Phoenix Lessons

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Ashley Borden—celebrity fitness coach and no-nonsense truth-teller—has built a career helping others transform their lives. But her own story is just as powerful. Like many of us, she’s faced breaking points, burned it all down, and rebuilt from the ashes more than once.

In this episode, Ashley opens up about one of her most powerful, life changing decisions: choosing herself over her emotionally unsafe “female parent”. It raises a question many people quietly wrestle with—does a biological bond entitle someone to unlimited access to our lives, no matter the harm they cause? And if not, where do we draw the line?

Together, Mindi and Ashley unpack what it really means to set boundaries, how to recognize when enough is enough, and why choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Find Ashley at ashleyborden.com or on Instagram @ ashleybordenfitness

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What does it really mean to be “old?" Is there a moment when you’re supposed to hang up your soccer cleats, retire your dance shoes, or put away the baseball mitt for good?

This episode challenges the idea that aging has to mean slowing down or settling for less. Yes, the years add up—but who says they have to take your curiosity, energy, or sense of possibility with them?

We explore how to stay open, playful, and fully engaged with life at any age—and why the secret might be as simple (and as powerful) as approaching each new chapter with a bold, enthusiastic: “Yes, and…!”

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Meet Final Straw — our bold new series hosted by the incredible Mindi Rivin.

Every transformation has a breaking point. That split-second when something inside you snaps and you think: I’m done. The job, the relationship, the city, the version of yourself you’ve outgrown — whatever it is, the final straw has landed.

And from that moment? Everything changes.

Final Straw dives into the raw, unforgettable turning points that push people to burn it all down and start again. These are the stories that are heartbreaking, hilarious, messy, and completely definitive — the exact moments where staying the same is no longer an option.

Because sometimes, you don’t rise from the ashes until you’re willing to light the match.

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Would you run a marathon? Now imagine running two back-to-back—no breaks, no excuses, just grit.

Cami doesn’t just test her limits—she obliterates them. After a decade of dreaming, training, and refusing to quit, she’s finally conquered a 50-mile ultramarathon. But this isn’t just a story about running—it’s about resilience, mindset, and what happens when you refuse to give up, even when your body is screaming at you to stop.

In this episode, we dive into the unfiltered reality of pushing through pain, breaking mental barriers, and finishing what you start. Whether you’re a runner or not, Cami’s journey will challenge the way you think about discomfort, discipline, and your own untapped potential.

How far could you go if you didn’t quit?

Links: badgermountainchallenge.com; https://youtu.be/ReYcQFaX07g?si=LFEpz5rnpDPwXYMT

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Creativity isn’t reserved for artists—it’s something every one of us needs. But what happens when you feel burned out, like the fire has gone out and you’re left standing in the ashes with no energy, motivation, or ideas?

The truth is, creativity doesn’t return all at once. It comes back the same way it often begins: one small step at a time.

Join Amanda and Cami as they share how they gently rekindle their creativity when inspiration feels far away—and how even the smallest spark can help the fire begin to glow again.

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Danielle’s master’s degree project took her to Thailand, where she interviewed current and former sex workers. One woman’s answer changed her life forever.

Twelve years later, Danielle and her co-founder Nee created Shared Space for All, an organization dedicated to supporting families in Thailand’s poorest region. Together, they have helped hundreds of children stay in school, kept families together, and opened the door for bright young students to pursue college.

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After escaping a high-control religious environment, Heidi Fischbach dedicated her life to helping others not just survive—but truly thrive. She holds a master’s degree from Harvard and multiple professional certifications, equipping her to help clients reset their nervous systems and experience lasting freedom. Find her at heidifischbach.com.

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Do you have a goal, resolution, or “focus” guiding your year? Even with the best intentions, what happens when you miss a day or fall off track? Cami and Amanda share an honest, uplifting conversation about staying focused on what matters, finding grace when you stumble, and getting back up after a setback—or even a complete reset. Plus, don’t miss one of our favorite TED Talks mentioned in this episode for an extra dose of motivation.

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Kristi Lyn Reddy is one of the strongest women we know—and we know a lot of strong women. She rescued herself and her daughter from domestic violence, built a successful real estate business, won a hard-fought battle with cancer, and recently returned to school to reinvent herself and rise once again. Find her at BalancedLivingTherapy.com for therapy, KristiLynReddy.com as an author, and ReddyRealEstateTeam.com for real estate. 

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Goals? Resolutions? Bucket lists? How do we decide what’s actually worth chasing—and what “success” even looks like for us? In this episode, we explore how to set meaningful goals, define our own finish lines, and create realistic plans to get where we want to go.

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