In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith, Michelle shares her candid reflections from her trip to the L.A. Times Festival of Books — from the chaos of traveling as moms to the unexpected empowerment found in spicy romance novels.

They dive into real talk about managing expectations, navigating the pressure of influencer culture, and the importance of honoring your own season of life. Through laughter and honesty, Michelle and Stephanie remind listeners that personal growth doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to stay true to your own path.

What We're Talking About...

• Traveling as a parent can be challenging but rewarding.
• Spicy romance novels empower women to vocalize their desires.
• Managing expectations is crucial for personal well-being.
• Influencer culture can create unrealistic standards.
• It's important to own your choices and space in life.
• Everyone's journey is unique; comparison can be harmful.
• Embrace your season and the changes it brings.
• Self-improvement is a journey, not a destination.
• Stay true to yourself and your values. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Festival Anticipation 03:41 Experiencing the LA Times Festival of Books 06:37 Connecting with Authors and Panels 09:47 The Spicy Romance Genre 12:32 Empowerment Through Romance 15:35 Diverse Voices in Literature 18:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Reads 20:12 Exploring New Reads and Author Discoveries 23:07 Reflections on Book Festivals and Networking 26:00 Navigating Family Dynamics and Travel Challenges 29:07 Balancing Work and Family Life 32:16 Managing Health and Commitments 35:09 The Pressure of Expectations and Influencer Culture 38:14 Finding Personal Peace and Realistic Goals 41:12 The Reality of Self-Help and Personal Growth 44:09 Embracing Authenticity in Life and Work