What happens when you finally stop sitting on the edge of your life and decide to dive in fully? In this episode, I sit down with coach, mentor, and all-around magic-maker Katie Den Ouden, who helped guide me in the early days of stepping into my own voice and vision. We talk about what it means to skinny dip into your life, the magnetic energy of feminine leadership, and how to build a life and business that feels as good as it looks. This one is full of laughter, truth bombs, sisterhood, and a reminder that being alive, not perfect, is what changes the world.

Topics Covered:

• The story behind Katie’s “Skinny Dip Society”.
• Why so many women resist owning their full selves—and how to shift that.
• How ambition and softness can co-exist in feminine leadership.
• The power of luminaries: people who light the path for what’s possible.
• Why we need to question the hustle culture that leaves women burnt out.
• Katie’s definition of a delicious life and how to create one.
• Audacious goals, edge-meeting, and doing the scary thing anyway.
• How feminine energy changes everything.

Connect with Katie!
Website: https://katiedenouden.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/katiedenouden/
Substack: https://katiedenouden.substack.com/
B Hive: https://katiedenouden.com/b-hive

______________________
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 something needs to change—but you don’t know where to start? In this solo episode, I’m sharing the 8 mental shifts that truly changed my life. These aren’t Pinterest quotes or coffee mug mantras. They’re lessons I’ve lived, sometimes painfully, sometimes joyfully—and they’ve shaped how I show up, love, and lead. If you’re craving more peace, more clarity, or more courage to do the thing you’re meant to do, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Pick one shift. Try it on. Let it change you.

Topics Covered:

• Why bringing your own energy shifts everything around you.
• Letting go of control and learning to protect your peace.
• Reframing the messiness of learning as the best part of growth.
• Embracing 3% shifts instead of all-or-nothing overhauls.
• Releasing the need for others’ approval to live more authentically.
• Using luminaries as mirrors to reflect your own possibility.
• Learning to trust your inner voice over outside opinions.
• Living from the belief that you are already enough—no proving required.

______________________
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]

If success still feels hard—even after doing “all the right things”—this episode is for you. I’m joined by DeDee Cai, performance coach and founder of Fit to Profit, for a powerful conversation on why self-worth is the true foundation of wealth.

We talk about burnout, cultural expectations, emotional healing, and how your relationship with yourself shapes your relationship with money, business, and rest. If you’re ready to stop proving and start profiting, this episode is your permission slip to do it differently.

Topics Covered:

• Early warning signs of burnout we often ignore.
• How trauma and upbringing shape our sense of worth.
• Why hustle culture is glorified—and how to step away from it.
• The connection between emotional healing and abundance.
• How your environment impacts your beliefs about success.
• DeDee’s four daily non-negotiables for sustainable success.
• Simple steps to reconnect with your desires and self-trust.
• Why self-care is a business strategy, not a luxury.

Connect with DeDee!
Website: https://fittoprofit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dedeecai/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fittoprofitllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedeecai/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3Ui5CzopMifGijINpAQEg

______________________
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 you hand your mom a microphone and ask her to spill the tea on your childhood? You get an episode full of love, laughter, and a few outrageous confessions! In this special Mother's Day edition, my mom is back by popular demand, and we’re reminiscing about diaper disasters, broken arms, and the infamous moment I declared my future sex life at age 13.

We also play a hilarious “how well do you know each other” game and get a little sentimental about parenting, love, and what truly matters most. If you need a bonus mom today—or just want a good laugh—you’re in the right place.

Topics Covered:

• Childhood chaos and embarrassing family stories
• Honest truths about motherhood’s hardest and most rewarding parts
• Why my mom might be your new favorite podcast guest
• The most outrageous thing I ever said at 13
• Parenting before social media and opinion overload
• A sweet game that reveals just how well we know each other
• My mom’s most nostalgic memories and parenting advice
• What we hope to pass down and never forget

______________________
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 stressed, disconnected, or just plain exhausted? In this episode, I sit down with somatic coach Ashleigh Westenhoff to talk about how tuning into your body—not your to-do list—can be the key to true healing and joy. We dive into why you can’t think your way out of stress, the real reason rest feels so uncomfortable, and simple, everyday ways to start reconnecting with yourself. If you're ready to slow down, breathe deeper, and finally feel like you're living in your own life again, this conversation is for you.

Topics Covered:

• Why you can’t think your way out of chronic stress.
• How to start listening to your body in simple, everyday ways.
• The difference between numbing and true restorative rest.
• How stress shows up in the body and what to look for.
• How Ashleigh’s sobriety journey shaped her somatic healing work.
• Why nervous system regulation isn’t about being calm all the time.
• Practical ways to build safety and trust within your body.
• How nature can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Good Good Good called “33 ideas to celebrate Earth Day meaningfully.”
  • https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-earth-day
• If you have 50 minutes, I have a podcast episode from the show Across the Sky called “Earth Day: Stories of people, climate, and hope.”
  • https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mnf2wddRTKeCJ6WDt5YUn?si=77d2d05ee10a4ef2
  • https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-earth-day

Connect with Ashleigh!
Website: https://www.somaticsforstress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaticsforstress

______________________
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]

Earth Day is here—and it’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing something. In this episode, I chat with Lisa Allen, founder of Good Spark, about how small, soulful shifts in our daily routines can make a big impact. From her childhood spent gold panning and camping to her creative work at Disney and now running a sustainability-centered shop, Lisa’s journey reminds us that conscious living doesn’t have to feel like a burden. We talk everyday joy, low-waste swaps, and why kindness is the most underrated form of sustainability.

Topics Covered:

• How Lisa’s childhood shaped her connection to nature and simplicity.
• What she learned working in corporate America about waste and burnout.
• The inspiration behind her sustainable shop, Good Spark.
• Simple, joyful ways to live more consciously—without guilt.
• How sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
• Shifting from "shoulds" to aligned, values-driven choices.
• Why kindness, community, and connection matter more than perfection.
• Practical Earth Day tips anyone can implement—no backyard required.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article from Good Good Good called “33 ideas to celebrate Earth Day meaningfully.”
  • https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-earth-day
• If you have 50 minutes, I have a podcast episode from the show Across the Sky called “Earth Day: Stories of people, climate, and hope.”
  • https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mnf2wddRTKeCJ6WDt5YUn?si=77d2d05ee10a4ef2
  • https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-earth-day

Connect with Lisa!
Website: https://www.goodsparkshop.com/
Sustainable Living Support Group: https://omniform1.com/forms/v1/landingPage/66b136c2bdd03ae816e6da8b/67f57ba81483d5800c84217c
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodsparkshop/

______________________
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]

Parenting can feel like a whirlwind—and sometimes, your relationship is the first thing to take a backseat. In this episode, I chat with licensed marriage and family therapist Reesa Morala about how couples can stay connected in the messy middle of raising kids. From daily rituals and communication tips to getting real about resentment and identity loss, Reesa offers grounded, compassionate advice that meets you right where you are. Whether you're dating, partnered, or parenting, this conversation is packed with wisdom to help you hold on to love through it all.

Topics Covered:

• How to prepare for a healthy partnership before you're in one.
• The role of non-negotiables, values, and boundaries in relationships.
• How scarcity mindset impacts dating and self-worth.
• Why resentment builds—and how to stop it before it grows.
• Creative ways to stay connected through the chaos of parenting.
• Reclaiming your identity without guilt as a parent.
• Why consistency matters more than perfection in relationships.
• One small daily habit that can reignite connection.

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

• If you have 5 minutes, send your partner (or a close friend) a “just because” message. Not about logistics or the grocery list. Just something sweet or funny to remind them you see them.
• If you have 50 minutes, check out the episode of Reesa’s podcast, The Real Family Eats called “How to break free from toxic relationship patterns: find healthy love.” It’s a heartfelt, and honest show, and full of those beautiful little moments that remind you you’re not alone in the hard stuff.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-reByuVlTfc&list=PLbA1TiAgDniHKQXw8nTdn7fuHZxJOLOvc

Connect with Reesa!
Website: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealFamilyEats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embrace.renewal.therapy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@embrace.renewal.therapy

______________________
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]

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]