Balancing Ambitions Podcast

Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast! In this special solo episode, Kim Menapace shares a heartfelt journey that’s been years in the making. Kim opens up about her lifelong dream to run the Boston Marathon, a dream that's finally coming true in 2026. She gets into her earliest memories of cheering on family members along the iconic marathon route, recounts both triumphs and setbacks from her college days at Boston College, and discusses the challenges of overcoming injury and an eating disorder.

As Kim sets out to run the marathon through a charity she’s been connected to for years, listeners will hear about her fundraising efforts, the power of community, and the deep meaning this race holds for her. You’ll also get an inside look at the incredible work of Family Reach Foundation, an organization supporting families during cancer treatment and why Kim feels a personal connection to their mission. With a blend of vulnerability, determination, and inspiration, this episode invites you to celebrate ambition, resilience, and the beauty of coming full circle in life.

Click this link to donate to Kim's Boston Marathon Fundraiser today

Key Takeaways:

• Reconnection to the primal joy of running

• Importance of self image and mindset, especially for entrepreneurs

• Emotional and full circle significance of running Boston as a mother

In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Angela Lee opens up about her journey through burnout, identity loss, and rebuilding confidence as a working parent. Angel shares what burnout really looked like in her life, how it impacted her work and motherhood, and the moment she realized something had to change.

The conversation explores the pressure many parents feel to “do it all,” the guilt that comes with slowing down, and how redefining success can lead to a healthier and more sustainable version of ambition. Angel offers honest insights on setting boundaries, trusting yourself again, and allowing growth to look different in each season of life.

This episode is a powerful reminder that ambition doesn’t disappear when priorities shift—it evolves. For parents navigating exhaustion, self-doubt, or major life transitions, Angel’s story offers reassurance, perspective, and practical encouragement.

00:00 – Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast 00:36 – Introducing Angel Lee 01:10 – Angel’s background and career journey 03:02 – Recognizing the early signs of burnout 05:40 – How burnout shows up in work and parenting 08:15 – Losing confidence and identity during burnout 11:22 – The pressure to keep pushing and “hold it all together” 14:05 – The turning point that forced a reset 17:30 – Learning to slow down without guilt 20:18 – Redefining ambition in different seasons of life 23:45 – Setting boundaries that actually stick 27:10 – Rebuilding confidence one decision at a time 30:40 – Advice for parents feeling exhausted or stuck 33:55 – What balance really means now 36:20 – Final thoughts and encouragement

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In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Lindsey (Schmidt) Rodriguez shares the deeply personal journey that led her into real estate, short-term rentals, and a completely transformed way of living. From navigating New York City lockdowns in a 400-square-foot studio with her husband, to discovering financial freedom through house hacking, Lindsey opens up about the pivotal moments that reshaped her family’s trajectory.

Lindsey also reflects on the mindset work that changed everything. The shift from survival mode to alignment, and the “missing piece” she discovered when learning to operate from trust, intuition, and a higher sense of purpose.

As a mom of two little ones, she speaks candidly about the chaos, beauty, and gratitude of motherhood. She shares the nightly reminder that grounds her — a simple piece of art in her hallway that reads, “In another universe, I’m dreaming of this life right here.” It’s a conversation about ambition, identity, family, and the power of choosing the life you want.

00:00 – 01:05 — Opening & Lindsey’s Early Spark 01:05 – 02:28 — Exploring New Paths Beyond Corporate Life 02:28 – 03:15 — Leaving NYC During COVID & Their First House Hack 03:15 – 04:25 — Discovering Real Estate & Seeing the Upside 04:25 – 06:20 — Their Accidental Entry Into STRs 06:20 – 08:05 — Taking Risks, Fear, and Momentum 08:05 – 10:10 — Motherhood, Identity, and Emotional Growth 10:10 – 14:22 — Staying Grounded Through Big Life Shifts 14:22 – 17:40 — Creating a Home That Feels Expansive & Intentional 17:40 – 21:30 — Fear, Gratitude, and Trusting the Universe 21:30 – 24:30 — Alignment, Ambition & Identity Shifts 24:30 – 27:38 — The Reminder That Grounds Her: “In Another Universe…” 27:38 – 31:46 — Embracing Chaos & Letting Go of Perfection 31:46 – 33:10 — Unlearning Self-Doubt & Internal Criticism 33:10 – 35:00 — Why Negative Feedback Lands Stronger Than Praise 35:00 – 38:33 — Mindset Teachings That Changed Her Path 38:33 – 39:04 — The First Call That Shifted Everything 39:04 – 40:15 — Peace, Surrender & Letting Go of Control 40:15 – End — Final Reflections on Motherhood & AlignmentConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/lindzrodriguez

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In this episode of the Balancing Ambitions Podcast, Kim sits down with Angie Wisdom — ICF Master Certified Coach, author, and co-owner of a global alternative investment firm — to explore the powerful connection between values, self-trust, and creating a fulfilling life.

Angie shares her journey from starting in the financial industry at just 16 to discovering her true calling in coaching and personal development. Together, Kim and Angie unpack:

✅ Why most people spend more time planning a birthday party than planning their lives ✅ The importance of values as your compass for decision-making ✅ How language shapes your self-trust and mindset ✅ Shifting from achievement mode to actually living with presence ✅ Why fulfillment comes from impact, not performance ✅ How to cut the cord from expectations and live with freedom

This conversation is filled with real stories, practical wisdom, and reflective insights that parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking balance will find deeply valuable.

✨ Don’t just chase success — learn how to live it daily.

00:00 – Welcome & introduction

02:25 – Angie’s early start in finance and what it taught her about ambition

07:10 – Shifting from money to meaning: discovering her deeper purpose

12:30 – Why most people plan parties better than their own lives

16:45 – Living by values and making conscious choices

22:00 – Language, self-trust, and the mindset that shapes daily decisions

28:20 – Achievement vs. presence: moving from doing to being

34:15 – Finding fulfillment through impact, not performance

39:30 – Angie’s 4:15am mornings and intentional daily rhythms

44:50 – Breaking free from expectations and embracing freedom

49:05 – Reframing fear, choosing courage, and honoring your path

54:20 – Final reflections and gratitudehttps://angiewisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Angie-Wisdom-Values-Sheet-Revised.pdf

Connect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/angiewisdomlifecoach

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In this solo episode, Kim shares a deeply personal life update covering everything from big fitness goals to summer rhythms in Cape Cod. She opens up about her decision to officially run the Boston Marathon in 2026, the mindset shifts that inspired her, and how zone 2 training has already changed her physical and mental discipline.

Kim also reflects on the unexpected stress and growth that came with a surprise home renovation, the decision to skip renting their Cape Cod house this year, and what it’s really been like to embrace a slower, more intentional summer season with her family.

Plus — turning 37, finding inspiration in Princess Diana’s legacy, and learning how to balance impact, rest, and service in this season of life.

0:00 – Welcome back to the podcast + why Kim took a break 0:45 – Big news: Kim is running the Boston Marathon 2026 1:50 – Suspending disbelief & visualizing success 2:55 – Making the decision official: hiring a coach + choosing a charity 3:40 – Kim’s marathon history: bandit runs, NY Marathon, and unfinished goals 4:57 – Zone 2 training explained + how it’s testing her discipline 6:50 – Progress update: pace improvements, mental focus, and staying grounded 7:45 – Juggling strength training with marathon prep 8:35 – Home renovation update: water leak chaos + unexpected growth 9:40 – Lessons in communication, advocacy, and trusting your gut 11:40 – Summer in Cape Cod: choosing presence over profit 12:30 – From vacation mode to real-life rhythms: what’s changed 13:50 – Making space for peace, routines, and local joy 14:45 – Finding a new yoga studio + the gift of unexpected self-care 17:20 – Kim’s 37th birthday reflections: legacy, presence, and Princess Diana 19:45 – Final thoughts: balancing urgency, grace, and personal alignment

🕒 Timestamps:

What if one unexpected moment could change your entire path?

In this episode, Stacy St. John shares how her son's last-minute college decision became the start of a thriving real estate empire. From rebuilding with purpose to launching a bestselling book, Stacy opens up about trusting your gut, making bold moves, and redefining what success looks like.

🎯 We talk motherhood, mindset, barbershop quartets (!), and how to turn pivots into purpose. 🔥 Whether you're balancing ambition with family or considering a leap of faith—this is the episode for you.

00:00 – Welcome to the episode

00:27 – Stacy’s journey: From $50K to a 7-figure real estate portfolio

01:12 – Why she wrote Live Big and the mindset behind it

03:00 – The trap of comparison and how to escape it

06:36 – How her son’s college decision launched her real estate career

10:59 – Learning to trust intuition: “The God Rod”

14:50 – Serving others—whether it’s with knowledge, business, or just a smile

17:00 – The Mustang story: spreading joy outside your comfort zone

18:57 – Stacy’s surprising barbershop quartet success (and love story!)

30:00 – Making the leap: transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship

33:09 – Overcoming mom guilt and giving yourself grace

36:45 – Kim’s snapping turtle moment: choosing presence over perfection

38:39 – Why she left corporate and never looked back

41:02 – Keeping promises to yourself = building confidence

42:59 – Commit. Be. Do. The mindset shift that fuels long-term success

45:30 – Be strict on your goals, flexible in your methods

47:03 – Final advice: Get clear on what feels right and build around it

48:03 – Where to find Stacy onlineConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/stacey_st.john/

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In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Kim Menipace sits down with Brad Flanagan—a U.S. Army veteran turned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and coach. Brad opens up about going from a 400 credit score and repossessed vehicle to building a $20M+ real estate portfolio with his wife, Jamie. They dive deep into money mindset, financial transparency in marriage, and practical tips for couples to build aligned financial goals.

💡 Whether you're trying to get out of debt, align financially with your partner, or scale your investing game—this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and real talk.

00:00 – Intro

00:27 – Brad’s story: Army to real estate

02:40 – Building a mobile family business

06:00 – Why focus matters

08:20 – From financial rock bottom to $20M

13:45 – Blind faith & scaling up

17:00 – Marriage, money & communication

22:40 – Spender vs. saver dynamics

24:30 – Brad’s surprising past

27:00 – Finance tips for couples

32:00 – Building a shared money plan

40:20 – Handling financial stress

47:00 – Trust, leadership & honesty

56:00 – “Yours, mine, ours” system

1:03:00 – Final thoughts & storm mindset

1:06:30 – Connect with BradConnect with the Guest:Instagram - bradflanagan_bfhomeloans

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In this powerful episode of Balancing Ambitions, Kim Menapace sits down with Kim Fitzpatrick—speaker, leadership coach, CEO of Legacy by Kim, and co-host of Fitz Life Unfiltered. From building million-dollar businesses and navigating near-bankruptcy to reclaiming time, presence, and purpose, Kim shares how she went from corporate hustle to intentional legacy-building.

This conversation is filled with real talk about motherhood, mindset, burnout, boundaries, and how to train for the life you want.

✨ Grab a cozy drink, take a breath, and tune in—this one’s packed with wisdom.00:00 – Meet Kim Fitzpatrick

05:00 – Living your purpose, not just a title

10:00 – Peace vs. chaos in your life

13:30 – Mindset shifts that change everything

15:00 – Mastering focus + screen time tips

20:00 – Replacing numbing with growth

24:00 – Boundaries + parenting in the digital age

30:00 – Leaving corporate for legacy

35:00 – Rebuilding after rock bottom

38:00 – Creating a mission-driven business

44:00 – Rest is not lazy

49:00 – Perfectionism, anxiety, and self-worth

53:00 – Training for the life you want

56:45 – Where to find Kim

Connect with the Guest:

https://www.instagram.com/kim_m_fitzpatrick/

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In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Kim Menapace sits down with Ashley Freeman, founder of Velvet Ditch Villas, a single mom turned short-term rental powerhouse. Ashley shares how she went from scraping by as a tennis coach to managing over 100 STR units—and how her faith, hustle, and heart helped shape the empire she’s building today.

From spiritual mission trips to building a team of 20+ women, this conversation explores what it really looks like to pursue freedom while staying grounded in service, values, and your why.

00:00 – 02:15

Kim introduces Ashley Freeman and the theme of the episode

02:16 – 06:00

Ashley's start in STR after her divorce and teaching tennis

06:01 – 09:00

Scrambling to make ends meet and renting out her own home

09:01 – 12:00

Juggling multiple jobs, parenting, and late-night cleanups

12:01 – 16:00

Finding spiritual clarity and purpose through mission work

16:01 – 19:00

STR growth, building a team, and spin-off businesses

19:01 – 23:00

Creating a mission-driven culture and serving with intention

23:01 – 27:00

Kim’s reflection on partnership, burnout, and boundaries

27:01 – 31:00

Pivoting away from the business and reclaiming fulfillment

31:01 – 36:00

Season of grit vs. long-term imbalance + Ashley’s shingles wake-up call

36:01 – 42:00

Breathwork, self-awareness, and breaking from fight-or-flight

42:01 – 47:00

Redneck Ranch: hobby farm, healing, and unexpected joy

47:01 – 52:00

Life lessons from farm life + welcoming guests into the experience

52:01 – 56:00

Ashley’s tennis career, teaching kids, and finding her next chapter

56:01 – 60:00

Where to find Ashley + powerful final reflections

Connect with the Guest:

https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfreemanofficial

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Welcome to the latest episode of Balancing Ambitions! In this solo episode, I reflect on the challenges and growth that come with navigating a busy season of life. Inspired by a thought-provoking question from my mentor, I explore what it means to feel calm and serene even when you’re not ten steps ahead of everyone else. With a full schedule of work demands, family commitments, and upcoming travel, I share my honest experiences and strategies for maintaining peace amidst the hustle.

Throughout this episode, I dive into the realities of feeling stretched thin and the pursuit of new tools to manage stress more effectively. From the power of small daily practices like midday meditation to recognizing the need for balance between over-preparedness and trusting the process, I share personal stories and insights that resonate with anyone juggling multiple roles. I also touch on the importance of checking in with ourselves, using data to understand our stress patterns, and being intentional about how we show up in our lives.

If you’re feeling the weight of a busy season or looking for ways to create more calm in your day-to-day, this episode is for you. Tune in now for a relatable and encouraging conversation on finding ease in the chaos and cultivating inner peace, no matter what life throws your way.

TIMESTAMPS

00:24 – Introduction to the solo episode

00:30 – The mentor’s question: How to feel calm without over-preparedness

01:13 – Feeling stretched thin and the discomfort of growth

01:57 – A calm, prepared day vs. a stressful, reactive day

02:42 – Reflections on energy, presence, and staying grounded

03:27 – Upcoming travel and embracing a busy season

04:18 – Midday meditation as a tool for stress relief

05:00 – Weekly challenge: Bringing calm to the middle of the day

05:34 – Final reflection and closing thoughts

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#BusySeason #StressManagement #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #BalancingAmbitions #DailyCalm