Afleveringen
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As part of our summer series resharing some of our most popular episodes from Season 2, we’re bringing back this conversation with our dear friend Susie Augenstein. We thought it was the perfect episode to re-air this June, as Susie is a fierce and thoughtful advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals here in Utah.
In this heartfelt and wise conversation, Susie opens up about navigating major life transitions like the empty nest phase, and how she’s found peace through life’s storms. She also shares her evolving faith journey as a lifelong, devoted member of the LDS Church and former bishop’s wife. Susie’s honesty, warmth, and insight make this episode one that stays with you. We’re so grateful she joined us on Beautiful Shifts.
Find Susie on Facebook here.
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Today we’re wrapping up Season 3 highlighting favorite moments and themes from the second half of the season. We share plans for the podcast over the summer and look ahead to what’s coming in Season 4. We also talk about The Next Day by Melinda Gates—a book we both recently read—and how her insights on navigating life transitions connect with the stories shared on our show.
A huge thank you to all our amazing guests this season! We’re so grateful for your honesty, vulnerability, and the meaningful conversations we got to share with you.
And to our listeners—thank you for your continued support. We’re incredibly grateful for each of you and that you keep showing up to find beauty with us in these open, connecting conversations.
This summer, we’ll be re-releasing some of our top-listened episodes from Season 2, and we’ll be back with new interviews in late August. See you then!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, Nate Meikle—husband, father of four, author, leadership professor at the University of Kansas, Stanford Law graduate, former sideline reporter, and host of the Meikles and Dimes podcast—shares the story behind a series of unexpected decisions that shaped his life and career. From walking away from traditional job paths to pursuing a PhD in his mid-30s, Nate reflects on what it’s taken to follow his own intuition instead of conventional advice.
We talk about the risks and rewards of stepping off the expected track, how he decides when to listen to outside expectations (and when to ignore them), and what he’s learned along the way. It’s an honest look at what it means to carve out your own direction in a world full of well-meaning advice. We’re grateful to Nate for joining us and sharing such an enjoyable and insightful conversation.
Find Nate and his podcast Meikles & Dimes online at www.natemeikle.com and on Instagram @nate_meikle. Find Nate’s 250 favorite children’s book list (that we discuss in the episode) here.
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When Aimee lost her husband in a tragic car accident just three days after their wedding, it marked the beginning of a life-altering transformation—one shaped not only by grief, but by a traumatic brain injury that changed how she experienced the world. Years later, while serving in a high-level leadership role in the LDS Church, Aimee made the life-altering decision to step away from her faith, leave her marriage, and confront the realities of infidelity and identity. In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Aimee—a trauma-informed therapist and Certified Sex Therapist—shares her story of unraveling, rebuilding, and choosing to become more fully herself. With raw vulnerability, Aimee invites us into her story of loss, transformation, and the healing that comes from choosing to live authentically.
Find Aimee on Instagram @therapyaimee. Find Aimee’s therapy practice Worth It Counseling and Coaching at worth-it.com and on Instagram @worthitcounselingcoaching
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In this episode, we sit down with Samantha to talk about how journaling became a powerful tool during her divorce and life as a single mom. She shares how writing helped her navigate difficult emotions and transitions, and how she now helps women tap into this same healing process through journaling. Samantha explains her approach and how it helps women reconnect with their inner voice, and how it can be a tool for healing.
We really enjoyed chatting with Samantha—she’s open and insightful and it was compelling to hear how journaling can help us work through emotions and be a valuable tool for self care. Whether you’re curious about journaling or already love it, this episode has some great takeaways.
Samantha is an Inner Voice and Self-Trust Coach and a mom. Find her website samantha-says.com. Find her on Instagram @samantha.s.says. Download her free Calm Mind Blueprint we discuss in the episode here. And find her podcast Journal Entries here.
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Andrea, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and Medical Director at LEVO, brings over 16 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. In this episode, she shares how her own journey with anxiety led her to a career in psychiatry, and how personal experiences with ADHD and anxiety in her family have shaped her compassionate, holistic approach. Andrea explains the importance of seeing the whole person—biologically, psychologically, and socially—in order to create understanding and healing.
We also dive into the stigma that still surrounds mental health and how we can work to dismantle it. Andrea offers simple, practical tips anyone can start to support their mental well-being. Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone else, you'll walk away from this conversation with insight and hope.
Find Andrea on Instagram @help.just.one where she shares valuable mental health tips and insights, and her clinic Levo Mind, specializing in mental health, medication management, and mind care tools online at levomind.com and on Instagram @levomind.
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In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Kellie Adams shares her journey through addiction and transformation to sobriety. From beginning to drink at a very young age to becoming completely dependent on alcohol, Kellie opens up about the turning point that led her to get sober in 2014—and how that decision changed everything. Her story is raw, relatable, and filled with both honesty and humor.
Much like her memoir Shit I Do Sober, this episode explores the real-life complexities of recovery—the struggles, the beauty, and the growth along the way. Kellie’s reflections on healing, identity, and embracing life without alcohol remind us that reclaiming your story is a radical act of self-love and strength.
We loved getting to know Kellie and are so grateful she came on the podcast to share her story and valuable perspective.
Find Kellie and her book on Instagram @shitidosoberbook where she posts helpful and fun videos and thoughts about sobriety, and find Shit I Do Sober on Amazon here.
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How can we stay grounded, compassionate, and open when navigating conversations around politics, religion, or other high-stakes topics? In this episode, we’re joined again by Brandie Paterakis—licensed therapist and founder of Blue Bee Counseling—for a conversation about how to have meaningful, and sometimes messy, discussions with friends, loved ones, and even our children and spouses. We talk about how she approaches interpersonal tension as a therapist, and tools for communicating when we fundamentally disagree. Brandie offers tips and steps to help us move through tough conversations with care.
Thank you to Brandie for coming on our podcast and bringing her fun, lively, and practical perspective to this important topic! You can find Brandie's clinic online at bluebeecs.com
On Instagram @bluebeecounseling
Find Brandie's Podcast Therapist Table Talk here and on YouTube here.
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Becki Andrus shares the deeply personal story of how she came to the decision to end her marriage—despite doing everything “right.” With honesty and grace, she talks about what it was like to stay for years in a relationship that began strong but transitioned to one that looked great from the outside but left her feeling stuck, unseen, and spiritually conflicted on the inside.
In this conversation, Becki opens up about breaking free from perfectionism and finding clarity through emotional growth and spiritual realignment. She offers insightful reflections on conscious uncoupling and what it means to live a full, joyful life on your own terms—even when that means walking away from the life you thought you were supposed to live.
We’re so grateful Becki joined us on the podcast to share her story with such honesty and heart.
Becki recently began coaching, and you can find her on Instagram at@relationshipswithrebecca as well as @beckiann13 (personal account).
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Kecia Cox is a mother of seven, including three incredible children with Down syndrome. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares her journey into special needs parenting, the unexpected paths that led to adoption, and the unique joys and challenges of raising twins. Kecia opens up about the mindset shifts she’s embraced along the way and the lessons she’s learned about inclusion, community, and love.
Her perspective on raising children with disabilities is both eye-opening and inspiring, and we couldn’t be more grateful for her willingness to share her story. We know you’ll walk away from this episode with a fresh appreciation for the beauty found in life’s unexpected turns.
Find Kecia and follow her family’s journey on Instagram: @lovemakesmiracles_
Watch the video they made in collaboration with @madewithlovethemovie on YouTube - Family adopts 2 kids with Down syndrome from Ukraine because of daughter with Down syndrome - watch here. The movie can also be watched as a 9 part series on @lovemakesmiracles.
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Dr. Nancy Saltzman’s life is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of embracing joy despite unimaginable loss. A lifelong educator and award-winning principal, Nancy faced profound tragedy when she lost her husband and two sons in a small plane crash—after already battling cancer. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares her journey of survival, healing, and finding beauty on the other side of life’s hardest moments, as chronicled in her memoir, Radical Survivor.
With honesty, humor, and wisdom, Nancy offers insights into navigating grief, how to show up for people experiencing loss, and choosing joy even in the face of deep pain. She also speaks about her work with Soaring Spirits International, supporting widowed individuals worldwide. Whether you’ve faced loss or simply seek inspiration and insight on resilience and gratitude, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Nancy is one of the most delightful and inspiring people we’ve had the honor of speaking with. We absolutely loved getting to know her and are so grateful she shared her family and story with us.
Find Nancy's book Radical Survivor here.
Find Nancy online at nancysaltzman.com and on Instagram @nancysaltzman
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Raised in a small-town LDS community, Ashley moved away in 2008 and thought her faith transition was behind her, until opening her therapy practice in 2022 led her to an unexpected specialization: religious trauma, particularly within Mormonism. In this episode, Ashley shares her personal journey growing up in an inactive LDS family, leaving the church, and ultimately returning to Utah as a therapist now helping others navigating faith transitions and trauma. We also dive into what Brainspotting is, how it works to regulate the nervous system, and how somatic therapies are powerful tools for healing.
Whether interested in the intersection of trauma and religion, exploring therapy and brainspotting, or both, this conversation offers insights into the healing process. Thank you to Ashley for sharing her story and therapeutic expertise in this thoughtful conversation! Find Ashley online at ashleybucknerlmft.com and on Instagram @ashleyb_therapy. -
In this episode, Andrea shares about the profound loss of her young husband to brain cancer in 2002 and how it reshaped her life. As a new mother navigating grief, she found herself on an unexpected path—one that led to a deep passion for functional nutrition and using food as medicine. What began as a personal search for healing became a calling to help others, changing the course of her career and life.
Now a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, educator, and former CEO of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea has guided countless individuals and trained thousands of practitioners in root-cause methodology and systems biology. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares how loss, motherhood, and purpose intersected to shape her work and how she now empowers others to take control of their health.
Find Andrea on Instagram @andreanakayama and online at andreanakayama.com.
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Parenting neurodivergent kids can come with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Cardall, a passionate mental health advocate, educator, and host of the Fight Like a Mother podcast. As a mother of five, Cheryl understands the complexities of raising children with extra challenges and neurodiversity such as ADHD and anxiety. After experiencing a lack of support and resources for families like hers, she created a welcoming community for parents seeking connection and guidance.
We delve into parenting, discussing how it's not just about our kids’ behavior but about our own actions and emotional regulation. Cheryl shares valuable insights on re-parenting ourselves, helping kids recognize self-regulation skills, and managing anxiety. We have a conversation about practical strategies for fostering emotional well-being and creating a supportive environment for both parents and children. Join us for this conversation that encourages intentional, compassionate parenting!
Find Cheryl on Instagram @cherylcardall
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In this continuation of Vickie Walker's story, she shares how her journey took another transformative turn when her children came out as LGBTQ+. Her oldest son, Jeremy, was the first to come out, followed by her son AJ - who survived the Trolley Square mass shooting - and later, her daughter, Alex. Having been deeply rooted in her LDS faith, these experiences led Vickie through a faith transition.
In this episode, Vickie opens up about the challenges and growth she experienced, the peace she found in embracing her children, and the sense of community she discovered through supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Her story is one of love, resilience, and finding healing through acceptance.
Join us as we explore Vickie's path to peace, purpose, and unconditional love.
Find Vickie on Instagram @vickiewalkers
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In this episode, we sit down with Vickie Walker, founder and executive director of Circles of Comfort, to hear her deeply personal story of loss, trauma, and healing. Vickie's life changed forever on February 12, 2007, when her husband, Jeff Walker, was killed in the Trolley Square mass shooting, and her 16-year-old son, AJ, was critically injured. Vickie shares her journey through grief, the impact of trauma, and how she found healing through EMDR therapy. She also discusses the importance of being trauma-informed and how Circles of Comfort provides support to those affected by violent crime and sudden trauma. Her resilience and dedication to helping others have led to her being recognized nationally including features in People Magazine and Good Housekeeping.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about turning pain into purpose and finding light after darkness.
Find Vickie on Instagram @vickiewalkers
Find Circles of Comfort at circlesofcomfort.org/.
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This Valentine's week, we're talking about love and belonging. We share about our visit to The Other Side Academy, the rehab program that changed the life of our past guest, Dylan Gibson. The love and community we saw there were powerful reminders of what true belonging looks like. We also reflect on Brene Brown's insights and the importance of extending love and belonging to those around us. Hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired to spread a little extra love in your lives. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
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In the second half of this powerful two-part series, we pick up where Dylan's story takes a pivotal turn. After years of addiction, crime, and incarceration, Dylan faced a life sentence - until he made a decision that changed everything. Encouraged by the unwavering belief of his grandmother, he took a leap of faith and joined The Other Side Academy. Through accountability and the support of a community that refused to give up on him, Dylan committed to rebuilding his life with integrity and purpose. Now a staff member at TOSA, Dylan is paying it forward, helping others find the same hope and transformation that saved him.
Join us as we explore the moment Dylan chose to change, the struggles and victories of his journey, and the life he has built on the other side. The is a story of second chances, resilience, and the power of choosing a new path.
Find Dylan on Instagram @dylandevongibson
Find The Other Side Academy @theothersideacademy and online at www.theothersideacademy.com.
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Dylan Gibson's life spiraled from a childhood marked by trauma leading to years of drug addiction, crime, incarceration, and despair. In this first episode of a two-part series, we follow his journey from a turbulent upbringing and struggles with heroin dependency to rock bottom - when an unexpected act of love from a stranger and the unwavering belief of a family member spark hope. This pivotal moment leads him to The Other Side Academy, setting him on a life-changing path.
Join us for the first half of this raw, inspiring story of resilience, redemption, and the power of connection and second chances.
*Episode trigger warning - childhood trauma and abuse
Find Dylan on Instagram @dylanddevongibson
Find The Other Side Academy @theothersideacademy and online at www.theothersideacademy.com.
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In this episode, our guest Lindsay Staples (one of Lindsay's closest friends!) shares her experiences moving and living in various parts of the country, being an elementary school teacher in Harlem, New York, and the lessons she learned along the way, including how these experiences shaped her approach to life. From navigating major life transitions like becoming a mom to working in crisis prevention for mental health, Lindsay offers practical insights and tools to prioritize mental wellness. We discuss talking to kids about mental health and destigmatizing surrounding conversations, the importance of addressing suicidal thoughts without fear, strategies for building mental strength, and being intentional about well-being.
Thanks again to Lindsay for sharing her valuable insights and experiences in today's episode! You can find Lindsay on Instagram @l_stapes. Contact her with mental health coaching questions/needs at [email protected]
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