Lots to Unpack There

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When a door closes, what if it's not just a setback but an opportunity for liberation? This week, Lisa shares her raw, unfiltered response to being laid off—and it's not what you might expect. Rather than devastation, she describes feeling "relief bordering on giddiness" as constraints and frustrations suddenly lifted from her professional life.

After 18 years in cybersecurity, Lisa finds herself at a crossroads that many mid-career professionals face: continue with the expertise she's built, or use this unexpected transition to explore untapped passions and possibilities. Her story challenges our conventional understanding of job loss and invites listeners to consider how we sometimes stay in careers simply because we've invested time in them, not because they still fulfill us.

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is its honesty about the complexities of career transitions. Lisa describes the peculiar experience of remaining at work for a month after being notified of her layoff—creating awkward interactions but also allowing colleagues to share meaningful feedback about her impact. One comment in particular—"You are one of the best things to happen to this company in a long time"—finally broke through her composed exterior days after receiving the news.

The metaphor that emerges throughout is striking: rather than merely facing closed doors in her work, Lisa felt she'd been running into bricked-over walls that wouldn't budge despite her best efforts. Now, suddenly, all doors stand open—creating both freedom and the paralysis of possibility. As she navigates this unexpected transition, her determination to remain intentional rather than reactive offers a masterclass in turning disruption into opportunity.

Whether you're facing a career transition yourself or simply wondering if you're on the right path, this conversation offers permission to experience these pivotal moments authentically and on your own terms. What doors in your life might be waiting to open?

Tune in next week as we unpack what it looks and feels like to sharpen your edge and in the process of venturing outside our comfort zone, maybe even evolve into something new.

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Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

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Jess and Lisa dive into a profound discussion about the concept of belonging and how it relates to our sense of self and our place in various communities.

• Sharing the ups and downs of family life including the inevitable sharing of germs
• Exploring the relationship between productivity and waste, suggesting productivity increases when waste decreases
• Challenging traditional views by proposing that belonging starts with declaring "I belong here" rather than waiting for external validation
• Distinguishing between "fitting in" (changing yourself to match others) and "belonging" (being accepted as your authentic self)
• Examining belonging through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion using a dance floor analogy
• Considering the role of self-confidence and authenticity in creating a sense of belonging
• Questioning whether belonging is something we create for ourselves or something bestowed upon us by others

Join us next time as we unpack unexpected career transitions and how to move forward in choice.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

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Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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Thursday is the best day of the week. At least according to Jess, who had her perspective permanently shifted by a high school biology teacher's grocery store metaphor 25 years ago. But why do certain random moments stick with us so powerfully? How do offhand comments from adults shape children's entire worldviews?

This episode dives deep into how our perspectives form and evolve through seemingly minor interactions. We explore parenting moments where asking thoughtful questions reveals surprising truths—like when Lisa's five-year-old daughter claimed she had "no friends" but was actually struggling with the complexities of navigating different friendship dynamics. The power of a simple "tell me more" creates space for understanding that problem-solving never could.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Lisa unpacks her experience being repeatedly interrupted and cut off during professional meetings as the only female manager in her organization. We examine the double standards at play when well-intentioned advice like "limit yourself to two questions" would ultimately reinforce the very inequality it aims to address. The "likability trap," unconscious bias, and the exhausting mental calculations required to navigate predominantly male spaces reveal how workplace dynamics reflect broader societal patterns.

Whether you're navigating parenthood, leadership challenges, or simply trying to understand why certain days feel different than others, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on how our perspectives shape—and are shaped by—our daily interactions. Join us for an honest conversation about finding authenticity in a world that often encourages us to make ourselves smaller.

Tune in next week as we unpack the idea of belonging everywhere you go.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

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Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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What You’ll Hear: 

• Bravery in the Everyday – How courage isn’t just for big leaps but also for the small, uncomfortable moments we push through. 
• Owning Your Story – The power of reflecting on where you’ve been and how it shapes where you’re going. 
• The Ripple Effect of Validation – Why being seen and heard is one of the greatest gifts we can give—and receive. 
• The Impact of Mentorship – How a simple conversation can plant seeds of confidence and possibility in someone else’s life. 
• Try It Until You Become It – The mindset shift that can help you grow into the person you want to be.

Notable Moments: 

“Maybe we have to be brave just to live our lives.” (22:30) 

“Try it until you become it.” (28:39)

“Your voice matters today—not just when you have a degree, experience, or a platform.” (34:45) 

“We assume small things don’t change the world, but maybe they do.” (43:06) 

“Take the gifts you don’t know are gifts and hold onto them forever.” (54:47)

This episode is a powerful reflection on bravery, identity, and the small yet meaningful ways we shape each other’s lives.

Of note! The podcast episode Jess mentions is this one, and the psychologist she quotes is Caroline Fleck. 

Tune in next week, when we'll unpack Thursdays being the best day of the week, the likability trap, and working in a male-dominated field.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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What You’ll Hear: 

• The Power of Self-Perception – How what we say about ourselves influences how others see us—and how we see ourselves. 
• Breaking the Burnout Cycle – Why pushing through exhaustion leads to the “capability trap” and what to do instead. 
• Nature’s Reset Button – How a simple walk in the sun can shift motivation and mindset. 
• Owning Your Narrative – The surprising impact of defining (and declaring) your strengths. 
• Aligning Who We Are With How We Show Up – The role of intentionality in leadership, parenting, and personal growth.

Notable Moments: 

“If you don’t take the time to care for yourself now, you’ll be forced to later.” (11:22) 

“I learned that I wasn’t a thoughtful person—and carried that story for 20 years before I questioned it.” (36:28) 

“You don’t need to fix your whole life—just figure out what fills your tank by the end of the day.” (17:28) 

“If you say you’re good at something, people will believe you. So what story do you want to tell?” (24:37) 

“Maybe we need more bold declarations in life.” (48:06)

This episode explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, how self-care impacts the way we show up for others, and how a little self-belief can go a long way.

Tune in next week as we dive into the ideas of bravery and validation—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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In this episode, we explore what it really means to show up authentically in both personal and professional life. From navigating resilience in the face of frustration to redefining what it means to be supportive in relationships, this conversation is a deep dive into self-awareness, values, and growth.

What You’ll Hear:

🔹 Resilience in real time – How discomfort and struggle can ultimately lead to empowerment.
🔹 Authenticity vs. conformity – The challenge of living in alignment with personal values in a world that often pushes for sameness.
🔹 Parenting and leadership parallels – The shift from being needed to being a supportive presence and why awareness of these transitions matters.
🔹 Self-reflection as a tool for growth – How recognizing shifting paradigms in life and work can lead to more intentional decisions.

Notable Moments:

💬 "Resilience doesn’t always feel like strength in the moment—it often looks like frustration, but it’s shaping us." (33:45)
💬 "There’s a difference between being needed and being truly supportive. Learning that shift is part of the work." (08:30)
💬 "When you live in alignment with your values, you find clarity—not because it’s easy, but because it’s true to you." (40:02)

Whether you’re navigating career transitions, evolving family roles, or just trying to stay true to yourself, this episode offers insights to help you move forward with intention.

Tune in next week as we dive into the idea of self-perception and strengths—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and in this episode, Jess and Lisa get real about the stressors piling up in their worlds—from illness and unpredictable weather to the pressures of work, family, and everything in between. With humor and honesty, they unpack the emotional weight of their responsibilities and explore how stress manifests in their lives.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• It's been a day, a month, a week, a year....
• Jess unpacks some feedback from her daughter's teacher that caught her off-guard and made her think about (over-)achievement culture.
• Lisa unpacks her new stress escalation matrix to find ways to disrupt the stress cycle and get back to a place of good.
• From brain breaks to mindful walks, Jess and Lisa explore strategies for interrupting the stress spiral before it takes over.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the relentless demands of life, this episode is for you. Jess and Lisa’s raw, insightful conversation offers a mix of personal stories, hard-won wisdom, and practical strategies for navigating stress with self-awareness and resilience.

Tune in next week as we dive into the ideas of "before" and "after," resilience in action, and values—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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Timers have revolutionized Jess's relationship with time and reduced the constant stress of time blindness that comes with her neurodivergence. Through various timer tools and intentional calendar management, she's created systems that allow her to function better while alleviating the shame that comes with chronic lateness.

• Experiencing time blindness as a neurodivergent person means getting deeply absorbed in tasks and losing track of time
• Multi-timed hexagonal timer allows for setting different time intervals for various tasks
• Visual timers provide clear indicators of remaining time, especially helpful for children
• Phone alarms serve as reliable reminders for daily transitions like school pickup
• Setting calendar appointments for departure times rather than arrival times ensures adequate travel time
• Using buffer time between meetings prevents back-to-back scheduling and allows for decompression
• Timers create a "safety net" by outsourcing time management stress to external mechanisms
• Alarms facilitate easier task-switching by providing clear signals to transition between activities

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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Welcome to the first full episode of our podcast! We’re Jess and Lisa—best friends, moms, and professionals in our forties—figuring out the messy middle of life together. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin between work, family, and your own aspirations, you’re not alone. This is the space where we unpack the real, raw, and sometimes hilarious moments of navigating personal and professional growth at the same time.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• January is the longest month of the year, and this year it has some fun existential dread peppered in
• Lisa unpacks what it means to take up space, especially in a male-dominated workforce. She struggles with not wanting to take up time and resources from others at work, and recognizes this is holding her back.
• Jess unpacks the difference between a "manager's schedule" with lots of meetings, and a "creator's schedule" that allows for deep, uninterrupted work. She is trying to find ways to prioritize exercise and self-care within her schedule as an entrepreneur, which needs to accommodate both manager and creator schedules.
• Both ladies look for the adult in the room, only to realize that it's them.

Tune in next week as we dive into overachievement and stress—we can’t wait to unpack it with you!

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌

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Making Space for Real Conversations

In this very first episode, Jess and Lisa introduce themselves, their backgrounds, and the vision behind their new podcast. As a leadership coach and entrepreneur (Jess) and a tech industry leader with a psychology background (Lisa), they’ve built a friendship grounded in trust, honesty, and the kind of deep conversations that help them see their lives—and themselves—more clearly.

Together, they’re creating a space to unpack the messy middle of motherhood, leadership, and personal growth—without judgment, pretense, or pressure to have it all figured out. They share why this podcast is their safe place to process real-life challenges and how they hope it becomes that for listeners, too.

Tune in to hear:
🎙️ Why they started this podcast and what to expect in future episodes
🎙️ The power of safe, unfiltered conversations
🎙️ How choosing to show up for yourself leads to growth and clarity

This is a podcast for anyone navigating the in-between moments of life, searching for deeper conversations, and ready to embrace the process of figuring it out—one honest conversation at a time.

Hit play and join us in the conversation!

Support the show

Want to support the podcast and help us keep creating content that matters? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What resonates with you from this episode? How are you navigating your own journey? Connect with us on Instagram @lotstounpacktherepodcast or send us a message at [email protected].

Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you love what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more women who need a space like this. Let’s build this community together!

📬 Stay Inspired: Sign up for our Substack, where you’ll get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, you’ll be the first to know what’s next: Substack

🎧 Bonus Content: Want exclusive access to behind-the-scenes moments and extra episodes? For as little as $3, you can support the show and enjoy bonus content that’s just for you: Support Us

Every bit of support helps us keep bringing real conversations from our hearts to your ears! Thank you for being part of the journey! 🙌