The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, family, and celebration. But for many, it can also bring about big, complex emotions—whether it's stress, grief, or the weight of unresolved conflicts. 

This week on Barb Knows Best, my mom and I open up about how we can process these emotions and still find meaning, connection, and peace during the holidays—even when they don’t feel perfect.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, BetterHelp and Sunbasket.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month. 

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Over the last few episodes, we’ve explored the complexities of managing difficult and toxic relationships. This week on Barb Knows Best, we’re diving deeper into one of the most challenging yet transformative practices: loving people from afar.

Together, we’ll share our experiences and insights, unpacking how to transform relationships filled with pain, stress, or emotional turbulence into something healthier and more peaceful—even if that means redefining the connection from a distance.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, BetterHelp and Sunbasket.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month. 

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's episode of Barb Knows Best, we delve into the often misunderstood world of toxic relationships. What truly defines a toxic relationship? How can we tell the difference between a relationship that’s imperfect and one that’s harmful? With a holiday twist, we’re sharing insights, reminders, and practical steps to help you protect your peace and joy during this busy season.

If you’ve ever found yourself drained by certain people or dreading holiday gatherings because of toxic dynamics, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore how to reclaim your energy, set healthy boundaries, and step into 2025 feeling empowered and grounded.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, BetterHelp and Sunbasket.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month. 

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, we share practical strategies and heartfelt insights to help you reclaim your peace this season. From setting boundaries and managing expectations to staying grounded when chaos swirls around you, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s handling that one relative who always tests your patience or learning how to put your own well-being first, this episode is your guide to showing up authentically and embracing the holidays on your terms.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Anisa Beauty, Factor, and Sunbasket.

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/barbknowsbest50 to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into a practice that is transformative for them, especially during life’s toughest moments: gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in striving for more or waiting for the “next big thing,” but the true magic lies in appreciating the here and now.

Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling, but rather a way of life. It anchors us during hardships, reminding us of the beauty and blessings we often overlook. In this episode, they explore why adopting a grateful spirit is an essential practice, even when life feels challenging, and how it can bring resilience, joy, and a sense of abundance to your life.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, BetterHelp, Factor, and Sunbasket.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month.

Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/barbknowsbest50 to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle explore a transformative yet challenging concept: giving yourself permission to feel. In a culture that often tells us to “stay positive” or “power through,” fully embracing our emotions can feel unfamiliar—even radical. Yet, it’s one of the most healing and empowering acts we can do for ourselves.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, BetterHelp, Factor, and Sunbasket.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month.

Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/barbknowsbest50 to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into a topic we all face but rarely talk about openly: disrespect and recognizing when enough is enough. 

In this episode, they talk about the subtle signals that can tell us it’s time to reassess or even step away from people or situations that no longer feel respectful or aligned. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and practical advice, they explore how small acts of disrespect—often brushed off as “no big deal”—can, over time, erode our sense of trust and security. Through this episode, they’ll help you identify patterns that may be quietly signaling it’s time to reevaluate, set new boundaries, or even make the choice to walk away.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Anisa Beauty, Factor, and Sunbasket.

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/barbknowsbest50 to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into the topic of imposter syndrome and share their personal experiences of how they've learned to reclaim their confidence — and hopefully inspire you to do the same. They explore what imposter syndrome looks like, how it manifests, and the impact it can have on our lives. Through the insights and strategies they discuss, they hope to help quiet your inner critic and loosen the hold imposter syndrome may have on your life.

View full show notes of this episode.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, Barb and Michelle, through their charity Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, are launching an exclusive merchandise line to raise both awareness and funds for the cause. All proceeds from the collection will be matched by them and the Barb Knows Best Podcast with the total going toward expanding innovative programs and creating impactful content to improve mental health. 

Check out the merchandise here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/peaceful-mind-peaceful-life/

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Anisa Beauty, Armoire, and Sunbasket.

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

Armoire makes getting dressed easy. With a clothing rental membership from Armoire, build the perfect wardrobe with brands that are high quality, unique, and recommended just for you. Go to armoire.style/barbknowsbest to get up to 50% off your first month. 

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle talk about how we can cope with our own anxieties around world events, and the uncontrollable, unpredictable unknown. They also give tips and reminders to help navigate the overwhelm of these times and reminders of how to stay present through it all. We hope this episode encourages you to take your power back and know that you always have a voice and a vote!

View full show notes of this episode.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, Barb and Michelle, through their charity Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, are launching an exclusive merchandise line to raise both awareness and funds for the cause. All proceeds from the collection will be matched by them and the Barb Knows Best Podcast with the total going toward expanding innovative programs and creating impactful content to improve mental health. 

Check out the merchandise here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/peaceful-mind-peaceful-life/

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, Armoire, and Sunbasket.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

Armoire makes getting dressed easy. With a clothing rental membership from Armoire, build the perfect wardrobe with brands that are high quality, unique, and recommended just for you. Go to armoire.style/barbknowsbest to get up to 50% off your first month. 

Sunbasket offers wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meal kits, delivered to your door. Each week, you can choose from a brand new selection of quick and easy meal kit recipes, with a wide variety of dietary options, plus dozens of snacks, salads, breakfast items, and more. Go to sunbasket.com/barbknowsbest to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle explore the topic of rejection and how to navigate life’s unexpected detours. They discuss ways to shift your perspective when faced with rejection—whether in relationships, career opportunities, or personal goals—and how it can actually serve as guidance if we learn to surrender and trust the process. They also share personal stories that have helped them embrace rejection as a form of redirection, guiding them to where they’re truly meant to be on their journeys.

View full show notes of this episode.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, Barb and Michelle, through their charity Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, are launching an exclusive merchandise line to raise both awareness and funds for the cause. All proceeds from the collection will be matched by them and the Barb Knows Best Podcast with the total going toward expanding innovative programs and creating impactful content to improve mental health. 

Check out the merchandise here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/peaceful-mind-peaceful-life/

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice. 

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by AG1, Anisa Beauty, Armoire, and BetterHelp.

AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. Head over to drinkag1.com/barbknowsbest to get a free one-year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and five AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. 

Anisa Beauty has been leading the way in creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brushes that are safe for your skin and the planet. Check out the Pinnacle Foundation Brush as well as several other amazing brushes at anisabeauty.com and get 30% off sitewide with code BARBKNOWSBEST.

Armoire makes getting dressed easy. With a clothing rental membership from Armoire, build the perfect wardrobe with brands that are high quality, unique, and recommended just for you. Go to armoire.style/barbknowsbest to get up to 50% off your first month. 

BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy service—providing professional, afforable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format. Go to betterhelp.com/barbknowsbest to get 10% off your first month.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code BARBKNOWSBEST for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com
* Check out Athletic Greens and use my code barb for a great deal: https://athleticgreens.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/BARBKNOWSBEST
* Check out Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/BARBKNOWSBEST


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy