In this episode of the Powermomma Podcast, Sam kicks off her two-part "No Thank You" show, recorded on a hike at Runyon Canyon with her best friend of 28 years, newly-minted Dr. Helen Cunningham.

Together, they dig into:

• What NO-vember is and why saying no before the holidays is survival, not drama

• The long, messy list of "No's": overscheduling, pointless meetings, comparison, self-doubt, multitasking, burnout & fake obligations

• The USC homecoming rain game: saying no to playing it safe, yes to taking chances and making core memories with their kids

• Choosing quiet, simple Thanksgiving over performative "big gathering" energy

• How to stop comparing yourself to other moms, podcasters, "perfect" people & instead learn from them

• Burnout red flags and real-life strategies: hikes, meditation, journaling, and stepping away before you crash

This episode is the "NO" part of "No Thank You."

Next up: the THANKS side of the story.