A LOT with Audra

Is it possible that the year is ending already? Today I’m bringing our Thread team together to talk about the unexpected curveballs that came our way in 2025. This candid conversation explores the surprises, lessons, and growth that come from a year of navigating business, family, and personal challenges. Join us as we reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and the wisdom we’re carrying into the new year.HighlightsNavigating grief and personal loss while staying present for business and familyThe power of simplicity and learning to say “no” to overcommitmentRealizations about playing small and daring to pursue big dreamsLessons from motherhood: letting go, managing conflict, and giving kids spaceThe tension between ambition and contentment—and how to find flowDelegating in business and the courage to take calculated risksBuilding routines that support health, family, and work-life balanceChoosing a “word of the year” as a guiding intention for growthChapters00:00 – Welcome & Setting the Scene00:45 – Team Podcast and Year Wrap-Up01:21 – Personal Reflections and Surprises01:52 – Navigating Personal Challenges (Grief, Resilience)05:43 – Embracing Simplicity (Kendra’s Insight)08:37 – Pursuing Big Dreams (Audra’s Realization)14:47 – Lessons from Motherhood18:01 – Balancing Ambition and Contentment22:11 – Finding Flow and Productivity26:31 – Business Strategies and Delegation29:30 – Personal Health and Routine31:32 – Parenting and Time Management34:45 – Choosing a Word for the Year38:00 – Reflections on 2025 & Looking Forward to 202642:00 – Closing Thoughts & Listener Call-to-ActionResources MentionedEssentialism by Greg McKeownBrené Brown’s “Strong Ground”Glennon Doyle’s “Houseplant Parent” conceptWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the best things in your year weren’t what you planned? As we wind down 2025, I’m reflecting on the surprises, tools, and shifts that made this year meaningful—personally and professionally. From discovering new values to finding joy in the unexpected, I’m sharing the 10 things I loved most this year, hoping they’ll inspire you to reflect, reset, and maybe try something new as you look ahead.HighlightsDiscovered the Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch for deeper self-understandingExperienced the benefits of food sensitivity testingUsed the How We Feel app to expand emotional vocabulary (and helped my kids do the same)Celebrated 15 years of marriage with a transformative Focus Lab experienceDownshifted work for a more intentional, essential rhythmLearned to let go of “good” to make space for “great”Found renewed joy in podcasting and committed to another yearWatched my family become avid readers (and hit a personal reading record)Built new friendships with real staying powerChose to stay and invest in our current home, embracing contentmentChapters00:00 Reflecting on 202500:51 10 Things I Loved in 2025: Categories & Overview02:03 Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch08:45 Food Sensitivity Testing10:03 How We Feel App13:29 Focus Lab Experience15:01 Downshifting Work17:11 Letting Go of Good for Great20:25 Podcasting Joy22:21 Family of Readers24:15 New Friendships with Staying Power26:12 Deciding to Stay in Our Home29:00 Reflecting on Home and Values29:58 Intentional Living30:06 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsResourcesValues Bridge Tool by Suzy WelchValues Bridge Tool Book: 10-10-10 by Suzy WelchBrené Brown’s Values AssessmentBook: Dare to Lead by Brené BrownEmotional AgilityBook: Emotional Agility by Susan DavidHow We Feel AppHow We FeelFocus Lab with Liz Forkin BohannonLiz Bohannon’s WebsiteEssentialism by Greg McKeownBook: Essentialism by Greg McKeownLiz Bohannon’s Podcast: Plucking UpPlucking Up PodcastWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if your greatest strengths could help you navigate life’s biggest challenges—and even shape the way you parent? Discover how understanding and leveraging your unique talents can transform your career, relationships, and family life. Join the conversation with Kennedy Rogers, Director of Strengths Leadership and Student Impact at Wichita State University, as we explore the power of CliftonStrengths, the intersection of ADHD and personal growth, and the freedom that comes from embracing who you truly are.HighlightsKennedy’s journey from discovering her strengths to leading others at Wichita State UniversityThe difference between CliftonStrengths and other personality assessmentsHow strengths-based approaches empower both individuals and parentsNavigating ADHD: reframing challenges as assetsThe “balcony and basement” concept—how strengths can help or hinder usParenting with intention and letting go of perfectionPractical ways to apply strengths in career, education, and daily lifeEncouragement for skeptics and those feeling lost or in transitionChapters00:23 — Kennedy’s work at Wichita State and her strengths journey01:14 — What is CliftonStrengths? How does it differ from other assessments?02:37 — The science and validity behind strengths-based tools04:31 — Strengths in times of transition and personal growth07:47 — ADHD and strengths: Kennedy’s personal story12:21 — The “balcony and basement” of strengths15:14 — Using strengths to find vocational direction17:46 — Kennedy’s path from sales to higher education21:57 — Parenting, education, and letting kids be themselves27:29 — Strengths-based parenting and letting go of societal expectations29:14 — Final thoughts, where to find Kennedy, and resourcesResources MentionedCliftonStrengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder):https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspxWichita State University:https://www.wichita.edu/Strengths-Based Parenting (Book):https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/strengths-based-parenting.aspxConnect with Kennedy Rogers on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rogers-3187618a/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the messiest chapters of your life are actually the foundation for your most powerful growth? Today, I sit down with Janice Perkins—executive coach, speaker, and all-around force of nature—to explore the real stories behind resilience, self-worth, and the power of community. From battling chronic illness and single motherhood to building a thriving business and finding love again, Janice shares the unfiltered truth about letting go of expectations, embracing imperfection, and duct-taping life together with humor and heart. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much or not enough, this conversation is for you.HighlightsThe surprising power of sharing your story and bringing struggles into the lightHow Janice rebuilt her life after chronic illness, divorce, and career upheavalLetting go of perfectionism and learning to give yourself graceThe role of accountability partners, coaches, and inner circles in personal growthDaily practices for self-care and staying connectedWhy vulnerability is essential in both personal and professional lifeConfronting limiting beliefs and the myth of controlThe importance of risk-taking and trusting yourself in new chaptersChapters00:00 — Welcome and Introduction00:49 — Meet Janice Perkins01:32 — Building Confidence and Friendship02:46 — The Power of Sharing Stories04:26 — Janice's Journey Through Adversity07:05 — Parenting and Letting Go of Expectations09:33 — The Struggle with Control and Self-Worth12:45 — The Impact of Dr. Caroline Leaf's Work17:35 — The Importance of Accountability and Support Systems20:01 — Balancing Self-Care and Professional Life22:55 — Daily Practices for Personal Growth26:41 — Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs29:25 — Reflecting on Life's Challenges and Lessons31:27 — Closing Thoughts and Where to Find JaniceResources MentionedDr. Caroline Leaf – Clean Up Your Mental MessI Have Capacity (Janice Perkins’ website)Janice Perkins on LinkedInThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you carrying a backpack full of expectations you never signed up for? Discover how redefining success, embracing help, and letting go of perfectionism can transform your work, your family life, and your sense of self. Join me as I talk with Paige McPheely, CEO and Co-founder of Base, about the real stories behind ambition, burnout, and the power of permission.HighlightsPaige’s journey from startup founder and mom of three to redefining what leadership looks likeThe “backpack of expectations” and how to let go of what’s weighing you downLiving and working in Spain: lessons from a different pace of lifeThe myth of “doing it all” and why asking for help is a leadership superpowerHow to distinguish between healthy ambition and hustle addictionOutsourcing creatively—yes, even your handwriting!Practical strategies for deep work, blocking distractions, and creating ritualsThe “glass balls and plastic balls” analogy for balancing work and familyWhy giving yourself permission is the most radical act of self-careThe power of morning pages and stream-of-consciousness writingChapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction00:53 — Meet Paige McPheely: CEO and Co-founder of Base01:22 — Paige's Journey to Productivity02:05 — Rethinking Success and Expectations02:58 — Living in Spain: A Different Pace of Life03:54 — Balancing Leadership and Parenting05:45 — The Lie of Doing It All06:54 — Healthy Ambition vs. Hustle Addiction10:51 — Outsourcing: Creative Solutions10:51 — Managing Time as an Entrepreneur and Mother13:17 — Deep Work and Blocking Distractions15:02 — Juggling Parenthood and Professional Life20:25 — Reprogramming Stress and Overwhelm23:14 — The Importance of Giving Yourself Permission24:50 — Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources MentionedBase HQ — Find resources for hiring and working with executive assistantsLinkedIn: Paige McPheelyWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.