What To Do When

What To Do When

By Kathleen McBrideEducationSelf-Improvement
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What To Do When episodes

  • 70. You're stuck in an end of year comparison SPIRAL

    Ever feel like the end of the year sneaks up, brings a megaphone, and shouts: “You haven’t done enough!”? As you see other people celebrating their big wins, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison—questioning your progress, your worth, and your future. Suddenly, you’re knee-deep in a spiral of self-doubt and drafting a wild list of ego-driven goals for 2025.

    In this episode, we’re talking about:

    • Why the end of the year feels like a productivity report card.
    • How to recognize when you’re in a comparison spiral—and how to pause it.
    • Why your ego loves a shiny, overachieving to-do list (and why you don’t have to follow it).
    • Practical steps to reflect on this year with compassion and plan for next year with alignment.

    Let’s leave the shame and should-haves behind and enter 2025 feeling grounded and clear.

    22 min
  • 69. you're craving soulmate friendships

    Ever look at other people’s friendships — how close and supportive they are — and get just a little... jealous? Wonder if you’re ever going to have those soulmate friendships like you see on Instagram? SAME.

    In this episode, we spill the tea on how to actually build those deeper, more meaningful connections. We’re diving into the truth about how friendships can make or break our mental health, and why more friends doesn’t always mean better friendships.

    We’ll help you figure out who’s bringing the best energy into your life and how to get real about the energy exchange in your relationships. Vulnerability? Yep, that’s key to unlocking next-level bonds, and we’re here to guide you through it. Let’s be honest — real friendships take effort, and we’re breaking down exactly how to nurture the ones that matter most (without losing yourself in the process).

    Key Takeaways:

    • Friendships are the secret sauce to better mental health and fulfilment.
    • More friends ≠ better friendships.
    • Check the vibe — evaluating the energy exchange in your friendships is a game-changer.
    • Who brings out the best in you? Keep them close.
    • Vulnerability is the glue that deepens friendships.
    • Being your authentic self is how you attract your real people.
    • Friendships will get tested during tough times — it's normal.
    • True friends = support and unconditional acceptance.
    • You deserve standards, even in friendships.
    • Building real connections takes effort, but it’s so worth it.

    16 min
  • 68. you want to build more CONFIDENCE

    In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the world of self-confidence and reveal that it's so much more than just "faking it till you make it." Together, we break down how true confidence is built on a foundation of self-acceptance and authenticity, not perfection or external validation.

    Expect an honest conversation about how societal pressures and media often distort our ideas of what confidence should look like—and why embracing your insecurities is key to discovering your real inner strength. We also shed light on how limiting beliefs can hold you back, and how crucial it is to have a strong support system as you work through them.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Confidence is a journey, not a destination.
    • True self-confidence comes from owning your abilities, not from being perfect.
    • Embracing insecurities is a powerful step toward feeling genuinely confident.
    • Media and society often give us a false picture of what confidence should be.
    • Confidence starts within—it's about how you see yourself, not how others see you.
    • Limiting beliefs can block your path to confidence, but you can overcome them.
    • Support systems are essential to help you navigate insecurities and self-doubt.
    • The journey to self-acceptance is the foundation of lasting confidence.
    • You are worthy of feeling confident, just as you are!

    Join us for an uplifting and eye-opening discussion on building the confidence you truly deserve.


    SUBMIT your “What to do when…” question here and we could be answering it on the next episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/wBKswmyFvFfpH4Vk9⁠

    Connect with Kathleen @kathleen.mindsetcoach

    Connect with Kelsey @bigrigg__

    34 min
  • 67. you're struggling with perfectionism

    In this episode, we dive deep into the roots of perfectionism, how it often stems from childhood experiences and the pressures we all face in today’s world. 

    For many, perfectionism is more than just striving for excellence—it's a coping mechanism, a way to maintain control and protect our self-worth.  

    But as we discuss, there's so much power in understanding where this need comes from, so we can start practicing self-compassion instead. 

    We talk about how inner child work can help you unravel those old patterns and find balance when perfectionist tendencies take over.

    Kelsey also opens up about her own healing journey, sharing how self-acceptance and giving yourself what you truly need can be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. 

    If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism or know someone who has, this episode is full of practical advice, personal insights, and gentle reminders that we’re all a work in progress—and that’s perfectly okay.


    SUBMIT your “What to do when…” question here and we could be answering it on the next episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/wBKswmyFvFfpH4Vk9⁠


    Connect with Kathleen @kathleen.mindsetcoach

    Connect with Kelsey @bigrigg__


    Takeaways:

    Perfectionism often stems from unmet childhood needs.

    It can manifest as a coping mechanism for control.

    Understanding the roots of perfectionism can foster self-compassion.

    Perfectionism can create a false sense of safety and security.

    Healing the inner child is crucial for overcoming perfectionism.

    Self-worth is often tied to external validation and control.

    Finding balance is key to managing perfectionist tendencies.

    Emotional eating can be linked to feelings of control and restriction.

    Praise and self-acknowledgment are essential for healing.

    It's important to focus on personal growth rather than external standards.

    Keywords:

    perfectionism, self-worth, inner child, control, emotional eating, mental health, coping mechanisms, self-development, personal growth, self-compassion

    Chapters


    00:00 Understanding Perfectionism

    01:37 Kelsey's Personal Struggles with Perfectionism

    04:51 Misconceptions About Perfectionism

    08:37 The Need for Control

    11:40 Childhood Influences on Perfectionism

    18:11 The Journey to Authenticity

    24:19 Inner Child Work and Self-Worth

    30:56 Finding Empowerment in Healing

    39:11 Advice for Overcoming Perfectionism




    45 min
  • you're ready to stop people pleasing for good

    We’ve all been there—saying yes when we really want to say no, bending over backward to keep everyone else happy while feeling totally drained ourselves. 🙋‍♀️In this episode, Kelsey and I get real about how people-pleasing has impacted our lives and share all the juicy tips to break free from it!

    In this episode, we chat about:

    • Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up (because vibes matter!) ✨
    • The power of saying no and actually feeling good about it 💪
    • Why sending back a meal or going to the movies solo can help you kick people-pleasing to the curb 🍿
    • How prioritising authenticity and self-care leads to real growth 💖
    • The magic of "expanders"—those people who show you that the life you want is totally possible 🌟
    • It’s time to ditch the need for external validation and start living for you! Hit play on the episode, and let’s say goodbye to people-pleasing, one boundary at a time. 🎧


      SUBMIT your “What to do when…” question here and we could be answering it on the next episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/wBKswmyFvFfpH4Vk9⁠

      Connect with Kathleen @kathleen.mindsetcoach

      Connect with Kelsey @bigrigg__


      47 min
    • your biological clock is TICKING - am I falling behind?

      Ever find yourself panicking about ticking biological clocks, societal expectations, and the feeling of falling behind in life’s milestones?

      You’re not alone. In this week’s episode, Kelsey and I dive deep into these pressing concerns, sharing our own experiences and insights on the journey of getting closer to 30, facing societal pressures, and navigating the complex emotions tied to aging, relationships, and career achievements. 

      We chat about the intense pressure to meet certain milestones by specific ages—getting married, having children, buying a house, and building that dream career.

      And yes, we get real about the anxiety that comes with noticing those first grey hairs and wrinkles. It's all part of the conversation about how we often feel like we’re racing against the clock. 

      Kelsey and I open up about our personal struggles with these pressures and the fear of not measuring up. We discuss how these societal timelines can sometimes overshadow our own desires and values.

      The heart of our conversation focuses on the importance of stepping back from these external expectations and doing the inner work needed to create a life that truly resonates with who we are. 

      We also explore the concept of "quantum leaping"—using imagination and vision to create your own timeline, one that’s less about conforming to societal standards and more about aligning with your personal goals and passions. 

      Our main takeaways? Self-reflection is crucial. Embrace relaxation and self-care. Most importantly, trust in your unique path and the life you’re crafting for yourself. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to tick off all those boxes or stressed about keeping up with a perceived timeline, this episode is for you. Join us as we talk about releasing control, focusing on the present, and finding excitement in your personal journey. Tune in, breathe easy, and let’s navigate this together. 

      If you've got a challenge you're facing in life and want to submit it as a question to be explored on the podcast, submit it below and we could be answering your “what to do when? question” in the next episode.

      https://forms.gle/7pa4hEXXrQtiGGx49

      50 min
    • you've been LOVE BOMBED

      My friends, its Kathleen here - and I almost got LOVE BOMBED for the 3rd time recently. And Kelsey genuinely had no idea what love-bombing was. Let’s dish and discuss all things that is the phenomenon we call, love-bombing.

      Join Kelsey and I as she interviews me on the hilarious experiences I’ve had with love-bombers, including the the raw & honest thing I know I shouldn’t say - but being love bombed felt effing amazing…until it didn’t.

      Let’s laugh and discuss the manipulation tactics and root causes at play in love bombing, all the red flags I missed in the past and how I’ve started to spot them as I’m embarking on my dating adventures.

      SUBMIT your “What to do when…” question here and we could be answering it on the next episode: https://forms.gle/wBKswmyFvFfpH4Vk9

      Connect with Kathleen @kathleen.mindsetcoach

      Connect with Kelsey @bigrigg__

      Keywords

      love bombing, manipulative tactic, intense love, anxious attachment style, false sense of security, manipulation, withdrawal of love, control, love languages, insecurities, signs, boundaries, love bombing, red flags, support system, dating multiple people, discernment


      Takeaways

      • Love bombing is a manipulative tactic where someone comes on incredibly strong at the beginning of a relationship.
      • It often happens to people with an anxious attachment style, who crave intense love and validation.
      • Love bombing can create a false sense of security and intimacy, but it is short-lived and followed by manipulation and control.
      • Recognizing the signs of love bombing and setting boundaries is crucial to protect oneself. Love bombing is a manipulative tactic used by some individuals to gain power and control in a relationship.
      • Having a support system of trusted friends who have your best interests at heart is crucial when navigating the dating world.
      • Dating multiple people at the beginning stages can help prevent falling into scarcity and allow for more discernment.
      • Recognizing red flags and being willing to listen to advice from others can help avoid getting caught in a love bombing situation.
      • 49 min
      • the fear of being seen

        This one is a raw and honest conversation, Kathleen and Kelsey dive deep into the fear of being seen. TW: SA

        We explore the complex interplay between trauma, body image, and self-worth that can fuel the fear of being fully visible. From bullying experiences to the pressures of societal expectations, we unpack the origins of this unconscious fear and its impact on our lives.

        Key takeaways from this episode include:

        • The connection between trauma, body image, and the fear of being seen.
        • How low self-worth can influence decision-making and behavior.
        • The importance of self-compassion and forgiveness in the healing process.
        • Practical steps to embrace vulnerability and step into your authentic self.
        • By sharing their personal stories, Kathleen and Kelsey hope to inspire listeners to connect with their own experiences and begin their journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.


          57 min
        • find your intuition

          I thought my intuition was BROKEN for most of my life because I had NO "gut feel", NO "hell yes" feelings,

          NO super decisive, Morgan Freeman-esque voice in my head telling me what to do 😂
          Turns out, my intuition was just offline as I'd spent years learning to repress it.


          Join Kelsey and I as we talk about the power of intuition, the myths + how to build a true, lasting connection with yours, so you can make decisions based on what YOU truly want in this life instead of living for everybody else.


          Connect with Kathleen on socials @kathleen.mindsetcoach and Kelsey @bigrigg__

          Submit your What To Do When…question here: https://forms.gle/7pa4hEXXrQtiGGx49z


          Learn more about coaching here — kathleenmindsetcoach.com and book in a free connection call here: https://tidycal.com/kathleenmindsetcoach/connect


          57 min
        • dating with an avoidant attachment style

          Imagine someone with an anxious attachment style getting to interview someone with an avoidant attachment style - WELL, this is exactly what this episode is. Kathleen (more anxious) interviews Kelsey (more avoidant) about exactly how she thinks, feels and experiences dating & relationships as an avoidant + all the things she had to consciously work on and change to become more secure in herself and manifest the man + love of her dreams. If you're more avoidant and struggling in the love department OR you've dated/dating an avoidant and have always wondered what goes on in their head - this episode is for you.


          @kathleen.mindsetcoach on FB & Instagram

          Submit your What To Do When…question here: https://forms.gle/7pa4hEXXrQtiGGx49

          Learn more about coaching here — kathleenmindsetcoach.com and book in a free connection call here: https://tidycal.com/kathleenmindsetcoach/connect

          40 min

        About What To Do When

        From the publisher's feed

        For overthinkers, feelers & recovering chill girls.