This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

By supposedtobeeasy

Your go-to podcast for connection, joy, and a good dose of laughter. Hosted by 2 friends who’ve seen enough of life to know that it’s never as simple as it sounds (or looks), each conversation cele

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FAQs about This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast:

How many episodes does This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 54 episodes available.

This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast episodes:

January 07, 2026S2 Episode 44: We Thought Bringing in the New Year and Setting Intentions Would be Easy
It’s officially 2026, and we’re starting the year the way we love best, together. Amy and Cheryl are joined by two of our favorite returning guests, Dr. JoDell Heroux and Dr. Holly Hoffman, for a warm, funny, and unexpectedly grounding conversation about intention-setting, growth, and how we want to show up in the year ahead.
This episode feels like a cozy “book club meets reflection circle,” full of laughter (including orange peels that are not pizza), gentle wisdom, and questions you can take with you into the rest of the year.
Guest introduction
Dr. JoDell Heroux returns with her signature blend of insight, honesty, and heart, sharing what it looks like to live in your values, make space for creativity, and reject the pressure to always be productive.
Dr. Holly Hoffman brings her joyful, connection-first energy and reminds us that meaningful relationships can be found everywhere, even on a flight when you didn’t pay to pick your seats.
Key topics and takeaways
A question to start your year: What’s something new you want to learn or try in 2026?
Creativity as care: JoDell shares how doodling became a mindfulness practice, and how giving yourself permission to create (without producing) can unlock new energy and ideas.
The power of “unproductive” moments: Quiet drives, clay play, doodles, rest… and how those things can make us more connected and more present.
Travel dreams and “homebody eras”: New Zealand kindness foundations, Sweden/Finland/Estonia adventures, Ireland and Scotland dreams, and the very real joy of staying home with your dogs.
Reflection across the year: What are you proud of from 2025, and what do you hope you’ll be proud of when 2026 ends?
Values in action: Living in alignment with your core values can create contentment, clarity, and a deeper sense of balance.
How do you want others to feel after interacting with you? The group shares intentions like valued, important, authentic, and truly connected.
Memorable lines (quotes)
“The more we take time to be what we would consider unproductive, the more productive we end up being.”-JoDell
“I want people to feel valued… like their time, their brilliance, their person was valued.”- JoDell
“I want them to know that they’re important… their ideas, their presence is important.”- Holly
“Somebody in my presence would feel like they could be exactly who they are, and that that’s okay.”- Amy
“How can I bring time back in and offer it to others?”- Cheryl
A challenge for the week
Pick one question from this episode and write your answer down, no overthinking, just honesty.
Try one of these:
What’s something new you want to learn or try this year?
Where is somewhere new (or different) you’d like to go, or how do you want to experience “home” differently?
What do you want to be proud of when this year ends?
How do you want people to feel after interacting with you?
Bonus: share your answer with someone you trust, or with us.

Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
Stay curious, stay connected, and keep wondering.
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40min
December 31, 2025S2 Episode 43: We Want Wintering and Setting Intentions to be Easy (Part 2)
As we close out 2025, Amy & Cheryl invite listeners into a gentler way of approaching the new year—one rooted in wintering, reflection, and intention rather than pressure-filled resolutions. Building on last week’s conversation, this episode explores how tools like bingo cards, vision boards, wishes, and “words of the year” can help us move forward without urgency or all-or-nothing thinking. Through stories of seeds, silence, family life, and personal growth, Amy and Cheryl offer permission to slow down, tend to what matters, and trust that even quiet movement is still meaningful progress.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Why traditional New Year’s resolutions often create pressure, guilt, and burnout
The concept of wintering as a season for reflection, rest, and gentle dreaming
Using bingo cards, vision boards, or wishes as flexible intention-setting tools
How breaking goals into “baby steps” can support motivation and self-compassion
Letting intentions stay open-ended so they can grow in unexpected ways
Challenging all-or-nothing thinking (full wins, half wins, and hearts count too)
Creating categories for intentions (rest, relationships, personal growth, energy)
The importance of curiosity when comparing how others approach goals
Making space for quiet—silence, slowness, and reflection—as a form of care
Moving forward without speed, urgency, or a perfect master plan
Memorable Lines & Quotes
“Moving forward doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.”
“Permission to be human gives us permission to show up less than perfect.”
“What if we thought about direction without the speed… yet?”
“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing—sometimes it’s a half-heart.”
“Wintering invites us to tend, not push.”
“Slower movement is still movement.”
“There have to be seasons where it’s not about becoming more, but becoming truer.”
“You don’t have to do everything right now.”
“What do I want to nurture and offer care and attention to?”
Resources & Episodes Mentioned
Episode 42 – Wintering, Rest, and Reflection
Referenced multiple times as the foundation for this continued conversation
VIA Character Strengths Assessment
Discussed in relation to love, learning, wisdom, and shifting priorities
Intention-Setting Tools Referenced
Bingo cards (annual or seasonal)
Vision boards
Wishes rituals
Word of the Year practices
Upcoming Resources
Watch our social media for additional details on categories of rest will be shared via social media and the website
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26min
December 24, 2025S2 Episode 42: We Think Wintering Should be Easy (Part 1)
As the year winds down, Amy and Cheryl explore the idea of wintering, not just as a season, but as a necessary pause. In this first part of a two-part conversation, they reflect on rest, unfinished goals, shifting intentions, and the tension between wanting to slow down and still having responsibilities. This episode is about giving yourself permission to rest, reflect, and soften before deciding what comes next.
Key Topics & Takeaways
What “wintering” means beyond cozy aesthetics
The pull between hibernation and ongoing responsibilities
Reflecting on goals without labeling them as success or failure
Why bingo cards allow for reflection that SMART goals sometimes don’t
How intentions can shift as life unfolds
The importance of rest in creating space for clarity and future direction
Different types of rest and how to identify what you need right now
Letting go of internal criticism and practicing grace during reflection

Memorable Lines
Amy: “Creating some time and some space to not have to produce as much.”
Cheryl: “You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Amy: “I don’t think I failed. I think I reprioritized my time, effort, energy, and resources.
Amy: “When I rest, it gives my brain the space to reflect.”

This Week’s Gentle Challenge
As you listen, ask yourself:
What type of rest do I need right now?
Is it:
Intellectual rest
Emotional rest
Sensory rest
Social rest
Physical rest
Spiritual rest
Mental rest
Choose one area and give yourself permission to lean into it, without guilt, productivity pressure, or needing it to lead somewhere yet. We will be posting ideas for each on our Social Media and website!

Additional Resources
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months by Emma Mitchell
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!
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31min
December 17, 2025S2 Episode 41: We Thought Listening to Holiday Music Was Supposed to be Easy
Holiday music has a way of time-traveling us straight into our favorite memories, whether it’s vinyl spinning in the living room, singing in the car on a long road trip, or turning decorating day into an event. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl talk about the songs that shaped their holiday seasons, the “rules” about when it’s acceptable to start listening, and how music helps us create memories that stick. Plus: holiday concerts, cozy movies, and a listener invitation to help us build the ultimate winter-holiday playlist.
Key topics and takeaways
Why holiday music is so powerful: it connects to our senses and makes memories more vivid (and more retrievable later).
Nostalgia playlists: childhood albums, record players, and the songs that instantly bring you back.
When is it “allowed” to start holiday music? November 1st, day-after-Thanksgiving traditions… and yes, even August (no judgment… mostly).
Holiday decorating as a whole experience: music, rituals, themed trees, and making the work feel worth it.
The “new music vs. traditions” debate: keeping favorites sacred while still letting new songs earn a place in your holiday story.
Holiday concerts & events: Nutcracker, orchestral shows, jazzy Christmas, Mannheim Steamroller, and dream events like Trans-Siberian Orchestra and candlelight concerts.
Holiday movies as mood-setters: from classics like Elf and Home Alone to cozy, predictable Hallmark/streaming movies you can wrap gifts too.
Songs you love… and songs you cannot: the funny (and emotional) stories behind the “skip it immediately” list.
Listener invitation: share your favorite winter-holiday songs, especially from holidays and traditions beyond the ones Amy and Cheryl grew up with, so we can build a community playlist.
Memorable lines
“One of my favorite things about the holidays… is music.”- Amy
“What makes Christmas special to me is that it’s a finite amount of time.”- Amy
“We are saturated in Christmas music.”- Amy
“It’s important to me to be in that top 0.5% of listeners…”- Cheryl
“You’re not watching it because you’re like, ‘What’s gonna happen next?’ You’re watching it because it’s sweet and mindless.”- Amy
“Those times that our senses are engaged, those are those moments when we might remember a moment.” - Cheryl
“I would love for our listeners to share some of their favorites.” - Cheryl

A challenge for the week
Pick one memory you want to strengthen this season and pair it with a song on purpose.
Choose a “signature song” for decorating, baking, driving, or wrapping gifts.
Play it every time you do that activity.
Notice how quickly your brain starts linking the music with the feeling.
Bonus: add one new-to-you holiday song to your rotation and see if it earns a permanent spot.
Additional resources or links
The Art of Making Memories (book mentioned by Cheryl)
We’ll be creating a Winter Holiday Playlist, and we want your favorites!
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!
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37min
December 10, 2025S2 Episode 40: We Thought Psychological Safety at the Holidays Was Supposed to Be Easy
This Was Supposed to Be Easy with Amy & Cheryl
The holidays are supposed to feel magical, connected, and full of ease, but often they come with pressure, unspoken expectations, emotional landmines, and complicated relationships. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl take a heartfelt and humorous look at psychological safety during the holiday season and all the ways it can be challenged. They unpack why the dynamics we grew up with can impact how safe (or unsafe) we feel now, how to recognize when your nervous system is signaling danger, and how to create moments of emotional safety for yourself and the people you love.
Blending research from Amy Edmondson, Brené Brown, and the broader psychological safety literature with lived experience, this conversation offers real talk, permission to breathe, and gentle strategies for navigating family, traditions, and triggers, without losing yourself.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The Myth of “Holiday Ease”
Many adults carry the belief that holidays should feel joyful and effortless.
The pressure to host perfectly, avoid conflict, or keep the peace often leads to emotional overload.
Psychological safety allows people to show up authentically, but holidays often highlight the places where authenticity feels risky.
Psychological Safety in Family Systems
Family is the first place we learn what is safe or unsafe.
Old patterns, roles, and expectations often resurface during holidays because those early relational imprints are activated.
You may regress into “younger you” versions of yourself around certain relatives.
Navigating Triggers & Emotional Overload
Holidays can amplify comparison, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and resentment.
Your body often responds before your brain increases heart rate, irritability, shutting down, or over-functioning.
Recognizing the signs early can help you intervene with self-kindness.
Boundaries & Psychological Safety
You are allowed to say no.
You are allowed to leave early.
You are allowed to create new traditions.
Safety is built through clarity, consistency, and communication not through avoiding discomfort.
Trust, Repair, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Brené Brown’s framework of trust as a set of small behaviors (BRAVING) applies strongly to holiday dynamics.
When trust has been ruptured in relationships, psychological safety will be fragile.
Repairing, when possible, requires honesty, empathy, and accountability.
Rewriting Holiday Narratives
You don’t have to repeat the same patterns you grew up with.
You can choose what “holiday safety” looks like for your adult self.
Traditions that drain you can be retired; traditions that nourish you can be expanded.
Memorable Lines
During a moment of reflection on holiday interactions and relational rupture, Amy shares:
Amy: “That does not feel good. I do not trust that I can be myself around you for whatever reason.”
As Cheryl reflects on what it feels like to prepare for family or community events, she names something deeply relatable about the anticipation we often carry into holiday spaces:
Cheryl: “Those moments will exist where we don’t feel safe to be our true authentic self.”

A Challenge for the Week
Choose one moment this holiday season to intentionally create psychological safety, for yourself or someone else.
Options include:
Setting a small boundary (leaving early, saying no, simplifying plans)
Practicing a self-regulation strategy before a gathering
Naming what you need (“I want this year to feel calm, not perfect.”)
Offering someone else a safety cue (“You’re not alone; I’ve got you.”)
Changing or skipping a tradition that no longer aligns with who you are
Pick one. Make it doable. Let it shift your holiday experience.

Additional Resources
Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety
Brené Brown’s BRAVING framework
Diary of a CEO interview with Brené Brown (Trust & Emotional Literacy)
Polyvagal theory basics (safety cues & nervous system responses)
Tools for emotion regulation and boundary-setting
Links to your previous episodes on authenticity, belonging, and leadership (optional)

References
Edmondson, A. C. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. https://doi.org/10.2307/2666999
Edmondson, A. C., & Lei, Z. (2014). Psychological safety: The history, renaissance, and future of an interpersonal construct. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 23–43. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031413-091305
Brown, B. (2018). BRAVING: The anatomy of trust. In Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts. Random House.
Note: The BRAVING framework originates from Brown’s talks and writing and is most formally published in Dare to Lead. If you want to cite a specific podcast explanation, see below.
Brown, B. (Guest). (2023). Diary of a CEO: Discussing trust, boundaries, and emotional honesty [Audio podcast episode]. In S. Bartlett (Host), The Diary of a CEO.
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40min
December 03, 2025S2 Episode 39: We Thought Letting Go After the Gift Was Given Would Be Easy
In this “oh no I do that” conversation, Amy and Cheryl explore the complicated emotions wrapped up in something that should be simple: giving a gift. From the meaning we attach to presents, to the anxiety of letting go once the gift leaves our hands, this episode dives into the psychology behind generosity, expectations, and the stories we create around what a gift “should” mean.
With personal anecdotes and gentle wisdom, this episode invites listeners to reconsider the way we approach gift-giving and maybe release a little pressure in the process.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The emotional weight behind gift-giving
Giving a gift isn’t always a simple transaction, it can bring up feelings of obligation, identity, or wanting to be understood.
Letting go of control once the gift is given
A gift doesn’t come with rules. Once it’s given, it belongs to the other person, even if they use it differently than you imagined.
The invisible “meaning” we attach to objects
Many of us unintentionally project hopes, expectations, or interpretations onto the gifts we give.
Why generosity is often tied to self-worth
How we give can reveal what we believe about ourselves, our relationships, and what we’re trying to communicate.
The tension between intention and interpretation
Just because a giver sees a gift one way doesn’t mean the receiver will experience it that way, and that’s okay.
Releasing the pressure to make every gift perfect
Gift-giving is about connection, not performance. Imperfection is part of the beauty.
Permission to make gifting simpler
Gifts can be joyful, thoughtful, small, practical, or even easy, if we let them be.
Memorable Lines
“Once you give a gift, it’s no longer yours to manage. That’s the whole point, the letting go is part of the gift.”
“It’s wild how we attach all these emotions to objects, like the gift is holding the relationship.”
“I didn’t realize I had expectations until I saw them not being met. Then I thought, oh… maybe this is my stuff to unpack.”
“Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones that mean the most, because they’re given without an agenda.”
“If the gift becomes a burden to them, that doesn’t mean your intention was wrong. It means they get to choose what they need.”
Challenge for the Week
Give a gift (big or small) with absolutely no expectations attached.
Try this:
Choose something simple or meaningful.
Give it freely, without overthinking.
Don’t monitor how it’s used.
Let the gift go, emotionally and practically.
Notice how the experience changes when you detach from the outcome.

Ways to Connect
Website: https://supoposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: http.//supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcast |Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!
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36min
November 26, 2025S2 Episode 38: We Thought that Trying Some Group Gratitude Games Might Be Fun and Easy!
In this creative episode, Cheryl and Amy explore the idea of thankfulness as a lifestyle and how gratitude becomes even more powerful when shared in community. Together, they dive into playful, accessible, and joy-filled ways to gamify gratitude—from gratitude walks to Pictionary, paper chains, pottery, and meaningful group activities that spark connection. Whether you're looking to deepen your own gratitude practice or inspire your family, workplace, or community, this episode is full of ideas to help you cultivate more joy, awareness, and appreciation every single day.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Thankfulness as a lifestyle rather than a seasonal practice
How gratitude expands when shared with family, friends, coworkers, and community
The impact of intentionally looking for the good
Creative ideas for “Gratitude Games” that bring playfulness into the practice
How gamification can boost motivation and awareness
Using nature, art, and simple materials to create shared gratitude rituals
Revisiting past gratitude to see growth and continuity over time
Building community bonding through activities that recognize each other’s strengths
Gratitude Game Ideas Mentioned
Gratitude Walks / Gratitude I-Spy Hikes
Gratitude Tree
DIY Branch Gratitude Tree
Gratitude Paper Chain
Gratitude Bingo
Gratitude Pictionary
Pass-Around Keepsake Object
Pottery or Creative Keepsakes
Memorable Lines & Quotes
“Thankfulness as a lifestyle… that is the launching pad for this conversation.”
“How can we look for and think about spreading gratitude into our greater community?”
“When we can make a game out of it—especially with other people—it connects us and helps us see things we didn’t realize we were grateful for.”
“You don’t need the tree from Target. Grab a fallen branch and build gratitude right into your space.”
“Any concrete item made by your community becomes a meaningful reminder that even in tough seasons, there is still joy.”
Challenge
Join the Conversation! Have you enjoyed a group or community gratitude game or practice? We’d love to hear about it! If not, which one are you willing to try this week and who are you going to try it with?
Give one of our gratitude games a try and let us know how it goes!
Resources, Apps & Past Episodes Mentioned
99 Walks App
An app Cheryl used to gamify walking by setting goals and earning bracelets as rewards. (no longer in operation)
Episode 34 Referenced:
We Thought Noticing the Good Was Supposed to be Easy
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!
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31min
November 19, 2025S2 Episode 37: We Want the Holidays to Be Easy
When the calendar starts bossing you around, joy taps out, so Amy and Cheryl share how they took it back: trading obligation math for memory-making, flexing dates, and building traditions that actually fit real life.
Key topics & takeaways
Why “the day on the calendar” doesn’t have to rule your plans
Swapping obligation for flexibility (and sanity)
Thanksgiving reimagined: restaurants, leftovers, and low-lift joy
Christmas Day at home: open-door, pajamas, and appetizers all day
New traditions: Christmas Eve movies, turkey trots, Black Friday sister dates
Making room for teens/partners/in-laws, and for people who’d otherwise be alone
The magic question: “What’s the one thing that makes it feel like the holidays for you?”
Moments we loved
“Control is expensive, presence is richer.”
“It’s not the number on the calendar; it’s the people in the room.”
“Our garage becomes the auxiliary fridge. #Michigan”
Challenge for the week
The One-Thing List: Ask each person, “What one activity/food makes it feel like the holidays?” Prioritize those, skip the rest.
Pajama Open House: Appetizers all day, drop-in welcome, no formal meal.
Date Drift: Celebrate with extended family on the nearest low-stress weekend.
Outsource Thanksgiving: Book a restaurant/hotel buffet; play games afterward.
Anchor & Float: Choose one anchored tradition (e.g., Christmas Eve movie) and let everything else float year to year.
Shout-outs mentioned
Turkey trot (walkers welcome)
Christmas Eve movie + Chinese takeout tradition
Matching family pajamas (dog bandana optional… or not)
Note: While we talk about our own family holidays and traditions, we know that it does not fully represent all that people celebrate. Please help us learn more about the holidays that you celebrate and the traditions that you share!
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!
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35min
November 12, 2025S2 Episode 36 We Didn’t Know How Much “Trust” Could Make Joy and Happiness Easier!
Episode description
Fresh off a “Joyful Leadership” workshop, Amy and Cheryl dig into the quiet engine behind joy and happiness: trust. They unpack how trust (or the lack of it) shows up at work, in partnerships, parenting, even in how we talk to ourselves. Expect real stats, relatable stories (hello, micromanaging), and practical ways to build, rebuild, and protect trust without burning out.
Key topics & takeaways
Trust turbocharges wellbeing & results. In high-trust environments: 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, 106% more energy, 76% more engagement, 40% less burnout, and 13% fewer sick days (stats cited in episode from workplace happiness research).
Micromanaging = “I don’t trust you.” Surveillance, keystroke tracking, or over-prescribing the “how” erodes autonomy and joy, and people either disengage or leave.
Parallel at home: Treat partners as partners (not “babysitters”). Let different but safe approaches stand; over-functioning is exhausting and signals mistrust.
Teens & trust: Pushback is developmentally normal; assume capability, set clear boundaries, and notice where cultural scripts (“you can’t trust teens”) bias your lens.
Repair beats rumination. One breach can outweigh many positives. Own it fast, name impact, and map concrete repair steps; rebuilding takes repeated trustworthy moments.
Five ways to build trust (daily):
Be honest (including “I don’t know”).
Listen with empathy before solving.
Give it time, trust accrues through consistency.
Invest in relationships/belonging (create chances to know one another).
Hold clean boundaries so your yes stays a yes (say no to over-commitment).
Mind the story your brain tells. Use the Brené Brown prompt: “The story I’m telling myself is…” Then check it with the other person before your brain fills the gaps.
Self-trust is practice. Align choices with values, get help when needed (therapy is a green flag), and make your mind a more trustworthy narrator.
Memorable lines
“Control is expensive, at work and in relationships.”
“I’m not micromanaging; I’m guaranteeing the outcome… is still micromanaging.”
“Boundaries make presence possible.”
“Before you spiral, verify: ‘The story I’m telling myself is…’”
Challenge for the week
Pick one trust move and do it twice:
Work: Delegate outcome, not method. Ask, “What do you need from me to succeed?” then step back.
Home: Let a partner handle a routine their way (safety first); say thank you, not “next time do it like…”.
Self: When a fear-story pops up, text or tell the person: “Hey,quick check. The story I’m telling myself is ____. Is that accurate?”
Additional resources / links
Referenced research & ideas:
Meik Wiking’s work on happiness (incl. workplace studies)
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni (trust as the base layer)
Brené Brown & Adam Grant on values alignment and repair (podcast conversations)
Related episodes: Ep.27 Delegation (for anti-micromanaging tactics); Ep 3, 17, 34 Joyful Leadership series
Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and cited research summaries; it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.
Connect with us
Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/
Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible | iHeartRadio
Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy
We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!
...more
44min
November 05, 2025S2 Episode 35: Who Said Co-Parenting Was Supposed to be Easy?
Listener requests for real-life parenting topics led us to a candid conversation with Shannon, a newly divorced mom navigating co-/parallel-parenting with firm boundaries, smart tools, and a lot of self-work. From rewriting a custody agreement and using a parenting app, to protecting her peace (and her daughter’s), Shannon shares what helped, what she’d do again, and what she wishes she’d known sooner. This one’s practical, validating, and full of “copy/paste into your plan” ideas.
Guest introduction
Shannon (“SayItShay05” on TikTok)
Mom to a 10-year-old
Legally divorced in 2022; separation and full boundary-setting journey in 2023
Shares parts of her story (emotional/financial abuse, rebuilding, and co-parenting strategies) on TikTok: @SayItShay05
Key topics & takeaways
Start with safety + assets. First moves: change locks, secure personal/financial accounts, and consult legal/estate planning support.
Custody: ask for everything (then scale back if needed). Spell out specifics you’ll actually enforce: travel permissions, holiday splits, pickup logistics, sleeping arrangements/privacy, medical/education communication, and use of a parenting app.
Know your context better than anyone. Bring cultural/legal nuances to your attorney (e.g., international travel/return risks) and insist they’re written into orders.
Parallel parenting over constant conflict. Different houses, different rules—opt out of fights that don’t improve your child’s wellbeing.
Put communication in one place. A parenting app (e.g., Our Family Wizard) time-stamps messages/expenses, reduces triggers, and creates a clean record for court if needed.
Enforcement matters. Wage garnishment and state enforcement can reduce missed child-support payments and remove you from the reminder/chasing role.
Boundaries save energy later. Holding the line early made medical-crisis coordination possible later—without emotional fallout.
Self-care is strategy, not fluff. Therapy, walks, gardening, and small, finishable projects (hello, DIY patio) helped Shannon think clearly and heal.
Coach the kid without poisoning the well. Be honest at their level, avoid disparagement, and teach skills for spotting/managing gaslighting.
Find your allies. Build a loop of friends/family/professionals who won’t judge and can help you take the next right step.
Memorable lines
“Ask for everything now and give back later—don’t forget to ask for something you’ll need.”
“The app holds everyone accountable— including me.”
“I’m not his secretary anymore.”
“Boundaries up front saved us from conflict when things got hard.”
“Don’t eat the elephant—one scoop at a time.”
Challenge for the week
If this speaks to you, pick one boundary or system you can implement (or tighten) this week. Options:
Move all co-parent comms to a parenting app and stop texting elsewhere.
Draft the specific custody clause you wish you had (sleeping arrangements, holiday rotation, pickup rules) and share it with your attorney for next steps.
Set a personal de-trigger routine (e.g., read messages at set times only; take a 10-minute walk before replying).
Additional resources / links
Shannon on TikTok: @SayItShay05
Parenting app mentioned: Our Family Wizard
Creator referenced: Ugly Truth of Co-Parenting (parallel parenting)
Related episode: Our finances episode with Jeremy (for post-divorce money moves)
Note: This episode reflects personal experiences, not legal advice. Laws vary by state/country—consult a qualified attorney for your situation.
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44min

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How many episodes does This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 54 episodes available.