Coffee with M and J

Showing Up When You Feel “Meh”

In this episode of Coffee with M and J, Mandy and Jaime show up exactly as they are - tired, a little run-down, and feeling “meh.” Instead of pushing through with forced positivity, they have an honest, relatable conversation about what it really looks like to keep showing up for yourself when you’re not at your best.

From physical exhaustion and decision fatigue to seasonal gloom and emotional burnout, this episode explores the reality of adulthood: sometimes you’re just tired. But life doesn’t pause, and neither do your goals. Mandy and Jaime talk through practical ways to move forward anyway - without hustle culture, perfection, or pressure.

With humor, vulnerability, inside jokes (yes, meep), and grounded wisdom, this episode invites you to take small action steps, recognize your patterns, and gently reconnect with possibility - even on your most “blah” days.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this conversation is your reminder that showing up imperfectly still counts.

Here are the key takeaways from the video:

• Acknowledge feeling "blah" It is okay to feel "blah," or tired, scared, sad, overwhelmed, or generally burnt out and still show up.
• Take action despite exhaustion If you never show up because you are tired, you will never get anything done. Sometimes you have to do things even when you are tired, scared, afraid, alone, exhausted, or with limited resources.
• Use action to overcome "meh" feelings The action of starting something is important when you are feeling "meh." You have to identify your patterns (e.g., shutting down, scrolling on social media) and go against them by choosing action. As the law of physics states, an item in motion stays in motion.
• Start with small, easy tasks Creating a to-do list, even of easy, mundane tasks, can get you into action mode. Completing small tasks can lead to bigger actions.
• Leverage mindfulness tools Using mindfulness tools, such as deep cleansing breaths or having an inspirational conversation, helps when you feel exhausted.
• Visualize your perfect day Acknowledging that you are in a "blah" state allows you to move forward. You can spend five minutes setting a timer and letting yourself sit in the vision of your perfect day, focusing on the five senses.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

How are you moving the needle forward in your life?

This conversation isn’t about big, flashy milestones or outward wins. It’s about the quiet, often invisible steps - the ones no one claps for, but that change everything. From waking up earlier for no external reason, to investing in yourself before you feel “ready,” Jaime and Mandy unpack how waiting for perfect timing keeps us stuck in a loop of someday.

They explore the difference between dreaming and doing, why so many of us delay action while waiting for one big thing to happen, and how small, intentional steps - taken even while scared - are what actually create momentum.

If you’ve been telling yourself “once this happens, then I’ll start,” this episode is your gentle (and honest) nudge to stop waiting and start moving.

Key Takeaways

• Move the needle forward in silence
  The personal growth work you’re doing—waking up earlier, drinking more water, changing your habits—may not be visible to anyone else. That doesn’t make it insignificant. These quiet shifts are foundational steps toward your bigger vision.
• Stop waiting for the perfect moment
  The “right time” will never feel fully ready, organized, or complete. Waiting for perfect only delays progress and keeps opportunities out of reach.
• Be a doer, not just a dreamer
  Dreams become real through action. Break your vision into doable steps. Even small actions—a conversation, a text, buying a calendar—count as forward movement.
• Ask yourself the right daily question
  Set a daily reminder to ask: “How will I move the needle forward today?”
  At the end of the day, reflect: “How did I move the needle forward today?” Awareness creates momentum.
• Let go of the “how”
  Focusing on how everything will work out often stalls progress. Instead, commit the goal to your calendar and consider where your life will be a year from now—whether you move forward or stay still. Action creates clarity.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

We’re only a couple of weeks into the new year and we’ve already passed National Quitters Day, the point when nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned. So what actually happens between the excitement of January 1st and the quiet quitting that follows?

In this episode of Coffee with M and J, we talk honestly about why people quit, what’s really happening in the brain when we try to change, and why adjusting your goal is not the same as giving up. We explore the difference between resolutions and systems, the power of meaningful challenges, and how pushing yourself physically, mentally, or spiritually can reignite confidence and momentum.

We also share how each of us has started 2026 very differently, why both approaches are valid, and why celebrating wins (even small ones) matters more than most high achievers want to admit.

Whether you’re still going strong, hanging on by a thread, or already fell off and think it’s “too late,” this conversation is your reminder that you don’t need a perfect start, you just need to get back on the boat.

Key Takeaways

• National Quitters Day is real - but being part of the 80% is not a life sentence. Adjusting your goal is often the breakthrough.
• Your brain resists change until new neural pathways are built. Quitting early means stopping right before real change begins.
• Consistency beats intensity. Walking instead of running still moves you forward.
• Meaning matters. If your goal doesn’t connect to your “why,” it won’t stick.
• You don’t need a fresh start date. Monday, January 1st, or “next month” are optional. Starting now is not.
• Bigger doesn’t mean harder for everyone. A challenge is personal - what stretches you may not stretch someone else.
• Physical challenges can unlock mental confidence, even if pushing physically feels unfamiliar.
• High achievers often skip celebrating wins and learning to pause and acknowledge progress can be transformational.
• Resolutions fade; systems last. Build something that carries you through the month and into the year.
• You can’t have the ‘Bon Voyage’ moment unless you get on the boat. The start is the hardest part and the most important.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

In this episode of Coffee with M and J, Jaime and Mandy continue their conversation on simple, powerful habits that can transform your day-to-day life. Picking up from the previous episode, Jaime breaks down habits #4, #5, and #6 from her list of 24 daily habits you can start today.

Together, they explore:

• Why your body craves rhythm and consistency
• How gratitude can literally rewire your brain
• Why your breath is your most underutilized tool and how to start using it intentionally

With real-life examples, humor, honest reflections, and practical takeaways, this episode reminds us that simple doesn’t mean easy  but it does mean accessible. These habits don’t require special equipment, expensive programs, or perfect circumstances. They just require practice.

Key Takeaways

Habit #4: Go to Bed at the Same Time Every Night
Consistency matters more than the exact time. Your body craves rhythm, and a regular bedtime supports brain function, hormone balance, emotional regulation, and energy. Creating a calming bedtime ritual helps signal your nervous system that it’s time to rest.

Habit #5: Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s working. It doesn’t have to be big or profound, simple, everyday gratitude is powerful. What you think about before bed is what your subconscious mind works on all night, making gratitude especially important at the beginning and end of the day.

Habit #6: Use Your Breath Intentionally
Your breath is your most underutilized tool, and it’s always with you. Just 3–6 intentional breaths can move your body from stress to relaxation. Practicing breathwork when you’re calm makes it accessible when emotions run high, helping you respond instead of react.

Grab your coffee (or water), take a breath, and tune in.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

In this episode of Coffee with M and J, Mandy and Jaime dive into what they lovingly call “Oh Bless moments”- those times when you realize you’ve seriously messed up. The idea sparked after both hosts had back-to-back “Oh Bless moments” of their own, quickly fixed them, and moved on.

They explore what to do after a slip-up, whether big or small:

• Fix It & Forget It: When you can fix the mistake right away, do it, then move on. No shame, no guilt, no marinating in the mess.
• Stop the Spiral: They talk about a “90-second rule” from a mentor, explaining how interrupting the negative emotion early can prevent a full shame spiral.
• Real Accountability: Apologies mean nothing without changed behavior. Sometimes making amends is simple; sometimes it requires a deeper shift.
• Behavior Change: When you can’t undo the mistake, you can decide what happens next. No more calling yourself names or dragging yourself through the mud.
• Grace + Truth: Find the sweet spot between giving yourself compassion and being honest about what needs to change.
• A Helpful Exercise: One host shares a powerful tool - write two columns: the story you’re telling yourself vs. what actually happened. Then create a “happy list” of lessons and positive takeaways.

They wrap up with this reminder: Fix it and forget it. Tune in for a grounded, compassionate conversation about messing up, making amends, and moving forward without beating yourself up.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

In this episode of Coffee with M and J, Mandy and Jaime shift into year-end reflection and future-focused planning as Mandy shares three essential business habits every entrepreneur should revisit before stepping into the new year.

This conversation is equal parts practical and real-life, covering everything from burnout and wearing all the hats to digital clean-up, goal review, and the courage it takes to try something new in business. Whether you’re a newer business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur feeling stretched thin, this episode offers grounded reminders and actionable next steps to help you close out the year strong and move forward with clarity.

Key Takeaways

Habit #1: Hire the Help You Need
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Whether it’s a bookkeeper, social media support, a virtual assistant, or even help in your personal life (like cleaning or food prep), outsourcing frees up time and energy so you can focus on growth instead of getting stuck in the day-to-day grind. Hiring help isn’t a failure, it’s a growth strategy.

Habit #2: Update & Align Your Digital Platforms
Now is the time for a digital refresh. Review your website, social media bios, links, Google Business profile, branding, and contact information to ensure everything is accurate, aligned, and working properly. Consistent handles, clear messaging, updated photos, and functioning links help build trust and keep your business top of mind.

Habit #3: Review & Plan Your Business Goals
Pull out the goals you set at the beginning of the year, yes, even the ones buried in a drawer. Celebrate what worked, acknowledge what didn’t, and identify where you can pivot. Goals don’t have to be purely financial; consistency, visibility, and courage count too. Write your goals down, keep them visible, and even planning just one focused quarter can be a game changer.

Bottom Line:
Growth doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing things differently.
Reflect, clean up, ask for help, and move forward with intention.

☕ Tune in, reflect on your year, and start building habits that support the business (and life) you actually want.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

Setting Intentional Goals for 2026

In this episode of Coffee with M and J, Mandy and Jaime dive into their personal and professional goals for 2026 and invite you to reflect on your own. From podcast growth to big personal dreams, they break down what they’re focusing on and how they plan to make it happen.

They share:
 • Podcast Goals: Growing their audience, increasing support through the “buy us a coffee” option, expanding YouTube reach, and booking monthly guests further in advance.
• Mandy’s Vision for 2026: Doubling her business revenue, bringing on an additional contractor, and finally driving the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid she’s been dreaming about for nearly two decades.
• Jaime’s Personal Goals: Curating “fitness experiences,” training for 108 sun salutations, traveling internationally to finally stamp that passport, and planning a spring trip to Sedona.

Mandy and Jaime explain why goals shouldn’t be rigid, they should be supported by data, strategy, and actionable steps. Starting now matters more than waiting for January 1st. And when things get hard? You pivot. You adjust. You keep going, because winners don’t quit.

Tune in for real talk on breaking goals down, why New Year’s resolutions often fail, and how to stay accountable without burning out.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

In this light-hearted and unexpectedly deep episode of Coffee with M and J, Mandy and Jaime explore the charm, meaning, and personality behind Christmas trees - specifically the difference between a “memory tree” and a “perfection tree.” The conversation unfolded spontaneously after Mandy dropped a line so profound that Jaime immediately hit record.

The hosts kick things off with their beverages of the day: Mandy has switched to water after reaching her coffee limit (to avoid feeling unfocused or “all over the place”), while Jaime sips on Sumatran Tiger coffee with a splash of heavy whipping cream - proudly owning her earlier “gluttony of coffee.”

Then the holiday fun begins:

• Jaime’s “Perfection Tree”: Classic, traditional, and magazine-worthy. All glass bulbs. White lights. Not a single child’s hand touches it. It’s beautiful… but missing the whimsy, memories, and meaning tucked inside a neglected box of keepsake ornaments she hasn’t opened in years.

• Mandy’s “Memory Tree”: Eclectic, sentimental, and full of stories. Every ornament has history - childhood pieces, travel treasures, Buzz Lightyear, Mary Poppins, Cubs memorabilia, and her grandma’s vintage ornaments. Her tree can flip from white lights (her choice) to colored lights (her husband’s), and while she’s not a color-matching perfectionist, ornament spacing does matter.

Along the way, the hosts talk about waste, tradition, personality, and what our trees say about us. They invite listeners to share their own “memory vs. perfection” preference - and even post photos of their trees.

By the end, Jaime commits to a personal challenge: opening that box of keepsake ornaments and letting a little memory magic in.

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee with M and J with your hosts Mandy and Jaime, who are joined by their first returning guest, entrepreneur, and community builder, Dane Aziz. Dane's first appearance was the most viewed and listened-to guest podcast episode to date.

While the original intention was to discuss mental health and the holidays, the conversation takes a deep dive, covering Dane’s personal growth journey, his struggles with loneliness during a difficult holiday season, and the critical differences between curiosity and interest. The co-hosts and Dane discuss how to find safe spaces for vulnerability, especially for men, the concept of "Godfidence", and the importance of having flexible boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

• Distinguishing Curiosity from Interest Curiosity is described as a one-moment-in-time spark of wanting to know something. In contrast, interest is a long-term connection, where someone genuinely wants to know you, continuing to ask questions and listen without an agenda.
• Mental Health in the Darkest Moments Loneliness and dark thoughts can arise, particularly around the holidays. The darkest moments can serve as the beginning of a powerful testimony. Remember that a dark period is a moment, not your whole story.
• The Importance of Action and Accountability Taking accountability for your actions and choosing to control your feelings and responses is crucial for growth. A growth mindset allows you to see adversity as a blessing and a learning opportunity, instead of adopting a victim mindset.
• Finding Support and Safety It is critical to find people who are "humble" and willing to be "held accountable". When in a dark place, reach out to trusted support systems. Men can find safe spaces in Christian-based men's groups, veterans groups, or by finding commonality in shared experiences or hobbies.
• Self-Love and Boundaries It's essential to protect your heart and realize that you cannot genuinely love others until you love yourself. Genuine love means sitting with a person through their mess—their crying, raging, or processing—without trying to fix them. Kind people have boundaries and self-control, and it is acceptable to step up and say, "No, this is not acceptable".

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram

This week, we’re looking back at the lessons we wish we’d known earlier. Mandy’s list is short and sweet, while Jaime’s… well, let’s just say hers could be its own book.  But in true Coffee with M and J fashion, Jaime’s reflections tie right back to Mandy’s ultimate question: Why do we stop ourselves?

From realizing how fast kids grow up (and how fleeting those sticky, gooey-hand moments really are), to separating faith from religion (is a throwdown about to happen?!), this episode is full of laughter, honesty, and those “oh wow” moments.

Some of our takeaways:
  Regret happens when we don’t take the moment
  People are always showing you who they are
  Fail faster and learn sooner
  At the heart of it all: I wish I had…. You’ll have to listen to finish this sentence. 

Of course, we keep it real, would an argument ever make it to air? You’ll just have to listen. 

We’d love to hear from you: what’s on your list?

Support the show

Where to find us at:
Coffee with M and J on Instagram
Coffee with M and J on TikTok

MJ Designs and Marketing on Instagram
New Soul Rising on Instagram