A LOT with Audra

What does it actually look like to shed the roles, rules, and expectations that no longer fit — and build something entirely your own? That's exactly what Amanda Mulsow did when she turned 40 in the middle of a global pandemic, a personal health crisis, and a mental health emergency with her daughter. Instead of falling apart, she chose a word, created a mantra, and started rewriting the story she had been living by for decades. Amanda is the founder of Grit Marketing and Strategy, a full-service agency helping small and local businesses grow through intentional, strategic marketing. Her story is one of unbecoming — and becoming more fully herself in the process.HIGHLIGHTS• Amanda's word of the year for 2020 was "life giving" — chosen before the world shut down, it turned out to be exactly what she needed• She developed the mantra "No F*cks at 40" as a declaration to stop living for other people's opinions and expectations• How COVID became an unexpected reset and opportunity for deep personal growth and self-investment• The power of building your tribe — why community is the second lever alongside personal development• A peer resource specialist's advice that changed Amanda's inner dialogue: "You would never talk to anybody else the way you talk to yourself"• Why a solo retreat is one of the most powerful tools for quieting outside voices and getting clear on who you are and where you want to go• Amanda's MS diagnosis in 2017 and how it forced her to finally prioritize rest and recovery• The farm upbringing that ingrained "always be productive" — and the leaders who helped her unlearn it• How three friends in one week told her she had "grit" — and how that became the foundation of her business name and brand• GRIT as an acronym: Growth Requires Intention and Tenacity• Why starting her own agency gave her deeper empathy for her clients and made her feel lighter, happier, and more confident• The value of embracing an experimental mindset: "I don't fail — I learn"• Perfectionism as a daily practice to rewrite — and why embracing a hobby you're bad at (hello, golf and watercolors) is a surprisingly powerful toolCHAPTERS0:00 – Introduction1:03 – Meet Amanda Mulsow2:21 – Turning 40 in Chaos4:05 – Life Giving Boundaries5:09 – COVID Reset and Growth10:33 – No F*cks at 4013:24 – Quieting Outside Voices17:49 – Rewrite the Rules20:45 – Pressure on High Achievers21:47 – Motherhood and Boundaries22:58 – Modeling Rest for Kids24:07 – Blocking Time to Recharge26:28 – Starting Grit Marketing29:15 – Rebrand and Upleveling30:02 – Live Boldly, Take Risks33:15 – New Identity as Owner34:51 – Failure, Learning, and Regret38:39 – Rewriting Perfectionism39:44 – Hobbies That Teach Imperfection41:16 – Closing Thanks and GoodbyeRESOURCES MENTIONED• The Hive (https://thehivewichita.com/) — the women's community Amanda joined during COVID for connection and support• Grit Marketing and Strategy (https://gritmarketingks.net/) — Amanda's full-service marketing agency for small and local businessesWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you waiting for permission to chase what makes you come alive? Maybe you've convinced yourself you need more time, more certainty, or more proof that your curiosity is worth following. But what if the real work isn't in achieving—it's in cultivating the conditions for growth?Kelly Jackson Crabb, author of Beyond the Bloom, joins me to talk about courage, second chances, and the messy beauty of blooming right where you are. Through the lens of her cut flower garden, Kelly shares hard-won lessons about brave starts, the pressure to always be productive, and why slowing down might be the most radical act of all.Highlights• Why Beyond the Bloom is part memoir, part pep talk—and definitely not just a gardening book• The emotive response that became Kelly's breadcrumb to starting a cut flower garden• How turning 50 shifted Kelly's relationship with "shoulds" and freed up energy for what truly matters• What we lose when we tie our worth to being in bloom all the time (hint: our humanity)• The surprising introvert revelation that changed how Kelly shows up in relationships• Why cultivating your life is more about preparing the soil than forcing the bloom• Kelly's decade travel tradition and the sacred significance of seeing monarch butterflies in Mexico• The permission to try things simply because they make you come alive—even if you're bad at themChapters[0:00] Introduction[1:04] Brave Starts Quote[3:16] What Beyond the Bloom Is[5:38] Why She Wrote It[9:40] Curiosity Versus Distraction[12:19] Pressure to Always Bloom[17:01] Goals and Cultivating Life[19:20] Letting Go of Shoulds[25:52] Slowing Down and Success[28:30] 50th Birthday Monarch Trip[31:18] Decade Travel Reflections[33:15] Final Takeaways and Where to Find HerResources• Beyond the Bloom by Kelly Jackson Crabb• The Lost Kitchen with Erin FrenchConnect with Kelly Jackson Crab:Instagram: @IamKellyCrabbLinkedIn: Kelly Jackson CrabbWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you speeding up or slowing down? That simple question from a fellow entrepreneur mama stopped me in my tracks and sparked something big. We're either pushing the gas pedal, hitting the brakes, or keeping things on cruise control—but here's what nobody tells you about growth: it's supposed to feel uncomfortable. That pit in your stomach? The sweaty palms before you hit publish? Those aren't red flags—they're green ones. I'm sharing why I carry deodorant everywhere (seriously), what my 80-year-old self taught me about courage, and how to pace your growth without burning out. Because growth isn't about becoming someone else—it's about becoming more fully who you were created to be.Highlights• A chance encounter sparked a powerful question: Are you speeding up or slowing down this year?• Why discomfort is actually a green flag for growth, not a red one• The importance of building "one sweaty moment" into your week• How to balance growth with recovery based on your capacity• The Santa Fe retreat experience and learning about emotional agility• Why asking "What would my 80-year-old self want me to do?" changes everything• Growth makes us feel alive, but we don't have to grow in every seasonChapters0:00 - Speed Up or Slow Down1:43 - Why We Crave Growth3:28 - Discomfort Is a Green Flag5:28 - Create One Sweaty Moment6:21 - Pace Growth and Recovery9:28 - Santa Fe and Emotional Agility11:32 - Ask Your 80 Year Old SelfWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What happens when your five-year-old asks, "When can you retire?" and it forces you to reconsider everything? Today's guest, Bryan Steele—the producer of this podcast—shares the story of how that single question from his daughter revealed a profound truth: the corporate path he'd carefully followed wasn't creating the life he actually wanted. After 15 years as an aerospace engineer, Bryan found himself building a recording studio in his basement, falling backwards into podcasting, and eventually making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship. We talk about following breadcrumbs from music to recording to podcasting, setting financial milestones before leaving corporate life, and creating the freedom and flexibility he'd been chasing all along. If you're feeling the tension between the life you're living and the life you want, or if you've been ignoring those creative side quests that keep calling to you, you'll want to hear this conversation.HIGHLIGHTS• The moment Bryan's daughter asked when he could retire—and how her simple question revealed he needed to change everything about his career path• Why Bryan built a recording studio in his basement while working full-time as an aerospace engineer• How Bryan accidentally fell into podcasting through Wichita State basketball in 2014• The two milestones Bryan and his wife set before he could leave his corporate job: becoming debt-free and building a two-year financial cushion• Why tearing his ACL delayed Bryan's entrepreneurial leap but didn't stop it• The 13-year timeline from first creative exploration to full-time business owner• How Bryan balanced side hustle work while staying present for coaching his kids' sports teams• The "putting ideas in amber" strategy for managing creative distractions without losing focusCHAPTERS[1:03] Introduction and Welcome[1:53] Engineering Success Path[3:46] Big Company Machine[4:46] Redefining Success[6:24] Values Misalignment[8:58] Creative Roots Return[9:42] Basement Studio Side Hustle[10:50] Falling Into Podcasting[12:45] Breadcrumbs To Business[14:33] Daughter's Retirement Question[18:04] Building Time Boundaries[20:31] Outsourcing And Support[21:50] Outsourcing Home Tasks[22:12] Debt Free Milestones[24:03] Building a Safety Net[25:25] Torn ACL Setback[27:21] From Studio to Full Time[29:19] Following Breadcrumbs[30:52] Ideas in Amber Method[32:17] Launching Side Hustle Dad[34:15] Why It's for Dads[35:17] Mindset Strategy Tactics[35:47] Where to Listen and Wrap UpRESOURCES• The Side Hustle Dad Podcast - Bryan's new podcast launching to help dads create flexibility and freedom through side businesses; www.thesidehustle.dad• Forge Podcast Co. - Bryan's podcast production company; www.forgepodcast.coWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the key to lasting success isn't perfect execution, but a willingness to experiment and iterate? As entrepreneurs, we're constantly bombarded with advice—some brilliant, some misaligned—and it can feel overwhelming to know which path to take. I'm sharing the mindset shifts that have helped me navigate the uncertainty, the comparison traps, and those moments when you're standing at the edge, wondering if you should keep going or burn it all down. This is about building something that feels aligned with who you are, not just impressive on paper.Highlights• Entrepreneurship is an experiment, not a performance—mistakes become data, not shame• "Good" advice isn't always the right advice for you; alignment matters more than credentials• Stop abandoning your strengths in pursuit of someone else's version of success• The edge is where growth lives, but you need self-awareness to navigate it safely• Surround yourself with "wow people" who expand your vision, not just "how people" who focus on logistics• Identity expansion is the real work—becoming someone who can take risks and adjust in real time• Joy isn't at the finish line; it's in the messy, brave journey of becomingChapters[0:00] Introduction[1:02] Entrepreneurship as Experiment[2:17] Iterate Not Inconsistent[2:39] Advice Is About Fit[4:50] Stop Abandoning Your Strengths[6:46] Finding Your Edge[7:54] How People vs Wow People[9:56] Identity Expansion and Bravery[10:40] Resilience Contract ClosingWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the key to becoming a better leader isn't learning more skills, but simply becoming more yourself?I sit down with leadership coach Jeana Marinelli for an honest conversation about the journey from "good girl" to authentic leader. We explore how women are conditioned to disconnect from their inner knowing, the physical sensations that signal something needs to change, and why the path to leadership starts with self-awareness, not achievement. Jeana shares her own story of walking away from medical school, finding her calling in Italy, and learning that becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. We also talk about the tools that help us disentangle from societal expectations—therapy, coaching, movement, and community—and why the answer is almost always in the gray, not black and white.HIGHLIGHTS• The early signs that something isn't working often show up as physical sensations in your body—tightness in the chest, restlessness, discomfort• Society, education, and the "good girl complex" systematically disconnect us from our inner knowing• Movement and somatic work are powerful tools for reconnecting with your body's wisdom• Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself—it's that simple and that difficult• The stories we tell ourselves are often binaries that hold us back; nothing in life is truly black and white• If you can't do something perfectly, the temptation is not to do it at all—but the messy middle is exactly where we should show up• Standing at the edge of change means you've already begun the change processCHAPTERS[0:00] Introduction[2:15] Early Signs of Something Not Working[5:05] The Good Girl Complex and Socialization[7:59] Therapy and Personal Growth[11:46] Leadership and Becoming Yourself[18:37] Navigating Life's Decisions[32:26] Final Thoughts and Upcoming PlansRESOURCES MENTIONED• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom• Beverly Daniel Tatum's work on "smog" and socialization• Come to the Edge poem by Christopher LogueCONNECT WITH JEANAWebsite: https://jeanamarinelli.com/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What happens when you finally stop pretending to be fine? When you peel back the layers of people-pleasing, workplace masks, and self-abandonment, what's left? This conversation explores the messy, beautiful work of radical honesty—not the loud, dramatic kind, but the quiet, everyday practice of telling the truth to yourself first. Through the lens of Alison Espach's novel The Wedding People, Amber Dunn and I unpack what it means to stop performing, start listening to your body, and create safe spaces where you can show up fully as yourself. Whether you're navigating workplace dynamics, cycle syncing, or simply trying to ask for what you need, this episode is an invitation to stop abandoning yourself and start living aligned with who you really are.Highlights• The difference between radical honesty and just being honest—and why the softer approach might be more sustainable• How to identify safe spaces where you can unmask and why you need them to recharge• The workplace trap of "don't let them see you sweat" and what happens when you finally let people see you as human• Cycle syncing, rest as a gift, and why busyness is often a numbing mechanism• The powerful question "Can I have?" and how it opens doors to support, rest, and joy• Self-abandonment: what it looks like, what it costs, and how to stop doing itChapters[1:02] Introduction to Amber Dunn and The Wedding People[1:55] Book Club Discussion: The Wedding People[2:33] Themes of Radical Honesty[4:22] Personal Reflections and Safe Spaces[13:03] Workplace Dynamics and Authenticity[22:00] Self-Abandonment and Personal Growth[28:40] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources Mentioned• The Wedding People by Alison Espach - https://www.alisonespach.com/novels• Brené Brown's Dare to Lead - https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Ever catch yourself thinking you should be further along by now? That quiet fear that everyone else has it figured out while you're still trying to catch up? Here's the truth: being "behind" isn't a personal failure—it's a misdiagnosis. Whether you're hitting a milestone birthday, navigating a career shift, or simply comparing your life to others, that nagging feeling of not measuring up is more common than you think. Let's talk about three powerful tools to help you reframe this story and show up from a place of abundance instead of scarcity.Highlights• Why the feeling of being "behind" often stems from outdated timelines and comparison traps• The power of looking back to recognize how far you've actually come• How to identify who you're comparing yourself to and why it matters• Bill Gates' wisdom on overestimating one-year progress while underestimating decade-long growth• The danger of building a life that works for other people but not for you• Four essential questions to examine your thoughts: Is this true? What else could be true? What am I making this mean? What neutral thought could I choose instead?• Why your 80-year-old self has better perspective than your current anxious mindChapters[0:00] Introduction: Are You Feeling Behind in Life?[1:30] Personal Anecdote: Cooking Misadventures[6:45] Reflecting on Milestones and Progress[9:20] Tool 1: Looking Back[15:45] Tool 2: Looking Up[22:30] Tool 3: Looking Ahead[25:15] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources Mentioned• Super Simple cookbook by Tieghan Gerard (Half Baked Harvest)• How We Feel app• Rachel Hollis podcastWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the thing you use to cope is actually keeping you from truly living? I sat down with Josh Luton to explore his journey from daily drinking to sobriety, and how removing alcohol revealed parts of his life that weren't working—his career, his presence with family, and his disconnection from himself. We talk about the courage it takes to feel your feelings instead of numbing them, why overwhelm is actually rooted in fear, and how small decisions (like buying a sauna) can lead to life-changing transformations. Whether your "thing" is alcohol, busyness, social media, or something else, this conversation will challenge you to get curious about what you're avoiding and what might be waiting for you on the other side.HIGHLIGHTS• Why alcohol (or any numbing behavior) keeps us from feeling discontent in our lives• The connection between overwhelm and fear, and how to get curious about your emotions• How sobriety opened up space for Josh to discover what he actually wanted• The three-year journey from stopping drinking to becoming a full-time entrepreneur• Practical tips for tracking what energizes vs. drains you• Why you don't have to tell everybody everything, but you should tell somebody something• How to live a regulated, honest life by listening to your bodyCHAPTERS[0:00] Introduction to Josh Luton[2:30] Josh's Journey with Alcohol[6:45] The Shift to Sobriety[8:15] Current Life and New Career[14:30] Understanding and Feeling Emotions[20:00] Emotional Sobriety and Internal Family Systems[28:00] The Promise and Reality of Sobriety[32:45] The Impact of Sobriety on Life and Career[34:00] Connecting Sobriety to Entrepreneurship[35:15] Discovering Unfulfilled Aspects of Life[38:30] The Role of Writing in Sobriety[43:00] Exploring New Ventures and Self-Discovery[49:00] Practical Tips for Self-Reflection and Growth[56:30] Living a Regulated and Honest LifeRESOURCES MENTIONED• One Year No Beer - Challenge program for taking a break from alcohol• Laura McKowen - Author of "We Are the Luckiest" (sober memoir)• Julia Cameron - Author of "The Artist's Way"• The Feelings Wheel - Tool for identifying and naming emotions• Josh's Substack: Gone Dry• Josh's Coaching Website: joshualuton.comWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the best decades of your life are still ahead of you? My grandmother has spent her life proving that aging isn't about shrinking—it's about clarifying. From starting her first business in her fifties to becoming a master gardener in her late seventies, she's shown me that life doesn't have an expiration date on growth, reinvention, or joy. Today, she shares the wisdom she's gathered across eight decades: why your forties are transformative, how to stop judging yourself, what it means to be truly present, and why the past doesn't define your future. If you've ever felt like it's "too late" for something, this conversation will change your mind.HIGHLIGHTS• Why the forties are the best decade—and what makes them so transformative• How to learn from your mistakes without living in regret• The connection between judgment and presence (and why you can't have both)• What it takes to build character traits like integrity at any age• Why moving outside your bubble creates exponential personal growth• How to let go of worrying about what other people think• The importance of forgiving yourself—and others• Why women need to stop judging themselves and start saving for their future• What a good life actually looks like: health, presence, and acceptanceCHAPTERS[1:04] - Introduction: Why I'm Not Afraid of Aging[1:58] - What Mattered Then That Doesn't Matter Now[3:50] - The Power of Being Present[7:53] - Remembering the Good Shots: Life Like Golf[9:33] - Seasons That Surprised Her[11:48] - Moving to Atlanta: Starting Over in Your Forties[14:23] - Building Integrity in Your Forties[16:08] - It's Never Too Late: Starting a Business at 50[19:05] - Letting Go of Hesitation and What Others Think[20:26] - What I Want You to Know at 40[21:57] - One Kind Truth for Your Younger Self[23:03] - What to Be Proud Of: Integrity and Acceptance[24:53] - What Women Worry About Too Much[26:17] - What Women Need to Worry About More[26:52] - What a Good Life Actually Looks LikeWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you listening to your body, or just pushing through? Discover how tuning into your physical and emotional signals can transform your leadership, career, and personal fulfillment. Join the conversation with Dr. Rebecca Culver-Turner, a seasoned therapist, educator, and founder, as we explore the power of systems theory, the courage to start over, and the habits that support meaningful change.HighlightsDr. Rebecca’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship and what inspired her leapHow systems theory applies to both therapy and organizational leadershipThe impact of the pandemic and demographic shifts on higher educationRecognizing the physical signs of stress and the importance of listening to your bodyInternal Family Systems therapy and the challenge of suppressing emotions in professional lifeThe three identities: personal, professional, and positional—and how to balance themHabits for personal growth: pausing, journaling, community, and strength trainingOvercoming self-doubt and embracing lifelong learning at any agePractical ways to apply systems thinking to leadership and team dynamicsChapters00:00 – Meet Dr. Rebecca02:21 – Dr. Rebecca's Professional Journey04:02 – Challenges in Academia04:47 – Applying Systems Theory05:30 – Impact of the Pandemic06:48 – The Perfect Storm and Transition08:09 – Listening to the Body10:03 – Recognizing Stress and Seeking Therapy14:13 – Internal Family Systems Therapy15:21 – Suppressing Emotions in Professional Life16:27 – Emotional Agility and Energy Drain17:44 – Identity Shift and Personal Realizations18:31 – Balancing Personal, Professional, and Positional Identities21:15 – Listening to the Body for Professional Decisions22:06 – Finding Joy in Personal and Professional Life23:00 – Listening to Your Body23:35 – Postgraduate Supervision in Therapy24:18 – Journaling and Self-Reflection25:01 – Discovering Professional Joy26:21 – Mental Notes and Casual Reflection27:46 – Balancing Work and Personal Life28:33 – The Importance of Pausing29:20 – Supportive Habits for Personal Growth30:11 – The Role of Community and Connection31:17 – Prioritizing Physical Health32:16 – Starting Over and Lifelong Learning32:57 – Overcoming Self-Doubt35:23 – Applying Systems Theory to Leadership36:19 – Understanding Triangulation in Systems39:28 – Final Thoughts and Contact InformationResourcesCulver Turner Institute: culverturnerinstitute.comDr. Rebecca Culver Turner on LinkedIn: LinkedIn ProfileBook: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté: Amazon LinkBook: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: Amazon LinkMartha Beck (on following joy and authenticity): marthabeck.comDiana Chapman (on professional decision-making and body wisdom): conscious.isSusan David (on Emotional Agility): susandavid.comWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you navigating a season of unexpected change, feeling lost in your roles, or searching for your own definition of success? Discover how one woman rebuilt her life, career, and sense of self after a pivotal turning point, and find inspiration to trust your own inner voice—no matter what life throws your way.Kristen Selby, founder of Timely Executive Assistants and Chief Administrative Officer at The Thread, shares her raw and honest journey through divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering self-trust. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to let go of external expectations, set boundaries, and build a life that feels truly authentic.HighlightsThe moment everything changed: turning 40 and facing an unexpected divorceFeeling like a single mom within a marriage and the challenges of raising three young childrenThe power of boundaries and the “only love in, only love out” philosophyRebuilding self-trust after years of seeking external validationStarting a business against the odds and finding empowerment in adversityLetting go of relationships that no longer serve youParenting through messy times and embracing vulnerabilityAdvice for anyone facing an unplanned life shiftThe importance of agency, self-compassion, and finding your “rainbow colors”Chapters00:00 — Introduction to Kristen Selby02:16 — The Big Shift in 202003:01 — Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life04:03 — Life in Wichita04:46 — Single Mom Within a Marriage06:32 — The Unexpected Divorce08:10 — Rebuilding After the Divorce08:24 — Finding Breadcrumbs of Self14:39 — Rediscovering Self-Trust17:10 — Seeking Freedom and Love18:06 — Building a New Home and Life19:10 — Starting a Business Against the Odds20:03 — Trusting Inner Knowing20:18 — Getting Your Sea Legs20:29 — Becoming Your Own Expert20:58 — Building Inner Trust21:09 — The Importance of Self-Trust21:56 — Facing Hardships with Self-Trust22:48 — Boundaries and Rebuilding23:49 — Support from Friends24:54 — Letting Go of Relationships27:18 — Parenting Through Messy Times28:54 — Homeschooling and Consistency29:28 — Embracing Vulnerability30:23 — Advice to 30-Year-Old Self31:39 — Letting Go of Control32:11 — Dealing with Your Own Issues33:49 — Finding Your Rainbow Colors35:44 — Closing ReflectionsResources MentionedTimely Executive Assistants — Kristen’s business providing fractional executive assistant support: https://www.timelyea.com/We Can Do Hard Things Podcast (Abby Wambach & Glennon Doyle): https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.HighlightsEmbracing aging and the excitement of turning 40Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your fortiesThe inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”Balancing ambition with softness and clarityReflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learningDefining Act Two: living and leading with intentionChallenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of ageInsights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful lifeWhat to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversationsChapters00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 4000:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution04:42 — Reflecting on Act One05:25 — Defining Act Two10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?13:14 — Excitement for the Future14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second ActResources MentionedLean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 ReportMary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second ActIf you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you ready to step into your second act? What if the next chapter of your life isn’t about starting over, but about becoming more of who you truly are? As we close out 2025, I invite you to pause, reflect, and get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a doorway to new beginnings, deeper clarity, and the freedom to design a life that feels like your own. Let’s talk about what it means to embrace change, honor your journey, and boldly step into the next phase with courage, curiosity, and community.HighlightsThe meaning and inspiration behind “the second act”Why turning 40 feels like a recalibration, not a crisisHow to clarify what truly matters and set new boundariesThe difference between proving yourself and believing in yourselfUpcoming interviews with women navigating their own second actsTools, questions, and frameworks to help you build your next chapterHonest behind-the-scenes of my own journey—marriage, motherhood, ambition, and moreEncouragement for anyone feeling behind or uncertain as the new year beginsInvitation to join the written companion on SubstackChapters00:00 — Introduction and Welcome01:08 — Reflecting on 202501:20 — Introducing the Second Act01:58 — Defining the Second Act02:14 — Life’s Timeline and Career Midpoint02:45 — Clarifying What Matters03:18 — The Concept of the Second Act03:50 — Exploring Identity and Skills04:32 — Emotional Agility and Boundaries04:54 — Interviews and Stories05:37 — Coaching and Tools06:09 — Behind the Scenes of My Second Act06:47 — Encouragement for the New Year07:10 — Believing in Yourself08:03 — Looking Forward to 2026Resources MentionedThe Second Act Substack: https://substack.com/@audradinellThank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you feel the second act stirring in you, make sure you’re subscribed and join me on Substack for more. Here’s to turning the page—together.Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.