Slow Living | Creating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World

By Stephanie O'DeaEducation Self-Improvement Parenting Kids & Family How To

Slow Living | Creating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World episodes

March 16 Shelly Session 4 (Part 2): Working and Living Your Best Life
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this episode, Shelly and Stephanie dive into the realities of balancing a demanding new job with personal well-being. As Shelly considers moving from part-time to full-time work, the conversation explores what it really means to unwind after a stressful day—whether that’s floating in the pool, carving out quiet time, or simply giving herself permission to rest. They also unpack the pressure of being the person everyone relies on, and how easy it is to put your own goals on hold while supporting others.
This episode is a heartfelt look at self-care, personal growth, and creating a healthier lifestyle—without guilt. From redefining what a truly “healthy person” looks like (think daily walks, better sleep, and hydration) to setting meaningful goals like finishing a scrapbooking project, Shelly reflects on choosing herself more intentionally. If you’re striving to live your best life, set healthy boundaries, reduce stress, and prioritize your own dreams, this empowering conversation will leave you inspired to take that next small step.
Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
41 min
March 09 Shelly session 4 (Part 1): Rest is Not Something to Earn
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this uplifting episode, Shelly shares how she’s getting back into a healthy routine—walking consistently, scheduling labs and her annual mammogram, and taking proactive steps toward the vision she has for herself in her 70s. She also opens up about her daily check-ins with her dad and the realization that she doesn’t have to be his only medical support, exploring healthier caregiver boundaries and new ways to shift their relationship.
From decluttering closets and clearing out the garage to rediscovering her love of crafting, Shelly is creating space for more peace in her life. Stephanie challenges her to schedule intentional rest and even plan rewards—because self-care, healthy aging, and true wellness include downtime too. If you’re navigating a health journey, caregiving stress, or simply craving more balance, this episode will inspire you to take your next step.
Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
40 min
March 02Shelly Session 3 (Part 2): Navigating Elderly Parents and Saying No
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this episode, Shelly shares her fears around cancer returning and why prioritizing her health feels more important than ever. From committing to annual mammograms and finding a new primary care physician to moving her body more and getting outside, this episode focuses on setting boundaries now to create a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Stephanie challenges Shelly to take action—choosing healthier foods, cutting back on sugar, and following through on goals instead of just thinking about them. The conversation also takes an intriguing turn as they explore whether ADHD could be influencing Shelly’s habits, leading to reflection, research, and a closet clean-out commitment. If you’re navigating women’s health, personal growth, or lifestyle changes, this episode will inspire you to start small and move forward.
Past Episodes You May Love:
Episode 121: Anxiety, ADHD, and More
Episode 125: Everybody has Something
Episode 131: Women's Health
Episode 150: Quarter and Midlife Crisis
Episode 156: The Self Cleaning House

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
41 min
February 23Shelly session 3 (Part 1): Taking Care of Adult Parents
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this episode, Stephanie and Shelly share real-life updates from a hectic season at work to a sweet ice cream outing with Shelly’s dad. Shelly talks about shifting their relationship from caregiver to simply being his daughter. The conversation turns to end-of-life planning and why those uncomfortable talks still matter. Shelly also opens up about feeling overwhelmed by clutter, especially clothes and sentimental items from loved ones who have passed.
Shelly shares her goal of finishing holiday shopping before Thanksgiving and how decluttering her home and garage ties into lowering stress. Stephanie talks about balancing a full-time job with her many hobbies, including her all-inclusive zoo pass around San Diego. Health also comes up, from Stephanie managing allergies to Shelly working to get health insurance again. Together, they stress the importance of routine lab work and knowing your health baseline, even during busy seasons.
Past Episodes You May Love:
Episode 59: Codependency
Episode 87: Control and/or Worthiness
Episode 88: Internal Dialogue
Episode 100: Life Coaching

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
44 min
February 16Shelly Session 2 (Part 2): Working on the next Best Step | From Survival Mode to Strength
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this episode, Stephanie and Shelly dive into a powerful self-reflection exercise, exploring the adjectives Shelly uses to describe herself and her current season of life. The conversation opens up into an honest discussion about health, menopause, and how ongoing struggles with doctors and health insurance have shaped Shelly’s mindset. With vulnerability and compassion, they talk about how discouragement can impact not just the body, but self-image and confidence too.
Shelly describes her life as being in “survival mode,” which leads to a meaningful conversation about her journey through breast cancer, family relationships, and resilience. Stephanie gently challenges Shelly to reimagine what health looks like for her future self, sparking a hopeful discussion about aging well, staying active, and a growing love for hiking. The episode wraps with reflections on the book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson and how its insights helped Shelly better understand her relationship with her father—making this a thoughtful, relatable listen about healing, health, and personal growth.
Past Episodes You May Love:
Episode 9: How to Get What You Want When You Want It
Episode 26: Stop Delaying Happiness
Episode 36: Becoming Resilient
Episode 43: Imperfect Action
Episode 51: Adult Friendships

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
30 min
February 09 Shelly session 2 (Part 1): County Fairs, Hobbies, Time Blocking, and Continuing to Establish Boundaries
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
Stephanie and Shelly kick off this episode with a fun chat about County Fairs, table scapes, and Stephanie’s entries in the Home and Hobby Garden. The conversation quickly shifts to Shelly’s new role at work and the challenge of creating a routine that actually works with her new hours. They dig into productivity, time management, and a time-blocking exercise that helped Shelly see where her time and energy were really going.
From morning routines to the supportive scrapbooking community Shelly checks in with daily, this episode is all about balance and connection. The conversation wraps with an honest look at boundaries, caregiving, and what it means to be an introverted extrovert—especially when navigating family dynamics. It’s a warm, relatable episode full of self-awareness, growth, and encouragement you won’t want to miss.
Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
40 min
February 02Learning to Set Boundaries. Real Coaching, Session 1 part 2 with Shelly
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this honest and heartfelt episode, Stephanie and Shelly explore setting boundaries while caring for an aging parent, as Shelly shares the emotional realities of supporting her biological father. Drawing from Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson, they discuss acceptance, healing, and the importance of putting yourself first.
The conversation also touches on grief, family estrangement, and planning ahead for retirement, finances, health, and time management. With practical tools like time blocking and thoughtful reflection, this episode offers encouragement for anyone learning to set boundaries and move forward with intention.
Past Episodes You May Love:
Episode 10: Planning the Dream -- Mapping out your 5 year plan
Episode 55: Enjoy the Journey
Episode 164: Recovering from People Pleasing
41 min
January 26 Meet Shelly. Real Coaching, Session 1 Part 1
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
In this episode, Stephanie begins a powerful new coaching session with Shelly, who finds herself in a major life transition at 60. With a new role in a different industry, the aftermath of a corporate buyout, and the responsibility of caring for aging parents, Shelly shares how her once-stable routine now feels like a rut—and why she’s craving more joy, sparkle, and adventure in her everyday life.
Stephanie challenges Shelly to rethink rest, personal permission, and what it really means to take time off—without guilt. The conversation also explores identity, caregiving, and Shelly’s emotional journey of reconnecting with her biological father later in life. This episode is a thoughtful listen for anyone facing midlife change, career transitions, or the desire to slow down and choose themselves.
Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
37 min
January 19 Soft Living vs Slow Living: What's the Difference?
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
This new year might be calling you to step into a softer version of yourself. In this episode, Stephanie—mom to three Gen Z kids—explores the rising soft living movement and why it’s resonating so deeply right now.
With burnout and overstimulation at an all-time high, soft living invites us to choose ease, gentleness, and rest as a meaningful way of life.
Stephanie also breaks down the difference between soft living and slow living. While soft living soothes, slow living stabilizes through intentional and proactive life design.
Recorded at the start of the new year, this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t need to overhaul your life—just make small, sustainable shifts toward a life you truly love.
Link to Article: Soft Living and Slow Living: What is the Difference?
Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
16 min
January 12 Beginning of the Rest of Your Life
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!
Recorded on New Year’s Eve, this episode invites you to pause at the edge of a brand-new year and reflect on where you are right now. Rather than focusing on resolutions or January 1st pressure, Stephanie reframes this moment as the beginning of the rest of your life—one intentional choice at a time. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down, live quietly, and look within for what truly brings you peace.
Stephanie challenges the belief that productivity equals self-worth and asks a powerful question: what are you doing today that your future self will be proud of? If something in your life leaves you feeling small or behind, remember—it doesn’t get unlimited access to you. This conversation is an invitation to embrace slow living, choose fulfillment in the present moment, and step into the new year with purpose and clarity.
Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!
Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace
New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou
Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/
Website - https://stephanieodea.com
Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/
Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast
Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/
Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/
Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
17 min