Show Description: Amy and Angelyn celebrate reaching their 13th episode milestone and reflect on the key lessons they've learned during their first six months of podcasting. They share insights about alignment, boundaries, and embracing imperfection that apply not just to podcasting but to professional and personal life as well.

Key Topics Covered:

• Celebrating consistency in releasing episodes every other Monday for six months
• The importance of leaning into alignment over expectations
• Setting boundaries that feel good rather than obligatory
• Taking imperfect action instead of waiting for perfection
• Creating systems that work for your unique situation
• The value of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome
• Announcement of a summer break before returning with new episodes

Notable Quotes: "Leaning into alignment, whether that's with coworkers or batching tasks... that little bit of happiness when you realize you're doing something that feels aligned is what makes it worth it." - Angelyn

"You can always try something and then decide what works for you and what doesn't. You're not confined to doing things you should do because other people are doing it." - Amy

"Choose something that seems like it would work for your students or patients and then just take imperfect, messy action. You don't have to wait until you know everything about everything." - Angelyn

Key Takeaways:

• Finding alignment in how you divide responsibilities creates sustainability
• Setting clear boundaries from the beginning prevents people-pleasing later
• Taking imperfect action teaches you more than waiting to be perfectly prepared
• Being flexible with your systems allows for growth and adaptation
• Focusing on the process rather than just outcomes creates more enjoyment
• Sometimes a strategic pause can help you return stronger and more focused
• Learning from others doesn't mean you must implement everything they suggest

Practical Applications:

• Identify which tasks energize you versus drain you, and find ways to focus on your strengths
• Set clear boundaries from the start of any project or relationship
• Take action before you feel completely ready, then adjust as you learn
• Create systems that work for your specific needs rather than following others' templates
• Consider strategic breaks to prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Show Description: Amy and Angelyn reconnect with their words of the year—commitment and intentionality—discussing how these guiding principles have shaped their decisions and actions halfway through the year. They explore the powerful practice of aligning tasks with core values and the freedom to adjust goals as needed.

Key Topics Covered:

• Revisiting and reflecting on chosen words of the year
• How core values can transform mundane tasks into meaningful actions
• The practice of assigning core values to items on your to-do list
• Navigating tasks that don't feel aligned with your values
• The difference between "have to" tasks and "should" tasks
• Permission to adjust goals and intentions mid-year
• 
  

Notable Quotes: "Being intentional doesn't mean always making the right decision. It's about making the next intentional decision." - Angelyn

"When you have clarity, it honestly feels easier. Even if the things themselves are not easy, I feel more empowered just knowing what that feeling is behind it." - Amy

"Being intentional and aware and mindful about what's on our list and how we're spending our time and our energy is so important." - Angelyn

Key Takeaways:

• Your word of the year should feel like an anchor, not a burden
• Assigning core values to tasks can transform your relationship with your to-do list
• Look for patterns of resentment to identify misalignment with your values
• It's perfectly acceptable to adjust your goals or word mid-year
• Understanding your "why" behind tasks makes them feel more meaningful
• Core values should be authentic to you, not what you think they "should" be

Practical Tips:

• Try labeling tasks on your to-do list with the core values they serve
• Notice which tasks create feelings of resentment and examine why
• Consider the difference between tasks you "have to do" versus "should do"
• Give yourself permission to adjust your intentions mid-year
• Look for nuanced approaches to tasks rather than all-or-nothing thinking
• Identify where you might be holding yourself to impossible standards

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Free resources: ⁠https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp

Show Description: Amy and Angelyn have an open conversation about their experiences with ADHD and motherhood, exploring how late diagnoses have shaped their understanding of themselves and their approaches to parenting. They discuss the challenges of the "invisible load" of motherhood when combined with ADHD and the journey toward self-acceptance.

Key Topics Covered:

• Late diagnosis experiences and their impact
• The intersection of motherhood and ADHD
• Internalized ableism and the journey to self-acceptance
• How naming the diagnosis provides clarity and understanding
• The unique challenges of managing the "invisible load" of motherhood with ADHD
• How understanding your brain can be empowering

Notable Quotes: 

"When you don't have a name for it, you kind of just think it's something that's your fault or something that you're doing wrong." - Angelyn

"Learning more about how my brain works, especially as it relates to being a mom and how I show up in other parts of my life, has been really empowering." - Amy

"Having that acceptance of the diagnosis for me made a huge difference in how I was showing up in the world." - Angelyn

Key Takeaways:

• Getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life can provide clarity about lifelong patterns
• There's often a gap between receiving a diagnosis and truly accepting it
• Motherhood can amplify ADHD challenges due to increased mental load
• Self-acceptance of neurodivergence is a journey, not an immediate result
• Understanding your brain's functioning can transform self-blame into self-compassion
• Partners may find relief in having terminology to understand behaviors

Show Description:  Amy and Angelyn tackle the "grass is greener" mindset, exploring how comparison and fear of the unknown can keep SLPs stuck in unfulfilling situations. They discuss the freedom to make intentional changes, the importance of self-care, and how to water your own grass regardless of where you choose to be.

Key Topics Covered:

• The comparison trap of the "grass is greener" mindset
• How fear and scarcity thinking prevent positive changes
• Making intentional career transitions as an SLP
• The illusion of perfection in others' careers and lives
• Finding alignment with your core values in any situation
• Taking small steps toward more fulfilling work
• 
  

Notable Quotes: "I'm the boss of my grass. If I go somewhere and it's not great, I can either water it or I can go somewhere else to some other grass." - Angelyn

"We are not responsible for how people want to react to the boundaries or the decisions that we make that we know are best for us." - Amy

"Knowing that we deserve to take care of ourselves just as much as we're taking care of other people is so important." - Angelyn

Key Takeaways:

• The "grass is greener" mindset is fundamentally about comparison, whether you're comparing to others or potential futures
• Your brain is wired to keep you safe, which can prevent you from making positive changes
• You have the autonomy to make changes and aren't responsible for others' reactions
• Small, incremental changes can improve your current situation while you explore options
• Social media creates illusions about others' lives and careers that fuel unhelpful comparisons
• Sometimes a lateral move that aligns better with your values is the right choice

Practical Tips:

• "Water your own grass" with small daily actions that nurture your current situation
• Consider starting small transitions (like one private client) before making a complete change
• Release the "all or nothing" mindset about career transitions
• Recognize when you're projecting fears onto potential changes
• Remember you deserve to take care of yourself, not just others
• Set boundaries in your current role to create space for new possibilities

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Free resources: ⁠https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp

Show Description:

Amy and Angelyn explore the concept of dream jobs and how core values can serve as a compass for finding fulfillment in your current work situation. Rather than waiting for the perfect job or winning the lottery, they discuss how to identify elements of your ideal career that can be incorporated into your present reality.

Key Topics Covered:

• Envisioning dream careers without limitations
• Finding value alignment in current jobs
• Taking small steps toward more fulfilling work
• Using core values to navigate workplace challenges
• The connection between job satisfaction and personal values
• How to identify workplace misalignments

Notable Quotes:

"We are not responsible for how people want to react to the boundaries or the decisions that we make that we know are best for us." - Amy

"Knowing what your values are and identifying those things that trigger you as misalignments, there's so much power in that." - Angelyn

"I don't want people to listen to this and feel like, 'Well, I don't want to start my own private practice, so how am I going to have my dream job?' Because you don't need to do those things to have a dream job." - Amy

Key Takeaways:

• Your dream job might be closer than you think when viewed through the lens of core values
• Small, incremental changes can move you toward greater alignment
• Understanding your values helps identify why certain workplace situations feel triggering
• Sometimes the most aligned career move isn't the most obvious one
• You can find elements of your dream job in your current position
• Value-aligned decisions may be difficult but lead to greater fulfillment

Practical Tips:

• Start with one small step toward greater alignment
• Practice sharing your ideas with a trusted person before making big changes
• Set boundaries that honor your values
• Use your values as a lens to understand workplace conflicts
• Recognize when misalignment is causing burnout

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Free resources: ⁠https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp

Show Description: Amy and Angelyn explore a unique approach to discovering core values through planning an imaginary dream dinner party. Based on an exercise from Dr. Pooja Lakshmin's book "Real Self Care," they walk through creating their ideal gatherings and uncover how each choice—from location to guest list to menu—reveals what truly matters to them.'

Key Topics Covered

• Using the dream dinner party exercise to uncover core values
• How venue choices reflect personal preferences and values
• The significance of guest list selection in revealing connection styles
• Food and activity preferences as windows into deeper values
• The connection between party planning style and core values
• Wedding planning stories as examples of value alignment

Dream Party Elements Revealed

• Amy: Bed and breakfast in Maine, intimate gathering, finger foods, card games, fireplace conversations
• Angelyn: Outdoor setting with twinkle lights, farm table, sommelier-selected wines, murder mystery activity

Notable Quotes

 "Finding your core values isn't just about what you think you should care about, it's about what actually lights you up in real life." - Angelyn (referencing Dr. Pooja Lakshmin)

"I think it really just brings or sheds light on the fact that when you plan something, it really brings that attention to what makes you feel happy, what lights you up." - Amy

Key Takeaways:

• Your dream party preferences reveal deeper truths about your core values
• How you approach planning (or avoiding planning) reflects important aspects of your personality
• Small details like food choices and entertainment preferences contain valuable insights
• The people you choose to include show what types of connections matter most to you
• Even when you think you're making choices for practical reasons, values are often driving those decisions
• Understanding your values through fun exercises can be more revealing than direct questioning

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Free resources: ⁠https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp

Show Description: Amy and Angelyn challenge the popular "I get to" vs. "I have to" reframe, discussing why this mindset hack can sometimes feel inauthentic and even harmful. They explore how forced positivity can minimize real feelings and prevent us from honoring our true capacity.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why the "I get to" reframe can feel like toxic positivity in disguise
• How forced gratitude can minimize authentic experiences
• The connection between reframes and core values alignment
• The importance of validating difficult feelings
• Alternative reframes that honor authenticity
• The difference between genuine gratitude and forced positivity
• 
  

Notable Quotes: "It feels like toxic positivity, but packaged in a costume almost. Like it's not supposed to sound like toxic positivity, but it really feels like toxic positivity to me." - Angelyn

"I don't feel like I should have to feel like I get to do something when I'm feeling really overwhelmed maybe by something or feeling like it's really challenging." - Amy

"Self-compassion says, I'm not okay, you're not okay, and it's okay to not be okay." - Angelyn (quoting Kristin Neff)

Key Takeaways:

• Using the "I get to" reframe might prevent you from honoring your true capacity
• When activities align with your core values, you may need fewer forced reframes
• True self-compassion acknowledges difficult feelings rather than bypassing them
• Authentic gratitude practices are valuable, but shouldn't be used to dismiss challenges
• The most compassionate approach is often simply acknowledging where you are

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Show Description:

Amy and Angelyn dive deep into the concept of core values, exploring how identifying your authentic values (versus "shouldy" values) can be transformative in preventing burnout and creating alignment in your life and career as an SLP.

Key Topics Covered:

• The difference between general values and core values
• How to identify your authentic core values
• The concept of "shouldy values" - values we think we should have
• Using misalignment as a clue to discover your true values
• How core values serve as a decision-making compass
• The connection between values alignment and burnout prevention
• Setting boundaries based on your core values

Notable Quotes:

"When life feels really good and meaningful, you probably are acting in alignment with your core values." - Angelyn

"Knowing and being able to identify what my core values are has truly been life-changing. It's almost like I can't not think about them when I'm making a decision." - Amy

"When I'm setting a boundary and I know I'm doing it because of my values, it makes it so much easier." - Angelyn

Key Takeaways:

• Core values are your non-negotiables that shape how you move through the world
• Values misalignment often leads to resentment, frustration, and eventually burnout
• Your core values can serve as a compass for decision-making and boundary-setting
• Identifying your true values may take time and reflection
• Values that feel like a challenge may be goals rather than core values

Resource:

• Angelyn's Alignment Revolution Membership: https://drangelynfranks.my.canva.site/membership
• Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp

Connect With Us!

Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: [email protected]

Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn explore the concept of identity beyond work through the lens of a hypothetical lottery win, discussing how to pursue dreams and find purpose without waiting for financial freedom.
Key Topics Covered:
- Challenging the notion that work defines identity
- The difference between purpose and profession
- Permission to dream big without winning the lottery
- The 10-10-10 rule for decision making
- Three life-design questions for reflection
- Making small changes toward bigger dreams
Notable Quotes:
"When you start to live for yourself and not for other people, that's when you've truly woken up in your life." - Amy's Yoga Teacher
"We are SLP second and we need to remember that we are human first over everything." - Amy
"Pull your own happy wagon." - Angelyn (via her friend Christy)
Key Takeaways:
- Identity shouldn't be solely tied to profession
- Small changes can lead to significant life shifts
- The importance of questioning societal expectations
- Finding purpose beyond professional identity
- Permission to dream without guilt
Reflection Questions Shared:
1. What would life look like in 5 years on your current path?
2. What if you pursued joy and purpose instead?
3. What if there were no limits - financial or societal?
10-10-10 Rule
1. Will this matter in 10 minutes?
2. Will this matter in 10 weeks?
3. Will this matter in 10 years?

Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn dive deep into perfectionism in the SLP field, discussing how it manifests from graduate school applications through clinical practice, and its connection to burnout and imposter syndrome.
 Key Points Discussed:
- The roots of perfectionism in SLP education and career paths
- Connection between perfectionism and imposter syndrome
- Impact of perfectionism on physical and mental health
- Setting realistic boundaries without becoming perfectionistic about them
- The importance of self-compassion and embracing humanity in practice
Notable Quotes:
"Our worth isn't measured by our perfection, but by our humanity. Sometimes the most professional thing we can do is acknowledge that we're human first and SLP second." - Amy
"Being perfectionistic about our boundaries can be just as problematic as being perfectionistic about our work. The antidote is finding a middle ground and checking in with yourself realistically." - Angelyn
"Perfectionism doesn't make you a better SLP. It doesn't serve your clients and it doesn't serve your career." - Amy
Key Takeaways:
- Perfectionism often starts before graduate school and can follow throughout one's career
- The importance of recognizing physical signs of burnout
- Finding balance between maintaining boundaries and allowing flexibility
- The value of self-compassion in professional practice

Angelyn - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: ⁠[email protected]⁠Amy - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: ⁠[email protected]⁠