Small Things, Big Life

We’ve been taught our whole lives that the harder you work, the further you’ll get. Graduate, get a degree, find a job, make money, provide, hustle harder. But somewhere along the way, work became the end-all, be-all. And in that grind, many of us lost something essential, our boundaries, our health, our joy. In this season finale of Small Things, Big Life, I’m joined by Dawn Hunter joyful rebel, culture shifter, boundaries enthusiast, and host of the Work is Third podcast. Dawn reminds us that joy is strategic, boundaries are radical, and work should never come first. Together, we talk about why it’s not only okay but necessary to put yourself and your family first, and to let work come third. This episode is about permission.  Permission to step out of the hustle, to say no, to set boundaries, and to build a life rooted in care and connection. This is the final episode of Season One, and I want to thank each of you whether you’ve listened to one episode or the entire season. These conversations have reminded me again and again that we are not alone in the messy middle of life. I’ll be back fresh and renewed in January 2026 for Season Two. And in the meantime, you can catch me as a guest on Dawn’s podcast Work is Third, I’ll share more about that on my socials when it goes live. Connect with Dawn Hunter Work is Third Podcast: https://www.thedawnlab.com/podcast Website: https://www.thedawnlab.com/podcast Connect with Me Website: www.smallthingsbig.life Instagram: @small.things.big.life Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576508242635 If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with a friend or leave a review,  it helps more people find these stories. Until next season, remember: set those boundaries, choose joy, and never forget you are not alone.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses school shootings, lockdowns, children’s fear and safety, and includes strong language. Please listen with care. A couple weeks ago my children’s school went into lockdown after an active shooter threat in our community.  What I felt that day and in the days since was fear, shock, disbelief, anger, and helplessness. It was too close, and our community has been deeply shaken. In this episode of Small Things, Big Life, I share my raw, unfiltered reflections: The surreal fear of racing to the school not knowing what was safe The moment of relief and heartbreak when I reunited with my kids How my son’s grief and sense of safety shifted in ways he couldn’t fully explain The overwhelming need to stay busy, checking in on others, coordinating support, holding space while I shoved down my own emotions The deep gratitude I feel for teachers, staff, neighbors, and a community that showed up for each other in the darkest moment This isn’t a political conversation. It’s not about solutions or debates. It’s an honest journal of what it feels like to be a parent when the unthinkable comes too close, and how the “small things”, a hug, a text, a moment of connection can carry us through fear and grief. If you’ve ever felt your world stop in its tracks, or struggled to hold both heartbreak and gratitude in the same breath, I hope this episode reminds you: you are not alone. 💚 Stronger Together.

Back-to-school season brings up ALL the feelings, doesn't it? In this episode, I'm diving deep into the beautiful, messy reality of sending our kids back to school, the relief we don't always talk about, the missing them part that catches us off guard, and the complete chaos that comes with the school year schedule. If you're feeling torn between counting down the days until school starts and already missing your kids before they even leave, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the real, unfiltered truth about morning madness, the financial reality of school expenses, practical tips that actually work, and why it's okay to feel ALL the emotions. Whether you're a seasoned school parent or facing your first back-to-school season, you'll find encouragement, practical advice, and the reminder that you're doing an amazing job even when it doesn't feel like it. What We Cover In This Episode The Relief We Don't Always Talk About Why it's okay to look forward to those 6 hours of quiet The summer chaos that makes us crave routine (hello, laundry mountain!) Finding time for yourself and things that fill your cup The Missing Them Part The worries that cycle through our minds all day How different kids handle school differently (my son loves it, my daughter...not so much) The real fears we carry that previous generations didn't have to face School Year Chaos & Practical Solutions Morning routine survival tips that actually work The logistics of drop-off, pickup, and hangry kids How my husband and I divide responsibilities Real talk about the financial reality of school expenses Advice for First-Time School Parents What to expect in those first few weeks Practical tips for staying in the loop Why joining PTA is worth it (even if you don't volunteer much) The Heart of It All Why these small daily things add up to something big Remembering that you're building their foundation and memories Key Takeaways It's normal to feel conflicted about back-to-school season The first few weeks are busy for EVERYONE.  You'll find your groove Hot lunch and sleeping in tomorrow's clothes are valid survival strategies Your kids will be okay, and so will you Those quiet moments of missing them? That's love, mama Resources & Links Daily Support for Moms: Daily Affirmations & Journaling Prompts for Moms - https://smallthingsbiglife.etsy.com Voice Affirmations for Moms - https://smallthingsbiglife.gumroad.com/ Connect With Me: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smallthingsbiglife/ - Follow for more parenting encouragement and real talk Instagram: @small.things.big.life Facebook: Small Things, Big Life Mentioned in This Episode: ABC Mouse (educational app for kids) PTA involvement and why it's worth it Hot lunch as a morning sanity saver Let's Connect! I'd love to hear from you! Are you team "counting down to school" or team "already missing them before they leave"? Tag me on social media with your back-to-school reality. If you're a first-time school parent feeling overwhelmed, reach out, I'm here for you and I promise it gets easier. A Note from Me I'm about 8 days out from recovering from some yucky germs while recording this, so I may not sound like my usual self, but this topic was too important not to share. Thank you for your patience and for being part of this beautiful, messy motherhood journey with me. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who might need to hear they're not alone in feeling all these mixed emotions. Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes where we dive into all the real stuff that comes with raising kids.

Life rarely slows down just because we need it to. In this episode of Small Things, Big Life, I sit down with Katy Featherstone Coombes , a business mentor, consultant, and strategist to talk about what it really means to find your footing when the world keeps moving at full speed. Katy shares how giving birth to her son at home became a pivotal moment reshaping how she approaches both life and business. We dive into the power of self-trust, the importance of grounding yourself amid chaos, and the small, intentional choices that can help you create a life and career that actually feel like freedom. Whether you’re navigating change, feeling stretched too thin, or simply searching for a steadier pace, this conversation is your reminder that you can find calm without waiting for the storm to pass. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Katy’s personal journey from business owner to mentor and consultant. How a transformative life event shifted her mindset and priorities. Practical ways to ground yourself when life feels nonstop. Why self-trust is the foundation for personal and professional growth. Small steps you can take today to create space, clarity, and calm. Connect with Katy: 📧 Email: Katy Featherstone Coombes 🌐 Website: featherstoneconsulting.co.uk __   Let’s Stay Connected: 💛 Instagram: @smallthingsbiglife 🎙 Podcast Website: Small Things, Big Life 💬 Join STBL Conversations or Beta Test STBL Reflections, DM me for details!

This episode is a breath of fresh air: honest, real, and full of soul. Today, I’m joined by the one and only Kate Browning, Creative Unicorn, Boundaries Mentor, Canva Expert, and Content Queen. Kate shares her journey from corporate burnout and chronic illness to building a life rooted in boundaries, self-care, and unapologetic truth. We talk about: Breaking free from hustle culture Reclaiming your time and your voice What boundaries really look like in everyday life Starting over without shame And why joy in the “small things” is anything but small You may hear a bit of background fan noise but this is real life, not a studio. But trust me: her story and insight are 100% worth the listen. This one will stay with you. 🌱 Charities Kate Mentions: https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/ https://ecologi.com/ https://www.secondchanceanimalrescue.co.uk/ 💼 Connect with Kate Browning: Website: www.cherryblossommanagement.co.uk Instagram: @cherryblossommanagement Facebook: Cherry Blossom Management LinkedIn: Kate Browning | Creative Unicorn Email: hello@cherryblossommanagement.co.uk 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: If this episode resonated with you, please share it, leave a review, or tag us on socials. And check out my new offering: STBL Real Talk, small group spaces for real conversation. First session drops soon. Until next time, keep noticing the small things… because they really do build a big life.

In this episode of Small Things Big Life, Jen delves into the whirlwind of emotions and decisions that accompany the search for meaning and direction in life's unpredictable journey. She shares her struggles and insights about juggling multiple roles and pursuing new paths, from program management to creative voice work. Join Jen as she discusses the challenges in today's job market, the influence of AI in job applications, and the emotional rollercoaster of redefining one's career. She candidly reflects on her journey, emphasizing the importance of not giving up and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or inspired to make a change, this episode is a supportive space to explore your own dreams and aspirations.

In this episode of Small Things Big Life, host Jen welcomes special guest Aubree Felderhoff, renowned spark coach for moms and creator of the Mom Intentional podcast. Aubree shares her remarkable journey from being bedridden by a life-altering illness to reclaiming her health and now empowering other moms to do the same. Jen and Aubree dive deep into the real, often unspoken challenges of motherhood: mom guilt, the myth of perfection, and the struggle to prioritize self-care. Aubree opens up about rediscovering her identity while raising three boys and building her thriving business. Together, they offer practical tools and honest conversation to help moms break free from guilt, embrace intentional living, and show their children what true self-worth looks like. Connect with Aubree: Website: www.momintentional.com Podcast: Mom Intentional Facebook Community: Mom Life Organized Tune in to be inspired and reminded that even small steps can lead to big changes for you, and for your family.

Ever wondered what real relationships look like beyond the Instagram highlights? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on marriage, partnership, and all the wild, ridiculous, and honest moments in between. From electric fences (don’t ask) to epic dad jokes, money fights, and those early-morning cuddles that make it all worthwhile, I’m sharing the good, the messy, and the totally unfiltered truth about love. If you’ve ever wanted to laugh, cringe, or feel a little less alone in your own relationship chaos, this one’s for you. Plus, I want to hear YOUR stories, so send me your wildest couple moments, memes, or advice! Don’t forget to check out www.smallthingsbig.life to join my email list for behind-the-scenes updates, past episodes bonus, and a chance to be part of our growing community. Hit play, buckle up, and get ready for some real talk. Relationships aren’t always pretty, but they sure make for the best stories. Loved this episode? Subscribe at www.smallthingsbig.life for bonus stories & behind-the-scenes! Connect with me: IG: @small.things.big.life FB: Small Things, Big Life Want to be a guest or share your story? DM me or email via the website!

What does “healthy” really mean? Is it a number on the scale, a certain look, or something deeper? In this episode, I open up about my lifelong struggles with body image, the toll of pregnancy and HELLP syndrome, navigating a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, and the roller coaster of hormone imbalances, especially the rarely-discussed topic of low testosterone in women. You’ll hear about my peaks (from swim teams to half Ironmans), my setbacks, and how redefining “health” became a journey of resilience and self-advocacy. I share honest lessons learned from functional medicine, to meds, to discovering the Glucose Goddess Method, and finally learning how to listen to my body and celebrate the small victories. If you’ve ever felt lost in the pressure of looking or feeling a certain way, you’re not alone. My story is messy, imperfect, and real just like yours. Ready for more?  Head to smallthingsbig.life for info about my favorite supplements, CGM tips, and new resource pages on Type 2 diabetes, testosterone, and HELLP syndrome (coming soon!).  Let’s keep the conversation going, and remember to leave a comment, question, or even encouragement for my husband to join a future episode! Loved this episode? Subscribe at www.smallthingsbig.life for bonus stories & behind-the-scenes! Connect with me: IG: @small.things.big.life FB: Small Things, Big Life Want to be a guest or share your story? DM me or email via the website!

Please note: This episode contains mild expletives and emotionally sensitive topics.  If you're in a tender place right now, listen with care. In this episode I talk about what it means to truly find myself...or maybe, discover a new version of me.  I share the steps I've already taken and the ones I'm still navigating as I process the whirlwind of leaving my longtime federal career, rediscovering old passions, and carving out space for healing. This is raw.  It's real.  And it's a reminder to myself and to anyone listening that we have to fight for our mental health and our emotional well-being.  We have to make space for ourselves, even when life tries to crowd us out. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  To learn more or find support, visit the National Alliance and Mental Illness website or check out 988lifeline.org.  If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988. You are not alone.  Let's take care of ourselves together. Loved this episode? Subscribe at www.smallthingsbig.life for bonus stories & behind-the-scenes! Connect with me: IG: @small.things.big.life FB: Small Things, Big Life Want to be a guest or share your story? DM me or email via the website!

In this episode, I open up about why I walked away from a job I held for over 18 years — a role that shaped my identity and gave me purpose. As a former federal employee, I share what civil service meant to me, why the decision to leave wasn’t easy, and what’s been happening behind the scenes for so many public servants. But more than that, this is a conversation about humanity. About stripping away the job titles, political noise, and assumptions — and remembering what it means to simply be kind. To treat each other with respect. To live by that one golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Loved this episode? Subscribe at www.smallthingsbig.life for bonus stories & behind-the-scenes! Connect with me: IG: @small.things.big.life FB: Small Things, Big Life Want to be a guest or share your story? DM me or email via the website!

Join me in my very first episode as I share why I started this podcast — and what inspired me to step behind the mic. Podcasting wasn’t something I ever planned. But after an unexpected and sudden change in my career, combined with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, partnership, and navigating the world we live in, it felt serendipitous. Small Things, Big Life is my outlet to express, reflect, and connect — and maybe, just maybe, help others slow down and listen to their own lives a little more closely too. Thanks for being here at the very beginning. Loved this episode? Subscribe at www.smallthingsbig.life for bonus stories & behind-the-scenes! Connect with me: IG: @small.things.big.life FB: Small Things, Big Life Want to be a guest or share your story? DM me or email via the website!