What did your life look like before you started doing the inner work? In this deeply personal episode, Emily, Angela, and Lisa pull back the curtain on their own coaching journeys — the habits, coping mechanisms, and emotional patterns they used to live in, and who they've become through faith-rooted, self-aware growth.

They get real about what "before" looked like: stuffing emotions until going numb, compartmentalizing instead of processing, fixing other people instead of doing their own work, and reacting to life instead of responding to it with intention. Then they walk through the tools, mindset shifts, and biblical principles that helped rewire not just their thoughts, but their brains — talking candidly about neuroplasticity, the practice of asking "is that true?" before reacting, and the ongoing (never "finished") nature of growth.

You'll hear the difference between operating from your false self versus your true self, how gratitude and acceptance of the past make space for moving forward, and practical ways to show up more authentically in relationships — with your spouse, your kids, your friends, yourself.

If you've ever wondered whether change is really possible, or felt like you're stuck repeating the same reactive patterns, this episode is your reminder: your story isn't finished being written.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "before and after" of life pre- and post-coaching

• Key coaching tools for building self-awareness and emotional regulation

• True self vs. false self — and why the distinction matters

• How faith and biblical principles support lasting transformation

• Practical strategies for showing up differently in relationships

• Why acceptance, gratitude, and ongoing growth go hand in hand

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: christian life coaching, true self, false self, personal growth, faith and mindset, emotional regulation, neuroplasticity, transformation, self-awareness

Happiness comes and goes with your circumstances — but joy? Joy is something deeper. In this episode, Emily, Angela, and Lisa dig into the real difference between happiness and joy, and why joy is a fruit of the Spirit you can actually cultivate, even when life feels hard. Pulling wisdom from James 1:2, Nehemiah 8, and Psalm 30, they share practical, faith-rooted habits — gratitude, worship, community, lament, and forgiveness — that help you experience real, lasting joy no matter what season you're in. If you've ever wondered how to feel joyful when you don't feel happy, this one's for you.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The real difference between happiness and joy (and why it matters)

• Joy as a fruit of the Spirit — and how it's actually cultivated

• Biblical insights on joy and suffering (James 1:2, Nehemiah 8, Psalm 30)

• Practical habits that build joy: gratitude, worship, community, lament, forgiveness

• How comparison, isolation, and scorekeeping quietly steal our joy

• Why trusting God's process (and trusting yourself) matters in hard seasons

• How deep roots, pruning, and watering are all part of the fruit of joy flourishing

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: joy, happiness, faith, spiritual growth, gratitude, biblical wisdom, emotional resilience, Christian life, mental health, spiritual disciplines

Do you know the difference between empathy and sympathy — and why it matters in your relationships? In this episode of The Life Coach Lounge, Emily Kolars, Angela Pleune, and Lisa Gates unpack what it really means to show up for someone in pain, without trying to fix, advise, or minimize what they're feeling.

Drawing on emotional intelligence research and insights inspired by Brené Brown, the ladies break down the most common empathy pitfalls — like becoming a "minimizer," an "advice-giver," or a "story hijacker" — and share practical, faith-filled ways to offer real support through active listening, presence, and even silence.

You'll learn how to sit with someone through rage, panic, or grief without needing to have all the answers, and why saying "I don't know" can be one of the most compassionate things you say. This episode is a judgment-free, honest conversation about building the emotional resilience it takes to truly support the people we love.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The real difference between empathy and sympathy

• Common empathy mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Practical tools for showing up: touch, attention, and silence

• How to support someone through intense emotions like grief or panic

• Why empathy takes practice — and grace when we get it wrong

  
  

If you've ever wondered how to better support a friend, spouse, or coworker in their hardest moments, this episode is for you.

Brené Brown Empathy vs. Sympathy 3-minute video link: ⁠https://youtu.be/KZBTYViDPlQ?is=kYlnREAwD10E1y2p⁠

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: empathy, sympathy, emotional intelligence, active listening, compassion, Brené Brown, emotional resilience, support strategies

Rediscovering your personal style in midlife is about more than fashion — it's about confidence, self-expression, and dressing in a way that reflects who you really are. In this episode, Angela, Emily and Lisa explore how to declutter your wardrobe, define your confidence statement, and curate a closet that feels authentically you. Embrace your evolving style as a beautiful reflection of who you are becoming. Remember, your wardrobe can be a daily celebration of confidence and authenticity. 

Key Topics:

• How shifting body, lifestyle, and role impact style choices

• The importance of asking simple, reflective questions about your wardrobe

• The concept of a confidence statement and how it guides style decisions

• Practical tips to assess and streamline your closet for authenticity

• The mental and emotional benefits of dressing in a way that feels genuine

• Personal style as a reflection of growth and self-discovery

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: personal style, wardrobe, confidence, self-expression, midlife, fashion, wardrobe declutter, style parameters, confidence statement, wardrobe refresh

Discover why accountability often feels heavy or resistance-inducing, and how embracing it can be the key to achieving your goals. Join Emily, Angela, and Lisa as they share personal stories, real-life examples, and practical insights into how accountability can propel you forward in various areas of life, from spiritual growth to health, relationships, and personal projects.

Main topics:

• The true meaning of accountability and common perceptions

• Why accountability feels uncomfortable or heavy

• Personal experiences with accountability in daily life: Bible study, reading goals, certifications, and more

• The role of accountability in goal setting and overcoming resistance

• How to foster accountability while respecting personal values and boundaries

• The importance of consent and flexibility in accountability

• Coaching perspectives: guiding clients versus holding them accountable

Remember: Accountability isn’t just about pressure—it's a pathway to freedom, growth, and the achievement of your deepest desires. Start small, find your person, and embrace the resistance as part of your journey. 

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: accountability, goal setting, self-discipline, motivation, personal growth, coaching, habits, self-control

In this episode, we explore the chaos and magic of summer, sharing nostalgic memories and practical advice for making the most of the season—whether with young children or in quieter times. Our conversation offers insights on staying cool, avoiding sunburn, bug management, and creating joyful summer traditions. From favorite memories to healthy summer hacks, this episode is packed with insights to make your summer memorable and stress-free.

Key Topics

• Summer traditions and memories

• Practical tips for staying cool and hydrated

• Managing summer schedules and activities

• Healthy and natural insect repellents and sun protection

• Balancing relaxation and activity during summer

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details! The Facebook Group is where you'll find all the recipes mentioned in this episode! We can't wait to see you there!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: summer, family traditions, summer tips, outdoor activities, healthy living, parenting, summer hacks, relaxation, family time

In this episode, the hosts demystify what it truly means to be a life coach. They share different ways to describe their profession, bust common myths, and explain how coaching differs from therapy—highlighting the core focus on results and growth. Perfect for anyone curious about coaching or trying to explain it to others.

• The hosts explore various descriptions for what they do, from "mentor" to "personal strategist"

• Insights into why coaching is about helping clients win at life, not fixing crises

• The importance of recognizing thought patterns and how coaching teaches you to think differently

• Clarification on what coaching is not—such as therapy or advice-giving

• The flexibility of coaching, including sessions for when you're feeling "off" but have nothing to discuss

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: life coach, coaching, personal development, mental clarity, support, results, mental models, coaching benefits

Discover how keeping and using memorable quotes can transform your mindset, serve as daily inspiration, and deepen your understanding of yourself and others. From journal prompts to meaningful conversations, learn practical ways to incorporate quotable quotes into your life.

Main Topics Covered:

• The concept and benefits of a commonplace book

• Creative ways to use quotes for reflection and motivation

• How to organize and remember impactful quotes

• Personal favorite quotes and their significance in different seasons of life

• Practical tips for recording and applying quotes daily

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: quotable quotes, commonplace book, journaling, personal growth, inspiration, mindfulness, reflection, coaching, quotes collection, mental toolkit

Join Emily, Angela and Lisa as they explore the fun and quirky world of garage sales, sharing hilarious stories, etiquette tips, and the psychological insights behind decluttering and treasure hunting. Perfect for anyone looking to add a little joy and community connection to spring cleaning.

Key Topics:

Garage sale terminology and regional differences

Fun stories of unique items found and sold

Negotiation and bartering tips at garage sales

The psychology of keeping versus decluttering

Community building through garage sales

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Keywords: garage sales, decluttering, community, treasure hunting, etiquette, stories, spring cleaning, thrift shopping, emotional attachment, bartering

How do you embrace the season you’re in—even when it’s hard? Emily, Angela, and Lisa explore the biblical meaning of life’s seasons, from spring and summer to fall and winter, sharing personal stories, faith-filled encouragement, and practical wisdom for navigating transitions with gratitude and hope. Whether you're currently experiencing a life season of spring, summer, fall, or winter, discover how every season holds beauty and purpose.

Key topics:

• The metaphor of life as four distinct seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—and their significance

• Personal reflections on favorite seasons and current life phases

• The biblical perspective from Ecclesiastes 3 on timing and seasons

• Practical ways to identify your current season and accept it

• How to embrace the challenges and blessings of each season

• The importance of gratitude and intentionality in every life phase

• Stories of transitions like empty nest, pregnancy, and grief as fall or winter seasons

• Strategies for navigating difficult seasons, including fostering hope and spiritual growth

• The role of coaching in helping shift into a more desired season

Takeaways:

• Resist the urge to compare your winter to others' summer.
• Embrace the beauty and purpose of each season, even the hard ones.
• Practicing gratitude enhances resilience in every season.
• Biblical insights remind us that there is a time for everything.

Keywords: seasons of life, Christian podcast, faith and growth, gratitude, life transitions, Ecclesiastes 3, personal growth, spiritual growth, navigating change, Christian life coaching, finding purpose, self-awareness, hope in hard seasons, biblical encouragement

You’re invited to hang out with us once a month in our “Virtual Lounge” on Zoom! Join the Life Coach Lounge Facebook Group for details!

Connect with us:

The Life Coach Lounge on Instagram

Angela Pleune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emily Kolars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website, Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Gates: Website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram