As the year winds down, we’re invited to pause, reflect, and rest. In this episode, Jill shares reflections from her two-year podcast anniversary — what she’s learned, what she’s letting go of, and how the rhythms of nature remind us to slow down before we start again.

You’ll also hear a few guided journal prompts to help you look back on your year with honesty and grace, and a closing poem on the beauty of wintering — the sacred season of stillness, surrender, and quiet renewal.

In this episode:

    •    Reflections on consistency and imperfection

    •    What it means to “finish strong” without burning out

    •    How to honor your own winter season

    •    Guided journal prompts for reflection

    •    A short poem called Wintering

In this episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I’m talking about what it really means when we say it takes a village. Because honestly, none of us do this life alone. Every dream, every idea, every little thing that comes to life happens because of the people who show up and help us make it happen.

I share about my friend’s partner that helped me in all things building and creating, Steven, who has helped bring so much of Wellness Farmhouse to life. He’s built my greenhouses, installed the sauna, the cold plunge, the hot tub, the walkways, the canopy out back, and even the vanities upstairs. I couldn’t have done any of it without him. He’s taken my vision and just gone with it without questioning a thing, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Then I talk a little about what’s coming up next on the podcast. I’ve been thinking about all the strong, inspiring women I’ve had the chance to work for and work with over the years, women who are out there building, creating, leading, and doing the damn thing. I’m so excited to start bringing some of them on the show to share their stories and the journeys that got them where they are today.

This episode is really about gratitude for the people who build alongside us, believe in us, and help bring our dreams to life. Because it truly does take a village.

If you’re local & need a handy man, contact Steven with… Get It Together

(719) 207-0000

In this heartfelt episode of Soul Stories with Jill, Jill takes you behind the scenes of her first Wellness Farmhouse women’s retreat to Mt. LeConte, a dream seven years in the making. She shares how the vision was first written in her journal back in 2018, and how faith, timing, and trust brought it to life in the most divine way.

From the first step on the trail to the moment they reached the summit, Jill recounts the laughter, the tears, and the transformation that unfolded along the way. She describes the breathtaking views, the moments of stillness, and the soulful rituals shared at the top, everyone singing as my brother played guitar, offering sound healing under the open sky, reading a reflection about the mountain as a mirror for life, and closing with prayer and intention.

As the group descended, they carried new insight and peace within them, culminating in a celebratory dinner back at the Wellness Farmhouse that felt like a homecoming for the soul.

Jill reminds listeners that if something has been on your heart, a dream, a calling, a vision, it’s never too late. The climb may take time, but the view from the top is always worth it.

Listen in to be inspired to trust the process, honor your journey, and take that first step toward your own mountaintop moment.

In this heartfelt episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I sit down with Vickie Brown a dear friend and former real estate colleague whose path took an inspiring turn. After starting her career helping people find homes, she found a new calling helping people find peace within themselves.

We talk about her journey from real estate to nursing, and how witnessing the growing mental health crisis especially through the pandemic led her to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She shares insight into the emotional toll of our modern world, the importance of therapy and emotional regulation, and how breaking the stigma around mental health can transform not only individuals but entire communities.

This conversation is a reminder that healing begins when we choose to talk about what hurts, and that seeking help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Contact Vickie through the link below & also learn more her thriving practice.

magnoliamhw.com

Contact us.
Fax: 931-854-0195
Phone: (931) 854-0515
Email: [email protected]

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jill sits down with Cheryl Cooper, a digital creator and AI strategist, to explore the magic of saying yes, even at the last minute. Cheryl joined the September Goddess Retreat on a whim, not knowing what to expect, and walked away forever changed. As the only African-American woman in the group, she shares what that experience meant to her, how it felt to be seen and supported, and how the power of community transcends backgrounds and stories.

Jill and Cheryl also dive into the deeper purpose of retreats, the healing, reflection, and reconnection that happen when women gather and hold space for each other. Cheryl opens up about her current season of life, balancing her passion for helping entrepreneurs reach new heights with AI while also caring for her aging mother alongside her brother. She shares both the challenges and blessings of being present for family and how this experience is shaping her next chapter.

Together, they reflect on their instant connection at the retreat, their shared belief in divine timing, and the beautiful ways technology and human connection can coexist, helping more people lead purpose-driven, abundant lives.

Tune in to be inspired by Cheryl’s wisdom, warmth, and vision for the future of business, creativity, and care.

Contact :  

Website: thecherylcooper.com

[email protected] 

Anywhere on social (IG, FB, LN) 

@thecherylcooper

Some friendships are sparked in the most unexpected ways. For me and my dear friend Kayla Caudill, it began with a simple cold call when she stopped into my salon and spa, Delicate Balance, as a skincare rep. What started as a business interaction quickly grew into a friendship that has carried us through years of change, transitions, and new beginnings.

In this conversation, Kayla, now the CEO of Safety Leadership Innovators (SLI), and I reflect on how our paths have crossed and supported one another. From me buying her skincare products, to her helping me in business, to me guiding her to step outside her comfort zone, our story is a testament to the power of connection and growth.

Kayla shares how, through her own courage and willingness to try new things, she chose to take the leap into health coaching. That step not only transformed her personally, but also gave her the tools to support her husband’s business in the safety industry.

We talk about life shifts, closing my salon, her moves, marriage, and motherhood, and the ways friendship can endure despite change. This episode is all about balance, staying open to new perspectives, and cherishing the kind of friendships that stand the test of time.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone navigating life’s transitions, I hope this story encourages you to honor the delicate balance of friendship and growth.

In this week’s episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I welcome a dear friend whose life and work have come beautifully full circle. We first met years ago when she took my yoga classes, later worked side-by-side as massage therapists at Blackberry Farm, and stayed connected as her journey unfolded.

After seasons of adventure, including years of practicing massage & starting her sound healing journey in Aspen, she felt the pull of home. In 2021 she returned to Asheville, North Carolina, and transformed a piece of land into a serene retreat space where women gather to rest, release, and heal. Through sound healing and thoughtfully led retreats, she’s creating a sanctuary that reflects her deep love for the mountains and for women’s wellness.

Our conversation explores what it means to follow the quiet call to come home, to trust the timing of new beginnings, and to build a retreat space from the ground up. We talk about the power of sound healing, the beauty of sacred land, and the courage it takes to create something new from the heart.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own retreat space, craving inspiration to follow your heart, or simply love a story of friendship and purpose, this episode will speak to your soul. After listening, share your favorite insight with me on Facebook, Instagram, or leave a review so more listeners can discover these inspiring stories.

To find out about all of Dawn’s incredible offerings visit:

http://www.soundofanewdawn.com

http://www.innerwolfretreatspace.com

In a world where every headline feels like an invitation to argue, how do we stay grounded?

In this episode, I reflect on the relentless negativity—politics, masks, vaccines, and endless labels—that pulls families, friendships, and workplaces apart. I share a personal story of losing a client over a political choice, explore how constant outrage takes a toll on mental health, and invite you to consider a different path: choosing unity over division, compassion over fear.

Whether you’re weary of the news cycle or simply want to feel less overwhelmed, this conversation offers perspective and practices to help you stay centered and live free—beyond left or right.

In this week’s episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I sit down with my dear friend Tara Ballard, a powerhouse in the world of health, fitness, and clean living. Tara and I first met back in 2018 at a retreat, and since then she has been a constant source of inspiration and wisdom in my life.

Tara shares her journey of building a life rooted in wellness, from helping women over 40 reclaim their health through focused fitness groups, to partnering with a wellness company dedicated to transforming homes into safe, toxin-free spaces with cleaner products, supplements, and daily essentials.

What makes her story even more powerful is her personal battle with Graves disease, an autoimmune condition. Instead of relying solely on prescription medication, Tara courageously chose to walk a natural healing path. 

This is a conversation about resilience, empowerment, and the many ways wellness is about so much more than just our bodies. Tara’s passion and knowledge will leave you inspired to take another step toward living a cleaner, stronger, more vibrant life.

Connect with Tara:

IG: @primelifefit

FB: facebook.com/primelifefit 

https://linktr.ee/primelifefit

[email protected]

In this episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I sit down with my good friend Josh Ray to reminisce on where our friendship began—working at Blackberry Farm, a five-star Relais & Châteaux resort tucked in the Smoky Mountains. Even though there’s a wide age gap between us, Josh and I instantly connected through our shared passion for creativity, independence, and building something of our own.

Our conversation takes us back to those early days of hustle, when we were both juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities just to make our dreams possible. We talk about the sacrifices that come with choosing self-employment, the relentless drive it takes to keep going, and the lessons learned along the way. Josh shares what it feels like to finally reach a place where the hustle isn’t as heavy, and the work begins to align more naturally with the life you want to live.

This episode is equal parts nostalgic and inspiring—a reminder that the entrepreneurial journey isn’t about where you start but about having the courage and determination to keep moving forward. Whether you’re just beginning your self-employment path or you’ve been building your dream for years, our conversation will encourage you to stay the course and celebrate the friendships and experiences that shape the journey.

Linktree to all things Josh…

https://linktr.ee/Joshed_ya