How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll take that trip… I’ll write that book… I’ll do that thing… someday”? We all assume there’s more time. But what if there’s not?

My guest today, Nesha Pai, knows this truth in her bones. After the sudden loss of her younger sister and her own breast cancer diagnosis, Nesha’s perspective on life shifted in a big way. She’s not waiting for the “right time” anymore. She's living fully, boldly, and right now. And she wants the same for you.

Nesha is the founder of Pai CPA, a speaker, an author, and a woman who has built a beautiful, adventurous life on her own terms. From solo trips to Paris to growing a thriving business, she’s proof that you don’t need permission, or a partner, to live the life you dream of. Warning: Her story is going to light a fire in you to stop putting things off and start moving toward the life you really want.

Resources mentioned:

• Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles: Boldly Claiming the Facets of an Extraordinary Life by Nesha Pai

• Visit Nesha’s website

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• There’s never a perfect time. Waiting until you have more money, more confidence, or the “right” circumstances is just a story we tell ourselves. Start now… even if it’s a small step.

• Tomorrow isn’t promised. Let that reality give you urgency, not fear.

• Feel the fear and do it anyway. Fear means you’re growing. On the other side of that discomfort is joy, freedom, and a stronger you.

• Your dreams are worth it. Whether it’s a Paris sabbatical or writing your book, make a plan, save toward it, and take action. Investing in yourself is never wasted.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

I’m getting real with you about a big life change: I’m buying a condo on my own. What should feel exciting has stirred up all kinds of unexpected emotions: comparison, judgment, and even a little anger. I’ve been wrestling with “what will people think?” and my personal comparison of how I pictured my life at 55, and how it actually looks.

In this episode, I share the mindset shifts that are helping me find peace, gratitude, and even joy in my decision. If you’ve ever judged yourself, or your life, based on appearances, or compared your story to someone else’s, I think you’ll relate.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Don’t judge a book by its cover, especially your own life. The outside doesn’t always tell the truth about the beauty, peace, or joy inside—and yes, that includes condos with faded brown paint.

• Let go of the craving for how life “should” be. Clinging to that imagined version of your life is what makes you miserable, not the reality you’re living.

• Gratitude changes everything. When you focus on what’s good right now and give yourself credit for making wise choices, the voice that worries about other people’s opinions gets a lot quieter.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

We live in a youth-obsessed culture—and the conversation about what it means to grow older, especially as a woman, is more important than ever. That’s why this week, I’m bringing back one of the most impactful interviews we’ve ever aired—with syndicated radio host, speaker, and author Sheri Lynch.

Sheri doesn’t just talk the talk. She stopped coloring her hair on purpose, speaks truthfully about aging in a world obsessed with 25-year-old bodies, and offers a radically freeing perspective on beauty, power, and growing into yourself.

If you’ve been wrestling with the mirror, feeling invisible, or wondering how to age on your own terms—this episode is for you.

Follow Sheri Lynch on Instagram: @sherilynch1

Sheri's website: www.BobandSheri.com

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Aging with confidence begins in your mind. Letting go of negative self-talk and choosing radical acceptance can open up space for peace, joy, and authenticity.

• There’s freedom in redefining beauty on your own terms. Whether it’s gray hair, fashion choices, or Botox with boundaries, you get to decide what feels right for you.

• Time is too precious to waste on self-hatred. Instead of chasing youth, channel your energy into the things that truly matter: self-love, connection, and purpose.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Where are all my people pleasers? If you find yourself overcommitting, saying “yes” when you really want to say “no,” or feeling resentful for doing things you didn’t want to do in the first place—this episode is for you. I'm talking about what I call a guilt detox. I open up about times I overcommitted, resented my choices, and felt terrified of being seen as selfish. I break down where this guilt really comes from and how you can start to release it—so you can say “no” with confidence and “yes” with intention. It's time to let go of the guilt and remember that clarity is kindness.

Some key takeaways from this episode:

• People pleasing is not about others; it’s about your own discomfort with disappointing them. Learn to sit with the temporary discomfort of saying no—you and your relationships will be better for it.

• Guilt isn’t a signal you’re doing something wrong. It often stems from outdated conditioning, especially for women, to be "good" and self-sacrificing.

• When you say “no,” your “yes” means more. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it creates healthier relationships and more energy for what truly matters.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Let’s be honest—dating can feel like a minefield. Especially when you're trying not to fall for the hot guy in cowboy boots who turns out to be a walking red flag. (Yes, that story is in here. And yes, I’m cringing with you.)

In this episode, I’m sharing the new rules of dating I live by—rules I’ve learned the hard way. I talk about what it really means to date from a place of self-worth instead of desperation, how to stop obsessing over whether he likes you, and why it’s time to stop ignoring your own damn green flags. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, tired of ghosting, or tempted to settle, I made this one for you.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• When you know your values and needs, you’ll make better dating decisions. Write them down so when another smooth talker shows up, you don’t get swept away by the charm.

• Stop asking if he liked you and start asking: Did I like him? Let go of that “pick me” energy and remember: you are the prize.

• Chemistry isn’t everything. It’s something, sure—but kindness, consistency, and emotional intelligence are what make a relationship last.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

What if this is the summer of your life—and you’re missing it?

If you’ve ever said no to the pool, the beach, the boat, or the group photo because of how you think you look, this episode is your wake-up call. It’s time to get in the bathing suit. Get in the picture. Get in the moment. This summer is happening right now, and your body, just as it is, is already invited.

Ashley Moser joins us for a powerful conversation about what it really means to feel good in your body. Together, we unpack where our body shame comes from, how to challenge automatic critical thoughts, and why shrinking your body won’t expand your life—but showing up will.

Ashley Moser is a licensed therapist with The Renfrew Center and owner of Next Steps Counseling & Consulting, where she helps people heal their relationship with food, body, and self.

Resources mentioned:

• The Renfrew Center

• Next Steps Counseling & Consulting

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Your body is already a summer body. It exists. That’s enough. The idea that you need to shrink or smooth or hide to be worthy of summer fun is a lie—mostly sold to you by diet culture and the beauty industry.

• If you’re not ready to wear the suit, start with the story in your head. Catch the automatic thoughts (“I look gross,” “I can’t wear this”) and practice replacing them with neutral truths like, “I have a body. It’s here. It lets me live.” That’s a powerful shift.

• Confidence doesn’t show up before the moment, it grows in the moment. Say yes to the invite. Put on the suit. Jump in the water. Show up. You’ll live to make the memory—and maybe even love it.

• Get in that damn photo. These pictures aren’t about your thighs. They’re about your life. Stop cropping yourself out of your own memories.

• Why are we even still talking about what our bodies look like? Your size and shape say nothing about your worth, your wisdom, or your capacity to love and be loved. 

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Living a long life is great. But living a long, healthy, and vibrant life? That’s the goal.

In this episode, I’m joined by the fabulous Dr. Ryan Shelton of Tryon Medical Partners to talk about how to increase your healthspan - the years of your life you feel strong, energetic, and disease-free. We get into the habits that truly move the needle on your energy, longevity, and over-all well-being, and *spoiler alert* none of them involve expensive supplements, fad diets, or becoming a gym rat overnight.

From hydration hacks and exercise tips, to food that actually nourishes you, Dr. Shelton breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how to take better care of your future self… starting now. If you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond and want to feel good in your skin for years to come, this one’s for you.

Dr. Ryan Shelton is a board-certified internal medicine physician at Tryon Medical Partners, where he focuses on preventative care and helping people feel better - now and in the long run.

Resources mentioned:

• Redmond Re-Lyte

• F45 Training

• F45 Training - South End Charlotte

Some key takeaways from this episode:

• If you’re only drinking water once you’re thirsty, you’re too late. Add electrolytes to your morning water to improve hydration and help your body retain fluids more effectively, especially as you age.

• Sometimes meals are boring because they’re good for you. Prioritize meals made at home with whole foods, and plan ahead to avoid defaulting to takeout. You don’t need perfection, just consistency.

• Aim for 150 minutes of movement per week. Blend your minutes with both cardio and strength training to preserve muscle mass, balance, and mobility as you age.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

You’ve seen the memes. The TikToks. The instagram posts. The influencers spinning around in a bikini with an iced coffee and calling it “main character energy.”

But what if I told you that real main character energy has nothing to do with being extroverted or seeking attention - and everything to do with knowing who you are, what you value, and being brave enough to live that out loud?

In this episode, we’re reclaiming what it means to be the main character of your own life. We’ll talk about cultivating confidence from the inside out, setting boundaries (without the guilt), and taking small daily steps that build trust in yourself. This isn’t about being selfish - it’s about showing up in the world with your whole heart and helping others shine while you do.

Whether you’re stuck on autopilot or just feel like you’ve lost your spark, this episode will help you come home to yourself - and take the lead role in the story you’re meant to live.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Define your values. You can’t lead your life with intention if you don’t know what matters most. Get clear on your top five values and let them guide how you show up.

• Build self-esteem by doing esteemable things. Start small. Set daily intentions and actually honor them. Every time you follow through, you prove to yourself that you're trustworthy - and that builds real confidence.

• Main character energy isn’t about ego - it’s about alignment. When you stop living for other people’s schedules, needs, and expectations, and start doing things that make you feel alive, you create a life that feels full, not forced. 

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

I know when you think about your favorite fun things to do, networking is at the top of the list, right? 👀Okay, I know networking is usually awkward and uncomfortable, but my guest Todd Buelow swears it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Todd shares how he built up the skills to network anywhere with anybody, and the incredible opportunities that have come from it, from free international trips to being an extra on a movie set. If you want to get better at connection and find more adventure in your life, this episode is for you! 

Todd Buelow is Co-Founder and Partner at Dualboot Partners, an Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, and 3x Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 Honoree. He lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Links mentioned:

• 10% Happier Podcast | How to Network with Jordan Harbinger

• Charlotte Rescue Mission

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Approach networking as giving, not getting. When you approach the conversation from a place of service, you’ll build a genuine connection that could present amazing opportunities in the future. And if nothing comes from it? You still put tons of value and goodness into the world.

• If you’re shy and trying to meet people, go volunteer in your community. If you choose a cause you’re passionate about, you will meet other people who are also passionate about that cause and you’ll have something in common with them. 

• Be genuinely curious about other people and use that curiosity to drive the conversation forward. You will meet so many interesting and inspiring people this way without falling into the boring small talk conversation starters.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

We all have a little voice in our heads that talks to us throughout the day. Maybe your voice is gentle and sweet and cheers you, or maybe your voice is right there whenever you make a mistake or feel jealousy, reminding you that you’re not good enough. In this episode, I want to explore where that voice is coming from, whether what it’s saying is true, and how you can befriend it instead of fighting it. If you’re tired of your inner critic running your day, this episode is for you!

Resources mentioned:

• Watch Ep. 126: The Booty Call to Self-Love Pipeline

• Self-Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Not everything that you think is true - and thank God for that! Before you try to figure out if your intrusive thought is true or not, first get curious about where the thought is coming from and what exactly triggered it.

• The goal with our inner critic isn’t to shut it down immediately. Actually, befriending that voice instead of fighting it will help it quiet down and not have such a grip on you. What you resist persists. 

• Self-compassion is not the same as making excuses. It is possible to be direct and honest with yourself while doing so with compassion. If you know you’re not making the best choices, you can turn the ship around without bullying yourself about it.

Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you’ll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you. 

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube