Thinking That Matters with Elizabeth Mahusay

What happens when you stop asking “Why did this happen to me?” and start asking “Where am I standing right now?”

In this episode, I sit down with technology leader, entrepreneur, and first-time author Paul Carlson for an honest conversation about self-talk, personal responsibility, faith, and the courage it takes to move forward before you feel ready.

Paul shares the deeply personal journey behind his upcoming book, Where Are My Feet? Searching for Solid Ground, a project that began as private writing during a season of pain and reflection and slowly evolved into a message meant to serve others. Together, we explore how the words we speak to ourselves shape our leadership, our decisions, and ultimately, the direction of our lives.

This episode is especially for anyone who feels stuck, hesitant, or held back by doubt and knows it’s time to think differently.

About the Book (Coming Soon)

Where Are My Feet? Searching for Solid Ground is Paul Carlson’s debut book and is currently in the final stages of publication. The book centers on personal responsibility, faith, and learning to stand firm in the present moment especially when life feels uncertain.

For book updates, reflections, and what’s next in the journey, you can follow along here: www.carlsontx.com

Official launch details will be shared soon.

More about Paul: 

Paul Carlson is a sales leader, consultant, baker, and first-time author with 20+ years guiding and coaching individuals and organizations across manufacturing, sales, technology, and software. His debut book, Where Are My Feet? (coming soon), explores personal growth, faith, recovery, and finding stability in uncertain times. He is also developing Leadership Without Walls, a project helping leaders build stronger, more unified teams.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitalconstructionsolutions/

Subscribe to Thinking That Matters and leave a review to help more listeners cultivate thinking that leads to a life and career that truly matter.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

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Is it really too late or is that just a story you’ve been telling yourself?

In this powerful episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Dr. Oni, a family and obesity medicine physician and founder of Zelos Direct Primary Care, to explore how mindset, faith, and thinking patterns shape both our lives and our health.

Dr. Oni shares her remarkable journey from Nigeria to Canada, the Caribbean, and the United States, and how she became a medical doctor after years of believing the dream had passed her by. This conversation dives deep into limiting beliefs, small thinking, and why vision matters more than circumstances.

• Why the belief “it’s too late” keeps so many people stuck
   
• How mindset directly affects health, healing, and outcomes
   
• The powerful connection between thinking, faith, and action
   
• Why there is no failure in obedience, even when the path feels risky
   
• How to choose vision over sight when life doesn’t make sense
   
• What nine years of practicing medicine has taught Dr. Oni about the mind–body connection
  
   

If you’re:

• Questioning a dream you once had
   
• Feeling stuck in a safe but unfulfilling season
   
• Navigating uncertainty, change, or a major decision
   
• Curious how mindset impacts both success and well-being
  
   

This episode will challenge how you think and help you see what’s possible when you stop shrinking your vision.

Direct Primary Care offers affordable, personalized care especially for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Visit the website or schedule a free meet-and-greet to learn more. www.zelosdpc.com

About Dr. Oni: 

Dr. Omomengbe Oni, MD, DABOM, is a family and obesity medicine physician and the founder of Zelos Direct Primary Care in McKinney, Texas. With a career spanning from process engineering to diagnostic imaging prior to pursuing medicine, After years of watching traditional healthcare rush patients, she built a practice grounded in time, compassion, and whole-person wellness. Dr. Oni is passionate about helping women and families understand their bodies, prevent chronic disease, and feel truly cared for. Her faith, her own journey through burnout, and her belief in patient-centered medicine guide her mission to restore joy and dignity to healthcare.

Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. And please, leave a review to help more people discover the show. 

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a special year-end episode of Thinking That Matters! In this episode, I’m reflecting on the Top 10 most-listened episodes of 2025.

This isn’t just a countdown. It’s a look back at the conversations that resonated most deeply, stories of faith, resilience, purpose, leadership, and what it really means to live a life that matters.

Below is a breakdown of each episode and when it appears in the conversation.

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – #10 |A Teens Battle Against Long Covid and Chronic Illness with Karis Hill

03:00 – #9 | When Success Isn’t Enough, Finding Purpose Beyond Achievement with Scott

04:50 – #8 |Letting Go of Titles and Finding True Significance with Sarah Neale

06:50 – #7 | Connecting Passion to Purpose with Dr. Stephanie Robinson

08:40 – #6 | What Theater and Storytelling Teach Us About Life with DeAnna Stone

10:50 – #5 | Turning Pain into Purpose, Finding Hope After Loss with Erica Vedane

12:50 – #4 | How Creativity Fuels Growth with Andrea Holmes

15:40 – #3 | Taking Jesus to School, How Educators Can Live Their Faith Without Compromise with Dr. Jackie Minor

18:30 – #2 | Overcoming Grief and Finding Hope Through Faith with Deanna Dotson

20:50 – #1 | Feeling Stuck? How to Break Through and Build Success with Katherine Gold

23:40 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

I’d love for you to share your favorite episodes, leave a review to help extend the reach of the podcast, and stay connected as Thinking That Matters heads into an exciting new season in 2026.

Because when you cultivate thinking that matters, you truly live a life that matters.

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by rising health insurance costs or wondering if there’s a better option for you?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with longtime friend and insurance expert Steve Stump to break down what’s really happening in the world of health coverage and what you can do about it.

Steve shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, including the shocking costs he faced when going out on his own. That experience sparked his passion for helping business owners and self-employed professionals navigate health insurance without overpaying or settling for options that don’t fit their needs.

Together, we explore:

• Why ACA subsidies are changing and how it affects your premiums
  
   
• Options beyond the ACA marketplace, including underwritten plans for healthy individuals
  
   
• How direct primary care can work alongside non-ACA plans to save money
  
   
• Common misconceptions and limiting beliefs that keep people from exploring alternatives
  
   
• The importance of mindset and being proactive in making decisions about your health coverage

Schedule your free, no-obligation insurance review today! Visit https://insuremesteve.us/

 

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your health insurance, this episode will give you clarity, actionable strategies, and the confidence to make informed choices.

🎧 Tune in and discover how to take control of your health insurance options and protect your business without breaking the bank.

Get to know Steve: 

Steve is a proud father to his adult daughter and a dedicated insurance agent, helping people protect what matters most whether it’s home, auto, health, or life insurance. His career gives him the freedom to work from anywhere and on his own terms, allowing him to balance professional success with personal priorities.

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the voice that keeps telling you “you’re not enough” has been wrong all along?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth sits down with Terri Martinez, a wife, mom, ya-ya, connector, entrepreneur, and community outreach leader. Terri shares her journey of rebuilding confidence, overcoming limiting beliefs, trusting God through dark seasons, and discovering her purpose through connection and service.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the fear of stepping into something new, Terri’s story will strengthen you.

• How to recognize and overcome limiting beliefs that keep you stuck
   
• Practical ways to build confidence in an unfamiliar industry or new season of life
   
• Why your support system matters and how to surround yourself with the right voices
   
• How faith played a role in Terri’s escape from domestic violence and her path to restoration
   
• The mindset shift that helps you silence the negative voice in your head
   
• The power of positive affirmations and the ones Terri uses daily
   
• Why becoming a “connector” can transform your personal and professional life

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Terri’s Mary Kay Business- marykay.com/terri.martinez
• Diana Health – Women’s Healthcare Practice- HeyDianaHealth.com

Books Referenced:

• Who Not How — Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan
   
• Battlefield of the Mind — Joyce Meyer
   
• Transform My Thinking, God — Elizabeth Mahussai

If this episode inspired you, follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review.

Get to know Terri:

Terri Martinez is a proud wife, mom of two, and devoted “ya-ya” to her seven-year-old granddaughter. She balances a full-time career, runs her own part-time business, and still finds time to support friends on the weekends. Terri thrives on connection—helping others discover who they are, who they can become, and how to grow into their purpose. Her life is full, busy, and rooted in service, resilience, and heart.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the limitations you’ve believed about your age, body, or health were never true?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth sits down with Monica Steiner, fresh off her incredible performance at the 28th Miss Natural Olympia in Las Vegas, where she earned two gold medals and a silver. Monica shares her inspiring journey in natural bodybuilding and reflects on her decades-long involvement with the INBA/PNBA, including her 2019 Hall of Fame induction.

Monica gives an inside look at the world of natural bodybuilding—why competing drug-free matters, how the sport promotes longevity, and the mindset needed to achieve peak performance. She also shares her global “fit family,” her decision to keep evolving in the sport, and the passion that drives her success.

Key Takeaways:

• Returning to the stage at 60 and winning two gold medals
  
   
• Transformational story of a teen athlete with cerebral palsy becoming a competitive bodybuilder
  
   
• The difference between “cheat meals” and “treat meals”
  
   
• How natural bodybuilding supports long-term health
  
   
• The dangers of weight-loss shots and quick fixes
  
   
• Why mindset shapes physical outcomes
  
   
• The philosophy of finding your “fit for purpose”
  
   

Whether you’ve struggled with yo-yo dieting, feel too busy to prioritize your health, or think “it’s too late,” Monica’s story will inspire you to rethink your body, your habits, and what’s truly possible.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• INBA/PNBA Natural Bodybuilding Association: https://inbapnba.com
• Mr. & Ms. USA Natural Bodybuilding Show (Allen, TX)
• Book Mentioned: Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson

Get to know Monica:

Monica Steiner is a Ms. Natural Olympia, 3X INBA/PNBA World Champion, and Hall of Fame inductee with over 30 years of experience in wellness, fitness, and communications. A black belt martial artist, executive fire-walking instructor, and bodybuilding judge, Monica is known for pushing boundaries and inspiring others to overcome theirs.

Formerly a Spanish-language news reporter and News Director for Univision Dallas, she now trains Fortune 200 leaders in corporate communications. Through her Business Health LAB and Lifestyle Solutions Program, Monica helps people boost energy, productivity, and long-term health by aligning fitness, nutrition, and mindset.

Monica’s mission is simple: empower others to be fit, feel strong, and live fully on purpose.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaJSteiner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitforpurposemonica/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasteiner1

Website: https://www.monicaslifestylesolutions.com/

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the weaknesses you try to hide are where God wants to show His strength? 

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, attorney Jin Shin shares his journey from South Korea to South Africa, through military service, law school, and into a calling much bigger than himself.

Jin opens up about moving from fear to purpose, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to step into calling even when he felt unqualified. He shares practical ways to find confidence, rely on God daily, and embrace the courage to say yes to what you’re meant to do.

Scriptures referenced include:

•  Joshua 1:9
• Isaiah 50:4
• Philippians 4:8
• 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Moses’ story in Exodus 4

Get to know Jin Shin:

Born in Korea and raised in South Africa, Jin Shin is now a first-generation immigrant building a family in McKinney, Texas, where he is a proud father of two boys. He is an attorney at Clark Hill, representing employers in all matters related to employment law, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation claims, wage and hour disputes, and restrictive covenant issues. Jin is also passionate about mentoring students and law students.

Connect with him:

• eMail- [email protected]
• LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinseockshin/

Subscribe to Thinking That Matters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to walk boldly in their calling.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you combine a heart for people, a lifetime of hard work, and a belief that you’re capable of more than you think?

In today’s episode of Thinking That Matters, I’m joined by my Leadership McKinney classmate and friend, Dana Stillwell, Senior Development Liaison for the City of McKinney- someone whose story reminds us what it looks like to lead with intention, humility, and purpose.

If you’ve ever felt stretched between expectations, communication challenges, or the pressure to “figure it all out,” Dana offers a refreshing perspective. This conversation will help you rethink how you lead, how you work with others, and how you anchor your decisions in what genuinely matters.

• How Dana coordinates massive, high-profile city projects with clarity and calm
• The leadership lessons she learned growing up in her family’s small-town radio station
• Why “time is money” became a core belief- and how it shows up in her work every day
• How faith and loss shaped her values, her focus, and her compassion for people
• The mindset that keeps her steady when customers are frustrated or communication breaks down
• Why listening more (and talking less!) may be the most transformative leadership tool you have
• How thinking that matters naturally guides us into doing what matters and loving what matters

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to move from potential to performance and lead with authenticity, not ego? 

In this episode, Crispin Thompson, founder of The Leadership Studio, shares 30+ years of leadership experience, mindset shifts, and practical tools that turn good managers into impactful leaders.

Learn how to overcome imposter syndrome, let go of perfectionism, and communicate with honesty and influence. Discover why self-reflection is your greatest growth tool, and how empathy and authenticity build stronger teams than authority ever will.

Whether you’re finding your leadership voice or striving to balance confidence with humility, Crispin’s insights will help you lead with intention, clarity, and impact.

Get to know Crispin Thompson:

Crispin is a seasoned executive and leadership development expert and founder of The Leadership Studio - a boutique leadership development firm based in San Antonio, TX with national reach. He has close to 30 years' experience leading in tech and coaching current and emerging leaders across sectors. His passion is really to help people unlock their potential, sharpen their influence, and lead with intention. Whether it is keynotes, leadership programs, or direct 1:1 coaching, he has built his reputation for being direct, empathetic, and focused on tangible growth. They have built AI powered tools to help strengthen their coaching and provide on-going, real-time feedback!

Connect with them:

• Visit The Leadership Studio: https://leadership-studio.com
• Connect with Crispin Thompson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/crispinthompson/
• Connect with  The Leadership Studio https://www.linkedin.com/company/theleadershipstudio
• Email: [email protected]

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What would happen if you realized that everything you were chasing success, money, influence still left you empty inside?

In this powerful episode, Elizabeth sits down with Scott, a man who walked away from worldly ambition to pursue something eternal. From his early years in New Orleans to a life-altering moment at Texas A&M, Scott shares how he went from running from God to running toward Him with everything he had.

Discover how he and his family now dedicate their lives to reaching the unreached - 1.77 billion people who have never heard the gospel—and how you can take your own next step of obedience, whether that means praying for someone, starting a conversation, or deepening your walk with God.

You’ll gain insight into:

• How to overcome limiting beliefs and step into a new identity in Christ
   
• The biblical “Four Fields, Five Parts” model for disciple-making
   
• Why small steps of faith matter more than grand gestures
   
• What it truly means to live with an eternal perspective
  
   

This conversation will stir your heart, challenge your priorities, and remind you of what truly matters.

 Learn about disciple-making at noplaceleft.net! https://noplaceleft.net/

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who’s searching for purpose or struggling to take their next step of faith. Your share could be their turning point.

__________

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Ready to shift the way you think and lead?

Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership.

👉 Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.