Dating apps, ghosting, and goat screams—oh my! In this solo episode, I’m opening up about what it’s really like to date in today’s swipe-left world. From personal heartbreak to the highs of hopeful banter, I share why modern dating often feels like an emotional rollercoaster and what I’ve learned about resilience, timing, and holding on to the magic of love. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, questioning your worth, or wondering if the spark is still out there—this one’s for you. Let’s get honest, let’s laugh, and let’s keep believing in the magic.

Topics Covered:

• How a soap opera obsession shaped my ideas of love.
• A vulnerable story of my first heartbreak and its long-lasting impact.
• What online dating looked like in the early days vs. now.
• A recent experience that triggered a wave of dating frustration.
• The grief and confusion that comes with ghosting.
• Cultural expectations around singleness and silent shame.
• How to reframe hopelessness and re-center your own joy.
• Practical mindset shifts for dating without losing your mind.

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Let’s talk about boundaries—real ones, the kind that stick and actually serve your growth. In this episode, I sit down with the wildly wise Dawn Elgin to explore how boundaries are less about pushing people away and more about protecting your energy and aligning with your values. We unpack why so many of us struggle to set and keep boundaries, how people-pleasing sneaks in, and the surprising connection between values, self-respect, and emotional exhaustion. If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no—or unsure where to even begin—this conversation is a must-listen!

Topics Covered:

• Why most people misunderstand what boundaries really are.
• How your values form the foundation for boundaries that stick.
• Why people-pleasing and emotional exhaustion go hand in hand.
• The difference between internal and external boundaries.
• How to set boundaries without guilt or drama.
• Why resentment is your early warning system.
• What it means to shift from survivor to thriver.
• The phrase “no” as a complete sentence—and why it’s enough.

Here are some actions you can take, whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from NPR called “A guide to setting better boundaries.”
  • https://hbr.org/2022/04/a-guide-to-setting-better-boundaries
•  If you have a few more minutes, I want to remind you that I’m running a quick survey to help shape future episodes of French Kissing Life. Your feedback truly matters—what do you love? What do you want more of? (Besides the game show music, obviously.) It only takes a few minutes, and as a thank you, you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card. You can find the link in the show notes, and we are only running it for two more days so get your thoughts in and I’d be so grateful for your feedback!

Connect with Dawn!
Website: https://www.practicalspiritualismco.com/
Free boundaries checklist: https://practical-spiritualism.mykajabi.com/boundaries-checklist
Boundaries 101 Course, use code FRENCHKISS for 50% off! https://www.practicalspiritualismco.com/boundaries101
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practical_spiritualism/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Practicalspiritualism
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/8655836644512964
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@practicalspiritualism

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

What happens when your world changes in an instant? In this powerful episode, I talk with Brian Heilig about the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a father to a 1.6-pound micro-preemie while navigating a foreign healthcare system. Brian shares how faith, love, and an incredible global community carried his family through the darkest of days. From a NICU in Mexico to miraculous moments of survival, this story is a testament to resilience and the unexpected power of connection. Whether you're a parent or just someone who believes in the strength of the human spirit—this conversation will move you.

Topics Covered:

• Brian and Diana’s emotional journey through infertility, IVF, and foster care.
• The scary birth of their son Grayson at 26 weeks due to severe preeclampsia.
• Navigating the NICU experience in Mexico with limited resources and language barriers.
• The miracle of international support and finding hope in unexpected places.
• Grayson’s journey from 1.6 lbs. to a thriving child living with autism.
• The power of storytelling and vulnerability in building community.
• How their faith and marriage helped them stay grounded in chaos.
• Brian’s mission to improve NICU care in Mexico through his book, Breathe, Eat, Poop, and Grow.

Connect with Brian!
Website: https://brianheilig.com/
Buy his book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXTZSC1W?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_6ARN9DMMC19J48VVATPR&language=en-US
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071310040183
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briansheilig
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@micropreemiedad

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right manifestation techniques—visualizing, affirming, setting intentions—but something still isn’t clicking? In this episode, I sit down with Randy Lyman, aka The Spiritual Cowboy, to talk about the missing piece most people overlook: unhealed emotions. Randy, a physicist-turned-transformational guide, breaks down the science behind manifestation, how our unresolved emotions block abundance, and why emotional healing is the key to true alignment. If you’re ready for a fresh perspective that blends science, spirituality, and practical tools, this conversation will be a game-changer.

Topics Covered:

• The biggest misconceptions about manifestation and the Law of Attraction.
• Why unhealed emotions block abundance and success.
• The role of quantum physics in spiritual transformation.
• How our subconscious patterns create our reality.
• The three elements of manifestation: thoughts, actions, and emotions.
• Practical tools to heal emotional wounds and clear resistance.
• How gratitude and breathwork shift your energy instantly.
• Why vulnerability is a strength and a catalyst for change.

Here are some actions you can take, whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Positive Psychology that highlights the scientific validity of manifestation.
  • https://positivepsychology.com/manifesting/
• If you have 50 minutes, I have an episode from The Manifested Podcast called “How Embracing Emotions Can Supercharge Your Manifestation.” Actually this episode is only 18 minutes long so that’s a bonus!
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-embracing-emotions-can-supercharge-your-manifestation/id1649870563?i=1000686683481

Connect with Randy!
Website: https://randylyman.com/
Buy his book! https://randylyman.com/the-third-element/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamrandylyman

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains or running marathons—it can be as simple as stepping outside. In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Meinhofer, an outdoor advocate and cancer survivor, to talk about how nature became a powerful force in her healing journey.

From full-time RVing with her family to rediscovering the outdoors after her diagnosis, Jessica shares how she’s redefined adventure to be more accessible, healing, and deeply personal. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to reconnect with nature, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the outdoors in a way that feels right for you.

Topics Covered:

• How Jessica’s cancer journey transformed her relationship with nature.
• Why adventure doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful.
• The healing power of slowing down and noticing the little things.
• How paddleboarding and hiking became part of her recovery.
• Overcoming fears of the outdoors, from alligators to bears.
• Making nature accessible for all ages and abilities.
• Jessica’s work with the Florida Springs Council and conservation efforts.
• Tips for beginners who want to explore the outdoors.

Here are some actions you can take, whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, check out Jessica’s free starter gear checklists for hiking and paddleboarding. They’re simple, practical guides designed to help beginners or anyone who wants to feel more prepared before heading out.
  • https://walkandpaddle.com/free/
• If you have 50 minutes, I have an episode from the Being Human Podcast called “The Healing Power of Nature”.
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/287-the-healing-power-of-nature-with-florence-williams/id1369745673?i=1000643967052

Connect with Jessica!
Website: https://walkandpaddle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkAndPaddle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkandpaddle/

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Creativity is more than art—it’s self-expression, power, and even activism. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Deirdre Murphy, a multidisciplinary artist who weaves music, theater, movement, and storytelling into thought-provoking performances. We talk about the role of creative freedom, how nature and culture shape artistic expression, and why trusting your voice is an act of courage. This conversation is a powerful reminder that art can challenge, inspire, and connect us all.

Topics Covered:

• How Deirdre blends music, dance, theater, and activism in her work.
• The role of nature and culture in shaping creative expression.
• The balance between spontaneity and structure in the creative process.
• Why creative expression is a birthright, not just a talent.
• How fear and vulnerability play a role in sharing art with the world.
• The inspiration behind Capitalism: The Musical and art as social commentary.
• The power of trusting your voice and creative instincts.
• How to make space for play and discovery in creative work.

Here are some actions you can take whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, I found a cool organization called Rock and Art, with a great article on creative expression and reimagining self-care.
  • https://www.rockandart.org/mental-health-and-creative-expression-self-care/
• If you have 50 minutes, I have an episode of the podcast Find Creative Expression with host Sara Crawford called “Art is the only place we can be our genuine selves”. 
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-is-the-only-place-we-can-be-our-genuine-selves/id1524849246?i=1000513531720

Connect with Deirdre!
Website: https://deirdremurphy.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deirdremurphymusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deirdre.murphy/

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Why do certain relationship patterns keep repeating in our lives? In this episode, I sit down with therapist and author Miranda Campbell to dive deep into attachment styles and how they shape the way we love, connect, and even navigate our careers.

Miranda unpacks the roots of attachment wounds, shares insights on healing old patterns, and reveals why nothing about us is broken—we’re just carrying behaviors that once kept us safe. Plus, she offers a simple yet powerful five-minute daily check-in that can help you shift from anxious or avoidant attachment to secure, fulfilling relationships.

Topics Covered:

• What attachment styles are and how they shape our relationships.
• How childhood experiences influence attachment patterns in adulthood.
• The connection between attachment wounds and self-sabotage.
• How attachment styles also show up in friendships, work, and parenting.
• Steps to move from anxious or avoidant attachment toward secure relationships.
• The role of cultural and societal influences in attachment development.
• Miranda’s five-minute daily check-in for self-awareness and healing.
• Why no attachment style is “bad” and how to work with, not against, your patterns.

Here are some actions you can take whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, download and take Miranda’s free attachment style audit to learn more about how attachment patterns may show up in your life.
  • https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/free-downloads/p/attachment-style-audit
• If you have 50 minutes, I have an episode of the podcast On Attachment, with host Stephanie Rigg called “10 signs you’re moving from anxious to secure attachment.”
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/172-10-signs-youre-moving-from-anxious-to-secure-attachment/id1620471393?i=1000684643939

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Connect with Miranda!
Website: https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/
Free Attachment Style Audit: https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/free-downloads/p/attachment-style-audit
Buy Miranda’s book! https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/attachment-style-makeover
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therapistmirandacampbell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapistmirandacampbell/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therapistmi

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Feeling drained by the noise of the world? In this episode, I sit down with energy healer and intuitive development coach Monique Hayes to explore how we can create strong energetic boundaries in an overstimulated world. Monique shares powerful insights on how energy impacts our daily lives, simple ways to cleanse our energy, and how to shift from fear to trust. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by external chaos or struggled to stay grounded, this conversation is packed with tools to help you reconnect with yourself and move through life with more clarity and ease.

Topics Covered:

• How external chaos impacts our energy field.
• Understanding energetic hygiene and why it’s essential.
• The power of visualization and intention in shifting energy.
• Simple energy-clearing practices to release what’s not yours.
• How intuition and energetic alignment can transform your life.
• Recognizing the signs of energy leaks and overwhelm.
• The role of grounding and breathwork in maintaining balance.
• How to strengthen your ability to trust yourself and your inner wisdom.

Here are some actions you can take whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Calm called “What to do when you feel overwhelmed: 12 ways to find relief.”
  • https://www.calm.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-feel-overwhelmed
• If you have 50 minutes, I have a guided meditation podcast with Robert Aceves where you’ll explore the importance of energy cleansing so that you can feel refreshed, lighter, and more vibrant.
  • https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rVLhBE1wlX19AI6BVdyqV

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Connect with Monique!
Website: https://moniquehayeshealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monique.hayes.73
Instagram: https://wwww.instagram.com/moniquehayesintuitive
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moniquehayesintuitive?_t=8rOVL49RrYc&_r=1

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

Is romance officially dead? In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, I tackle the AI boyfriend craze—yes, people are dating chatbots now. I share my unfiltered take on why the bar for love is officially on the floor, plus a chat with my AI co-host about whether robots make better lovers. But the real magic happens when my mom joins me for a conversation about love, marriage, and 53 years with my dad. From Valentine’s Day traditions to the secret of lasting love, this episode is a perfect mix of laughter, wisdom, and some very questionable dating trends.

Topics Covered:

• The rise of AI boyfriends and why people are paying for chatbot relationships.
• My mom’s hilarious reaction to the AI dating craze.
• The secret to 53 years of marriage (and why communication is key).
• What love really looks like beyond the Hollywood version.
• How relationships evolve and change over time.
• Funny and unexpected moments from my parents’ love story.
• My mom’s best (and worst) Valentine’s Day memories.

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]

What if your ancestors are closer than you think? In this episode, I sit down with Bernadette Thompson, an intuitive ancestral healer and spiritual coach, to explore how the past can guide our present. Bernadette shares her powerful journey of grief, healing, and unexpected communication with loved ones on the other side. We dive into how ancestral trauma shapes us, ways to recognize signs from beyond, and how opening your heart to these connections can bring clarity, peace, and even joy. If you’ve ever felt a presence you couldn’t explain, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Topics covered:

• Bernadette’s personal story of spiritual awakening and ancestral healing.
• How ancestral trauma and patterns are passed down through generations.
• Recognizing signs from loved ones and spirit guides.
• The power of the rosary and meditation in connecting with ancestors.
• Understanding the science behind intergenerational trauma.
• Ways to open your heart to spiritual communication.
• The role of grief in deepening our spiritual connections.
• How to begin your own ancestral healing journey.

Here are some actions you can take whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Psychology Today which will help illustrate what ancestral healing even is.
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/transcending-the-past/202201/inherited-wounds-tirzah-firestone-on-ancestral-healing
•  If you have 50 minutes, I have a podcast episode from Bernadette’s show called How I Made It Through, if you want to connect with your ancestors and understand more about your own family history.
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s5e7-connect-to-your-ancestors-and-understand-your/id1605802615?i=1000660160770

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Connect with Bernadette!
Website: https://www.tellmeourstory.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-Obrien-thompson/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowImadeitthroughpodcst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellmeourstoryancestralhealing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TellMeOurStory

______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast

• DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
• Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

______________________

French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!

Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: [email protected]