Life Happens with Barb & Michelle

Episodios

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  Dr. Shefali: “We are in a Cultural Parental Emergency” 15.09.2026 45m

  Have you ever found yourself thinking… I’m trying so hard to be a good parent, so why does it feel like I'm constantly struggling to connect with my child?In today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle are joined by clinical psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of the conscious parenting movement, Dr. Shefali. Celebrating the launch of her two newest books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters, Dr. Shefali breaks down how parents can move away from control, fear, and projection to build authentic, meaningful relationships with their children.Dr. Shefali explores why raising children in today's digital age presents unique, unprecedented challenges for both boys and girls. She unpacks the specific pressures facing children today, and explains how parents can create healthy guardrails and boundaries. They also discuss the importance of healing your own emotional baggage, extending grace to your parenting mistakes, and showing up as a real, imperfect human.Connect with Dr. Shefali and check out her new books available now! Raising Conscious Sons available hereRaising Conscious Daughters available herehttps://www.drshefali.com/🎁 Special Offer for Our Listeners:Want to become a certified Conscious Parenting Coach? Dr. Shefali is offering an exclusive $500 DISCOUNT on her 5-month Coaching Institute program! Learn more here. CODE: 500OFFIn This Episode, We Discuss:Conscious Parenting: What it Means and How to Raise Resilient ChildrenThe Difference Between Raising Sons vs. DaughtersHow to Stop Projecting Onto and Controlling Your KidsWhy Need to Stop Using Your Kids to Feel Better About YourselfOwning Your Emotional Baggage 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by:💕Barb Schmidt https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ 💕Michelle Maros https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Michelle’s book, Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Rewiring the Brain: The Power of Affirmations & Creating New Neural Pathways - Part 2 08.09.2026 28m

  Have you ever found yourself thinking—I’m stuck in old thought patterns, so how do I actually change my mind and heal from past trauma?On today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle continue the conversation in Part 2 of their Rewiring the Brain series, diving deeper into brain health, trauma, and the science of rewiring your mind. Opening up about personal experiences, including Barb navigating the traumatic emotional aftermath of a 33 year marriage and divorce, the mother daughter duo explores how unaddressed life trauma physically impacts the brain and how we can preemptively build resilienceBarb and Michelle break down how self-talk, Claude Steele's self-affirmation theory, and positive repetition physically create new neural pathways in the brain. They unpack why the nervous system prefers familiarity even when it's painful and why positive change can sometimes feel like a threat. From moving out of survival mode into creative growth to practical daily habits that keep the brain sharp, this episode serves as an empowering guide to taking control of your internal narrative, building confidence, and rewiring your brain through repeated practice.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ How unaddressed trauma impacts the brain and how to build resilience through life's biggest changes.✨ The power of self-talk and self-affirmation theory to physically rewire neural pathways.✨ Why the brain prioritizes protection in survival mode and how to move into thriving.✨ How taking action and building confidence creates new evidence for your mind.✨ Simple daily practices and repetition tools to keep your brain sharp and healthy as you age.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Hosted by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How to Rewire Your Brain - Mindfulness & Neuroplasticity: Part 1 01.09.2026 25m

  Have you ever found yourself thinking, I’m getting older, but what can I actually do right now to protect my memory and keep my brain healthy?On today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle dive into a deeply personal conversation about women's brain health, cognitive aging, and the fear of losing your mind. Inspired by turning 70 and navigating a major life transition, Barb shares her recent obsession with brain research, highlighting why it’s critical for women to start taking care of their brains long before older age. Together, the mother-daughter duo explores the vital connection between emotional wellbeing, trauma, and physical brain health.Barb and Michelle look at some surprising statistics, including why nearly two thirds of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women, and explore how hormonal changes during perimenopause, postpartum, and aging can affect brain health. They explore neuroplasticity and the idea that the brain is always changing, looking at how resilience, mindfulness, and other healthy practices can help strengthen positive neural pathways, support brain health, and shape the way we respond to stress and trauma. Ultimately, they offer practical, empowering strategies to help you pause, settle your mind during life's adversity, and choose how you respond so you can keep your brain sharp and thriving at any age.In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Why women are uniquely affected by brain health issues and cognitive decline. ✨ The impact of unaddressed trauma and major life transitions on the brain. ✨ What neuroplasticity is and how resilience actually rewires your brain. ✨ Practical tools to settle the mind, practice mindfulness as choice, and build brain health early.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕 🎙️ Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/ Join our community⬇️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/ Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  When Stress and Overwhelm Show Up 25.08.2026 51m

  You've done the work. Everything should be easy now, right?On today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle explore what happens when stress and overwhelm show up, even when you’ve been doing the work, and challenge the common misconception that mindfulness “fixes everything.” In a real time moment during the recording, Barb becomes overwhelmed and asks to pause, creating an honest example of what it looks like to stop, acknowledge what you’re feeling, and give yourself space rather than pushing through. Barb speaks on how external circumstances cannot be controlled, only we as individuals can control their internal responses and rebuild their mind's narrative. Michelle walks through helpful frameworks like taking the mind to the gym and creating new neural pathways, they emphasize that managing stress is an ongoing practice of self-worth and resilience. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to offer themselves grace and practice tools like pausing, positive affirmations, journaling, self-compassion, and setting boundaries.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ What to do in the moment when you feel stress and overwhelm.✨Reframing the mind and building new emotional habits and skills.✨The pitfalls of becoming more aware.✨The power of the pause. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Pick Your Battles: Strengthening Discernment to Manage Triggers (Re-Release) 18.08.2026 51m

  Today’s episode is a special re-release about one of our most powerful tools; discernment. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. 💭In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into how to protect your peace by picking your battles, knowing your triggers, setting boundaries, and loving people from afar.We continue our conversation on navigating disrespect and difficult interactions by strengthening your discernment muscle. Barb and Michelle share personal stories, practical tools, and compassionate strategies to help you manage conflict without losing your inner calm.In this episode:💬 Barb opens up about lessons learned when she was triggered and crossed her own boundaries after divorce—and how she now practices loving people from afar.💬 Michelle shares her mindset shift from being hard on herself for mistakes to embracing life as a laboratory for growth and learning.Episode Highlights✨ Don’t test yourself: Keep honoring your boundaries, even when you feel confident in your healing. Boundaries are meant to protect your peace.✨ Develop a relationship with yourself: Balance compassion and accountability. Love yourself enough to grow through the hard things.✨ Pick your battles: Be wise about what deserves your time, energy, and attention—you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.✨ Know your triggers: Be aware of the areas where you’re vulnerable and communicate boundaries to protect your peace.From recognizing your triggers to communicating with intention, this episode will help you preserve your mental health, stay rooted in your values, and engage only in the battles that truly matter.Today’s Episode Sponsor:“Cozify” your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at Wayfair.We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right.✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Hosted by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Heidi Powell: The Truth About Perimenopause, Aging & Body Image 11.08.2026 56m

  In this episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, the duo welcomes transformation specialist, trainer, and author Heidi Powell for a candid, heartfelt conversation about navigating life's biggest transitions, aging, and reclaiming your self-worth.Heidi shares her personal journey through perimenopause, overcoming eating disorders, shifting her relationship with fitness, and how she navigated grief and loss to ultimately build a life grounded in self-love and community. Barb, Michelle, and Heidi explore the evolution of female friendships in their 40s and beyond, the pressures of social media, and how letting go of people-pleasing allows us to show up authentically. From physical wellness to emotional healing, this episode serves as an inspiring, empowering reminder that your best years are always ahead and that you are right where you're supposed to be.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ The beauty of finding deep female friendships as you age✨ The power of transformation at any stage and any age. ✨Navigating perimenopause, body image, and the beauty of aging. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Hosted by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Why We Can’t Focus 04.08.2026 56m

  There it is again – that phantom itch. Check email, then texts, then Instagram, then email again. The endless loop that pulls us from the moments we want to be present for to the things that are engineered to distract us. In this episode of Life Happens of Barb and Michelle, co-hosts and mother-daughter duo discuss the phenomenon of popcorn brain, or when your brain jumps from one thought or task back and forth to another. Barb shares that even as a mindfulness expert, she too is experiencing the retraining effects of technology. Michelle opens up about how task paralysis can impact your life in a variety of ways; from writing a book to watching Love Island. Barb and Michelle together dive into how awareness is always the first step in fostering a deeper connection between the body and mind. This episode ends with discussing a few ideas for first steps you can take in order to give yourself more space to connect without technology pulling you in. In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ Introducing and defining “popcorn brain”, coined by researcher David Levy✨ How to notice the phantom itch, task paralysis, trouble disconnecting, and more. ✨ Practical tools for regaining control of your focus and finding small joys. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Hosted by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  The Art of the Pivot 28.07.2026 46m

  We’ve all had the thought - is it too late? Too late to start again? In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle we emphatically answer this question: never. It’s never too late. This episode breaks down why it’s never too late to make changes big or small in your life and how viewing your life as “one big piece of art” each stroke is just as meaningful as the next. As always Barb and Michelle provide helpful frameworks and tools on how we can start to think about changes introducing Barb’s 1% method - and how just 1% of your day can be the start to meaningful change. The duo discusses ways to make change more approachable and the “5 C’s” of change to help us all. Tune is for a no-nonsense practical guide on how to start making changes in your life so you can live authentically and thrive. In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ Making pivots approachable by starting with “mini-pivots or a single first step. ✨How making changes ultimately will help you to live a life with less regret and more freedom.✨How to “join the dance” and approach your life with a beginner's mind.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Why is It So Easy to Be Taken Advantage Of? 21.07.2026 1h 1m

  We’ve all felt that awful pang in our stomach. Our face might turn hot and red, we might get overwhelmingly anxious. Our body is giving us signals so we can see what is so often hard for us to accept - we’ve been taken advantage of. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, mother daughter duo explore what Barb calls “one of the hardest conversations” the two have ever explored on the show - what happens when you’ve been manipulated and taken advantage of. From the small signs that we all ignore to the unforgivable disrespect we’ve all encountered, Barb and Michelle discuss how boundaries, awareness, and connection to yourself is the first, yet incredibly difficult step in a life-long practice.Stick around until the very end, when Michelle reveals that one of the biggest manipulators in your life may be the person you least expect: yourself and shares insights and practical tools to help you recognize and change those patterns.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ How to identify signs that someone is taking advantage of you.✨Personal experiences from both Barb and Michelle where they were taken advantage of and what they learned from their own experiences.✨How to release the shame of being manipulated, and to embrace the awareness that the experience has brought you.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Start Showing Up, Stop Settling 14.07.2026 35m

  Does getting what you want feel impossible? Do you often settle just to save yourself from fear or failure? We all do. In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we breakdown the ways in which we all get in our own way, preventing ourselves from getting what we want and truly deserve. How flakiness and people-pleasing can derail our paths if we don't actively practice the art of saying "no". How simply writing down your goals and formulating a concrete plan makes you ten times more likely to succeed. Barb shares personal wisdom on the importance of just taking that single first step. Unpacking how self-sabotage often reflects hidden feelings of our own unworthiness. In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ Realizing how your actions do not line up with your stated goals or desired outcomes and where to go next.✨The importance of practicing to say “no.”✨The self-sabotaging mindset, where settling for the next best thing stops us from going for our true dreams. 📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  When Love Isn't Enough: How to Finally Let Go 07.07.2026 42m

  What do you do when you know you need to let someone go but your heart isn’t ready yet? From realizing enough is enough to actually choosing your wellbeing over your comfort and feelings, today we’re breaking down how to let go of toxic relationships.In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we explore the difficulties of ending an unhealthy relationship and a powerful practice we use to break ties when needed. We’re sharing why it’s so hard to cut someone out, how to overcome these emotional barriers, and how to actually prioritize your mental wellbeing by ending toxic relationships. 💬 Barb shares her wisdom on overcoming the emotional brain to finally cut ties from harmful relationships.💬 Michelle opens up about finding it difficult to end toxic relationships and how she’s found that the practice of visualizing a vault helped her prioritize her boundaries and wellbeing.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ The fears and rationalization that keeps us stuck in toxic relationshipsWe fear being alone and losing the comfort of the current version of our lives. We say reduce our experience to 'It's not that bad.' 'They're really trying.' 'It's complicated.'✨ Give Yourself Care and GraceIt’s ok if it takes longer for you to fully cut a toxic person out of your life even if you know you need to. Continue to offer yourself compassion and forgiveness for not always prioritizing your emotional wellbeing.✨ How to actually break ties with someoneIdentifying when you actually can’t move forward in an unhealthy relationship and having the courage to finally leave a toxic relationship.✨ The practice of the vaultReframe how you view cutting toxic people off by visualizing a vault that they can’t leave regardless of an apology or kind words.💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  ( Re-Release) 208 - Your Most Powerful Guide Is You - Leaning Into Your Intuition and Inner Voice 01.07.2026 56m

  Join Michelle and Barb and revisit this special re-released episode. Your Gut-Feelings Are Guardian Angels—Learn to Trust Them. In this episode we unlock the power of your intuition and build unshakable self-trust, so your gut-feelings become your inner compass, guiding you to a more confident and aligned life. ⬇️✨ Available now - Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌⟶ thedearfriendbook.comYour intuition is one of the most powerful tools you possess—an internal compass that protects, guides, and speaks with a wisdom deeper than logic. In a world filled with noise, learning to hear and trust your inner voice is one of the greatest acts of self-love and a vital part of mental health and emotional well-being.In today’s episode, Michelle and Barb open up about the deep connection between intuition, gut-feelings, and self-trust. They share how learning to listen to their inner voices helped them make aligned decisions in love, life, and healing. Together, they explore how building confidence in your inner knowing can transform your mental health and empower you to live with clarity and intention.Barb offers practical wisdom on overcoming self-doubt and tuning into your intuition, while Michelle shares her honest experience with navigating uncertainty and how she began cultivating a trusting relationship with herself.Your gut-feelings are not random—they are your soul speaking. The more we honor our intuition, the more confident we become in navigating life’s challenges with grace and truth.Here's what we’re covering in this episode:✨ Know the Difference Between Your Head and Heart VoiceOur minds often speak in judgment; your intuition comes from compassion. Learn to recognize the quieter, truer voice within.✨ Start an Inner DialogueCultivating self-trust starts with listening. Whether through journaling or speaking aloud, getting to know your inner voice is the first step toward clarity.✨ Stay Rooted in Your ValuesWhen you understand what truly matters to you, your intuition becomes stronger. Your values are the foundation of wise decision-making.✨ Have Faith in YourselfBelieve that you already have the answers. Confidence grows each time you honor your inner voice and take action from a place of truth.Remember: your gut-feelings and intuition are guardians, not guesses. The more you tune in, the clearer the path becomes.💕We’re so grateful you’re here with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the real-life lessons that have shaped us—so you can feel empowered to build confidence, prioritize self-care, and navigate life’s challenges with emotional strength and resilience.Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕Join our community⬇️YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: @LifeHappensThePodcastSubstack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  263 - Why Losing My Cat Hurt More Than Losing My Dad 23.06.2026 40m

  Grief doesn't disappear, it changes form.After losing her beloved cat Charlotte at nearly 20 years old, Michelle was surprised by just how deeply the loss affected her. While it didn't mirror the grief she experienced after losing her father, it brought its own unique heartbreak and reminded her that pet grief is real, profound, and often misunderstood.In this deeply personal episode, Barb and Michelle explore the reality of pet loss, why grief can resurface in unexpected ways, and how every loss teaches us something new about love, attachment, and letting go. Michelle shares how Charlotte's passing brought waves of sadness she didn't anticipate and why trying to "prepare" for grief doesn't necessarily make it easier when the moment arrives.This conversation is for anyone who has lost a beloved pet, a loved one, or is navigating the complicated emotions that come with loving deeply and saying goodbye.What You'll Take Away:Why pet grief is real grief and why comments like "it's just a pet" can be so hurtfulMichelle's experience losing Charlotte and why the loss affected her more than she expectedHow grief can awaken memories of previous losses without being the same experienceWhy anticipatory grief doesn't protect us from heartbreakWhat acceptance actually looks like in real lifeHow to stop judging your grief and allow yourself to feel what you feelWhy grief isn't something we master, fix, or move beyond but something we learn to carry differently over timeWhether you've recently lost a pet, are supporting someone who has, or simply want a more compassionate understanding of grief, this episode offers comfort, validation, and a reminder that love and loss are always connected."Grief is the reminder that love was present, and that even if it's no longer in its original form, that love still exists." @Michelle MarosDon't risk carrying grief alone or judging yourself for how you heal. Learn how to embrace loss with compassion and discover why love never truly leaves us.Resources Mentioned:Orthodox Teaching on Head and Heart"It can take no time to get something into the head, but it can often take a lifetime to get it into the heart."The Five Stages of GriefThe Five Stages of Grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—were developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and continue to provide a framework for understanding grief and loss.Learn more: https://www.grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  262 - Should You Try to Fix Your Parents? (Q&A) 16.06.2026 28m

  Should you try to fix your parents? Most people spend years trying. Here's what actually works — and what's just making it worse.In this candid Q&A episode, Barb and Michelle get into three questions that don't have easy answers:— Should you try to fix your parents (or your adult kids)? — Does emotional connection get harder the bigger your family gets? — How do you apologize to your kids without losing your authority as a parent?Barb — who's spent 40+ years in therapy and recovery — breaks down the fix/control/compare trap that keeps most families stuck, why apologizing to your kids is actually a power move when done right, and what it really means to "let go" of a parent who hurt you (hint: it's not what the internet tells you).Michelle brings the adult-child perspective — including the quiet role reversal that happens when you start parenting your own parents, and why that's more common (and more complicated) than anyone admits.In this episode:The fix/control/compare framework Barb uses dailyWhy big families often produce invisible kids — and what that costs themHow to apologize to your child without becoming a doormatWhat "letting go" of a difficult parent actually looks likeWhy your parents were "raised by cavemen" — and why that context changes everything See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  261 - 5 Signals That You Should Cut Someone Out of Your Life 09.06.2026 48m

  If you've ever felt lighter in your life after removing someone from it — this episode explains why.Barb & Michelle get real about the 5 signals that it might be time to cut someone out of your life — and why knowing the signals is only half the battle. This episode covers the guilt, the fantasy that people will change, the sunk cost of long relationships, and how to actually do it in a way that doesn't consume the next five years of your life.Barb speaks from experience — including her own 33-year untangling — and Michelle brings the practical, modern perspective on why even empathetic, self-aware people stay in relationships that cost them everything. This is the episode for anyone who already knows what they need to do but can't seem to let themselves do it.What You'll Learn:The 5 specific signals that a relationship is costing you more than it's givingWhy the apology is often the manipulation — not the resolutionHow to tell the difference between sunk cost and real loveWhy being "the bigger person" is sometimes just being controlledHow to release someone from your life without needing to hate them first See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  260 - The Stuff Your Parents Were Too Scared to Say 02.06.2026 40m

  There are conversations every parent knows they should have — and most of them never do. In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, mother and daughter go deep on the exact things they wish someone had said to them before life had to teach them the hard way.From family alcoholism surfacing after a 15-year-old's first drunken night, to growing up with two alcoholic parents and never once hearing 'I love you' — Barb and Michelle trace how silence passes down through generations, and what it actually takes to break that chain. This one is for every parent afraid to say the hard thing, and every adult child who's still waiting to hear it.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why 'protecting' your kids from hard truths usually means protecting yourself from discomfort- How to create a safe space so your child actually comes to you — without fishing or manipulating- The HALT tool (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and how to make it a natural part of family life- What to do when you've already said something that closed your child off — and how to repair it- Why you don't need the perfect moment — and how to let hard conversations unfold naturallyFrom psychiatrist and author M. Scott Peck's famous opening line in The Road Less Traveled: "Life is difficult." Rather than seeing this as pessimistic, Barb taught Michelle that accepting life's challenges is one of the greatest pathways to peace, resilience, and emotional freedom.“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult ―once we truly understand and accept it― then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” - M. Scott PeckDon't wait for the sit-down talk. The moment is already here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  259 - The Truth About Becoming Your Mother w/ Jessi Cruickshank 26.05.2026 32m

  Comedian Jessi Cruickshank joins Barb and Michelle backstage at Lynn University for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversation about motherhood, performance, anxiety, and becoming the women their mothers raised them to be.From professional perfectionism to internet criticism, the conversation moves from hilarious behind-the-scenes moments into deeper reflections on identity, mindfulness, and the pressure women carry in public and private life. Jessi opens up about the comment she never forgot, while Barb and Michelle unpack what they inherited — and what they had to unlearn.In this episode:• Why perfectionism quietly controls so many women• The emotional cost of always performing “fine”• How humor and mindfulness actually serve the same purpose• The parenting lessons they resisted most• Why confidence is usually built through embarrassmentLearn how to stop performing perfection and start connecting honestly.Connect with Jessi:Follow her on Instagram & Facebook: @jessicruickshank Follow her on TikTok: @jessicruickshanktok Check out her Evening Club Tour: jessicruickshank.com/tour Listen to her podcast: https://tr.ee/u6WMhIAnoi See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  258 - Alex Elle On How Your Closest Friends Might Be Holding You Back 19.05.2026 45m

  Healthy relationships require honesty, reciprocity, and the courage to stop self-silencing. In this episode of Life Happens, Barb and Michelle sit down with Alex Elle to unpack what it really means to outgrow people, rebuild trust, and tell the truth in your relationships before resentment takes over. They discuss her new book, “The Company We Keep” which just launched today and can be found here:The Company We Keep -- Book link: https://bit.ly/4fe0kbw The Company We Keep tour link: https://sites.prh.com/alexelletour This conversation will help anyone navigating changes in friendship, people pleasing, divorce, boundaries, and the painful reality that growth sometimes means letting go.Together, Barb, Michelle, and Alex explore why saying yes when you mean no creates disconnection, how reciprocity shapes healthy friendship, and why “clarity is a radical act of love.” If you’ve been questioning your friendships, struggling to use your voice, or trying to understand what trust and alignment actually look like in real life, this episode offers both the emotional validation and the language to begin.Learn how to recognize self-silencing and people-pleasing patternsUnderstand the difference between growing together and growing apartGet language for hard conversations about friendship, trust, and capacityReframe honesty as an act of love instead of conflictBuild healthier, more reciprocal relationships without abandoning yourselfIf you’ve ever stayed in a friendship longer than you should have because you didn’t want to be the one who left... this episode will meet you right there. Alex’s book, The Company We Keep, is available on May 19, 2026. Don’t miss it.💗 Connect with Alex:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/ Substack: https://alexelle.substack.com/ 💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Host by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  257 - The Void After You Get What You Wanted 12.05.2026 42m

  What happens after the book tour ends, the championship is won, and the calendar goes blank? Michelle opens up about the unexpected emptiness she felt after her biggest accomplishment, and Barb reveals something she has never experienced: a void. This mother-daughter conversation uncovers why success can feel like getting fired, what it means to live like you are running out of time, and why the quiet after the loud season might be the most important chapter of all.This episode dives into the generational divide between pushing through and pausing, the difference between rest and avoidance, and how two very different people navigate the same transition. Whether you just graduated, finished a big project, ended a season, or closed a chapter you poured everything into, this conversation will help you understand why the void is not a problem to fix but a space to fill on your own terms.What you'll take away:Why achieving your biggest goal can feel like getting fired overnightThe generational difference between 'keep moving' and 'feel your feelings' after a big momentHow Barb's micro-transitions throughout the day prevent her from ever hitting emptyThe connection between running out of time, grief, and never allowing a voidHow to recognize when sitting in the void becomes productive reflection vs. staying stuckDon't let the quiet after the loud season convince you that the best part is over. Learn how to make the space count.💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.🎙️ Hosted by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday0:00 — Intro: Michelle's post-book-tour void0:58 — Welcome to Life Happens with Barb and Michelle1:14 — It's bigger than a book: any major milestone1:45 — Indiana football national championship & the "now what?"2:44 — Barb's reaction: the joy of the unexpected3:51 — Michelle's book journey and the feeling of the drop-off7:39 — Barb never felt a void — a generational contrast14:35 — What is rest? Defining it differently for everyone21:32 — Vulnerable question: does living like you're running out of time come from grief?24:28 — How will you know when you've done what you came here to do?38:32 — Barb's Italy trip: sometimes the transition is fast41:01 — Closing reflections & takeaways See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  256 - Why Being Nice Is Getting Harder 05.05.2026 37m

  Mean people are everywhere right now and the data confirms it. In this episode, Barb and Michelle unpack why cruelty seems to be escalating, breaking down the different types of mean people we all encounter and what actually drives their behavior. Barb shares a raw, personal story about being screamed at in a parking lot while her mother was dying in hospice, and what that moment taught her about judgment, control, and the stories we never see.This conversation goes deep into narcissism, spiritual bypassing, the difference between empathy and giving someone a pass, and how to stop carrying what was never yours in the first place. Whether you are dealing with a cruel stranger, a toxic family member, or your own tendency to absorb other people's behavior, this episode gives you a practical framework for protecting your peace without losing your compassion.What you'll take away:Why the shift from "thinking it" to "saying it" is fueling a cruelty epidemicThe grocery store moment that reveals how we all judge without knowing someone's storyHow to shift from asking "why are they like this" to "what can I do right now"What a real narcissist looks like and why they genuinely cannot changeThe practical difference between forgiving someone and simply being done with themDon't let someone else's cruelty become the story you carry. Learn how to set it down.💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕🎙️ Hosted by:https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/Join our community ⬇️YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcastListen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg📘 Go Deeper with Dear FriendIf this episode resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time.Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances.It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself.And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build.👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg🎧 Listen to the audiobook and step into a year that truly loves you back: https://amzn.to/459zSdt See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.