Truth for Your Teens

Behind the Mask with Sasha Sloan

"I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect and beautiful journey of my life." -Kerry Washington
Somewhere along the journey, we learn that it's "better" to blend in. To wear a mask. Keep up the facade of being perfect rather than let people see who we really are and what we're carrying. And that's simply not true. Entrepreneur, CEO, creator, and Miss Utah 2021, Sasha Sloan, joins me to share about her teenage years and discuss the different pressures we experience during that age.TWs:-Eating Disorders-Bullying
Additional Resources/References:-Learn more about Sasha here-Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Boundaries ft.Kathy Taylor

"When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated." -Brené Brown
Y'all asked and I listened...the long awaited "boundaries" episode is finally here! Trauma-informed personal leadership coach (and my sorority sister), Kathy Taylor, joins us this week to discuss the meaning of boundaries, how to tune into your body, and the best way to set them in your every day life.
Additional Resources/References:-Kathy's HerdWise Leadership Coaching-The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Dating ft. Katie Bulmer

“A chord of 3 strands is not quickly broken.” -Ecclesiastes 4:12
You know I had to bring in the big guns when we’re talking about boys, dating, sex, intimacy, and relationships. Katie Bulmer is back (check out her first guest appearance in 1.2), and we’re dropping truth bombs left and right. A few of my favs: casual is NOT cool, if you want a different relationship, you need to date in a different kind of way, a man can complement you but never complete you (girl, you are NOT a “half”. You’re the whole freaking burrito…with guac), and date with intention.
Additional Resources/References:-Katie’s Dating Plan-Katie’s From Heartbreak to Happily Ever After Course

Anxiety, the Brain, and Well-Being ft. Lily Sais

"Our inner wisdom is persistent, but quiet. It will always whisper, but it will never stop knocking at your door." -Vironika Tugaleve
Mental health and anxiety have become buzz words, but what do they actually mean for our lives? How do we approach them in a way that supports our highest well-being? And how do we do that in the midst of middle school and high school? I had the privilege of chatting with Anxiety Coach, Lily Sais, about anxiety (of course), panic, our brains, thoughts, and well-being on this episode, and wow...if only I could wrap this up as a gift and give it to 13-year-old Alex.
Before tuning in, please check out the following warning/trigger topics below. Some we discuss in depth while some are briefly mentioned:-Anxiety-Panic Attacks-Weight and Body Image-Dieting-Eating Disorders--starving/binging-Drugs-Sex-Pregnancy
Additional Resources/References:-Lily's website or social media (@peacefromwithin)-SAMHSA Website-Anxiety Resource Center-Search for Therapists/Counselors in your area-Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress-National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-2738255
 
Picture courtesy Unsplash

The Power of Perspective ft. Logan Aguirre and Megan Johnson

"It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see." -Henry David Thoreau
Today I'm sitting down with 417's publisher, Logan Aguirre, and Vice President of Operations and Custom Publications, Megan Johnson, to discuss how to cultivate a healthy, well-rounded perspective, particularly in the face of obstacles (like not understanding your strengths or not making the cut for yearbook club*). These women are the best-of-the-best in every sense: they're generous, authentic, intentional, creative, driven, and inspiring. Tune in to learn about their perspective and their most important advice for young women!
*Yes, the teen who didn't make the yearbook club is now the publisher of a magazine that repeatedly wins awards from The Alliance of Area Business Publications, American Advertising Awards, and City and Regional Magazine Association, to name a few.
Additional Resources/References:-The 5-Minute Journal-Laura Vanderkam-The Ennegram Personality Test

What’s the Point?

"It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something." -Winston Churchill
Good things happen, and bad things happen. Even when we try and be good people and do "good" things. So, if bad things happen, what’s the point? Why try when life can be so difficult and frustrating at times? We've all asked these questions. Here’s my whack at answering them.
 
Photo Creds: Unsplash

Habits & Routines ft. Claire Maupin

"Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny." -Lao Tzu
At the start of every year, most people create a set of resolutions that they hope will positively impact their lives going forward. Ideally, these resolutions become ingrained into our routine. But why do many of us end up defaulting back to the same routine we've always had? And why are bad habits so hard to break? Guest Claire Maupin and I dig into these questions, provide insight on how to create a routine you'll actually stick to (and enjoy), and more.
Additional Resources/References:-Atomic Habits by James Clear-Erin Condren Organization & Planners-Goal Setting: A Scientific Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

"The middle is messy, but it's also where the magic happens." -Brené Brown
Change brings out a variety of emotions for people: excitement, wonder, worry, stress, anxiety, and hope, to name a few. In this episode, I sit down with Laurel Schuckenbrock and Leah Bolling, a senior and junior at TCU, respectively, to talk about where they've experienced change in their lives, how they deal with it, what kind of emotions it provokes, and their overall perspective on the phenomena.
Additional Resources/References:-The Psychology of Dealing with Change-"Silver Lining" by Kacey Musgraves-"Life Changes" by Thomas Rhett

Relationships Romantic & Otherwise

"A chord of three strands is not easily broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:12
Relationships are an incredibly rewarding part of your life, but they can also be frustrating and difficult if you feel disconnected, unwanted, or unworthy of that connection. In this episode, I'm digging into the relationships we have with our parents, siblings, friends, partners, ourselves and Christ and sharing the building blocks I believe to be at the core of a strong relationship: communication, boundaries, vulnerability and compatible values.
Additional Resources/References:-Teens and Parents in Conflict-Prayer for Friendship-Why Vulnerability is the Key to Strong Relationships

Knowing Yourself and Living Your Values

"Knowing someone is at the very core of truly loving them." -Alex Osredker
One of the most important aspects of living into your truth is identifying your values, what motivates you, and knowing who you are. This is a life-long journey, but I've picked up some great bits of wisdom so far, and they've changed the way that I live my life. Knowing yourself is an art of falling in love with God and His creation--YOU! By knowing yourself you can identify your values, and then make decisions moving forward that align with your true purpose.
Additional Resources/References:-The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown-Brené's List of Values from Dare to Lead-1 Corinthians