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This one’s hard to record — but it needed to be said.

Our family dog of 9 years, Ozzy passed away this week, and this episode is me walking through the grief, the story of what happened, and everything I wish more people talked about when it comes to losing a pet.

If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to a dog (or any pet) you loved, this episode is for you. It’s about the quiet after the bark, the guilt, the firsts that break your heart — and the little things you wish you could do just one more time.

This episode is personal. And it’s real.

LINKS:

• Diary of a CEO grief clip — LINK
• Why we sleep in separate bedrooms — LINK
• DM me on Instagram: @shana.recker

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Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

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It’s been a minute, so today I’m walking and talking—giving you a life update, sharing how I’ve been using ChatGPT as a calorie and protein tracker, spilling the chaos of trying to keep baby bunnies alive in our backyard, and letting you in on something exciting I’ve just launched…

This podcast has always been a space where I show up real and unfiltered, but now there’s a new level of that happening over on my new Patreon channel. I explain what it is, why I created it, and how you can join me there.

Inside this episode:
• Why my 50th birthday dress sparked a mindset shift
• What finally made the scale move after two years
• How I’m using ChatGPT as my own health coach
• My supplement list for longevity
• The actual chaos of backyard baby bunnies
• What’s different (and better) about my new Patreon podcast

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

🥯 Protein Bagel Recipe
➤ LINK

📱 Beth's Instagram
➤  LINK

💊  A Few of My Favorite Supplements
➤ NMN+ LINK
➤ ASHWAGANDHA LINK
➤ MAGNESIUM LINK
➤ CREATINE
➤ PRE-PROBIOTIC

💬 To message me you can find me here on Instagram: @shana.recker

Thanks for being here. This is how it’s really going—and I’m so glad you’re on this walk with me

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

If you’re curious about AI but don’t know where to start—or you’ve heard of ChatGPT but feel overwhelmed—this episode will walk you through exactly what it is, how it works, and how I personally use it every single day to run my life and business more efficiently.

I break down the different versions of ChatGPT, the tools I rely on most, and real-life examples of how AI helps with everything from health tracking and travel planning to coding, sales page copy, and client proposals.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, parent, or just looking to reclaim some time in your day, this episode will help you understand how to leverage AI as a true assistant—not a replacement.

 00:00 – Intro: What this episode is and who it’s for
 03:11 – What is ChatGPT, really? (Explained simply)
 07:28 – Free vs. Pro vs. Enterprise: Which version should you use?
 12:35 – Ground rules and what not to do with AI
15:40 – How I use ChatGPT to track my health and hormones
22:58 – Using voice memos inside ChatGPT
26:22 – AI for custom nutrition, workout, and supplement plans
29:40 – Travel planning with AI: itineraries, stops, hidden gems
33:10 – Product research and finding the best prices
37:15 – Helping my son with math using ChatGPT
39:20 – Troubleshooting tech issues like a Netflix error
41:05 – Business use: sales page copy, email sequences, and proposals
48:30 – Using ChatGPT for social media planning and content
53:18 – Custom Kajabi coding using AI (no dev experience needed)
57:44 – Strategic business planning and future-proofing with AI
1:02:05 – Final thoughts: why AI isn’t replacing humans—it’s enhancing us

Resources Mentioned:

• ChatGPT (OpenAI)
• Follow me on Instagram

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

Oh hey there — today’s episode of Walking and Talking with Me is a bit of a catch-up after a little break. I’m finally back out walking, and we’ve got some nice weather for once. I’m out here without my dog today (which is rare!) and just wanted to have a real conversation with you about what’s been going on.

First, a quick update on something new I’ve been loving: my weighted vest. It’s a 16-pound vest from Zelus (LINK) l that I found through my Amazon shop. I’ve been using it during my walks and it’s been a game-changer. 

Then, I dive into what’s really been front and center for me lately — my super fun journey through perimenopause. I give you my updates on hormone therapy experience — the ups, the adjustments — from progesterone and estrogen to recently adding in a small dose of testosterone. I share what it’s felt like, what’s been working, and what I’m still figuring out.

One thing I want to really stress today: finding the right healthcare providers makes all the difference. It takes persistence. It can be frustrating. But advocating for yourself is critical, and I walk you through some of my own experiences with that too.

We also get into something that’s not talked about enough — the loss of oxytocin during perimenopause — and how that can affect us emotionally. It's real, and it’s another reminder why self-compassion is so important right now.

And before we wrap up, I talk about something that’s been hitting me lately: aging really is a privilege. It’s easy to get caught up in the struggles and changes, but there's beauty in this season of life too.

Thanks for walking and talking with me today. I’d love to hear your thoughts or your own experiences — send me a DM on Instagram! And stay tuned — I’ll have more updates and conversations coming your way soon.

Quick reminder before we dive in — I am not a doctor. This is just me sharing my personal experience with perimenopause and what’s worked for me. Please don’t take anything here as medical advice. Always, always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your own health needs.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Weather Chat
• 00:54 – Loving My Weighted Vest
• 01:53 – Hormone Journey: Progesterone, Estrogen, and Now Testosterone
• 04:35 – Why Persistence Matters with Healthcare
• 05:58 – My Experienc

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

In this episode, I dive into the real, unfiltered truth about starting an online business in 2025. Things have changed drastically from the early days of online business, and I’m breaking down the biggest misconceptions, mistakes, and the strategies you actually need to succeed.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ It’s Not as Easy as It Used to Be – Gone are the days of throwing up a website and making money overnight. The industry is more saturated than ever, which means strategy and consistency are non-negotiable.

✔️ Social Media Won’t Do the Work for You – Just posting a few times isn’t enough. You need a plan, engaging content, and a long-term commitment to building trust with your audience.

✔️ Branding and Website Matter More Than Ever – A poorly designed website and DIY branding will turn potential customers away. Professional, cohesive branding is key in 2025.

✔️ You Must Be Hands-On in Your Business – You can hire help, but no one will care about your business as much as you do. If you’re not actively involved, it will show.

✔️ Passion and Longevity Matter – If you’re just in this for the money, you’ll struggle. Building a business takes time, and you need a genuine passion to push through the ups and downs.

I also share my personal journey—how I transitioned from network marketing to coaching to my done-for-you services today. My biggest lesson? Alignment and intention are EVERYTHING when it comes to long-term success.

🎧 Listen now and get the real scoop on what it takes to start and grow an online business today.

💬 Got thoughts? Send me a DM on Instagram @iamshanarecker or text me (link in the show notes)!

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

Hey friends, welcome back to How It’s Really Going. Today, I’m walking and talking through a snowy morning here in southern Ontario (wish you could see it—it’s gorgeous!) and sharing my unfiltered thoughts about a topic that’s been weighing on me: alcohol.

From my “Fun Shana” days in my 20s to where I stand now in my mid-40s, I’m opening up about how my relationship with alcohol has changed, the shame spirals I sometimes experience, and the impact it has on my health, sleep, and overall well-being.

This isn’t about judgment—of myself or anyone else—but about reflection. I’m trying to figure out what role alcohol plays in my life, especially now that the Surgeon General has now stated there are no safe amounts and whether it’s time for a change. If you’ve ever questioned your own relationship with alcohol, this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about the societal pressures, the way our bodies change with age, and the balance between enjoying a glass of wine and feeling good about our choices.

I also touch on:

• How alcohol affects my ADHD brain (spoiler: it’s complicated).
• The trade-offs between relaxation and those dreaded hangovers.
• Setting an example for my kids when it comes to drinking.
• Why I’m experimenting with reducing alcohol, and what alternatives I’ve been trying (mocktails and Diet Coke, anyone?).

I’d love to hear from you—what’s your relationship with alcohol like? 

Are you in the “never again” camp, somewhere in the middle, or just trying to figure it out like me? 

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 My Weighted Vest
👉 My Vibration Plate
👉 My Oura Ring

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

Walk with me as I share my thoughts on 2024... the highs, the lessons, and what I’m leaving behind as I step into the new year. From overcoming challenges and letting go of what wasn’t serving me (bye, people-pleasing!) to rediscovering simple joys (yes, I’m back on Diet Coke!) and setting intentions for growth, this episode is all about real talk and fresh starts.

I also share my plans for 2025, including building a team, embracing self-acceptance, trying new things like pickleball, and making more time for fun, like reading omantasy books 👀.

Grab your headphones and join me for a walk and talk!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Holiday Reflections
03:15 - Getting Intentional: What I’m Leaving Behind in 2024
08:32 - How Letting Go Opened New Doors and Taking Risks
12:48 - Building a New Business and Embracing Success Without Social Media
18:05 - Self-Acceptance and Leaving Body Image Worries Behind
21:42 - Rediscovering Reading for Fun (Romantasy, Anyone?)
24:15 - Why I’m Back on Diet Coke (and Loving It)
26:30 - Business Goals for 2025: Building a Team and Scaling Smartly
30:18 - Trying New Things: Pickleball and Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
33:45 - Final Reflections and Encouragement for Setting Intentions

Take a moment to reflect on what you’re leaving behind in 2024 and what you’re excited to bring into 2025. If something I shared resonates with you, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on Instagram @iamshanarecker and share what you’re working on for the new year.

LINKS:

• Into the Magic Shop by James Doty: https://amzn.to/3DMkpVG
• My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/4gx9G09

Oh and here are those stats on Diet Coke!

For a 165 lb person, you would need to drink about 21 cans of Diet Coke per day to reach the FDA's safe daily limit of aspartame. This threshold is well below toxic levels, as the ADI includes a significant safety margin.

To actually get sick (e.g., nausea, headaches) from aspartame alone, you'd likely need to consume far beyond the ADI, which is impractical for most people. Drinking this much Diet Coke would likely cause issues from overconsumption of fluids and caffeine long before aspartame toxicity occurs. (From Chat GPT)

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

In this episode, I’m trying something new and taking the podcast on the go—literally! 

Inspired by my friend and fellow podcaster Chalene Johnson, I decided to combine my love for walking with sharing my thoughts in a more casual and authentic way. Like many of you, I’ve struggled to find time to sit down and record. This new format feels like a win-win: getting fresh air and movement while connecting with you.

I dive into what it’s like navigating life as a midlife entrepreneur, sharing my own journey and some advice for content creation. I share my advice to my friend Sarah Baldwin you can find her HERE I know how hard it can be to stay patient when building an audience, so I talk about what’s worked for me. I also touch on the never-ending balancing act between work and personal life, the importance of taking breaks, and my goals for the new year.

Of course, there are a few off-the-cuff moments too! I share a little rant about dog-walking etiquette, chat about wearing a weighted vest to maintain bone health, and how I’m trying to stay grounded amid societal pressures about fitness. Plus, I reflect on holiday plans and the lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur this year.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what I cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and the challenges I’ve faced with podcasting
• 01:14 The inspiration I got from Chalene Johnson
• 02:11 How I’m experimenting with walking and talking
• 04:18 My advice for aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs
• 08:06 Balancing work and personal life (hint: it’s not easy, but it’s doable!)
• 10:26 A mini rant about dog-walking etiquette
• 12:48 Holiday plans and reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey
• 20:16 Health and fitness goals, including why I wear a weighted vest
• 25:48 Wrapping up with thoughts on the future

This episode is a little different, a little raw, but that’s what makes it fun. Let me know what you think of this format—I’d love to hear your feedback!


Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Sarah Baldwin - CLICK HERE
• Weighted Vest -

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

Hey there, and welcome back to How It’s Really Going! After a long break, I’m here to share what’s been on my mind and what’s next for this podcast. If you’ve been around since the early days, you’ll know this space has evolved over the years—from Girlfriend’s Guide to Network Marketing to Keeping It Real with Shana Recker, and now to this version: a mix of life, business, and everything in between.

The Journey So Far I started podcasting back in 2016, aiming to share honest and vulnerable conversations about business, life, and personal growth. It’s been a rollercoaster. Over the years, I’ve shifted from network marketing to online business coaching, to doing done-for-you services in graphic design and Kajabi, which has been my primary focus for the past year and a half. It’s been refreshing to work behind the scenes, supporting amazing clients without the constant pressure of social media.

Why I’m Back Even when I’ve stepped away, I couldn’t stop thinking about this podcast. It’s like therapy for me—a way to connect, share, and help others feel less alone in their journeys. I’m feeling more stable and ready to commit, even if it’s just once or twice a month. This podcast is going to be a space for real talk: about business, entrepreneurship, life as a midlife woman navigating hormones, parenting adult kids, and even the ups and downs of creativity.

What’s Next Moving forward, you can expect a mix of:

• Business tips for service providers and clients
• Real talk about life and entrepreneurship
• Personal updates and reflections on navigating midlife challenges
• Whatever feels relevant—because that’s what How It’s Really Going is all about.

A Special Thank You To everyone who’s stuck around, subscribed, and supported me through all the changes—thank you. Your messages and feedback remind me why I love this so much. I’m excited to dive back in and share this journey with you.

Links Mentioned

• My business Instagram: @iamshanarecker
• My art Instagram: @shanarecker_art
• Kajabi Experts Platform: Kajabi Experts
• Podcast Inspiration: Chalene Johnson

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana

Send Shana a Text Message

Hey everyone! Welcome back! In this episode, I get super real about the ups and downs of friendships. After listening to a Simon Sinek podcast, I felt inspired to share my own struggles with making and keeping friends, especially during perimenopause and menopause. ADHD has definitely turned up the volume on my fear of rejection too.

I talk about how important community is and how the lack of close friendships has really hit me. You'll hear about my overthinking and why I sometimes pull back from social interactions, even though I know how awesome it feels to connect. This episode is all about being aware, putting in the effort, and pushing past fears to keep those important friendships alive.

 Let's get real about how tricky friendships can be and figure out how to keep those connections strong.

Follow me on Instagram at @shanarecker_art to share your thoughts on this episode. Have an amazing summer, and I'll be back with more when inspiration hits!

Support the show

Thank you all so much for listening!
It makes me happy to know that my journey and what I'm learning helps you!

Please reach out and share anytime on Insta: @shana.recker

🎤 Patreon for the How it's Really REALLY Going, Unfiltered Episodes
➤ LINK

My Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/441S5tS

My Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/42hix1c

I edit my podcast with Descript! I would be lost without it.
Get it here: DESCRIPT

To connect with Shana for Done-For-You services like Branding, Kajabi Websites, Lead Magnets or more, visit www.shanarecker.com/portfolio and book a call!

Get 30 Days of Kajabi FREE with my unique referral link: https://bit.ly/extendedShana