The Things We Know

In this episode of The Things We Know, Lisa and Kari get real about power and the many ways it shows up in everyday life. They talk about the difference between power that controls, power that tries to help but sometimes misses the mark, and power that is shared and lifts everyone. Along the way they share what this looks like in their own lives, in coaching, and in community. They also name the quieter kinds of power that often go unseen, like supporting someone from behind or holding space so another voice can shine. This is an honest and practical conversation about rethinking power and noticing how our choices can open up more connection and possibility. Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

In this episode of The Things We Know, Kari and Lisa talk about the small but powerful difference between reacting and responding. They share where this shows up in their own lives as moms, caregivers, partners, and friends, and how easy it is to either blow up or shut down when emotions take over. They offer simple practices that help create a little space before we act, like naming what we are feeling, breathing, or even finding humor in the moment. This conversation is about being gentler with ourselves, showing up more clearly for the people we love, and remembering that even one pause can change the whole tone of a relationship. Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

Some stories are too powerful to stay untold. In this compelling conversation, Kari and Lisa are joined by memoir and business book ghostwriter Jenny Nesbit—a spiritual life coach and visionary who believes that when women tell the truth about their lives, they not only heal themselves but help others feel less alone. From surviving domestic abuse to helping others reclaim their voice, Jenny shares why storytelling is a radical act of sovereignty, connection, and transformation. Together, they explore the deep personal and professional power of writing your story, challenge the myth that some voices don't matter, and invite listeners to consider where their own truth is ready to be spoken. Where to find Jenny and learn more:   https://www.jennynesbit.com/ Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

What does it look like to face life's hardest battles twice—and still come out laughing, leading, and lifting others? In this episode of The Things We Know, Kari and Lisa sit down with Amy Spence: mom, marathon runner, master transformation coach, and two-time breast cancer survivor. Amy shares her journey with raw honesty and humor, from the moments that tested her to the strategies that helped her rise up stronger. She talks about creating her Rise Up System, launching the Bad Boobie Club podcast, and finding joy in a new normal. This is a conversation about resilience, healing, and connection—and a reminder that none of us have to walk through challenges alone. Where to listen, contact, and find out more about Amy: https://www.amyspencecoaching.com/ https://www.amyspencecoaching.com/podcast   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod  

Maya Angelou's challenge is simple but piercing: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." In this episode of The Things We Know, Kari and Lisa unpack what it really means to live by those words—in parenting, caregiving, politics, justice, and how we treat our planet. From unlearning old assumptions about children and loved ones, to confronting the gap between awareness and accountability in our culture, they explore how "knowing better" must push us past comfort into responsibility. Grace for the past matters, but so does courage for the present. This conversation is both a mirror and a call to action: where in your own life are you being asked to do better?   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com  

Dehumanization has become the cheap currency of politics, media, and even casual talk—and it's leaving us more divided than ever. In this episode of The Things We Know, Lisa and Kari look at how words and labels strip people of dignity, whether it's whole communities cast as threats or the double standards baked into our justice and political systems. They don't shy away from naming the hard stuff—how fear gets manufactured and weaponized against immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, urban neighborhoods, even teachers and neighbors. But they don't stay stuck in outrage either. Instead, they point us back to something truer: at the end of the day, every human being wants safety, health, and belonging. Moving forward means refusing caricatures, rejecting fear-mongering, and daring to rehumanize one another.   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com  

What holds women back from stepping fully into leadership isn't just the boardroom—it's the kitchen, the calendar, and the endless to-do list at home. In this episode of The Things We Know, Kari and Lisa dive into Katty Kay and Claire Shipman's The Power Code and the chapter that made them stop in their tracks: "Pots and Pans and Power." They unpack how the unequal division of household labor—and the invisible mental load that comes with it—still limits women's opportunities, drains ambition, and shapes confidence. From the pandemic's toll on working mothers to the cultural undervaluing of domestic work, Kari and Lisa bring research, coaching insight, and personal stories to show why the balance must shift at home before real equality can take root anywhere else.   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com    

 In headlines and hearings, we still see the same pattern play out: women brave enough to tell the truth are met with skepticism, hostility, or outright dismissal. That disbelief doesn't just silence—it revictimizes, forcing survivors through systems built to malign and exhaust them, while convictions remain rare. No wonder so many choose silence, carrying fear and shame instead of justice. In this episode of The Things We Know, Lisa and Kari dig into why our culture clings to doubt, and what must shift if women's voices are ever to be truly heard. Last Chance to join us for our Fall 2025 retreat:  JOIN Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town). You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!     Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com    

In this episode, Kari and Lisa take a closer look at the phrase "just be nice" and the cultural conditioning behind it—especially for women. They explore how niceness often masks self-silencing, emotional disconnection, and fear of conflict, while true kindness is rooted in clarity, courage, and respect. Drawing from the work of Glennon Doyle, Brené Brown, Harriet Lerner, and Resmaa Menakem—as well as research from TIME Magazine, the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, and the Newport Institute—they unpack the emotional and even physical toll of chronic niceness. With humor, honesty, and some serious fire, this conversation redefines what it means to be kind without abandoning yourself. They also reference Antoinette Griffin's video on the difference between nice and kind, and invite listeners to let go of performative likability in favor of deeper authenticity.   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com  

In this episode of The Things We Know, Kari and Lisa get real about something most of us experience but rarely talk about: what it feels like to live in a body that's changing. From shifting energy and brain fog to the pressure to "age gracefully," they unpack how culture, comparison, and internalized expectations shape the way we see ourselves. With reflections from their own lives and insights from experts like Dr. Jen Gunter, Brené Brown, and Mary Pipher, they explore what it means to stay kind to yourself, release old narratives, and live well in the body you're in—today. They acknowledge what's hard, but also celebrate the gift of change—because aging, for all its challenges, still beats the alternative! If you're ready to honor the season you're in—and live more fully in the body you have now—join Kari and Lisa this October for the Brave & Boundless retreat in Chicago. It's a weekend for shedding old stories, deepening self-trust, and reconnecting with your power. Register now!    Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com    

In this episode, Kari and Lisa sit down with behavioral scientist and neuroscientist Dr. Amanda Wiggins to explore what's really happening in women's brains during midlife—and how to support clarity, creativity, and calm in a world that often demands the opposite. From the neurological effects of burnout to the hidden cost of masking exhaustion at work, they unpack why so many women feel foggy, irritable, or depleted—and what research-backed rituals can help. Amanda shares insights from her work at The cGP Lab and draws on years of experience helping high-performing women and global organizations design environments where well-being is sustainable and real. To learn more about Amanda connect with her on LinkedIn.   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com    

In this episode of The Things We Know, Kari and Lisa unpack the difference between being a lighthouse—steady, grounded, and offering light—and being a lifeboat, jumping in to rescue others at their own expense. They explore how many women are praised for being selfless helpers, and how that conditioning can lead to overfunctioning in friendships, caregiving, and relationships. Through honest conversation and coaching wisdom, they share what it looks like to support others without losing yourself, why fixing isn't the same as helping, and how real connection requires reciprocity and vulnerability.   If you're ready to stop bailing water and start standing in your light, join Lisa and Kari this October in Chicago, for a weekend designed to help you come home to yourself, no rescuing required. Consider yourself invited to the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town).  Register now!   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

In this episode, Kari and Lisa dive into the discomfort—and the possibility—of life's "in-between" seasons. These liminal spaces, where we're no longer who we were but not yet who we're becoming, can feel quiet, confusing, and unsteady. They reflect on personal and collective in-between moments, from career shifts to cultural upheaval, and how this space of becoming is ripe with transformation if we let it be. They don't offer advice, but they do offer good questions—and a reminder that this season, strange as it may be, matters deeply.   Did you know a women's retreat might be the PERFECT way to face YOUR in-between season? JOIN Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town).  You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

In this episode, Kari and Lisa talk with writer, producer, and GOLD Comedy founder Lynn Harris about the deeper power of humor—especially for women in midlife who are ready to take up more space. They explore how comedy builds confidence, shifts culture, and creates connection, and why being funny isn't about performing—it's about being bold, authentic, and fully yourself. Lynn shares stories from her work empowering women and nonbinary folks through GOLD Comedy, and reminds us that laughter isn't just medicine—it's a leadership tool. Learn more at goldcomedy.com and lynnharris.net, or connect with Lynn on LinkedIn. You know what's NOT funny?  Our Fall Retreat is nearly full!   JOIN Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town). You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod  

Recorded right after the budget bill was voted in, first Lisa and Kari have their feelings then they realize this episode is more important than ever.  They explore why play matters for adults—especially during times of stress and uncertainty. From spontaneous laughter to imaginative role-playing, play isn't just a luxury—it's vital for connection, healing, and mental health. Drawing on research from experts like Stuart Brown and the Blatners, they unpack why adults often resist play and how we can reconnect with our playful selves. With personal stories and thoughtful questions, they invite listeners to remember the kind of fun that once lit them up—and maybe still could.   Wanna connect with and PLAY  with other fun women like yourself? JOIN Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town).  You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod  

Kari and Lisa had other plans for this week's episode—but the world felt too heavy to ignore. They returned to Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents because it offers something essential right now: a way to understand the invisible structure beneath so much of the chaos, cruelty, and division we're witnessing. In this conversation, they break down key ideas from the book, reflect on their own roles in the system, and connect the dots between caste and current events—from ICE raids to economic inequality to the enforcement of social hierarchies through fear and policy. This episode is about seeing what's really holding us back—and deciding what we're willing to do about it. Learn more about and read  Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

In this episode, Kari and Lisa revisit the familiar concept of love languages—but with a much-needed upgrade. Drawing from personal experience, recent articles about research, and a sharp cultural critique, they unpack why the original framework, while helpful, doesn't fully reflect the emotional realities women live today. They explore what's missing—like mental load relief, shared enthusiasm, and alone time without guilt—and offer a richer, more honest take on how love is felt, expressed, and received in midlife and beyond. This is a conversation about expanding connection, not narrowing it—and evolving what love looks like now.   JOIN Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town). You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!   Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod

Everyone's feeling some level of stress about money in these uncertain times, so Kari and Lisa brought back financial well-being coach JD Rose—whose work is all about empowering women to shift their relationship with money. In this episode, they explore why financial struggle often isn't about budgeting, but about safety, capacity, and the deeper stories we've internalized. JD shares meaningful, grounded ways to begin healing those stories and offers a fresh, compassionate perspective on what it really means to feel resourced. Learn more and/or connect with JD Rose: allaboutease@gmail.com https://www.theresourcedwoman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-rose/   Inspired to invest in your empowerment with an opportunity to gather with dynamic women like you?   Join Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town).  You won't wanna miss the chance to connect with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!     Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com  

In this episode, Lisa and Kari take on the topic of rejection—not as a dead end, but as an opportunity to learn, grow, and realign. They share powerful examples of women who turned rejection into redirection, along with coaching insights and personal reflections on how to reframe rejection as feedback instead of failure. For a fun change, they recorded this one together in person, and the energy shows. It's real, it's thoughtful, and it just might shift how you see your next "no." If you're ready for a big YES…. Join Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town). You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!     Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod   Ready to get Unstuck and become Unstoppable? Download our Masterclass; Unstuck and Unstoppable here! https://thethingsweknowpodcast.com    

In this episode of The Things We Know, hosts Kari and Lisa engage with sustainability trailblazer Maria Dowd from Dowd Solar Group, uncovering her remarkable journey from pioneering women's empowerment events to revolutionizing solar energy. Tune in to discover how smart, renewable energy choices transform communities and empower women to take control of their futures. Kari and Lisa dive into actionable insights on sustainable practices—from practical tips on reducing energy costs to inspiring ideas on how to be eco-chic, proving you can still be a fashionista who makes planet-friendly choices. You'll walk away with at least one simple, doable step to kickstart your journey toward a more vibrant, sustainable, and empowered future. More about Maria Dowd: https://dowdsolargroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariadowd/ JOIN Lisa and Kari for the Brave & Boundless Best Chapter Yet 2025 Fall Retreat at voco Downtown Chicago October 3-5, 2025 (typically a gorgeous time of year in Chi-town). You won't wanna miss the chance to gather with other women in an intimate retreat setting with the vibrant backdrop of downtown Chicago, combined with the levity and fun that you're craving more of in your life.  Register now!     Where to find Kari and Lisa: The Things We Know Podcast Homepage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThingWeKnowPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethingsweknowpod