In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith get real about imposter syndrome, creative competition, and the pressure to constantly prove yourself online. They dive into the power of community, the value of encouragement, and why staying grounded in your own voice and values matters more than ever. It’s an honest conversation about showing up with integrity—in life, work, and everything in between.

What We're Talking About

• You need to write a book for you.
• Imposter syndrome is a common struggle.
• Surround yourself with supportive people.
• Your unique voice matters in storytelling.
• It's important to remember your why.
• Competition can be motivating but also damaging.
• Integrity in business is crucial.
• Encouragement can help combat self-doubt.
• No one else can replicate your passion and heart.
• Focus on your own journey and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing the Journey of Writing 03:33 Confronting Imposter Syndrome 06:47 The Importance of Community and Support 09:44 Navigating Competition and Copying 12:34 Finding Your Unique Voice 15:45 The Power of Integrity in Business 18:40 Celebrating Individuality and Impact 21:30 The Heart Behind Your Work 24:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Anna Mitchael to discuss her powerful new book, They Will Tell You The World Is Yours. Together, they dive into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the evolving journey of womanhood—told through heartfelt vignettes that resonate with women at every stage of life. Anna opens up about her creative process, the inspiration behind her book, and how life’s challenges have shaped her storytelling. Listeners will be inspired by insights on nurturing connection, building community, and prioritizing self-care.

What We're Talking About...

• Anna Mitchell's book is a collection of vignettes about a woman's life.
• The vignettes allow readers to connect with shared experiences.
• Writing is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
• The importance of community and connection is emphasized.
• Caring for oneself becomes a priority in midlife.
• Anna's writing style is influenced by her experiences in advertising.
• The book reflects on the expectations placed on women.
• Anna's advice column offers a grounded perspective on life.
• The significance of finding peace in different environments is discussed.
• The book launch is a celebration of community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Launch Celebration 03:34 Exploring the Structure of Vignettes 07:29 Connecting Through Shared Experiences 10:57 The Journey of Writing and Self-Discovery 14:45 Navigating Life Changes and Midlife Reflections 19:04 The Importance of Authenticity in Writing 22:20 Advice Column Insights and Community Engagement 27:45 Book Launch Plans and Future Aspirations 30:31 The Light Bulb Moment: Caring for Ourselves 31:00 Understanding What Truly Matters 31:27 Reflections on Motherhood and Self-Care

Links Mentioned

They Will Tell You The World Is Yours by Anna Mitchael

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751301/they-will-tell-you-the-world-is-yours-by-anna-mitchael/

Anna Mitchael’s Substack

https://annamitchael.substack.com/

Anna Mitchael’s Website

http://annamitchael.com

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac dives into the powerful shift that happens as we grow older—we don’t stop caring, we just start caring about the right things. Michelle opens up about redefining priorities, from family and health to activism and authentic living. She shares honest reflections on showing up with integrity, especially in the world of social media, and how setting boundaries is a form of self-respect. Whether you're navigating burnout, feeling overwhelmed, or questioning your purpose, this conversation will inspire you to align your actions with what truly matters.

What We're Talking About

• Finding your voice often comes with age and experience.
• Caring is about prioritizing what truly matters to you.
• Family time can take precedence over a clean house.
• Activism is more important than seeking approval.
• Health should be prioritized over hustle and busyness.
• Integrity in social media is crucial for authenticity.
• We care deeply about the issues that matter to us.
• Being selective with energy is essential for well-being.
• Caring is a form of rebellion against societal expectations.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Self-Discovery 03:28 Selective Energy and Prioritizing What Matters 06:44 Activism Over Approval 09:38 Integrity in a Social Media World 12:31 Caring Deeply: The True Essence of Our Actions

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith dive deep into the realities of today’s publishing industry. They explore the challenges authors face in getting their books noticed, the power of authentic storytelling, and why building genuine relationships matters more than ever. From navigating book promotion and influencer marketing to writing for personal fulfillment over mass appeal, Michelle and Stephanie offer honest insights for writers, aspiring authors, and anyone passionate about the literary world. Whether you're self-published, traditionally published, or dreaming of writing your first book, this episode is a must-listen for understanding what really goes into sharing your story.

What We're Talking About

• The importance of personal connections in the publishing industry.
• Writing should be for yourself, not just for an audience.
• Every story has value, even if it only reaches a few people.
• The publishing world is often about who you know.
• Marketing plays a crucial role in a book's success.
• Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for authors.
• Influencers can help promote lesser-known authors.
• Literature has the power to change lives.
• It's essential to support and uplift fellow authors. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:38 Book Events and Author Connections 10:43 The Influence of Connections in Publishing 18:47 The Challenges of Promoting Lesser-Known Authors 25:42 The Value of Writing for Yourself 29:22 Conclusion and Next Week's Topic

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac welcomes back acclaimed author Rosey Lee to dive into her latest novel, A Gardin Wedding. Together, they explore key themes such as the vital role of libraries in communities, how fashion enhances storytelling, and Rosey's inspiring journey balancing a medical career with her passion for writing. The conversation delves into the creative challenges of writing a sophomore novel, character development, and the heartwarming, uplifting tone that defines Rosey’s work. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that celebrates books, creativity, and perseverance—and don’t forget to share your thoughts on A Gardin Wedding to support Rosey’s future stories.

What We're Talking About...

• Rosey Lee's new book, A Gardin Wedding, is a continuation of her Gardins of Edin series.
• The book explores themes of family drama and personal growth.
• Libraries play a significant role in the story, highlighting their importance in communities.
• Fashion and wedding dresses are intricately detailed in the narrative, reflecting Rosey's passion for design.
• Balancing a medical career with writing requires careful planning and time management.
• The pressure of writing a sophomore book can be daunting, but Rosey embraces the challenge.
• Character development is crucial, and reader feedback influences the writing process.
• Wholesomeness in writing allows for clean, family-friendly content.
• Rosey incorporates health themes into her stories, drawing from her medical background.
• Future books may explore deeper character arcs and resolutions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Launch Celebration 04:17 Exploring the Gardens of Edin Series 07:17 The Role of Libraries in Community Health 10:16 Fashion and Wedding Themes in Writing 13:18 Balancing Writing and Medical Career 16:26 The Pressure of the Sophomore Book 19:12 Wholesome Storytelling and Reader Expectations 22:04 Exploring Wholesomeness in Writing 25:40 The Gardin Family Dynamics 28:06 Anticipating Book Three and Four 32:03 Reader Feedback and Character Development 35:09 Celebrating Authors and Their Work 35:38 Embracing Wedding Season with Joy

Links Mentioned

Rosey Lee’s Website

https://www.roseyleebooks.com/books/

Rosey Lee on Instagram https://instagram.com/roseyleebooks 

Rosey Lee on Facebook

https://facebook.com/roseyleebooks Read the first chapter of A Gardin Wedding

https://www.roseyleebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SneakPeek_AGardinWedding.pdf

In this heartfelt episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac opens up about the complex and deeply personal journey of motherhood. As both a biological mom and a stepmom, Michelle shares honest reflections on the emotional highs and lows of parenting in today’s world. She explores the importance of providing emotional security for children and how empathy and compassion shape our roles as mothers. With Mother’s Day around the corner, Michelle honors all forms of motherhood—biological, blended, adoptive, and beyond—and reminds moms everywhere of the powerful impact they have on their children’s lives every single day.

What We're Talking About...

• Motherhood has many definitions and experiences.
• Being a stepmom can be more challenging than biological parenting.
• Emotional security is crucial for children.
• Conversations about the world start at home.
• Children learn empathy and compassion from their parents.
• Every day is an opportunity to teach valuable lessons.
• Moms should recognize their impact on their children's lives.
• It's important to be a good human being as a parent.
• Celebrating Mother's Day acknowledges all types of mothers.
• Moms are doing a wonderful job, even when it's tough.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Motherhood 03:49 The Challenges of Stepparenting 06:32 Emotional Security and Communication 09:49 Empathy and Compassion in Parenting

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith, Michelle shares her candid reflections from her trip to the L.A. Times Festival of Books — from the chaos of traveling as moms to the unexpected empowerment found in spicy romance novels.

They dive into real talk about managing expectations, navigating the pressure of influencer culture, and the importance of honoring your own season of life. Through laughter and honesty, Michelle and Stephanie remind listeners that personal growth doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to stay true to your own path.

What We're Talking About...

• Traveling as a parent can be challenging but rewarding.
• Spicy romance novels empower women to vocalize their desires.
• Managing expectations is crucial for personal well-being.
• Influencer culture can create unrealistic standards.
• It's important to own your choices and space in life.
• Everyone's journey is unique; comparison can be harmful.
• Embrace your season and the changes it brings.
• Self-improvement is a journey, not a destination.
• Stay true to yourself and your values. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Festival Anticipation 03:41 Experiencing the LA Times Festival of Books 06:37 Connecting with Authors and Panels 09:47 The Spicy Romance Genre 12:32 Empowerment Through Romance 15:35 Diverse Voices in Literature 18:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Reads 20:12 Exploring New Reads and Author Discoveries 23:07 Reflections on Book Festivals and Networking 26:00 Navigating Family Dynamics and Travel Challenges 29:07 Balancing Work and Family Life 32:16 Managing Health and Commitments 35:09 The Pressure of Expectations and Influencer Culture 38:14 Finding Personal Peace and Realistic Goals 41:12 The Reality of Self-Help and Personal Growth 44:09 Embracing Authenticity in Life and Work

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Jessie Rosen to talk about her latest novel, All the Signs. Together, they explore the creative highs and lows of writing, the unexpected ways astrology shapes personal growth, and how travel fuels Jessie’s storytelling. Jessie opens up about her evolution from astrology skeptic to curious believer—and how the zodiac now plays a powerful role in shaping her characters and their choices. They also dive into Jessie’s dynamic career in film and television, her upcoming writing projects, and the deeper journey of self-discovery that comes from asking the hard questions. This episode is for the curious, the creative, and anyone looking for signs that they’re on the right path.

What We're Talking About

• Jessie's latest book, All the Signs, was her hardest writing project.
• Travel plays a crucial role in Jessie's creative process.
• Astrology serves as a tool for personal growth and exploration.
• Characters in Jessie's books often reflect her own experiences and struggles.
• Skepticism can coexist with curiosity about astrology.
• The importance of asking questions about oneself is emphasized in the conversation.
• Jessie's career in writing evolved from blogging to television and film.
• The impact of astrology on relationships is a recurring theme in Jessie's work.
• Jessie aims to create relatable characters who face real-life dilemmas.
• Future projects will continue to explore themes of family and personal empowerment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection 04:41 The Journey of Writing and Research 07:27 Exploring Astrology and Personal Growth 10:29 Character Development and Themes 13:29 The Role of Travel in Storytelling 16:32 Career Path and Writing Evolution 19:39 Skepticism and Belief in Astrology 22:39 The Impact of Astrology on Relationships 25:33 Future Projects and Aspirations 32:17 Introduction to Astrology and Personal Connection 32:47 Exploring Birth Charts and Their Significance

Links Mentioned

All The Signs by Jessie Rosen

jessierosen.com/books/allthesigns Jessie's Substack, Bravery by Jessie Rosen braverybyjessierosen.substack.com Jessie Rosen on Instagram

http://instagram.com/jessierosenwriter

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac gets real about the elusive idea of “balance” and why being present matters more than doing it all. Michelle opens up about the pressure of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, activism, and daily life — and the powerful shift that happens when we stop chasing perfection and start noticing the small wins.

She shares honest moments, practical insights, and a message every woman needs to hear: you don’t have to do everything to be enough. Whether you’re a busy mom, business owner, or both, this episode is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and focus on what truly matters.

What We're Talking About...

• I don't believe in balance. I think that's nonsense.
• It's important to consider our expectations for ourselves.
• You are doing a great job, even on tough days.
• We often don't give ourselves credit for our accomplishments.
• Being present is more important than doing it all.
• Scheduling time for white space is essential for creativity.
• It's okay to not crush it every single day.
• You deserve the time to put yourself first.
• Celebrate the small wins in your life.
• I believe in you and your efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Redefining Balance: Living in the Moment 03:29 Celebrating Small Wins: A Day of Accomplishments 06:25 The Myth of Doing It All: Embracing Imperfection 09:49 Creating Space for Yourself: The Importance of White Space

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith dive into the power of reading and its role in personal growth, empathy, and human connection. They discuss how diverse literature expands our understanding of others, the responsibility of politicians in shaping society, and why accountability matters. The conversation also highlights the importance of community involvement and offers a peek into their latest project—bringing homemade pies to authors as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.

What We're Talking About...

• Reading can inspire and encourage personal growth.
• Diverse literature is essential for understanding different perspectives.
• Empathy is crucial in today's society.
• We should hold our leaders accountable while also praising their good work.
• Community engagement can take many forms, including creative projects.
• Books can help us feel seen and understood.
• Reading breeds empathy and understanding.
• It's important to appreciate the work of authors and community leaders.
• Plans for future projects can foster excitement and connection. 

Chapters

00:00 Creative Plans and Excitement 20:06 Work and Opportunities 23:06 Political Aspirations and Influences 26:03 Social Media's Role in Politics 29:12 Accountability in Leadership 33:01 Encouragement and Support in Politics