In this episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Kris and Rachel explore the often-overlooked role of play in adulthood. They reflect on how societal expectations gradually discourage play, framing it as unproductive or childish, and how this loss impacts creativity, joy, and connection.

Rachel shares her personal journey of rediscovering play through guilt-free, unstructured fun, while Kris reflects on childhood curiosity and the pressures that teach us to outgrow it. Together, they discuss how play—whether spontaneous adventures, creative expression, or simple silliness—can serve as a powerful form of self-love and a gateway to deeper relationships.

The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their inner child, find “play buddies,” and intentionally create rituals that bring lightness back into everyday life. Ultimately, the episode invites a mindset shift: play isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

Chapters

The Importance of Play for Adults

Many of us associate play with childhood, often dismissing it as something meant only for kids. Rachel highlights a critical observation: "Kids in school right now, recess is like minimal. It keeps getting taken away." This lack of emphasis on play begins at a young age and, unfortunately, continues into adulthood, leading many of us to forget to prioritize joy and creativity in our lives.

Rediscovering Our Inner Child

Rachel shares a personal experience that resonates with many adults. She recalls a recent interaction with a six-year-old, saying, "I really like my six-year-old self. I love the curiosity of it." This sentiment reflects the natural inquisitiveness and joy that children possess, which often fades as we grow older. Rachel emphasizes the need to tap into that playful spirit daily, stating, "I want to play every day. How do I make that happen?"

The Guilt of Not Being Productive

One of the barriers to embracing play as adults is the guilt associated with it. Rachel admits, "There's a part of me that's like guilty because it's not productive." This feeling is common; many adults struggle with the idea that leisure time must always be productive. Kris counters this notion by acknowledging the freedom and joy that comes from unstructured play, encouraging listeners to let go of guilt and embrace fun.

Creating Playful Moments

The podcast also discusses how play can manifest in everyday life, using a humorous story about a Fourth of July celebration. Kris recalls a spontaneous adventure with friends: "We pile into whoever's car and go off to some random spot that you can barely see to get to the golf course." Such unplanned moments are where play thrives, showcasing the joy that can come from spontaneity and connection.

Bringing Play into Daily Life

Both hosts encourage listeners to seek out playfulness in their lives. Rachel notes, "I have people that I have brought into my world that are more playful," suggesting that surrounding ourselves with playful individuals can inspire us to embrace that same spirit. They highlight the simple joy of being silly, laughing, and engaging in activities that might seem trivial but bring genuine happiness.

Conclusion:

Key takeaways include the importance of rediscovering our playful selves, embracing spontaneity, and surrounding ourselves with playful individuals. Let’s commit to making space for play in our daily lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Play

01:27 The Importance of Play for Adults

03:13 Rediscovering Childhood Curiosity

08:07 Creating Space for Play

12:42 Defining Personal Play

15:39 Play as a Reset for Mental Well-Being

19:18 The Complex Nature of Play

23:15 The Societal View on Play

23:53 The Importance of Play in Adult Life

25:20 Finding Your Unique Form of Play

28:47 Creating Rituals Around Play

30:58 Inviting Others to Play

39:18 The Role of Play in Family Dynamics

45:46 Play as a Form of Self-Love

In this episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Rachel and Kris explore the concept of dreaming big as they navigate newfound freedom in their lives. With children growing up and gaining their independence, they reflect on the challenges and opportunities that come with this transition. The conversation delves into the importance of conceptualizing dreams. the struggle to break free from limiting beliefs, and the necessity of creating a sacred space for dreaming. They discuss how to retrain the mind to envision possibilities without the constraints of reality, emphasizing the need to suspend logic to enhance creativity in the dreaming process.

Introduction: In the latest episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, hosts Kris and Rachel explore a transformative phase of life that many encounter as their children grow up and gain independence. This pivotal moment comes with newfound freedom and the exciting yet daunting task of redefining personal dreams.

Main Content:

Section 1: The Shift in Perspective

Kris kicks off the discussion by sharing his recent realization that with her youngest child now driving, she has more personal freedom than ever before. This shift prompts a profound question: What does she want to do with this newfound time? Rachel resonates with this experience, highlighting that many parents find themselves at this crossroads, where responsibilities diminish and possibilities expand.

Section 2: The Challenge of Dreaming Big

However, with the freedom to dream big comes an unexpected challenge: the ability to actually envision those dreams. Rachel admits feeling frozen by the pressure of possibility, recalling how children effortlessly dream about fantastical vacations, while adults often succumb to practical limitations. Rachel empathizes this with, "I feel like I have trained my brain out of dreaming big."

Section 3: The Importance of Manifestation

The conversation shifts to the idea of manifestation. Rachel shares her experiences with a friend who embodies the spirit of unwavering belief in her dreams. Unlike Rachel, who begins to craft contingency plans as a safety net, this friend fully commits to her vision without a plan B. Together, they explore how the lack of a backup plan can actually empower one to pursue their dreams more boldly.

Section 4: Defining Personal Dreams

As the hosts delve deeper, they recognize the need to redefine what dreaming big means. Kris suggests that to find clarity, one must suspend reality for a moment and let go of pragmatic constraints. They discuss how, in the past, they would engage in creative exercises to unleash their imaginations. Rachel reflects on her own life, acknowledging that while she has created an enviable life, she knows that her potential extends even further.

Section 5: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth

The podcast emphasizes the need to push beyond comfort zones. Kris and Rachel agree that while gratitude for current circumstances is essential, it shouldn't hinder the pursuit of greater aspirations. They challenge listeners to embrace the discomfort of dreaming big and to recognize that dreams can evolve over time, becoming bigger and richer with practice.

Conclusion: Kris and Rachel conclude by encouraging listeners to start dreaming big today, no matter how daunting it may seem. They remind us that the ability to dream is like a muscle that can be strengthened with practice. Key takeaways include the importance of recognizing the freedom we have, the power of manifestation without limits, and the necessity of pushing beyond our comfort zones to realize our true potential.

Tags: Dream Big, Manifestation, Personal Growth, Life Changes, Freedom, Grateful Not Greedy, Parenting, Self-Discovery

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, Kris and Rachel get real about clutter, home organization, and the mental load that comes with it. From crowded countertops to the emotional ties we have to our belongings, they explore how clutter can impact stress, mental health, and overall peace at home—especially for women juggling family life. The discussion dives into cultural views on cleanliness, why letting go of things can feel so personal, and how shifting your mindset can make all the difference. Through relatable stories and practical advice, this episode invites listeners to rethink what a calm, balanced, and truly livable home looks like.

Keywords

clutter, organization, stress, cleanliness, family dynamics, cultural perspectives, emotional attachment, mindset, gender roles, home environment

Takeaways

• Clutter can significantly increase stress levels, especially for women.
• Personal organization styles can clash with family dynamics.
• Cultural perspectives on home organization can vary widely.
• Emotional attachments to items can complicate decluttering efforts.
• Finding balance in a cluttered life is essential for mental clarity.
• Mindset shifts can help in managing clutter effectively.
• Gender roles often influence perceptions of home cleanliness.
• Practical tips can aid in maintaining a more organized space.
• Creating a peaceful home environment is a personal journey.
• It's important to prioritize what makes you feel relaxed in your home.

Sound Bites

"The struggle is real."

"I am a really organized person."

"It’s a mindset."

Chapters

00:00 Struggles with Clutter and Organization

02:56 The Impact of Clutter on Stress Levels

06:00 The Clean vs. Cluttered Debate

08:57 Personal Stories and Perspectives on Cleanliness

11:57 Navigating Clutter with Family Dynamics

15:00 The Emotional Attachment to Items

18:01 The Process of Letting Go

21:28 Embracing French Culture in Home Living

24:01 The Balance of Home and Life

25:58 Judgment and Expectations in Home Spaces

27:52 The Freedom of Mismatched Living

30:51 Mindset Shifts in Home Organization

33:23 Finding Comfort in Clutter

36:40 Creating a Clean and Relaxed Environment

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, Kris and Rachel explore the pressures of urgency culture and how it shapes the decisions we make. From hasty choices to indecision as a decision option, they discuss how slowing down and reflecting on your values can lead to clearer, more intentional decisions.

Listeners will learn why personal agency matters in relationships, how empowering youth in their decision-making fosters growth, and why being true to yourself simplifies even the toughest choices. This conversation dives into self-discovery, the art of compromise, and navigating life without letting external pressures rush your path.

Whether you’re facing a major life decision or everyday choices, this episode offers insights on how to embrace clarity, honor your values, and make decisions that reflect who you truly are.

Keywords: urgency culture, decision-making, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, agency, youth empowerment, values, compromise, clarity

Keywords

urgency culture, decision-making, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, agency, youth empowerment, values, compromise, clarity

Takeaways

• Urgency culture often leads to hasty decisions.
• Decisions reflect personal values and uniqueness.
• It's essential to slow down and assess urgency.
• Indecision can be a choice in itself.
• Empowering youth in decision-making is crucial.
• Not all decisions are permanent; they can be changed.
• Self-imposed urgency can create unnecessary stress.
• Understanding agency is vital in relationship decisions.
• Communication is key in navigating decisions with others.
• Being true to oneself simplifies decision-making.
• Defining your preferences leads to more powerful decisions

Quotables

"Urgency culture often leads to hasty decisions."

"It's essential to slow down and assess urgency."

"Indecision can be a choice in itself."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Urgency Culture

02:56 Decision-Making Dynamics

05:56 The Weight of Choices

09:08 The Role of Experience in Decisions

11:49 Empowering Decision-Making in Youth

14:54 The Balance of Urgency and Importance

17:51 Understanding Agency in Relationships

20:45 The Complexity of Romantic Decisions

24:05 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

26:40 The Impact of External Pressures

29:44 Finding Clarity in Decision-Making

32:54 The Importance of Values in Choices

35:54 The Art of Compromise

38:46 Embracing Uncertainty in Life

41:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery

44:52 The Power of Choice

47:53 The Role of Communication in Relationships

50:47 The Essence of Being True to Oneself

53:50 Concluding Thoughts on Decision-Making

In this episode of the Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast, Kris and Rachel reflect on lessons from 20 episodes of personal growth, life transitions, and self-discovery. They discuss vulnerability, embracing mistakes, creativity, and taking risks, along with real conversations about parenting, dating, aging, relationships, money stories, and friendships. From navigating breakups and people pleasing to managing energy, happiness, and over-functioning, this episode encourages finding contentment in your current season and designing a life aligned with your values.

If you're new to the podcast, welcome! This is a great place to catch up on the journey. If you're a seasoned listener, this episode will remind you of lessons you took to heart and growth that challenged and changed you all wrapped up in easy, digestible, real life unscripted conversation.

Episode List

#1 Why a Lobster shold be our Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast mascot

#2 CTRL+ALT+DELETE

#3 Uber Mom: Lessons from a Teenage Driver License

#4 31 Flavors- Dating Edition

#5 An 80-year-old is Not a Defective 50-year-old: Let's Talk About Our Aging Parents

#6 Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda: A Show Starring Regret

#7 Sometimes Love Isn't an Open Door: Lessons from the teenage parenting vault

#8 Wanderlust, Zillow Dreams & the Fantasy Life Syndrome

#9 Grateful Not Grinding: Creative Flow and Getting Stuff Done

#10 Grateful Not Bitter: Turning Breakups Into Breakthroughs

#11 G'Day Date! Using Travel to Jumpstart Your Dating Game

#12 The Grateful Relationshop Playlist: repair on Drums, Gratitude on Lead Vocals

#13 How to Plan a Stress-Free Holiday: Intentional Traditions and Gratitude Over Greed

#14 From People-Pleaser to Peaceful: A Grateful Not Greedy™ Approach

#15 Designing Your Happiness: Gratitude, Intentional Living, and the Myth of Having It All

#16 Stop Overfunctioning: How to Reclaim Your Energy with the Grateful Not Greedy™ Approach

#17 What is Money For? Rewriting Our Money Stories

#18 New Year, Clear Intentions: Gratitude, Personal Growth & Choosing Your Word for the Year

#19 Growth Changes the Guest List- Connection Over Comfort and How to Navigate Your Adult Friendships

#20 20 Episodes of Grateful Not Greedy™ podcast recap: 20 Lessons on Growth, Creativity, and Being Grateful Not Greedy™

Chapters

00:00 Starting the Journey: The Birth of the Podcast

02:07 Reflecting on Growth: Lessons from 20 Episodes

06:45 The Lobster Metaphor: Shedding Old Shells

09:55 Taking the Leap: Buying a Rental Property

14:12 Embracing Mistakes: The Control-Alt-Delete Episode

18:08 Transitioning Roles: From Uber Mom to Free Bird

20:56 Dating Insights: The 31 Flavors of Dating

24:09 Embracing Change in Aging Relationships

28:20 Navigating Life Regrets and Personal Growth

32:03 The Evolution of Parenting and Relationships

38:11 Wanderlust and Finding Gratitude in Your Current Life

41:13 Creative Flow: Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing Creativity

45:37 Embracing Creativity and Progress

46:12 Navigating Breakups with Grace

48:31 First Dates and New Beginnings

51:23 The Importance of Relationships and Repair

52:21 People Pleasing and Personal Boundaries

01:01:08 Designing Your Happiness

01:06:12 Reclaiming Energy from Over-Functioning

01:07:31 Cultural Context of Over-Functioning

01:09:43 Exploring Money Stories

01:13:16 Understanding Relationships and Friendships

01:15:49 The Word of the Year Reflection

01:22:49 Recap and Commitment to Growth

Grateful Enough to Let Go

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, hosts Kris and Rachel unpack the emotional intelligence behind meaningful friendships—how they begin, how they grow, and sometimes, how they end. Through this honest conversation, we explore why vulnerability, reciprocity, and gratitude are essential for building connections that feel nourishing rather than draining.

We talk about friendship “love languages,” the courage it takes to ask “Do they want to go for coffee?”, and why some friendships are meant to be seasonal rather than lifelong. From navigating imbalance to having conversations for closure, this episode invites you into deep self-reflection around your social dynamics and relationship patterns.

Whether you’re holding onto friendships out of habit, learning to let go with gratitude, or making space for new connections, this dialogue encourages you to embrace change and prioritize relationships that align with your growth.

Because being grateful doesn’t mean staying stuck—and being not greedy means choosing connection over attachment.

Chapters:
00:00 Navigating Friendships Like Dating
05:56 Understanding Friendship Dynamics and Vulnerability
11:58 Letting Go of Friendships: A Seasonal Perspective
25:19 Exploring Vulnerability in Friendships
31:55 Conversations for Closure
39:30 Self-Imposed Suffering in Friendships
44:36 The Importance of Letting Go

As the calendar flips, so does your chance to hit refresh. In this New Year’s episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, hosts Kris and Rachel shake up the traditional take on New Year’s resolutions—letting go of pressure, perfection, and guilt, and replacing them with intention, growth, and gratitude.

They dig into how mindfulness and reflection can help you set goals that actually stick, from choosing a powerful word to guide your year to creating visual inspiration like a “thrive folder.” Along the way, they talk accountability (the kind that supports you, not shames you), the importance of self-care, the impact of community, and even how numerology can offer insight into the season you’re in.

This episode is a reminder that real growth isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about showing up, paying attention, and honoring your journey as it unfolds. Whether you’re mapping out resolutions, setting gentle intentions, or simply craving a more meaningful start to the year, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready for what’s next.

✨ New year. Clear intentions. Grateful, not greedy.

Takeaways

• Setting a word for the year can provide focus and intention.
• Reflecting on the past year helps in recognizing growth and gratitude.
• Creating a visual representation of goals, like a 'thrive folder' of your photos can enhance motivation.
• Accountability is key in achieving resolutions and personal growth.
• Prioritizing self-care is essential for overall well-being.
• Building on past themes can create a sense of continuity in personal development.

• Personal growth positively impacts relationships and community.
• Mindfulness and being present are crucial in the journey of self-discovery.
• Embracing change and being open to new experiences can lead to fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Change: New Year Reflections

02:55 Setting Intentions: The Power of a Word

06:03 Savoring Moments: The Importance of Gratitude

08:54 Building on Foundations: Previous Years' Themes

12:03 Mindfulness in Resolutions: A Flexible Approach

18:25 Personal Reflections on Resolutions

20:56 Numerology and Life Cycles

24:12 Building the Taj Mahal of Life

27:33 The New Year and Gym Resolutions

30:24 Value-Driven Resolutions

39:50 Setting Resolutions and Accountability

42:39 Prioritizing Self and Personal Growth

45:43 The Importance of Community and Support

48:55 Healing Through Self-Care

51:44 Simplicity in New Year's Resolutions

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, we take a fresh, compassionate look at one of the biggest forces shaping our lives: money. Not just how we earn it or spend it, but what it’s actually for—and the hidden stories we’ve carried about it since childhood.

We explore why so many of us feel anxious, reactive, or disconnected around money, and how our early experiences, cultural messages, and family patterns silently shape our financial behavior today. Through the lens of gratitude, we talk about redefining wealth, finding clarity in what “enough” really means, and shifting from fear-driven decisions to intentional, grounded choices.

This conversation invites you to question the scripts you’ve been handed, rewrite the ones that no longer serve you, and build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with money—one rooted in purpose, presence, and a deep sense of “enough.”

If you’ve ever wondered why money feels so emotional, or how to let it support your life instead of run it, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Grateful Not Greedy™, Stop Overfunctioning: How to Reclaim Your Energy with the Grateful Not Greedy™ Approach, we dive into the hidden patterns that drive us to take on too much—and the emotional, physical, and spiritual cost of constantly overdelivering.

We explore what autonomy truly means in both work and life, and why so many of us feel pressured to meet expectations that were never ours to carry. Through an honest conversation about boundaries, self-trust, and the desire for a more intentional rhythm, we unpack the tension between being dependable and being depleted.

This episode sheds light on the yearning for a balanced workweek, the courage it takes to prioritize happiness, and the deep relief that comes from finally giving yourself permission to slow down. We talk about the traps of overfunctioning in relationships, workplaces, and family roles—and how embracing the Grateful Not Greedy™ mindset helps you shift from overextending to aligning with what actually nourishes you.

If you’ve ever felt responsible for holding everything together, struggled to say no, or found yourself doing more than your share, this conversation offers practical insights, compassionate reframes, and gentle encouragement to reclaim your energy and choose a more grounded, grateful way of living.

Takeaways

• Setting boundaries is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Avoiding over-functioning can lead to a more balanced life.
• Prioritizing happiness should be a key focus in life decisions.
• Systems can help manage responsibilities effectively.
• It's important to recognize when to step back from obligations.
• Personal fulfillment often requires saying 'no' to certain tasks.
• A proactive approach to life can prevent future regrets.
• Finding joy in simplicity can enhance overall well-being.
• Creating a supportive environment is crucial for success.




Key Themes:

work-life balance, autonomy, entrepreneurship, personal fulfillment, boundaries, happiness, productivity, systems, prioritization, over-functioning, emotional regulation

In this insightful episode, hosts Kris and Rachel unpack the real mechanics of happiness—what fuels it, what drains it, and why so many of us feel stretched thin trying to “have it all.” Through the lens of the Grateful Not Greedy™ philosophy, they explore how time, attention, and constraints shape our emotional well-being, especially for women navigating layered expectations around career, family dynamics, and self-care.

Together, they break down the idea of a personal happiness utility function—a practical way to understand how you spend your time, what truly fills your cup, and which distractions quietly pull you away from joy. The episode blends data, reflection, and heartfelt conversation to help listeners rethink fulfillment as something intentional and internal, not something dictated by external pressures.

From designing a life rooted in intentional living to making space for joy, outsourcing what drains you, and examining the evolving nature of priorities, this episode invites you to take compassionate responsibility for your own happiness journey.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really have it all—or what “all” should mean in the first place—this conversation offers clarity, humor, and grounded tools for building a life that feels meaningful, sustainable, and truly yours.

Takeaways

• Happiness is a personal journey that requires evaluation.
• Self-care is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Intentional living can lead to greater happiness.
• Understanding constraints helps in pursuing happiness.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in individual happiness.
• Outsourcing tasks can free up time for joy.
• Regular reflection on priorities is necessary.
• Creating space for joy is vital in daily life.
• Happiness is an internal state, not dependent on external factors.
• Engaging in meaningful conversations fosters growth and understanding.
• Understanding your personal happiness function is critical for making choices that bring you joy.
• Taking the time to evaluate how you spend your time versus how you want to spend your time and align your life with your values is a big step toward creating happiness in your life.
• Having it all involves defining what "all" is for you and creating the space for that happiness.
• You can do anything but not everything- happiness is driven by intentional choice, good boundary-setting, and questioning the default role you might be playing out.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Happiness and Its Challenges

05:52 The Role of Data in Understanding Happiness

11:56 The Complexity of Parenting and Happiness

17:56 Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care

23:55 Creating a Life of Contentment

30:41 Finding Joy in Commitments

37:56 Evolving Priorities and Happiness

44:27 Family Dynamics and Shared Responsibilities