In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, I’m joined by my good friend and radio buddy, Tom Morel, as we tackle a topic that resonates with so many of us: those sneaky, negative thought patterns—what I like to call “stinkin’ thinkin’.”

Together, Tom and I share funny, relatable stories about the times we’ve had to reframe our thoughts (spoiler: there’s some good laughter involved and a few a-ha moments for me) and dig into the science behind why our brains are wired to focus on the negative.

We’ll explore common mental fallacies, like black-and-white thinking, and discuss how recognizing and challenging these patterns can lead to a more positive and productive mindset.

This episode is packed with laughs, insights, practical tools, and plenty of inspiration to help you retrain your thoughts and take back control of your mental landscape. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!

In this heart-to-heart episode, I’m joined by my husband, a high school football coach, as we talk about how success in sports goes far beyond the final score. We dive into the lessons that kids learn from football that shape them for life, from resilience and teamwork to perseverance and leadership. Sometimes, the true victories aren’t measured in touchdowns—they’re found in the way players grow off the field and the lasting impact coaches have on their lives.

In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, we explore the transformative power of appreciating the small, everyday moments that bring us happiness. From savoring a morning coffee to cherishing a loved one’s smile, these moments are often overlooked but hold the key to a more joyful life. Together, we dive into the science behind small joys, share personal stories, and offer practical tips for cultivating gratitude and mindfulness. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to slow down, notice the beauty around you, and embrace the little things that truly make life extraordinary

In this heart-to-heart episode, we sat down with a group of thoughtful and candid 6th graders to explore their personal experiences with social media. These young voices gave us a glimpse into how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat shape their daily lives, relationships, and mental health. From the pressures of likes and followers to the challenges of navigating online drama, their insights are both eye-opening and profound.

We explored topics like:

• The Good:     How social media keeps them connected with friends and inspires      creativity.
• The Bad:     The pressure to compare themselves to others and maintain a      "perfect" image.
• The Ugly:     Cyberbullying, FOMO (fear of missing out), and the overwhelming feeling of      being "always on."

Social media is everywhere, and for today’s youth, it’s almost unavoidable. While it can foster creativity and connection, its challenges—like its impact on self-esteem, mental health, and the pressure to fit in—can feel overwhelming, even catastrophic.

In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, I sit down with my good friend and social clinician, Jennifer Greene, to explore the rollercoaster of emotions that come with life online. Together, we unpack the challenges and celebrate the bright spots of social media, offering practical insights and tips to help young people develop healthier online habits and thrive in a digital world.

Asking for help can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step toward living authentically and letting go of the pressure to be perfect. In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, we dive into why asking for help feels so difficult, how leaning on others can transform your life, and simple strategies to make it easier.

We’ll also explore the importance of giving yourself—and others—grace, and how shifting your mindset about needing support can lead to greater connection and resilience.

If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for help, this episode will remind you that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with my amazing friend, Jen Huber, a mother who faced every parent’s worst nightmare—the loss of her child, Emma to cancer. Through tears, honesty, and raw vulnerability, we talk about her journey of grief, love, and living authentically through it all.  This conversation is a reminder that even in the darkest times, love endures. Whether you’ve experienced loss or want to better understand how to support someone who has, this episode is for you.

Warning: This episode includes sensitive content around the loss of a child to cancer, which may be triggering for some listeners.  Listener discretion is advised as the content may be distressing for some

In this heartfelt episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, I sit down with my friend Gisele White to unpack the complexities of grief and how to support someone facing the unimaginable. Grief is deeply personal and looks different for everyone, but offering support doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that grief doesn’t come with a guidebook, and the best way to help is often through small, thoughtful gestures and simply showing up. If you’ve ever struggled to know what to do or say for someone experiencing profound loss, this episode will inspire you to act with compassion, empathy, and grace.

Christmas is often painted as the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ but for many, it’s anything but. In this episode, we explore why the holiday season can be hard—whether due to grief, loneliness, family tensions, or simply unmet expectations. Join me as I share personal reflections, stories from others, and practical ways to navigate the season with grace, authenticity, and self-compassion. Let’s rewrite the narrative together, one small step at a time.

In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, we dive into the mental and emotional barriers that keep us from taking control of our fitness…Why does starting feel so hard? Why does waiting make it even harder?

Joined by my friend, a CrossFit owner who understands the struggle, we break down:

· How to overcome the fear of starting something new.

· The power of small steps that lead to big change.

· Why we often underestimate what we’re capable of.

· The surprising truth: You’re much stronger—physically and mentally—than you think.

Whether it’s about fitness or life in general, this episode will inspire you to stop doubting yourself and start taking action. It’s time to lace up those sneakers and make the leap. The hardest part is beginning!