I know I've been MIA the past month, and I've recorded this episode with a broken heart to explain why. This episode is messy, raw and honestly I'm still in shock that I had to record it at all.. But I always want to keep it real with you guys about the realities of what we all go through in life.. and right now I am really going through it.. 

My Mum was truly one of a kind. The best parts of me, are her. 

In honor of her generous heart and lifelong mission to uplift others, we’ve created the Julie Fitzsimons Legacy Fund at Sheridan College. This endowment will support students in the performing arts and athletics who are facing adversity—because that’s exactly what Mum would have done.

To learn more or donate, click here.

On this page, please select 'Honor/Memorial' on the dropdown menu and put the name "Julie Fitzsimons" in the comments session.

To see my final photo with Mum under the most beautiful rainbow, click on my instagram here.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who's reached out with messages of love and support.. I've been reading them all and all of your beautiful words have been giving me strength to keep holding on through this confusing and daunting time of adjusting to a new normal that feels anything but normal..

At the end of this episode, you’ll also hear the podcast I had recorded just two days before my life flipped upside down. I’ve decided to release it along with this announcement because - well firstly I wanted you all to hear how excited I was to have my parents in town, it brought me so much joy - but also because even though my world feels so different now, the message still matters: how to stay commited to your goals when change gets hard.

In this episode, I walk you through the five emotional stages of change—an honest roadmap adapted from the work of psychologists Don Kelley and Daryl Connor. Whether you're chasing a fitness goal, launching a side hustle, or starting over after heartbreak, this is the truth no one tells you about what real change feels like.

You’ll learn:

• Why motivation always fades—and what to do when it does

• How to recognize the infamous “Valley of Despair” before it swallows your dreams

• Why discomfort doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong—it means something’s working

• What to expect at each stage of growth, and how to navigate it without giving up

I also share personal stories—from starting my speaking career to moving across the world on a dream and a visa—to remind you: you are not behind, broken, or alone.

You’re just in the messy middle.

And that’s where progress begins.

Life is too short to quit on the things that you truly care about, just because they're uncomfortable sometimes.

May my Mum and sister's legacies inspire you to be kind, be brave and be fully invested on living your best life. X kg

Let’s be real—long distance isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the ones who are willing to cry on dog walks with sunglasses on. The ones who whisper we’ll figure it out even when every plan falls through. The ones who know love is worth the effort—but still wonder, how the heck do people actually make this work?

So in this episode I dive into this topic that's close to my heart - the rollercoaster of long distance relationships. After navigating my own 2 year international long distance relationship with my now-husband Nate (including military life and visa challenges!), I'm sharing my top 10 tips for making the distance to turn Facetimes into forever.  Just to be clear - I once said I never wanted to do long distance or date someone in the military. 

But then one summer night in D.C., fate had other plans—and my Aussie heart fell for an American soldier.

From navigating 5-month stretches without seeing each other, to voice calls filled with tears, to the moment I saw him waiting for me at the bottom of the airport escalator… this episode is as raw and real as it gets.

If you're currently separated from your person or considering a long distance relationship, this episode offers practical strategies, emotional validation, and hope that the distance can actually strengthen your bond rather than break it.

• My unexpected journey falling for an American military man while living in Australia
• Why being "all in or all out" is crucial for long distance success
• How to focus on what you can control when apart
• The importance of sharing daily details to stay connected
• Why trust is foundational (and starts with trusting yourself)
• Creating shared rituals, mantras, and future plans together
• Using your "extra time" to invest in personal growth

And because every love story deserves a soundtrack, I’m sharing something deeply personal: the song I had written for Nate during our time apart. It carried us through the lonely nights and played at our wedding. I hope it carries you, too.

Whether you're already navigating the challenges of loving someone from afar or wondering if you should take the leap, this episode offers genuine encouragement from someone who's been there. Because while long distance may not be easy, the right person is absolutely worth it.

Need support? I’ve got a few free coaching calls open this month. Let’s talk about how to keep your heart strong—no matter how many miles are between you: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching 

Ever been through a breakup that didn’t just hurt emotionally—but physically? Like your chest was caving in or your stomach was in knots? You're not crazy. In fact, there's actual science behind that soul crushing pain.

In this episode, we dive deep into what's actually happening in your brain and body when your heart gets broken—and why breakup grief might actually be harder to heal from than grief after death.

If you've ever felt like you were "crazy" for not being able to "just get over it," this episode is for you. We'll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind heartbreak and give you the validation (and hope) you need to keep moving forward.

• Why your brain treats heartbreak like a literal drug withdrawal
• The science behind why breakups activate the same pain centers as physical injuries
• How the stress hormone cortisol wreaks havoc on your sleep, appetite, and immune system
• Why your brain gets stuck in rumination mode after a breakup
• The unique challenge of grieving someone who's still alive (and why it's harder than you think)
• How social media makes everything worse—and what to do about it
• The incredible power of neuroplasticity and how your brain can actually heal itself
• Practical strategies for working WITH your brain, not against it

If you're listening to this in the thick of heartbreak right now, please know: what you're feeling is valid, it's normal, and it WILL get better. Your brain is doing exactly what millions of years of evolution programmed it to do. Be patient with yourself. You're not broken—you're human. ❤️

And - you don't have to figure it all out alone.

If you're ready for real support (not fluff), I’m here to help you make sense of the pain, rebuild your confidence, and gently take your power back—one choice, one breath, one brave step at a time. Book a free 30-minute coaching consult with me here: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching 

What if the thing holding you back isn’t fear—but the story you're telling yourself about it? This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the powerhouse that is Sally Zimney—award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and host of one of the top speaker podcasts in the world—for a real, raw, and laugh-out-loud honest conversation about what bravery really looks like.

Spoiler: it’s not the absence of fear. It’s showing up with it.

We unpack:

• Why “confidence” is overrated and what to build instead

• The power of gumption (and no, not the Aussie cleaning product kind—though that metaphor is hilariously spot-on)

• How to “bust your buts” (yes, those buts—like “But I’m not ready…” or “But what if I fail?”)

• Why cold plunging might be the secret weapon for facing discomfort (seriously)

• And how to take action even when you’re shaking in your boots (or freezing in a tub)

This episode is your gentle (and slightly cheeky) kick in the pants to stop hiding with your fears—and start moving toward what you really want.

Tune in now and start flexing your bravery muscle—one gumption-powered step at a time. Check out Sally's websites and resources here: https://sallyzimney.com/ 

Ready to take this work deeper? If you're tired of living on autopilot and want real tools to take back control of your mind, your emotions, and your life—I’ve got you. My 1:1 coaching program is designed for women who are done with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt and so ready to start living with more clarity, courage, and confidence.

Book a free mini coaching session today at www.kategladdin.com/coaching or DM me on Instagram @kategladdin.

You don’t have to keep believing the old story. You get to write and LIVE a new one.

Let’s be honest: Most of us aren’t just busy - we’re burnt out, overbooked, and quietly wondering if this is just how life’s meant to be.

If your schedule feels like a never-ending to-do list and your soul’s running on empty, this episode is for you.

This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the incredible Peggy Sullivan — a leadership coach, TEDx speaker (her talk’s hit over 1 million views!), and author of Beyond Busyness. And let me tell you… this conversation is like a permission slip to finally stop glorifying the hustle and start living with intention.

Together we unpack:

• Why busyness is not a badge of honor (and what it’s really costing you)

• Peggy’s “stale pistachio moment” that stopped her in her tracks — literally

• The ripple effect your busyness has on everyone around you (yes, even your cat 😅)

• Her 3-step framework to escape time poverty, reclaim your joy, and prioritize what actually matters

• How simple happiness rituals at work boosted productivity by 33% in just six weeks (proof that joy is not a distraction — it’s the strategy)

We also dive into the core values that drive a truly fulfilling life — and why knowing them isn’t enough. You’ve got to live them.

This episode will challenge you, comfort you, and (most importantly) equip you to finally slow down without falling behind.

Listen now and start trading burnout for a life that actually feels like yours again.

Find out more about Peggy and her book here: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/

Ready to take this work deeper? If you're tired of living on autopilot and want real tools to take back control of your mind, your emotions, and your life—I’ve got you. My 1:1 coaching program is designed for women who are done with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt and so ready to start living with more clarity, courage, and confidence.

Book a free mini coaching session today at www.kategladdin.com/coaching or DM me on Instagram @kategladdin

Grab your FREE chapter of my book "Okay, Now What?": https://www.kategladdin.com/free 

What if the most heartbreaking chapter of your life also held the key to your greatest purpose?

In this powerful and tender conversation, I sit down with Kara Byron - founder of Moments by Kara - to talk about the raw reality of being a full-time caregiver to her father in her early twenties, how she turned grief into a lifelong mission of creating meaningful moments, and the difference between moving on and moving forward after loss.

We get real about the emotional toll of caretaking, the sacredness of grief, and how to hold joy and sorrow in the same hand. Whether you’ve lost someone, are supporting someone through illness, or are just trying to figure out how to live more intentionally—this episode is a warm, vulnerable, soul-hug of a listen.

• How Kara's business was born from caregiving
• Why post-traumatic growth is real—but never without the trauma
• What it means to “grieve forward”
• Practical ways to practice self-care when you're carrying the weight of the world
• Why living fully for those we’ve lost is the deepest form of love

You’ll leave this episode feeling less alone, more grounded, and deeply inspired to live with intention - even through heartbreak.

P.S. If you're feeling stuck in the heaviness of grief, unsure how to move forward without leaving your loved one behind—you're not alone. Through my coaching, I help women gently reconnect with themselves, redefine what healing looks like, and find strength not in moving on, but in moving through with grace and purpose. If you're ready to carry your grief with more clarity, confidence, and compassion, let’s walk that path together. Visit my website here to learn more.

From a young age, we're taught not to interrupt conversations. But I've realised there is definitely a conversation we need to interrupt EVERY SINGLE DAY. It's the one happening in our between our own ears. Because let's be honest - do you ever find yourself spiraling in self-doubt, thinking things like “I’m not good enough,” “I always mess things up,” or “I’m just not the type of person who can…”?

Yeah, welcome to being human right?!

So in this episode, I dive into a powerful mental interrupt tool—one simple question that can help you stop those runaway thought spirals in their tracks!

It’s a game-changing way to pause, reflect, and finally start questioning the beliefs that have been running your life on autopilot. Whether it's a third-grade teacher who made a throwaway comment about your scissor skills (yep, been there), or a parent who unknowingly projected their own fears—this episode will help you pull those dusty old thoughts out of your mental closet and hold them up to the light.

✨ Tune in to discover:

• Why your brain runs on outdated mental scripts (and how to catch them)

• How to stop treating thoughts like facts

• A practical mindset shift to help you reclaim your inner narrator

• Real-life stories (including my own) that’ll have you laughing, reflecting, and rewriting your own narrative

If you’ve ever felt held back by labels or beliefs you didn’t even choose, this episode is your permission slip to start letting go of what’s not yours to carry.

Press play and lets find out! Ready to take this work deeper? If you're tired of living on autopilot and want real tools to take back control of your mind, your emotions, and your life—I’ve got you. My 1:1 coaching program is designed for women who are done with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt and so ready to start living with more clarity, courage, and confidence.

Book a free mini coaching session today at www.kategladdin.com/coaching or DM me on Instagram @kategladdin.

You don’t have to keep believing the old story. You get to write and LIVE a new one.

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things—yet still feel off? Tired? Resentful? Like you're living life for everyone but you?

Yeah… me too.

In this powerful episode, I pull back the curtain on one sneaky little word that’s silently controlling so many of our choices—and not in a good way. That word? Should.

It seems harmless. Responsible even. "I should call her back." "I should go to that dinner." "I should be happier by now." But when you really pay attention, you’ll notice how heavy that word feels in your body. How tight your chest gets. How small your world becomes.

Because here’s the truth: “Should” is just fear in disguise. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of judgment. Fear of not being enough. And when we live from that place, we disconnect from what we actually want. We abandon ourselves to make others comfortable.

In this episode, I walk you through:

• The emotional cost of people pleasing (even when it seems “nice” on the surface)

• Why “should” keeps you stuck in guilt, fear, and burnout

• The neuroscience behind why your nervous system knows when you're betraying yourself

• A simple 3-step strategy to flip the script on obligation-based decisions

• How to reconnect with your values and create boundaries without shame

Plus, I’ll share one of my go-to coaching tools to help you finally break free from the invisible pressure of always doing what’s expected—and start living in alignment with your truth.

You don’t need to earn your worth through endless “shoulds.” You already are enough. So let’s stop proving and start choosing.

Ready to reclaim your voice and your choices? Let’s do a “should detox” together. Tune in now—and if this episode hits home, share it with a friend who needs the same reminder.

Need extra support?

• Grab your free chapter of my book Okay, Now What?: https://www.kategladdin.com/free 

• Book a free coaching consult with me (yep, totally free): www.kategladdin.com

Follow me on IG for daily doses of real talk: @kategladdin

Ever find yourself spiraling in “why me?” energy—or slapping on a fake smile, insisting “I’m fine” when you’re anything but?

Yeah. Been there. Both sides of that coin will wear you out. That’s why this episode? It’s a lifeline.

Fresh off an emotional and empowering experience speaking at my first ever women’s leadership conference, I’m unpacking a topic that hits deep: the difference between self-pity, self-denial, and self-compassion—and why knowing how to navigate between them is one of the most important skills you’ll ever learn.

In this episode, I share: ✨ The sneaky ways self-pity shows up and keeps us stuck ✨ How self-denial masquerades as strength (but quietly breaks us down) ✨ My 3-A’s Framework for building real, usable self-compassion ✨ Why community, storytelling, and getting outside your comfort zone changes everything

This episode is your permission slip to stop faking it and start truly supporting yourself—through the messy moments, the heartaches, and the healing. Whether you're grieving, growing, or just trying to keep your head above water... this one’s for you.

Need extra support?

• Grab your free chapter of my book Okay, Now What? on self-compassion: https://www.kategladdin.com/free 

• Book a free coaching consult with me (yep, totally free): www.kategladdin.com

Follow me on IG for daily doses of real talk: @kategladdin

In this powerful episode, we're joined by Kevin Lowe, an inspirational speaker and podcast host who shares his remarkable journey of losing his sight at 17 and discovering an entirely new way to "see" the world.

Through launching his own travel agency, creating a podcast during the pandemic, learning how to 'see' through sound and now inspiring others through speaking, Kevin exemplifies resilience in its purest form. His personal equation—"faith plus family equals a life worth living"—reminds us all to identify what gives our lives meaning, especially during our darkest moments.

Kevin's story isn't just about overcoming blindness—it's about transforming limitation into possibility and finding purpose in pain. As he puts it, "Through the vulnerability of the brain that I became blind, but it's also through the power of the brain that I learned to see again."

Follow Kevin's journey on his podcast "Grit, Grace and Inspiration" or learn more about his speaking at kevinspeaks.org.

If this episode hit you in the heart and you're ready to turn your own adversity into strength, I want to personally help you. Book a free 30-minute coaching consult call with me (yes, WITH ME—not some team member).

Visit my website here to submit for a coaching call with me!

CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough.

Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE.

To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/ 

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Kate Gladdin welcomes listeners and introduces the theme of personal resilience.

Introducing Kevin Lowe (00:01:06)   Kate introduces Kevin Lowe, discussing his background as an inspirational speaker and blind visionary.

Kevin's Journey Begins (00:02:00)   Kevin shares the timeline of his blindness, marking 21 years without sight.

The Diagnosis (00:02:43)   Kevin recounts his life in 2003 and the medical issues leading to his brain tumor diagnosis.

The Tumor Discovery (00:05:04)   Kevin describes the shocking moment his mother received the news about his brain tumor.

The Severity of the Condition (00:07:07)   Discussion of the tumor's impact and the urgency for surgical intervention.

The Surgery Announcement (00:10:05)   Kevin recalls the reassurance from his neurosurgeon about the surgery and recovery expectations.

Surgery Day (00:12:46)   Kevin reflects on the day of his surgery and the changes it would bring.

Waking Up Blind (00:14:17)   Kevin describes the moment he realized he was completely blind after surgery.

The Aftermath of Surgery (00:15:06)   Discussion of the complications and challenges Kevin faced post-surgery.

The Realization of Blindness (00:16:49)   Kevin shares his emotional struggle and repeated realization of his blindness.

Learning to 'See' Again (00:18:34)   Kevin discusses discovering echolocation as a method to navigate the world as a blind person.

Training in Echolocation (00:19:15)   Kevin explains his training experience with Brian Bucci to learn echolocation techniques.

The Process of Retraining the Brain (00:22:39)   Kevin highlights the neuroplasticity of the brain and how it can adapt to new ways of perceiving the environment.

Here are the extracted timestamps and their titles from the podcast episode transcription segment:

Kevin's Life-Changing Moment (00:22:57) Kevin describes a pivotal moment where he learns to use echolocation to navigate his environment.

The Power of the Brain (00:25:25) Discussion on how Kevin's brain adapts, allowing him to perceive shapes and figures through sound.

Mainstream Techniques for Vision Problems (00:26:50) Kevin reflects on the acceptance of echolocation training in organizations for the blind.

Navigating the World with Confidence (00:28:21) Kevin shares how echolocation enhances his ability to navigate confidently in public spaces.

Heightened Senses After Losing Sight (00:29:00) Kevin confirms that losing sight has heightened his other senses, especially hearing.

Resilience and Adaptability (00:30:08) Kate emphasizes the resilience of the human body and the ability to overcome challenges.

The Role of Choice in Overcoming Challenges (00:30:57) Discussion on how Kevin's choices and efforts contributed to his journey of adaptation.

Starting a Travel Agency (00:31:27) Kevin shares how he transitioned from blindness to running his own travel agency.

Building a Brand and Purpose (00:35:40) Kevin discusses the purpose and fulfillment he found in running his travel agency.

Career Transition During the Pandemic (00:36:48) Kevin reflects on how the pandemic forced him to pivot in his career.

Using Experiences to Inspire Others (00:37:16) Kevin talks about his current purpose of inspiring others through his experiences.

Starting a Podcast (00:38:37) Kevin shares how he began his podcast as a way to connect and inspire during quarantine.

Motto for Overcoming Hard Days (00:41:26) Kevin reveals his personal motto that helped him through dark times: faith plus family equals a life worth living.

Promoting Kevin's Podcast (00:44:13)   Kevin shares information about his podcast, "Grit Grace and Inspiration," and invites listeners to join his email list.

Kevin's Speaking Engagements (00:45:03)   Kevin discusses his speaking services, encouraging organizations to consider him for their events.

Anniversary Dinner Tradition (00:45:18)   Kate asks Kevin about his tradition of dining at Outback Steakhouse on the anniversary of his blindness.

Connection to Outback Steakhouse (00:46:10)   Kevin explains the humorous connection to Outback Steakhouse and why it holds significance for him.

Celebrating Life After Surgery (00:47:17)   Kevin shares how the anniversary dinner symbolizes a celebration of life, not the loss of his sight.

Reflecting on Emotions (00:47:34)   Kevin discusses the emotional complexity of anniversaries and how they bring back memories.

Cultural Humor (00:48:00)   Kate and Kevin joke about Outback's portrayal of Australian culture and their own experiences with food.

Full Circle Moment (00:48:29)   Kate reflects on the journey and how Kevin's story connects back to the podcast's themes of resilience.

Coaching Offer (00:49:14)   Kate promotes her one-on-one personalized life coaching services for women seeking to regain control of their lives.