Explore every episode of the podcast Confessions of a Recovering Micromanaging Perfectionist Martyr
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Rewind #1: Putting Too Much Weight on Weight ā Breaking Free from Decades of Shame | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:04:34 | |
Confessions Teams Up with C2 careāredefined Tuesday, June 24th @ 10:30 AM EST Join a free weekly phone call with like-minded women: To learn more about the call: CLICK HERE On this week's Summer Rewind... Weight gain and self-acceptance can feel at odds, especially when societal pressures linger. In this episode, we explore a new perspective on embracing lifeās changes with compassion. From stepping into family photos to easing self-criticism, this journey is about finding peace with your body at any size. Tune in to discover how self-acceptance can empower us to live freelyāno matter the stage weāre in. | |||
| Wrapping Season 9 - Rest, Rewinds, and a Little Summer Connection | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:05:48 | |
Season 9ādone and dusted! š This wrap-up covers what we learned, whatās ahead, and why āless phone, more restā might be the perfect summer plan. āļøš“ Plus, a sneak peek at a special summer rewind collab with C2 Care Redefined and my dream of bringing guests into the studio. ššļø | |||
| What If the Gift You've Been Waiting For Is Already Here? | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:04:36 | |
Ever feel like your needs are going unmet? š«¤ Samezies. But what if the thing youāre waiting for has already arrivedājust not in the package you expected? šŖš« This oneās about open windows, not just closed doors, Team. | |||
| Present and Positive - How a Simple Gratitude Shift Changed My Whole Day | 30 May 2025 | 00:05:30 | |
Gratitude lists feeling a little... meh? š“ Same. But a tiny tweak to my routine helped me stay more present and positive all day long. š«š From forgetful detours to snuggly surprises, this oneās got heart, humor, and a dishwasher full of reminders. š§¼āØ | |||
| The Ten-Pound Spiral - Settling In vs. Settling for Less | 23 May 2025 | 00:04:05 | |
Ever catch yourself ālast-ten-poundingā your life? š This week, we talk about that slippery slope between striving and settling. A little gym talk, a lot of heart talkāand a birthday-sized dose of perspective. šššŖ | |||
| Analysis - My Secret Weapon for Finding Peace | 16 May 2025 | 00:03:57 | |
Ever find yourself overanalyzing... everything? šāļø Samezies. From night sweats to snoring, I wandered the maze and finally figured out why I do it. Yahoooo! Listen to this week's post to find out š | |||
| What to Look For in a Mother - Lessons From My Mom and Her Friends | 09 May 2025 | 00:03:19 | |
What makes someone feel like a mother to you? This oneās a love letter to the women whoāve mothered us in quiet, powerful ways šāØ Tune in for reflections on friendship, support, and the magic that happens when women show up for one another š | |||
| Forreste Jolicoeur - People Pleasing | 02 May 2025 | 00:04:05 | |
Ever switch bags to keep the peace? šļøš Cousin Forreste shares an honest moment that unpacks way more than just Tupperware. This oneās all about people-pleasing, overthinking, and learning to let go of the need to be liked. Youāll laugh, nod, and maybeājust maybeāditch that extra bag. šÆ | |||
| When Helping Hurts - Knowing Whoās Ready for Healing | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:03:54 | |
Is it our job to help someone heal if theyāre not ready? š¾š This weekās chat with my future-vet daughter got me thinking about boundaries, burnout, and the fine line between being helpful... and being human. š§ š¶ Tune in for a gentle reminder that not every hurting heart is ours to mend. | |||
| Make Me - Being Forced To Do Things I Donāt Want To Do | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:06:40 | |
Some hills are just too steep to climb alone. šāāļøšØ Whether itās a college sprint or a life moment that stops you cold, this oneās about how asking for help (yep, out loud!) might be the bravest, strongest step of all. You donāt have to do the hard stuff solo. š¤š | |||
| Overcorrecting - Caring Too Much About Kidsā Feelings | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:07:08 | |
Ever wonder if weāre swinging too far the other way when it comes to parenting? š¬ Letās talk about choices, feelings, and aunts who smells like mothballsāin a completely loving way. ā¤ļø A little discomfort can go a long way. Come hang with us for a fresh take on raising brave humans. Link from this episode: | |||
| Give Your Kid the Biggest Leg Up In Life - Teaching Manners | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:06:34 | |
Can good manners really give kids a leg up in life? In a world where āpleaseā and āthank youā are becoming rare, weāre diving into how teaching respect and gratitude can open doors for your kids. From little phrases to big life lessons, it turns out that manners matter more than we might think. Curious how? Tune in and see if you agree. | |||
| Does Parenting Get Easier? That Depends on Me | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:05:01 | |
Ever feel buried under your kidsā to-do lists? Letās chat about a little parenting shift that could lighten your load and help your kids grow up a bit faster. In this episode, we explore how letting go of certain responsibilities can make parenting feel a lot easier. Curious about the balance between helping and hovering? Tune in and see if this approach could work for you! Now, if you enjoyed this post, youāll probably like this one too! | |||
| Letting Go of One-Way Relationships - Finding Balance in Connection | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:03:15 | |
Do you find yourself always reaching out but rarely hearing back? Letās talk about one-way relationships and how to find balance without bitterness. In this episode, weāre diving into the tricky art of letting go (without the guilt) and focusing on the connections that truly matter. Ready to feel lighter? Tune in and see if you relate. | |||
| 3 Things to Ask Before Responding or Sending Emotional Texts | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:06:20 | |
Ever felt the urge to fire off a text in the heat of the moment? Yeah, me too. Before you hit send (or reply), letās chat about three simple questions that can save you from potential regretāand maybe even preserve your sanity. Whether itās emotional texts from loved ones or a knee-jerk reaction of your own, this episode is all about pressing pause before texting. Curious? Tune in and see if you relate. Some links from this episode: Other episodes on pausing: | |||
| The Lens of Beauty - Make Your Home Your Sanctuary | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:07:50 | |
What if you didnāt need chaos to justify a pause? In this episode, Christine Toner and Lisa Roche from The Lens of Beauty share a perspective shift that invites more ease, stillness, and beauty into your life. From home spaces to headspaces, they explore how to embrace flow over force and why "making it work" might not be the answer. If youāre craving more calm in 2025, this conversation is for you š§āāļø
Lens of Beauty Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, please check out these Confessions posts too: | |||
| Winter Pace - The Art of Doing Something While Doing Nothing | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:03:41 | |
Winter slows me downāand Iām okay with thatā¦ mostly. But thereās a fine line between restful and restless, and Iāve found a sneaky little way to keep from feeling like a total slug. In this episode, weāre talking about embracing the seasonās slower pace without letting it turn into a guilt trip. Plus, a little multitasking magic to make downtime feel just productive enough. Grab a blanket, hit play, and letās chat. If you need more listening on the topic of restorationā¦ | |||
| Confessions of a Martyr - Falling Off the Wagon | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:03:32 | |
Ever feel like you're stretched too thin? Same. This fall had me questioning my relationship with martyrdom and learning to prioritize my VIPs. In this episode, weāre talking about balancing the people on our "plane of life" without guilt, stress, or overextending ourselves. If youāve ever struggled with saying ānoā or felt torn in too many directions, this oneās for you. Letās chat about protecting our energy while still keeping our connections strong. | |||
| Happy Valentineās Day - The Best Thing I Can Do For Love | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:04:28 | |
Ever notice how some things feel huge in the moment but really arenāt? Same. Over time, Iāve learned that if everything is heavy, nothing is heavy. In this episode, weāre talking about how to lighten up, address issues without the drama, and save our energy for what really matters. Plus, a little humor never hurts, right? Letās figure out how to keep the small stuff small and the important stuff heard. If you liked this post, you might like this one too: | |||
| Expectations - Am I Setting People Up for Failure? | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:05:05 | |
Ever thrown a perfect pass only to watch it drop? Maybe you're passing to a running back, not a wide receiver. In this episode, we dive into expectationsāhow they shape our relationships and sometimes set us (and others) up for failure. With Super Bowl Sunday around the corner, letās take a lesson from football and rethink how we build our teams. Tune in for a fun, eye-opening play-by-play on making the most of the people in your life. If you liked this post, you might like these posts too: | |||
| Complain, Complain - When You Talk To Your Friends, Remember THIS! | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:05:47 | |
Tired of being stuck in the same old box? This episode dives into the art of venting with intentionāshifting from endless complaints to actionable solutions. By tuning into your patterns and taking control of what you can change, youāll feel empowered, not powerless. Tune in for tips on breaking out of those itchy, uncomfortable boxes for good! | |||
| Being A Good Friend - Checking My Motivation | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:03:23 | |
Whatās your motivation when offering feedback? This episode explores how our personal agendas can influence our relationships. Learn how pausing to ask yourself this key question can strengthen your connections, empower others, and keep your friendships rooted in mutual respect. A gentle reminder to listen more, guide less, and build trust. | |||
| Planning Ahead - A Self-Care Hack for After Holiday Mondays | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:03:07 | |
Feeling the Monday holiday whiplash? Letās prep for Take It Easy Tuesday! This episode is your guide to managing expectations after a long weekend. Whether itās laundry, grocery runs, or simply resting, the goal is to keep things light and manageable. Tune in for practical tips to make your reset smooth and guilt-free. | |||
| Trouble Getting Your Ducks in a Row? 6 Steps to Gentle Motivation | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:05:17 | |
Feeling stuck in slow-mo? This episode explores six gentle steps to help motivate without beating yourself up. Perfect for those struggling to "get their ducks in a row," itās about patience, compassion, and baby steps. Whether you're nailing resolutions or binge-watching your favorite series, itās all good. Tune in for tips on shifting perfectionism to progressāwithout the guilt. | |||
| Keely McCarthy - Building Support for Life | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:04:27 | |
Ever feel like you need a little extra support to hit your goals? Join me as I share my cousin Keely Grace McCarthyās take on "scaffolding"āa method to build the framework you need for growth. Letās kick off the New Year with tools that empower us to tackle challenges with grace and grit. This episode is all about creating the support systems that help you thrive. | |||
| Vacation Gone Wild - What Are We Doing to Ourselves? | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:05:06 | |
Vacations are for letting loose, right? But what happens when our āvacation modeā habits take overālate nights, impulse buys, and ice cream for breakfast? This week, weāre embracing the chaos, silencing that inner critic, and exploring why giving ourselves permission to fully let go might actually help us appreciate lifeās structure. Tune in for a dose of humor, honesty, and holiday vibes! | |||
| To DO or DONāT - Whatās the Most Loving Choice Today? | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:03:50 | |
The holidays can be a whirlwind of to-dos, but what if we paused to ask: āWhatās the most loving choice for me today?ā This week, weāre diving into the art of balancing self-care with seasonal demands. From guilt-free gym skips to indulging in Christmas movies, itās all about finding what feels best for you. Plus, a reminder about our favorite Confessions holidayāFend for Yourself Day! Tune in for tips, laughs, and a little nudge to prioritize yourself this season. | |||
| Julie Fitzpatrick - An Exit Ramp Appears | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:04:36 | |
Ever felt stuck in a situation where staying the course just doesnāt feel right? This week, weāre exploring the courage it takes to find and follow lifeās exit rampsāespecially in relationships. Whether youāre navigating a breakup, a divorce, or simply stepping into a new chapter, weāre talking about the power of saying no to make room for whatās next. Tune in to reflect, recharge, and rethink how you approach lifeās transitions. | |||
| All I Want for Christmas VII - Separate Beds | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:05:34 | |
Ever wondered why weāre still squeezing into the same bed when survival no longer depends on it? In this episode, weāre challenging sleep traditions and exploring how sleeping separately might actually save your sanityāand your relationship. From better rest to creative room makeovers, weāre diving into why breaking from tradition can be an act of self-care. Get ready to rethink how you rest and embrace changes that work for you! | |||
| What Do My Actions Say? Practicing What I Preach | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:02:50 | |
In this quick confession, weāre diving into an Emerson quote that hits home: "What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say." Itās one I remind my kids of often, but today, Iām taking a closer look at my own actions, especially with the holidays approaching. Join me as I reflect on how to keep my words and actions aligned, soften those sharp edges, and make a little more room for kindness. Itās a lighthearted check-in on living out those āI love youāsā in the small, everyday moments. ā¤ļø | |||
| Making the Holidays With Family Easier - Donāt Be Surprised | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:03:20 | |
Why do family quirks still catch us off guard? This episode dives into the humor (and relief!) of letting go of surprise when loved ones show their ātrue colors.ā Inspired by Dan Shayās recent stories, weāre embracing family for who they areāquirks and allājust in time for the holidays. Join us for a lighthearted chat on how a small mindset shift can make family time feel easier and even more enjoyable! š¦āØ | |||
| Dan Shay - Why Am I Surprised? | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:07:08 | |
Ever find yourself frustrated by the same things over and over? In this episode, Dan Shay, beloved teacher and fellow TeamConfessioner, shares a simple mindset shift he discovered on the golf course that helped him let go of frustrationāeven when things donāt go his way. Join us as we explore why letting go of āthe surpriseā can bring a little more calm and enjoyment to everyday life. Itās lighthearted, relatable, and a great reminder to stop expecting perfection from ourselves. ā³āØ | |||
| A Reason To Trust The World - A Lesson From Life and My Husband | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:05:55 | |
Do my worry-fueled warnings keep my kids safeāor just cynical? š¤ In this episode, Iām digging into a mindset shift inspired by Hidden Brain and some eye-opening parenting moments. Join me as I weigh my ācaution firstā approach against my husbandās faith in the world, exploring how our views may shape more than we realize. Itās a lighthearted look at parenting, protection, and maybe trusting a little more. Listen in for a few laughs, honest reflections, and some surprising insights! šāØ | |||
| Early Prep for the Holiday Rush - Things I Can Do to Lighten the Load | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:03:30 | |
Feeling the holiday pressure creeping in already? š In this episode, we're talking about the little things that turn holiday prep into holiday stress. From the āmust-doāsā that donāt actually have to be done to finding simple ways to keep December as calm as possible, join us for laughs, honest confessions, and practical ideas to keep things festiveānot frantic. This oneās for anyone who loves the season but could use a breather. Letās make it merryā¦with a side of manageable! š
āØ | |||
| 6 Ways To Avoid Stress - Dodging Stress That I Personally Manufacture | 25 Oct 2024 | 00:04:42 | |
In this episode, Iām breaking down the sneaky ways I create my own stressāand how Iām working to stop it. From setting unrealistic deadlines to packing my schedule too tightly, Iāve discovered some surprising habits that turn simple tasks into stressful ones. Join me as I share tips on prioritizing what truly matters and how a bit of self-awareness has helped me reclaim more peace this season. Letās learn to drop the unnecessary stress and embrace a calmer approach to lifeās demands. | |||
| Mistakes - Is It Easy for People To Make Mistakes Around You? | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:04:09 | |
In this episode, we dive into something we all faceāmistakes! If perfectionism is wearing you down (whether itās with yourself or others), this is an invitation to explore a lighter approach. Weāll chat about how shifting perspective can ease the frustration and bring a little more humor to everyday life. Letās figure out how to be a little gentler, together. | |||
| Old Dogs and New Tricks - Donāt Believe What They Tell Ya! | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:04:03 | |
Feeling stuck in old habits? This week, weāre challenging the belief that āold dogs canāt learn new tricks.ā Tune in as we explore how fear of change holds us back, and discover why embracing new tricksāat any ageācan bring fresh energy and growth to your life. If you're ready to face fear and step into something new, this episode is for you. Let's learn to trust change and grow! | |||
| Marital Differences - Get It Done vs. Get It Done Just Right | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:04:03 | |
This week, as G-Man and I celebrate our 23rd anniversary, Iām reflecting on one of the core dynamics of our relationship: detail-oriented vs. get-it-done. Over the years, Iāve evolved from resenting my husbandās ā70% is enoughā approach to actually embracing itāand even learning from it! Join me as we explore how both perspectives add value in a relationship and the power of choosing the right approach for the task at hand. Hereās to finding balance, laughter, and a little āstraight enoughā in marriage! | |||
| Re-covering Myself - Life With Growing Children | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:04:09 | |
As our kids head off to college, Iām finding myself with more quiet moments and space to reflect on my own journey of "re-covering." This week, Iām sharing what it means to reclaim parts of myself that got buried under the demands of parenting. From dancing to yoga, Iām rediscovering activities that bring me strength, health, and peace. Join me as we talk about the power of prioritizing ourselves, even in small ways, and how that can help us return to who we truly are. | |||
| NiCole Schlagheck - A New Phase of Parenting | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:07:03 | |
This week, I'm sharing a thoughtful piece from TeamConfessioner NiCole Schlagheck, a dear friend and mother of four. In her submission, NiCole reflects on the challenge of redefining herself as her kids grow more independent. She shares three insightful strategies for tackling lifeās next chapter: Re-position, Re-ceive, and Re-define. Listen in to discover how NiCole is embracing change with courage and curiosityāand maybe get inspired to do the same in your own life. Community Soup Kitchen: donation INFO! | |||
| Brianna Scott - Itās Going to Get Easier | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:05:03 | |
In this episode, Brianna Scott shares her honest reflections on the evolving challenges of parenthood. From managing a household of four to navigating a busy work, school, and extracurricular schedule, she offers insight into the ever-changing pace of parenting. How do we adapt as parents when life doesnāt get easier, just different? Tune in for Briannaās wisdom and stay for a preview of next weekās episode on the 'letting go' phase of parenting. | |||
| September Stress - A Little Reminder From Mags To Mags | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:04:14 | |
Ever feel behind before youāve even begun? Same here. Iām kicking off Season Nine by sharing a letter I wrote to myself last Octoberāa reminder not to let the back-to-school chaos set me into a spiral. In this episode, I reflect on the power of taking things slow, showing up (even if itās not perfect), and cutting myself some slack as the fall routines kick in. Join me as we set a kinder, gentler pace for this season, focused on reducing stress and showing up just as we are. | |||
| Summer Rewind #6 - How to Water a Teenager | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:06:10 | |
Join us in taking a look back to a past episode of Confessions. Inspired by Monty Donās gardening wisdom, this episode explores the idea of āwateringā teens with just the right amount of guidance. Just as a tree grows stronger by reaching for water deep in the soil, kids develop resilience when given the space to make their own choices. Letās talk about balancing support with trust, the importance of letting kids dig deep for answers, and how embracing this approach can help nurture independent, grounded individuals. Join us for a thoughtful look at parenting in the teenage years. | |||
| Summer Rewind #5 - Control the Stuff Rather Than the People | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:01:42 | |
Road trip clutter got you frazzled? In this episode, Iām sharing my struggle with keeping calm in the chaos of travel, and how controlling āthe stuffā (instead of the people) helps me find a little peace. Join me as we look back to a post from 2017 as I reflected on letting go of my control cravings to find a new way to enjoy the rideāwrappers and all. š | |||
| Summer Rewind #4 - Happier Thanksgiving | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:02:03 | |
Ever catch yourself asking family questions that sound helpful but come off as judgmental? This Thanksgiving flashback, I reflect on how shifting from āwhyā questions to āhow do you feelā questions make all the difference in family harmony. Join me as I explore how showing trust and curiosity, instead of subtle criticism, opens the door to feeling truly connected. If youāre ready for a more peaceful holiday, tune in for a fresh take on family conversations. | |||
| Summer Rewind #3 - If I Always Show Up for Youā¦ | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:02:03 | |
How do you balance showing up for loved ones with showing up for yourself? In this episode, we look back to I reflect on the annual choice to step away for a few days, even in the midst of lifeās busy demands. Join me as I explore how learning to prioritize self-care has shifted my beliefs about love, presence, and missing important moments. Tune in for a fresh perspective on what it really means to ābe thereā for othersāand for yourself. | |||
| Summer Rewind #2 - The Power of the PLAN | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:05:11 | |
This episode is a look back to 2023 to ābirthday weekā and Confessionsā 6th Anniversary! This week, we celebrate the journey by looking at the power of planning and how it can transform our lives. From marriage to family life to personal growth, having a āPlease Love and Nurtureā Plan has helped me flow toward my goals without micromanaging every step. Join us as we discuss why planning is less about control and more about creating space for growth, and follow along as I start planning for a peaceful summer with my family.Don't let summer with kids overwhelm you. Learn how to plan ahead and make the most of the season with family and friends and self-care. | |||
| Summer Rewind #1 - Selfish Guilt | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:02:32 | |
Ever feel guilty about taking time for yourself? In this episode, we look back to a post I wrote in April of 2021. In it, I share a friendās wisdom on self-care and guiltāand why itās sometimes a sign youāre doing something right. We explore the idea that nurturing your own needs is essential, not selfish, and how modeling self-care can set a powerful example for our kids. Tune in for insights on freeing yourself from āselfishā guilt and embracing a healthier balance. | |||
| 2 Summer Challenges: Letās Work on Mindset and Courage | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:05:17 | |
If you're sending yourself negative messages to yourself through your thoughts all day, you're going to want to listen to this. ALSO, please push play to hear all about our exciting opportunity, TeamC Summer Submission Campaign! | |||
| Group Dynamic - The 2 Important Things to Make Family Time More Enjoyable | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:03:52 | |
Ever been frustrated in a group setting because things didnāt go your way? Iāve been there too! This episode, Iām sharing how using a āgroup consciousā approach during our family gatherings has transformed my perspective. By balancing speaking up with letting go, Iāve learned how to support both the groupās needs and my own peace of mind. Join me to explore how taking responsibility in group settings can replace resentment with empowermentāand why itās worth it! | |||