Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff with Kristine Carlson

Kristine shares how she’s welcoming fresh energy for the year ahead, what it’s been like entering a new live-in relationship, and how love can return after loss. If you’re stepping into something new, this one is for you. Listen in for her reflections on: letting go of what no longer fits healing in love in real time allowing new opportunities to unfold trusting life’s next chapter If you’re in a season of transition, you don’t have to walk it alone. Kristine’s What Now? Retreat and Course offer gentle guidance, reflection, and connection as you step into your next chapter. Only a few spots left! Details here.

Do you know your personal year number and what it reveals about the year ahead? In this two-part conversation, Kristine sits down with professional numerologist Michele Landers to explore the ancient wisdom of numerology and how numbers quietly shape our lives. Listen in and gain insight into your personality, life path, and the themes gently shaping this season of your life. Michele Landers is a board-certified life purpose coach, hypnotherapist and professional numerologist. She is a dynamic and gifted lecturer, teacher, author and consultant on the subjects of personal empowerment, spiritual wisdom, the law of attraction and numerology. Recognized and highly regarded as an authority in her field, her books, The Tao of Numbers and The Year of Living Miraculously are both informative and entertaining.  For more information on her upcoming Truth Mapping workshop, visit her website here.

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Kristine Carlson sits down with professional numerologist Michele Landers to explore the foundation of numerology: your Life Path number. Michele explains how to calculate your Life Path number using your birth date and what it reveals about your natural strengths, challenges, and recurring life themes. It’s a grounded, easy-to-follow introduction that invites greater self-understanding and clarity. A must-listen for anyone curious about the patterns shaping their path. Michele Landers is a board-certified life purpose coach, hypnotherapist and professional numerologist. She is a dynamic and gifted lecturer, teacher, author and consultant on the subjects of personal empowerment, spiritual wisdom, the law of attraction and numerology. Recognized and highly regarded as an authority in her field, her books, The Tao of Numbers and The Year of Living Miraculously are both informative and entertaining.  For more information on her upcoming Truth Mapping workshop, visit her website here.

In this replay from the Kindness Matters series, Kristine Carlson is joined by spiritual teacher Ramananda John E. Welsons for a heartfelt conversation about how kindness is the foundation of love and a path back to spiritual wholeness. Together, they explore how kindness can ease the heartache many feel amid today’s political division, reminding us that healing begins when we choose compassion and connection over fear and separation. You’ll learn:      - why kindness is an essential spiritual practice      - how kindness serves as the root of love and true connection      - ways to navigate political tension and emotional divide with an open heart      - how compassion helps heal personal and collective wounds Guest bio: Ramananda John E. Welsons is a renowned contemporary spiritual teacher known for weaving together the world’s mystical and contemplative traditions. A highly respected meditation guide, he is an authority on transforming life’s difficulties into opportunities for spiritual awakening. With more than 55 years of meditation and yoga experience, he has trained with Ram Dass, Stephen Levine, and Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and is the author of One Soul, One Love, One Heart, Awakening From Grief, and When Prayers Aren’t Answered. Visit kristinecarlson.com/kindness for a free download of an invigorating guided meditation by Kristine—an exclusive sneak peek of her Guided Meditation Series releasing soon.

In this replay from the Kindness Matters series, Kristine Carlson sits down with global leadership expert, humanitarian, and #1 bestselling author Robin Sharma for a heartfelt, wisdom-rich conversation on why kindness is foundational to life mastery, leadership, and meaningful success.    You’ll learn: the unforgettable story of Robin meeting Richard Carlson, and the last words Richard shared how relationships, service, and generosity fuel success and build great companies Robin’s learning framework, The Four Interior Empires of Mindset, Heartset, Healthset, and Soulset which strengthens our inner foundation so we show up as our best self This inspiring conversation reminds us that kindness is not only who we are at our best—it’s what elevates every area of our lives.   Guest bio: Robin Sharma is a globally respected humanitarian who, for over a quarter of a century, has been devoted to helping human beings realize their native gifts. Widely considered one of the top leadership and personal mastery experts and speakers in the world, his clients include NASA, Microsoft, Nike, Unilever, General Electric, FedEx, HP, Starbucks, Oracle, Yale University, PwC, IBM Watson, and the Young Presidents' Organization. As a presenter, Robin Sharma possesses the rare ability to electrify an audience while delivering uncommonly original and tactical insights that lead to individuals doing their best work, teams providing superb results and organizations becoming unbeatable. His #1 international bestsellers such as The 5AM Club, The Wealth Money Can't Buy, The Everyday Hero Manifesto, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and Who Will Cry When You Die? have sold 25+million copies in over ninety-two languages and dialects; making him one of the most widely read authors in the world.    As a special thank you to our listeners, please visit www.kristinecarlson.com/kindness for a free download of an invigorating guided meditation by Kristine—an exclusive sneak peek of her Guided Meditation Series releasing soon.  

In this replay from the Kindness Matters series, Kris sits down with Dr. Stephen G. Post: a true scholar, philosopher, and man of deep heart. Together, they explore the soul-warming stories that have shaped his extraordinary life. His gentle wisdom and kindness shines through every moment of this conversation.    Discover:   why kindness isn’t weakness—it’s the ultimate strength how kindness supports success through collaboration and trust why kindness is our natural birthright and how culture can return to it the connection between technology, presence, and our ability to be kind   As a special thank you to our listeners, please visit www.kristinecarlson.com/kindness for a free download of an invigorating guided meditation by Kristine—an exclusive sneak peek of her Guided Meditation Series releasing soon.   Guest bio: Stephen G. Post, PhD, is a leading scholar on altruism, compassion, and the science of giving. A best-selling author and professor of preventive medicine, he directs the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. His work spans science, medicine, spirituality, and ethics, exploring how unselfish love heals and transforms lives. He is also President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, a role personally entrusted to him by philanthropist Sir John Templeton, and served on the Board of the John Templeton Foundation from 2008–2014. Visit his website: https://www.stephengpost.com/   

In this replay from the Kindness Matters series, Kris is joined by Dr. Marcy Cole, a holistic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Kris and Marcy explore how managing negative self-talk is the first step in practicing true self-kindness.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn:  -how to gently interrupt negative self-talk  -why self-kindness is essential in relationship - how tending to your own well-being elevates your relationships Listen in and discover the core guidance Dr. Cole offers her clients on cultivating supreme self-care, releasing what no longer serves us, and understanding how caring for ourselves first positively impacts everyone around us. Visit www.kristinecarlson.com/kindness for a free download of an invigorating guided meditation by Kristine—an exclusive sneak peek of her Guided Meditation Series releasing soon. Guest bio: Dr. Marcy Cole is a holistic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families through an integrative mind–body–spirit approach. She holds degrees from Northwestern University, Loyola University, and the Institute for Clinical Social Work, and her work has been featured in Goop, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, HuffPost, and Thrive Global. She is also the founder of First Tuesday USA (soon to be First Tuesday Global), a women’s community offering monthly virtual gatherings, and the creator of Childless Mothers Connect, honoring the “mother” within every woman.

Kristine opens this replay of her rich and inspiring Kindness Matters series with a heartfelt conversation with Michael Chase about cultivating kindness as a way of life. Michael—bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and founder of The Kindness Center—shares how simple, intentional acts of kindness can uplift our daily lives, transform relationships, and support both personal and collective healing. You’ll discover: why kindness is a powerful catalyst for personal and spiritual growth how small acts of kindness can shift conflict and create connection how living from the heart helps heal ourselves and the world around us Guest bio: Affectionately known as The Kindness Guy," Michael J. Chase is an author, inspirational speaker, and a powerful voice for creating a kinder world. At the age of 37, following a life-changing epiphany, Michael ended an award-winning photography career to found The Kindness Center. After gaining extensive media attention for his 24 hours of kindness event, he quickly became a sought-after speaker and workshop leader throughout the world. Considered an expert on the subject of kindness, Michael has inspired thousands to make positive choices that not only impact their own lives, but also those of others.

Kristine celebrates National Kindness Awareness Week by bringing back one of her most cherished series: Kindness Matters. There’s no better moment to revisit these heartfelt conversations that highlight how living spiritually begins with the simple, intentional choice to be kind. In this special introductory episode, Kristine reflects on how kindness helps us move through conflict with greater compassion, soften our defenses, and return to our true, peaceful nature. She also reintroduces the inspiring guests who contributed their wisdom to this powerful series. You’ll discover: why kindness is a foundational expression of spiritual living how small acts of kindness can ease tension and transform conflict a preview of the inspiring voices featured in the Kindness Matters series As the Dalai Lama reminds us, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.    Visit www.kristinecarlson.com/kindness for a free download of an invigorating guided meditation by Kristine—an exclusive sneak peek of her Guided Meditation Series releasing soon.

We all have days when our energy dips and everything feels a little heavier. In this gentle, heart-opening episode, Kristine reminds you that low moods are simply part of being human—and that they don’t define you. She shares how gratitude can shift your inner state, open your heart, and help you return to a place of peace and perspective. You’ll learn: -why it’s okay to experience low moods without judgment -how gratitude transforms your emotional energy -simple ways to reconnect to presence and lift your spirit Listen in to rediscover your natural resilience and remember: you don’t have to fix a low mood, you can breathe through it and let gratitude lead you back to calm.  

Peace begins the moment you pause, turn inward, and trust the quiet guidance of your own spirit. In this episode of the Communication Mastery Series, Kristine walks you through three specific steps to open yourself to spiritual guidance and listen to what your deeper intuition has to say. You’ll learn how to: -open your heart to Spirit and release doubt -attune yourself to presence so you are divinely aligned -say a simple prayer to receive true wisdom -turn spiritual insight into meaningful, inspired action Join Kristine as she guides you—step by step—through a gentle process of tuning in, listening deeply, and allowing Spirit to lead the way.

Amy Wong helps visionary leaders and teams – like Salesforce, Meta, and LinkedIn – build relationships that drive real results. Today she joins Kristine on the show to explore what it really takes to communicate with clarity, confidence, and heart. Amy shares how fear and anxiety shape the way we speak and listen, and offers practical tools to move from uncertainty to trust.   Amy Wong is a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and leadership expert who helps organizations use human connection to drive breakthrough performance. With a background in mathematics, transpersonal psychology, and two decades in Silicon Valley, she’s shaped thriving cultures at companies like LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Meta. She teaches leadership and communication at Stanford University Continuing Education and wrote Living on Purpose. Her work centers on trust, alignment, and exceptional communication to fuel fulfillment and success.   Visit her website: https://amyelizawong.com/ 

Conflict doesn’t have to drive us apart—it can actually become the doorway to deeper intimacy. In this episode, Kristine Carlson explores how getting clear within yourself first is the key to transforming difficult moments into loving, constructive conversations. She reminds us that conflict isn’t “bad” when it’s handled with maturity, presence, and care—it can be a chance to strengthen trust and understanding.   Kristine shares how to:   Turn conflict into connection by approaching it as a conversation versus a battle Pause and get clear on your own emotions before you speak Communicate in a way that softens defensiveness and invites openness Access empathy and compassion, even when you disagree Use loving communication to nurture intimacy in your most important relationships   With honesty and warmth, Kristine shows how the way we engage in conflict can either divide us, or bring us closer together.

In this tender episode of the Communication Mastery Series, Kristine Carlson shares the practice she and her late husband, Richard, used to keep their marriage strong: setting aside sacred time for heart-to-heart communication. She explains the simple yet powerful parameters they followed so each of them felt deeply heard and understood. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Choose a set time for intentional, heart-to-heart connection Create a safe space for open and honest sharing Speak without interruption and listen with full presence Honor each other’s feelings with empathy and respect Use this practice to bring more intimacy and trust into your closest relationships Kristine invites you to bring this practice into your own life as a way to cultivate deeper love, closeness, and understanding one heartfelt conversation at a time.

Recorded just before her Italy retreat, Kristine shares how to move beyond the surface and create genuine intimacy in new relationships. Drawing from her experience working with women in retreat settings, she explains how simple gestures—like a warm greeting, smiling, or gentle touch—can melt away superficial barriers and allow us to meet each other in our shared humanity. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Offer a warm greeting that immediately softens barriers Use smiling, touch, and presence to create safety and warmth Open your heart so others feel truly seen Meet someone beyond the surface, in their humanity She also reflects on how our triggers can be powerful teachers, guiding us toward deeper compassion—and how each new connection is an opportunity to practice intimacy, presence, and love.

Kristine launches her brand-new series, Communication Mastery, with an inspiring invitation to explore how deeper, more mindful communication can transform every relationship in your life.  In this series, you’ll discover how to: Navigate difficult conversations without triggering defensiveness Become less reactive and more grounded in your responses Understand “separate realities” and practice greater empathy Create more powerful, connected conversations at work Lead with love in every interaction Plus, you’ll learn a powerful guided imagery meditation to help you transform the way you listen and speak! Get ready to bring intimacy and closeness into all of your conversations with this illuminating series.

Kristine welcomes back Dr. Paul Zeitz to the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Live the Big Stuff podcast for a heartfelt conversation about the true meaning of patriotism. Together, they explore how honoring our shared rights and humanity can bring us closer, even in times of deep division. Together, they reveal practical insights on how to: -Recognize whether leaders are working for unity or fueling division -Stay open to hearing different perspectives without losing your own voice -Navigate family and friendships when opinions don’t align -Overcome the fear and uncertainty so many of us feel in today’s America This powerful conversation is a reminder that what unites us is far greater than what divides us and that living with courage, empathy, and optimism is the path forward for all. Dr. Paul Zeitz is a physician, epidemiologist, author, and award-winning advocate for global justice and human rights. For more than 35 years, he has led campaigns and movements with a bold vision for a more just and compassionate world. In his new book Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy, he shares how we can peacefully and inclusively rewrite the "code" of our democracy—so it truly works for everyone.    Visit his website: https://drpaulzeitz.org/  Follow Dr. Zeitz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpaulzeitz/   

In the first episode in the Unify Series, Kristine Carlson speaks from the heart about the division and extremism we’re seeing in America today. At a time when polarization seems louder than ever, Kristine offers a compassionate call to return to moderation, empathy, and connection. This episode is a reminder that when we choose to stand in unity rather than division, we become part of the healing our world so desperately needs.

Join Kristine Carlson as she talks with life coach and Women Waking Up author Wendy Valentine—a guide for women ready to reignite their spark and embrace the magic of midlife. Wendy shares her powerful story of transformation, showing how unexpected change can become a catalyst for courage, freedom, and joy. Her daring leap into van life across Europe isn’t just adventure—it’s proof of what’s possible when you say yes to your next chapter! In this inspiring conversation, you’ll learn: -How to stay grounded and resilient through life’s biggest transitions -Practical ways to step into a bold new direction with confidence -What true freedom feels like when you create a life that matches your soul Get ready to feel energized, uplifted, and inspired to reimagine your midlife—and step boldly into the extraordinary life waiting for you! Wendy Valentine is a speaker, certified professional life coach, and author of Women Waking Up —a midlife rebel with a mission to help women reignite their spark and embrace the magic of midlife. Her podcast, The Midlife Makeover Show, helps midlifers who are ready to get unstuck, take courageous action, and reclaim their life. Visit her website: wendyvalentine.com  

Reentering the dating world in midlife can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Internationally acclaimed relationship coach Bern Mendez joins Kris as she reflects on her own early experiences of stepping back into dating after loss, and together, they share practical strategies for navigating modern dating with authenticity and self-confidence. Bern Mendez is a neuroscience-based dating and relationship coach with over 14 years of experience helping accomplished midlife women break through subconscious emotional barriers and create deeply committed, lasting partnerships. Featured by CNN, HuffPost, Redbook, and more, Bern is recognized globally as a trusted voice in the field. His YouTube channel ranks among the top twelve most-followed dating advice platforms for women worldwide, with over 30 million views and a community of 227,000 subscribers. Connect with Bern Mendez at Bernmendez.com