Explore every episode of the podcast Wake Up To Your Life

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

Resources mentioned:

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

• Self-Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

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

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

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

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Booty calls, flaky friends, and bosses that take advantage of you are all breadcrumbs, the leftovers that no one wants at the end of the day. But you, my friend, deserve the entire loaf of freshly baked sourdough. In this episode, my producer, Kristen Stegall, interviews me about how I stopped accepting booty calls and started accepting myself, just the way I am. We also talk about getting ghosted by your friends and being too much of a people pleaser at work, so no matter where you’re currently accepting breadcrumbs, we’ll get you back on track by practicing self-compassion. 

Resources mentioned:

• Watch Ep. 120: Calm Your A** Down with Rachel Walt

• Watch Ep. 119: We Are SO Back | Why I Took a Break & Life Updates

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Don’t settle for breadcrumbs, whether it’s in dating, friendships, work, or any area of your life. Hard times have a tendency to reveal what’s most important to us and who is really in our corner. Everything and everyone else are not worth putting a ton of energy into.

• We can all think of someone who has wronged us in the past, and sometimes forgiveness feels too hard. However, you owe it to yourself to find ways to release the tension and anger you feel about that situation, even if you can’t forgive them.

• Compassion is the name of the game. Whether that’s doing Lovingkind meditations, or simply using gentler words with yourself when you feel activated, practicing compassion lightens the load and makes dealing with life so much easier.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Parenting can be challenging, but parenting tweens and teens is a straight-up Olympic sport. Luckily, my friend Michelle Icard is a parenting expert that specializes in getting tweens and teens to talk to us about… pretty much anything. In this episode, she shares her best communication strategies, her hot takes on overreaching and overreactive parenting, and why “Botox Brow” is your secret weapon for talking to your tweens and teens.

Michelle Icard has degrees in English and Education and has worked with parents, children, and teachers for more than 20 years, creating curriculum, books, and programs that help them better understand and navigate early adolescence. 

Michelle is the author of three books on this subject:

• 8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success

• Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen

• Middle School Makeover

Connect with Michelle:

• Website

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• If you see your child is struggling or having behavioral issues, try Michelle’s 3-step approach: contain, resolve, and evolve. She walks through each step in the episode!

• Microchanges can make a huge difference for your kids, but you can’t force your kids to do them. Let them choose their own microsteps at their own pace, and be open for their questions without nudging them about it constantly.

• Practice what Michelle calls the “Botox Brow” when you’re having an important conversation with your kid. Our kids’ brains can easily misread emotions in our facial expressions, so keeping a neutral expression helps them feel safe to open up.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Let’s talk about sex in perimenopause, baby! Because who doesn’t want to get it on when you’re experiencing hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings, right? Well, you do! At the very least, you deserve to feel connected to your body and to your partner during this time, and Dr. Alyse Kelly-Jones, MD,  FACOG, IF, is here to tell us how! 

Dr. Kelly-Jones is an OB/GYN and “sexpert” who is on a mission to help more women have better sex in perimenopause and beyond, and not settle for painful, pity sex to keep their partners happy. Whether you’re in perimenopause, postmenopause, or still a young spring chicken, this episode is full of wisdom to improve your sex life!

Resources mentioned:

• OMGYES

• Rosy App

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• The key to better, hotter sex is communication. Based on your upbringing, sex and pleasure can feel shameful to talk about, but keeping open and honest communication with your OB/GYN, therapist, and partner can completely transform your sex life.

• Painful sex in perimenopause is common, but it is not something you have to live with. There are so many options you can discuss with your doctor, from vaginal estrogen products to pelvic floor therapy. Please don’t suffer in silence; let your doctor know so they can walk you through the options.

• Try implementing a “couple’s contract” with your partner if you’re not feeling super aligned in the bedroom. Decide on an interval of how often you’ll have sex, and trade off who initiates so you’re both responsible for getting things going.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Life can be a bumpy ride that we have zero control over - or at least that’s what it can feel like through seasons of transition. Page Fehling has been there. She left her longtime television gig to embark on the not-so-predictable journey of entrepreneurship (and she’s killing it!), and over the last year she’s transformed her health with the help of GLP-1 medication. In this episode, Page graciously shares her biggest lessons learned about leadership, going all in on yourself, and focusing on what you can control instead of what you can’t.

Page Fehling is a third generation speaker and facilitator who grew up just outside of Washington, D.C., and graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill. Her favorite role, however, has always been as a teacher. Helping guide fellow humans into being their best selves both at work and at home makes Page tick.

Connect with Page:

• Website

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• As a leader, you need to clarify the definition of “done.” Whether that’s for your team at work or for your kids at home, be crystal clear about what “done” looks like so they know exactly what is expected of them.

• When it comes to being yourself online, show up as you are, even if you’re unpolished. Release yourself of the pressure to be fully made up and dressed up, and instead focus on bringing energy and value to your audience. 

• If a big decision is on your heart, the people in your life may not automatically be on board with it (even though they love you!). At the end of the day, you have to trust your gut and make the decision that’s best for you - whether that’s finally starting your business, getting on a GLP-1, or investing in training to grow as a leader.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Nicole Sodoma is a marriage-loving divorce attorney, and in this episode, she shares how unprepared she felt navigating your own divorce even though she’s helped so many people through their own separations. She also reveals the secrets to maintaining a strong marriage through developing specific skills, and why you should never say “I’m sorry” to someone going through divorce.

Nicole Sodoma opened Sodoma Law in 2008 to build a different kind of law firm. Fifteen years later, Sodoma Law has grown to include five offices across two states with 28 fearless attorneys and over 60 dedicated employees. In May 2022, she published Please Don’t Say You’re Sorry with the hope of helping people navigate the beautiful yet often messy relationships in our lives.

Connect with Nicole:

• Please Don’t Say You’re Sorry by Nicole Sodoma

• Instagram

• The Space Between. Podcast

• Nicole Sodoma Website

• Sodoma Law Website

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• If someone tells you they’re getting a divorce, don’t say “I’m so sorry.” Instead say, “Is there anything I can do for you?” or “If I see your kids at the end of their baseball practice, I’ll pick them up and bring them home.” 

• Coping skills are crucial for getting through a divorce. It can be so easy to let yourself succumb to self-destructive habits, but prioritizing exercise, doing things that bring you joy, and spending time with close friends can get you through it in one piece.

• Money can’t buy happiness, but it can make for a happier marriage or set you up well post-divorce. Whether you’re happily married or newly single, read up on financial literacy, talk about money openly, build your credit score, and keep a high-yield savings account in your name. 

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Whether you’re in your dating era, or you just want to hear some matchmaking mishaps, this episode is for you! I’m joined by my friend Laurie Berzack, the Founder of Carolinas Matchmaker, to get the lowdown from a pro on how to date in the digital age (spoiler alert: real life meet cutes are back, baby!), whether politics should be a factor in who you’re dating, and some real talk about whether you’re being too picky.

Laurie F. Berzack, MSW, founded Carolinas Matchmaker with the goal of giving her clients the genuine, lifelong partnerships they deserve. With more than a decade of professional matchmaking experience herself, Laurie has hand-selected a talented team and grown Carolinas Matchmaker into a trusted resource for singles in the Carolinas and beyond.

Connect with Laurie:

• Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Nothing is a wasted relationship, ever. Even if your divorce was devastating, it doesn’t negate all the good that came from your relationships. New relationships are the same; you learn something about yourself and what you want with each new person you meet.

• Real talk: you might be a little too picky, especially if you’re exclusively using dating apps. When you meet someone in person first, you get to know them as a person first before criteria like height, weight, even politics get in the way.

• Laurie said it perfectly: “You can manifest anything you want, and you can attract anything you want.” If you believe you’re too old or not pretty enough, or whatever it is, that’s the energy you’ll attract. But if you show up confidently? That’s when an incredible person can walk into your life, and you’ll actually be ready for them.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

If the word “meditate” makes you immediately feel restless, or you’re tempted to roll your eyes, THIS is the mindfulness episode for you! Our guest, Rachel Walt, brings a refreshingly fun perspective to the topic of mindfulness and meditation to give you quick, easy, and impactful mindfulness practices you can start using today. Whether you’re already a meditation pro, or you’re just getting started, you will get tremendous value from our conversation! Plus, we discuss how meditation can intersect with Christianity even though it seems a bit “woo woo.”

Rachel Hatteberg Walt is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist, Chief Energetic Optimizer, Reiki Master, Graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Mindful Mama to 3 kids 8 and under, an involved community organizer, a lifelong learner who sometimes has a potty mouth. She is the Founder and CEO of Craftingood where she uses her unique AMP Method to change the world from the inside out through mentorship, mindfulness, events and more.

Connect with Rachel:

• Website

• Instagram

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Mindfulness is a gateway drug to self compassion. When you use mindfulness and meditation to access pausing in a moment of frustration, you’ll find that you’re nicer to yourself and those around you as a result.

• Part of mindfulness is just getting curious about what your feelings are, what triggered those feelings, and why. In the episode, Rachel gives specific everyday examples (like the kids taking forever to get out the door) that trigger her and how she uses mindfulness to handle them.

• Taking 60 seconds to take deep breaths and get in tune with your feelings is plenty to get started. Before you go into that big presentation, before you have a tough conversation, or just anytime you’re feeling anxiety creep in, give yourself one minute to get curious about it.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

I’m baaaack! Maybe you didn’t notice I was gone, but I’ve gotten so many kind messages from you guys asking if I’ll ever bring the podcast back, so here we are! In this episode, I’m giving you the lowdown on what the last two years of my life have looked like, why I felt like I needed to put the podcast down for a while, and why I’m picking it back up now. 

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• I’m in an exciting (albeit a bit scary) season of rediscovery and reinvention. I needed to take some time to wallow, sit with my feelings, and heal before I could get here. If you’re in a tough season, don’t rush the processing portion, or it’ll catch up with you unexpectedly.

• When we’re in a season of transition, it’s normal to cling to what’s familiar and comfortable. I stayed in my marital home post-divorce, and it ended up feeling lonely. Moving out and into an apartment I could make my own has been incredibly healing.

• Do something that makes you feel alive this week. Maybe it’s a hobby you haven’t done in a while, reconnecting with a friend who brings out the best in you, or booking a trip you’ve been putting off.

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

Connect with Colleen: 

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

I said I would NEVER do online dating. Then my stupid friends talked me into it. Spoiler alert:  I didn't like it.

In this episode I share why I believe it's possilbe for us singles who don't like online dating to find a romantic partner organically out in the wild.  

I also provide what I believe is a much needed public service announcement to men on these sites.  

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

We're told that happy couples have great communication.  But what exactly does that mean?

In part, it's being able to listen with the intent of understanding your partner...  even when he or she is saying something you don't agree with or like.  My default used to be defensiveness.  I bet you can relate.

In this episode I share what I have learned about conscious communication.  I hope it helps you and your person commuincate effecitvely and lovingly.  

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

In this episode I share a hard truth for me to accept.

The state officially says I'm no longer a married person.

For some reason, this makes me feel incredibly sad.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Do you blame your parents, your spouse, your stupid boss, the weather, your HOA president, slow drivers, etc. for all your problems?

It's hard to build a life you love on a foundation of blame.

We need to take personal responsibilty for many of the things we're complaning about. Sounds like a drag, I know.  Blaming is more fun.  However, it's low vibe and keeps you stuck.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

If you feel stuck in some area of your life, this episode is for you.

Perhaps you're coming up with all kinds of reasons as to why you're stuck.  

But I contend you can start where you are and use what you've got.  These words have helped many of my clients get unstuck.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

It happens to all of us.  We compare ourselves to other people.  And sometimes that leaves us feeling bad about ourselves.

When you come down with a case of "comparisonitis", there are things you can do to improve your state of mind.

-Stop scrolling

-Take an action

-Up your self-love game

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

Please stop saying you're fat.  Please stop hating your body.

With care, compassion and practice you can learn how to love your as she is today.

Don't believe me?  Just listen. 

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

When your emotions take over and you're all worked up, you need to get grounded.  

In this episode I share a mindfulness technique as taught by the incomparable Tara Brach.  She is a renown meditation teacher and psychologist.

The technique is called RAIN.  Recognize.  Allow.  Investigate.  Nurture.

This process can help you heal.  

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

If you're having a hard time sticking to your resolutions, practicing two things will help you get back on track:

SELF-COMPASSION and BRAVERY

Your inner critic has had a good run.  And it doesn't help you achieve your goals.

Listen to this quick episode to find out why self-compassion is the jam.

BONUS TIP:  For anyone who does any or wants to do any public speaking, I offer a great tip so you won't make the terrible mistake many speakers make.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

Haters gonna hate.  We know this.  But it still hurts.

In this episode I remind you of some things to think about when you find yourself ruminating on something a meanie has said about you.

I'm rooting for you!

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Your thoughts are driving your actions and your actions create your results.

If you have junk thoughts, it's tough to create a life you love.

In this episode I talk about recognizing your thoughts, replacing them, and practicing new ones.  

I'm rooting for you.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

You have at least one.  Maybe you have several.  Family members you love, but they still get under your skin.

They insist on getting into political debates with you.  They ask inappropriate questions.  Maybe they tell you all the things they think you're doing wrong in your life.

This quick episode offers some tips that may help you deal with those difficult people.  

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

Have you ever abandoned yourself in a relationship? It can look like sacrificing things that are really important to you in order to fit into someone else's life.  This can be a relationship killer.

So can emotional immaturity. When you don't deal with your past traumas, they can impact your present day self in relationship with your significant other. 

Couples therapist Jason Van Ruler talks about how you can work through these issues to create a happy, healthy relationship.

Follow Jason VanRuler on Instagram: @Jason.VanRuler

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

In this episode I answer listener questions.

Questions like, how do I reconnect with my partner?  How do I stay on track with my goals when there are so many distractionns?  How do I form healthy habits?  

If you have a question you'd like me to address on the podcast let me know by sending an email to Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

I'm rooting for you.

What do you regret?

When was a time you led with your heart?

What is love?

What is a good person?

These are among the questions posed by Rabbi Steve Leder in his latest book, For You When I Am Gone.

Rabbi Leder has twice been named one of the ten most influential rabbis in the country by Newsweek Magazine.  He's a contributor on The Today show, CNN and NPR.  And he's the bestselling author of five books. 

In this conversation we go over some of the important questions Rabbi Leder writes about in his latest book to help you live a life of meaning and purpose. 

Follow Rabbi Steve Leder on Instagram: @Steve_Leder

Order the book: For You When I Am Gone

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

When you experience rejection or criticism, what do you do?  I've been known to get defensive, cry, take it personally, feel sick to my stomach, then eat chips and salsa.  Can you relate?

There are much better ways to deal with rejection.

-Be honest with yourself and a trusted confidant

-Believe it's not personal

-Look for the lesson

-Consider the source

Listen to this 20 minute episode as I walk you through each of these steps and share some of my own rejection stories.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

Holding onto anger isn't good for you. 

But if someone has really hurt you, it can be hard to let go of it.

In this episode, Mental Health Counselor Jennifer Fights talks about healthy ways to work through anger, why holding on to it is so detrimental to your overall health, and how to possibly move toward forgiveness.

Connect with Jennifer Fights: www.findyourbase.com

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

It's a skill that can change your life. 

BRAVERY

You can learn how to be brave.  And once you do, you can apply the skill to your relationships, career, health and finances.

To be brave, you need GOALS. Big, exciting, sexy goals.  Listen for some ideas about how you can practice being brave this week.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Episode 100 brings you a special guest host.  Avid listeners will recall Colonoscopy Nicole, who has since been renamed "Nicolonoscopy".  (How could I have missed that?!)

Nicolonoscopy is one of my best friends.  She's asking ME the questions for this 100th episode.

We recap some of the more popular shows I've hosted.  She makes fun of my shoes.  Nicole asks me... Brad Pitt or George Clooney?  Nicole also asks me what advice I'd give to someone going through a difficult time.  It's a mixed bag of silly and legit stuff.

I would like to thank you for listening to this little show. Without your participation, I never would have made it to 100 epsiodes.  

Previous episodes we discussed in this show:

4.   Wake Up to Showing Up

53. Radical Acceptance

83. Wake Up Sex

97.  Parenting Expectations and Disappointments 

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

What's an old soundtrack?  Those broken, negative thought loops that run through your brain.  The ones that say that you don't measure up, you're not good enough, you'll never lose weight, etc.

Let's create a new playlist for you. 

Jon Acuff is a New York Times Bestselling Author. His eighth and latest book is called, "Your New Playlist".   Jon is also a highly sought after leadership speaker and the host of the podcast All it Takes is a Goal.  

If you're ready to create new playlists to help you reach your goals, listen to what Jon has to say in this episode.  He is my favorite teacher on this subject.  He's also really funny. 

For more from Jon Acuff, go to his website:  www.Acuff.me

You can order his books there, find his podcast, book him as a speaker, and sign up for his newsletter.

Follow Jon Acuff on Instagram: @JonAcuff

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard 

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

I have written no books for you to buy. 

You are too important to give up on yourself.

The world needs your brand of weirdness!

If you're about to give up on your dreams, listen to this episode.  It's a quick reminder of what to do when you're tired, burned out, and disheartened.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Your daughter doesn't get invited to the sleepover and she's upset.  Do you call the girl's mom?  

Your son forgets to bring his homework to school.  Do you drop what you're doing and bring it to him?  (I totally did this)

Your child's calendar is filled with activites every day.  You do this because you want the best for her or him.  But is this the best?

This episode is a must-listen for parents no matter the age of your children.  

Dr. Chris McCarthy is a counsleor with more than two decades of experience.  He works with children, teenagers, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.  I love and respect this man and his work.

In this episosde, Dr. McCarthy provides parents with some best practices when it comes to raising children who'll become independent, responsible, compassionate, successful adults. 

Dr. Chris McCarthy is the creator of a program designed to help children with anxiety.  To find out more, go to www.turnaroundanxiety.com

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Lean into the ache... don't try to outrun it. 

Love is all that matters. 

Your relationships need to be nurtured.

Make peace with your body.  She's the only one you get.

Forgiveness is mandatory.  I know it sucks.  But you have to learn how to do it.

These are a few things I'm talking about as I turn 52 years old.  They are lessons for all of us. 

I'm rooting for you.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Take a moment to think about big mistakes you've made.  Now imagine having the world know about those mistakes.

That's what happened to Eugene Robinson.  Eugene played football in the NFL for 16 seasons.  He played in three Superbowls.  In that third one, he was arrested the night before the big game for soliciting a prostitute. 

In this episode Eugene talks about how none of us should be defined by our worst moment.  He shares how he was able to get up again after facing such a public embarassment. 

This is a candid conversation with my dear friend about a very dark time in his life.  It's a story of redemption, grace, and love.  There's something in this story for all of us.

Follow Eugene Robinson on Instagram: @EugeneKRobinson41

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

You have someone you love to hate and keep looking at his or her social media.  That's hate scrolling.  I'm guilty!

You read every depressing story you can find online.  That's doom scrolling.  I'm partial to every gruesome true crime story. 

You feel like a loser after you scroll.  Mabe you're in comparisonitis.  

None of this is good for your mental health.  Listen to this episode to find out how you can still engage on social media and protect your heart.

Follow me on Instagram (unless it's a hate follow!): @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Sending your kids off to college is bittersweet.

On the one hand, you're so proud!  You wanted this to happen.  It's the order of things.

On the other hand, you feel sad.  You're not sure what to do with yourself.  I get it.  Both of my kids are off to stupid college.

In this episode, I offer some things to help you with this transition.  This is even relevant if you have younger kids who are going to kindergarten for the first time, middle school or high school.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Collen@WaleUptoYourLIfe.net

Look on the bright side.  It'll all work out.  Everything happens for a reason.  Things could be worse.

#shutup  

Toxic positivity isn't helpful.  It's actually harmful.  It makes people feel guilty for what they're feeling.  

When your friends are hurting, they need empathy.  When you're suffering, you need compassion.  Not a line of BS from a person who is uncomfortable with difficult emotions.

I'm rooting for you.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Do ever say, "I've had a hard day.  I deserve a drink."

Do you believe that you need alcohol to have fun?

Do you use it to ease your social anxiety?

Do you drink it to escape from uncomfortable feelings?

Molly Ruggere is an Alcohol Freedom Coach.  She works with people who are interested in drinking less or who want to quit altogether. 

In this episode, we ask you to get curious about your relationship with alcohol and be real with yourself if booze is keeping you from living the life you want to live.

Follow Molly Ruggere on Instagram: @mollyruggere

Molly's website: countercultureclub.org 

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

If you're feeling down in the dumps, one sure fire way to feel better is to do something nice for someone else.  I know, I know... you're thinking you can't do that becase your prollins (problems) are insurmountable.  

A crazy thing happens when you start being attuned to people around you... YOU change.  And for the better.

Nicole Taylor is the Executive Director of Congregations for Kids.  CFK supports children in the foster care system, foster families and social workers in Charlotte, NC.  She has dedicated the past 15 years of her professional life to helping other people.  

Listen as Nicole talks about why volunteering has so many benefits, how you can get started, and how serving others will ultimately change your heart.

Follow CFK on Instagram: @CongregationsforKids

Website: www.cfknc.org

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

If you're tired of small talk and long for deep, meaningful conversations, this is for you.

Be interested and interesting.

Be a good listnener.

Ask better questions.

Be present and mindful.

Give of your heart.

These tips apply whether you're on a first date or havig date night with your long term partner.  They work with your friends and with your kids.

Speaking of kids, you'll hear from one of my favorites, my 7 year old Goddaughter Marin Grace, at the end of the episode.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

You have many thoughts you think are true, but are actually lies.

Thoughts like: I'm not good enough, I can't make more money, I'll never find love... all LIES!

Listen to this quick episode in which I remind you to think about what you're thinking about!

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Apartment = Trigger

Anniversary = Trigger

Graduation = Trigger

I'd been feeling more "normal" for a while.  Then a series of things triggered me, reminding me of the difficulty of my divorce and my new reality.

In this episode I speak frankly about the challenges and how they've all led me to one solution... forgiveness.

It's my hope that if you're harboring a spirit of unforgiveness, you'll consider what I have to say.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

But grieving can feel scary and overwhelming.  How do we feel our feelings without getting swallowed up by them?

Listen to my conversation with counselor Juliet Kuehnle.  She offers tools to help us grieve and live at the same time.

Follow Juliet Kuehnle on Instagram: @yepigototherapy

Juliet's website: www.suncounselingandwellness.com

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Fear and comparison can keep you stuck.

When people say "don't compare" and "be fearless" that's not partiuclarly helpful. 

Listen to this quick reminder of what to do when you feel bad about yourself because you're comparig yourself to others.

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

If you're single and looking for love, this episode is for you.  And coupled up folks, you might learn something too!

Jennifer Hurvitz is a dating coach and the host of the podcast Doing Relationships Right.

In this episode, Jennifer shares how to know when you're ready to date after divorce.  She also talks about why you should only date one person at a time (who the hell can hande more than that?!).  And if you''re online dating, Jen has great advice for making your profile and bio really stand out above the rest. 

Listen my friend... never ever did I ever think I'd be dating again.  I thought I'd be married until the day I dropped dead.  So I'm out in the wild too and I know it's scary to give your heart to someone.  But we deserve big mad love.  Let's go find it.

Follow Jennifer Hurvitz on Instagram: @doingrelationshipsright

Jennifer's website: www.JenniferHurvitz.com

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Is it difficult to have honest and vulnerable conversations with your partner about sex?  Sex therapist Dr. Laurie Watson wants to normalize talking about it.

In this episode, Dr. Laurie shares ways you can open up to your person about what it is that you want in the bedroom.  She also talks about how "getting in the mood" starts with your mind.

We discuss sexy thoughts, dirty talk, the clittoris and other things.  This is NOT something children should hear.  And if you blush easily, ths is your warning. 

I honestly believe if I had found Dr. Laurie sooner, my marriage woudn't have fallen apart.  Her podcast has seven million downloads.  She's that good.  

It's a long episode but you'll want to hear the whole thing.  

Listen to Dr. Laurie Watson's podcast: ForeplayRadio.com 

Read Dr. Laurie's book:  Wanting Sex Again

Follow Dr. Laurie on Instagram: @foreplay_radiosextherapy

Visit Dr. Laurie's website: www.AwakeningsCenter.org

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Stop making everything so damn hard already!!!

CEO coach Danielle Jefferson believes we can make things easier.  And when things are easier, we can enjoy our lives more.  

Danielle works with small business owners to help them manage their work with the life balance they deserve.  Waht she teaches applies to all of us... not just business owners.

Danielles says these three things will help you stop making things so damn hard:

-getting over yourself

-building good habits

-giving less f@&ks

I worked with Danielle for six months.  She was a game changer for my business.  I adore this woman.  I knwo you will too.

Follow Danielle Jefferson on Instagram: @danielle_jeffersonjames

Danielle Jefferson's website: www.jeffersonjamesconsulting.com

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

I tell you what I've learned about myself, how I deal with loneliness and anger, and how I've learned to enjoy my own company. I remind you to use painful experiences to learn and grow.

Married people... invite your divorced friends. Don't worry, it's not contagious. 

Get tickets to Wake Up to Your Life Live

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Maggie Smith's book Keep Moving

You think they do because you see them on social media and they appear to be killing it.

But there was a time they didn't know what they were doing either. This includes yours truly.

Listen to this episode for a swift quick in the booty.

Click for tickets Wake Up to Your Life Live:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wake-up-to-your-life-live-with-colleen-odegaard-tickets-309016706287

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Perhaps you think you need a different body, a better job, a relationship, or a million dollars to be happy.

Your fixed idea of what you think you need to be happy is making you miserable. It's shutting you off to the opportunites of joy available to you right now.

Using mindfulness you can create a bigger container to hold disappointment AND happiness at the same time.

Get tickets to Wake Up to Your Life Live:

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc--charlotte/wake-up-to-your-life-live/

Follow me on Instgram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net

If you're tired of having the same fight with your partner over and over again, or if you feel more like roomates than lovers, this episode is for you. It's also for you if you're single... really.

Jason Van Ruler is a counselor, speaker, coach and author. His Instagram following has grown by the thousands in a short amount of time. That's because Jason talks about what a healthy relationship looks like and how to get it. He posts useful, practical information daily. 

I'm a huge fan of Jason's. I'm grateful for his work and I know it'll make me a better partner someday. I hope you feel the same after you listen to him.

Follow Jason Van Ruler on Instagram: @jason.vanruler

Jason Van Ruler Website: www.jasonvr.com

Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com

Email me: Colleen@wakeuptoyourlife.net