Wake Up To Your Life

How many times have you told yourself, "I'll take that trip… I'll write that book… I'll do that thing… someday"? We all assume there's more time. But what if there's not? My guest today, Nesha Pai, knows this truth in her bones. After the sudden loss of her younger sister and her own breast cancer diagnosis, Nesha's perspective on life shifted in a big way. She's not waiting for the "right time" anymore. She's living fully, boldly, and right now. And she wants the same for you. Nesha is the founder of Pai CPA, a speaker, an author, and a woman who has built a beautiful, adventurous life on her own terms. From solo trips to Paris to growing a thriving business, she's proof that you don't need permission, or a partner, to live the life you dream of. Warning: Her story is going to light a fire in you to stop putting things off and start moving toward the life you really want.   Resources mentioned: Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles: Boldly Claiming the Facets of an Extraordinary Life by Nesha Pai Visit Nesha's website Some key takeaways from this episode include: There's never a perfect time. Waiting until you have more money, more confidence, or the "right" circumstances is just a story we tell ourselves. Start now… even if it's a small step. Tomorrow isn't promised. Let that reality give you urgency, not fear. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Fear means you're growing. On the other side of that discomfort is joy, freedom, and a stronger you. Your dreams are worth it. Whether it's a Paris sabbatical or writing your book, make a plan, save toward it, and take action. Investing in yourself is never wasted. Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you'll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you.    Connect with Colleen:  Instagram Facebook YouTube

I'm getting real with you about a big life change: I'm buying a condo on my own. What should feel exciting has stirred up all kinds of unexpected emotions: comparison, judgment, and even a little anger. I've been wrestling with "what will people think?" and my personal comparison of how I pictured my life at 55, and how it actually looks.   In this episode, I share the mindset shifts that are helping me find peace, gratitude, and even joy in my decision. If you've ever judged yourself, or your life, based on appearances, or compared your story to someone else's, I think you'll relate.   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Don't judge a book by its cover, especially your own life. The outside doesn't always tell the truth about the beauty, peace, or joy inside—and yes, that includes condos with faded brown paint. Let go of the craving for how life "should" be. Clinging to that imagined version of your life is what makes you miserable, not the reality you're living. Gratitude changes everything. When you focus on what's good right now and give yourself credit for making wise choices, the voice that worries about other people's opinions gets a lot quieter. Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you'll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you.    Connect with Colleen:  Instagram Facebook YouTube  

We live in a youth-obsessed culture—and the conversation about what it means to grow older, especially as a woman, is more important than ever. That's why this week, I'm bringing back one of the most impactful interviews we've ever aired—with syndicated radio host, speaker, and author Sheri Lynch.   Sheri doesn't just talk the talk. She stopped coloring her hair on purpose, speaks truthfully about aging in a world obsessed with 25-year-old bodies, and offers a radically freeing perspective on beauty, power, and growing into yourself.   If you've been wrestling with the mirror, feeling invisible, or wondering how to age on your own terms—this episode is for you.   Follow Sheri Lynch on Instagram: @sherilynch1 Sheri's website: www.BobandSheri.com   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Aging with confidence begins in your mind. Letting go of negative self-talk and choosing radical acceptance can open up space for peace, joy, and authenticity. There's freedom in redefining beauty on your own terms. Whether it's gray hair, fashion choices, or Botox with boundaries, you get to decide what feels right for you. Time is too precious to waste on self-hatred. Instead of chasing youth, channel your energy into the things that truly matter: self-love, connection, and purpose.   Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you'll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you.    Connect with Colleen:  Instagram Facebook YouTube

Where are all my people pleasers? If you find yourself overcommitting, saying "yes" when you really want to say "no," or feeling resentful for doing things you didn't want to do in the first place—this episode is for you. I'm talking about what I call a guilt detox. I open up about times I overcommitted, resented my choices, and felt terrified of being seen as selfish. I break down where this guilt really comes from and how you can start to release it—so you can say "no" with confidence and "yes" with intention. It's time to let go of the guilt and remember that clarity is kindness.   Some key takeaways from this episode: People pleasing is not about others; it's about your own discomfort with disappointing them. Learn to sit with the temporary discomfort of saying no—you and your relationships will be better for it. Guilt isn't a signal you're doing something wrong. It often stems from outdated conditioning, especially for women, to be "good" and self-sacrificing. When you say "no," your "yes" means more. Setting boundaries isn't selfish—it creates healthier relationships and more energy for what truly matters.   Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you'll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you.    Connect with Colleen:  Instagram Facebook YouTube  

Let's be honest—dating can feel like a minefield. Especially when you're trying not to fall for the hot guy in cowboy boots who turns out to be a walking red flag. (Yes, that story is in here. And yes, I'm cringing with you.)   In this episode, I'm sharing the new rules of dating I live by—rules I've learned the hard way. I talk about what it really means to date from a place of self-worth instead of desperation, how to stop obsessing over whether he likes you, and why it's time to stop ignoring your own damn green flags. If you've been feeling discouraged, tired of ghosting, or tempted to settle, I made this one for you.   Some key takeaways from this episode include: When you know your values and needs, you'll make better dating decisions. Write them down so when another smooth talker shows up, you don't get swept away by the charm. Stop asking if he liked you and start asking: Did I like him? Let go of that "pick me" energy and remember: you are the prize. Chemistry isn't everything. It's something, sure—but kindness, consistency, and emotional intelligence are what make a relationship last.   Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you'll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you.    Connect with Colleen:  Instagram Facebook YouTube