Are you getting enough sleep? Psychiatric nurse practitioner Andrea Beckstrom joins Steph to talk about what sleep hygiene really means and why it’s the foundation of your mental and emotional health. In this insightful episode, Andrea shares simple but powerful changeslike setting a consistent bedtime, cutting out late-night scrolling, and getting sunlight first thing in the morning that can completely reset your rest. She also dives into how movement, nutrition, and mindset all work together to boost energy, focus, and mood.
Connect with Andrea:
Instagram: @andreabeckstromnp
Website: https://www.levohealth.org
What drives someone to run 50 miles through nonstop rain, mud, and 11,000 feet of elevation gain? For marathoner and Boston qualifier Kaleb Shoell, the answer was simple: to test his limits. In this inspiring episode of 52 Weeks, Kaleb shares how he went from pushing a stroller in marathons with his two daughters to completing his first ultra marathon on the rainiest day Utah has seen since 1901.
He opens up about what pushed him to move from 26.2 miles to 50, the mental battles that come when you still have 30 miles to go, and the support that kept him moving especially from his wife, who cheered him on in the rain eight months pregnant. Kaleb also talks about pacing alongside his dad, how family shaped his “never quit” mindset, and what running has taught him about life, grit, and consistency.
Whether you’re a runner or not, this conversation will motivate you to put your goals on your vision board and start taking the first step because as Kaleb says, “You’re never going to be 100% ready. You just have to start.”
More Epsidoes of Kaleb: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OrIJmqDbVs2H8ZSTa8qRt?si=iIk7rAXHSOeNmqI1dGvIQw
As we head into the last quarter of 2025, Steph sits down for a solo debrief to reflect on the big lessons and big goals of the year. From wrapping up her ambitious 100 podcasts in 100 days challenge to discovering how tools like Asana and the Strides app have transformed her routines, this episode is all about raising the floor, staying consistent, and keeping promises to yourself.
Steph shares the momentum she’s building for the end of the year: 60 more episodes, 10 new podcasting courses, and a bold experiment to push her PodSavvy Guide into the top 1% of podcasts. She also opens up about missing the dynamic energy of co-hosts and puts out a call for three new voices to join her on 52 Weeks in 2026.
With insights on building habits, staying organized, and embracing lofty goals, this episode is part reflection, part roadmap and a reminder that it’s not how you start, but how you finish.
If you have a running goal, this episode is for you. On the 52 Weeks Podcast, Steph sits down with Melanie Cote, known on Instagram as @the.curvy.runner, to talk about her inspiring journey from running one-minute intervals in 2022 to training for her first Disney half marathon. Melanie shares how a coworker’s encouragement sparked her start, how accountability and posting on social media helped her stay consistent, and how her story has resonated with thousands of followers online. She opens up about balancing training with family and a full-time job, turning long runs into weekend “date days” with her husband, and the lessons she’s learned about consistency, comparison, and celebrating progress. From treadmill miles in Canadian winters to character-filled miles through Disney World, Melanie’s story is a reminder that running doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Weekly Challenge: Commit to three 30-minute walks or runs each week for one month. Keep it simple, track your consistency, and watch how small steps create big change.
Follow Melanie on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/the.curvy.runner
What happens when you set a goal so big it reshapes the way you live every single day? In this episode, Steph sits down with her dad, Kevin Shoell owner of Title One Utah , devoted father of eight, and grandfather to more than a dozen grandkids. Years ago, Kevin heard the idea that reading 2,000 books is the equivalen of being educated and he took it to heart. Today, he reads a book a day.
Kevin opens up about how this habit fuels his growth as a leader, runner, and goal-setter, while also keeping him grounded.
Weekly Challenge: Do something unexpected for someone for seven days. He emphasizes the importance of serving others without needing acknowledgment, suggesting that this act of kindness can provide a personal lift and contribute positively to the environment around us.
We recently touched on finance, but this topic deserves its own spotlight. Imagine navigating a divorce and suddenly finding your financial world turned upside down. While scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a post from a woman reminiscing about her pre-divorce life, driving through her old neighborhood. The comments were filled with similar stories, highlighting a shared struggle many face when lifestyles shift post-divorce.
This realization led me to invite today’s guest, Amy Coroso, who has lived this journey. From debt and damaged credit to no savings and mortgage hurdles, she transformed her financial life and now empowers other women to do the same. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Certified YNAB Coach, founder of Real Talk Finance, and author on retirement preparation, Amy's mission is to equip women with the tools, confidence, and support to reclaim their financial independence, no matter their life stage.🔗 Connect with Amy Coroso
Website (Real Talk Finance): https://www.realtalkfinance.com
Community: https://www.realtalkfinance.com/membership
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-coroso-cfei%E2%84%A0-19932227/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/realtalkfinance
Setting shared goals can significantly strengthen your bond and create a unified vision for your relationship. Katie Rössler, a renowned relationship strategist, emphasizes the transformative power of shifting from individual aspirations to 'we goals.' This approach not only aligns your paths but also deepens your connection as a couple. Friendship plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy and lasting partnership, serving as the foundation for mutual respect and understanding. Katie offers practical advice for enhancing communication and connection, ensuring that both partners feel heard and valued.
Weekly Challenge: Take on Katie's challenge to engage in a weekly couple check-in this week to fostering deeper understanding and support.Podcast: https://katierossler.com/podcast/ Website: https://katierossler.com/ Workbook: https://katierossler.com/vision-workbook/
Ever feel like the small things don't matter? Think again! Meet Brittany Stinson, a powerhouse speaker, coach, and COO of Seeding Greatness, who proves that tiny steps can lead to monumental change. From starting her day with a simple glass of water to transforming her life and career, Brittany's journey is all about those micro wins that build momentum. As a wife, mom of five, and health advocate, she balances it all with grace and grit. Her TEDx talk dives into the cycle of trust and how keeping promises to yourself can unlock your true potential. Ready to be inspired? Let's dive into Brittany's world and discover how you can make those small changes count!
TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/nxg1yfnoO1I
Website: https://brittanystinson.com/
Money isn't just numbers; it's the key to unlocking your dreams. In this episode of the 52 Weeks Podcast, Steph welcomes Valériane Wilson, a Certified Financial Planner and advocate for women in business. They discuss essential financial planning tips for entrepreneurs, the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome, and Valériane's innovative guardrail budgeting technique. Valériane challenges listeners to focus on gratitude and recognize the abundance in their lives, even amidst financial pressures. Tune in for insights on setting up your business for success and embracing your financial potential.
In this episode of the 52 Weeks Podcast, Steph discusses the transformative concepts introduced by Dr. Benjamin Hardy, particularly focusing on the idea of 10X goals and the psychological principles behind effective goal setting. She shares her personal experiences with Hardy's coaching program and emphasizes the importance of clarity, focus, and the elimination of distractions in achieving significant personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the impact of setting ambitious goals and how they can inspire not only oneself but also others in their journey towards success.
Ever feel like you're playing a game where everyone else is leveling up, but you're stuck on pause? In this episode of the 52 Weeks podcast, Steph discusses the feelings of inadequacy and comparison that many experience when they feel they are not meeting societal milestones. She explores the concept of the social clock, the pressure to achieve certain life goals by specific ages, and the impact of social media on self-worth. Steph emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone's journey is unique and that it's okay to be at different stages in life. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own paths and to embrace their individual timelines, reminding them that it's never too late to pursue their dreams.
In this episode, Steph explores Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory, emphasizing the importance of letting go of the need to control others and reclaiming personal peace. Through storytelling and relatable examples, she discusses how acceptance and mindfulness can enhance emotional resilience and improve relationships. The conversation highlights practical applications of the theory in everyday life, encouraging listeners to focus on their own reactions rather than the actions of others.
If you’re a parent of a high-performing teen, or even just someone who wants to redefine success in your own life, this conversation is packed with insights. This week, Steph sits down with Steve Galley, Certified High-Performance Coach, co-host of the Stop Parenting and Start Coaching podcast, co-founder of Create. Transform. Become., seasoned speaker, author, and Ironman triathlete.
Steve shares why parents often treat their teens the same way they did at age 9 (and why that backfires), how to avoid being the “drill sergeant,” and how creating your own scoreboard can lower stress and improve performance.
Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-galley/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stop-parenting-start-coaching/id1696708860
Feeling stuck in the trap of all-or-nothing goals? In this solo episode of the 52 Weeks Podcast, Steph opens up about the struggle to keep her 100 Days of Podcasting challenge on track during the 4th of July chaos. She shares how perfectionism and black-and-white thinking sabotage progress and offers practical tips from experts like David Burns, Brené Brown, and James Clear to help us all aim for progress, not perfection. Tune in and learn how tiny steps (like just ten minutes outside!) can move your dreams forward.
In this solo episode, Steph shares the story behind her ambitious goal of recording 100 days of podcasting. She opens up about juggling podcast creation with other commitments, including posting on social media and staying consistent even when motivation dips.
Steph talks candidly about the pure joy and energy she feels when creating content, regardless of how many people see it. She reflects on the power of creating publicly for accountability and the little bursts of encouragement that keep her going, like hearing from a friend who enjoys her day-in-the-life series.
This episode blends personal reflection, motivation, and a call to action for women to step up and share their stories and perspectives through podcasting.
Why Steph committed to 100 days of podcasting
Balancing podcasting with life, work, and other creative pursuits
The excitement and energy that comes from creating
The gap between men and women following through on podcasting goals
What it truly means to amplify your voice
Podcasting as a tool for building a personal legacy
“People often don’t think about podcasting as legacy. When in time have we had this? We’re so accessible for you to share thoughts and wisdom and one day, your posterity, your friends, your family can listen to it.”
Weekly Challenge
Think about one thing you could commit to doing for 100 days to challenge yourself, grow your skills, or fuel your creativity.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to start or finally finish?
Once you’ve chosen your challenge, ask yourself: Who can you share this goal with to help keep you accountable?
Follow Steph's Journey on Instagram
What if the only thing holding you back wasn’t your ability but the belief that you weren’t ready?
This week on the 52 Weeks Podcast, we sit down with Janine Wittwer a PhD mathematician, professor at Westminster College, and women’s confidence coach who has helped countless women realize they’re far more capable than they think.
In this episode, we cover:
Why women often believe they need every qualification before applying for a job
The difference in how men and women talk about their accomplishments
How to handle being talked over or overlooked in meetings
What to say and do to start owning your voice professionally
Why self-compassion, not willpower is key to lasting confidence and growth
Weekly Challenge:
Pay attention this week to every time you berate yourself. No need to fix it just notice it. That awareness is the first step toward changing it.
Connect with Janine Wittwer:
Website: www.innerharmonycoaching.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/innerharmonycoaching
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janinewittwer
Ever feel like life’s throwing all the curveballs. Career changes, heartbreaks, personal losses and you’re just trying to keep your head above water. But what if you could find a steady anchor to hold onto through it all? In this episode, Avanlee Jessop shares her story of going from nutrition coach to life coach, showing us how tiny habits can keep us grounded when everything feels shaky. We talk about how what you eat actually affects your mental health, how to finally stop believing those limiting stories we tell ourselves, and why it’s so important to let yourself grieve when life gets messy. Oh, and gratitude? Total game-changer. Takeaways
Connect with Avanlee:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avanleejane/
Website: https://theavapproach.com/about
Welcome back to the 52 Weeks Podcast. This week, Steph is joined again by Rachael Curfew, an experienced anxiety and relationship coach. In her previous episode, Rachael shared ways to calm anxiety alarms. In this follow-up conversation, the focus shifts to how anxiety often stems from relationship dynamics and what we can do about it.
In this episode, we cover:
How unresolved relationships from childhood often shape adult anxiety
What a relationship "blueprint" is and how to update yours
What to do when someone is stonewalling you in a conversation
Why some women struggle to share their opinions and how to reclaim your voice
How to stop people-pleasing and start setting healthy boundaries
Navigating hard conversations with adult children, in-laws, or a spouse
How to love someone even when they make choices that go against your values
Listener Challenge:
Make a list of things you know to be true about yourself. Then choose one of those things to confidently share with someone this week. It’s a small but powerful way to strengthen your voice and self-awareness.
Key takeaway from Rachael:
Every person needs someone who sees them, supports them, and truly listens. Knowing who you are is the first step to building those kinds of relationships.
Connect with Rachael Curfew:
Website: https://www.rachaelcurfew.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslivemorecoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelcurfew
Catch her previous episode on anxiety patterns and calming strategies here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3li0bIfCvJmmSw9XmJqp21
Ever feel like you’re following a career path that looks great on paper… but secretly feels like someone else wrote the script?
You’ve followed the roadmap-school, job, promotions. On paper, it all looks great. But inside? Something feels off. Then this episode is your permission slip to rewrite it.
In a recent episode of the 52 Weeks Podcast, I sat down with Andrea Yacub Macek, a career wellness coach and founder of AYM Consulting, to talk about what happens when success doesn’t feel like success—and how to build a career that actually aligns with who you are.
Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge to her work, holding a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and over a decade of corporate experience in higher education and healthcare. But more importantly, she brings lived experience.
During our conversation, Andrea shared her insights on:
The reality of burnout and how it can look different at every stage of your career
Toxic management styles and the toll they take on our mental health
Morning routines vs. habits, and how the small things we do can have a big impact
The importance of regulating your energy—and how to stop starting your day in someone else’s
Working with women in mid-to-senior level careers who are seeking more meaning, growth, or change
How to habit-stack your way into clarity and momentum
The Weekly Challenge
Andrea offered a powerful yet simple challenge for listeners that I believe applies to anyone—especially those navigating change:
Ask yourself how you want to feel each morning.
Before you open your phone, your laptop, or your to-do list—pause. Choose a word: Calm? Empowered? Energized?
Choose one habit to support that feeling.
This could be journaling for five minutes, stretching, making a quiet cup of coffee, or taking a short walk. It doesn’t need to be long—just intentional.
This daily act of presence can reset your nervous system, put you back in control of your energy, and remind you that you’re allowed to take up space in your own life.
Why This Conversation Matters
We often think career change is about titles, resumes, or networking. But Andrea reminds us that lasting change comes from within. When we build self-trust, align with our values, and create routines that reflect who we really are—we stop chasing success, and start living it.
Whether you're navigating burnout, considering a pivot, or just feeling “off,” this episode will give you clarity, calm, and a few practical steps to move forward.
Want to Learn More?
You can connect with Andrea or book her as your coach here:
Website + Coaching: aymconsulting.io
LinkedIn: Andrea Yacub Macek
Instagram: @andreayacubmacek
Welcome back to the 52 Weeks Podcast! This is Part Two of our deep-dive into Crucial Conversations with the ever-wise and relatable Lyndsey V. In this episode, we explore something that doesn’t get enough love in the communication world: how to actually listen—like, really listen. Not just nodding and thinking about what snack you’re going to eat next.
Steph and Lyndsey unpack why psychological safety is the secret to better conversations—at work, at home, and with friends—and how to build that safety using tools like paraphrasing, validation, and a surprisingly powerful technique called “I Don’t and I Do.” This episode is full of real-life stories, including one where Steph unintentionally offended a friend and another where gossip nearly derailed a friendship group. If you've ever wished you could go back and say something differently—this episode is for you.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
A quick review of CPR and FSA (from Part One) and how to use them
The three signs you’re in a Crucial Conversation: High Stakes, Strong Emotion, Opposing Viewpoints
How to handle gossip with grace—and protect your own peace in friend groups
Why listening is emotionally exhausting (and why it’s totally worth it)
What the “I Don’t and I Do” strategy is—and how it can diffuse defensiveness instantly
Why validation does not equal agreement—and how that helps in tense conversations
Quote of the Episode:
"When you stop fighting to be heard and start listening with curiosity, that’s when real connection happens." — Lyndsey V
Challenge of the Week:
Practice just one of these listening or safety-building tools this week:
Paraphrasing (“What I hear you saying is…”)
Validating (“That totally makes sense why you’d feel that way.”)
“I Don’t and I Do” (Example: “I don’t want to criticize you—I do want us to be on the same page.”)
Connect with Lyndsey V:Website: http://lyndseyv.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lyndseyv_
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063502151086
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyv