Lifting the Lifter's Podcast

In this episode, I share my word for the year: Space. We discuss why it's become one of the most important shifts I hope to make for my nervous system, my relationships, and my emotional health. Drawing on Viktor Frankl's quote, "Between stimulus and response there is a space," we explore how most of us are living without that pause, and how that lack of space shows up as burnout, anxiety, people-pleasing, emotional reactivity, and chronic overwhelm. You'll learn: How living in constant hurry rewires your nervous system Why your reactions aren't personality flaws, they're survival responses A powerful visual metaphor for understanding your emotional triggers Four simple ways to create more space in your daily life How intentional pauses lead to growth, freedom, and better relationships If you want to stop rushing past your life and start responding with clarity and self-trust, this episode will help you begin!

In this episode, we explore the condition of our hearts! Is it hard, soft, moldable, or rigid and unflexible? We discuss the condition of our hearts and see how they are connected to our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual selves.  The heart is more than a pump; it's a regulator and communicator, influencing how the body responds to stress, safety, and recovery. We will discuss how assessing the condition of our hearts can be an amazing indicator of where we can make some adjustments. We will use the terms: Listen to your heart. Look for hearts. And live from your heart to navigate our course and help us along our way! This episode is an invitation to compassion, not a correction, to understand how protection can turn into rigidity and how softness and strength can coexist. Because a whole heart isn't a perfect heart, it's a responsive one.  

In this bold and empowering New Year episode, we explore the questions that quietly shapes every goal, decision, and direction in your life: Who are you telling yourself you are? And Who's voice are you listening to? President Nelson reminds us that the way we think about our identity influences almost every decision we will ever make. So before we rush into new plans and resolutions, we are going to take time to anchor into truth, identity, and divine worth. We talk about: • why identity determines direction • who and what you're listening to and how those inputs shape your confidence • how the adversary targets identity through subtle thoughts • the "Hall of Mirrors" effect and why other people's perceptions cannot define you • choosing self-love rooted in eternal truth, not comparison or pressure You'll leave this episode feeling clearer, stronger, and grounded in who you truly are: a child of God with purpose, power, and divine potential. Plus, I give you two simple but powerful challenges to help you step into this year confident and aligned with truth.  

My husband Jarred and I were walking into a funeral one day this fall, and he said, "I feel like this is the fourth inning."  "What do you mean?" I asked. He said, "I feel like it's the middle of a baseball game and there's a lot of game left and you just want to know if it's going to be OK. If we are going to win?" I have thought about this often. We are all playing a metaphorical baseball game of life, and we are in the middle of the fourth inning, wondering what the outcome will be. This year, as I reflected on our family life, the ups and downs. The joys and disappointments. The mundane and the exciting, I am reminded how we're all in the middle of our fourth inning. Will we win? Will be ahead? What will go on between the fourth and the ninth? Listen to today's podcast where I give a little year-end summary of our family, and we talk about how we can be sure that we will win! We will all be OK thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Giving doesn't just change outcomes. It changes who we become. In this episode, we reflect on the quiet power of generosity through real-life stories, the Light the World Giving Machines, and timeless truths from science and scripture. Discover why giving isn't about getting something back, but about becoming aligned with how life works and who we are meant to be.

I love the Christmas Carols! They are beautiful, inspiriing, and full of wisdom! In this episode, we explore the hidden truth behind the Christmas song Do You Hear What I Hear? — the idea that no two people see or hear the world the same way. Why? Because story follows state. Our nervous system shapes what we notice, how we interpret situations, and the story we tell ourselves about others and about life. We will walk through powerful examples, personal insights, and a simple but life-changing question: "I wonder what state they're in?" We learn how to shift from judgment to compassion, from reactivity to understanding. Listen In!

In a recent podcast, Charles Duigg stated: "Our brains are constantly looking for clues as to who we actually are. And when we give them the right clues, our brain becomes our partner and changes our behavior the way we want it  to change." Are we giving our brain the right clues?!  In today's podcast, we discuss some of the ways that we can give our brains the right clues to change the behaviors we want to change and become who we want to become. We discuss:  Affirmations: Who do we say we are? Are our "I Am" statements intentional and creative?  Actions: Actions signal to our brains who we are. When we repeatedly take action, we begin to believe them. "I keep running, so I must be a runner!"  Truths: We are taught we are children of God with a divine heritage. Do we believe those truths and bank on them? Listen in to this podcast as we dive deep into each of these points and give set ourselves up for the right clues as to who we are!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  Instead of stretchy pants and self-control guilt, let's go for gratitude! In this episode, w break down the surprising science of willpower, why it drains so fast, why we think we have more than we actually do, and how gratitude can literally replenish the brain's self-control system. You'll learn: What willpower actually is (and why it's not just "trying harder") How decision fatigue drains your ability to make good choices Why gratitude calms cravings, reduces impulsivity, and restores mental energy The "Gratitude Before Gravy" method to stay intentional at Thanksgiving A simple 3-breath gratitude reset that kills cravings in 10 seconds How spiritual principles like "live in thanksgiving daily" line up perfectly with neuroscience Whether you want to avoid overeating, stay patient with family, or feel lighter emotionally this holiday, this episode gives you a practical roadmap. Listen in and learn why gratitude isn't just a warm fuzzy feeling! It's weightlifting for your willpower muscle.

Do you ever feel anxious, uptight, or "hyperaroused" for no clear reason? In this extremely relatable episode, we dive into the surprising therapeutic benefits of intentional nostalgia! We reveal how recreating simple, sensory-rich childhood moments can literally calm your biology. I share how recreating the simple act of crunching fall leaves on a walk to church felt and how that same tool can be used as a way to relieve day-to-day stress and anxiety. We discuss:  * 🧠 The neuroscience of nostalgia: How positive memories reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and activate your brain's reward system (dopamine and serotonin).  * 🧘 Shifting from "Fight or Flight" to "Rest and Digest" using sensory grounding techniques.   * 🔑 Your Joy Toolkit: How to find and use your own personal 'crunch'; whether it's an old song, a specific scent, or a favorite childhood game as an instant regulator. If you're seeking a simple, accessible way to soothe your anxiety and reconnect with your authentic self, this episode is your guide.  

Life has a way of teaching us in the most unexpected ways! This was the case just recently with football season this year.  In this podcast episode, I interview our youngest son Stockton, and we talk about his experience playing center on his football team.   We discuss team over self, sacrifice, the people and positions in life that don't get "noticed" but make major contributions. This episode will make you think and give some pretty powerful life lessons on and off the field! 

Fear doesn't always wear fangs! It doesn't scream and isn't loud; sometimes it wears and whispers, "not enough." This week's episode, "When Fear Wears a Different Mask," dives into the sneaky ways fear shows up as scarcity.  Scarcity is the fear of not enough time, love, money, or worth. We'll discuss how to recognize it, its impact on your body, brain, nervous system, and actions, and provide simple and practical ways to move back into abundance. We can tell the truth of what is, right now.   "Right now, I have enough." "I have 15 minutes." "I have a healthy body." "I have enough to share." Listen in to hear more about the sneaky fear we all live with called scarcity and how we can shift into abundance!      

This episode is a special treat for us all! WAY Back, on Lifting the Lifter's 100th episode, I finally got my favorite human on the podcast! My husband Jarred!  We are doing a replay of an amazing interview! Jarred is FULL of wisdom and good advice. We have worked together in life, family, and business. In this episode, we discuss our family motto. We talk about why we created one, what is in that motto, how it has blessed our family, and how you can create one! If you are new to the podcast, take a listen, and if you are a frequent listener, enjoy a refresher! I am sure you will have some insights and ideas for your family!

Do you ever catch yourself spiraling, thinking "everyone's judging me" or "everyone noticed that mistake"? Chances are… It's not everyone. It's probably just two people. In this episode, we're breaking down why small situations can feel huge in our minds, and how your nervous system is often the one behind the exaggeration. You'll learn what's actually happening in your body when fear or embarrassment kicks in, how your brain builds stories to match those sensations, and what to do to bring it all back to size. We'll talk about neuroception (how your body detects threat before your brain does), story inflation, and simple ways to regulate when your nervous system starts blowing things out of proportion. If you've ever overthought, overreacted, or made a mountain out of a mental molehill — this one's for you.  Takeaways: Why your body reacts before your brain understands what's happening How to notice when your nervous system is distorting reality Quick tools to calm your body so your thoughts can follow How to "turn on the light" and see the rope for what it is — not a snake "Your nervous system may blow things up to protect you — but you don't have to live inside that storm."  

Have you ever caught yourself spinning in your head about something...replaying a worry, a decision, or a problem you can't fix right away? In this episode, we explore the difference between being concerned and being consumed. You'll learn why concern is necessary for forward movement. It's what drives awareness, growth, and intentional living, and how it can quietly turn into consumption when our thoughts take over. We'll also look at what happens inside our nervous system when that shift occurs, and how simple grounding practices like breathing, writing, and prayer help calm both body and spirit. Through real-life examples, including our relationship with food and healthy habits, we'll discover how to stay mindful, balanced, and connected, caring deeply without carrying it all.

"Where is your heart?" This is a question we can ask to reflect on our intentions, our lives, and our motivations. It can help us realign to be where we want to be. In this episode, we explore this very question from President Russell M. Nelson's: "Where is your heart?" Drawing on his life as a world-renowned heart surgeon and as a prophet of God, we look at why the heart matters, not just physically, but spiritually. We'll reflect on how our hearts are pulled in so many directions: family, work, goals, and personal interests and how President Nelson's example shows us the strength that comes when we give our hearts to God first. With scriptures, prophetic quotes, and real-life insights, this conversation will help you consider where your heart is today… and where you want it to be.

Your body is always talking to you—it whispers before it shouts. In this episode, we explore the "traffic lights of resilience": the green zone where we feel balanced and energized, the yellow lights that signal stress or fatigue, and the red or blue zones where burnout and shutdown live. I'll share how running has taught me to listen to my body's yellow lights—tight muscles, fatigue, or stiffness—and how ignoring them always comes at a cost. Together, we'll learn how to spot our own warning signals and make small shifts that keep us in the green zone, steady and strong!  

In this episode, we discuss pain vs. suffering.  There is a difference! We explore the difference between clean pain and dirty pain.  Clean pain is the natural hurt of being human, the sting of loss, rejection, or disappointment.  Dirty pain is the suffering we pile on top through resistance, self-criticism, and "what if" thinking. With some practical tools,  exercises, and an experience we had this week with a sliver , you'll learn how to recognize when you're stuck in dirty pain and how to gently shift back into clean pain. This conversation will help you navigate life's challenges with more honesty, compassion, and peace. It will help you move through your pain rather than engage in the suffering of dirty pain. Listen In!  

Do you have a corner of your home that's a little cluttered, unorganized, or full of things you just can't decide what to do with, so they sit there, staring back at you? Or maybe life has thrown you into a situation that's turned your house upside down, repairs, a remodel, new carpet going in, or houseguests everywhere? I get it. Me too. When our space slips into disarray, it often leaves us feeling off balance. That's because our nervous system is constantly picking up on the extra noise and sending signals that lead to overstimulation, decision fatigue, and even stress or anxiety. And here's the kicker: clutter doesn't just affect our productivity—it also interferes with our ability to rest. That low hum of "things left undone" keeps our brains buzzing when we're trying to relax. But here's the good news: awareness is the first step, and a few simple actions can reset both your space and your mindset. When I'm feeling out of sorts, I always come back to these four easy wins: Make the bed – it instantly sets the tone for order. Do one load of laundry—start to finish. Take out the trash. Clear off one cupboard or counter space. These small steps create momentum, restore clarity, and bring a surprising sense of calm. ✨ Bottom line: A cluttered space = a cluttered mind. When you clear your environment, you're not just tidying up, you're creating mental clarity, lowering stress, and giving yourself the breathing room you deserve.      

Have you ever set a goal that felt awesome at first, but a few weeks in, you either wanted to quit, or beat yourself up for even thinking about quitting? Have you quit on that goal or another decision and wished you hadn't, or quit or changed and been glad you have? How do we know when to offer ourselves grace and when to dig in and have some grit? This has come up a few times in some coaching sessions, and I see it in myself, so it would be something many of you could relate to.   Grace is having the wisdom to know when it's time to change course or pivot; however, there can be times when we offer ourselves too much grace and make no progress forward because we don't work through the hard.   Grit is when we push through the hard, dig deep, go for the goal in the end, and persevere. Again, however, this can get to the point where it is harmful and does more harm than good, adding stress that takes us beyond our tipping point and causing bodily symptoms.   In both cases, our brain begins to join in the fun.  The part of us that is self-critical and self-sabotaging.  The "self-critical snake." In both cases, there is also an option to combine with our "Compassion Companion."  One drains you. The other carries you forward. The real question is: which one are you going to listen to on your journey? Listen in to find out more about our two friends, and whether you choose Grace or Grit, you can always have compassion come along.    

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a life coach? Maybe you've had goals or dreams that you just haven't been able to reach on your own. In this episode, I share why having a coach, advisor, or mentor can make all the difference. I talk about my own experience while finishing my bachelor's degree—and how having a mentor helped me accomplish my goal so much faster than I ever could have by myself! Together, we'll walk through four powerful reasons why coaching works: A safe place to talk. A coach gives you space to express yourself without judgment. Because they're not as emotionally tied to you as a family member or close friend, they can offer a fresh perspective. Expertise you can trust. A coach brings knowledge, tools, and ideas from their field of experience that you may not get anywhere else. Accountability that sticks. This one is huge! I'll be the first to admit—I struggle to stay committed to myself, but when someone else is checking in, I show up. A coach helps you set goals and stay committed to following through. The nudge you need. A coach pushes you forward when you might stall on your own, helping you reach your desires more quickly and effectively. Listen in to discover why coaching is so powerful. Whether you decide to work with me or another coach, having that kind of mentor, advisor, and cheerleader in your corner might be exactly what you need to accomplish your goals.