The Simplifiers Podcast

Are you finding it harder and harder these days to stick to your boundaries? Whether it's a lack of physical space at your house (hello, homeschooling)… or a lack of breathing room and space in your calendar, causing you to overwork, strive, and feel flustered with it all. Or maybe it's a Boundary Destroyer in your life, which is a whole other ball of wax.

My special guest today is psychotherapist Terri Cole and she's simplifying how to stick to your boundaries. In her book, Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen, and (Finally) Live Free is a must-read for me and so many girlfriends of mine as we are looking to break free from the nonsense. And more importantly, live a more authentic, fulfilled life by mastering how we create and maintain healthy boundaries.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Terri Cole and she's simplifying how to stick to your boundaries.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Through her research, what she found are some common myths that women believe when setting boundaries
• What the psychological aspect is behind why we DON'T set boundaries for ourselves? What's happening, really?
• How to understand what your internal 'Boundary Blueprint' is and how to communicate our desired (more positive) boundaries are to other people
• In a work setting, what to do if you're afraid you'll be seen as a "bitch" or if you fear being fired by your client after you state your boundaries
• And ultimately, at home… what you must do when it's a family member (a parent, spouse or child) who you cannot remove from your life entirely and you're having to constantly state and restate your boundaries all the time?

Terri is a brilliant bright light in this field of study and she's going to show us a better way of sticking to our boundaries. In our conversation today, you'll gain a glimmer into her work, teaching each of us how to stop abandoning ourselves for the sake of others without guilt or drama. But rather, she shows us a way that healthy boundaries can help us gain better communication and better relationships… more satisfaction, abundance, and success. All of it is a result of doing the work, gaining clarity on our subconscious beliefs, and sticking to our boundaries.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/terri-cole-stick-to-your-boundaries

Let's talk about cooking, more specifically, let's simplify how to cook lighter with your Instant Pot! It's happened, I too have jumped on the bandwagon of cooking with an Instant Pot… and can I say, I LOVE IT. It makes batch cooking a cinch and the versatility of what you can make, my goodness, I feel like I'm just scratching the surface!

My special guest today is celebrity cookbook author, Jeffrey Eisner and he's simplifying how to cook lighter with an Instant Pot. While yes, you could make super gooey, creamy and decadent meals like mac-n-cheese in your Instant Pot, Jeffrey is also going to show us a way to lighten it all up, cooking to your specific eating lifestyle. Whether it's Keto, Paleo, Gluten-free, or vegetarian and vegan, it's all about eating wholesome, real food that raises your vibration rather than ones that sink you into a food coma and total brain fog… but here's the caveat: he promises we won't lose any of the flavor along the way.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Jeffrey Eisner and he's simplifying how to cook lighter with an Instant Pot.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• For those just getting started using their Instant Pot, the 2-3 tips that would help you feel less intimidated, so you can get going with experimenting, playing and cooking food with it this week

• What "cooking lighter" looks like for him these days and which recipes he's enjoying making right now, which might give you a few ideas on what to cook tonight
• Which must-have staples you need stocked in your pantry, specifically for pressure cooking
• • Lawry's seasoned salt
  • beef, chicken, vegetable stock, specifically Better than Bouillon concentrated stock base
  • dried beans (black, pinto, white beans)
  • quinoa, rice (white, brown, wild), and farro
  • herbs & spices - TIP: buy one new spice each week to build your pantry and experiment with new flavors!

• How to cook for kids or picky eaters with an Instant Pot - he shares his best advice for parents without much time to cook, but want happy bellies around the dinner table
• …and ultimately, he shared a little bit about his own wellness journey - what he wished he knew earlier on when it comes to eating lighter and maintaining his weight.

Like Jeff, I've struggled with my weight since I was a little girl. The number on the scale would go UP and it'd go down in waves. 20 lbs here, 30 lbs there… ugh. And like Jeff, recently I've started to really pay attention to the food I put into my body. Ask yourself: what is life-giving food for me and my lifestyle? And what isn't?

I hope that wherever you are in your health and wellness journey, you'll find this lighthearted interview inspires you to try something new with your Instant Pot cooking this week.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/jeffrey-eisner-cook-lighter-instant-pot

As we move into a new quarter, it's time to level up and learn how to close more discovery calls. What is a discovery call, you ask? Well, it's that short call that your prospective client books in with you to learn more about your offering. It's a space for both parties to see if it's a good fit to work together, before they actually say YES, open up their wallet and buy the thing. And I'm learning that there's an art and a science to these calls. So, we are going to break down the mechanics in today's conversation, to help bring you greater confidence and flow into how you conduct yours.

My special guest today is the Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch and she's simplifying how to close more discovery calls. How many times have you felt like you were leaving money on the table because you don't ask for the business? Or how many times have you heard the other party say, "I want it, but I don't have the money" or "I need to think about it?" Well, Nikki believes there's a reason for that and it's simpler than you think to fix.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Nikki Rausch and she's simplifying how to close more discovery calls.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• What the subtle cues and buying signals are that people give when they're interested in doing business with you
• How and why you must "pre-frame" your discovery calls before conducting them
• What the one question is that most people forget to ever ask in a discovery call
• • ASK: "what's most important to you?"
• Why you should never coach (or demonstrate your expertise) during a discovery call and what questions you should ask instead
• • the 5 steps to sales - "the Selling Staircase"
  • • Introduction - your first impression
    • Creating curiosity - tell me more
    • Discovery - learning, listening, answering
    • Proposal - inviting them to your offering
    • Close - ask for the sale
• …and ultimately, what you must do at the very end of every call that'll increase your close rate.
• • TIP: get the next step/appointment/call/meeting scheduled in before you hang up.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/nikki-rausch-close-more-discovery-calls

Today, we're talking all about how to overcome your inner critic. You know, that pesky little voice that's either telling you, "you're doing it wrong" or "hey, don't even try doing it at all" when you want to make great things happen in your life. Where does this voice stem from? And more importantly, how do we move past it?

My special guest today is coach and neuroscience researcher, Cynthia Phelps, PhD and she's simplifying how to overcome your inner critic. She believes that inner compassion is the route to help you deal with shame, navigate challenging relationships, and how to stop being so hard on yourself. It's about finding that inner ally that will speak wisdom into whatever challenge or obstacle you're faced with right now.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Cynthia Phelps, PhD and she's simplifying how to overcome your inner critic.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• What the difference is between your 'inner critic' vs. 'imposter syndrome' from a neuroscience point of view
• • imposter syndrome happens when you're in contact with other people
  • inner critic is mainly dealing with yourself, in your own mind
• How schema therapy works to help shift your mindset
• Using the InnerAlly cards to shift your inner language in a simple, practical way
• What "shooting the second arrow in life" is and how to recognize if you're stuck in a never-ending suffering loop
• …and ultimately, how forgiveness is the key ingredient to overcoming your inner critic. What two things you must give yourself to make long-lasting change

At the root of Cynthia's work is the core belief that the life you desire comes from practicing healthy habits of the mind… what she calls "Emotional Fitness." When you speak compassionately to yourself, your entire world changes and for the better.

This will not only help you experience lower levels of stress and anxiety, but equally, it'll help spark your creativity and productivity, no matter what big change or struggle you might face next. Bottomline, when you tap into the higher intelligence that your inner allies can provide, life can be limitless. Truly.

So grab a journal and pen, and get ready to take notes… it's time to simplify!

Q: Are you ready to overcome your inner critic and get unstuck? If yes, this one is for you.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/cynthia-phelps-overcome-your-inner-critic

Last week, we talked about getting into the flow… what it is and why it's worth simplifying. And it was such a juicy episode, I decided to split it into two parts so we had time to simmer on it all. Since part one focused on the what and the why… this week, we are talking all about the HOW.

My special guest today is (once again) The Brain Guy, Scott Robinson and he's simplifying how to get into the flow. Remember, the most important thing to keep in mind (no pun intended) is this… When you align these three things:

• your subconscious beliefs
• your conscious actions
• and the truth of who you REALLY are, which is known in your super conscious
• …THAT'S when you achieve flow state.

So let's break all that down and simplify it… Here's how.

My special guest today is Scott Robinson and he's simplifying how to get into the flow.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• How to transform any limiting beliefs or residual stress that might be holding you back, especially if you have any past business mistakes that are causing self-sabotage
• What the "collective consciousness" is and to how to utilize this concept as the leader of your team much the same as a flock of birds or school of fish moving in unison
• How to tap into a higher intelligence and wisdom that'll bring you less anxiety and more calm
• And ultimately, how to identify and squash any shared stress that may be lurking inside your workplace (either spoken or unspoken), so you can become a more conscious business.

As always, this journey of exploration we are on is exhilarating and I'm so glad you are with me, riding alongside as I ask the questions you want me to ask. This conversation is such a gift and I'm grateful for you tuning in and sharing it with someone you love. Ok, it's time to simplify!

Q: Are you ready to get into the flow? If yes, this one is for you.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/scott-robinson-get-into-the-flow-part-two

When was the last time you felt like you were in flow state? You know, that feeling you get when time seems limitless, your creative juices and ideas are free flowing, and your energy is buzzing at a higher vibration. Has it felt like forever? Well if so, you're going to love today's conversation.

My special guest today is The Brain Guy - Scott Robinson and he's simplifying how to get into the flow. He believes in one simple truth: whatever you are looking to achieve in life, it's your brain and your nervous system working together that control your life's outcomes.

Therefore, when you tap into your subconscious mind (which accounts for 95% of your total brain processing), you unlock a higher intelligence that'll help you quickly and easily transform stress, resolve trauma faster, and get back to thriving. So, more joy, satiated contentment, pleasure, and abundance on a deeper level… These are all the things you can experience when you get in the flow.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Scott Robinson and he's simplifying how to get into the flow.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• How he defines "flow state" and what's actually happening in your brain when you're "in the flow"
• What effect stress has on the brain and the body and how to spot it
• Athletes train to achieve "high performance" - he shares what he has learned whilst working with them, specifically with understanding the brain as the "control center" in conjunction with the nervous system
• …and ultimately, he talks about the subconscious mind: what it is, how it works, and (finally) understanding that it is governing your actions and (in my words) your "1000 daily choices." When you do, you can change your life for the better.

This conversation was so cerebral and deep, I've decided to split it into two parts. Part one this week and part two next week, so we all have time to simmer on the ideas he shares, talk to others about it, and see what small changes you can make in your work and life that'll help you get into the flow more often.

So make sure to have a journal and pen handy while listening to this one. I'm fairly certain you'll want to jot down a few things along the way, as did I.

Bottomline, when we achieve flow state, our life is buzzing with possibility. I'm thrilled to share this conversation with you and look forward to hearing what you think about it all soon!

Q: Are you ready to get into the flow? If yes, this one is for you.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/scott-robinson-get-into-the-flow-part-one

It feels like part of the healing process to get the world back on track with things is to create a life full of kindness. I mean, what if kindness was part of the answer to reigniting your joy and forging deeper connections with others? Count me in!

My special guest today is psychiatrist Dr. Eva Ritvo and she's simplifying how to create a life full of kindness. There's a wave of change (have you felt it, too?) where "kind media" is becoming more prominent in our culture. Shows like The Great British Bake Off and RuPaul's Drag Race are paving the way, showing us how when we are kind to others, our hearts expand in empathy and compassion. We gain greater understanding of people who may not look, think, act or even, vote like us.

And maybe, just maybe… This might be the balm we need to squash the polarization, prejudice, and isolation we feel at times, too. But first, it starts within, finding kindness for yourself.

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• What she learned whilst studying the science behind kindness… what the benefits are when we focus our lives more around kindness, rather than animosity
• In this day in age of isolation and disconnection due to the pandemic, she share where we must begin to attract kindness in our lives first and how to do it
• A few simple, practical ways to be more kind yourself, starting today, especially if your harsh inner critic has been louder than usual
• How to be kind to others, including our "household bubble", our clients, our co-workers, our neighbors and strangers, in big or small ways

…and ultimately, she talked about the biggest lessons she learned when compiling the stories for her book, Bekindr.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/eva-ritvo-life-full-of-kindness

What if I told you it was possible to level up by doing less? Would you give it a go? So many of us have been conditioned over the years that MORE is the answer. More hours in front of your computer. More hustle, more grind, more exertion equals more success. So, umm… how's that working out for you? For me… not so great. So, let's talk about doing less, instead.

My special guest today is Kate Northrup and she's simplifying how to level up by doing less. She taps into the wisdom gained by studying regenerative farming and gardening and it turns out, these lessons learned can be applied to your work and life, just the same.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Kate Northrup and she's simplifying how to level up by doing less.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Which areas of your business that you'll want to examine first, in order do less and simplify
• What the 4 best practices of 'regenerative farming' are and how they can be applied to creating a 'regenerative' business, rather than a just 'sustainable' one
• • composting
  • mess less
  • no spray
  • planting cover crops
• How to create a repeatable, provable marketing system without chasing after the "new, shiny object" or subscribing to the "hustle harder" mentality
• When you want to simplify to amplify your revenue, how to do it - spoiler alert: it's all about creating a symbiotic ecosystem of offerings
• …and ultimately, we talked about the ways she found healing and growth after experiencing a year like 2020. What big shifts she made that helped her and her husband to level up.

I feel it in my core… Now is the time to do less and simplify, especially as we start to re-emerge throughout 2021 in a post-pandemic world. This is not only a year for healing but also a year to reexamine how we structure our lives and how we run our businesses. If 2020 was a year for reflection, then 2021 is a year for rebuilding. So I encourage you to take out your journal and pen, jot down some notes, and spark a conversation with someone after listening to this one.

Not that you need my permission, but I bet you're totally ready to level up and do less. So, let's make TODAY the day we do it.

Q: Are you ready to level up by doing less? If yes, this one is for you.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/kate-northrup-level-up-by-doing-less

How resilient is your heart right now and do you feel like you're in a space to cultivate more joy? If you've been following the news, you'll know that the majority of our listeners in Texas are dealing with the aftermath of a massive winter storm right now. One that has left many of our friends in Austin without power, heat, and running water for 4-5 days straight whilst the outside temperatures dipped down to 0F (that's -18C)… the lowest they've been in decades. Yikes!

It was one of those "once-in-a-century" snowstorms that left people shook to the core. And its moments like these that build resilience and character. You find your true friends and strengthen bonds in your local community and your neighborhood.

My special guest today is Dr. Eva Selhub and she's simplifying how to cultivate joy through resilience. No matter what hard season you're going through right now… like those in Texas (or hello, pandemic!), she shares the secrets to shift your mindset now, so you can get back to center and back to finding your joy faster.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Dr. Eva Selhub and she's simplifying how to cultivate joy through resilience.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• How she defines the concept of 'resilience,' especially for entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Like a high performance athlete who trains their muscles, how to build your resilience through mindset work
• What the 6 pillars of resiliency are and a deep dive into how to practice 'emotional equilibrium'
• How to avoid the 'victim's mindset' when things seem to be spiraling out of control
• …and ultimately, we talked about stress. It's inevitable, right? So, how to use stress to our advantage in business and in our lives the next time it happens.

My heart goes out to everyone in Texas that are recovering from it all right now. And if that's you, I realize that you might want to blip off this episode, thinking…

"I'm nowhere near being in the mindset to think about joy right now… I'm boiling water, I'm still in survival mode!"

And I get that… but my hope is that you stick with us and give today's conversation a listen. Let it be a balm for your heart as it might spark something new inside you, that'll help in the healing process. And help you recover emotionally, too.

You can do it, I believe in you!

Q: Are you ready to cultivate more joy in your life? If yes, this one is for you.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/eva-selhub-cultivate-joy-through-resilience

Ready to spark a little more romance in your life with the 5 Love Languages? Welp, Valentine's Day has come and gone… and now it's the other 364 days of the year we've got to think about. Time to check in… how are your relationships in your life doing right now, on a scale of one to ten? Let's be real - attempting to keep your relationships thriving (ney, simply afloat) is no small thing to sneeze at. It takes time, effort and a daily practice of intentional focus.

My special guest today is Jen Mickelborough and she's simplifying how to spark more romance by using the 5 Love Languages. She's co-written a new book with Dr. Gary Chapman that shares simple, easy-to-implement ideas of ways to show your love and appreciation with your partner, no matter what their primary Love Language might be. And no matter that we're in the middle of a lockdown and a pandemic.

Here's how.

My special guest today is Jen Mickleborough and she's simplifying how to spark more romance with the 5 Love Languages.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Now that it's nearly been one full year since lockdown began… what's the hardest part has been for her and her spouse during it all - how they are coping and keeping their relationship strong
• Why it's important to 'focus on the little things' in your relationship and how to create what she calls a "climate of connection" in the everyday moments of life
• Her book is built on the 5 Love Languages, giving people clever ideas on HOW to do it, based on your significant other's primary Love Language - she shares her favorite ideas for each type
• Time and funds might be limited these days… she also shares a few easy and inexpensive ideas (from the book) that could infuse your relationship with a little excitement, joy or intimacy
• …and ultimately, I asked her, "what advice would she give newlyweds who are just starting out in their marriage, as it relates to romance?" - and I loved her honest response.

I know many of our listeners are based in Texas and are facing once-in-a-century arctic blast weather right now! Insane snowfall, thunder sleet and subfreezing temperatures… which leads to power outages, no coffee and more importantly, no one is (hopefully) leaving the house for the next few days.

What a time to test these ideas out! If you've never taken the 5 Love Languages quiz before, I highly recommend pressing pause right now, visit 5LoveLanguages.com and take the FREE quiz to determine your primary Love Language. Make sure your loved ones take the quiz as well. Once you're equipped with this information, you'll be ready for today's conversation to give it all a go!

Q: Are you ready to spark more romance by using the 5 Love Languages as your guide? If yes, this one is for you.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

----

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/jen-mickelborough-spark-more-romance-5-love-languages