French Kissing Life

The holidays come wrapped in sparkle and expectations. Joy! Magic! Gratitude! But if we’re honest, it can feel more like running a marathon in heels and a sequined dress.

In this festive episode, I’m joined by body and life coach Courtney Gray for a soulful conversation about rewriting our holiday narratives. We talk about what really happens in our bodies when we override ourselves, how to stop people-pleasing through food and traditions, and why a little discomfort might just be the path to deep nourishment.

Topics Covered:

• The “back burner effect” and how it sneaks into holiday seasons
• Why women often default to doing it all (and how to step back)
• How emotional eating is tied to boredom, guilt, and people-pleasing
• A 3-step tool for making aligned food choices in the moment
• Why discomfort is often the doorway to lasting change
• The truth about time scarcity (and why it’s rarely about time)
• Simple micro shifts that create a more grounded holiday
• How to decide what to keep, toss, or transform in your traditions

Connect with Courtney!

www.modernbodymodernlife.com

www.instagram.com/modernbodymodernlife

www.facebook.com/courtneygraycoaching

______________________
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]

Well, butter my biscuit and cue the confetti cannons. This is our 100th episode, and I’m joined by one of my favorite humans (and former guest), Hillary O’Dell, to mark this wild, wonderful milestone. It’s tender, it’s unhinged, it’s full of heart, and it’s exactly what I hoped it would be.

We reminisce about how we met (spoiler: it involves embarrassing confessions before hitting “record”), and we take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to make it to 100 episodes. There are pantyliner mishaps, wrestling ex-boyfriends, ghost guests, and plenty of sentimental tangents. At its core, this is an ode to celebration itself. To not brushing past the beautiful, hard-won things we create. To choosing joy. To showing up scared and sweaty, and doing it anyway.

Thank you so much for French kissing life with me for 100 episodes. I wouldn't have gotten to this point without this community. This celebration is as much for you as it is for me. Cheers to the next 100 shows!
xo,
Shawnna

Extras from the Episode:
🎵 French Kissing Life Skating Rink Playlist: Listen on Spotify
📩 Email us: [email protected]
📩 BCC Hillary (you know you want to): [email protected]

______________________
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]

As the holidays get closer, I always feel that familiar mix of excitement and pressure. The menus, the timing, the tiny details that somehow turn into big feelings. Hosting can so easily slip into performance mode, and I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. So in this episode, I wanted to explore what it looks like to bring the heart back into gathering.

I’m joined by Faith Kenzler, an event planner who believes hospitality is really about intention, care and connection. We talk about how to create a dinner party that feels warm rather than overwhelming, and how the smallest choices, from where someone sits to how you greet them at the door, can shift the whole atmosphere. Faith’s stories and insights offer such a grounding reminder that the most memorable moments are rarely the perfect ones, they’re the genuine ones.

Topics Covered:

• The grounding purpose behind any meaningful gathering.
• How intention shapes the flow, mood, and energy of a dinner party.
• Staying present as a host without losing yourself in the details.
• Creating small moments of belonging for guests.
• Simple ways to infuse warmth without adding stress.
• How guests can contribute to connection and ease.
• Why imperfect moments often become the highlight of the night.

Connect with Faith!
Website: https://www.whimsyeventservices.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/whimsyeventservices
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whimsyeventservices

______________________
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]

Have you ever walked into a party and felt your chest tighten, or skipped an event entirely because it felt too overwhelming? Even as someone who leans more extroverted, I’ve been there, and I learned so much from this conversation. As the holiday season ramps up, so does the pressure to be on, to mingle, to make conversation that doesn’t always feel natural.

In this episode, I’m joined by Coach Lee Hopkins, a social connections coach who understands the exhaustion that can come with trying to fit in. We talk about easing anxiety, using strategic vulnerability, and creating connections that feel honest instead of draining. This is a gentle, practical conversation about showing up as yourself, at your own pace.

Topics Covered:

• What cozy living really means beyond décor or “doing more”.
• How our surroundings influence mood, creativity, and calm.
• Bringing nature, texture, and light into your home intentionally.
• The emotional power of scent and how it shapes atmosphere.
• Simple, budget-friendly shifts to create peace in your space.
• Why decluttering is less about getting rid of things and more about energy.
• Creating sitting corners as adult “timeouts” for rest and reflection.
• Approaching the holiday season with intention, gratitude, and joy.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, check out Coach Lee’s video called “How to be vulnerable without being overexposed.”
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErCokjQaYoI
• If you have 50 minutes, think of one small experiment to try in the next week. Maybe it’s saying hi to a stranger, starting a genuine conversation instead of defaulting to small talk, or practicing a little “strategic vulnerability” with someone you trust. Remember: confidence grows through competence — and every interaction is a chance to learn more about yourself.

Connect with Coach Lee!
Website: http://www.patternsofpossibility.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/coachleehopkins
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patternsofpossibility
Social Connections Community: https://patternsofpossibility.circle.so/homepage
Strategic vulnerability video: https://youtu.be/ErCokjQaYoI

______________________
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]

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is survive. And sometimes surviving becomes the doorway to something extraordinary.

In this episode, I talk with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight in a suicide attempt and then rewrote the story of his life. From relearning how to navigate the world to becoming an award-winning software developer, Zach shares how he built purpose from pain, humor from heartbreak, and a vision for a more accessible world.

His honesty is striking. He talks about addiction, disability, and depression without flinching. He also talks about snowboarding blind, competing in jiu-jitsu, and teaching himself to code because the systems meant to support him failed. This conversation isn’t just about resilience, it’s about possibility, design, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up.

Topics Covered:

• Redefining purpose and service after military life.
• What it took to rebuild after losing his sight.
• The healing power of movement, risk, and adaptive sports.
• How broken systems sparked a new career in accessible tech.
• Why most software fails people with disabilities.
• Dispelling myths around suicide and mental health.
• The emotional weight of telling an unsanitized story.
• How everyday design choices can create more inclusive futures.

Connect with Zach!
Website: https://zachtidwell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachctidwell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/
X: https://x.com/ZachCTidwell
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod

______________________
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]

There’s something magical about this time of year when the air turns crisp and we reach for our softest sweatshirts. But cozy living isn’t about adding more; it’s about noticing more. In this episode, I’m joined by interior designer Sabine Hayes of Georgette Marise Interiors, who believes that design can bring peace, purpose, and joy to everyday life.

We talk about the emotional side of home, the kind that has nothing to do with perfectly styled shelves and everything to do with how a space makes you feel. Sabine shares simple ways to transform your home into a sanctuary through scent, light, color, and gratitude. Whether your space is large or small, owned or borrowed, this episode will inspire you to soften, declutter, and savor the beauty already around you!

Topics Covered:

• What cozy living really means beyond décor or “doing more”.
• How our surroundings influence mood, creativity, and calm.
• Bringing nature, texture, and light into your home intentionally.
• The emotional power of scent and how it shapes atmosphere.
• Simple, budget-friendly shifts to create peace in your space.
• Why decluttering is less about getting rid of things and more about energy.
• Creating sitting corners as adult “timeouts” for rest and reflection.
• Approaching the holiday season with intention, gratitude, and joy.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, think about ways you can create one small pocket of peace in your living space — maybe light a candle, clear a corner, assess whether there is indeed too much junk in the drawer, or simply sit and savor the quiet.
• If you have 50 minutes, I invite you to check out Sabine’s candle collection and eBooks. She has ebooks on designing dinner parties (which, spoiler, is a topic we are covering in a couple of weeks!), mastering organization, and elevating short-term rentals.
  • www.georgettemarise.com/home-design-ebooks

Connect with Sabine!
Website: www.georgettemarise.com
Candle Collection: www.georgettemarise.com/luxury-candles-collection
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@georgettemarise
Instagram: instagram.com/georgettemarise
Facebook: facebook.com/georgettemarise
Pinterest: pinterest.com/georgettemarise
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sghayes

______________________
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]

When was the last time you truly dressed up, not to impress, but to express?

This week, I'm joined by my dear friend Kristin Gredys Ihm for a conversation that’s part Halloween fun and part soulful exploration of self-expression through style. From Mickey Mouse cowboy boots to go-go boots in Catholic school, Kristin has always used clothes as a canvas for creativity and confidence. We talk about how dressing up isn’t about performance or perfection, but about permission. Permission to be bold, to play, and to connect more deeply with who we really are.

Whether we’re reliving our most outrageous Halloween costumes or talking dopamine dressing and the quiet power of a great color palette, this episode is a celebration of fashion as art, joy, and identity.

Topics Covered:

• Childhood memories of dressing up and the early spark of self-expression.
• Personal style as storytelling and why Kristin never wanted to look like anyone else.
• How clothes impact mood and energy, even on stay-at-home days.
• The joy and confidence boost of dopamine dressing.
• Halloween costumes as creative liberation (including Kristin’s unforgettable “wacky waving inflatable arm man”).
• Tips for adding playful, expressive touches to your daily wardrobe.
• The power of color analysis and small shifts in accessories.
• Looking in the mirror and choosing to see what makes you feel alive.

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

• I want to invite you to dress up for yourself. Pick one day this week to get ready like you’ve got somewhere fabulous to be, even if your only plans are coffee and your to-do list. Wear the thing that makes you smile — the bold lipstick, the statement earrings, the outfit that feels a little “too much” for an ordinary Tuesday because you deserve to feel extraordinary.
• And then just for fun, check out the article from VeryWell Mind that talks about dopamine dressing
  • https://www.verywellmind.com/dopamine-dressing-how-to-dress-for-your-happiness-in-2022-5217231#

Connect with Kristin!
Instagram | Personal: https://www.instagram.com/kjgredys18/
Instagram | Fashion Fits: https://www.instagram.com/kjg_creative/

Check out the Retirement Roadmap course: https://theretirementroadmapacademy.com/?fpr=shawnna44

______________________
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]

We’re told retirement is a golden reward, a never-ending vacation filled with ease and leisure. But what if it doesn’t feel that way? What if the structure, the purpose, the rhythm of your days quietly vanishes, and you’re left wondering who you are without the title, the routine, the responsibilities?

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Monique Rhodes, a happiness strategist and the wise guide behind the Retirement Roadmap. Together, we explore why retirement is about so much more than money and why it's often less like a holiday and more like a homecoming. We talk about the grief no one mentions, the courage to reinvent, and how to fill your days with meaning instead of just passing time.

Topics Covered:

• The emotional and spiritual side of retirement that no one prepares you for.
• Why so many retirees feel invisible, restless, or unsure of who they are.
• How to rediscover your purpose after decades of caregiving, career, and doing.
• The silent grief of losing identity, structure, and daily connection.
• What it means to retire toward something rather than away from something.
• The surprising role of curiosity, creativity, and community in this life stage.
• Practical ways to reconnect with joy, meaning, and self-worth.
• Why retirement can be your most expansive and exciting chapter yet.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, check out her podcast, called In Your Right Mind which has short, digestible, daily episodes packed with actionable wisdom that you can apply to instantly upgrade your life.
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-your-right-mind-with-monique-rhodes/id1084039067
•  If Monique’s words resonated with you and you have 50 minutes, I highly encourage you to check out her course, The Retirement Roadmap. It’s a truly transformative guide for navigating this stage of life with clarity and grace. You can find the link as well as all the ways you can interact with Monique’s work in the show notes. 
  • https://theretirementroadmapacademy.com/?fpr=shawnna44

Connect with Monique!
Website: https://moniquerhodes.com/
Retirement Roadmap course: https://www.theretirementroadmapacademy.com/retirement-path63105932
Listen to her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-your-right-mind-with-monique-rhodes/id1084039067
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoniqueRhodesOfficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquerhodesofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquerhodesofficial/

Previous episode with Monique: https://frenchkissinglife.buzzsprout.com/2279287/episodes/17463374-ep-79-the-world-s-happiest-people-have-this-in-common-with-monique-rhodes

______________________
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]

Every year that passes, I feel more permission to be fully myself. And what better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with the person who knows me best? It’s my birthday episode, and this year I’m joined by my Canadian bestie Serena for a laughter-filled catch-up that’s equal parts meaningful and mildly ridiculous.

We took a playful spin on Vogue’s 73 Questions, think less red carpet, more coffee and chaos, and covered everything from aging and authenticity to the power of theme parties and the magic of baby teeth. You’ll hear birthday reflections, stories about my Uncle Ray, and a reminder that life really is about joy, connection, and dancing when the moment calls.

Topics Covered:

• Why birthdays feel different (and deeper) in your forties.
• Serena’s wild year of moving, motherhood, and milestones.
• The love and loss that shaped how I show up for life.
• My obsession with theme parties and why costumes are non-negotiable.
• A playful lightning round of Canada vs. USA.
• Pool table surprises and other sneaky competitive streaks.
• Why I still take five books on every trip (and read none of them).
• The green flags of friendship that stand the test of time.

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

• Whether you have five minutes to spare or 50, I want to invite you to celebrate yourself — the way you would a dear friend. Write yourself a birthday card, even if it’s not your birthday. Jot down three things you’re proud of, light a candle, and toast to the person you’ve become. Because you deserve to be seen and celebrated, too, and then just for fun, check out the 73 questions from Vogue that highlight some of your favorite personalities.
  • https://www.vogue.com/video/series/73-questions

Connect with Serena!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_agirlandhergolden/

______________________
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]

Some months arrive like a whisper, others like a whirlwind. Lately, I’ve been craving a little more steadiness in the swirl. So in this episode, I’m sharing five simple rituals that have become my non-negotiables; tiny anchors to bring more ease, clarity, and joy into each month.

These aren’t grand gestures or expensive habits. They’re gentle practices for resetting your space, soothing your nervous system, reconnecting with what matters, and inviting a sense of playful wonder back into everyday life. Light a candle, open your calendar, and let’s make room for joy!

Topics Covered:

• Why building a better life isn’t about overhauling everything at once.
• The magic of a “get your shit together” day to create order and focus.
• How unplugging for 24 hours can transform your nervous system.
• Finding wonder in your own city with a playful “tourist day”.
• Reconnecting with people you love without needing a reason.
• Embracing small adventures to build confidence and curiosity.
• The power of tiny rituals to spark big joy over time.
• An invitation to choose your own non-negotiable day and keep it sacred.

Mentioned in this episode:
IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO58QyriXwq/?igsh=enR1OXZjNWtma2Rv

______________________
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]