Welcome back to the show! In today’s solo episode, we’re diving into one of the most common defense mechanisms we all tend to lean on when we hear feedback we don’t like. If you’ve ever found yourself getting defensive or shutting down in these moments, you’re not alone—but what if there was a better way to respond? I’ll be sharing practical strategies to help you move past the knee-jerk reaction and embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth.

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Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

In this episode, we're diving deep with Julie Jones, a former police officer and SWAT team member turned Award-Winning Speaker, International Bestselling Author, and Breakthrough Coach. Julie's journey from bottling up emotions to embracing authenticity offers powerful lessons for anyone feeling stuck. Join us as we explore her transition from the high-stakes world of law enforcement to empowering individuals and teams with the tools they need to thrive. Learn how Julie's story of courage and self-discovery can inspire you to stop waiting and start living today!

MORE ABOUT JULIE:

Julie Jones, a former police officer and SWAT member, empowers individuals to conquer fears, embrace authenticity, and seize each moment. An Award-Winning Speaker, International Bestselling Author, and Breakthrough Coach, she hosts the TV show "Stop Waiting Start Living" and the Get S#*t Done podcast. Certified in NLP, Mental and Emotional Release, and Hypnosis, Julie's expertise in the Working Genius facilitates personal and team breakthroughs. A dynamic networker, she catalyzes business growth and community impact. Recognized as a top influencer, Julie's legacy is defined by relentless fundraising for local causes.

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MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at cher@cheranderton.com

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Fein, the author of Breath Taking, to explore some of life’s most challenging uncertainties and unexpected blessings. Jessica shares her journey of learning to let go of the need to control the future and embracing the freedom that comes with being present. We talk about how fear of the unknown can paralyze us, but also how powerful it can be to release that fear and find victory in the moment. Tune in as we discuss what it means to live fully, find peace, and breathe through the unknown. This conversation is for anyone looking to find strength in uncertainty and beauty in the present.

MORE ABOUT JESSICA FEIN:

Jessica Fein is the author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes and host of the "I Don't Know How You Do It” podcast, which features people whose lives seem unimaginable and who triumph over seemingly impossible challenges. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, Psychology Today, The BostonGlobe, HuffPost, Scary Mommy, Zibby Mag, Kveller, andmore. Jessica is a relentless warrior in the memory of her dynamic daughter whom she lost to rare disease in 2022. Her work encompasses hope and humor, grit and grace --the tools that make up her personal survival kit. Jessica serves on the Board of Directors of Mito Action. She’s the mother of three, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala. They live outside of Boston with their quasi-service dog, who trained himself. To learn more visit www.jessicafeinstories.com

BOOK REVIEWS:

"More than an honest and humorous memoir, Breath Taking can be the guide star so many seek when life hands them more than they ever imagined they could endure." --Daniel DeFabio, rare disease filmmaker and Co-founder of The Disorder Channel

“A story of relentless heartbreak met with wit, strength, and resilience.” –Jennifer Weisel Bailey, ELLE Magazine

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at cher@cheranderton.com

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

My guest Anzara shares how she shifted from trying to avoid or get through discomfort as quickly as possible, to being able to sit with it and learn from it, modeling and teaching her kids to do the same. This practice was especially helpful when she left her position at a school district she worked in for almost 20 years for a job that really lit her up. I can't wait for you to learn from this powerhouse of a human!

Up by Thomas Rhett

MORE ABOUT ANZARA:

Anzara Miller has been in education for 25 years as an administrator, professional developer, technology specialist, and middle school Spanish teacher. She has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Portland and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland. As Director of Leadership and Development for the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and her past roles in Shoreline School District, Anzara provides training, coaching, and support for teachers and administrators in improving their practice. Anzara’s expertise is in developing and facilitating professional learning for adults to lead them in productive conversation and collaboration. She supports educators at the state level through her work as a Learning Focused Supervision trainer, Instructional Framework Specialist and State Lead for the Danielson Framework for Teaching.

milleranzara@gmail.com

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MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at cher@cheranderton.com

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

Today we meet Sarah Ward, a Sex and Style Coach who’s reshaped her relationship with discomfort—transforming it from something to avoid into a powerful source of wisdom. Sarah shares her journey from bypassing her unease and shifting responsibility to others to finding strength through embodiment practices. Discover how tuning into her own inner wisdom unlocked new layers of personal empowerment and confidence. This episode dives deep into her unique perspective on harnessing inner truth, tapping into embodied awareness, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Andrea Turnbow, the inspiring founder of The Grief Nook. Andrea shares her personal journey through grief and how it led her to create safe, creative spaces for others to honor their emotions and process loss. Hear how she’s transformed her own experience with grief into powerful practices that help people find solace and strength. You won’t want to miss her insights on the healing power of community and creativity.

MORE ABOUT ANDREA:

Andrea is the founder of The Grief Nook, a comfortable space to creatively grieve in community. Through her workshops, support groups, speaking events, and individual support, she helps grievers discover ways to process and express their grief through creativity, connection, and tradition. Her guidance brings them closer to their desires and goals through the power of their own innate abilities.

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MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at cher@cheranderton.com

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

In this episode, Jon shares how choosing personal responsibility, accountability, and making amends transformed his life and relationships. We dive into the discomfort of facing our own missteps and the role self-forgiveness plays in rebuilding trust. Jon's story shows that while it's challenging to 'do better to be better,' the deep connection and fulfillment that come from healthier relationships make the work truly worth it.

MORE ABOUT JON:

Jon is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking and camping. He is the founder of The Negotiated Apology Project where he teaches people how to resolve disputes through apologies using problem-solving skills he learned in law school. He also offers mediation based on The Negotiated Apology, public relations consulting, and keynote speeches to uplift and inspire. He has made podcast appearances where he's spoken on self-forgiveness, reconciliation dynamics in the East Asian community, and the intersection between apologies and masculinity.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at cher@cheranderton.com

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

On the next episode, I sit down with Lori Schneider, a Phoenix-based realtor with a fascinating backstory as a former teacher. Lori’s career shift wasn’t just about switching industries, but also about transforming herself. She once led her classroom in survival mode—harsh, rigid, and demanding respect. But over time, she learned that true connection comes from earning respect, not demanding it, and that compassion was the key to meaningful relationships. Her journey will inspire you to rethink leadership, whether in the classroom, the workplace, or in life. You won't want to miss this conversation!

MORE ABOUT LORI:

Growing up in a small Arizona town taught Lori that your work ethic defines you, your reputation follows you, everyone has an important story, and common sense keeps you out of a whole lot of trouble. Before becoming a REALTOR®, Lori taught Middle and High School Language Arts, where she applied the values she learned in her hometown to help her students thrive not only as learners but also as individuals. These experiences shaped her ability to connect with people, understand their unique stories, and guide them toward success.

Running her real estate practice with these same principles has allowed it to flourish over the last 19 years. Lori's clients benefit from her deep knowledge of the community and hyper-local real estate trends. She has built a network of professional connections based on trust and excellent working relationships. Lori believes that everyone's story matters—whether buying, selling, or simply seeking a confidential consultation. From $42,000 to $3,000,000, Phoenicians have entrusted Lori Schneider with their valued real estate transactions since 2005.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at cher@cheranderton.com

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.