this episode is for you.

Forget New Year’s Resolutions: Focus on Outcomes, Not RulesAre your goals leaving you frustrated, stuck, or ready to give up when life doesn’t go as planned? In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, Brianna Spurgeon shows you why traditional resolutions and rigid goals often fail (80%, in fact) — and how outcomes-based planning can change everything.Instead of focusing on specific actions or strict rules, outcomes-based planning keeps your eyes on the bigger picture, aligned with your values and purpose. This approach invites creativity, flexibility, and momentum — so even when life throws a wrench in your plans, you can stay on track and make meaningful progress.Listen in to learn how to ditch limiting rules, embrace adaptability, and design goals that actually work for your life — not against it.

Why do the hardest moments seem to choose us?In Episode 1 of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon shares the deeply personal story that sparked the Why Me movement — a health crisis, an unexpected diagnosis, and the moment she stopped asking “Why is this happening to me?” and started asking “What is this shaping me into?”This episode sets the foundation for the podcast and the movement behind it: honest conversations about the moments we never planned for — the breakdowns, the grief, the diagnoses, the losses, even the unexpected wins— and how those experiences can become catalysts for strength, purpose, and growth.The Why Me Podcast is a space for real stories, real resilience, and real transformation. In future episodes, Brianna invites guests to share their own Why Me moments — the highs, the lows, and the turning points that changed everything.If you’ve ever faced something that felt unfair, overwhelming, or life-defining, this podcast is for you.