Barb Knows Best

"People are walking around asking, 'Is it okay if I'm just me?'" – Cory Allen In this week's episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle are joined by Cory Allen, author of The Quiet Age: Creating a Calm Life in a Chaotic World, for an honest, relatable conversation about mindfulness and emotional well-being. The mother-daughter duo and Cory explore what persistent digital noise is doing to our minds, bodies, and nervous systems. They take a deeper look into why the real problem isn't burnout, but rather losing connection with ourselves. Cory shares practical mindfulness tools for overcoming overwhelm: from writing down a racing thought and shelving it for a week, to a "wine tasting" approach for getting curious about hard feelings instead of running from them. Barb ties it back to the idea behind Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life®, and how real change happens quietly, from the inside out. Make sure you stay until the end, where the conversation closes with a short mindfulness practice for you to try the second the episode stops. In this episode, Barb, Michelle, and Cory also discuss: Why thoughts are suggestions, not instructions, and how to read a racing heart as a signal instead of an alarm How to get curious about hard feelings and why facing them is less scary than staying numb What a quiet life really looks like, and why it doesn't mean slowing down or giving up your drive Why so many of us outsource our power, and the permission we're all waiting for to live authentically If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to just be yourself, this episode’s for you. More from our guest, Cory Allen: Find Cory at @heycoryallen, and pick up The Quiet Age https://link.amazon/B06rAD2a. 🎙️Life Happens with Barb and Michelle is a weekly mental health podcast, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. Make sure you subscribe & join us next week for another episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! Hosted by: 💕Barb Schmidt https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ 💕Michelle Maros https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community! ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle are joined by writer, speaker, and advocate Libby Ward, author of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself. In a deeply moving and vulnerable conversation, we talk about the realities of modern motherhood, including the mental load, overwhelm, the pressure to do it all, and what it takes to let go of perfection. Together, Libby, Barb, and Michelle explore the hidden roots of rage, overstimulation, and people-pleasing, unpacking how childhood trauma and hypervigilance make setting simple boundaries feel like a matter of life or death. Libby shares her candid "Granola Bar" story, a pivotal moment of maternal rage that forces her to confront her limits and explains why genuine repair and self-compassion are the true keys to breaking generational cycles. From validating our children's experiences to unlearning the myth of the "perfect mother," this episode offers an honest, hopeful blueprint for reconnecting with your authentic self. In This Episode, We Discuss: The pressures of motherhood and learning how to prioritize yourself Letting go of the pressure to be perceived as a “good mom" Setting boundaries, choosing to say no, and how to live with the feelings of letting people down Giving yourself permission to be imperfect and choosing radical honesty over a conflict-free relationship Learning to apologize to your children and sharing the importance of feelings This is a powerful, fun, and deeply honest conversation about parenting, identity, boundaries, and creating a healthier version of motherhood for ourselves and the next generation. More From the Guest: Get your copy of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself Learn more about Libby Ward here and follow her @libbyward. Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community ⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle are joined by Kelly Rizzo, host of the podcast Comfort Food and widow of beloved comedian Bob Saget. In this vulnerable conversation about grief and loss, Kelly shares the deep love she had for Bob, the heartbreak that followed his death in 2022, and how she continues to manage her relationship with grief and the trauma she experienced processing such a loss in the public eye. Kelly also shares her personal experience of finding love again after loss, how she knew she was ready to date again, and also talks of her personal experience of choosing to live child-free. We felt such a beautiful connection with Kelly in this episode and we hope you love it as much as we do! Episode Highlights: Grief after sudden loss while grieving in the public eye The trauma of grief, PTSD, and the blessing of sharing your story to help others Finding love again and the importance of not settling in relationships Choosing a child-free life and breaking free from societal expectations 📅 Subscribe & Join Us next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg More on Kelly Rizzo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyrizzo/?hl=en Hoo.be hoo.be/comfortfood Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-food-with-kelly-rizzo/id1716987177 Spotify open.spotify.com/show/5PW46ZYYpLlUCRPWn0Vfm7 Acast shows.acast.com/comfort-food-with-kelly-rizzo See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever found yourself thinking… I’m trying so hard to be a good parent, so why does it feel like I'm constantly struggling to connect with my child? In today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle are joined by clinical psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of the conscious parenting movement, Dr. Shefali. Celebrating the launch of her two newest books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters, Dr. Shefali breaks down how parents can move away from control, fear, and projection to build authentic, meaningful relationships with their children. Dr. Shefali explores why raising children in today's digital age presents unique, unprecedented challenges for both boys and girls. She unpacks the specific pressures facing children today, and explains how parents can create healthy guardrails and boundaries. They also discuss the importance of healing your own emotional baggage, extending grace to your parenting mistakes, and showing up as a real, imperfect human. Connect with Dr. Shefali and check out her new books available now! Raising Conscious Sons available here Raising Conscious Daughters available here https://www.drshefali.com/ 🎁 Special Offer for Our Listeners: Want to become a certified Conscious Parenting Coach? Dr. Shefali is offering an exclusive $500 DISCOUNT on her 5-month Coaching Institute program! Learn more here. CODE: 500OFF In This Episode, We Discuss: Conscious Parenting: What it Means and How to Raise Resilient Children The Difference Between Raising Sons vs. Daughters How to Stop Projecting Onto and Controlling Your Kids Why Need to Stop Using Your Kids to Feel Better About Yourself Owning Your Emotional Baggage 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: 💕Barb Schmidt https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ 💕Michelle Maros https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Michelle’s book, Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever found yourself thinking—I’m stuck in old thought patterns, so how do I actually change my mind and heal from past trauma? On today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle continue the conversation in Part 2 of their Rewiring the Brain series, diving deeper into brain health, trauma, and the science of rewiring your mind. Opening up about personal experiences, including Barb navigating the traumatic emotional aftermath of a 33 year marriage and divorce, the mother daughter duo explores how unaddressed life trauma physically impacts the brain and how we can preemptively build resilience Barb and Michelle break down how self-talk, Claude Steele's self-affirmation theory, and positive repetition physically create new neural pathways in the brain. They unpack why the nervous system prefers familiarity even when it's painful and why positive change can sometimes feel like a threat. From moving out of survival mode into creative growth to practical daily habits that keep the brain sharp, this episode serves as an empowering guide to taking control of your internal narrative, building confidence, and rewiring your brain through repeated practice. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ How unaddressed trauma impacts the brain and how to build resilience through life's biggest changes. ✨ The power of self-talk and self-affirmation theory to physically rewire neural pathways. ✨ Why the brain prioritizes protection in survival mode and how to move into thriving. ✨ How taking action and building confidence creates new evidence for your mind. ✨ Simple daily practices and repetition tools to keep your brain sharp and healthy as you age. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever found yourself thinking, I’m getting older, but what can I actually do right now to protect my memory and keep my brain healthy? On today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle dive into a deeply personal conversation about women's brain health, cognitive aging, and the fear of losing your mind. Inspired by turning 70 and navigating a major life transition, Barb shares her recent obsession with brain research, highlighting why it’s critical for women to start taking care of their brains long before older age. Together, the mother-daughter duo explores the vital connection between emotional wellbeing, trauma, and physical brain health. Barb and Michelle look at some surprising statistics, including why nearly two thirds of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women, and explore how hormonal changes during perimenopause, postpartum, and aging can affect brain health. They explore neuroplasticity and the idea that the brain is always changing, looking at how resilience, mindfulness, and other healthy practices can help strengthen positive neural pathways, support brain health, and shape the way we respond to stress and trauma. Ultimately, they offer practical, empowering strategies to help you pause, settle your mind during life's adversity, and choose how you respond so you can keep your brain sharp and thriving at any age. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Why women are uniquely affected by brain health issues and cognitive decline. ✨ The impact of unaddressed trauma and major life transitions on the brain. ✨ What neuroplasticity is and how resilience actually rewires your brain. ✨ Practical tools to settle the mind, practice mindfulness as choice, and build brain health early. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've done the work. Everything should be easy now, right? On today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle explore what happens when stress and overwhelm show up, even when you’ve been doing the work, and challenge the common misconception that mindfulness “fixes everything.” In a real time moment during the recording, Barb becomes overwhelmed and asks to pause, creating an honest example of what it looks like to stop, acknowledge what you’re feeling, and give yourself space rather than pushing through. Barb speaks on how external circumstances cannot be controlled, only we as individuals can control their internal responses and rebuild their mind's narrative. Michelle walks through helpful frameworks like taking the mind to the gym and creating new neural pathways, they emphasize that managing stress is an ongoing practice of self-worth and resilience. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to offer themselves grace and practice tools like pausing, positive affirmations, journaling, self-compassion, and setting boundaries. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ What to do in the moment when you feel stress and overwhelm. ✨Reframing the mind and building new emotional habits and skills. ✨The pitfalls of becoming more aware. ✨The power of the pause. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s episode is a special re-release about one of our most powerful tools; discernment. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. 💭 In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into how to protect your peace by picking your battles, knowing your triggers, setting boundaries, and loving people from afar. We continue our conversation on navigating disrespect and difficult interactions by strengthening your discernment muscle. Barb and Michelle share personal stories, practical tools, and compassionate strategies to help you manage conflict without losing your inner calm. In this episode: 💬 Barb opens up about lessons learned when she was triggered and crossed her own boundaries after divorce—and how she now practices loving people from afar. 💬 Michelle shares her mindset shift from being hard on herself for mistakes to embracing life as a laboratory for growth and learning. Episode Highlights ✨ Don’t test yourself: Keep honoring your boundaries, even when you feel confident in your healing. Boundaries are meant to protect your peace. ✨ Develop a relationship with yourself: Balance compassion and accountability. Love yourself enough to grow through the hard things. ✨ Pick your battles: Be wise about what deserves your time, energy, and attention—you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. ✨ Know your triggers: Be aware of the areas where you’re vulnerable and communicate boundaries to protect your peace. From recognizing your triggers to communicating with intention, this episode will help you preserve your mental health, stay rooted in your values, and engage only in the battles that truly matter. Today’s Episode Sponsor: “Cozify” your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at Wayfair. We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right. ✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, the duo welcomes transformation specialist, trainer, and author Heidi Powell for a candid, heartfelt conversation about navigating life's biggest transitions, aging, and reclaiming your self-worth. Heidi shares her personal journey through perimenopause, overcoming eating disorders, shifting her relationship with fitness, and how she navigated grief and loss to ultimately build a life grounded in self-love and community. Barb, Michelle, and Heidi explore the evolution of female friendships in their 40s and beyond, the pressures of social media, and how letting go of people-pleasing allows us to show up authentically. From physical wellness to emotional healing, this episode serves as an inspiring, empowering reminder that your best years are always ahead and that you are right where you're supposed to be. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ The beauty of finding deep female friendships as you age ✨ The power of transformation at any stage and any age. ✨Navigating perimenopause, body image, and the beauty of aging. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There it is again – that phantom itch. Check email, then texts, then Instagram, then email again. The endless loop that pulls us from the moments we want to be present for to the things that are engineered to distract us. In this episode of Life Happens of Barb and Michelle, co-hosts and mother-daughter duo discuss the phenomenon of popcorn brain, or when your brain jumps from one thought or task back and forth to another. Barb shares that even as a mindfulness expert, she too is experiencing the retraining effects of technology. Michelle opens up about how task paralysis can impact your life in a variety of ways; from writing a book to watching Love Island. Barb and Michelle together dive into how awareness is always the first step in fostering a deeper connection between the body and mind. This episode ends with discussing a few ideas for first steps you can take in order to give yourself more space to connect without technology pulling you in. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Introducing and defining “popcorn brain”, coined by researcher David Levy ✨ How to notice the phantom itch, task paralysis, trouble disconnecting, and more. ✨ Practical tools for regaining control of your focus and finding small joys. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all had the thought - is it too late? Too late to start again? In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle we emphatically answer this question: never. It’s never too late. This episode breaks down why it’s never too late to make changes big or small in your life and how viewing your life as “one big piece of art” each stroke is just as meaningful as the next. As always Barb and Michelle provide helpful frameworks and tools on how we can start to think about changes introducing Barb’s 1% method - and how just 1% of your day can be the start to meaningful change. The duo discusses ways to make change more approachable and the “5 C’s” of change to help us all. Tune is for a no-nonsense practical guide on how to start making changes in your life so you can live authentically and thrive. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Making pivots approachable by starting with “mini-pivots or a single first step. ✨How making changes ultimately will help you to live a life with less regret and more freedom. ✨How to “join the dance” and approach your life with a beginner's mind. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all felt that awful pang in our stomach. Our face might turn hot and red, we might get overwhelmingly anxious. Our body is giving us signals so we can see what is so often hard for us to accept - we’ve been taken advantage of. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, mother daughter duo explore what Barb calls “one of the hardest conversations” the two have ever explored on the show - what happens when you’ve been manipulated and taken advantage of. From the small signs that we all ignore to the unforgivable disrespect we’ve all encountered, Barb and Michelle discuss how boundaries, awareness, and connection to yourself is the first, yet incredibly difficult step in a life-long practice. Stick around until the very end, when Michelle reveals that one of the biggest manipulators in your life may be the person you least expect: yourself and shares insights and practical tools to help you recognize and change those patterns. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ How to identify signs that someone is taking advantage of you. ✨Personal experiences from both Barb and Michelle where they were taken advantage of and what they learned from their own experiences. ✨How to release the shame of being manipulated, and to embrace the awareness that the experience has brought you. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does getting what you want feel impossible? Do you often settle just to save yourself from fear or failure? We all do. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we breakdown the ways in which we all get in our own way, preventing ourselves from getting what we want and truly deserve. How flakiness and people-pleasing can derail our paths if we don't actively practice the art of saying "no". How simply writing down your goals and formulating a concrete plan makes you ten times more likely to succeed. Barb shares personal wisdom on the importance of just taking that single first step. Unpacking how self-sabotage often reflects hidden feelings of our own unworthiness. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Realizing how your actions do not line up with your stated goals or desired outcomes and where to go next. ✨The importance of practicing to say “no.” ✨The self-sabotaging mindset, where settling for the next best thing stops us from going for our true dreams. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do when you know you need to let someone go but your heart isn’t ready yet? From realizing enough is enough to actually choosing your wellbeing over your comfort and feelings, today we’re breaking down how to let go of toxic relationships. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we explore the difficulties of ending an unhealthy relationship and a powerful practice we use to break ties when needed. We’re sharing why it’s so hard to cut someone out, how to overcome these emotional barriers, and how to actually prioritize your mental wellbeing by ending toxic relationships. 💬 Barb shares her wisdom on overcoming the emotional brain to finally cut ties from harmful relationships. 💬 Michelle opens up about finding it difficult to end toxic relationships and how she’s found that the practice of visualizing a vault helped her prioritize her boundaries and wellbeing. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ The fears and rationalization that keeps us stuck in toxic relationships We fear being alone and losing the comfort of the current version of our lives. We say reduce our experience to 'It's not that bad.' 'They're really trying.' 'It's complicated.' ✨ Give Yourself Care and Grace It’s ok if it takes longer for you to fully cut a toxic person out of your life even if you know you need to. Continue to offer yourself compassion and forgiveness for not always prioritizing your emotional wellbeing. ✨ How to actually break ties with someone Identifying when you actually can’t move forward in an unhealthy relationship and having the courage to finally leave a toxic relationship. ✨ The practice of the vault Reframe how you view cutting toxic people off by visualizing a vault that they can’t leave regardless of an apology or kind words. 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Michelle and Barb and revisit this special re-released episode. Your Gut-Feelings Are Guardian Angels—Learn to Trust Them. In this episode we unlock the power of your intuition and build unshakable self-trust, so your gut-feelings become your inner compass, guiding you to a more confident and aligned life. ⬇️ ✨ Available now - Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 ⟶ thedearfriendbook.com Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools you possess—an internal compass that protects, guides, and speaks with a wisdom deeper than logic. In a world filled with noise, learning to hear and trust your inner voice is one of the greatest acts of self-love and a vital part of mental health and emotional well-being. In today’s episode, Michelle and Barb open up about the deep connection between intuition, gut-feelings, and self-trust. They share how learning to listen to their inner voices helped them make aligned decisions in love, life, and healing. Together, they explore how building confidence in your inner knowing can transform your mental health and empower you to live with clarity and intention. Barb offers practical wisdom on overcoming self-doubt and tuning into your intuition, while Michelle shares her honest experience with navigating uncertainty and how she began cultivating a trusting relationship with herself. Your gut-feelings are not random—they are your soul speaking. The more we honor our intuition, the more confident we become in navigating life’s challenges with grace and truth. Here's what we’re covering in this episode: ✨ Know the Difference Between Your Head and Heart Voice Our minds often speak in judgment; your intuition comes from compassion. Learn to recognize the quieter, truer voice within. ✨ Start an Inner Dialogue Cultivating self-trust starts with listening. Whether through journaling or speaking aloud, getting to know your inner voice is the first step toward clarity. ✨ Stay Rooted in Your Values When you understand what truly matters to you, your intuition becomes stronger. Your values are the foundation of wise decision-making. ✨ Have Faith in Yourself Believe that you already have the answers. Confidence grows each time you honor your inner voice and take action from a place of truth. Remember: your gut-feelings and intuition are guardians, not guesses. The more you tune in, the clearer the path becomes.💕 We’re so grateful you’re here with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the real-life lessons that have shaped us—so you can feel empowered to build confidence, prioritize self-care, and navigate life’s challenges with emotional strength and resilience. Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕 Join our community⬇️ YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: @LifeHappensThePodcast Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grief doesn't disappear, it changes form. After losing her beloved cat Charlotte at nearly 20 years old, Michelle was surprised by just how deeply the loss affected her. While it didn't mirror the grief she experienced after losing her father, it brought its own unique heartbreak and reminded her that pet grief is real, profound, and often misunderstood. In this deeply personal episode, Barb and Michelle explore the reality of pet loss, why grief can resurface in unexpected ways, and how every loss teaches us something new about love, attachment, and letting go. Michelle shares how Charlotte's passing brought waves of sadness she didn't anticipate and why trying to "prepare" for grief doesn't necessarily make it easier when the moment arrives. This conversation is for anyone who has lost a beloved pet, a loved one, or is navigating the complicated emotions that come with loving deeply and saying goodbye. What You'll Take Away: Why pet grief is real grief and why comments like "it's just a pet" can be so hurtful Michelle's experience losing Charlotte and why the loss affected her more than she expected How grief can awaken memories of previous losses without being the same experience Why anticipatory grief doesn't protect us from heartbreak What acceptance actually looks like in real life How to stop judging your grief and allow yourself to feel what you feel Why grief isn't something we master, fix, or move beyond but something we learn to carry differently over time Whether you've recently lost a pet, are supporting someone who has, or simply want a more compassionate understanding of grief, this episode offers comfort, validation, and a reminder that love and loss are always connected. "Grief is the reminder that love was present, and that even if it's no longer in its original form, that love still exists." @Michelle Maros Don't risk carrying grief alone or judging yourself for how you heal. Learn how to embrace loss with compassion and discover why love never truly leaves us. Resources Mentioned: Orthodox Teaching on Head and Heart "It can take no time to get something into the head, but it can often take a lifetime to get it into the heart." The Five Stages of Grief The Five Stages of Grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—were developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and continue to provide a framework for understanding grief and loss. Learn more: https://www.grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should you try to fix your parents? Most people spend years trying. Here's what actually works — and what's just making it worse. In this candid Q&A episode, Barb and Michelle get into three questions that don't have easy answers: — Should you try to fix your parents (or your adult kids)? — Does emotional connection get harder the bigger your family gets? — How do you apologize to your kids without losing your authority as a parent? Barb — who's spent 40+ years in therapy and recovery — breaks down the fix/control/compare trap that keeps most families stuck, why apologizing to your kids is actually a power move when done right, and what it really means to "let go" of a parent who hurt you (hint: it's not what the internet tells you). Michelle brings the adult-child perspective — including the quiet role reversal that happens when you start parenting your own parents, and why that's more common (and more complicated) than anyone admits. In this episode: The fix/control/compare framework Barb uses daily Why big families often produce invisible kids — and what that costs them How to apologize to your child without becoming a doormat What "letting go" of a difficult parent actually looks like Why your parents were "raised by cavemen" — and why that context changes everything See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've ever felt lighter in your life after removing someone from it — this episode explains why. Barb & Michelle get real about the 5 signals that it might be time to cut someone out of your life — and why knowing the signals is only half the battle. This episode covers the guilt, the fantasy that people will change, the sunk cost of long relationships, and how to actually do it in a way that doesn't consume the next five years of your life. Barb speaks from experience — including her own 33-year untangling — and Michelle brings the practical, modern perspective on why even empathetic, self-aware people stay in relationships that cost them everything. This is the episode for anyone who already knows what they need to do but can't seem to let themselves do it. What You'll Learn: The 5 specific signals that a relationship is costing you more than it's giving Why the apology is often the manipulation — not the resolution How to tell the difference between sunk cost and real love Why being "the bigger person" is sometimes just being controlled How to release someone from your life without needing to hate them first See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are conversations every parent knows they should have — and most of them never do. In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, mother and daughter go deep on the exact things they wish someone had said to them before life had to teach them the hard way. From family alcoholism surfacing after a 15-year-old's first drunken night, to growing up with two alcoholic parents and never once hearing 'I love you' — Barb and Michelle trace how silence passes down through generations, and what it actually takes to break that chain. This one is for every parent afraid to say the hard thing, and every adult child who's still waiting to hear it. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why 'protecting' your kids from hard truths usually means protecting yourself from discomfort - How to create a safe space so your child actually comes to you — without fishing or manipulating - The HALT tool (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and how to make it a natural part of family life - What to do when you've already said something that closed your child off — and how to repair it - Why you don't need the perfect moment — and how to let hard conversations unfold naturally From psychiatrist and author M. Scott Peck's famous opening line in The Road Less Traveled: "Life is difficult." Rather than seeing this as pessimistic, Barb taught Michelle that accepting life's challenges is one of the greatest pathways to peace, resilience, and emotional freedom. “Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult ―once we truly understand and accept it― then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” - M. Scott Peck Don't wait for the sit-down talk. The moment is already here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Jessi Cruickshank joins Barb and Michelle backstage at Lynn University for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversation about motherhood, performance, anxiety, and becoming the women their mothers raised them to be. From professional perfectionism to internet criticism, the conversation moves from hilarious behind-the-scenes moments into deeper reflections on identity, mindfulness, and the pressure women carry in public and private life. Jessi opens up about the comment she never forgot, while Barb and Michelle unpack what they inherited — and what they had to unlearn. In this episode: • Why perfectionism quietly controls so many women • The emotional cost of always performing “fine” • How humor and mindfulness actually serve the same purpose • The parenting lessons they resisted most • Why confidence is usually built through embarrassment Learn how to stop performing perfection and start connecting honestly. Connect with Jessi: Follow her on Instagram & Facebook: @jessicruickshank Follow her on TikTok: @jessicruickshanktok Check out her Evening Club Tour: jessicruickshank.com/tour Listen to her podcast: https://tr.ee/u6WMhIAnoi See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Healthy relationships require honesty, reciprocity, and the courage to stop self-silencing. In this episode of Life Happens, Barb and Michelle sit down with Alex Elle to unpack what it really means to outgrow people, rebuild trust, and tell the truth in your relationships before resentment takes over. They discuss her new book, “The Company We Keep” which just launched today and can be found here: The Company We Keep -- Book link: https://bit.ly/4fe0kbw The Company We Keep tour link: https://sites.prh.com/alexelletour This conversation will help anyone navigating changes in friendship, people pleasing, divorce, boundaries, and the painful reality that growth sometimes means letting go. Together, Barb, Michelle, and Alex explore why saying yes when you mean no creates disconnection, how reciprocity shapes healthy friendship, and why “clarity is a radical act of love.” If you’ve been questioning your friendships, struggling to use your voice, or trying to understand what trust and alignment actually look like in real life, this episode offers both the emotional validation and the language to begin. Learn how to recognize self-silencing and people-pleasing patterns Understand the difference between growing together and growing apart Get language for hard conversations about friendship, trust, and capacity Reframe honesty as an act of love instead of conflict Build healthier, more reciprocal relationships without abandoning yourself If you’ve ever stayed in a friendship longer than you should have because you didn’t want to be the one who left... this episode will meet you right there. Alex’s book, The Company We Keep, is available on May 19, 2026. Don’t miss it. 💗 Connect with Alex: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/ Substack: https://alexelle.substack.com/ 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens after the book tour ends, the championship is won, and the calendar goes blank? Michelle opens up about the unexpected emptiness she felt after her biggest accomplishment, and Barb reveals something she has never experienced: a void. This mother-daughter conversation uncovers why success can feel like getting fired, what it means to live like you are running out of time, and why the quiet after the loud season might be the most important chapter of all. This episode dives into the generational divide between pushing through and pausing, the difference between rest and avoidance, and how two very different people navigate the same transition. Whether you just graduated, finished a big project, ended a season, or closed a chapter you poured everything into, this conversation will help you understand why the void is not a problem to fix but a space to fill on your own terms. What you'll take away: Why achieving your biggest goal can feel like getting fired overnight The generational difference between 'keep moving' and 'feel your feelings' after a big moment How Barb's micro-transitions throughout the day prevent her from ever hitting empty The connection between running out of time, grief, and never allowing a void How to recognize when sitting in the void becomes productive reflection vs. staying stuck Don't let the quiet after the loud season convince you that the best part is over. Learn how to make the space count. 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday 0:00 — Intro: Michelle's post-book-tour void 0:58 — Welcome to Life Happens with Barb and Michelle 1:14 — It's bigger than a book: any major milestone 1:45 — Indiana football national championship & the "now what?" 2:44 — Barb's reaction: the joy of the unexpected 3:51 — Michelle's book journey and the feeling of the drop-off 7:39 — Barb never felt a void — a generational contrast 14:35 — What is rest? Defining it differently for everyone 21:32 — Vulnerable question: does living like you're running out of time come from grief? 24:28 — How will you know when you've done what you came here to do? 38:32 — Barb's Italy trip: sometimes the transition is fast 41:01 — Closing reflections & takeaways See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mean people are everywhere right now and the data confirms it. In this episode, Barb and Michelle unpack why cruelty seems to be escalating, breaking down the different types of mean people we all encounter and what actually drives their behavior. Barb shares a raw, personal story about being screamed at in a parking lot while her mother was dying in hospice, and what that moment taught her about judgment, control, and the stories we never see. This conversation goes deep into narcissism, spiritual bypassing, the difference between empathy and giving someone a pass, and how to stop carrying what was never yours in the first place. Whether you are dealing with a cruel stranger, a toxic family member, or your own tendency to absorb other people's behavior, this episode gives you a practical framework for protecting your peace without losing your compassion. What you'll take away: Why the shift from "thinking it" to "saying it" is fueling a cruelty epidemic The grocery store moment that reveals how we all judge without knowing someone's story How to shift from asking "why are they like this" to "what can I do right now" What a real narcissist looks like and why they genuinely cannot change The practical difference between forgiving someone and simply being done with them Don't let someone else's cruelty become the story you carry. Learn how to set it down. 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comparison is the one emotion everybody feels and nobody admits to — and Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle were scared to record this episode for a reason. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, they unpack the jealousy, resentment, and quiet self-destruction that comparison leaves behind — and make a case that might surprise you by the end. From Michelle comparing her book sales to her friends' mid-tour, to Barb owning up to something she projected onto Michelle for years, this episode goes places most podcast conversations never do. If you've ever felt something ugly creep in while watching someone else win — and then felt ashamed of it — this one is for you. What you'll take away: Why 85% of your daily thoughts are negative — and how comparison supercharges the loop How jealousy and envy are signals, not character flaws — and what they're actually pointing to The self-talk method for catching comparison before it turns into resentment Why "be better than yesterday" might be quietly doing more damage than good How to let comparison fuel action instead of shame Don't risk letting comparison keep stealing your joy without ever asking what it was trying to tell you. Learn how to read it instead. Episode Breakdown ⬇️ 0:00 Introduction 0:36 Where Does Comparison Come From? 0:52 The Science of Negative Thinking 7:07 Barb's Personal Story: Childhood & Comparison 9:19 Comparing Yourself to Yourself 11:23 Comparison, Jealousy & Envy 25:09 Michelle's Story: Visiting a Friend's Family 28:22 Self-Talk as the Key Tool 39:17 Can Comparison Actually Be Helpful? 40:50 Takeaways & Closing 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've read the books. You've tried the meditation. You've done the journaling, the breathwork, the therapy. So why do you still feel stuck? In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, master well-being educator Devi Brown joins the conversation for one of the most honest discussions about healing we've ever had. Devi spent years teaching wellness to athletes, executives, and thousands of students through her Deeply Well podcast and her work at Chopra Global. Then her own life fell apart... and she discovered that everything she'd been teaching wasn't enough to save her. What she built from that breaking point became her book Living in Wisdom... a completely different approach to healing that doesn't start with fixing yourself. It starts with being brave enough to actually meet yourself. This conversation goes beyond surface-level wellness and into the real, messy, uncomfortable process of becoming whole. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why "doing the work" can still leave you stuck... and what's actually missing - The difference between surface-level wellness and true well-being - What "Complex Lived Experience" means and why it changes how you think about your pain - Why Devi's 8-step healing process starts with grief, not gratitude - What it looks like to live in wisdom on an ordinary Tuesday... not just during a retreat If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right and still not feeling better... this episode is going to change how you think about the entire journey. Devi's book Living in Wisdom is available now in paperback (as of TODAY). 📍0:00 Introduction & Wellness Industry Overview 1:11 Welcoming Devi Brown 2:11 Healer Burnout & Passing the Torch 10:17 Creators, Art & Living for the Work 17:31 Music, Consciousness & Cultural Roots 18:13 Bridging Generations & Staying Curious 26:10 Navigating Uncertainty & The Shift from Hope to Faith 33:36 Freedom After Divorce 39:20 Surface Wellness vs. Real Healing 40:47 The Wellness Industrial Complex 59:38 Truth Telling & The Personal Healing Path 1:05:38 Closing Reflections & Where to Find Devi Connect: @DeviBrown @DeeplyWellPodcast Read: "Living in Wisdom" DeviBrown.com Now Available! Substack: https://substack.com/@devibrown The Deeply Well Podcast is available on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n5hEIV… Youtube: @devibrownwell-being Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Living with someone you love is supposed to be easy — until it isn't. In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, hosts Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros pull back the curtain on the two years they spent living together after a sudden condo flood turned a two-week crash pad into an unplanned life arrangement. What started as a temporary inconvenience became one of the most challenging — and unexpectedly transformative — seasons of their relationship. From laundry wars to a 20-year high school reunion that felt like stepping back in time, Barb and Michelle get honest about the moments that nearly broke them and the practices that kept them together. This conversation is for anyone who has ever loved someone deeply and still needed serious space from them. What you'll take away: Why trying to control small things (like dryer settings) is almost never actually about the small thing How to survive cohabitation with someone you love without losing the relationship The real emotion hiding underneath anger — and how to get to it Why your role as a parent fundamentally shifts when your adult child moves back in A practical starting point for building self-awareness through journaling and reflection Don't risk letting conflict quietly damage a relationship you can't afford to lose. Learn how to find the baseline of love — even when you want to pull your hair out. Episode Breakdown ⬇️ 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:34 - Moving In 00:07:38 - Early Adjustment 00:09:00 - Tension Builds 00:14:06 - The Laundry Wars 00:21:16 - Learning to Pause 00:25:08 - Finding the Lessons 00:39:40 - Love Coexists 00:41:35 - Parent Role Shifts 00:43:50 - Closing Wisdom 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the thing you've been told will set you free is actually keeping you stuck? What if forgiveness isn't even the goal? In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, our hosts challenge everything we've been taught about forgiveness. Not the textbook version we learned as kids, but the real, messy, evolving kind that shows up after serious trauma, toxic relationships, and years of bypassed emotions. This is a raw conversation about what happens when you stop forcing yourself to forgive and start focusing on what you actually feel. 💬 Barb opens up about replacing forgiveness with acceptance after her divorce, her history of sexual abuse, and why at 69 years old she's done pressuring herself to forgive people who caused real harm. 💬 Michelle gets vulnerable about being a self-described "sucker" who forgave a major trauma too quickly because the person said the right words, and how she's learning to sit with her own feelings before letting anyone else influence her process. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Barb swapped the word "forgiveness" for "acceptance" and how that shift changed everything The danger of forgiving too quickly and bypassing the emotions that actually need to be felt Michelle's experience of forgiving a severe trauma as a kid because the person said all the right things, only to realize decades later she'd never actually processed it How other people's apologies and influence can cloud what you truly feel and need Why taking accountability doesn't mean someone gets a pass or gets let back in The connection between premature forgiveness and the inability to set boundaries later in life Nedra Glover Tawwab's quote on forgiveness and releasing the power harm has over you "I don't wanna wait that long. And also, is that really even the goal?" If you've ever felt the pressure to forgive before you were ready, or wondered if forgiveness is even what you need right now, this episode is going to feel like permission to breathe. Barb and Michelle aren't here to tell you what to do. They're here to sit with you in the mess and remind you that healing doesn't have a deadline. Come listen. 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode on Forgiveness and Acceptance resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt Episode Breakdown ⬇️ 0:00 – Intro / Teaser clip 0:58 – Welcome & introducing the forgiveness topic 7:18 – Barb shares where she is today with forgiveness (2026) 8:04 – Barb opens up about childhood sexual abuse 10:15 – Is forgiveness even the goal anymore? 18:57 – Why we put the onus on the person who was harmed 23:24 – Should you remove the other person from the equation? 24:44 – The danger of being easily swayed by an apology 25:18 – How being a "sucker" affects your healing process 41:01 – Walking through what actually works: staying in your own essence 46:21 – Closing thoughts: accountability ≠ forgiveness 49:55 – Outro & Nedra Tawwab quote on releasing forgiveness 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever found out someone you love wasn't telling you the whole truth, and even though it wasn't malicious, something inside you shifted? That quiet crack in trust can change a relationship more than any dramatic betrayal ever could. In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, this mother-daughter duo gets deeply personal about dishonesty. Not the headline-grabbing kind, but the everyday white lies, the withheld truths, the stories we tell ourselves about "protecting" the people we love. From family secrets revealed years later to the small manipulations that slowly erode trust, Barb and Michelle unpack what honesty really costs and what it makes possible. 💬 Barb shares how she navigated telling Michelle about her bulimia, a family affair, and the alcoholism in their lineage, and why she trusted life to present the right timing rather than forcing the conversation. 💬 Michelle opens up about what it felt like to learn major truths about her family as a young adult, how those revelations triggered a "what else don't I know?" spiral, and why her mom's non-judgmental space made all the difference. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss: The difference between withholding truth to protect versus withholding to manipulate and control How Michelle learned about her dad's affair through a Facebook message years after his death, and how Barb handled the fallout Why Barb believes "life will present the timing" for hard conversations with your kids The real damage of small, repeated white lies versus big one-time revelations How calling someone a "liar" or "gaslighter" can short-circuit a conversation, and what to say instead Creating a safe space where your child (or anyone) can tell the truth without being punished first Why trust can be broken in a moment but takes patience and intention to rebuild "I truly believe the truth will set you free. I become tethered to lies." Whether you're a parent wondering what to share and when, or someone rebuilding trust after it cracked, this episode will make you feel less alone in the mess of it. Barb and Michelle don't pretend to have perfect answers. They just show you what it looks like to keep choosing honesty, even when it's uncomfortable. Pull up a seat and listen in. 0:00 - Cold Open 0:57 - Welcome to Life Happens with Barb & Michelle 1:15 - Introducing Today's Topic: Truth & Dishonesty 2:12 - Truth Used to Be a Core Value — What Changed? 11:21 - Parent-Child Honesty: When & How to Share Hard Truths 13:45 - The "True Hat" Rule: A Family Trust Agreement 19:41 - Finding Out About Dad's Affair Through Facebook 22:18 - Letting Life Present the Right Moment to Tell the Truth 28:38 - Are White Lies More Harmful Than Big Ones? 29:33 - Work Colleague Story: When White Lies Become Control 34:01 - Lying About Drinking as a Teen & Creating Safe Spaces 41:09 - "Raised by Cave People" — Extending Grace to Our Parents 47:07 - Don't Use "You Are" — Use "I Feel" Language 49:27 - Creating Safe Spaces & Repairing Broken Trust 51:16 - Closing & Thank You 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode on Dishonesty and Trust resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the person you trusted completely becomes the source of your deepest wound? And what does it mean when you're the one who caused that kind of pain for someone else? In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, our hosts go deep on one of the most universally painful human experiences: betrayal. This is a raw, honest conversation about what betrayal actually does to us, how it lives in our bodies, and what it really takes to move forward (hint: it's not just forgiving and forgetting). 💬 Barb opens up about how betrayal has quietly shattered her sense of safety and belonging over the years, including within family relationships, and shares what she's learning about the difference between repairing a relationship and repairing yourself. 💬 Michelle gets real about a time in her younger years when she found herself cast as the villain in a messy web of loyalty, secrets, and broken trust. She reflects on how she eventually made peace with it, even without resolution from the other people involved. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss: Why betrayal isn't just disappointment and why it activates the same regions of the brain as physical pain The difference between a mistake and a betrayal, and why that line matters What it looks like to "clean up your own side of the street" after you've hurt someone The pressure of "blood is thicker than water" and why family loyalty doesn't obligate you to stay in unsafe relationships How to know whether a broken relationship is worth repairing or whether it's okay to let it go The sneaky way gossip can be a gateway to bigger betrayals What self-betrayal has to do with all of it (and why that's a whole other episode) "What society thinks and what other people are telling you is true... blood is thicker than water, you have to forgive and forget... none of that applies. How do you feel about it?" If you've ever felt like you had to choose between protecting someone and protecting yourself, this episode will meet you right there. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of what you actually owe other people and what you owe yourself. Come sit with us for this one. 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode on Loyalty and Betrayal resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community ⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever been knocked down so hard you weren’t sure you could get back up? Have you ever felt the weight of the world and wondered how to keep moving forward—with strength, dignity, and hope? In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we explore why resilience can feel so hard, especially when you're exhausted from carrying so much. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s powerful poem Still I Rise, this conversation is about finding the courage to rise again—even when life feels overwhelming. 💬 Barb candidly shares her personal experiences with trauma and how Maya Angelou’s wisdom helped her build strength and resilience in her own life. 💬 Michelle opens up about what it feels like to be tired of always having to be resilient—and how she continues to rise above life’s challenges with honesty, grace, and self-compassion. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss: How to find your voice and strength after trauma Becoming the author of your own life story The healing power of literature and storytelling Why resilience doesn’t mean ignoring your pain Holding onto one powerful truth: Still I Rise Finding balance between growth, healing, and rest As Maya Angelou reminds us: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." If life feels heavy right now, this conversation is a reminder that you are stronger than you think—and you can rise again. 💗 Mentioned in today’s episode: Maya Angelou’s Still I rise: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings-maya-angelou/1100392955 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode on rising above life’s hardships and practicing self-compassion resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time. Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances. It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever cared about someone so much that you slowly disappeared? Have you ever been the strong one, the helper, the fixer — only to wake up exhausted, resentful, or unsure where you went? In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we explore the hidden cost of overgiving in relationships and how codependency, people-pleasing, and emotional overfunctioning quietly lead to burnout. Inspired by Codependent No More by Melody Beattie, this conversation shifts the focus from controlling others to caring for yourself. We talk about boundaries, emotional exhaustion, self-worth, detachment, and how to stop losing yourself in relationships. If you struggle with: Overgiving feeling responsible for everyone else’s emotions difficulty setting boundaries relationship burnout or constantly putting others first …this episode is for you. 💬 Barb shares how she began recognizing her codependent patterns during addiction and divorce — and how healing started when she stopped trying to manage everyone else’s experience. 💬 Michelle opens up about losing herself in past relationships and how she rebuilt trust with her own voice, needs, and intuition. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss: How overgiving leads to resentment and emotional fatigue The difference between love and codependency Why healthy relationships require boundaries How to stop controlling others and start caring for yourself Acceptance, detachment, and emotional resilience Rebuilding self-worth after toxic dynamics You cannot pour from an empty cup. Healthy love is mutual. Boundaries are not selfish — they are necessary. If you’re ready to stop overextending, start honoring your needs, and build balanced, lasting relationships, press play. 💗 Mentioned in today’s episode: Melody Beattie’s When Things Fall Apart: https://bit.ly/4rBjmvX 📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend If this episode on overgiving, boundaries, and rebuilding self-worth resonates with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend — a daily reflection companion created to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and build emotional clarity one day at a time. Because healing codependency doesn’t start with changing someone else. It starts with strengthening your relationship with yourself. And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if when things fall apart… that’s actually where healing begins? In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into the wisdom of Pema Chödrön and her transformational book When Things Fall Apart — a powerful guide for navigating hardship, fear, failure, and suffering. When life feels overwhelming, our instinct is often to escape the discomfort. But what if leaning into fear is actually the path to resilience? What if the suffering we experience isn’t just about what happened — but the meaning we attach to it? This episode explores how to stop adding to your own suffering and start turning life’s hardest moments into growth and healing. 💬 Barb shares how When Things Fall Apart helped her navigate her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis and shift from fear to grounded presence. 💬 Michelle opens up about recognizing where she was compounding her own suffering — and how she now approaches hardship with greater awareness, compassion, and courage. This conversation is an invitation to step out of denial, stop fighting reality, and begin building emotional resilience — especially when everything feels like it’s unraveling. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: When Things Fall Apart – Why hardship and failure are not the end, but the beginning of transformation. How We Add to Our Own Suffering – The stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck in guilt, denial, or fear. Leaning Into Fear – How facing discomfort builds real resilience. Reframing Failure – Why failure can be your greatest teacher. From Denial to Acceptance – Feeling difficult emotions instead of escaping them. The Danger of Passive Hope – Moving from wishing things were different to taking grounded, proactive steps. Building Emotional Resilience – Navigating small challenges so we’re stronger in life’s biggest storms. Being Fully Alive – Living with presence, curiosity, and compassion. True healing begins when we stop resisting what is. When we meet pain with compassion instead of judgment. When we realize that fear and hardship are not signs that we’re broken — but invitations to grow. If life feels heavy right now, this episode is for you. 💗 Mentioned in today’s episode: Pema Chödrön’s When Things Fall Apart: https://bit.ly/3OAynj2 📘 Continue the Conversation If this episode resonates, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend — a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with yourself, strengthen your inner voice, and practice emotional clarity one day at a time. Because the most important relationship you’ll ever build… is the one you have with yourself. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if being “selfish” is actually the key to healthier relationships? In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your questions about navigating difficult relationship dynamics — without guilt, overexplaining, or abandoning yourself in the process. From unrealistic expectations and gossip to setting boundaries for the first time, we’re diving into the messy, uncomfortable, and very real parts of relationships. 💬 Barb shares how she sets boundaries and approaches hard conversations with clarity and calm. 💬 Michelle opens up about releasing guilt, healing with confidence, and refusing to live in a victim mindset. This conversation is honest, practical, and empowering — especially if you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing or feeling responsible for everyone else’s emotions. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Why guilt often keeps us stuck — and what to do instead How to identify your values and honor your needs Setting boundaries without overexplaining Supporting loved ones without rescuing them Why healthy relationships require clarity, not self-sacrifice At the heart of it all? You don’t build strong relationships by shrinking yourself. You build them by standing in your truth. 📘 Continue the Conversation If this episode resonates, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend — a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with yourself, strengthen your inner voice, and practice emotional clarity one day at a time. Because the most important relationship you’ll ever build… is the one you have with yourself. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Confrontation isn’t easy — but it’s one of the clearest ways we honor ourselves and the people we care about. If we’re not honest about our feelings and needs, how can our relationships truly grow? In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into loyalty and betrayal — including our own experience of being unexpectedly ghosted by a friend. From healthy communication to redefining what loyalty really means, this conversation is for anyone navigating hurt, boundaries, and the courage to speak up. 💬 Barb shares her experience with fear of abandonment and how she’s learned to voice her truth, even when it feels risky. 💬 Michelle reflects on why she’s cautious with the word “loyalty” and how she’s redefined it in her own relationships. ✨ What We Talk About Redefining Loyalty Loyalty isn’t blind or unconditional — it’s a conscious commitment to work through discomfort, growth, and change with honesty and respect. Fear of Abandonment Recognizing the underlying fears that may keep you silent or guarded. Being Okay with Confrontation Healthy relationships are strengthened — not broken — by hard conversations. Loyalty to the Relationship Itself Respecting the time, energy, and connection you’ve built by choosing communication over avoidance. Reminder: There is power and healing in honest communication. Be brave enough to speak your truth and set the boundaries that protect your peace. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros Dear Friend is a 365-day companion designed to support self-care, self-love, and emotional clarity. Each reflection offers a gentle pause — a reminder to come back to yourself, nurture your inner voice, and build a life rooted in presence and confidence. Explore the book and continue the journey toward deeper connection — starting with yourself. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have we become so independent—and so focused on self-care—that we’ve forgotten how much we actually need one another? With relationship deficits at an all-time high, this episode is a powerful guide to rebuilding connection and creating healthy dependency—without losing yourself. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author, therapist, and boundaries expert Nedra Glover Tawwab for an honest and timely conversation about relationships, communication, and expectations. This episode launches the same day as Nedra’s new book, The Balancing Act,offering a deeper look at the themes shaping her work right now. From understanding how trauma can show up in our relationships to navigating boundaries, “no contact,” and emotional dependency, this conversation speaks directly to the loneliness so many of us are feeling—and what we can do about it. 💬 Nedra shares insights from her clinical work and personal experience, and offers a preview of the ideas explored in The Balancing Act. 💬 Michelle & Barb bring their own lived wisdom to the conversation, exploring relationships through a generational and mother–daughter lens. ✨ What We Talk About Finding the Balance Why boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out—but tools to keep relationships sustainable and meaningful. The Challenge of “No Contact” When cutting ties is necessary—and why building community and connection matters just as much. Mindful Communication Why speaking honestly instead of silently rehearsing conversations can save relationships. The Relationship Deficit How cultivating a fuller, more diverse community supports healthy dependency and eases unrealistic expectations. As Nedra reminds us, every relationship—from romantic partnerships to friendships, family, and community—is a balancing act. When we give too much, we lose ourselves. When we protect ourselves too much, we lose closeness. Finding the middle ground is where connection, authenticity, and joy live. ✨UPCOMING EVENT: Calling all South Florida friends! Join Nedra Glover Tawwab and Barb Schmidt at Books & Books in Miami for a meaningful conversation—and the opportunity to receive a signed copy of The Balancing Act. Get your tickets here:https://shop.booksandbooks.com/event/2026-02-21/evening-nedra-glover-tawwab-barb-schmidt Order Nedra’s new book, The Balancing Act, to create healthy dependency and connection without losing yourself:https://www.nedratawwab.com/books/the-balancing-act 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 ⭐Special Guest: Therapist, NYT Bestselling Author, Nedra Glover Tawwab https://www.instagram.com/nedratawwab/?hl=en Order her new book here: https://www.nedratawwab.com/books/the-balancing-act 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros You don’t need a new beginning to come back to yourself. Dear Friend is a 365-day companion for self-love, presence, and quiet courage—one page, one day at a time. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hard truth: Staying because it’s comfortable might be the loneliest choice you make. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop ignoring the red flags and choose to end a toxic or misaligned relationship. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re unpacking the pressure around relationships, singleness, and breakups — and what it really means to choose yourself. From recognizing when a relationship has run its course to building a strong sense of self, this conversation will empower you to create healthier relationships with yourself and others. 💬 Barb opens up about ending a 33-year marriage and how she stepped into a new chapter with confidence, clarity, and freedom. 💬 Michelle shares her journey of being alone and finding peace in choosing singleness over settling for less. ✨ What We Talk About Self-Identity Releasing the belief that our worth or purpose is defined by our relationship status. Being Okay With Being Alone Singleness isn’t failure — it can be a powerful season of growth, healing, and self-love. Listening to Yourself Learning to trust your feelings and needs so you can take the next right step. Choosing Differently Sometimes the uncomfortable path is the one that leads to joy, peace, and real alignment. Reminder: You are more than your relationship status. Your identity, purpose, and fulfillment are defined by you — not by timelines, labels, or societal expectations. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros Start 2026 with New Year, Brave You. Dear Friend is a 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace — one gentle reflection at a time. ✨ Begin the year with intention and courage. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🔖 Hashtags: #Relationships #EndedRelationships #Breakups #ToxicRelationships Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Divorce breaks a million hearts — including your own. But sometimes, choosing yourself is the bravest and most healing decision you can make. What if all it took to change your life was the courage to trust yourself again? In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re joined by NYT bestselling author Jen Hatmaker for an honest, compassionate, and deeply moving conversation about life after divorce, listening to your intuition, and finding freedom on the other side of heartbreak. Jen opens up about putting her life fully out there — the grief, the courage, the fallout — and what it was like to go from deep personal pain to becoming an instant New York Times bestseller. Together, we explore what happens when trauma finds you… and how ignoring your truth doesn’t make it any less true. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, conflicted, exhausted from self-doubt, or quietly wondering if it’s time for something different. 💬 In this conversation, we explore: Choosing Yourself: Why freedom and joy begin the moment you decide your needs matter. Life After Divorce: The heartbreak, the healing, and the unexpected growth that follows. Comfort Over Coaching: Why people often want to soothe us instead of supporting real change. The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Why no amount of time, history, or sacrifice is worth staying somewhere that no longer feels right. Trusting Your Intuition: How we often gaslight ourselves out of the truth we already know. Parenting Through Divorce: Navigating change, honesty, and healing with your children. Feeling the Hurt: Grieving what was, what could’ve been, and honoring the pain without getting stuck in it. Barb and Michelle also share their personal experience navigating divorce as a mother and daughter — and how choosing honesty, presence, and self-trust reshaped their relationship. ✨ This episode is a reminder: You’re not broken. You’re not weak. And trusting yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. 📖 Order Jen’s memoir, Awake, to go deeper into courage, truth, and choosing yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Memoir-Jen-Hatmaker/dp/166808368X 💬 We’d love to hear from you: What moment or insight resonated most? Share in the comments — we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle 💕 ⭐ Special Guest: Follow Jen Hatmaker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhatmaker/?hl=en 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros Start 2026 with New Year, Brave You. Dear Friend is the perfect 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace—one gentle reflection at a time.✨ Begin the year with intention and courage. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 listen to the audiobook today and step into a year that truly loves you back. 👉https://amzn.to/459zSdt 🔖 Hashtags: #JenHatmaker #Divorce #Freedom #ChooseYou #Courage Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You don’t need to reinvent yourself this year 💫 With all the pressure to “fix” your life overnight and become a brand-new version of yourself, we’re taking a different approach to the new year—one that feels grounded, compassionate, and sustainable. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your questions on how to start the year with clarity and confidence—without stress, overwhelm, or unrealistic expectations. From self-acceptance to pursuing your dreams, this episode is a gentle guide to stepping into a year that loves you back. 💬 Barb shares how she’s redefined purpose and goals in her life, releasing pressure and unrealistic expectations. 💬 Michelle opens up about why self-care can feel “boring,” and how she discovered a practice that actually works in real life. ✨ What We Talk About Starting the year intentionally: Releasing urgency, reframing the “new year pressure,” and letting go of unrealistic timelines Practicing self-care consistently: Finding what supports you without feeling impractical or forced Navigating triggering topics: Knowing your boundaries, honoring your standards, and speaking up when something feels unaligned with your values Approaching goals with grace: Breaking your dreams into realistic milestones while staying connected to what you truly want The pressure to reinvent yourself every January is exhausting. You don’t need a new version of you — you just need more compassion for the person you already are. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros Start 2026 with New Year, Brave You. Dear Friend is the perfect 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace—one gentle reflection at a time.✨ Begin the year with intention and courage. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 listen to the audiobook today and step into a year that truly loves you back. 👉https://amzn.to/459zSdt Mentioned in the episode: 💛 The Three Gates of Speech Principle: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 Today’s Episode Sponsors: 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg ✨Coming soon✨ You asked. We answered. We've been quietly creating a platform designed to support your emotional and mental wellbeing with practical tools, heartfelt teachings, and science-backed practices. Next month, our new Emotional Wellbeing Toolkit will be LIVE! Save the date and join us in stepping into a year that loves us back💕 Be the first to know and have access by signing-up for our newsletter: https://peacefulmindpeacefullife.substack.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Step into a year that loves you back 💫 You deserve your own friendship—kindness, care, and compassion included. You are worthy of the same love you so freely give to others. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we continue our conversation on daily practices by exploring one of the most powerful tools for resilience and confidence: affirmations. We talk about how intentional self-talk can shift your mindset, strengthen problem-solving, and help you show up with more self-trust. 💬 Barb shares her wisdom on rooting the mind in truth and self-compassion, even when self-doubt and life’s challenges feel loud. 💬 Michelle opens up about discovering affirmations and how this simple practice transformed her relationship with herself. ✨ What We Talk About Becoming Your Own Best Friend: Offering yourself the same grace and care you give to others Negative vs. Positive Thinking: How choosing supportive thoughts helps create new neural pathways Building Resilience: Staying grounded in your affirmations instead of spiraling into worry or self-doubt Honoring Your Feelings: Affirmations don’t bypass emotions—feel your feelings without letting them define you Remember: celebrate the small moments and the big wins. Speak to yourself with kindness, honor who you are becoming, and stay present in your day-to-day life. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros Start 2026 with New Year, Brave You. Dear Friend is the perfect 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace—one gentle reflection at a time.✨ Begin the year with intention and courage. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🎧 listen to the audiobook today and step into a year that truly loves you back👉 https://amzn.to/459zSdt 💛 Episode Topics Stepping into a year that loves you back Combatting the negativity with affirmations Trusting and believing in yourself Celebrating yourself more and noticing the small moments 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast ✨Coming soon✨ You asked. We answered. We've been quietly creating a platform designed to support your emotional and mental wellbeing with practical tools, heartfelt teachings, and science-backed practices. Next month, our new Emotional Wellbeing Toolkit will be LIVE! Save the date and join us in stepping into a year that loves us back💕 Be the first to know and have access by signing-up for our newsletter: https://peacefulmindpeacefullife.substack.com/ Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the New Year comes pressure to become the “best version” of yourself but true transformation starts with intention, patience, and compassion. 💫 In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re digging into a modern epidemic fueled by entitlement, comparison, and our fast-paced culture: impatience. We explore why slowing down is not a weakness, but the pathway to confidence, alignment, and ease as we enter 2026. 💬 Barb shares why she chose patience as her intention word for 2026 and offers simple, grounded ways to cultivate patience in everyday life. 💬 Michelle opens up about her struggle with waiting for things to align and how trusting her timing—and herself—completely shifted her experience. ✨ What We Talk About • The entitlement epidemic: How instant gratification and individualism have shaped our expectations and how awareness helps us reconnect with compassion. • How impatience hurts us: Acting out of alignment, rushing decisions, and feeling hopeless when life isn’t moving fast enough. • Patience attains all things: Trusting your timing, embracing the “in-between,” and finding purpose in waiting seasons. • Building a relationship with yourself: Pausing, breathing, reconnecting, and beginning again, over and over. Remember: the day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Have patience. Your small shifts matter—and they are creating a better tomorrow. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now! A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 💛 Episode Topics The consequences of impatience Why we’re more entitled than ever How patience attains all things Combatting hopelessness and stress Cultivating patience in our daily lives Mentioned in today's episode: 💛 Prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila: https://bit.ly/4qLmftu 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 🔖 Hashtags: #Patience #NewYear #2026 #IntentionSetting #Entitlement Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” Change isn’t something to fear—it’s an invitation to grow, evolve, and step into what’s possible. 💫 In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we close out the year with a powerful conversation about the one constant in life: change. Instead of viewing impermanence as something negative, we’re flipping the script and exploring how change can be a doorway to clarity, freedom, and fulfillment. All growth is born from change—and learning how to work with it, rather than against it, can transform the way you move through life. 💬 Barb shares how embracing small shifts and cultivating self-awareness helped her recognize where change was needed in her life, ultimately leading to one of her biggest turning points. 💬 Michelle opens up about her struggle with resisting change, getting stuck in the habit of complaining, and what helped her begin moving forward with intention. In this episode, we explore: Embracing Change: Reframing change as an opportunity instead of a disruption The Habit of Complaining: How staying in negativity keeps us stuck—and what to do instead Small Shifts, Big Growth: Why easing into change creates lasting transformation Practicing Presence: Finding peace by staying grounded in the present moment, even when things feel uncertain You may not know how the story ends—but every chapter offers a new beginning. Trust the process, honor the season you’re in, and allow change to guide you forward. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now! A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace.👉 Order your copy:https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 💛 Episode Topics Being alone during the holidays Redefining family, tradition, and what celebration means Grieving and making space for difficult emotions Navigating disappointment with compassion Giving yourself grace, care, and permission to choose what you need 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in honest moments, hard conversations, and small shifts we make every day. If you’ve been feeling disconnected, uncertain, or like you’re never quite enough, this conversation is for you. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re reflecting on some of the most meaningful moments from our podcast this year. Together, we revisit powerful conversations on navigating conflict in relationships, the loneliness epidemic, self-doubt, body image, and the quiet practices that help us come home to ourselves. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that real growth begins with awareness, compassion, and presence. ✨ In this episode, we explore powerful moments from past conversations, including: Navigating heated arguments with honesty and compassion — from Why Your Relationships Aren’t Working (And How Hard Conversations Can Help) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u88XpgOMGqA&t Why loneliness is rising and how to reconnect with yourself in a disconnected world — from Loneliness Is Killing Us (Connected but Disconnected) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWZ1ij3Ii7Y Moving through self-doubt to rebuild confidence and clarity by trusting your intuition — from Self-Doubt Ends Here | Leaning Into Your Intuition and Inner Voice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UHQ1vas5_U&t Understanding body image and why true confidence comes from within—not external validation — from Why We Think We’re Not Enough: The Truth About Body Image & Confidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKOFVr5HQ2Q  📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now! A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if a “successful” holiday wasn’t defined by perfect traditions, packed schedules, or being surrounded by family? What if this season could feel lighter—rooted in ease, presence, and honoring yourself? 💫 In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your holiday questions and talking openly about navigating loneliness, grief, unwanted traditions, and disappointment. From estranged relationships and embracing solitude to feeling nostalgic or simply not feeling festive at all, this episode invites you to redefine what the holidays can mean for you. What We Talk About Navigating Loneliness — How to honor your feelings without getting stuck in them, and gentle ways to lift your spirits Creating New Memories — Loosening our grip on expectations and allowing new traditions to emerge Grieving During the Holidays — Making space for loss, estrangement, and difficult emotions; it’s okay if this season doesn’t feel joyful Navigating Disappointment — Offering yourself grace while taking small steps that empower you to shift your experience Remember: you’re allowed to celebrate differently. You’re allowed to choose rest over routine. You’re allowed to release traditions that no longer serve you. Whatever this season looks like, you deserve to move through it with gentleness, honesty, and authenticity. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now! A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 💛 Episode Topics Being alone during the holidays Redefining family, tradition, and what celebration means Grieving and making space for difficult emotions Navigating disappointment with compassion Giving yourself grace, care, and permission to choose what you need 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 Today’s Episode Sponsors: 💕Cashapp Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-.... Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful — here’s how to release the pressure and enjoy the season 💫 On this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into holiday stress, perfectionism, boundaries, and the real reason so many of us feel overwhelmed this time of year. With 62% of people reporting elevated holiday stress, this conversation will help you slow down, stay grounded, and make space for joy and presence. Whether you’re navigating family expectations, food triggers, financial pressure, or the urge to “do it all,” this episode offers practical guidance on creating a holiday season that feels peaceful and true to you. ✨ What We Talk About How to release holiday perfectionism and find meaning in what’s real—not what’s flawless. The art of saying no and the freedom that comes with not overextending yourself. Checking in with your emotions: A simple practice for asking, “What do I desire and need this season?” Setting boundaries without guilt so you can protect your peace and energy. Navigating triggers & pressure: Barb opens up about food triggers and social overwhelm as a recovering bulimic. Michelle shares tools for managing financial stress and releasing unrealistic expectations. If you’ve ever felt anxious, stretched too thin, or disappointed by the holidays, this episode is your reminder: You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to choose peace. You’re allowed to make this season meaningful in your own way. 📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now! A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace. 👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 💛 Episode Topics Saying No to Social Pressure — Navigating invitations from friends, family, and coworkers with confidence and compassion Managing Financial Stress — Rethinking gift-giving, events, and the cost of “holiday expectations” Handling Food Triggers — Staying grounded amid pressure to overindulge Avoiding Overextension — Setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and well-being Letting Go of Perfectionism — Releasing the need to do it all and redefining what a meaningful holiday looks like 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 Today’s Episode Sponsors: 💕Washington Red Raspberries Washington Red Raspberries are a clean, simple, and seriously delicious way to add more nutrition to your day. • They’re American grown, picked at peak ripeness, and frozen within hours to lock in nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. And they have no added sugar—just fruit, as nature intended. Each serving is an excellent source of fiber (21% daily value) , high in antioxidant Vitamin C (30% daily value), low natural sugar, and a good source of folate. You can grab your own bag of fresh, delicious, and locally grown raspberries at the following retailers: Costco, Kroger, Meijer, and WinCo Foods Look for “Product of the U.S.” on the bag. Want to discover new ways to use American frozen red raspberries and get more details on where you can grab a bag of these delicious berries? ✨ Go to redrazz.org 💕Wayfair Wayfair is here to help with any last-minute gifts, decor emergencies, and final touches to make your space feel merry and cozy. From bedding and linens to decor for every room in the house—Wayfair’s your one-stop shop. We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right. ✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the very thing you’re ashamed of is actually the thing that sets you free? In today’s episode, we explore the truth that being messy is part of being human — and why perfection is the biggest lie we’ve ever been sold. 💫 This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re joined by actress, comedian, and author Zosia Mamet for a deeply honest conversation about recovery, self-acceptance, and learning to embrace our imperfections. In a world that glorifies thinness, achievement, and flawlessness, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never be “enough.” Zosia shares her raw journey through eating disorder recovery, the pressure to be perfect, and the unexpected power of community and vulnerability. If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, comparison, or feeling alone in your pain — this episode is your reminder that you are worthy, lovable, and not alone. ✨ Episode Highlights • Releasing Comparison: How social media fuels unrealistic expectations—and how to break free. • Healing From an Eating Disorder: Understanding the roots of addiction and why support is essential. • The Importance of Community: Why you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) struggle alone. • Learning From Imperfection: Growth happens in the mistakes, the messiness, and the trying again. This conversation is a soft place to land — a safe space to breathe, heal, and remember who you really are. 🌸 DEAR FRIEND: USA TODAY & INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER We are so proud to announce that Michelle’s book Dear Friend is now a USA TODAY and International Bestseller! This moment is only possible because of YOU — your support, your reviews, your love, and your belief in this work. Dear Friend offers 365 daily reflections to help you return to yourself with compassion, clarity, and peace. 👉 Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg 💛 Episode Topics • How to break free from comparison and impossible beauty standards • The truth about perfectionism—and its impact on your mental and emotional well-being • Zosia Mamet’s honest journey through eating disorder recovery • Why community, vulnerability, and support are essential for healing • How to embrace imperfection and begin accepting yourself from the inside out 💬 We’d love to hear from you! Which insight or moment resonated with you the most in this episode? Share in the comments below—we truly read every single one. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 ⭐ Special Guest: https://www.instagram.com/zosiamamet/ And grab a copy of her amazing book: https://bit.ly/484YFRW ✨ Your New Must-Have Mindfulness Mug ✨ PMPL x Uncommon Goods This isn’t just a mug—it’s a daily pause, a breath, a moment to return to yourself. Every sip becomes a gentle reset, with year-round reflections designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and ground your day in intention. Make self-care simple, beautiful, and meaningful. Shop your Mindfulness Mug here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/daily-mindfulness-interactive-qr-mug 🎙️ Host by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday ✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg Our Sponsors: * Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.