Life Coaches Unfiltered

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New year, new goals… same burnout? In this episode of Life Coaches Unfiltered, the coaches get real about goal setting, New Year’s resolutions, and why big, lofty goals often backfire - especially for women already exhausted and in survival mode.​

​New Year’s goal-setting sounds great on paper. Next thing you know,  you’re two weeks in, already “behind,” and ready to say “forget it” to every resolution you made. In this honest conversation, Desiree, Michelle, and Doree unpack the good, the bad, and the ugly of goal setting, from vision boards and flip charts to bonfire resolutions that go up in smoke (literally).

​Michelle shares why she loves goals as bite-sized direction (not giant life contracts), how realistic goals create clarity and momentum, and why most people overwhelm themselves with huge, vague resolutions. 

Doree talks about her mixed feelings as a hypnotherapist during “resolution season,” including her story of throwing a pack of cigarettes into a New Year’s bonfire… then trying to bum a smoke an hour later. 

Desiree names the pressure and shame that come with goals when you’re in midlife, grieving, caregiving, or just plain tired, and asks the question no one likes to admit: How do you set a goal for a life you haven’t even imagined yet?

​You’ll hear the difference between resolutions and actual plans, why “all-or-nothing” goals are so damaging, and how to create goals that fit the season you’re in instead of punishing you for not being farther along. The coaches also explore process goals vs. outcome goals, and how tiny, consistent actions beat grand declarations every time.

Resources: Send a free email to your future self ​

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why New Year’s resolutions so often fail. SPOILER: It’s not because you’re lazy or “bad at follow-through”
• How to set realistic, bite-sized goals that don’t trigger shame, perfectionism, or all-or-nothing thinking
• How midlife, grief, caregiving, and burnout change the way your brain and body relate to goals

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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Do you feel like the world is on fire? Danger seems to be lurking around every corner. It's exhausting, and so many people are on edge. The life coaches talk openly about how they see stress and anxiety showing up in their daily lives. 

They share tips & techniques for how they are staying grounded right now.

Key Topics

• Holiday Check-ins: Proof that our lives are as messy as yours
• Collective Stress: Everyone's baseline is now "barely functioning"
• Nervous System 101: When your body thinks you're being chased by a bear, but you're just reading Twitter
• Coping Strategies:
  • Breathwork (because "just calm down" needs better PR)
  • Social media boundaries (deleting the app at 11 PM, re-downloading at 11:15 PM)
  • Activities that don't involve arguing with strangers online
  • Gratitude journaling (yes, even for "my house didn't burn down today")
  • Touching grass (not just a meme)
• Self-Reflection: That awkward moment when you realize YOU'RE the drama
• Notable Quotes
  • "Only control what's in your hula hoop."
  • "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" (and probably hasn't had coffee yet)
  • "Peace is your ability to remain centered within chaos" (aka fake it till you make it)

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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 This episode tackles the narcissist field guide using Dr. Ramani's book "It's Not You."   (affiliate link)

Spoiler: there are seven flavors of nightmare, and you've probably dated at least three. 

The Narcissist Menu: 

1. Grandiose: Main character energy, zero self-awareness
2. Vulnerable/Covert: Professional victim, guilt-trip world champion 
3. Communal: Martyrs who never let you forget their "sacrifices" 
4. Somatic: Mirror-obsessed, gym is their personality 
5. Neglectful: Emotionally MIA, couldn't care if they tried 
6. Self-Righteous: Judge Judy without the paycheck 
7. Malignant: Actual danger. DELETE THEIR NUMBER. 

You Might Be Dealing With One If: 

•  Every conversation feels like emotional CrossFit 
• "It's always your fault" is the household motto 
• Your gut instinct filed for divorce 

Survival Mode: 

• Trust yourself, set boundaries, document everything 
• Therapy isn't optional—it's survival 
• Stop rescuing grown adults 

Golden Nugget: "Empaths and narcissists both run on unmet needs." – Dr. Ramani 

Next Episode: How to stay sane when the world's gone full circus. How to stay sane in an insane world. 

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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 We’ve all heard the term narcissist, but what does it really mean? 

In this candid conversation, three life coaches get real about the traits, tactics, and traps that define narcissistic behavior. From the confusion and manipulation to the denial and blame-shifting, Desiree, Doree, and Michelle break down how narcissism shows up in romantic relationships, family systems, and even friendships. 

You’ll also hear how each of them has personally encountered these patterns and what they learned about self-care, boundaries, and reclaiming their power. 💡 

Spoiler: Not everyone who acts selfishly is a narcissist — but knowing the difference could save your sanity. 

#lifecoachesunfiltered #NarcissisticAbuse #Gaslighting #SelfCare #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #lifecoachesunfiltered 

NOTE: We share resources that may be helpful on your journey, they are affiliate links that help us cover the costs of producing this podcast. You don’t pay more, but we receive a tiny commission AND you’re supporting our work. The products we advertise are those we believe in. 

"It's Not You" by Dr. Ramani Durvasula (on healing from narcissistic abuse)

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk and resources.

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the topic of gaslighting—what it means, how it manifests in relationships, and the impact it has on self-perception and emotional health.

Spoiler alert: if you've ever felt like you're losing your mind while someone insists you're "too sensitive," this one's for you. Through personal stories, book recommendations, and the kind of candid conversation your therapist would approve of, they unpack the confusion around the term, its origins, and how to recognize and respond to gaslighting without questioning whether you're overreacting. (You're not.)

Key Topics in this episode:
~ Defining gaslighting and its origins (from the 1938 play and subsequent films—because yes, emotional manipulation is vintage)
~ Personal experiences with gaslighting in relationships, family, and friendships (aka the greatest hits of "Did that really just happen?")
~ The difference between healthy disagreement and gaslighting (hint: one involves respect, the other involves you Googling "Am I insane?" at 2 AM)
~ Signs you might be experiencing gaslighting (e.g., doubting your reality, over-explaining why you're upset about something obviously upsetting, seeking validation from your houseplants)
~ The connection between gaslighting and narcissistic abuse (they're like toxic best friends)
~ The importance of trusting your intuition and seeking support (Your gut is smarter than you think. Listen to it)
~ Strategies for responding to gaslighting and setting boundaries (because "I'm not doing this anymore" is a complete sentence)
~ The role of self-care and community in healing (turns out talking to people who don't make you feel bonkers is therapeutic...who knew?)

If you resonate with any of the stories or signs discussed, know that you're not alone. Trust your intuition, seek support, and remember: your reality is valid. Even if someone keeps insisting it isn't. Especially then, actually.

NOTE: We share resources that may be helpful on your journey, they are affiliate links that help us cover the costs of producing this podcast. You don’t pay more, but we receive a tiny commission AND you’re supporting our work. The products we advertise are those we believe in.

#gaslighting #narcissist #lifecoachesunfiltered #personaldevelopment #lifecoaching #narcissisticabuse

Book recommendation: "It's Not You: : Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People" by Dr. Ramani Durvasula (on healing from narcissistic abuse) 

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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The hosts are still riding high from their fancy tea party (fascinators included, dignity optional), but reality quickly sets in as they tackle everyone's favorite mental health villain: anxiety spirals. 

You know, those delightful moments when your brain decides that forgetting to reply to a text obviously means you're a terrible person who will die alone surrounded by cats. (The cats part doesn't sound so bad, honestly.)

We dive deep into the science of why our brains love to catastrophize, explore the "window of tolerance" theory (spoiler: most of our windows are basically cracked open like a sketchy motel room), and share practical strategies that actually work, unlike that advice to "just think positive thoughts" your aunt keeps giving you.

Key Topics:

• Post-tea party analysis (because apparently we can't let go of those fascinators)
• Anxiety spirals: When your brain becomes a drama queen with a PhD in worst-case scenarios
• The art of catastrophizing (we're all experts, no training required)
• "Window of tolerance" theory—or as we like to call it, "Why we all live in emotional tornado alley"
• Self-care that goes beyond bubble baths (shocking, we know)
• Why doom-scrolling at 2 AM isn't actually a hobby
• Breathing techniques (yes, you've been doing it your whole life, but hear us out)
• Setting boundaries without becoming the neighborhood hermit
• Perfectionism: The overachiever's anxiety special
• Taking action when your anxiety brain insists hiding under blankets is the only logical choice

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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 Sorry, not sorry! Wait, no—actually sorry for saying sorry. 

Or wait... In this episode, our hosts tackle the "apology epidemic" that's got more people saying "I'm sorry" than a Canadian tourist convention. 

They explore why humans (especially the fabulous female variety) have turned apologizing into an Olympic sport, and spoiler alert: it's not doing anyone any favors. 

Key Topics: 

- The origins of over-apologizing: because apparently someone decided "existing confidently" wasn't ladylike enough 

- The difference between "Oops, I genuinely messed up" apologies and "Sorry I breathe oxygen" apologies 

- How saying sorry 47 times a day turns you into a human doormat (results may vary, side effects include becoming invisible) 

- Breaking news: You're allowed to take up space! Revolutionary concept, we know - Why we apologize for having feelings (as if emotions were a personal failing rather than, you know, being human) 

- When you actually DO need to apologize (hint: it's fewer times than you think, but more meaningful than "sorry for existing") 

- Brilliant alternatives to "I'm sorry"—like "thank you for your patience" (mind = blown) Personal war stories about learning to stop apologizing for everything short of global warming 

- The epic showdown: genuine kindness vs. performative "niceness" 

- Delightful tangents about Trader Joe's (because life coaches shop too), TikTok rabbit holes, and waxing nostalgic about the days when news came on paper and music lived in plastic rectangles 

Amy Schumer - “I’m Sorry” skit (referenced in this episode): https://vimeo.com/253499468 

Subscribe so you won't miss our next episode, where we talk about how to break out of an Anxiety spiral. 

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk and resources. #stopapologizing #lifecoachesunfiltered #lifecoaching #podcast #apologyepidemic #takeupspace #standinyourpower 

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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In this episode, the hosts dive into the critical topic of Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset. 

The coaches explore the key differences between growth and fixed mindsets, how these mindsets manifest in everyday life, and how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can unlock potential. 

They also share personal anecdotes about their own growth journeys and provide practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset. If you’re curious about how to recognize and cultivate a growth mindset, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:14 Casual Check-In and Weekend Stories

06:34 Discussing Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

17:48 Personal Experiences with Mindset

27:38 The Whisper of Change

28:29 Pain as a Motivator

29:18 Financial Fears and Relationships

30:57 Taking the Leap

33:02 Navigating New Roles

35:17 The Power of Coaching

37:03 Embracing Growth Mindset

44:13 Personal Challenges and Growth

51:58 Closing Thoughts and Quotes

Download "Shift from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset" by Michelle Hibbert

In our next episode, we’ll be talking about the Apology epidemic and encouraging you to stop apologizing. All. The. Time.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk and resources.

NOTE: We share resources that may be helpful on your journey, they are affiliate links that help us cover the costs of producing this podcast. You don’t pay more, but we receive a tiny commission AND you’re supporting our work. The products we advertise are those we believe in. 

“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success“ by Carol Dwek 

“Hidden Potential” by Adam Grant

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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In this episode, Desiree, Doree, and Michelle take a playful-yet-honest dive into the land of toxic positivity — you know, that thing where people slap a “look on the bright side!” sticker on your heartbreak and call it help. We unpack what toxic positivity and brightsiding really are, how they sneak into everyday life, and why they can make hard times even harder. Expect personal stories, a few laughs, and some practical, heart-centered tips for supporting people through life’s storms without sugarcoating the struggle.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The sneaky side of “just think positive!”
• How positivity can crash the grief party
• Showing up for people in a way that actually helps

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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Desiree and Doree get real about why happy people can sometimes be annoying—and what that reaction reveals about ourselves. They share personal stories, talk about family patterns, and discuss how true happiness is an inside job.

Key Takeaways:

• Happiness isn’t about perfect circumstances—it’s about mindset and self-reflection. 
• Feeling triggered by others’ happiness? Use it as a chance to check in with your own needs.
• Gratitude and self-care are important, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Next up: Toxic Positivity & Growth Mindset!

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk and resources.

Raising Ready Humans Summit - September 14-20, 2026

This summit helps parents navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

This is not just about college or careers. It’s about helping young people successfully transition into adulthood in a world that looks very different from the one parents grew up in.

Register for the Raising Ready Humans Summit

Support the show

***** Connect with the Coaches *****

Michelle Hibbert

Doree O’Neal

Desiree Doucet

Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6 

Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/