Congruent with Lisa Carpenter | The truth beneath success. Why it never feels like enough.

This week's episode addresses why so many women are stuck in the cycle of burnout and lack of energy. Episode 227 is a spicy one with an interesting perspective about how as a culture, women have embraced "burnout" and exhaustion as their status quo and normalized it. Lisa cuts to the heart of why women are stuck in this pattern and what it's going to take for to create change in your life if you want to have more energy, feel more joy and live with more fulfillment. Until you become more committed to how you want to feel, you'll continue to feel exhausted. It's going to feel hard before it feels easy, but what are the consequences if you do nothing? A lifetime of life living you... with no time, or energy to do the things you want to be doing. If you're a woman who is ready to do the work to create more time, energy and vitality in your life NOW is the time to sign up for The Energy Audit™. This 6-week program is full of easy, actionable tasks that will create more space, time and energy in your life, so you can focus more on the things you want to do, including prioritizing yourself. Join NOW at lisacarpenter.ca/energy-audit Doors close Friday, May 19th!!! To connect with Lisa find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lisacarpenterinc/

What if the very thing you thought was keeping you safe was actually suffocating your soul? Tracy Goodwin had a gift she couldn't deny. She could hear things in people's voices that no one else could hear, seven layers of sound that revealed scars, wounds, and the real person buried beneath years of conditioning. But instead of stepping into that power, she played it safe. She taught traditional voice coaching while her radical insights screamed to get out. Then the hate came. International hate clubs. Requests to appear on national television to be humiliated on purpose. Daily emails telling her she was an "effing piece of" nothing, that she shouldn't exist, that she should be dead. Her life was literally threatened because she wouldn't accommodate someone's request, because she wouldn't conform to what others wanted her to be. So she went into hiding. She refinished furniture for years, sanding away layers of old paint and varnish while God sanded away her excuses. Until she heard the voice she'd been running from: "What are you doing? I didn't put you down there to finish furniture. I need you back in the game." Within 24 hours, the concept of psychology of the voice became crystal clear.   In this raw, vulnerable conversation, Tracy reveals: The self-inflicted torture of knowing your truth but staying paralyzed by fear and people-pleasing How childhood wounds of being silenced before age five show up in the way you communicate today The moment she realized furniture refinishing was a metaphor for her real work: sanding away the fabricated layers of who people think they're supposed to be Why staying safe in people-pleasing mode almost made her lose her mind The progression of redefining success from wanting to be a famous celebrity in her 20s, to chasing money in her 30s, to her mission at 50: touching every life that must hear from her before she's gone How she went from taking months to recover from conflict to catching herself in minutes The hardest practice of all: meeting yourself with compassion when you've spent a lifetime being as hard on yourself as the world has been on you Why your voice is the literal orchestra of your heart, and there is someone desperately waiting for your message The five core wounds that stop high performers from owning their greatness: fear of judgment, fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, sense of belonging, and worthiness   This episode is for you if you've ever: Felt successful on the outside while quietly crumbling on the inside Known you had a gift but been too terrified to fully step into it Stayed small to keep others comfortable or avoid judgment Wondered "is this all there is?" while everyone else thinks you have it all figured out Struggled to give yourself the compassion you so freely give to others Been paralyzed by the gap between what you know you're capable of and what you're actually doing   Tracy Goodwin is a voice decoder, researcher, and voice behavioralist who works with the psychology of the voice. She helps high-performing leaders understand how their voice holds their scars, wounds, and power, ultimately getting them back to who they were put on this earth to be versus who the world told them to be. Find Tracy at: Instagram/TikTok: @‌captivatetherroom Website: Home LinkedIn: Tracy A. Goodwin   Ready to stop playing it safe with your own life? If Tracy's story hit you in the chest, if you recognized yourself in the pattern of knowing your truth but staying paralyzed by fear, it's time to stop hiding behind the version of success that's quietly killing you. The congruency audit is where we look at the gap between the success you've built on the outside and what you're actually feeling on the inside. We'll identify the exact patterns keeping you stuck in the "never enough" cycle, the wounds driving your over-responsibility, and what it's going to take for you to finally create success that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. No more self-inflicted torture of knowing there's more but being too afraid to reach for it. No more settling for accomplishments that leave you empty. Book your Congruency Audit: lisacarpenter.ca/audit This isn't about optimizing the version of yourself you built to survive. It's about creating congruence so the life you've built doesn't just look good, it finally feels right.

You’ve achieved more than most people, but if you’re honest, it’s come at a cost — to your health, your relationships, your energy, maybe even your sense of peace. And here’s the kicker: no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. In this very first episode of Congruent, Lisa Carpenter pulls back the curtain on the truth about success. Why do so many high-achieving men and women deny or downplay their success? Why does “making it” rarely feel the way we imagined it would? And what does it actually take to create success that sustains you instead of drains you? Lisa shares her own story of chasing achievement while never feeling successful, and how a life-changing season forced her to embody everything she’d been teaching for over a decade. She reveals the hidden costs of “do-er mode,” the patterns that keep ambitious people stuck, and the shifts required to build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.   What you’ll hear in this episode: Why success often comes with hidden costs. The gap between how others see you and how you see yourself. The real reason nothing ever feels like enough. The difference between numbing with busyness vs. living in congruence. What congruent success looks and feels like. What to expect from this podcast each week. If you’ve been chasing achievement but still feel unfulfilled, exhausted, or disconnected, this episode will help you see that you’re not broken — you’ve been conditioned. And there’s a different way forward. 👉 Ready to uncover where you’re out of alignment? Book your free 15-minute Congruency Audit. Subscribe now so you don’t miss next week’s episode: The Real Cost of Over-Doing (and How to Break the Cycle Without Losing Your Ambition).

Fresh off an incredible two-day retreat in the beautiful Okanagan, Lisa dives deep into the story that keeps so many driven, ambitious people trapped: "I should know this stuff already." If you've been drowning in personal development for years, reading all the books, taking the courses, working with coaches, and you're still stuck in the same patterns, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: The Truth About "Should Know Better" Lisa breaks down why believing you should already have it figured out is the exact thing keeping you stuck. She shares how this story kept her trapped for years and why it's actually keeping you from the transformation you're craving. The Bus vs. Plane Analogy We don't need coaches. We're all capable of finding our way. But working with a one-to-one coach is the difference between taking a bus across the country versus hopping on a plane. Same destination, completely different timeline. Lisa's Money Story Transformation For years, Lisa thought she had a money problem. The real problem? She was constantly holding her attention on what she didn't have instead of recognizing the abundance that was already there. She shares the specific questions she asked herself that shifted everything. The Four Phases of Transformation Awareness - Discovering what's really holding you back (spoiler: it's not what you think) Acceptance - That hard pill moment when you realize the problem isn't the problem Practice - The part nobody wants to do but everyone needs to do Embodiment - Where you become aware of your red flags and know how to bring yourself back to center faster The Real Cost of Playing Small Lisa challenges you to ask yourself: What is it costing you to get stuck in your stories? How much longer are you going to use "I should know this" as an excuse to not make the investment in yourself that you need to make? She shares her own journey of learning to stop shrinking, to show up as a leader, and how working with coaches for two decades has allowed her to create the life and business she has today. The Dragon Unicorn Moment Lisa shares a powerful story about a friend telling her: "You not standing out is like a dragon unicorn standing in the middle of a field, not standing out." This became a turning point in her journey of accepting that she's here to lead. Bottom Line You have information, but information is nothing without action. Nothing. The most successful, emotionally well people Lisa knows have worked with coaches, not because there's anything wrong with them, but because they value personal growth and want to show up as more powerful leaders in their lives. Take Action If this episode resonates with you: Stop telling yourself you should have it figured out by now Consider what's really holding you back from taking action Ask yourself: What would be possible if these stories didn't exist? Fill out Lisa's market research form (link in show notes) Book a conversation with Lisa at lisacarpenter.ca/wwm This Week's Challenge: Really ask yourself what you want and what you need for your own personal transformation. Give yourself permission to want what you want, need what you need, and get out of the story that you should be doing it all by yourself. You can be driven and ambitious and want more in your life, but you don't have to do it at your own personal sacrifice. Make you a priority this week. Want to work with Lisa? She's looking for driven, ambitious humans who are ready to stop playing small and create their extraordinary lives. Visit lisacarpenter.ca/wwm to learn more.

Lisa dives deep into the confusion around "let it be easy" versus doing hard things. If you've been avoiding uncomfortable actions or pushing through everything with force, this episode reveals the difference between allowing and forcing, and why both approaches can keep you stuck. Many of Lisa's clients are excellent at doing hard things. They're masters at pushing through, putting their heads down, and forcing things to happen. But there's a crucial difference between forcing and pushing versus allowing. The energy behind the action matters as much as the action itself. Lisa woke up with sore legs, knowing she had to train glutes that day. Heavy weights, high volume, very mental. She didn't feel like it. But she's committed to her outcome, and she knows that if she starts negotiating with herself based on how she feels, she's already losing. Instead of wasting energy negotiating or switching to upper body, she went straight to the gym. While warming up, she shifted her energy from "Oh my God, this is going to be so hard and take so long" to reminding herself that she's strong, capable, and her body can do this. She tuned into her body's yes or no signals, which is different than just not feeling like it. The key insight: she went in knowing it would be hard and asked "How can I allow this to be easier?" Whether you're trying to transform your body, lose weight, or grow a business, it's going to be hard. Lisa can't tell you how many face-down moments she's had in business, how many hard decisions she's made, how much adversity she's faced. Being an entrepreneur isn't for everyone and it's definitely not a walk in the park. When you're doing hard things, it's confronting. You have to look at your limiting beliefs, the stories you're telling yourself, your current identity and ways of being. You have to stare all of that down, and it's really uncomfortable. Most people aren't willing to do uncomfortable things. So Lisa asks: is it that it's hard, or is it that it's uncomfortable and we don't want to do uncomfortable things? For many high-achievers, the hardest, most uncomfortable thing isn't pushing through more activities. It's learning to slow down, say no, make rest a priority, have more fun, take things off their plate, be in the discomfort of not taking care of everybody else, and actually making themselves a priority. When Lisa was learning to rest, she had to dismantle all her stories and beliefs: rest was lazy, rest was unproductive, rest was for "those people." She had things to do. It was tied to her identity as an overachiever who wore "busy" as a badge of honor. She could do all the things and take care of everybody else while doing them. No wonder she burned out. To heal, she had to learn that slowing down was the hard thing for an over-doer. Most people would say slowing down isn't hard, but when you're wired to constantly achieve, slowing down is the most uncomfortable thing you can do. Lisa had to learn how to make rest feel easier. Resting felt torturous, so she shifted her energy by reminding herself what rest would bring: healing, strength, the ability to do more ultimately. Rest wasn't going to take away from anything. She had to learn to honor and value rest, and that's how she allowed the hard thing to be easier. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The more you can get comfortable with being uncomfortable, that's when the magic happens. In that discomfort, you can adjust your energy so that even when it's uncomfortable, you still find a way to win and honor your energy. The question becomes: what feels hard that you've been avoiding? And what things are you doing that you're telling yourself are hard that, if you shifted your energy around them, you could allow to be easier? Thank you for being part of this community. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear this message.

If you're feeling drained despite all your efforts to manage your time and boundaries, you're probably making these three critical mistakes that are actually robbing you of the very energy you're trying to preserve. This episode reveals why your current strategies are backwards and what to focus on instead.   Mistake #1: Waiting for Others to Change The biggest energy drain is believing that other people or circumstances changing is the solution to feeling better. You're living in "when then" mode. When your partner changes, when you have more time, when your kids are older, when you get a new job, THEN you'll have energy for yourself. This is giving away your power entirely. External circumstances changing doesn't automatically give you more energy or make you prioritize yourself better. If you believe your husband, kids, or schedule needs to change before you can feel better, you're putting yourself in a powerless position where forces outside of you control your wellbeing. That costs you massive amounts of energy because you're fighting what you can't control.   Mistake #2: Thinking It's a Time Management Problem This is like slapping lipstick on a pig. You're looking for a solution to the wrong problem. Time management is easy when you know how you're prioritizing your time and what needs to get done. No system or strategy is going to give you more energy. The people Lisa works with are some of the most productive people she's ever met. They're so productive they don't even realize they're over-functioning way beyond what they need to do in a day. Here's what's really happening: you create organized systems and free up space, then immediately fill that space back up because you're uncomfortable with calm. You say you want more time and energy, but you're actually more committed to filling that time because you feel calm in the chaos. It takes serious nervous system regulation to get comfortable being calm in the calm. Most people feel more comfortable in chaos than in peace, so they'll always create things to bring them back to busyness.   Mistake #3: Using Worry as a Problem-Solving Strategy This is where Lisa gets really honest about her own patterns. Worrying and focusing on the problem as a way to fix the problem. Many of Lisa's clients have unraveled the belief that there's even a problem when often what they find is they've created a problem where none existed. Consider what worry is giving you. Many of us learned that the more we worry, the more responsible we're being about handling things. But where did you learn that worry was the way to solve problems? You get more of what you focus on. Lisa shares her personal example with money worry. She didn't have a money problem she had a worry-about-money problem. She spent tremendous energy worrying about debt, asking herself how she'd pay it off, if she'd be okay. Then she developed a strategy to break the worry cycle.   Lisa's Worry-Breaking Strategy She started asking herself: "Is anything different today from yesterday?" The answer was always no. "Did you spend all day yesterday worrying?" Yes. "Did that change anything?" No. "Is anything different today?" No. "Did anything bad happen yesterday?" No. Day after day after day, she had evidence that worrying wasn't changing anything and nothing bad was actually happening. No bill collectors showed up. Nobody took her car. Nothing bad was happening. In that moment, she'd tell herself to stop spending energy worrying and put that energy into being responsible for doing things that would support the outcome she wanted. If something had changed when she asked those questions, it still came back to: what do I need to take responsibility for in this moment? Then she'd do that thing and move on.   Ready to break these energy-draining patterns and create sustainable energy that supports your extraordinary life? Connect with Lisa at LisaCarpenter.ca/wwm to explore what's possible.

In a world bombarded with optimization strategies and endless to-do lists, Lisa challenges the conventional wisdom that more equals better. This episode cuts through the noise to reveal why high-performers often sabotage themselves with impossible standards and how to break free from the "all or nothing" trap that keeps you stuck. We're drowning in information about how to optimize everything, and it's creating paralysis for high-achievers. When you can't do something perfectly, you opt out entirely. This happens with health, relationships, business, and self-care. The result? Zero action equals zero results, even though some results are infinitely better than none. Lisa breaks down the core pillars that actually matter for performance: sleep, movement, nutrition, outdoor time, relationships (especially with yourself), and hydration. These basics don't change, but we get distracted by every new optimization strategy instead of mastering what we know works. Everyone's talking about cold plunging for nervous system benefits, but Lisa reveals why she doesn't do it despite knowing the benefits. She's already doing hard things and chooses different hard things that support her nervous system post-burnout. The lesson? Don't do things just because others say you should. Choose what works for YOUR life and nervous system. What if you gave yourself permission to go to the gym once a week instead of five times? What if you committed to one healthy breakfast instead of overhauling your entire diet? What if you meditated for five minutes instead of aiming for an hour? The key is finding the minimum you can commit to and actually stick with it. For years, Lisa used being hard on herself as motivation. This worked until it didn't. When you're using self-criticism to move forward, you're in an abusive relationship with yourself. The shift? You can achieve more through strategic kindness than constant criticism. Sometimes the answer isn't adding more strategies—it's consciously deciding what to stop doing. Put a pin in optimization techniques that don't fit your current bandwidth. Schedule a reminder to revisit them in three to six months. Give yourself permission to let things go without guilt. Can you sit with yourself in silence for five minutes? If not, what does that say about your relationship with yourself? What are you running from? What stories are you telling yourself about what you "should" be doing? These questions reveal the deeper patterns keeping you stuck. This episode is for high-achievers who feel like they're constantly failing despite doing everything "right." If self-care feels like another job on your to-do list, if you opt out of healthy habits because you can't do them perfectly, or if you're ready to challenge the stories keeping you overwhelmed, this episode will shift your perspective. Choose one foundational area where you want improvement. Ask yourself what's the absolute minimum you can commit to and actually stick with. Notice what stories come up when you consider doing "less." Then give yourself permission to let everything else go for now while you build this one sustainable habit. Success and fulfillment don't come from doing all the things—they come from doing the right things consistently. When you master the basics and build on a solid foundation, you don't need to constantly add more to feel successful. You'll actually start enjoying your life instead of grinding through it. Ready to master the art of prioritizing yourself and creating a life filled with joy, fulfillment, ease, and peace? Fill out the application https://lisacarpenter.ca/wwm/ and let's discuss how to get you the results you're after without sacrificing yourself to achieve them. Enjoyed this episode? Head over to your listening platform and leave a rating and review—it helps us get this message into the ears of more women who need to hear it.

Are you an overwhelmed parent who's tired of yelling at your kids? Do you find yourself losing it with your children, then feeling guilty about your parenting afterward? If you're a high-achieving mom or dad struggling with parenting anxiety, constant overwhelm, and the exhausting cycle of trying to control everything, this episode is for you. In today's deeply personal episode, I share the real story of how doing my own healing work completely transformed how I show up as a parent, and how it's breaking generational trauma for my children. What You'll Learn: Why "good parents" still lose it with their kids (and what's really happening beneath the surface) The hidden cost of perfectionist parenting and how it damages both you and your children How emotional safety actually works in parenting (it's not what most parents think) Why your kids' anxiety isn't really about anxiety - and what it's actually telling you The one investment that changes everything for your family's emotional health How breaking generational patterns happens through YOUR healing, not your children's behavior Perfect for Parents Who: Feel like they're always yelling despite wanting to be calm Struggle with mom guilt or dad guilt about their parenting Are overwhelmed by daily parenting challenges Want to stop repeating their parents' mistakes but don't know how Are high-achievers who can't seem to "achieve" at parenting Feel anxious about their children's emotional well-being Are tired of walking on eggshells around their kids' big emotions Featured Story: I share the raw, real moment when my 14-year-old son Jake dropped his brand-new phone in the river, and how our response became a powerful example of generational healing in action. You'll hear exactly what we did differently (and what we used to do wrong) that's creating emotional safety for our kids. The Investment Truth: Why parents will spend thousands on tutoring, sports, and schools but resist investing in the inner work that actually gives their children emotional security, self-compassion, and healthy relationships with themselves. If you're ready to stop the cycle of overwhelm and create the emotionally safe family environment your children actually need, this episode will show you exactly where to start, and why the work begins with you.

You're not needy. You're not the damsel in distress. You get shit done. But what if I told you that your excellence, your leadership, your "I've got this" attitude is actually a sophisticated form of codependency that's keeping you emotionally trapped? In this raw, unfiltered solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the high-functioning codependency that disguises itself as strength but leaves you drowning in resentment while everyone else gets to rest. What You'll Discover: The Real Face of Codependency Why it's not about being needy—it's about needing to be needed so badly you abandon yourself How your "strength" became your prison The difference between being helpful and being codependent The Hidden Traits That Don't Look Codependent You anticipate others' needs before being asked (and call it leadership) You intellectualize feelings but avoid actually feeling them You see your value in what you do, not who you are You never ask for help but resent people who do How It Shows Up Everywhere: At Work: You're the emotional air traffic controller managing everyone's moods In Parenting: You over-function for your kids while under-functioning for yourself In Love: You choose potential over reality and call it commitment The Codependent Loop That's Stealing Your Joy: Obsession (disguised as leadership) Control (disguised as being proactive) Resentment (disguised as martyrdom) Collapse (disguised as "having a lot on your plate") Hope (disguised as optimism) Repeat The Hard Truth: You've built an empire on "not good enough." You're constantly chasing, constantly proving, constantly giving—but never arriving at that place where you feel genuinely fulfilled. Your life looks amazing on the outside. But on the inside? You're exhausted, disconnected, and wondering why success doesn't feel the way you thought it would. The Way Out: This isn't about becoming selfish or uncaring. It's about coming home to yourself. It's about moving from codependency to sovereignty—knowing who you are without all the masks and coping mechanisms. The Three A's: Awareness: Seeing these patterns without judgment Acceptance: The gateway to transformation Action: Detachment, boundaries, and reparenting yourself Real Talk: How much longer are you going to stay in this loop? How much longer will you pat yourself on the back for being "so strong" while your joy slips through your fingers every single day? The cost of doing nothing isn't just your well-being—it's your relationships, your health, and the woman you're meant to become. If This Hit You Like a Freight Train: This episode might be one to listen to twice. There's a lot here. And if you're sitting there thinking "holy shit, this is me"—that's your nervous system recognizing the truth. You have a choice right now. You can keep pretending these patterns are just "being responsible," or you can decide that today is the day you stop abandoning yourself for everyone else. Ready to break the cycle? Visit LisaCarpenter.ca/WWM and fill out the application. Let's have a real conversation about what it looks like to reclaim your life. If this episode rocked your world, share it with another high-functioning human who needs to hear this. That's how we change lives—one honest conversation at a time.   Resources Mentioned: Work with Lisa: LisaCarpenter.ca/WWM Follow Lisa on Instagram: @LisaCarpenterInc "Codependency isn't about weak people. It's about people who have been conditioned to believe their worth depends on being needed, accepted or approved by others." - Ross Rosenberg

In this powerful live coaching session, Lisa works with Kasia, a former client who is navigating pregnancy in her 40s while running a successful coaching business. This conversation explores the profound shifts that come with major life transitions and how our definitions of success must evolve with us. Key Topics Discussed The Reality of Pregnancy vs. Expectations How pregnancy can shatter our carefully constructed ideas of how life "should" go The guilt that comes when reality doesn't match our dreams Learning to hold multiple truths at once: excitement and regret, joy and burden Redefining Success Moving from external metrics (revenue, client satisfaction, stability) to internal states Key insight: "Success isn't a measurement - it's a feeling you get to embody" Success as an identity and internal state of being rather than external achievement Value Beyond the Dollar Recognizing inherent worth that isn't tied to income generation The unpaid labor of motherhood, partnership, and family building Standing in your power when financial contributions shift Navigating Partnership During Transition Having difficult conversations about expectations and contributions Moving from 50/50 thinking to understanding natural ebbs and flows in relationships The importance of negotiation and honest communication Conflict Avoidance Patterns How childhood experiences with conflict shape adult behavior The difference between actual conflict and perceived judgment Learning to trust your ability to navigate uncertainty Key Takeaways Surrender as Practice: Major life transitions require us to practice surrender at levels we've never experienced before Internal vs. External Judgment: Often the harshest judgment comes from within, not from others The Value Question: Ask yourself and your partner: "What would you pay me to be a mother to your child?" Presence Over Productivity: Some seasons of life call for being rather than doing Relationships as Long-term Reciprocity: Healthy partnerships aren't tit-for-tat but involve carrying each other through different seasons Reflection Questions Where in your life are you trying to avoid conflict that may not even happen? How are you defining success, and is that definition serving you? What would change if you truly believed in your inherent worth, separate from what you produce? How might you honor the season of life you're in rather than rushing to the next one? Connect with Lisa Website: [lisacarpenter.ca] Instagram: [@lisacarpenterinc] If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear these insights about navigating major life transitions with grace and self-compassion.

This week, I’m flipping the script and taking the hot seat. In this special episode, I’m joined by my client Angela—a life coach and medical doctor from New Zealand—for a deep, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to choose your path, trust yourself, and evolve beyond who you used to be. We dive into the real behind-the-scenes of my journey: the career pivots, identity shifts, and uncomfortable-but-worth-it moments that led me to where I am today. From walking away from business models that no longer felt aligned, to navigating fear and self-doubt, this episode is an honest look at what happens when we stop performing and start living from our values. Inside this episode, you’ll hear us talk about: Why choosing yourself often means disappointing others Letting go of identities that once felt safe—but no longer serve What it really looks like to lead with integrity (even when it’s messy) How to stop outsourcing your power and start trusting your truth Why redefining success is one of the most courageous things you can do The quiet—but radical—act of living in alignment with your values This isn’t about “doing it all” or chasing the next goal. This is about you—getting honest about what you want, what matters most, and where you’re still stuck in outdated stories that are keeping you from living fully.   This episode is for you if you are:  At a crossroads in your life or business Tired of chasing success that doesn’t feel good Ready to reconnect with yourself—and choose your next chapter with intention And if this episode speaks to you, it’s time to go deeper... Join Me in Tulum — Only 3 Spots Left My 12-month coaching + retreat experience is for the high-achieving woman who’s done all the “right” things... and still feels like something’s missing. This isn’t about fixing you. It’s about meeting the real you—and giving her space to exhale. ✔️ High-touch private coaching ✔️ Intimate, soul-shifting retreat in Tulum ✔️ A powerful sisterhood of women who get it Ready to walk into your next chapter, lighter and more aligned than ever? Apply now for Tulum → Thank you for tuning in. If this conversation sparked something in you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember— Your next level doesn’t require you to do more. It asks you to choose differently. You have the power to choose your way forward.

In this powerful episode, Lisa shares an unedited coaching conversation with Greg, an airline pilot who has significant wealth on paper yet still wakes up at 3 AM worried about money. This is context coaching in action—addressing the story problem, not the money problem. What you'll hear: The "Just Enough" Identity Crisis Greg has substantial assets and multiple properties, but his relationship with money is still governed by childhood stories like "money doesn't grow on trees." Despite his financial success, he operates from scarcity and wakes up anxious about lack. This disconnect between his actual wealth and his emotional experience with money is more common than you might think among high earners. Context vs. Content Coaching in Action Rather than coaching Greg on budgeting or cash flow management, Lisa immediately identifies that this isn't a money problem—it's an identity problem. She coaches to the pattern underneath his words, not the surface-level content he's presenting. This is the difference between treating symptoms and addressing root causes. Real-Time Transformation You'll witness the exact moment Greg has a visceral reaction to Lisa calling him "wealthy" and how she uses that as a gateway to help him step into a new identity. Lisa introduces the concept of pattern interrupts and gives Greg specific homework to retrain his brain out of scarcity thinking. The conversation reveals how Greg's scarcity mindset isn't just affecting his sleep—it's preventing him from doing more good in the world. He and his husband have already established endowments at his alma mater, but his "just enough" identity keeps him from fully stepping into his role as a wealthy person who can create positive impact. Lisa helps him see that holding onto lack mentality is actually a disservice to those who need him to show up in his full financial power. The shift from victim to steward of wealth becomes not just personal growth, but moral responsibility. Lisa gives Greg specific assignments: calculate his total net worth and use that number as a pattern interrupt whenever scarcity thoughts arise. She also challenges him to define what wealth means for him personally and plan how he wants to give back from that place of abundance. The homework isn't about managing money better—it's about managing his identity and relationship with wealth completely differently. Why This Episode Matters This isn't theory or feel-good advice. It's real coaching happening in real time with someone who has significant financial success but is still trapped by old stories. If you're a high achiever who feels financially stressed despite your success, this conversation will show you exactly how those patterns operate and how to break free from them. You'll hear how quickly transformation can happen when you address the right problem. Greg doesn't need more money—he needs to step into the identity of someone who already has more than enough. Ready to examine your own money stories? Head to lisacarpenter.ca/wwm to apply for coaching and discover what's really keeping you stuck.

Fresh off her second Camino walk, Lisa tackles the question everyone's thinking but not asking: What's the actual difference between coaching and therapy? And why do successful, exhausted people often find therapy keeps them stuck while coaching propels them forward? Here's the real difference: Therapy is past-focused—diving into what happened to you, processing trauma, gaining insights about how things impacted you. You talk about the problem, get some insight, then leave. Coaching is future-focused—where are you now, where do you want to go, and what needs to shift to get you there? It's about identity shifts, accountability, and taking action. Lisa's approach is different because she coaches to your context, not your content. She's not listening to your circumstances—she's hearing the patterns underneath your words. Because the problem you think you have? It's usually not the problem you actually have. Think about money. Instead of talking about your financial struggles, Lisa asks: "If money were a person, what kind of relationship would you have with them?" Then you step into the identity of someone who treats money with reverence. That's how she became debt-free—identity shift first, results follow. You might need therapy if: You're dealing with clinical depression, trauma, or severe anxiety. You're ready for coaching if: You feel stuck despite having it all, keep repeating the same patterns, have done years of therapy but aren't gaining momentum, or you're ready to stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking responsibility for your future. The bottom line: Coaching isn't something you need—it's something you want because you love what it brings to your life and how it helps you expand into more.   Ready to explore what's possible? Lisa has openings this summer and fall, plus Reclamation (her signature program) is open for registration.  To learn about Lisa’s transformative "Reclamation" program, visit LisaCarpenter.ca/Reclamation To learn about working 1:1 with Lisa click here If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might be ready to stop being a victim of their circumstances and start becoming the architect of their life.

In this deeply personal episode, Lisa takes you behind the scenes of her second Camino walk—and the powerful reminder that true transformation starts with one simple, uncomfortable truth: No one is coming to save you. You have to choose yourself. Lisa shares how the contrast between last year’s torrential, miserable walk and this year’s lighter, more connected experience reflects the deeper work she’s done to heal, let go, and lead herself. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in your own patterns, this episode will remind you: Change is possible—but only when you decide to choose it.   What You’ll Hear In This Episode: How last year’s dark, rainy Camino mirrored Lisa’s internal struggles—and why this year felt completely different  The uncomfortable (but freeing) truth about choosing change for yourself  Why healing and letting go isn’t a one-time event—it’s a layered process that requires courage and patience  How your external world often reflects your internal state—and how to shift both  The role of rest, nervous system regulation, and community in sustainable growth  How to measure your progress without falling into perfectionism or self-judgment  Lisa’s invitation to the women who know they’re ready for more  You’re not stuck. You’re not broken. But you do have a choice. The question is: Are you ready to make it?   Ready to Choose Yourself? Lisa’s exclusive Tulum Retreat + 12-Month Private Coaching Experience is for the driven, high-achieving woman who’s quietly wondering: “When is it my turn?”  This isn’t another retreat—it’s a full year of support, nervous system work, and deep, identity-level coaching, culminating in a transformational week in Tulum.  There are only a few spots left for the woman who knows she’s ready to stop outsourcing her fulfillment and start leading herself differently. → Apply now to claim your spot Listen now—and share this episode with the women in your life who need the reminder that the future they want is always one brave decision away.

In this episode of the Full Frontal Living Podcast, we revisit Episode 42 where Lisa dives deep into the struggles many high-achieving women face when it comes to balancing their personal lives, business, and well-being. She shares insights on how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overworking are often the same traits that keep women stuck in a cycle of burnout, feeling overwhelmed, and disconnected from their true desires.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Power of Choosing Yourself: Lisa talks about how important it is to make the decision to prioritize yourself, even when the world expects you to keep doing more. Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage: We dive into the importance of recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors and how they show up in high-achieving women’s lives. Lisa shares practical ways to break this cycle and embrace self-compassion. The Emotional Cost of Perfectionism: Understand how perfectionism and the need to please others are linked to burnout and emotional exhaustion, and how to shift from self-criticism to self-love. Redefining Success: Lisa encourages listeners to reevaluate what true success looks like for them—beyond the accolades and external validation—and how to build a life that truly aligns with their values. Finding Peace in the Chaos: Discover practical tools for quieting the noise and finding peace amidst the chaos of life. Lisa shares actionable strategies for creating more balance and slowing down without sacrificing ambition. Living with Purpose, Not Perfection: The episode closes with a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from living with purpose, not perfection. Lisa encourages listeners to show up authentically and stop chasing an idealized version of success.   Key Takeaways: The role of perfectionism in keeping you stuck in burnout How to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and self-sabotage Why choosing yourself and your well-being is the first step towards living a life you love How to shift your mindset from perfection to purpose The importance of creating space for peace, joy, and self-compassion in your life   Resources Mentioned: Full Frontal Living Podcast: https://lisacarpenter.ca/podcast/ Lisa’s Website: https://lisacarpenter.ca Book a Coaching Call with Lisa: https://lisacarpenter.ca/wwm/ Are you ready to break free from the cycle of burnout and start prioritizing yourself? Listen to this powerful episode and get inspired to make the shift towards a more balanced, fulfilled life. If you’re ready for deeper work, join Lisa’s Reclamation Program and begin reclaiming your power today.

In this episode, we revisit the raw and unfiltered episode 145 of the Full Frontal Living™ Podcast. Lisa Carpenter opens the door to a conversation most high-achievers avoid: what it really means to not be okay—and how to recognize when your so-called “coping” is just numbing in disguise. Whether you’re caught in perfectionism, scrolling your feelings away, pouring another glass of wine to take the edge off, or chasing one more accomplishment that still doesn’t feel like “enough,” Lisa’s here to call it out with love. This episode is a deep dive into emotional fluency, nervous system regulation, and how to build true resiliency when your usual go-to is to power through.   What You’ll Learn: Why saying “I’m fine” is usually a lie—and how to tell when you're not okay How overworking, people-pleasing, and emotional shutdown are socially rewarded forms of numbing The difference between nurturing vs. numbing behaviors (even “healthy” ones like exercise) How to release stuck emotions without spiraling Why your nervous system might be “redlining” even if your mind says you're okay What real self-care looks like when you're burned out, exhausted, and emotionally disconnected   Tools + Resources Mentioned: Yoga Nidra + meditation for nervous system regulation Emotional awareness strategies to interrupt burnout cycles Tips on navigating identity loss, control patterns, and people-pleasing   Work With Lisa: Ready to stop running on fumes and start living fully again? Lisa is currently accepting new private coaching clients inside her Reclamation container. Learn more about 1:1 coaching with lisa: https://lisacarpenter.ca/wwm

What if the driving force behind your achievements isn't about what you want, but what you're desperately trying to run away from? In this raw and honest episode, Lisa gets real about the hidden addiction to achievement that so many high performers share—and why your relationship with success might actually be keeping you from the life you really want. What We're Diving Into: The Achievement Trap: Lisa breaks down how the constant chase for more—awards, recognition, that next level of success—often becomes a way to avoid sitting with ourselves. Are you actually pursuing your dreams, or are you just trying to outrun discomfort? Your Power to Choose (Yes, Really): Here's the thing—you're not stuck in old patterns or at the mercy of external validation. Through awareness and honest self-reflection, you can choose how to respond, break the cycles that are keeping you small, and create new patterns that actually nourish you. Peace Without the Productivity Guilt: This isn't about slowing down or doing less (Lisa knows that's not realistic for most of us). It's about learning how to let peace and satisfaction exist alongside your ambitions. You can have both. Success That Actually Feels Good: True fulfillment isn't about what everyone else sees on the outside—it's about how you feel when you're alone with yourself. Lisa shares how to build that intimate, loving relationship with yourself where peace becomes your new normal. Living Enchanted: Drawing from Elizabeth Gilbert's work, Lisa introduces the concept of an "enchanted life"—not the Instagram version, but a sustainable way of being that's grounded, balanced, and deeply satisfying. The Real Talk Moments: Why excitement and depression are often two sides of the same coin—and how many of us are actually addicted to the chaos How your body can become hooked on dopamine and adrenaline hits, making stillness feel scary or "wrong" The hard questions you need to ask yourself about where you're chasing intensity instead of actual fulfillment Why reclaiming your power of choice is the gateway to deeper presence, creativity, and connection Your Homework (Because Lisa Always Gives You Homework): Get Honest: Where are you mistaking busyness for productivity? When did you last choose to slow down instead of being forced to? Notice the Good Stuff: What are your moments of real enchantment? The ones that fill you up without requiring achievement? Can you let more of these in? Remember This: You deserve to feel as good as your life looks on paper. But that's a choice you have to make from the inside out. Bottom line: Every single day, you get to choose—to let peace in, to honor what you've built, and to create a life that feels as incredible as it looks. The question is: will you? Ready to Go Deeper? Lisa shares details about working together, including her Reclamation program for women ready to stop performing their lives and start living them, one-on-one coaching, and her upcoming Tulum retreat where you'll integrate peace and ambition in the most beautiful setting. If this episode hit you right in the feels, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And honestly? Leave a review. It helps other people find these conversations when they need them most.

Lisa shares a raw, personal story from her transformative month-long solo journey through Spain and Morocco. After 2023 turned her world upside down, she found herself carrying literal rocks that represented her deepest pain - and discovered why we cling to suffering even when we desperately want to be free. This isn't your typical "just let it go" advice. This is the real, messy truth about what it actually takes to release what's holding you back.   The Story That Changes Everything While walking the Camino, Lisa picked up two rocks representing specific pains in her life. What happened next reveals the hidden psychology behind why we stay stuck: She carried one rock for thousands of kilometers across multiple countries She checked on it daily, panicking if she couldn't find it She knew she wanted to let it go, yet actively protected it She realized she was doing the same thing mentally with her pain The uncomfortable truth: We get addicted to our pain because it feels safer than the unknown.   Why Smart, Successful People Stay Stuck The Pain You Know vs. The Pain You Don't Familiar suffering feels more manageable than uncertain healing Your pain becomes your identity, making you fear who you'd be without it Past hurt tricks you into thinking it's protecting you from future hurt The secondary benefits of pain (attention, sympathy, avoiding decisions) keep you hooked The Certainty Trap When you're carrying emotional rocks, you know exactly what to expect each day. Without them? Complete uncertainty. And uncertainty feels dangerous to high achievers who built their success on control and predictability.   The Real Work Begins After You Let Go Here's what no one tells you: Releasing the pain is the easy part. The hard part is the commitment you make afterward. When Lisa finally threw her rock into the ocean, she committed to: Never allowing those thought patterns to take root again Redirecting her mind when it wanted to revisit the pain Building a completely new foundation based on her values Moving forward without looking back This is why most people fail at letting go - they think the release is the end, when it's actually the beginning.   Your Turn: The Rock Exercise Identify your rocks - What pain, story, or identity are you carrying? Get honest about the payoff - What are you getting from holding onto this? Find actual rocks - Create physical representations of what you want to release Carry them - Notice how you check on them, protect them, worry about them Define your commitments - What will you be committed to when you let go? Release with ceremony - When you're truly ready, let them go meaningfully   Why This Matters for Driven People If you're someone who has "everything figured out" on the outside but feels disconnected on the inside, this episode is for you. Lisa's story shows that: Success doesn't protect you from needing to do deep emotional work The same intensity that drives achievement can keep you stuck in pain True leadership requires facing the parts of yourself you've been avoiding Your capacity for joy will only match your willingness to feel everything else   The Bottom Line Stop saying you're "working on letting go." Either you're ready to let go, or you're not. And if you're not, get honest about why. What's that pain doing for you? What would you have to commit to if it wasn't there? The life you want is waiting on the other side of the rocks you're carrying. But you have to be willing to put them down and walk forward empty-handed. Ready to do this work? Lisa is accepting new one-on-one coaching clients and has spots available in her Reclamation program. Because some transformations require support, and this is one of them. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you take on the rock exercise, tag Lisa on Instagram @lisacarpenterinc - she'd love to witness your journey.

In episode 308 of the Full Frontal Living Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant and bold Callan Faulkner, AI coach and founder of The Uncommon Business, to talk about something that feels equal parts exciting and overwhelming for most of us: artificial intelligence. But don’t worry—we’re not talking robots and world domination. We're talking about how AI can be a surprisingly powerful mirror for your personal growth, your habits, your chaos... and ultimately, your power to choose how you show up. This episode is part soulful conversation, part practical strategy—and 100% about helping you see that technology doesn't replace your wisdom. It amplifies it. If you’re willing to engage with intention.   What We Get Into: AI as a Self-Reflection Tool: It’s not about the tech—it’s about how you use it. AI simply reflects back what you bring to it. If you’re feeling scattered or unsure, guess what’s going to show up in your prompts? Yep—more chaos. Why Questions Matter More Than Answers: Whether you’re journaling, talking to a coach, or prompting a chatbot—the quality of your input always shapes the outcome. Callan and I riff on how to ask better questions so you get better results. Collapsing Time + Clarifying Chaos: We talk about how AI can help streamline your life—from meal planning to emotional processing—and why your real power lies in choosing what to act on (and what to let go of). Overcoming Overwhelm: Callan and I both share how AI can become another form of busy work if you're not careful. It’s not about more ideas—it’s about choosing what actually matters.   Ready to Work Smarter AND Grow Deeper? Start by asking yourself: Where am I using my tools—and where are my tools using me? Because the real transformation isn’t in the tech. It’s in the way you choose to live your life.   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Loved this episode? Screenshot your favorite moment and tag me and Callan on IG. Have questions or want to dive deeper into this kind of work? You know where to find me. Instagram: @lisacarpenterinc Website: lisacarpenter.ca Follow Callan and her work at: Instagram: @callanfaulkner Enrol in Foundations of AI here Join the waitlist for her Automate to Accelerate AI course (next cohort in Fall 2025)

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Full Frontal Living Podcast with Lisa Carpenter! In episode 307, Lisa invites listeners to explore the depth of their inner world with the timeless fable of the two wolves, drawing on her own journey and her extensive coaching experience. Lisa shares both the classic and extended versions of the "Two Wolves" fable, unpacking how this story relates to our daily choices, emotions, and personal growth. Instead of seeing the “Dark Wolf” (our challenges, doubts, and tough emotions) as something to ignore, Lisa encourages us to acknowledge and understand both our dark and light sides. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder that we all possess the incredible power to choose which parts of ourselves we nurture—but also how much richer life can be when we accept and learn from all of our internal experiences. Key Highlights: You Always Have a Choice: Lisa reminds us that the life we’re living is the result of countless choices, both conscious and unconscious. Where we put our attention and energy—whether it’s on positivity and growth or on negative thought loops—shapes our experience and outcomes. Beyond “Good” and “Bad” Sides: The extended version of the Two Wolves fable reveals that both our dark and light sides have gifts to offer. Instead of starving one side, we’re invited to feed both, gaining courage, tenacity, compassion, and self-compassion in the process. Embracing All of Yourself: Lisa models how to integrate, value, and lovingly acknowledge every part of who we are—including the parts we often try to hide or suppress. This acceptance is where true peace, ease, and fulfillment are found. The Power to Change Your Story: Suffering and struggle may seem like our default settings, but by choosing to focus on what we want to create (rather than what we wish to avoid), we empower ourselves to change—and truly thrive. Real Transformation: Lisa’s episode is not just theory; she shares personal examples and client experiences that show just how much is possible when we honor all of ourselves, create new habits, and choose courage over comfort. This episode is more than just a story; it’s about the freedom that comes when you realize your power to choose and start integrating all parts of yourself. Lisa encourages you to reflect: How can you nurture both your dark and light wolves—and what could become possible if you do? Grab your earbuds, get cozy (or go out on a walk!), and let Lisa guide you to greater self-understanding and empowerment.   Resources: To learn about Lisa’s transformative "Reclamation" program, visit LisaCarpenter.ca/Reclamation Lisa loves hearing feedback from her listeners! Share your thoughts, ah-ha moments, or questions. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to rate and review Full Frontal Living wherever you listen to podcasts!