This one’s for every woman standing on the edge of what if.

Ever felt that tug to do something bold — quit the job, say yes, walk away, start over — but froze at “what if”?

Backseat Thriver is talking about leaps of faith , why they’re terrifying, and how they change everything.

We’ve made it through 35 episodes, and here’s the question: are we just talking about growth, or are we actually doing the work? It’s easy to dish out advice, but are we looking in the mirror and calling ourselves out, too?

Here’s the truth—self-improvement isn’t all sunshine and journaling. It’s messy. It’s owning your crap. And it’s realizing that forgiveness isn’t about letting people off the hook—it’s about dropping the dead weight you’ve been carrying. Because holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to keel over. Spoiler: they don’t. You do.

Most people are out here just surviving with the tools they’ve got. Doesn’t make their behavior okay. Doesn’t mean they earn a spot at your table. But forgiveness? That’s about taking your power back, not handing it over.

So, as we look back at the journey so far, the real challenge is this: who do you need to forgive to finally breathe easier? And what’s it gonna take to stop talking about growth—and actually live it?

Joining us is Mari Peralta, senior wealth manager

Today, we’re diving into a subject that impacts every single one of us—money. More specifically, investing.

Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, there are certain financial truths every woman should have in her toolkit. We’ll talk about the most common mistakes women make when it comes to investing, the unique challenges we face when finding and owning our financial voice, and the strategies that can help us build confidence, security, and freedom with our money.

Because at the end of the day, investing isn’t just about dollars—it’s about power, independence, and making sure your future reflects the life you want.

So grab your notebook, because this episode is all about helping women step into their financial strength and avoid the pitfalls that hold too many of us back.

Today, we sit with a mother whose life was forever changed in the blink of an eye. Her vibrant 13-year-old was taken by cancer, a battle that came quickly and unexpectedly, leaving her world shattered. But what she has chosen to do with her grief is nothing short of extraordinary.
This conversation is about love and loss, about the rawness of saying goodbye far too soon, and about the strength it takes to transform unimaginable pain into purpose. It’s about a mother’s unwavering commitment to make sure her child is never forgotten—turning heartbreak into a legacy of hope, and channeling her journey into giving back to others walking the same road.
Join us as we honor her story, celebrate the life of her child, and discover how even in the deepest loss, there can be light, connection, and a path forward.

Today we’re joined by special guest Emily Fenton, LCSW. We’re diving into some heavy but important topics—mental health, suicide, and anxiety—especially as the back-to-school honeymoon ends and reality sets in for so many kids who are struggling.
We’ll also be exploring the inner voice—how to change the tune when it’s working against us and how to truly validate ourselves in the process.
And, as always, we’ll hold ourselves accountable: are we actually practicing the tips our guests share, or just nodding along? Emily’s insights will challenge us to not just listen, but to do the work.
So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get into it.

Grief. It’s the one thing we’re all guaranteed to face, but nobody experiences it the same way. This week, we’re sitting down with Dr. Serign Marong, who doesn’t just talk about grief in theory—he’s lived it. Together, we’re asking the questions that don’t come with neat, tidy answers: Can you grieve someone who’s still alive? How has social media changed the way we show (or hide) our grief? And is there actually a ‘right’ way to grieve—or are we all just figuring it out in real time?

This isn’t just a conversation about loss. It’s about love, resilience, and the messy, beautiful ways we keep moving forward while carrying the people—and the weight of the memory in your backseat.

As women, we move through the world every day in ways that require us to balance freedom with awareness. From walking across a dimly lit parking lot, to traveling solo, to navigating packed public spaces—confidence and preparation are the real game changers.This episode is about reclaiming that narrative. We’re breaking down the habits, mindset, and practical tools that help you feel secure, stand tall, and trust your gut. It’s not about shrinking in fear—it’s about expanding into your strength. So if you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to be ‘street smart,’ or how to walk that line between being cautious and living boldly—this conversation is for you. Let’s get into it.

First impressions can speak louder than a thousand conversations. In this episode, we’ll unpack the subtle—and sometimes surprising—ways we come off to other people. Are you actually intimidating, or are they just feeling intimidated? We’ll explore the difference, and why it matters for your relationships, career, and confidence.

We’ll look at the unspoken cues you send—your body language, tone of voice, word choice, and even the pace of your walk—and how they shape the story others tell themselves about you. You’ll hear real-life examples of people who’ve been labeled “intimidating” when they were simply confident, reserved, or focused, and how self-awareness can flip the narrative.

From self-reflection prompts to small behavioral tweaks, this episode will help you understand what you might be projecting, and how to decide if you even want to change it. After all, first impressions are powerful—but they don’t have to define the whole relationship.

From post-baby bods to perimenopause , we’re getting real about the glorious (and sometimes WTF) rollercoaster that is our ever-changing body.

Let’s talk about the boobs that forgot their job, the sagging skin, and the mirror moments that make us pause and wonder: Who even IS she?

This week, we’re diving into aging, hormones, self-image, and learning how to love (or at least laugh at) the skin we’re in. Whether you’re leaking, sweating, sagging, stretching, or thriving — this one’s for YOU.

Tune in. Bring wine. Or snacks. Definitely snacks.

Today we’re diving into the back-to-school season—and let’s be honest, it’s not always as picture-perfect as those first-day photos. Whether it’s first-day jitters, forgotten homework, or friendship drama, this time of year can bring a lot of stress for kids and parents.

In this episode, we’re talking all about how to help your kids tackle anxiety, get back into solid routines, stay organized, and navigate the tricky waters of friendships—from playground politics to group texts. We’ll break it down by age, offer some practical tips, and remind you that no one has it all figured out (even the Pinterest moms).

So grab your coffee or your carpool snack stash, and let’s talk about how to make this school year feel a little calmer, a little more connected, and a whole lot more manageable.

Today’s episode dives headfirst into a topic that’s raw, real, and potentially life-saving. We’re joined by a very interesting—and yes, controversial—guest: Mike Brown, founder of Never Use Alone. This isn’t your typical hotline. This is a 24/7, judgment-free, harm reduction service for people who use drugs alone. It’s not about enabling. It’s about saving lives.

Mike brings personal experience, unwavering grit, and a fierce commitment to public health. We talk about the real stories behind the overdose epidemic, the power of human connection, and what it means to show up—even when the rest of the world turns away. Buckle up—this one’s bold, unapologetic, and might just change the way you think about addiction, stigma, and survival.

Meet Bradner Lawrence, — full-time food tour guide, full-time firefighter, and forever a dad (just ask his kids who’ve heard the same five jokes on repeat since 2012). When he’s not saving lives, he’s saving you from bad restaurant choices. He can spot a five-alarm chili and a five-star taco with equal precision, and if the tour gets too spicy, don’t worry — he’s got a hose. Strap in for laughs, snacks, and possibly some dad dancing.

For many women, intuition is a survival tool, a creative compass, and a soul-level GPS.

The challenge? We live in a culture that tells women to second-guess it, silence it, or call it “crazy.”

In this episode of Backseat Thriver, we sit down with keynote speaker, coach, and creative soul Sheila Elaine to talk about something every woman has — but many have been taught to ignore: intuition.

Sheila shares how we can reconnect with that inner wisdom, trust our gut in a world full of noise, and make space for a life that feels fully aligned — not just well-managed. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive” or found yourself looking outward for answers you already had inside… get ready to take the wheel and drive, this one’s for you.

You ever make a decision so bold, so wild, so absolutely based on zero logic that even your own brain was like, “Wait… what are we doing?” That, my friend, is what we call trusting your gut—aka handing the steering wheel to your inner GPS who hasn’t updated since 2009 but feels like it knows the way. Taking a leap of faith is basically jumping off a cliff and hoping your instincts packed a parachute… or at least a decent snack for the fall.

This week, we have a surprise appearance by Joe Pagac, who joins us for the ride — and yes, we definitely go down a few rabbit holes!

We’re also joined by Gabe Cenciceros — restaurateur, author, father, and all-around powerhouse — and we grill him (pun intended) about what he’s learned on his entrepreneurial journey.

Sure, we all know drugs and alcohol get the spotlight when it comes to addiction. But what about the sneaky stuff—like obsessively refreshing your ex’s Instagram, or dropping way too much money on things you swear you needed from Amazon at 2 a.m.?

These are called behavioral addictions—repetitive habits that can quietly mess with your mental health, bank account, and life in general. We’re talking gambling, nonstop gaming, workaholism, shopping sprees, risky sex, and even getting way too emotionally invested in trashy reality TV (yeah, it counts).

Let’s take a look at these sneaky little behaviors, figure out what they might be saying about you, and maybe—just maybe—start getting a handle on them. (No judgment, promise.)

In this episode, we welcome the incomparable Giovanni, the mind and heart behind Imp of the Perverse — a space where indulgence meets intention. From culinary visions and chunky jewelry to curated style and unapologetic self-expression, Giovanni brings a fresh take on living deliciously and dressing for joy. 

We talk about everything from a childhood obsession with bell bottoms, to what it’s like to cook while 1.4M people watch. (Don’t worry- we ask about all the free shit he gets) 

This one’s bold, unfiltered, and full of flavor. You don’t want to miss it.

Ever ridden a bike through the desert with a javelina in a suit? Or hike in a hot dog suit?  Neither have we—but Joe Pagac has! He paints that wild ride like it’s just another Tuesday.

On this week’s episode of Backseat Thriver, we take a detour into the surreal world of Tucson muralist Joe Pagac—a man who turned desert whimsy into nine-story masterpieces and made his art a living experience.

We’re getting real, with a game of, never have I ever! Oh yeah, and we’ll talk about his artistic abilities! 

Because thriving isn’t always clean lines and pretty frames. Sometimes it’s weird, wild, and painted on the side of a building.

We’re calling BS on the “glowing new mom” stereotype.

Because sometimes, that glow? It’s just sweat, tears, and exhaustion.

This week on Backseat Thriver, we’re talking postpartum depression—what it feels like, how to spot it, and why so many moms suffer in silence.

We’re talking depression, unrealistic expectations, and why crying over spilled breast milk might actually be the most honest moment of your day.

Today we’re chewing the fat on weight loss, healthy habits, and feeling your best! Because let’s be honest, losing weight isn’t just about eating less and moving more.

In this episode, we’ll break down meds, big pharma, and exercise  and will share some practical tips you can start using today, and, of course, keep it all realistic and sustainable. No quick fixes, no gimmicks—just real strategies that actually work.

Do you ever hear your kids talk and wonder WTF are they teaching them at school? Or are your kids embarrassed by your slang, “OMG Mom Stop!”  In this episode, we’re diving into the world of modern slang—breaking down terms like Gyuat, Fit, Fanum Tax, and Delulu so you don’t embarrass yourself or your kids trying to use them in a sentence. Consider this your crash course in Internet Linguistics 101—because let’s be honest, the dictionary gave up on us a long time ago. Buckle up—because this episode is lowkey unhinged.