A LOT with Audra

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/applyAre you navigating a season of unexpected change, feeling lost in your roles, or searching for your own definition of success? Discover how one woman rebuilt her life, career, and sense of self after a pivotal turning point, and find inspiration to trust your own inner voice—no matter what life throws your way.Kristen Selby, founder of Timely Executive Assistants and Chief Administrative Officer at The Thread, shares her raw and honest journey through divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering self-trust. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to let go of external expectations, set boundaries, and build a life that feels truly authentic.HighlightsThe moment everything changed: turning 40 and facing an unexpected divorceFeeling like a single mom within a marriage and the challenges of raising three young childrenThe power of boundaries and the “only love in, only love out” philosophyRebuilding self-trust after years of seeking external validationStarting a business against the odds and finding empowerment in adversityLetting go of relationships that no longer serve youParenting through messy times and embracing vulnerabilityAdvice for anyone facing an unplanned life shiftThe importance of agency, self-compassion, and finding your “rainbow colors”Chapters00:00 — Introduction to Kristen Selby02:16 — The Big Shift in 202003:01 — Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life04:03 — Life in Wichita04:46 — Single Mom Within a Marriage06:32 — The Unexpected Divorce08:10 — Rebuilding After the Divorce08:24 — Finding Breadcrumbs of Self14:39 — Rediscovering Self-Trust17:10 — Seeking Freedom and Love18:06 — Building a New Home and Life19:10 — Starting a Business Against the Odds20:03 — Trusting Inner Knowing20:18 — Getting Your Sea Legs20:29 — Becoming Your Own Expert20:58 — Building Inner Trust21:09 — The Importance of Self-Trust21:56 — Facing Hardships with Self-Trust22:48 — Boundaries and Rebuilding23:49 — Support from Friends24:54 — Letting Go of Relationships27:18 — Parenting Through Messy Times28:54 — Homeschooling and Consistency29:28 — Embracing Vulnerability30:23 — Advice to 30-Year-Old Self31:39 — Letting Go of Control32:11 — Dealing with Your Own Issues33:49 — Finding Your Rainbow Colors35:44 — Closing ReflectionsResources MentionedTimely Executive Assistants — Kristen’s business providing fractional executive assistant support: https://www.timelyea.com/We Can Do Hard Things Podcast (Abby Wambach & Glennon Doyle): https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/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.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/applyWhat if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.HighlightsEmbracing aging and the excitement of turning 40Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your fortiesThe inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”Balancing ambition with softness and clarityReflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learningDefining Act Two: living and leading with intentionChallenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of ageInsights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful lifeWhat to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversationsChapters00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 4000:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution04:42 — Reflecting on Act One05:25 — Defining Act Two10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?13:14 — Excitement for the Future14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second ActResources MentionedLean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 ReportMary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second ActIf you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.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.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/applyAre you ready to step into your second act? What if the next chapter of your life isn’t about starting over, but about becoming more of who you truly are? As we close out 2025, I invite you to pause, reflect, and get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a doorway to new beginnings, deeper clarity, and the freedom to design a life that feels like your own. Let’s talk about what it means to embrace change, honor your journey, and boldly step into the next phase with courage, curiosity, and community.HighlightsThe meaning and inspiration behind “the second act”Why turning 40 feels like a recalibration, not a crisisHow to clarify what truly matters and set new boundariesThe difference between proving yourself and believing in yourselfUpcoming interviews with women navigating their own second actsTools, questions, and frameworks to help you build your next chapterHonest behind-the-scenes of my own journey—marriage, motherhood, ambition, and moreEncouragement for anyone feeling behind or uncertain as the new year beginsInvitation to join the written companion on SubstackChapters00:00 — Introduction and Welcome01:08 — Reflecting on 202501:20 — Introducing the Second Act01:58 — Defining the Second Act02:14 — Life’s Timeline and Career Midpoint02:45 — Clarifying What Matters03:18 — The Concept of the Second Act03:50 — Exploring Identity and Skills04:32 — Emotional Agility and Boundaries04:54 — Interviews and Stories05:37 — Coaching and Tools06:09 — Behind the Scenes of My Second Act06:47 — Encouragement for the New Year07:10 — Believing in Yourself08:03 — Looking Forward to 2026Resources MentionedThe Second Act Substack: https://substack.com/@audradinellThank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you feel the second act stirring in you, make sure you’re subscribed and join me on Substack for more. Here’s to turning the page—together.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.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/applyAre you craving a slower, more intentional pace as the seasons change? Discover how tuning into the rhythms of nature can transform your well-being, mindset, and daily habits. Join me and special guest Jess Dunegan, an Ayurvedic nutritionist, yoga teacher, and co-owner of Yoga State as we explore the art of seasonal living, practical ways to embrace slowness, and how to make winter a restorative, nourishing time.HighlightsThe meaning and origins of seasonal livingHow our ancestors lived in tune with nature—and what we can learn from themModern challenges to living seasonally (and how to overcome them)Simple nutrition shifts for each seasonRecognizing your body’s signals for a seasonal resetPractical self-care rituals rooted in AyurvedaReframing winter as a time for restoration, not just survivalTips for embracing slowness and presence in a fast-paced worldHow to work with Jess for deeper support and communityChapters00:28 – Introduction to Seasonal Living01:00 – Meet Jess Dunegan02:15 – Ancestors and Seasonal Living04:23 – Modern Challenges of Seasonal Living05:10 – Demystifying Seasonal Living06:22 – Seasonal Nutrition08:21 – Energy and Mood in Different Seasons11:31 – Practices for Embracing Slowness12:01 – Introduction to Ayurveda16:11 – Winter Practices and Self-Care18:09 – Mental and Emotional Benefits of Winter19:34 – Physical Activities for Winter21:35 – Signs Your Body Needs a Seasonal Shift24:36 – Conclusion and How to Work with JessResources MentionedThe Wellness Kula – Jess’s website for Flow and Flourish program, retreats, and workshopsYoga State KS on Facebook – Jess’s yoga studioYoga State KS on Instagram – Connect for classes and updatesWintering by Katherine May – Book recommendation for reframing winter as a restorative season (Book Link)PDF Guide to Self-Massage (Abhyanga)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.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/applyIs 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.