Staying Power

Episode 138: "Mastering Your Busy Season"

Are you ready to tackle the busiest seasons of your life with confidence? In this episode of Staying Power, JD and co-host Ashley Knebel dive into the art of navigating high-pressure periods, from work crunches to personal challenges. You’ll discover practical strategies to manage your time effectively while still prioritizing self-care, ensuring you don’t burn out when the stakes are high.

JD shares his firsthand experience as he prepares for the intense open enrollment season in the health insurance industry. He opens up about the unique challenges he faces, from making crucial decisions under pressure to finding balance amidst chaos. Ashley, drawing on her own experiences, offers insights on maintaining calm and clarity when the world feels frantic around you.

You’ll learn:

- How to set boundaries that protect your personal time, even during busy seasons.

- Strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being when work demands ramp up.

- Tips for staying organized and focused to make the most out of your available time.

- The importance of approaching conversations with clients and colleagues calmly to foster productive outcomes.

As they navigate their respective busy seasons, Nathan and Ashley emphasize the significance of self-awareness and preparation. Not knowing how to handle high-stress periods can lead to burnout, but knowing what to expect allows for proactive planning and a sense of control. 

This episode is essential listening for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, whether in a professional setting or personal life. Tune in to gain insights that can transform your approach to busy seasons, allowing you to emerge not only unscathed but stronger than before.  

Perfect for professionals in high-pressure roles, students facing exams, or anyone looking for guidance on managing their time and energy. Don’t miss this valuable conversation that will equip you with the tools to thrive when the going gets tough!

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

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Episode 137: "Why Random Moments Can Tell Us So Much"

What if the most meaningful moments in your life are the ones you never could have planned? A random encounter at a wine bar. A stranger from your past in a Paris subway station. A butterfly on a hiking trail. JD and Ashley unpack how these unexpected collisions can crack open grief, spark joy, and remind you that presence is what turns coincidence into meaning. Ashley shares a deeply moving story about reconnecting with someone tied to a friend she lost, and the two of them dig into why certain moments hit so hard when you’re already carrying grief. Additionally, JD brings a powerful perspective of his own, describing how an out-of-the-blue reunion with an old connection became one of the most profound relationships in his life. Together, they explore the strange way randomness, memory, and emotion overlap in real time.

You'll discover:

-Why some random moments feel like signs

-How grief can create unexpected connection

-What it means to be present enough to notice the people and moments around you

-Why “someday” can be a dangerous place to leave the things that matter

-How accidental encounters can reveal just how much your life has changed

They also wrestle with the bigger question underneath it all: are these moments pure chance, or do we build meaning around them after the fact? However you answer that, the episode makes a strong case that the outcome is what matters most. If a random moment helps you feel less alone, more awake, or more grateful to be alive, that’s a gift worth paying attention to. Perfect for anyone who loves thoughtful conversation, unexpected stories, and honest reflection on grief, memory, and the quiet magic of being out in the world.

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 136: "The Power and Pitfalls of 'Free Time'" 

We all hear that having a routine is a good thing, yet we also know that drudgery and disconnection from self can happen after a while with any routine. We also can easily be "on" for some things in life, then flip the switch to "off' for other things. Sound familiar? It should - it happens to us all. In this week's episode, Ashley and JD tackle how we can build intentionality into each part of our daily cycles - our work life, our "downtime," our relationships, and more. What results is a vibrant discussion about life in general and how we build meaning. See what your own takeaways are, and be sure to write in with your thoughts! 

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 135: A Birthday Question Party for JD!

Another year, another birthday! As JD turns 53-years young this week, Ashley throws him a surprise party of her own - a series of questions about a number of topics that he has not heard before. What do his answers reveal about him? What resonates about them with you? How can such a celebration as this connect us with those we love, whether it's on our birthday or any other day? Enjoy the laughs and the highs and lows of the conversation, as you will hear things about JD that you probably haven't before - and he's here for it!

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 134: What Internal Struggles Tell Us

Often, the life obstacle that gets in our way the most is...us. While that isn't ideal, it also isn't the end of the world when that happens. Instead, if we can look deeper into those internal struggles, we may see some very clear truths and pathways forward. It isn't just about "mindset" or "work ethic" - it's about curiosity and courage to see what is actually happening. And the place to start - as JD and Ashley do in this week's episode - is by being open with ourselves and others about those deep struggles we see in ourselves. Chances are, what they talk about will resonate with you; see if their paths forward do as well!

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 133: The Receipts of Life

As time goes by, the consequences and other effects of our life choices add up, increasing the length of our “life receipts” and, hopefully, deepening our perspectives on ourselves and life in general. This week, this is what Ashley and JD dive into, exploring what this framework suggests to them about their respective journeys. See what you relate to in the conversation and let them know!

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 132: "The Clocks We Live By" 

We all know that societal expectations can complicate our already-complicated lives and make difficulties more difficult. However, how we experience those complications and pressures can be very different, especially between genders. This week, Ashley and JD discuss how men and women each experience societal expectations differently, but with common threads of alienation, loneliness, frustration, and isolation often resulting. And yet, seeing these differences in each other's experiences of time and "belonging" can actually help us better connect with ourselves and the people around us, whether they are partners, best friends, colleagues, or total strangers. Take a listen to this discussion of "clocks," and see what it reveals in you, about you! 

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 131: "The Money Stories That Hold Us Back" 

Everyone tends to think they want or need more money in life, but the focus usually is on "how do I get more?" In this week's episode, JDK and Ashley go another direction and explore the question, "What do you allow to get in the way of getting more?" It is indeed a proven psychological fact that we can actually convince ourselves (subconsciously) that we "should not" or "not deserve" more money than we currently make. In a conversation that is far more about our own self-imposed limitations than about financial realities in the world, a number of revealing stories are told, all of which illustrate the subtle ways in which we can each be the primary obstacle to improving our own financial health. What limiting beliefs and ideas did you grow up with about money? Which ones helped you, and which ones have not? Explore your own answers to these questions as you listen and see what you might be able to take out of your own way!

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 130: "What You Know, You Can Teach"

In this week's episode, Ashley and JDK take a different path than usual (and that is saying something) by exploring what "class" they could each teach for others based on the things they already know, have learned, are enthusiastic about, etc. What ensues is a fascinating conversation that isn't just about knowledge and how we "master" it, but also about how we can choose to embrace the experiences and ideas and traits we have in order to better help ourselves and others. We can either teach ourselves and others, or we can allow those things to limit us or weigh us down unnecessarily. What "class" do you think you could teach right now? How would you organize it and teach it? How would it reflect your unique ways of seeing the world and adding to it? And, what would be added to your life by doing so? 

Plus, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 129: "Ashley's Q & A Revenge"

A few weeks ago, JD surprised Ashley on the air with a series of questions that she wasn't exactly prepared for. So, in the spirit of fair play (and just a small dose of good-spirited revenge), this week Ashley surprises JD with questions of her own! Amidst all the laughs that result are insights about life, friendship, and various ways we find and build meaning in our lives. Try out some of Ashley's questions with the people in your life and see how their answers enrich your lives, challenge your perspectives, and deepen your connections.

And be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.