Crazy Zen Life

Okay, we get it.  Fall is here but does it have to be so loud.  And don't get us started on Halloween.  Today we chat about the ways the token loves of this beloved season have us saying, "calm down."  Also, in a few weeks, the CZL families are heading to the happiest place on earth.  But before we do, we are sharing our favorite tips and fun ideas to make your trip to the magic kingdom a little more zen. Enjoy this mid-week drop!  

Meet Jenna Ahern! Jenna is the founder and CEO of Guardian Owl, a search engine optimization company (SEO for those in the know).  When Jenna's field hockey chapter ended and her professional career was on the horizon she found that her search for a new identity began as well.  Having an affinity for cars, she took a job in the automotive space and acquired a ton of on the job knowledge.  She soon learned that helping businesses grow through marketing and SEO was a passion her hers.  Thus, Guardian Owl was created.  Join us on Jenna's journey through the struggles of building a company as to why one field hockey stick changed her life.  Enjoy this powerful, inspiring episode! 

https://www.guardianowldigital.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jenna_ahern/

https://www.instagram.com/guardian_owl/

https://bossbabe.com/how-jenna-ahern-built-her-7-figure-company/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2019/07/08/three-ways-b2bs-can-start-leveraging-their-data-more-creatively/#a6d3b9a69e54

On today's episode, we sit down with Britney Renbarger from Pink Tag, Louisville's premier online clothing boutique.  Just a few short years ago Britney was getting ready to give birth to her second child when a fabulous idea fell into her lap.  She knew she had a very relatable style that was affordable and cute.  Before she could really second guess her idea of starting an online boutique, her husband had ordered the pink tags.  Thus, Pink Tag was born.  Although Britney still considers her business very new, she has some knowledge and wisdom to share.  Enjoy this journey with Britney as we discuss the importance of fast, free shipping and how balance does not exist.

Enjoy 20% off your Pink Tag purchase by using Zen20 at checkout!!! 

https://www.facebook.com/shoppinktag/

https://www.pinktagboutique.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pinktagboutique/

This is kind of a two-parter in one delightful episode!  We chat about mom fairy struggle and how all of the humans in our life depend on the magic that is mom fairy. 

Have you ever examined your daily behavior?  What is a ritual and what is just a habit?  On today's episode, we examine our own behavior as well as offer some questions to ask yourself about the rituals in YOUR life.  Enjoy this quick Brittany and Shannon pop in!     

We are bringing Barrett back!  But first, we need to reboot her episode.  If you didn't catch Barrett the first time around here is your chance to hear one of the most powerful stories on CZL.  Barrett gets raw and open about her battle with addiction and how her family saved her during the most challenging time in her life.  We also pop in a little on this release to tell you what we have been up to and what's in store for CZL this fall.  We can't wait to share all the goods with you soon.  Stay tuned!  

Resources:

Barrett Instagram

Information about full moon

https://time.com/5673236/full-harvest-moon-friday-13th/

Please welcome back Heidi Fuller from Awakenings Boutique.  You may remember Heidi from episode #28 where she spoke about her mission to provide a safe space for women in various transitions of life find a wig/hairpiece that provides comfort and support during a trying time.  During our chat with Heidi, we quickly learned that her mission went way past the wigs she provides.  Her openness, vulnerability, and fellow cancer warrior make her community so special and real.  In 2018, Heidi started an event called, The Real Faces of Cancer.  She wanted to profile and celebrate the women behind the wigs.  "All stories need to be celebrated and honored, " says Heidi. In today's episode, you’ll hear more from Heidi and what she has been up to since the last time we chatted.  Also, you’ll hear from Michelle and Cheryl, actual Faces of Cancer attendees and cancer warriors.  Enjoy! 

Resources:

https://www.facebook.com/wigladyboutique/

https://awakenshop.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wigladyboutique/

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Milestone birthdays usually call for milestone reflection.  It's a time to recount life lessons to better understand where you have been and how you can move forward in a more positive way.  We are so excited to share all of Shannon's life lessons with you today on the podcast.  Shannon opens up about friendships, hard truths, and (of course) giving fewer f*cks moving into a new decade of life.  Enjoy our close closet confessions because......f*ck it! Shannon is 40! 

Resources:

Body and Brow- skincare and local brow place mentioned in episode

Drunk Elephant

Beauty Counter  

Back to school season has us all in a hustle trying to shove those little ones out the door.  School can be a trying time for young ones, could you imagine if you were hungry?  This has us thinking about the amazing impact that Blessing in a Backpack has nationwide for close hundreds of thousands of kids per year.  The vision of Blessings is to ensure children do not go hungry on the weekends by empowering individuals and communities to take action.  What started in our hometown, Louisville Kentucky, has now blossomed into a nationwide movement.  Blessings has sponsors lending a helping hand along the way, but Nikki Grizzle truly believes the grassroots effort is a huge component to the success.  Listen in as we chat about the impact of Blessings in a backpack has made and why there is still so much we can do.  Check out the links below to find out how you can help out in your community just one bag at a time. 

https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/       

https://www.instagram.com/blessingsinabackpack/

https://www.facebook.com/BlessingsinaBackpack/

Today we sit down with former NFL guard, Eric Wood, to discuss life after football.  It's easy for us to say that when a professional athlete retires and that that they have their life all figured out.  That's not always the case.  During our chat with Eric, we discover that there is way more behind the transition out of this beloved sport.  What do you say when someone asks you, "what's next?"  Travel with us as we discuss Eric's support system, how he stays mentally strong, and how this new chapter has a lot more pages. 

Resources:

What's Next-Eric Wood Podcast 

Buffalo Bills - Eric Wood

On this episode of Crazy Zen Life, Shannon recaps her trip to Europe and opens up about at life-altering phone call. What began as a small lump in her left breast turned into a chance to prioritize what is important. Self-breast exams are important at every age and mammograms should be a part of your regularly scheduled maintenance. If something doesn't "feel" right, listen to your body. After having three incredible women on the show who know first hand the importance of trusting your gut and take action, we knew waiting was not an option. 

We reference Heidi Fuller of Awakings Boutique, Caroline Johnson of Twisted Pink and Lara MacGregor of Hope Scarves in this episode. If you haven't heard their stories check them out: 

Ep: 28: It's more than just a wig. How being "awake" changed Heidi Fuller's life.

https://crazyzenlife.podbean.com/e/its-more-than-just-a-wig-how-being-awake-changed-heidi-fullers-life/

Ep: 57: Changing the way we look at Metastatic Breast Cancer with Caroline Johnson

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dyd9kx/ZenTwistedPink_-_2_16_19_10_40_AM.mp3

Ep: 67: Hope is Always Evolving: The Journey of Hope Scarves. Lara MacGregor of Hope Scarves

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wfg3ng/ZenHopeScarves_-_5_20_19_4_19_PM.mp3

We also talk do's and don'ts of music festivals, why letting loose is good for you and living your best life includes watching the sunrise. Enjoy!