Have you been feeling weighed down by the state of the world? Trust me, you’re not alone. In this episode, I open up about the hopelessness that’s been creeping into our collective consciousness—how it’s fueled by politics, social media, and even our own daily habits. But here’s the good news: we’re not powerless. I’ll share my personal journey through this emotional fog, along with practical, real-world tips to help you reclaim your peace, find joy, and stay grounded. Together, let’s explore how we can create more hope in a world that desperately needs it.

Topics covered:

• Understanding the societal crisis of hopelessness.
• The link between mental health and hopefulness.
• The impact of political discourse on collective emotions.
• How social media amplifies stress and anxiety.
• Practical strategies to stay hopeful amidst challenges.
• Tips for reducing media consumption and reclaiming mental clarity.
• The importance of community and human connections in combating despair.
• Stories of grassroots action fostering meaningful change.

Resources: 

• https://fortune.com/2024/03/04/america-hopelessness-crisis-economy-gen-z-mental-health-survey/
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters/202408/the-psychological-impact-of-an-election-year
• https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/anxious-about-election/
• https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/07/18/nx-s1-5041980/politics-election-anxiety-mental-health-tips

• SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition: https://www.selahnhc.org/
• Jonathan Haidt's work and book on social media + kids: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

______________________
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 the key to comfort lies right outside your door? In this episode, I sit down with Kristal Provencher, a resilient entrepreneur and creator of Daily Comfort skincare. Kristal shares her deeply personal journey of healing after trauma, revealing how nature became her sanctuary and the inspiration behind her organic skincare line. From her Italian grandmother’s kitchen to founding a company dedicated to women’s comfort, Kristal explores the powerful connection between routines and rituals. Tune in to discover how incorporating nature and intentional self-care can transform not only your skin but also your soul.

Topics covered:

• Finding comfort and healing through nature.
• The impact of trauma on life perspective and healing journey.
• Kristal’s journey to creating an organic skincare line.
• The role of routines and rituals in mental well-being.
• Using natural ingredients for skincare and their emotional connection.
• Challenges and rewards of building a mission-focused business.
• The benefits of meditation, breathwork, and outdoor activities for mental health.
• Building a community of support through sisterhood circles.
• The importance of grounding routines for daily wellness.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from TIME called “The healing power of nature”
  • https://time.com/4405827/the-healing-power-of-nature/
• If you have 50 minutes, read another article this time from the Greater Good Magazine at Berkley called “How nature helps us heal.” And then when you’re done with that article, make a list of 10-15 things that you would consider things that bring you joy, calm, peace, grounding, etc. that you can build into your own evening or morning routines.
  • https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_helps_us_heal

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Connect with Kristal:
Website: https://www.dailycomfortbykristal.com/
Buy her products: https://www.dailycomfortbykristal.com/shop
Check out her free community: https://www.dailycomfortbykristal.com/events-1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailycomfortbykristal/

______________________
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]

Are you struggling to understand why teens seem unmotivated or disconnected from their education? In this conversation, education expert Rebecca Block reveals why traditional approaches to teen motivation often fail and what actually works. From the impact of social media on brain development to the pressure of having life "all figured out," she shares evidence-based insights on how parents and educators can help young people find genuine engagement in learning and life. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone interested in understanding today's youth, this episode offers wisdom for building meaningful connections with the next generation.

Topics covered:

• The impact of social media and technology on teen brain development.
• The "purpose trap" and unrealistic expectations placed on modern teens.
• Building trust before attempting to engage apathetic students.
• How generational differences affect communication with teens.
• The ABCDs of motivation and creating sustainable learning environments.
• The disconnect between educational relevance and student engagement.
• The value of student voice in developing educational solutions.
• Parent modeling behaviors and their impact on child development.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Harvard on understanding the science of motivation. 
  • https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-understanding-the-science-of-motivation/#
• If you have 50 minutes, read another article this time from Better Up that talks through how motivation works in our brain.
  • https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-motivation-works-in-the-brain

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Connect with Rebecca:
Website: http://www.beccablock.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyouhelpmegivea/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-block/
Buy her book: https://beccablock.com/book

______________________
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]

Do you ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, constantly trying to maintain the perfect work-life balance? Sierra Ashburn has found a way to integrate her passions for family, business, and farm life - all while prioritizing her own growth and healing. Join us as she shares her insights on moving through life with intention, navigating the challenges of being a woman in business, and the power of creating a supportive, non-toxic environment, both at home and in the workplace.

Topics covered:

• Sierra's childhood love of nature and the outdoors.
• The importance of feeling safe and confident in relationships.
• Transitioning from a toxic workplace environment to building a business with intention.
• Balancing the demands of running a business, homeschooling five children, and life on a farm.
• The ongoing journey of self-healing and personal growth.
• Embracing the ebbs and flows of life without trying to have it all perfectly "balanced".

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Humble called, “How to set intentions and simplify your daily life.”
  • https://humblebrands.com/blogs/humble-journal/how-to-set-intentions-and-simplify-your-daily-life
• If you have 50 minutes, read another article this time from Calm called, “The power of setting intentions and how to set mindful ones.”
  • https://www.calm.com/blog/setting-intentions

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Connect with Sierra:
Website: https://www.amplifiedinnovation.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedinnovation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmplifiedInnovation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierra-henley-ashburn/

______________________
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 wondered what the stars have in store for you? In this bonus episode, I'm celebrating my birthday with a live birth chart reading by astrologer Alex Cordovi. Dive deep into the celestial influences that shape my personality, from my impulsive Aries rising to my harmonious Libra stellium. Discover how astrology can offer insights into your life path, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you're an astrology enthusiast or a curious skeptic, this enlightening conversation will leave you star-struck and eager to explore the cosmic forces at play in your own life.

Topics covered:

• Introduction to Western astrology and its origin.
• The importance of rising signs in astrological charts.
• Aries rising sign and its implications.
• The significance of Mars as my ruling planet.
• The role of the sun sign in popular astrology.
• Libra stellium and its influence on my personality.
• The interplay of Mercury, Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter.
• The impact of my chart on my relationships and communication style.
• Moon in Taurus and its significance.

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

•  If you have 5 minutes, read this article from People called, “A full guide to your astrology birth chart and how to read it, according to an astrologer.” 
  • https://people.com/full-guide-to-astrology-birth-chart-and-how-to-read-it-according-to-astrologer-8630310
•  If you have 50 minutes, read this article from The Cut called, “A guide to calculating, reading, and interpreting your astrological birth chart.” 
  • https://www.thecut.com/article/astrology-birth-chart-meaning-analysis.html

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Connect with Alex:
Website: https://moonalchemy.co/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/moonalchemy.co
Facebook: http://facebook.com/moonalchemy.co

______________________
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]

It's my birthday! And I’m celebrating turning 43 the best way I know how—with laughter, quirky stories, and my best friend by my side for a Q&A that goes totally off the rails (in the best way possible). We're talking awkward first impressions, bizarre dates, and the kind of Google searches that make you question your sanity. Oh, and there's a voicemail from a furious garage sale hunter and a funeral story you won't believe. Between all the hilarity, I’m sprinkling in a few nuggets about embracing your authentic self and living life with boldness. Trust me, you'll be laughing so hard, you might just snort.

If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Huffington Post on a genius way to celebrate your birthday in a way that counts.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/70th-birthday-experiences-celebrate-friends_n_65bae392e4b0102bd2d7bd79?d_

______________________
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]

Are you ready to break free from society's mold and discover your authentic self? Lunaria Gaia, a passionate advocate for human flourishing joins me in this episode to explore the beautiful yet challenging journey of shedding societal expectations, embracing our unique brilliance, and finding the courage to live life on our own terms. From navigating grief to recognizing the power of changing our environment, she shares her insights to inspire you to embark on your own path of self-discovery and true fulfillment!

Topics covered:

• Lunaria's journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
• Understanding and overcoming unhappiness and internal conflicts.
• Dealing with grief and using it as a catalyst for growth.
• The concept of "unbecoming" to discover one's true self.
• Challenges and pain involved in personal transformation.
• Coping mechanisms and how they can become strengths.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, I found an article from Tiny Buddha called “Why We Need to Stop Chasing Success and Start Enjoying the Little Things in Life.” I especially loved the part where the author writes “the whole point of dancing is the dance.”
  • https://tinybuddha.com/blog/stop-chasing-success-start-enjoying-life/
• And then if you have 50 minutes, read this article, from Open Up called “A psychologist’s guide to being your authentic self.” There are some additional articles within that one that can help you go even deeper.
  • https://openup.com/self-guided-care/blog/a-psychologists-guide-to-being-your-authentic-self/

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Connect with Lunaria:
Website: https://www.lunariagaia.com/home
Buy Get Happy and Free: https://www.lunariagaia.com/gethappy
Buy Perfectly Imperfect: https://www.lunariagaia.com/perfectlyimperfect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunariagaia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunariagaia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/moreconfidence

______________________
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 wonder what it's like to chase your dreams, even if they've changed along the way? Today I'm taking you on a whirlwind journey to New York City, reflecting on past aspirations and embracing new opportunities. In this episode, I share how I'm "French Kissing Life" by seizing the moment, networking with inspiring women, and learning to live vicariously through myself. Discover practical tips for celebrating your unique journey and finding joy in everyday accomplishments. Get ready to be inspired to create your own adventures, big or small!

Topics covered:

• My recent trip to New York City.
• Reflections on past dreams of working in the magazine industry in NYC.
• The importance of networking and getting into rooms with inspiring people.
• Living vicariously through others vs. living vicariously through yourself.
• Tips for celebrating your own accomplishments and uniqueness.

______________________
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]

Are you living on autopilot, ignoring the whispers of your soul? In this episode, author Keri Nelson shares her transformative journey from religious constraints to spiritual freedom, and from career burnout to purposeful living. Discover how listening to your inner voice can lead to profound life changes, better health, and a more authentic existence. Keri's story will inspire you to tune into your own soul's whispers and take those small, courageous steps towards a life of alignment and joy!

Topics covered:

• Keri Nelson's background and move from Iowa to North Carolina
• The importance of listening to your intuition and "soul whispers"
• Keri's experience with organized religion and finding her own spiritual path
• Physical and emotional signs of misalignment with one's purpose
• The importance of exposing children to diverse spiritual ideas
• Taking small, actionable steps towards finding one's purpose

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article, from Hey Sigmund called “9 ways to tap into your intuition (and why you’ll want to)”  
  • https://www.heysigmund.com/9-ways-to-tap-into-your-intuition-and-why-youll-want-to/
• If you have 50 minutes, read this article, from Bright Space Coaching called “9 ways to deepen trust in your intuition.” And once you read this article, the author suggests to choose one method and start practicing it for a week. Take note of and write down any hunches, nudges, or feelings you experience throughout the week. Then, at the end of the week, read over your experiences and see if anything came true for you.
  • https://www.brightspacecoaching.com/blog/trust-your-intuition

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Connect with Keri:
https://soulhealingmom.com/
https://www.facebook.com/soulhealingmom/
https://www.instagram.com/soulhealingmom/
Buy her book! https://amzn.to/3TxkqSI

______________________
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 felt like you're just not good enough, no matter how hard you try? In this episode, counselor and author Sabrina Trobak reveals the hidden roots of our "not good enough" core beliefs and offers practical strategies to break free from this self-limiting mindset. Discover how to identify suppressed emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and build a healthier relationship with yourself. Whether you're struggling with anxiety or simply want to boost your self-confidence, this conversation is your first step towards embracing your true worth and living a more fulfilling life.

Topics covered:

• The origin and development of the "not good enough" core belief
• How core beliefs are passed down through generations
• The importance of awareness and understanding in healing
• Techniques for identifying and feeling emotions
• The impact of technology on emotional suppression
• Resolving past traumas by changing associated emotions
• The purpose of Sabrina Trobak's book Not Good Enough

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Kinder World called “One simple practice to get (and stay) in touch with your emotions.” There’s also an app called Kinder World if you want to start this as a regular practice!
  • https://www.playkinderworld.com/blog/what-is-emotional-naming#:~:text=Emotional%20Naming%20is%20a%20simple,such%20as%20the%20Feelings%20Wheel.
• If you have 50 minutes, read this article, called “Getting unstuck, the power of naming emotions.” As a heads up, there videos and activities at that link so you can dive even deeper into this topic. 
  • https://www.6seconds.org/2021/01/08/getting-unstuck-power-naming-emotions/

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Connect with Sabrina:
https://www.trobakholistic.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@trobakholisticcounselling4407/videos
https://www.facebook.com/trobakholisticcounselling
https://www.instagram.com/nge_trobak/

______________________
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]