If you've been feeling that familiar drain of exhaustion, persistent brain fog, or like your body simply isn't keeping up with your high-achieving mind, this episode is going to hit home. 

From blood sugar and sleep to your environment and that annoying inner critic, this episode is about tuning in, clearing the noise, and finding your way back to feeling like yourself again.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Sarah Reilly's personal, years-long journey with undiagnosed Lyme disease and how it fueled her passion for functional medicine.
• The overwhelm of health information and how to find what's right for your unique body.
• The intricate web of factors (stress, infections, toxins, diet) that can trigger autoimmunity.
• Early warning signs of stress in your body, from insidious cravings and middle-of-the-night waking to brain fog and digestive issues.
• Why sleep is the foundational step for restoring your brain and body.
• The truth about "adrenal fatigue" and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction.
• A crucial perspective on intermittent fasting: why it's not for everyone, especially high achievers already battling high cortisol or hypoglycemia.
• Practical strategies for nutrient-dense meals to balance blood sugar and sustain energy throughout your day (including a specific smoothie recipe!).
• How to make healthy foods more appealing ("dress up your veggies!").
• Navigating the financial investment in functional medicine and why it's worth its weight in gold for customized, strategic support.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Is your body keeping up with your high-achieving mind?
• 00:02:48 – Sarah's personal journey: undiagnosed Lyme and the path to functional medicine.
• 00:06:51 – The overwhelm of conflicting health information for high achievers.
• 00:15:58 – Early warning signs of stress you might be overlooking in your body.
• 00:21:12 – The crucial first step to better health: mastering your sleep.
• 00:26:41 – Understanding "adrenal fatigue" and how stress impacts your hormones.
• 00:33:05 – The truth about intermittent fasting: is it right for you?
• 00:38:03 – Practical strategies for nutrient-dense meals and a go-to smoothie recipe.
• 00:44:48 – Investing in your health: navigating the costs of customized care.

About Sarah Reilly:

• Website: https://getnourished.net/
• Sarah Reilly's Free Guide: "15 TRIGGERS KEEPING YOU FEELING FAT, BLOATED, ACHY & BURNT OUT".
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnourished.sarah/

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

If you've found yourself stuck in overdrive, constantly pushing past empty, or saying "yes" when your body is screaming "no," this solo episode is for you. Megan explores the four crucial boundaries she had to implement after her own intense burnout season.

This isn't theory; it's lived experience. Megan shares the raw truth about what changed, why it had to, and how these boundaries helped her reset, reclaim her energy, and build a more sustainable life and business.

Will you take action to help you slow down and course-correct before burnout forces your hand?

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why Megan's late 2023/early 2024 burnout was a catalyst for radical change.
• The profound impact of treating yourself like a robot (and why it will eventually catch up).
• How setting boundaries can help you reclaim your energy and redefine success.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:01:43 – Feeling stuck in overdrive
• 00:07:05 – How can you create space for repair and restoration in your busiest days?
• 00:13:30 – What happens when your helpfulness leads to deep exhaustion and resentment?
• 00:23:45 – How can you stay informed without being overwhelmed by the world's weight?
• 00:29:40 – What if your commitments are draining you instead of fulfilling you?
• 00:40:00 – A simple way to pause before saying "yes"

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

Are you caught in a loop of overthinking, over-planning, or playing it too safe? In this episode, Megan sits down with acclaimed psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z) to explore how high achievers can break free from anxiety, over-analysis, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

This conversation is a must-listen if you're ready to untangle old patterns, create more ease, clarity, and alignment in your life, and finally trust yourself to navigate uncertainty.

Quick Note: This episode is part of an unintentional mini-series! If this topic resonates, be sure to check out Episode 317: Unlearning Overworking (solo episode on why rest feels uncomfortable for high achievers) and Episode 318: The Real Reason You’re Questioning Everything (with guest Laura Gassner Otting, on identity shifts and trusting intuition). Each offers a unique perspective on burnout, identity, and self-trust.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How anxiety and fear-based responses shrink our lives – and how to expand beyond them 
✅ The surprising truth about perfectionism in high achievers (it's not just about academics!)
✅ Why "just drop your standards" is an alienating message for people who deeply care 
✅ The subtle yet crucial difference between "doing your best" and "doing good enough" 
✅ Why your inner critic is paradoxically trying to protect you – and how to respond to it 
✅ The unhelpful cycle of responding to thinking with more thinking (and how to break it!) 
✅ Common psychological traps that keep us stuck in chronic indecision 
✅ The power of making "workable" choices instead of chasing "perfect" ones 
✅ Why self-trust doesn't mean the absence of self-doubt, but the willingness to act with it 
✅ The deepest fear for high achievers (and how to identify what's truly driving your actions) 
✅ How to tap into your innate wisdom amidst the noise of constant doing and hustling

About Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z):

Website: https://www.thisisdoctorz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.z.passionatebehaviorist/

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:03:50 – Dr. Z's personal journey with anxiety and the pivotal panic attack
• 00:05:00 – How anxiety shrinks our lives and stops us from living authentically
• 00:06:10 – Megan's experience as a professional worrier turned wedding planner
• 00:08:36 – The hidden perfectionism of high achievers and why they can't "do mediocre work"
• 00:10:49 – Why "dropping your standards" creates resistance and an alienated message
• 00:12:07 – Dr. Z's story of being told to "stop working so hard" and its impact
• 00:13:22 – Navigating generational shifts: "Practice makes perfect" vs. "Practice makes progress"
• 00:14:57 – The radical acceptance of being an overachiever and learning to discriminate
• 00:17:37 – Preparing for the guilt and remorse that comes with "good enough"
• 00:18:11 – Distinguishing what's "good enough" in different life buckets (business, motherhood)
• 00:19:31 – The role of self-compassion and humility in making tough choices
• 00:23:15 – The value of pausing and processing (watching your mind)
• 00:24:34 – Responding to yourself with gentleness and kindness when guilt arrives
• 00:25:11 – The never-ending background noise of the inner critic
• 00:26:24 – Understanding the inner critic's purpose: It's trying to protect you
• 00:29:49 – Why you can't win a "mind chess game" with your inner critic
• 00:31:17 – Making decisions from values vs. fear (avoiding or gaining something)
• 00:32:28 – Navigating big life decisions without spiraling into overwhelm
• 00:33:53 – Why humans hate uncertainty and how it impacts decision-making
• 00:35:43 – The Buddhist parable of the monkey and the lotus (attachment to "how things are supposed to be")
• 00:37:03 – Thinking biases: black and white thinking, hypervigilance, fear of regret
• 00:37:55 – Our ability to adapt: every decision is a bet on the future
• 00:38:26 – Maximizers vs. Satisficers: Understanding your decision style
• 00:41:01 – Giving ourselves permission to make a workable, not perfect, choice
• 00:41:51 – The crucial role of self-trust in navigating what comes next
• 00:42:40 – Psychological flexibility: being flexible with the world inside and out
• 00:44:54 – Overthinking as a coping mechanism to avoid emotions
• 00:46:43 – The deepest fear of high achievers: the fear of failure
• 00:47:50 – Checking in: What is really driving your "go, go, go" mode?
• 00:48:40 – Cultivating your inner wisdom (it's soft and tender, not demanding)

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

You’ve checked the boxes. You’ve followed the rules. And still, something feels… off. If you’re standing in the middle of success and wondering, “Now what?”, this episode is for you.

Laura Gassner Otting - bestselling author, keynote speaker, and all-around truth-teller - joins Megan to talk about identity shifts, outgrowing your former self, and the surprising power of trusting your intuition.

This conversation is for the high achievers who are secretly exhausted. For the people-pleasers who are learning to say “no.” For the women who are ready to stop playing small.

Because what got you here won’t get you there, and Laura’s here to help you figure out what comes next.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What to do when you’ve built success that no longer fits you
✅ How to know when it’s time to walk away from a job, business, or relationship
✅ Why we cling to old versions of ourselves - and how to gently unravel them
✅ The subtle difference between imposter syndrome and growth
✅ Why comparison is the root of mediocrity
✅ How to use facts, not fear, to make bold decisions
✅ The importance of protecting your energy and curating your inner circle
✅ Laura’s “F you, pay me” mantra—and how to claim your worth without apology
-----

About Laura Gassner Otting (LGO):

• Website: https://lauragassnerotting.com/
• Books (Wonderhell and Limitless): https://lauragassnerotting.com/resources/#books
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heylgo/

---

00:03:24 – From the White House to TEDx: Laura’s beautifully messy origin story
00:07:55 – Identity crisis: What it really looks like and why it’s so common
00:10:00 – Why the people who “know you best” might be holding you back
00:13:53 – Changing the voice in your head from a limitation to an invitation
00:18:28 – When to know you’ve stayed too long—and why success can lead to sabotage
00:22:59 – The myth of being “for everyone” and the gift of letting go
00:24:31 – Confidence through facts, not fluff
00:27:23 – You’re not out of your league—you’re just out of your lexicon
00:30:59 – Comparison vs. becoming a category of one
00:34:46 – How to train your brain to see opportunities (not just obstacles)
00:36:39 – Why too much advice might mean you already know the answer
00:39:11 – “F*ck you, pay me”: The mantra you didn’t know you needed

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @forrealwithmeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

At the end of 2023, there was this phrase I kept hearing in my head on repeat. 

"It doesn't feel safe to slow down."

I'd end my days feeling completely depleted mentally, physically, and emotionally. And yet I'd still push myself to do more. Sometimes it was work stuff, sometimes it was home stuff. 

But I had this constant, almost compulsive need to be doing something productive at all times. 

Rest felt elusive, like this thing other people could do, once they'd earned it. For me, rest basically just meant sleep. It was a quick reset so I could get up and do it all over again.

Sound familiar?  Let's figure out how we can unlearn that habit.
-----

Episode Mentioned: 314. The 3 Small Habit Shifts That Changed My Energy, Focus, and CEO Mindset

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @forrealwithmeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

Today I'm sharing something big. 

It's a shift that's been a long time coming, one that mirrors the evolution that I've been going through behind the scenes for the last couple of years. It's part update, part story-time, and part love letter to you, to this podcast, and to what's coming next.

----

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

For years, the events and hospitality industry has glorified burnout—long hours, nonstop chaos, toxic management—and called it passion. But what if there's a better way?

Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day, joins us today to prove that you can build a thriving business and a culture people actually want to be part of. He’s created a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand, and where culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s lived and breathed, every day.

Whether you lead a team now or dream of growing one someday, this episode will get you thinking about what’s possible when you lead with heart.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why fun and productivity aren’t mutually exclusive
✅ How to identify the biggest culture killer in your business (hint: it might be your “top performer”)
✅ A simple matrix to assess culture fit vs. job performance
✅ What it really takes to live your values, not just list them
✅ How to spark team buy-in and momentum when shifting culture
✅ Anthony’s favorite interview tactic to determine who’s truly aligned
✅ What “balance” really means in hospitality—and how to model it
✅ The one piece of advice he wishes he could give his younger self

Connect with Anthony Lambatos:

• Website and Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://themibe.com
• Heart Leadership Workshop: August 18–19, 2025: https://themibe.com/mibeworkshop
• MIBE Summit: January 2026 (dates TBA): https://themibe.com/summit

00:00:00 – Burnout, chaos, and shifting toxic norms in hospitality
00:03:38 – Why bad leadership models persist—and how to break the cycle
00:05:24 – The culture boulder: how to build momentum (and know who’s pulling it back)
00:08:07 – The culture vs. performance matrix—and how to handle toxic high performers
00:13:25 – Values on the wall vs. values in practice
00:17:04 – Fab Tigers, Jimmy Bucks, and reinforcing behavior through story
00:19:15 – Why they all eat lunch together—and what happens during it
00:23:45 – How Anthony’s team handles feedback and vulnerability
00:25:41 – The 7-step hiring process (and the “deck of values” trick)
00:30:00 – 4 characteristics of top performers: perseverance, initiative, teamwork, positivity
00:33:48 – Where Anthony learned to lead—and how he learned what not to do
00:36:00 – Pom poms, productivity, and making work fun again
00:38:36 – The three foundations of culture: strengths, purpose, and people

----

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut — low on energy, scattered, or just... kinda over it all?

You're not alone, and today's episode is for you.

After hitting a few of those "blah" moments myself, I found three small (but powerful) habit shifts that helped me recharge my energy, refocus my mind, and rebuild my CEO mindset — without needing a 17-step system, a new planner, or a $5K mastermind. 🙃

And the best part?

You can start them this week. They're free, they're simple, and they work.

Today, I'm sharing:

• A 30-Day Mini Habit Challenge to kickstart momentum (and how to actually stick with it)
• How to make the boring, soul-sucking tasks way more enjoyable
• The sneaky power of 10-minute "white space" breaks to reset your brain and boost creativity

If you’ve been running on fumes, stuck in hustle mode, or just craving a little more joy in your days, you're going to love these small but mighty shifts.

Your challenge: Pick one shift to start this week. DM me or tag me (@weddingsforreal) to let me know which one you’re trying — and don't forget to plan a reward for yourself when you nail it.

Episode Highlights:

• [1:15] – Why small shifts > big overhauls
• [4:09] – Habit Shift #1: The 30-Day Mini Habit Reset (and why it builds CEO confidence)
• [13:44] – Habit Shift #2: Making hard tasks feel lighter and more enjoyable
• [16:25] – Habit Shift #3: Why 10-minute white space breaks are your secret weapon
• [20:32] – Quick recap and your action step for this week

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

If you’ve ever had that feeling about someone on your team—the subtle “something’s off” whisper in your gut—you’re not alone.

In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties.

Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear.

Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about waving pom-poms. It’s about setting clear expectations, having hard conversations, and asking yourself the uncomfortable but necessary question:

Is this a coaching opportunity…or is it time to let them go?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The 3 must-dos for onboarding a new team member
✅ What’s actually coachable—and what probably isn’t
✅ The leadership mistake Megan made that cost her time and energy (so you can avoid it)
✅ Why you shouldn’t hire in a moment of panic (and what to do if you already did)
✅ How to avoid getting stuck in the dreaded “gray zone” of mediocre team performance
✅ The one thing people pleasers need to hear when it’s time to let someone go
✅ A free resource to improve your team’s communication and event debriefs

Free Resource:
Post-Event Team Feedback Questionnaire
Get Megan & Gina’s go-to tool for checking in with your team after each event. It’s simple, practical, and a game-changer for team growth and accountability.
Download it here - https://learn.theplannersvault.com/teameventdebrief

Timestamps:

00:00 – The hiring gut check no one talks about
 02:27 – Meet Gina: 14 years, one unicorn hire
 04:11 – Why panic hiring is usually a mistake
 08:01 – The 3 non-negotiables for onboarding
 13:21 – How to give (and track) meaningful feedback
 16:10 – What you can coach (and how)
18:55 – What you can’t coach—no matter how nice they are
20:41 – People pleasing vs. leadership
24:24 – Boundaries when you’re also friends
28:15 – Using vendors as a feedback loop
29:21 – Let your team fail (seriously)
30:07 – How to navigate the gray zone with clarity
31:27 – Final takeaways + how to lead with intention

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day

Ever feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you’re not sure if it still fits the version of success you’re chasing?

You’re not alone.

In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.

This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something great… but it’s time for something different.

Vanessa shares how to know when you’re scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.)

Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to recognize when you’ve outgrown your business
✅ The difference between shiny object syndrome and soul-led decisions
✅ Why fear doesn’t mean stop—it just means be brave
✅ What it really looks like to pursue a big, messy dream (like starting a nonprofit)
✅ How to create space for rest—even in the busiest seasons
✅ Why building long-term relationships is your best marketing strategy
✅ The beauty of attracting the right clients (and repelling the wrong ones)

Support Vanessa’s Clean Water Project
Vanessa is raising funds to build clean water wells in Kenya through her limited-edition photo print sales.

• DM https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy, with the words prints for water
• Visit: safariwildlifeandlandscapes.com

Timestamps:
00:00 – When growth feels like a wall
03:19 – Overwhelm, marketing, and measuring what actually matters
07:59 – Gut checks vs shiny objects
10:07 – The messy middle of launching a nonprofit
16:44 – Pouring into yourself when you're pouring into everyone else
19:08 – Saying no and making your own schedule
22:24 – Relationships: the real business growth strategy
28:27 – Client red flags, repelling & attracting
30:21 – Growing beyond what used to work
31:40 – Final takeaway: “Be afraid—but do it anyway”

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

----
2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day