A LOT with Audra

Are you navigating a season of unexpected change, feeling lost in your roles, or searching for your own definition of success? Discover how one woman rebuilt her life, career, and sense of self after a pivotal turning point, and find inspiration to trust your own inner voice—no matter what life throws your way.

Kristen Selby, founder of Timely Executive Assistants and Chief Administrative Officer at The Thread, shares her raw and honest journey through divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering self-trust. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to let go of external expectations, set boundaries, and build a life that feels truly authentic.

Highlights

• The moment everything changed: turning 40 and facing an unexpected divorce
• Feeling like a single mom within a marriage and the challenges of raising three young children
• The power of boundaries and the “only love in, only love out” philosophy
• Rebuilding self-trust after years of seeking external validation
• Starting a business against the odds and finding empowerment in adversity
• Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you
• Parenting through messy times and embracing vulnerability
• Advice for anyone facing an unplanned life shift
• The importance of agency, self-compassion, and finding your “rainbow colors”

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Kristen Selby

02:16 — The Big Shift in 2020

03:01 — Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life

04:03 — Life in Wichita

04:46 — Single Mom Within a Marriage

06:32 — The Unexpected Divorce

08:10 — Rebuilding After the Divorce

08:24 — Finding Breadcrumbs of Self

14:39 — Rediscovering Self-Trust

17:10 — Seeking Freedom and Love

18:06 — Building a New Home and Life

19:10 — Starting a Business Against the Odds

20:03 — Trusting Inner Knowing

20:18 — Getting Your Sea Legs

20:29 — Becoming Your Own Expert

20:58 — Building Inner Trust

21:09 — The Importance of Self-Trust

21:56 — Facing Hardships with Self-Trust

22:48 — Boundaries and Rebuilding

23:49 — Support from Friends

24:54 — Letting Go of Relationships

27:18 — Parenting Through Messy Times

28:54 — Homeschooling and Consistency

29:28 — Embracing Vulnerability

30:23 — Advice to 30-Year-Old Self

31:39 — Letting Go of Control

32:11 — Dealing with Your Own Issues

33:49 — Finding Your Rainbow Colors

35:44 — Closing Reflections

Resources Mentioned

• Timely Executive Assistants — Kristen’s business providing fractional executive assistant support: https://www.timelyea.com/
• We Can Do Hard Things Podcast (Abby Wambach & Glennon Doyle): https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/
  
  

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.

Highlights

• Embracing aging and the excitement of turning 40
• Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your forties
• The inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”
• Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”
• Balancing ambition with softness and clarity
• Reflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learning
• Defining Act Two: living and leading with intention
• Challenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of age
• Insights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful life
• What to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversations

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 40

00:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors

02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season

02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture

02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness

03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments

04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution

04:42 — Reflecting on Act One

05:25 — Defining Act Two

10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?

13:14 — Excitement for the Future

14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom

14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice

16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations

17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second Act

Resources Mentioned

• Lean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 Report
• Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)
• Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)
• Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second Act

If you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you ready to step into your second act? What if the next chapter of your life isn’t about starting over, but about becoming more of who you truly are? As we close out 2025, I invite you to pause, reflect, and get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a doorway to new beginnings, deeper clarity, and the freedom to design a life that feels like your own. Let’s talk about what it means to embrace change, honor your journey, and boldly step into the next phase with courage, curiosity, and community.

Highlights

• The meaning and inspiration behind “the second act”
• Why turning 40 feels like a recalibration, not a crisis
• How to clarify what truly matters and set new boundaries
• The difference between proving yourself and believing in yourself
• Upcoming interviews with women navigating their own second acts
• Tools, questions, and frameworks to help you build your next chapter
• Honest behind-the-scenes of my own journey—marriage, motherhood, ambition, and more
• Encouragement for anyone feeling behind or uncertain as the new year begins
• Invitation to join the written companion on Substack

Chapters

• 00:00 — Introduction and Welcome
• 01:08 — Reflecting on 2025
• 01:20 — Introducing the Second Act
• 01:58 — Defining the Second Act
• 02:14 — Life’s Timeline and Career Midpoint
• 02:45 — Clarifying What Matters
• 03:18 — The Concept of the Second Act
• 03:50 — Exploring Identity and Skills
• 04:32 — Emotional Agility and Boundaries
• 04:54 — Interviews and Stories
• 05:37 — Coaching and Tools
• 06:09 — Behind the Scenes of My Second Act
• 06:47 — Encouragement for the New Year
• 07:10 — Believing in Yourself
• 08:03 — Looking Forward to 2026

Resources Mentioned

• The Second Act Substack: https://substack.com/@audradinell
  
  

Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you feel the second act stirring in you, make sure you’re subscribed and join me on Substack for more. Here’s to turning the page—together.

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you craving a slower, more intentional pace as the seasons change? Discover how tuning into the rhythms of nature can transform your well-being, mindset, and daily habits. Join me and special guest Jess Dunegan, an Ayurvedic nutritionist, yoga teacher, and co-owner of Yoga State as we explore the art of seasonal living, practical ways to embrace slowness, and how to make winter a restorative, nourishing time.

Highlights

• The meaning and origins of seasonal living
• How our ancestors lived in tune with nature—and what we can learn from them
• Modern challenges to living seasonally (and how to overcome them)
• Simple nutrition shifts for each season
• Recognizing your body’s signals for a seasonal reset
• Practical self-care rituals rooted in Ayurveda
• Reframing winter as a time for restoration, not just survival
• Tips for embracing slowness and presence in a fast-paced world
• How to work with Jess for deeper support and community

Chapters

00:28 – Introduction to Seasonal Living

01:00 – Meet Jess Dunegan

02:15 – Ancestors and Seasonal Living

04:23 – Modern Challenges of Seasonal Living

05:10 – Demystifying Seasonal Living

06:22 – Seasonal Nutrition

08:21 – Energy and Mood in Different Seasons

11:31 – Practices for Embracing Slowness

12:01 – Introduction to Ayurveda

16:11 – Winter Practices and Self-Care

18:09 – Mental and Emotional Benefits of Winter

19:34 – Physical Activities for Winter

21:35 – Signs Your Body Needs a Seasonal Shift

24:36 – Conclusion and How to Work with Jess

Resources Mentioned

• The Wellness Kula – Jess’s website for Flow and Flourish program, retreats, and workshops
• Yoga State KS on Facebook – Jess’s yoga studio
• Yoga State KS on Instagram – Connect for classes and updates
• Wintering by Katherine May – Book recommendation for reframing winter as a restorative season (Book Link)
• PDF Guide to Self-Massage (Abhyanga)

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Is it possible that the year is ending already? Today I’m bringing our Thread team together to talk about the unexpected curveballs that came our way in 2025. This candid conversation explores the surprises, lessons, and growth that come from a year of navigating business, family, and personal challenges. Join us as we reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and the wisdom we’re carrying into the new year.

Highlights

• Navigating grief and personal loss while staying present for business and family
• The power of simplicity and learning to say “no” to overcommitment
• Realizations about playing small and daring to pursue big dreams
• Lessons from motherhood: letting go, managing conflict, and giving kids space
• The tension between ambition and contentment—and how to find flow
• Delegating in business and the courage to take calculated risks
• Building routines that support health, family, and work-life balance
• Choosing a “word of the year” as a guiding intention for growth

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Setting the Scene

00:45 – Team Podcast and Year Wrap-Up

01:21 – Personal Reflections and Surprises

01:52 – Navigating Personal Challenges (Grief, Resilience)

05:43 – Embracing Simplicity (Kendra’s Insight)

08:37 – Pursuing Big Dreams (Audra’s Realization)

14:47 – Lessons from Motherhood

18:01 – Balancing Ambition and Contentment

22:11 – Finding Flow and Productivity

26:31 – Business Strategies and Delegation

29:30 – Personal Health and Routine

31:32 – Parenting and Time Management

34:45 – Choosing a Word for the Year

38:00 – Reflections on 2025 & Looking Forward to 2026

42:00 – Closing Thoughts & Listener Call-to-Action

Resources Mentioned

• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• Brené Brown’s “Strong Ground”
• Glennon Doyle’s “Houseplant Parent” concept
  
  

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the best things in your year weren’t what you planned? As we wind down 2025, I’m reflecting on the surprises, tools, and shifts that made this year meaningful—personally and professionally. From discovering new values to finding joy in the unexpected, I’m sharing the 10 things I loved most this year, hoping they’ll inspire you to reflect, reset, and maybe try something new as you look ahead.

Highlights

• Discovered the Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch for deeper self-understanding
• Experienced the benefits of food sensitivity testing
• Used the How We Feel app to expand emotional vocabulary (and helped my kids do the same)
• Celebrated 15 years of marriage with a transformative Focus Lab experience
• Downshifted work for a more intentional, essential rhythm
• Learned to let go of “good” to make space for “great”
• Found renewed joy in podcasting and committed to another year
• Watched my family become avid readers (and hit a personal reading record)
• Built new friendships with real staying power
• Chose to stay and invest in our current home, embracing contentment

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on 2025

00:51 10 Things I Loved in 2025: Categories & Overview

02:03 Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch

08:45 Food Sensitivity Testing

10:03 How We Feel App

13:29 Focus Lab Experience

15:01 Downshifting Work

17:11 Letting Go of Good for Great

20:25 Podcasting Joy

22:21 Family of Readers

24:15 New Friendships with Staying Power

26:12 Deciding to Stay in Our Home

29:00 Reflecting on Home and Values

29:58 Intentional Living

30:06 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Resources

• Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch
  Values Bridge Tool 
• Book: 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch
• Brené Brown’s Values Assessment
  Book: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• Emotional Agility
  Book: Emotional Agility by Susan David
• How We Feel App
  How We Feel
• Focus Lab with Liz Forkin Bohannon
  Liz Bohannon’s Website
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
  Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• Liz Bohannon’s Podcast: Plucking Up
  Plucking Up Podcast

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if your greatest strengths could help you navigate life’s biggest challenges—and even shape the way you parent? Discover how understanding and leveraging your unique talents can transform your career, relationships, and family life. Join the conversation with Kennedy Rogers, Director of Strengths Leadership and Student Impact at Wichita State University, as we explore the power of CliftonStrengths, the intersection of ADHD and personal growth, and the freedom that comes from embracing who you truly are.

Highlights

• Kennedy’s journey from discovering her strengths to leading others at Wichita State University
• The difference between CliftonStrengths and other personality assessments
• How strengths-based approaches empower both individuals and parents
• Navigating ADHD: reframing challenges as assets
• The “balcony and basement” concept—how strengths can help or hinder us
• Parenting with intention and letting go of perfection
• Practical ways to apply strengths in career, education, and daily life
• Encouragement for skeptics and those feeling lost or in transition

Chapters

00:23 — Kennedy’s work at Wichita State and her strengths journey

01:14 — What is CliftonStrengths? How does it differ from other assessments?

02:37 — The science and validity behind strengths-based tools

04:31 — Strengths in times of transition and personal growth

07:47 — ADHD and strengths: Kennedy’s personal story

12:21 — The “balcony and basement” of strengths

15:14 — Using strengths to find vocational direction

17:46 — Kennedy’s path from sales to higher education

21:57 — Parenting, education, and letting kids be themselves

27:29 — Strengths-based parenting and letting go of societal expectations

29:14 — Final thoughts, where to find Kennedy, and resources

Resources Mentioned

• CliftonStrengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder):
  https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
• Wichita State University:
  https://www.wichita.edu/
• Strengths-Based Parenting (Book):
  https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/strengths-based-parenting.aspx
• Connect with Kennedy Rogers on LinkedIn:
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rogers-3187618a/
  
  

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the messiest chapters of your life are actually the foundation for your most powerful growth? Today, I sit down with Janice Perkins—executive coach, speaker, and all-around force of nature—to explore the real stories behind resilience, self-worth, and the power of community. From battling chronic illness and single motherhood to building a thriving business and finding love again, Janice shares the unfiltered truth about letting go of expectations, embracing imperfection, and duct-taping life together with humor and heart. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much or not enough, this conversation is for you.

Highlights

• The surprising power of sharing your story and bringing struggles into the light
• How Janice rebuilt her life after chronic illness, divorce, and career upheaval
• Letting go of perfectionism and learning to give yourself grace
• The role of accountability partners, coaches, and inner circles in personal growth
• Daily practices for self-care and staying connected
• Why vulnerability is essential in both personal and professional life
• Confronting limiting beliefs and the myth of control
• The importance of risk-taking and trusting yourself in new chapters

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome and Introduction

00:49 — Meet Janice Perkins

01:32 — Building Confidence and Friendship

02:46 — The Power of Sharing Stories

04:26 — Janice's Journey Through Adversity

07:05 — Parenting and Letting Go of Expectations

09:33 — The Struggle with Control and Self-Worth

12:45 — The Impact of Dr. Caroline Leaf's Work

17:35 — The Importance of Accountability and Support Systems

20:01 — Balancing Self-Care and Professional Life

22:55 — Daily Practices for Personal Growth

26:41 — Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs

29:25 — Reflecting on Life's Challenges and Lessons

31:27 — Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Janice

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Caroline Leaf – Clean Up Your Mental Mess
• I Have Capacity (Janice Perkins’ website)
• Janice Perkins on LinkedIn
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you carrying a backpack full of expectations you never signed up for? Discover how redefining success, embracing help, and letting go of perfectionism can transform your work, your family life, and your sense of self. Join me as I talk with Paige McPheely, CEO and Co-founder of Base, about the real stories behind ambition, burnout, and the power of permission.

Highlights

• Paige’s journey from startup founder and mom of three to redefining what leadership looks like
• The “backpack of expectations” and how to let go of what’s weighing you down
• Living and working in Spain: lessons from a different pace of life
• The myth of “doing it all” and why asking for help is a leadership superpower
• How to distinguish between healthy ambition and hustle addiction
• Outsourcing creatively—yes, even your handwriting!
• Practical strategies for deep work, blocking distractions, and creating rituals
• The “glass balls and plastic balls” analogy for balancing work and family
• Why giving yourself permission is the most radical act of self-care
• The power of morning pages and stream-of-consciousness writing

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & Introduction

00:53 — Meet Paige McPheely: CEO and Co-founder of Base

01:22 — Paige's Journey to Productivity

02:05 — Rethinking Success and Expectations

02:58 — Living in Spain: A Different Pace of Life

03:54 — Balancing Leadership and Parenting

05:45 — The Lie of Doing It All

06:54 — Healthy Ambition vs. Hustle Addiction

10:51 — Outsourcing: Creative Solutions

10:51 — Managing Time as an Entrepreneur and Mother

13:17 — Deep Work and Blocking Distractions

15:02 — Juggling Parenthood and Professional Life

20:25 — Reprogramming Stress and Overwhelm

23:14 — The Importance of Giving Yourself Permission

24:50 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Base HQ — Find resources for hiring and working with executive assistants
• LinkedIn: Paige McPheely

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you ready to rethink what it means to be a leader? What if leadership isn’t about titles or authority, but about the choices we make every day: in our families, our workplaces, and our communities? Join me and my COO, Kendra Moody, as we unpack our journey through the Kansas Leadership Center’s programs, share the lessons that changed how we lead, and explore how anyone can step into leadership, no matter their role.

Highlights

• The difference between leadership and management—and why anyone can lead
• Our experience with the Kansas Leadership Center’s Path and Coaching Intensive
• How leadership is an activity, not a position or title
• The power of adaptive vs. technical challenges in business and life
• Why giving the work back is so much more than delegation
• The importance of slowing down to lead more effectively
• How managed self and values shape our leadership choices
• Building community and connection through KLC’s global reach
• Embracing risk, imperfection, and curiosity as essential leadership skills

Chapters

0:00 – Welcome & Introduction

0:42 – Partnership with Kansas Leadership Center

1:12 – KLC Path and Certification

1:41 – Coaching Intensive Experience

2:15 – Leadership as an Activity

3:43 – Leadership in Everyday Life

4:49 – Global Reach of KLC

6:00 – Adaptive vs Technical Challenges

7:41 – Applying KLC Concepts in Business

9:24 – Leadership is Risky

11:44 – Asking Better Questions

14:15 – Giving the Work Back

17:38 – Slowing Down to Lead Effectively

20:12 – Managed Self and Values

22:17 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources

• Kansas Leadership Center: kansasleadershipcenter.org
• Book: When Everyone Leads by Ed O’Malley and Julia Fabris McBride: Link
• Covey Leadership Model: The Leader in Me
• Priya Parker – The Art of Gathering: priyaparker.com

If you’ve partnered with KLC, taken their courses, or want to connect, reach out—we love hearing your stories and sharing this work!

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.