Life in the Middle® with Sharona Patrice

I started the Life in the Middle® podcast to share my thoughts and revelations about life and to spark conversations about topics rarely said out loud. In this 50th episode, I reveal the podcasting lessons and surprises I've encountered on my way to reaching this important milestone. 

I'm getting vulnerable and sharing the truth behind creating my podcast and my journey as a podcast host. I talk about the production challenges—from audio-only closet recordings to video clips—and why living my life is essential for sparking episode topics and conversation. I've learned that consistency and discipline are the qualities that keep me going. I use my voice and this platform to connect with you and hopefully make a difference in how you relate to yourself and others. 

Spicy Gems from Sharona
"If you don't take yourself seriously, if you don't think that the things that you're creating are worthy and worth it, then nobody else will." 

"Consistency and discipline have been my North Star." 

Don't Miss These Moments…

• 00:40 Reflecting on the lessons and the fun of learning and creating.
• 02:03 Behind-the-scenes of producing a quality podcast with a small team.
• 03:22 How video has added a new element to the podcast.
• 05:46 The balance between scripting and letting the conversation flow freely.
• 07:00 Why being authentically myself isn't always easy.
• 13:00 How consistency and discipline helped me get to 50 episodes.
• 16:36 Ways I keep my perspective fresh and find new content ideas.
• 20:41 Shifting the focus to create every episode that adds value and impact.
• 24:30 The surprising episodes that generate the most downloads
• 26:00 The "Life in the Middle" trademark is approved!
• 29:40 Goals for next season.

Listen to the most listened episode from Life in the Middle, “New and Good Gratitude,” on Spotify and Apple Podcast. 

Connect with ME!
If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

The holidays have a way of bringing out all sides of us, from the joyful to the stressed and everything in between. In this conversation, I talk to my friend and  Enneagram coach, Stefanie Shaughnessy, to explore how understanding your Enneagram type can help you handle conflict as you move through the holiday season with more awareness.

We talk about the quirks of each type, unpack how to use the Enneagram to navigate family dynamics, and how to recognize triggers without losing your cool. Stefanie shares what the Enneagram can teach us about self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion for ourselves and others.

Since the holidays can feel both beautiful and burdensome, this conversation will help you see yourself and the people you love with more grace and understanding.

Episode Gems: 

“The Enneagram shows you the why behind what you do, not just the behavior itself.” ~ Stefanie S.

“I think so many people hear about the Enneagram and assume it’s another personality quiz, but it’s really about awareness.” ~ Sharona

“When we understand our type, we can recognize the stories we tell ourselves and choose something different instead of repeating the same patterns.” ~ Stefanie S.

In this Episode:

• 0:40 Why I invited Stef to talk about the Enneagram
• 3:18 What is the Enneagram?
• 8:16 Enneagram 1 (this is my type) - the improver
• 11:39 Enneagram wings and why it matters to know yours
• 13:18 Enneagram 2 - the helper
• 17:26 The Enneagram triads and their core emotions
• 18:17 Enneagram 3 - the achiever
• 22:48 Enneagram 4 - the individualist (unicorn)
• 25:56 Enneagram 5 (this is Stef's type) - the investigator
• 27:25 The passion of each type and why you need to know yours
• 31:31 Enneagram 6 - the loyalist
• 36:04 Enneagram 7 - the enthusiast
• 41:06 Enneagram 8 - the challenger
• 48:01 Enneagram 9 - the peacemaker

Connect with Stefanie:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanie.shaughnessy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanie_shaughnessy_/?hl=en

Do you know your Enneagram type? Take Stefanie’s Enneagram assessment: https://coach.yourenneagramcoach.com/stefanie-shaughnessy 

Want to elevate your life with the help of the Enneagram? Book a call with Stef: https://myenneagramcoach.com/coach/stefanie-shaughnessy/

Listen to The Enneaology Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DX0godjQRnPj9SxV5AicX

Connect with ME!
If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode.

Make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

In this solo episode, I reflect on what it felt like to reconnect with classmates and friends at my 30th high school reunion. Seeing familiar faces reminded me how much I’ve grown, how time reshapes connection, and how the fear we create in our minds disappears when we let go of expectation and just show up as ourselves. This conversation is about being genuine and trusting that who you are today is more than enough.  

Episode Quotes:
“I’m not the same girl from high school, but she’s still part of me.”

“I wasn’t trying to be impressive, I was just trying to be present.”

“It’s not that I needed the validation, but hearing it reminded me I’ve grown in ways I don’t always give myself credit for.”

In this Episode:

• 00:40 I share why I wanted to attend my 30th high school reunion.
• 02:47 What’s unique and rare about my high school class.
• 08:35 The mix of emotions that came up for me (and others) at the event.  
• 13:51 What surprised me about the reunion.
• 17:29 How old insecurities I thought were gone surfaced.
• 21:42 My overall thoughts and biggest takeaways from my reunion.

Connect with ME!
If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here 👉🏾 to subscribe to my email list.

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

What happens when the world feels like too much and you're running on empty? 

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the ways we try to escape ourselves through distraction, overconsumption, or hyperfocus on everything outside of us. I talk about how the weight of the world affects us, why it feels harder than ever to “do the work,” and how escapism can become both a comfort and a barrier. This isn’t about pushing past the hard stuff or fixing your mindset. It’s about getting honest and asking what you're really running from?

If you’ve been mentally checking out or emotionally avoiding what’s under the surface, this episode is for you.

Episode Quotes:
“It's hard to get people to see the positive in things when it feels like the world is burning, or it feels like things are just not okay. And if I'm being honest, they're not okay.”

“The thing about escapism in the context of life is that at some point. You have to deal with the real shit that comes to the surface.”

In this Episode:

• 00:40 The state of the world: Why it feels like everyone is on edge.
• 03:10 The many ways people disconnect and escape from reality.
• 04:46 The pressure to stay positive, even when the usual mindset tools aren’t working.
• 07:30 Why soul-nourishing posts get ignored while random content goes viral, and what that says about where we are mentally.
• 10:05 Why inner work is a non-negotiable in this day and age.
• 14:45 Allowing the time to escape and how to gently return to yourself.
• 21:33 My final thoughts on escaping reality.

If this resonated, Episode 15: Inspiration vs. Overwhelm is a must-listen. It explores what happens when motivation meets emotional burnout. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Connect with ME!
If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here 👉🏾 to subscribe to my email list.

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.

Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

The difference between entrepreneurial success and failure isn't about your business plan; it's about what's already inside of you.

In this episode, I talk about the unglamorous reality of building a business alone and reveal the five non-negotiable characteristics that separate successful solopreneurs from those who might struggle to stay in the solo business lane. I share my own challenges in building my business and what I do to keep going. I'm stripping away the fantasy of entrepreneurship and diving into the raw truth about what it really takes to make it as a solo business owner.

Episode Gems:
"Starting a business is easy for the most part, but the real work comes in when you start building."

“When you have a business, discipline has to be key into how you show up because you have to be willing to show up even when you're not being pushed, even when you're not being held accountable."

“If money is the only motivator, you're not gonna last long. You have to find other reasons or a bigger why in order for you to be successful in your business."

In this Episode:

• 05:27 Why I believe working for yourself and building a scalable business are two completely different paths.
• 09:13 Core traits I've learned you need before you even think about quitting your day job.
• 19:28 The importance of saving money and why it's okay to get a job while building.
• 23:33 Setting milestones to know when to keep going and when to quit.
• 25:36 Why you should be careful about who you share your dreams with.
• 30:27 It's okay if entrepreneurship isn't for you, plus alternatives to consider.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Are you already a solopreneur struggling with any of these areas? Drop me a comment and share your biggest challenge. I want to hear about your real solo business journey.

If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here 👉🏾 to subscribe to my email list.

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.

Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

I’ve been noticing the same recycled language, copied captions, and business strategies being passed around like scripts. But where’s the real person behind the brand?

This conversation is my honest take on the rise of copy-paste culture and the pressure we feel to sound like everyone else just to grab attention and be seen as successful. I’m talking about why originality is quietly disappearing, how content is becoming inauthentic, and why your unique voice still matters in a world of copycats. If you’ve ever felt the urge to be a carbon copy to fit a trend, this one’s for you. 

Episode Gems:
“When everything starts to sound the same, it gets harder to trust what’s real.” 

“This whole copy-paste culture – it's old, it's exhausting, is boring.”

“You can be inspired by someone without becoming their echo.”

In this Episode:

• 03:15 I break down why I named this episode “Copy-Paste Culture”.
• 07:40 Examples of language and content I keep seeing recycled across coaching and creator spaces.
• 13:05 How online spaces reward conformity and how that impacts originality and integrity.
• 18:25 I open up about a time I was told to "say it this way" and how it felt to silence my own voice.
• 24:40 Questions to reflect on to see if you’re creating from alignment or just copying to keep up.

Interested in more? Check out Episode 15: Inspiration vs. Overwhelm, where I talk about the slippery slope between inspiration and overwhelm when insecurities surface. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Connect with ME!

If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

What happens when the career you've worked so hard to build no longer fits who you're becoming? This week, Kristina Butler, a talent acquisition and workforce strategy leader, career clarity coach, and founder of Virtual Six Figure Mom, joins me to talk about how you can make a successful career pivot. With more than 15 years of experience in corporate HR and recruiting, Kristina shares how she reclaimed her voice, redefined success on her terms, and now helps other women do the same. 

If you’re craving career clarity and wondering if it’s too late to make a change, this is your reminder that alignment is always worth the risk.

Episode Gems: 

“There’s a cost to performing, and I didn’t want to pay it anymore.” – Kristina Butler

“You can be grateful for where you are and still want something different.” – Sharona

In this Episode:

• 03:10 Kristina and I explore what it feels like to outgrow a career.
• 08:25 The emotional weight of being a high achiever and how it led to Kristina questioning her worth.
• 13:45 I share my journey with ambition and why burnout doesn’t always look like breakdown.
• 19:00 The guilt women carry when choosing peace over performance and why rest is not quitting.
• 27:40 Kristina shares how her pivot began with quiet reflection, not a dramatic leap, and how small decisions led to clarity.
• 33:20 Understanding the tension of managing family expectations while choosing a new direction.
• 38:15 How Kristina built Virtual Six Figure Mom and why her mission is so important and relevant
• 43:00 Encouragement for anyone who feels stuck in survival mode.

Connect with Kristina:

• Website - kristinabutler.com
• Threads - https://www.threads.com/@virtual6figuremom
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@virtual6figuremom
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/virtual6figuremom/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@virtual6figuremom
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-six-figure-mom/

Connect with ME!

If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

We’ve all heard it — if you just work hard enough, success will come. But what happens when you give everything, follow the rules, and still miss the mark?

After hearing a well-known entrepreneur on a popular podcast share how she worked hard and used grit to propel her into success, I couldn’t help but think about the parts of the story she didn't tell. 

What about the external and invisible elements that impact what success looks like? I’m talking about: proximity, privilege, and the quiet ways the ideology of "working hard" keeps people stuck. It's true, effort and hard work matter, but these are only part of what determines success. I share my story of how years of hard work resulted in being overlooked and undervalued, and how I approach success differently now. 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not getting ahead, you’re not imagining it. This episode is for you.  

Episode Quotes: 

“Hard work doesn’t guarantee you a seat at the table. That’s the part no one wants to say out loud.”

“Sometimes the problem isn’t your effort. It’s the environment, the access, and the game you’re being asked to play.” 

“The moving target is real. And sometimes, you’re being measured by rules you never agreed to.”

In this Episode:

• 01:00 I share how a popular podcast interview made me pause and question the way we talk about hard work as the key to success.
• 04:45 I tell the story of my grandmother’s work ethic and explain why it wasn’t enough to open the doors she deserved.
• 07:00 I break down how proximity and privilege quietly shape who gets access and who gets denied.
• 11:32 I open up about spending decades in corporate without ever being promoted.
• 21:00 I offer a new perspective on worth and remind you that your value isn’t tied to performance.

🎧 Want more insight around this topic? Listen to Episode 30: The Three E’s of Possibilities next on Spotify or Apple. 

Connect with ME!

If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to 👉🏾 subscribe to my email list.

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

Have you ever come across a post on social media that sounded too good to be true? I’ve been seeing more and more content that appears genuine and inspirational on the surface but is built on half-truths, recycled stories, and carefully crafted pomp and circumstance. 

This conversation is about the fake and disingenuous posts we see on social media from coaches, creators, and business service providers. I'm sharing red and yellow flags to watch out for, how to trust your gut while scrolling, and why some of that highlight-reel storytelling is doing more harm than good. I’m not here to police anybody’s hustle, but if you’re out here selling people something you haven’t lived or proven, it’s time to stop. 

Episode Gems:
"They (creators) are selling you a lifestyle they don’t even live."

"Not everything that sparkles on social media is gold. Sometimes it's just glitter and lies."

"If it smells fishy, it probably is. Trust your gut."

In this Episode:

• 02:00 Why I felt compelled to address the growing presence of disingenuous content.
• 05:00 How the pursuit of attention is driving people to present curated versions of success rather than the truth.
• 10:00 The common red flags I’ve observed across social platforms, especially when messages feel misaligned or inconsistent.
• 15:00 Reflecting on a personal experience with a coach whose lack of follow-through revealed deeper issues around integrity.
• 24:00 How I use the “gut test” to evaluate what I consume online and why trusting your intuition matters more than ever.

Connect with ME!

If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here 👉🏾 to subscribe to my email list.

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer

What if the real growth in your life and business had nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with how you create relationships? 

I'm back from a national business conference, and while I could recap the speakers and presentations, what really shifted the experience was how I chose to show up and meet people.

Instead of chasing goals, I focused on planting seeds. I set intentions before I arrived, prayed over my experience, envisioned successful outcomes, and gave myself permission to be guided instead of forcing a plan. I captured meaningful interactions and treated each relationship like it mattered, because they do. 

This isn’t about a plan for old school networking, it’s about cultivating relationships with care, knowing that the relationship seeds you plant and nurture today will blossom into a harvest of opportunities for you tomorrow.

Episode Quotes:
"I don’t go to events to network. I go to plant relationship seeds."

"You don’t plant a seed and expect it to grow overnight. You prepare the soil, you nurture it, and you wait."

"The gold is in the follow-up. That’s where the real connection happens."

In this Episode:

• 01:00 Deciding to invest in myself and why I trusted my intuition over my circumstances.
• 05:00 The intentions I set before traveling and how that changed what I was open to receiving.
• 09:00 I walk through my visioning and prayer process that helped me experience ease, alignment, and peace.
• 12:30 Letting go of control and allowing synchronicity and flow to guide my interactions.
• 17:00 How I document each new connection with meaningful commonalities so I can cultivate the relationship with intention.

Connect with ME!

If you’re ready for deeper conversations or you want to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, visit sharonapatrice.com.

Download your free LITM Podcast Sheet to capture gems and answer questions from the episode. 

Want weekly doses of inspired reflection and personal growth stories delivered straight to your inbox? Click here 👉🏾 to subscribe to my email list.

If you’re curious about life coaching and how you can work 1-on-1 with Sharona, click to book a free clarity call.

If this episode spoke to you, make sure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to be notified of new episodes.
Buzzsprout Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2057656
Spotify Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMspotifypod
Apple Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/LITMapplepod

Connect with me on IG: @sharonapatrice
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Sharona Patrice Moorer