Great Life Experiment Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Great Life Experiment Podcast

Great Life Experiment Podcast

Monique Schafer

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 31

Podbean

Welcome to the Great Life Experiment Podcast! Join me, your host Monique Schafer as we grapple with the messy and beautiful, and ever-changing world of our personal and professional lives, and the business world around us. There is no one right way. Let’s experiment together.

NEW Episodes Every Thursday

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  • 🇨🇦 Canada - careers

    24/09/2025
    #69

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#31 How Are You Really? Protecting Your Energy When Everything Feels Too Much

Episode 32

jeudi 18 septembre 2025 • Duration 09:52

How are you, really? Sometimes it feels easier to give the polite answer than to name what’s true when the world feels heavy and your heart is carrying more than words can hold.

In this reflective solo episode, Monique opens up about what it means to live with the weight of so many emotions at once and why protecting our energy is our first responsibility. She shares the small but powerful practices that kept her grounded - closing the door on noise, making space for joy, and giving herself permission to feel without staying stuck. Because when life feels too much, and the world feels broken, the question isn’t how to fix it all. The question is: how do we keep showing up whole for ourselves, our families, and the people who depend on us?

If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, this is an invitation to pause, to be honest about how you’re actually doing, and to remember that you’re not alone in the weight of it all. 

In this episode:

(00:53) - When “How are you?” isn’t just small talk (01:47) - Carrying sadness, anger, fear, and confusion all at once (02:41) - Why managing your energy is the non-negotiable (03:53) - Choosing light and joy when you can’t fix the brokenness (05:37) - Creating boundaries with media and inputs to protect your heart (06:59) - It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility (08:30) - You are not alone

Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

#30 Do We ‘Make Bold Moves in Times of Uncertainty’? And How to Show Up as a Leader?

Episode 31

jeudi 11 septembre 2025 • Duration 01:03:35

When the rules of the game keep shifting, what does bold leadership look like?

In this 'Ask Monique' episode, Ben Schafer (Rev Op Leader and husband) joins Monique (Product Leader and Advisor) to explore a listener's questions: do we make bold moves in uncertain times? And how do you, as a leader, show up with all this uncertainty?

Together, Monique and Ben explore the nuances of courage, risk, why inaction is often the riskiest of all, and how to make decisions when the future refuses to give you clarity. This is a conversation that moves beyond easy answers and into the deeper work of leadership, navigating complexity, staying grounded in first principles, and helping others metabolize change. 

Through both personal and professional stories, from parenting during the pandemic to the disruption of AI, Monique and Ben reveal what it takes to lead with intentionality when uncertainty is the only constant. You’ll walk away with clarity on why boldness doesn’t mean recklessness, how to navigate the risks of the status quo, and what it looks like to lead others through change without losing sight of your values or purpose.

In this episode:

(01:47) - The HBR headline that sparked this conversation (05:44) - What “being bold” really means (and doesn’t mean) (10:49) - Why even small bold moves carry hidden risks (13:20) - When not making a decision is a decision, and often the riskiest one (18:28) - Unpacking uncertainty at both personal and business levels (19:31) - Parenting during the pandemic: making bold moves when the stakes are high (23:38) - AI disruption and the temptation of reactive boldness (31:11) - Experiment over analysis over paralysis (35:47) - Time horizons and pacing bold decisions (39:51) - The boldness of speaking truth into leadership (47:24) - Playing your own game without losing your core strengths (50:37) - Lessons from hard choices: one-way vs two-way doors (55:44) - Final reflections: brave, intentional, uncomfortable action in uncertain times.

Links and Resources: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

 

#21 The Internal Struggle with Social Media: A Conversation with Mary Robb, Social Practice CEO

Episode 22

jeudi 26 juin 2025 • Duration 45:43

What if your next professional breakthrough isn’t about doing more but showing up differently?

In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and social media strategist, Mary Robb. As the founder and CEO of Social Practice, Mary brings the kind of clarity and warmth that cuts through the noise and reminds us what social media was always meant to be: connection, storytelling, and service.

Together, Mary and Monique unpack the messy, beautiful, and often emotional process of showing up online, not just as a business, but as a whole human. They talk about the difference between business and personal branding (and how to do both without losing your mind), why values should lead your content, and how to create boundaries that protect your mental health while still building real influence.

This one’s for the multi-passionate leader, who’s been silently asking: How do I put myself out there without losing myself? For the high-achiever who’s built a career but hasn’t quite figured out how to bring their voice forward. And for anyone who just knows it’s time to start using her voice with intention — imperfectly, honestly, and on purpose. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(05:00) - Business Brand vs Personal Brand: What’s the Difference? (07:31) - Know Your Values, Know Your Voice (13:24) - Creating a Personal Brand with Intention (09:46) - The Identity Beyond the Job Title (14:07) - Showing Up Before You’re Polished (17:49) - Why Boundaries Are a Brand Strategy (23:18) - Creating Before Consuming (24:13) - Rethinking Vulnerability Online (29:40) - Attracting Talent Through Social Media (30:45) - Why Developing Your Personal Brand Is Key in This New Era of Work (36:26) - Two Questions to Get You Started (41:22) - You’re Not a Resume — You’re a Story (42:47) - Getting Over Yourself and Posting It Anyway

Links and Resources: Connect with Mary: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

 

#20 It's OK to Feel Quiet & Still For Awhile

Episode 21

jeudi 19 juin 2025 • Duration 09:50

This episode is a little different. No guest. No perfectly mapped-out lesson. Just me — showing up in the middle of a quiet, in-between season.

You know those times when the words don’t come? When everything feels a little slower, a little foggier… and you’re not quite sure what’s next, but you know you’re not where you used to be? That’s where I’ve been. 

Today, I’m inviting you into the pause. The space between clarity and action. The soft unraveling that happens when you finally let your nervous system breathe. This isn’t an episode with big “aha” moments — it’s one that meets you exactly where you are, especially if you’ve been craving permission to slow down, feel more, and do a little less. 

If you’re in a season of reflection, reset, or just needing a little more quiet in a loud world — you are not alone. 

In this episode:

(01:33) - Reflections on a Week of Uncertainty (02:51) - The In-Between Season (03:53) - There Is Power in Not Knowing Yet (05:00) - Embracing the Stillness (05:36) - Finding Clarity and Wisdom in Waiting

Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

#19 Transform Your Leadership, Network, and Influence One Intentional Step at a Time ft. Katie Kruger

Episode 20

mardi 10 juin 2025 • Duration 45:10

In this episode, Monique Schafer welcomes powerhouse executive Katie Kruger for a raw, riveting, and deeply relatable conversation on transformation, grit, and redefining what success looks like. 

Raised in rural Alaska, dreaming of skyscrapers while hauling firewood and joining an exclusive male workforce in the oil fields, Katie now leads in the C-suite of a $35B company and has become a sought-after policy influencer and mentor. Her story is a masterclass in reinvention — not the loud, flashy kind, but the kind that happens when no one is watching, when you say “yes” to growth, over and over again, even when it’s hard. 

She shares what it was like being one of the only women in the oil fields, how she taught herself policy in a coffee shop, and why her version of success has nothing to do with titles — and everything to do with relationships, service, and staying grounded.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a version of yourself that no longer fits, if you think you’re too late to pivot, or that your past defines your ceiling, you need to hear this one.

In this episode:

(08:38) - Katie’s Early Years in Rural Alaska (10:46) - Incremental Transformation (11:11) - Strategic Career Pivots: Katie’s Journey to Becoming a Policy Expert (12:27) - Katie’s Rigorous Self-Study Routine (15:55) - The Power of Building Relationships and Adding Value to Others (27:09) - The ROI of Giving Without Expecting (35:57) - Balancing Work and Personal Life, Especially for Working Parents (40:56) - The Importance of Taking Risks and Being Curious in Personal & Professional Growth (41:25) - The Role of Policy in Supporting Working Parents (43:48) - Believing You Can Become Something New

Connect with Katie: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

 

#18 Pivoting with Purpose: From Marketing Leader to Stay-at-Home-Mom to Fractional CMO and then Franchise Owner ft. Kelsey Murray ft. Kelsey Murray

Episode 19

mardi 3 juin 2025 • Duration 39:13

Monique reconnects with her college roommate and lifelong friend, Kelsey Murray, a former ad agency director with a deep background in marketing and digital strategy. After more than a decade climbing the corporate ladder, she made the bold decision to step away in pursuit of motherhood and a more intentional way of living.

Her career journey has included becoming a stay-at-home mom, launching a photography business, consulting as a fractional CMO, and ultimately stepping into franchise ownership. Each pivot was less about chasing titles and more about rediscovering what truly lights her up. 

Together, Monique and Kelsey explore how ambition can evolve, how motherhood can feel both sacred and stifling, and how we can integrate every season of our lives into a more whole version of who we are becoming. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a season that was supposed to fulfill you or if you’re currently navigating a pivot, this episode will remind you that it’s not too late to begin again. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

((05:19) - Kelsey’s Unexpected Pivot (07:00) - Motherhood and the Guilt That No One Talks About (10:20) - Finding Community and the Power of Shared Experiences (13:04) - The Season of Self-Discovery (21:33) - Beyond the Resume: Redefining Your Personal Brand (22:43) - Legacy, Family, and the Story Behind Kelley Blue Book (29:19) - Releasing the Need for Perfection and External Validation (32:45) - The Importance of Staying Open to What’s Next (34:14) - God Whispers and Soul Alignment

Links and Resources: Connect with Kelsey: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

#17 Legit Overwhelm vs. Lifestyle Overwhelm—And What to Do About It

Episode 18

mardi 27 mai 2025 • Duration 10:29

In this insightful episode, Monique expands on one of the key themes from Episode 15, Foundation Not Fumes, diving deeper into the nuanced and often misunderstood topic of overwhelm. More importantly, the critical difference between legitimate temporary overwhelm and lifestyle overwhelm. 

Drawing inspiration from Mel Robbins and her own lived experience as a parent and a business leader, Monique provides listeners clear, actionable strategies for regaining clarity, presence, and momentum in both life and business. 

Whether you’re managing a business, a household, or both, this episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for reclaiming mental clarity and capacity amidst chaos. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(01:15) - The Inspiration Behind This Impromptu Mini-Episode (02:40) - Legit Temporary Overwhelm (04:14) - Lifestyle Overwhelm (05:55) - Reclaiming Clarity: The Power of a Brain Dump (07:03) - Identifying Your Top 3 Priorities (08:21) - Making It Easy to Begin and Giving Yourself Grace

Links and Resources: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

#16 Training 1000 Women for Corporate Boards ft. Michele Ashby

Episode 17

vendredi 23 mai 2025 • Duration 54:49

In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with Michele Ashby, a trailblazing executive, board director, and founder of ACE LLC. With over three decades of experience in finance and capital markets, and eight board seats under her belt, Michelle is on a mission to train 1,000 women to step into corporate boardrooms with confidence, clarity, and impact. 

Together, Monique and Michelle dive into the real path to board leadership — from mastering governance and financial acumen to navigating the unspoken dynamics of the good old boys’ network. They also explore the mindset shifts women need to own their value, silence imposter syndrome, and speak the executive vernacular that commands a room. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “Could I be doing more?”, this episode is your blueprint for what’s next. Whether you’re an experienced executive, a rising leader, or simply curious about how women can shape the future of corporate governance, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead at the highest level and claim the seat that’s already waiting for you. 

In this episode:

(05:37) - Michelle’s Journey to the Boardroom (08:58) - The Importance of a Unique Value Proposition (10:13) - The Power of Relationships (14:12) - How Visibility Builds Momentum (17:22) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (21:41) - Beyond Tactical: How Michele’s Program Transforms Identity (24:27) - The Future of Women in the Boardroom (27:23) - Understanding the Transfer of Wealth (34:28) - Core Competencies: What Makes You Board-Ready? (40:33) - The Role of Men in Supporting Women (48:47) - Final Takeaways

Links and Resources: Connect with Michelle: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

#14: High-Powered Love for High-Performance Couples ft. Heather Clark

Episode 15

mardi 13 mai 2025 • Duration 39:44

What happens when two driven, high-achieving people fall in love and try to do life — careers, kids, dreams — together? You get high-powered love, with all the magic and the mess that comes with it. 

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and deeply grounded Heather Clark, a licensed therapist and expert trained in trauma reprocessing and EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She works specifically with high-performing couples who are navigating success, stress, and the sacredness of their relationships. Think of powerhouses who are crushing it at work but are feeling disconnected at home! Heather is the creator of the upcoming High-Powered Love Method, and she’s here to drop some real talk and proven tools to stop putting your relationship on the back burner and actually grow deeper, stronger, and more in sync as life gets fuller. 

Whether you’re running a business, climbing the corporate ladder, raising babies, or all of the above, this episode will hit home, so let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(02:49) - What Is EDMR (and why is it magical)? (05:22) - The Unique Struggles of High-Performance Couples (06:40) - My Love Story: What Ben and I Learned About Keeping Our Relationship Stronger (10:25) - Rituals That Root You Back to Each Other (14:37) - Planning vs Presence: How to Balance It All (18:36) - Creative Staycation & Vacation Hacks (Even with Little Kids) (25:13) - Teamwork Makes the Dream (and Marriage) Work (26:21) - Who Are You Sharing Your Wins With? (30:05) - Why “We’re Fine” Is the Scariest Thing You Can Say (32:47) - Change Can Start With One

Connect with Heather: Connect with Monique: Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

#13: After Hours Advice: What to Do When You Are Already Overloaded & Something New Is Added?

Episode 14

vendredi 9 mai 2025 • Duration 30:27

Picture this: It’s late. The day’s been a lot, and we’re in post-bedtime haze when big thoughts come out. The ones when something from work is still swirling in your head, and you just need to say it out loud to someone who gets it.

That’s exactly where this episode begins. 

In this episode, you’ll hear a real-time conversation between me and my husband, Ben, as we talk through a super common leadership challenge — what to do when you’re already maxed out and someone adds another priority to your plate? How do you respond when everything is “important”, nothing can wait, and no one wants to make the tough call? 

This episode is real and raw! And it’s for anyone who’s been caught between expectations and capacity. We’re talking strategy, self-advocacy, and what it really looks like to lead when no one else is drawing the line. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(02:13) - Picturing Ben’s Week: Full Plates, Restructures, and Big Deliverables (06:50) - How to Ask Leadership to Prioritize When Everything Feels “Top Priority” (10:27) - Visual Prioritization Framework (14:58) - Weighing the Real Cost of A Task (21:17) - Our Careers Are A Marathon, Not A Sprint (27:20) - The Reality of A Pushback

Ask Monique

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8

Connect with Monique:

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