Flip the Box® with Shari Leid

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Have you ever questioned whether alcohol enhances your social connections or simply masks discomfort? When Alysse Bryson first went dancing sober, she had a startling realization: "I don't know why I ever thought I was a good dancer!" This moment of clarity exemplifies the journey many face when exploring life without alcohol.

In this compelling conversation, Alysse shares insights from her personal recovery journey and her work as founder of The Sober Curator, an online platform offering resources for alcohol-free living. We dive deep into what codependency really means—not weakness or dependency, but "a pattern of self-defeating, learned behaviors that result in a diminished capacity to initiate or participate in loving relationships." This understanding transforms how we view relationship dynamics when addiction is present.

The concept of having "no off button" provides a window into the neurological reality of addiction. As Alysse explains, "Once I start consuming, whatever the substance is, I can't stop. I literally can't stop." This isn't about willpower or moral failing; it's a fundamental neurological difference that those without addiction struggle to comprehend. Her analogy of trying to eat just half a Girl Scout cookie helps bridge this understanding gap.

Our discussion explores how alcohol impacts authentic connection, from dating to workplace culture. With the non-alcoholic beverage sector exploding and celebrities openly discussing sobriety, societal attitudes are shifting. Alysse boldly predicts that by 2030, alcohol consumption might carry similar social awareness as cigarette smoking does today—not eliminated, but recognized for its health implications.

Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or simply interested in understanding addiction's impact on relationships, this episode offers valuable perspective on creating genuine connections in a culture where alcohol often takes center stage. Try going to your next social event without drinking—you might discover, as many do, that authentic connection actually gets easier with practice.

To connect with Alysse, please visit his website The Sober Curator and/or Alyssebryson.com

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at Youtube/sharileid

#sobercurious #codependency #alcoholaddiction

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Financial protection after divorce isn't just about dividing assets—it's about creating a secure foundation for your future. Randy Carver, certified divorce financial analyst, joins me to share crucial steps that can make all the difference between post-divorce struggle and prosperity.

We begin by exploring six essential financial moves everyone should make after finalizing their divorce. Randy explains why understanding your new financial reality requires first determining what you truly need versus what you want. "People sometimes get so caught up in the money they put the cart before the horse," he cautions, recommending a thoughtful approach similar to planning a meaningful trip—you need to know your destination before choosing transportation.

The conversation takes a revealing turn when Randy shares alarming stories of people who overlooked critical details with devastating consequences. One woman lost her deceased husband's life insurance proceeds to his ex-wife because beneficiary designations were never updated. Another faced unexpected tax burdens after accepting pre-tax retirement assets while her ex-spouse received already-taxed cash. These cautionary tales highlight why working with specialists like Certified Divorce Financial Analysts can prevent costly oversights.

For those contemplating new relationships, Randy offers five protective strategies for entering second marriages. Beyond prenuptial agreements, he shares surprising insights about maintaining separate assets, updating estate plans to protect children from previous marriages, and navigating the complex healthcare implications of remarriage. His matter-of-fact advice—"Sometimes maintaining a legal separation may be more financially prudent than actually getting married"—challenges conventional thinking about relationships later in life.

Perhaps most valuable are the unexpected nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout our discussion. Did you know unmarried partners need renter's insurance when moving into a partner's home? Or that remarriage after 60 can eliminate eligibility for a deceased spouse's pension or Social Security benefits? Through practical examples and clear explanations, Randy transforms complex financial concepts into actionable strategies anyone can implement.

Whether you're newly divorced, considering remarriage, or simply planning ahead, this episode provides the financial knowledge you didn't know you needed. As Randy wisely notes, "It's never the bus you see coming that hits you"—making preparation your most powerful tool for protecting your financial future.

To connect with Randy, please visit his website Carver Financial Services

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Ready for a major life change? That moment when you realize the place you've called home your entire life might not be where you're meant to stay forever can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on my months-long journey to find a new city to call home.

After traveling across the US in 2023, I discovered something surprising – not only could many places feel like home with intentional effort, but the cost of living throughout the country made Seattle's expenses seem astronomical by comparison. This revelation sparked a methodical search process based on specific criteria: a strong professional speaking community, proximity to a major airport, significantly lower cost of living, and yes, even social opportunities for someone in my stage of life looking for meaningful connections.

My quest narrowed to four potential cities: Henderson, Scottsdale, Denver, and Dallas. To help announce my final decision, I've invited my real estate agent Janeil McCandless to help me reveal what city emerged as the perfect fit. We discuss that inexplicable feeling when a place "just feels right" – that gift of discernment many women experience when house-hunting. Janelle reveals her process of watching clients' body language and facial expressions to understand their true preferences, sometimes before they can articulate them themselves.

We also dive into practical aspects of relocating that often get overlooked: the importance of early mortgage pre-approval, insurance considerations specific to different regions, and the invaluable "white glove" services that can transform the typically stressful moving experience into something manageable. Janelle shares insider tips about everything from timing inspections to checking neighborhood traffic patterns at different hours.
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Whether you're contemplating a move yourself or simply curious about what drives major life transitions, this episode offers both emotional insights and practical wisdom for navigating change. Join me as I embark on this exciting new chapter and discover what happens when you follow your intuition to a place that could become home.

To connect with Janeil, please visit her on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/janeilmccandless_realtor/

or via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/janeilmrealtor/https://www.facebook.com/janeilmrealtor/

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#dallasrealator #dallasrealestate

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Dive deep into the fascinating world of mature dating and relationships with our special guest Glen Gilbert, host of "The Glen Gilbert Connection" podcast. Glen brings his opinions on modern relationships among seasoned adults to this candid, entertaining conversation that touches on everything from prenuptial agreements to the reasons many men in their 50s and 60s approach remarriage with caution.

Whether you're dating after divorce, considering a serious relationship later in life, or simply curious about relationship dynamics beyond the typical dating advice aimed at younger generations, this episode delivers valuable insights with warmth and humor.

If you've ever wondered why relationships seem to get more complex—not less—as we age, or if you're curious about the practical considerations that sometimes overshadow romantic ideals in mature relationships, you'll find this conversation enlightening. 

Subscribe, share with friends navigating similar life stages, and join us for more unscripted discussions that embrace the perfectly imperfect nature of relationships and life.

To listen to Glen's Podcast, The Glen Gilbert Connection, please visit https://1150kknw.com/podcasts/the-glen-gilbert-connection/

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Fear after divorce is not a warning—it's a sign you're stepping into the life you've been praying for. This heartfelt episode explores the challenging yet transformative journey of rebuilding after a long marriage ends.

Standing alone for the first time in decades can feel terrifying. When your support systems have changed and you're solely responsible for crafting your future, that fear often masquerades as love, tempting you to cling to what's familiar rather than what's right. But what if we've misunderstood fear completely? What if that uncomfortable feeling isn't a stop sign but a green light indicating you've leveled up?

I share a profound personal moment when I discovered my past self had created a roadmap for my current journey without even knowing it. Reading through my own book of quotes, I realized the wisdom I needed most had been within me all along—like a love letter from my former self to the woman I am becoming. This clarity revealed that the miracles I had been praying for weren't distant wishes but present realities I simply needed to recognize.

For everyone sitting in that place of uncertainty after marriage, I offer three powerful reflections: Where are you confusing fear with love? How might fear actually be evidence of your expansion? What miracles are already sitting quietly in your life? These questions help transform what feels like breakdown into breakthrough, revealing that you aren't losing your life—you're stepping into your real one.

Ready to reframe your fear and discover the freedom that awaits on the other side? Listen now, and remember: you're not breaking down, you're breaking through, and you're more ready than you think.

To work with Shari Leid, visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase Shari's Friendship Series book to journal through , Ask Yourself This, - visit Amazon

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $100 off

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Stepping away from a decades-long marriage isn't simply ending a relationship—it's reimagining your entire future during what should be your golden years. In this deeply personal and enlightening conversation, family law attorney and former judge Michelle Locke shares her professional and personal insights into the unique challenges of ending long-term marriages.

Michelle brings both legal expertise and firsthand experience to the table, having recently navigated her own divorce. She dismantles the often-intimidating landscape of "gray divorce" (her preferred term: "long-term marriage dissolution") with practical wisdom about financial realities, legal considerations, and emotional transitions that differ significantly from divorces earlier in life.

Discover why consulting an attorney months before filing could save you thousands, the crucial importance of developing your "Plan B" financial scenario, and how legal approaches vary dramatically between states. Michelle explains how expert guidance helps navigate complex asset division for retirement accounts, businesses, and even digital properties like iTunes libraries worth thousands. She offers candid advice about attorney selection, communication pitfalls during proceedings, and the often-overlooked post-divorce checklist that many discover too late.

Beyond the legalities, Michelle shares the profound personal transformation that awaits on the other side of divorce. "Peace is priceless," she explains, describing how many clients find unexpected happiness and authenticity despite having fewer material possessions. Whether you're contemplating divorce, currently navigating proceedings, or rebuilding post-divorce, you'll find valuable strategies and genuine hope in this conversation.

Ready to understand what divorce after decades might mean for your future? In the midst of a gray divorce? On the other end - post divorce? Listen now, and discover why knowledge truly is power during this pivotal life transition.

For more information about Michelle Locke, please visit her website, https://www.michelelocke.com/

To work with Shari Leid, visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options.

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $100 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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What if the traumas and challenges you've faced aren't just obstacles to overcome, but the source of your greatest leadership strengths? In this transformative conversation, I sit down with Corinne Kavanaugh, an audacious resilience expert who flips conventional wisdom on its head.

Corinne shares her powerful journey from a childhood marked by her mother's untreated bipolar disorder to becoming an author, entrepreneur, and Harvard graduate. Rather than hiding her past, she's now helping others recognize how their own difficult experiences have equipped them with exceptional leadership capabilities. The research backs this up – trauma integration creates leaders with heightened empathy and emotional intelligence because they understand pain and struggle firsthand.

We explore practical frameworks for "flipping the box" on how we view our challenges. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that reframe limiting beliefs to post-traumatic growth questions that accelerate healing, Corinne offers actionable tools that anyone can apply. 

For business leaders, Corinne provides game-changing perspective on hiring and team building. Rather than viewing candidates with difficult backgrounds as "damaged goods," she explains why these individuals often make exceptional leaders precisely because of their resilience. Their neural pathways for crisis management are well-developed, allowing them to quickly shift from challenge to opportunity.

Whether you're navigating personal trauma, leading a team through difficult times, or supporting someone on their healing journey, this episode offers a profound reframing that will transform how you view life's challenges. Tune in to discover how being "audaciously resilient" can become your greatest superpower.

More information about Corinne can be found on her website

Please follow her on Instagram for her latest updates @corinnecava

To work with Shari Leid, visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America visit Amazon or Barnes and Noble

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $100 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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When survival mode ends, real healing begins. After navigating through my divorce after 27 years of marriage, I've discovered that the aftermath—this "pivot year"—is actually more challenging and raw than the divorce process itself. Why? Because during a crisis, we operate on adrenaline and necessity. It's only when the dust settles that we truly feel the weight of our transformation.

This episode marks a turning point in my journey as I face the reality of leaving Seattle, the only home I've known, because I'm priced out of the market. With two Labrador dogs and a desire to maintain a landing place for my adult children, I'm narrowing down to just two potential cities where I can build a completely new life. At this crossroads, I'm embracing the terrifying freedom of being able to go anywhere while navigating the responsibility of creating stability entirely on my own—perhaps for the first time since my twenties.

Drawing from my personal story of being found as an infant in a cardboard box, I'm expanding my "flipping the box" philosophy beyond sharing meals with strangers to completely reinventing myself, my career, and my approach to community. This isn't just about thinking outside the box—it's about transforming our limitations into tables of opportunity. As I share the unfiltered reality of creating community from scratch and establishing financial independence, I invite you to witness this journey of rediscovery in real-time.

I've created a 12-week course called "Flip the Box for Yourself," designed to help you enrich your existing relationships and forge meaningful new connections. Use code "PODCAST" to receive $100 off, and join me for weekly office hours where we can support each other through our parallel journeys. Whether you're weathering your own major life transition or simply seeking more authentic connections, I'd love to have you alongside me as we navigate the perfectly imperfect process of rebuilding.

Access the Flip The Box For Yourself 12 Week Course here 

URL: https://shari-s-site-0256.thinkific.com/products/courses/FTBSelf

To purchase Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America - Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Media and Speaking Inquiries contact publicist: Kourtney Jason at [email protected]

For more information visit www.animperfectlyperfectlife.com

Join the Flip The Box private Facebook Group

To See the Video of this episode visit www.youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Join us as we discuss:  

Who am I outside of work? Our conversation explores this universal struggle to separate personal identity from professional accomplishments. Gentrix candidly shares how she missed countless family milestones while working "weekend overnights" in the relentless grind of media production. The layoff, initially devastating, ultimately offered her the gift of reconsidering priorities that eight years of hustle culture had obscured.

Her story resonates with anyone who's experienced career upheaval or questioned their life's direction. Through launching her podcast "Outside of Work," Gentrix begins reclaiming neglected relationships and discovering opportunities beyond her narrow professional focus. "I had blinders on like a racehorse, but now they're off – anything is possible." From starting a notary business to contemplating entrepreneurship in her native Kenya, Gentrick demonstrates how career disruption often reveals possibilities previously invisible to us.

Whether you're facing job loss, retirement, empty nesting, or simply questioning your life's trajectory, this episode offers valuable perspective on defining yourself beyond your titles. Join us for this powerful conversation about identity, priorities, and discovering that sometimes, as Shari puts it, "We allow good to stop us from becoming great."

Ready to expand your perspective? Subscribe now and share your own journey of self-discovery with us!

Gentrix can be contacted at: Outside Of Work on YouTube

or via Instagram at Outside Of Work Official

and also on Tik Tok at Outside of Work Official

Shari can be found at www.animperfectlyperfectlife.com

To purchase Shari's new book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned From Sharing Meals Across America - Please click here

Media and Speaking inquiries - please contact Kourtney Jason at [email protected]

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Life’s transitions can be tough, especially when faced with heartbreak or significant changes. In this episode, we uncover the profound impact that friendships have on our emotional wellbeing. Join us as we explore the concept of "picket fence friends" and how leaning on our social circles can help us heal during challenging times. We discuss the science behind the "tend and befriend" response, showcasing how our bodies are biologically wired to seek connection in moments of stress.

This episode is packed with practical advice for building a robust support system. We highlight the importance of choosing the right friends, setting open communication, and allowing yourself to be supported. You’ll learn actionable steps to forge those meaningful connections and how they can turn heartbreak into healing. 

By the end of our conversation, you’ll have the tools to establish your metaphorical picket fence, ensuring you never face life’s challenges alone. Remember, healing is a community effort; don’t miss the chance to reach out to your friends. Join us for an uplifting discussion that reminds us of the power of connection and community in overcoming adversity. Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes, and don’t hesitate to share this with someone who might need their own picket fence right now!

Build Your Own Picket Fence

Step 1: Choose your fence posts wisely.
These should be the people who:
✅ Love you unconditionally, but will call you out when needed.
✅ Don’t let you wallow, but also don’t force you to “move on” too fast.
✅ Know how to send the perfect meme at the perfect time.

Step 2: Make the official call.
Send the group text. Be honest. It might feel awkward, but I promise, your real friends want to be there for you.

Step 3: Commit to the process.
This isn’t just about texting them when you feel sad. Let them check in. Let them show up. Let yourself be supported.

Step 4: When you’re ready, become someone else’s fence post.
Because the best part? Once you’ve built your fence, you realize just how powerful it is—and suddenly, you become part of someone else’s.

Shari's new book Table For 51 can be purchased now on Amazon - Purchases here and read about her travels through the US, her tough decision to divorce and her story of unexpectedly falling in love with a man who made her feel what home felt like. 

To book Shari to speak at your event or for media inquiries - please [email protected] or Shari's Publicist Kourtney Jason at [email protected]

Please visit An Imperfectly Perfect Life®, LLC to learn more about working with Shari. 

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation