The Good Stuff Podcast

In this inspiring episode, Carly and Ruthie sit down with longtime digital creator and wellness advocate Shelby Scott for a conversation that goes far beyond social media.

Ruthie and Shelby first met in person earlier in April 2025 after nearly a decade of following each other online—and it instantly felt like reconnecting with an old friend. What followed was an honest discussion about navigating influence, authenticity, and identity in a world that’s always watching.

Shelby opens up about her journey as a content creator, the lessons she’s learned about comparison, wellness, and balance, and what it truly means to live authentically—both online and off. She shares how stepping away from content creation for a season became a turning point, helping her rediscover peace, purpose, and perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• Shelby’s story of starting out in the influencer world and how it’s evolved

• Why authenticity and self-awareness are the foundation of longevity in content creation

• How to stay grounded when social media feels overwhelming

• The power of rest, reflection, and rediscovering your “why”

• Practical insights on wellness, sustainability, and staying present in family life
  

If you’ve ever felt pressure to perform, compare, or keep up, this episode is your reminder that slowing down can actually move you forward. Shelby’s story will encourage you to live with more intention, strength, and self-compassion in every season.

Motherhood changes everything—but it doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself.

In this episode, Carly and Ruthie dive into the real tension so many women face: balancing identity, purpose, and motherhood in a world that tells you to do it all. They unpack how cultural expectations around motherhood have evolved from the Boomer generation to Gen Z—and why so many moms still quietly struggle to find space for their own passions.

They share their personal stories of rediscovering purpose after kids, practical ways to carve out time for creativity and calling, and the honest conversations that helped them get there.

Listen in for:

• Why so many moms feel like they’ve “lost themselves” after having kids
  

• How generational beliefs about motherhood shape our sense of worth
  

• Practical ways to pursue your passions in the middle of raising a family
  

• The reminder that motherhood is a season—not your only identity
  

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I still chase my dreams while being a good mom?” this episode will remind you that you can—and that doing so might just make you an even better one.

In this energizing and candid episode, Carly and Ruthie chat with Nikki — a former Sacramento State golfer turned professional athlete, mom of two, spin instructor, and thriving realtor. From competing in a male-dominated sport to juggling motherhood and multiple careers, Nikki shares what it takes to keep growing, evolving, and finding joy in every season.

She opens up about her early golf days, standout moments from college and the pro circuit, her unexpected career pivots, and how her athletic mindset continues to shape her work, family life, and community impact.

Key Takeaways:

• How Nikki turned her love for golf into a professional career

• The challenges and wins of being a woman in a male-dominated sport

• Transitioning from professional athletics into new passions and business

• How sports discipline influences motherhood and entrepreneurship

• Real estate trends to watch in 2025–2026

  
  

If you’ve ever wondered how to gracefully pivot into new seasons while staying true to who you are, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace change, stay grounded, and keep showing up with confidence — no matter where life takes you.

In this powerful episode, Carly and Ruthie sit down with Jenny Barber — founder of Talitha Coffee Roasters — to hear how she turned the pain of her own childhood into a calling to help others find freedom. Jenny opens up about her story, her passion for fighting human trafficking, and how a simple cup of coffee can become a catalyst for healing and hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Jenny’s personal story of redemption and purpose.

• A look at what human trafficking really looks like in the U.S. today.

• How Talitha Coffee Roasters empowers survivors toward restoration and independence.

• Practical ways we can all join the fight against human trafficking. 

This conversation is a reminder that your story — even the painful parts — can become someone else’s breakthrough. Jenny’s journey will encourage you to find purpose in your past and courage to step into the work that truly matters.

In this honest and relatable conversation, Ruthie and Carly dive into the topic of change — what it stirs up, why it’s hard, and how to walk through it with peace and purpose.

Ruthie shares about some of the biggest transitions in her life — from moving to California in 2013 to stepping away from full-time content creation and returning to her roots in nursing. Together, they unpack what it means to surrender control, embrace uncertainty, and find beauty in the new season God brings.

Key Takeaways:

• Why change feels uncomfortable — and why it’s still necessary for growth

• The connection between control, uncertainty, and stress

• Ruthie’s journey of moving from influencer life back into nursing

• How to stay grounded when your path looks different than you expected

• Finding opportunity, peace, and purpose in the process of change

If you’re in a season of transition — whether big or small — this episode will remind you that change isn’t something to fear. It’s often the place where God’s best work begins.

At 18 years old, Kelly Clark stood on the Olympic podium as the first-ever U.S. halfpipe gold medalist. It was a moment that defined her sport—and one that, for years, she thought would define her worth.

But what happens when you achieve everything you dreamed of, and it still doesn’t feel like enough?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Kelly shares the highs and lows of an 18-year snowboarding career that brought her fame, records, and historic firsts—but also a profound realization that success without purpose can leave you empty.

She opens up about the quiet transition from world champion to life beyond competition, what identity looks like when you’re no longer defined by results, and the faith that gave her a deeper sense of meaning and peace.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The pressure and cost of living in a results-driven world

• Learning to separate performance from identity

• What true fulfillment looks like when the applause fades

• How faith grounded Kelly when achievement wasn’t enough
  

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who am I beyond what I do?” …this episode is a must-listen. It’s about redefining success, rediscovering joy, and learning that your worth isn’t earned—it’s already yours.

The Good Stuff Podcast with Carly May (@carlymay) and Ruthie Ridley (@ruthieridley)

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Carly and Ruthie sit down with their husbands, Seth and Ben, for a raw look at what it means to stay connected in marriage—from both a male and female perspective. Whether you’re newlyweds or years into marriage, this episode is packed with relatable stories, laughter, and practical insights you won’t want to miss.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How Carly and Seth met 11 years ago—and the moment Seth knew she was the one

• Why flirting still matters (even in sweats and with toddlers around!)

• Ben and Ruthie’s 18-year journey and the early moment that made Ben say, “She’s it.”

• Rebuilding connection after a hard season—Ben and Ruthie open up about what really helped

• Staying close while parenting 3 kids under 4—how they made it work (and stayed sane)

• How physical and non-sexual touch both play crucial roles in emotional intimacy

• The role of intentionality in keeping love alive through life’s chaos

• Communication & conflict: what healthy resolution actually looks like

• Real stats on divorce—and what couples can do differently to beat the odds.
  

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

It’s candid. It’s hopeful. It’s like sitting down with two real couples and hearing the behind-the-scenes of what connection in marriage really takes. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or ten years in, this conversation will encourage you to pursue deeper intimacy—with intentionality, laughter, and love.

LISTEN NOW — and share with a couple who needs this!

The Good Stuff Podcast with Carly May (@carlymay) and Ruthie Ridley (@ruthieridley) 

Join Carly and Ruthie as they sit down with professional development coach Dana Ackland, to discuss personality types and assessments. Personality assessments are everywhere now—from career coaching and workplace trainings to dating apps and beyond. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of personality tests to explore what they reveal, how reliable they are, and the ways they can help us navigate our careers and personal relationships.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why personality assessments have become such a popular tool

• Which assessments are considered the most accurate and why

• How these tools can improve personal and romantic relationships

• Key differences between major assessments like Clifton Strengths and Enneagram

• Why personality assessments should be a tool for growth—not a fixed identity or excuse
  

While personality assessments can be insightful, the goal isn’t to put yourself in a box—it’s to better understand yourself and others, and to grow from that insight.

Connect with Dana Ackland-

• Instagram: @generating_success
• LinkedIn: Generating Success NZ

Personality Assessment Link: 

https://store.gallup.com/p/en-us/10108/cliftonstrengths-top-5

The Good Stuff Podcast with Carly May (@carlymay) and Ruthie Ridley (@ruthieridley)

In this honest and practical conversation, Carly and Ruthie dive deep into one of the most important (and often uncomfortable) workplace topics: boundaries. Whether you’re in leadership or just starting out in your career, this episode will give you permission and tools to set boundaries without sacrificing your work ethic or professionalism.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How to create healthy boundaries without being seen as “difficult”

• Practical tips for setting boundaries with coworkers and managers

• Why boundaries are essential to both your mental health and workplace success

• The pressure to perform—and how that keeps us from setting limits

• Generational shifts in work ethic and expectations—from Boomers to Gen Z

• What workplace boundaries look like from a leadership vs. employee perspective
  

Whether you’re exhausted from overcommitting or just curious what “balance” really means in the modern workplace, this episode is for you.

The Good Stuff Podcast with  Carly May (@carlymay) and Ruthie Ridley (@ruthieridley)

Ladies, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Carly and Ruthie sit down with functional medicine specialist Kristen Pardue to break down the truth about women’s health—hormones, perimenopause, infertility, liver health and the everyday lifestyle traps that may be silently messing with your wellbeing.

You’ll hear:

• Kristen’s personal journey into health and what sparked her mission to help women heal

• The #1 cause of hormone imbalance (hint: it’s closer than you think)

• The non traditional screenings every woman needs (and when to start)

• Specific things Kristen wants all women to REMOVE from their lifestyle now

• How to start your health journey without getting overwhelmed

• Why perimenopause is finally in the spotlight—and why that matters for you

• Kristen’s top 3 health habits that make the biggest difference

• Simple ways to reclaim your energy, clarity, and balance
  

Connect with Kristen Pardue

Social: @kristenpardue 

Email: [email protected]

Links:

https://iabdm.org/location/

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

https://www.herscan.com/

The Good Stuff Podcast with Carly May (@carlymay) and Ruthie Ridley (@ruthieridley)