Girls Night with Stephanie May Wilson

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In today’s Girls Night, we’re talking about what to do when you’ve done everything “right” and it’s still not working. Maybe you’ve followed the rules, made the plans, gone to therapy, prayed the prayers, checked all the boxes… and yet your life, career, relationships, or family story still don’t look anything like what you hoped for. It feels like you’re stuck in a giant “this is not what I ordered” moment, especially in this Everything Era where all the big decisions seem to pile up at once. As we wrap up this season of the show (and before I take a break from Girls Night for a good chunk of next year), I’m sharing two things I really want to leave you with: You get to want what you want. You have more agency than it feels like you do. I’ll read a section from my book, Create a Life You Love, and we’ll walk through practical tools for what to do when doors aren’t opening: when to quit, when to keep going, when to change tactics, how to invest in the life you have right now, and how to ask for help when you’re exhausted. If you’re looking around thinking, “I thought I’d be further along by now,” this episode is for you. You are not behind. You are not failing. And you’re not as stuck as you feel. 💛 Podcast Sponsors: - ⁠Antique Candle Co. ⁠ - ⁠BetterHelp⁠ - ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠ - ⁠Piper and Leaf - Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast - Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Girls Night! We’re down to the final few episodes of the year, and today we’re diving into something so many of us feel this time of year but rarely say out loud: 👉 Why does the holiday season sometimes feel like one big “This is not what I ordered”? Maybe you thought you’d be spending Christmas with someone special this year, or reaching a goal you’d hoped to hit by December. Maybe family dynamics are messy or complicated, or your little family doesn’t look the way you imagined. Or maybe you had big dreams for a magical, cozy December… and somehow you slid into the holidays exhausted and overwhelmed, wondering where the magic went. If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is absolutely for you. Today we’re asking two big questions: ✨ How do we set ourselves up for delight — not disappointment — this holiday season? ✨ And how do we make Christmas magical… when we’re the ones responsible for the magic now? We’ll talk about the moment you realize you’ve gone from experiencing Christmas to creating Christmas, why so many of us approach December like college finals week, and the gentle, intentional steps we can take to build a season we actually get to feel and enjoy. We’ll walk through: ⭐️ noticing the expectations we’re carrying ⭐️ choosing the few meaningful things that matter to us ⭐️ putting them on the calendar so they actually happen My hope is that this conversation feels freeing, grounding, and hopeful — like a deep breath in the middle of a busy month. You deserve to experience the magic you’re so faithfully creating, friend. Let’s build a December that feels more like the one our hearts have been longing for. Mentioned in this episode: 💛 Love Your Single Life [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/singlelife] 💛 Just Married [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/justmarried] 💛 Becoming Mama [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama] 🛒 Stephanie’s Journals & Guides [https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/] Stay connected: 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/] 🌐 Website [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/] 💌 Join the Girls Night Community [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/email] Podcast Sponsors: - ⁠Antique Candle Co. ⁠ - ⁠BetterHelp⁠ - ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠ - ⁠Piper and Leaf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Girls Night, we’re doing something a little different — and incredibly special. As my twins turn five (how?!), I’ve been reflecting on everything I wish I could go back and tell myself before becoming a mom. The fears, the hopes, the questions, the emotions — the moments when I looked around and thought, “This is not what I ordered.” So in today’s episode, I’m sharing four letters I wrote to the woman I was before motherhood — the woman who was wondering… 💌 Who will I be after I become a mom? 💌 What will kids do to our marriage? 💌 What if something goes wrong? What if the world is too scary? 💌 What if I mess this up? If you’re planning, trying, pregnant, or simply wondering if you’ll ever feel “ready,” these letters are for you. They’re honest, tender, hopeful, and full of the things I wish someone would have told me years ago. We’ll talk about what actually happens to your identity, how marriage shifts (and strengthens), how to navigate fear in a world that feels overwhelming, and why motherhood isn’t something you download — it’s something you grow into. And if these letters resonate with you, you can get the full series for free at StephanieMayWilson.com/letters — they’re yours to keep or share with a friend who needs them. At the end of the episode, I’ll also share more about Becoming Mama — the course my best friend Kelsey (a brilliant therapist) and I created to help you prepare emotionally, mentally, and practically for this huge transition. It’s the roadmap we wish we’d had, and enrollment is open for just a few more days. Wherever you are on the path to motherhood, friend — you’re not alone. I’m right here with you. Mentioned in this episode: 💛 Love Your Single Life [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/singlelife] 💛 Just Married [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/justmarried] 💛 Becoming Mama [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama] 🛒 Stephanie’s Journals & Guides [https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/] Stay connected: 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/] 🌐 Website [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/] 💌 Join the Girls Night Community [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/email] Podcast Sponsors: - Antique Candle Co. - BetterHelp - NIV Application Bible - Piper and Leaf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/

All season long, we’ve been talking about what I call The Everything Era—that season when you have to make so many of the biggest, most consequential decisions of your life all at once. It’s full of possibility, but it’s also full of pressure—especially when some of those decisions don’t seem to fit together very well. And one of the trickiest examples of that is the tension between career and motherhood. What happens when the rhythm that used to work suddenly doesn’t anymore? When the version of success you used to chase doesn’t quite fit the life you have now? Or when your family needs you in one way, but your career seems to demand something entirely different? My guest today is Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever. Through her work, Neha is helping women rethink what it means to take a pause in their careers after having kids—showing that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away from your ambition. She’s helping us reimagine this in-between space as a powerful, intentional season of reflection and realignment—a chance to build a life and career that actually work together, not against each other. Whether you’re already a mom, planning for motherhood, or just thinking about what your next chapter might hold, this conversation will give you permission to press pause—not out of fear or failure, but as a power move. Alright friends, let’s dive in. Here’s my conversation with Neha Ruch. Mentioned in this episode: 💛 The Power Pause 💛 Love Your Single Life [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/singlelife] 💛 Just Married [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/justmarried] 💛 Becoming Mama [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama] 🛒 Stephanie’s Journals & Guides [https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/] Stay connected: 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neha_ruch] 🌐 Website [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/] 💌 Join the Girls Night Community [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/email] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we planned. The job ends, the relationship shifts, the dream unravels — and we’re left standing in the in-between, wondering how to trust again. In this episode of our Not the Life I Ordered series, we’re talking about what it looks like to start dreaming again after disappointment. We’ll talk about rebuilding hope, rediscovering curiosity, and learning to believe that the story of your life might still turn out beautifully — even if it looks nothing like you imagined. Mentioned in this episode: 💛 Love Your Single Life [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/singlelife] 💛 Just Married [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/justmarried] 💛 Becoming Mama [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama] 🛒 Stephanie’s Journals & Guides [https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/] Stay connected: 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/] 🌐 Website [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/] 💌 Join the Girls Night Community [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/email] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been feeling disconnected lately — like everyone else has their people and somehow you just… don’t — you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about why friendships fade, why loneliness doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you, and how to start again. Stephanie shares the five most common kinds of disconnection, what science says about why friendship really matters, and a simple recipe for rebuilding the kind of circle every woman needs. 💛 Listen in, share this episode with a friend who might need it too, and remember: you’re not behind — you’re just between circles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, we’ve been talking about what to do when you look around at your life and think, “Wait… this is not what I ordered.” Maybe things didn’t turn out the way you thought they would — and now you’re asking those big, scary, beautiful questions: Who am I now? What do I want? Where do I go from here? But for a lot of us who grew up in church, those questions can feel… complicated. Because somewhere along the way, we were taught that it’s wrong to want things. That it’s dangerous to trust ourselves. That being a “good Christian woman” means making yourself smaller — dying to yourself, staying quiet, and serving everyone else first. Today we’re having a conversation I think so many of us need — about what faith actually asks of us. Our guest is Dr. Alison Cook, a therapist, host of The Best of You podcast, and author of the bestselling book by the same name. Alison is an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology. She helps women heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, and experience a loving God who is for them — not asking them to disappear. We’re going to talk about what self-denial really means, how to know when faith has turned into self-erasure, and what it looks like to follow Jesus without losing yourself in the process. You ready? Let’s jump into my conversation with Alison! Mentioned in this episode: 💛 Love Your Single Life [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/singlelife] 💛 Just Married [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/justmarried] 💛 Becoming Mama [https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama] 🛒 Stephanie’s Journals & Guides [https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/] Stay connected: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/ | https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/ 🌐 Website: https://stephaniemaywilson.com/ 💌 Join the Girls Night Community: https://stephaniemaywilson.com/email Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever woken up one day and thought, “I don’t even know who I am anymore?” Maybe it’s after motherhood, a breakup, a big move, burnout, or even after finally reaching a goal you worked so hard for — and suddenly realizing it doesn’t feel the way you thought it would. Somewhere along the way, between the to-do lists and expectations, you lost touch with the person underneath it all. In this episode, we’re talking about how to find your way back. 💛 We’ll talk about: ✨ Why we lose touch with ourselves (and why it’s not a failure — it’s human) ✨ How to start hearing your own voice again ✨ Practical ways to rediscover what you love, need, and value in this season ✨ How to rebuild a life that feels like peace on the inside, not just success on the outside This isn’t a “self-care” conversation — it’s a coming home to yourself conversation. If you’ve been on autopilot, feeling disconnected from who you are, this episode will help you start to find your way back — gently, honestly, one small step at a time. So grab a cozy drink and join me — let’s reintroduce you to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Girls Night, we’re asking one of the biggest — and maybe most important — questions we can ask ourselves: Do you like your life? And even more — do you believe you’re allowed to? So many of us have followed all the rules, checked all the boxes, and built the kind of life we thought we were supposed to want — only to look around and wonder why it doesn’t feel like home. In this episode, we’re slowing down, taking inventory, and learning how to remodel the parts of our lives that no longer fit. We’ll walk room-by-room through your “life house” — your relationships, your body, your work, your faith, your family, your joy — and ask some simple but powerful questions: 👉 Does this still fit me? 👉 Do I like it? 👉 What might need to change? This isn’t about burning it all down. It’s about noticing what’s working, what’s not, and making small, thoughtful changes that help your life feel like you again. If you’ve been trudging along a path that feels uphill and exhausting, this episode will help you find a new route — one that’s easier, freer, and a lot more beautiful. Resources Mentioned: Love Your Single Life Just Married Becoming Mama Stephanie’s Journals & Guides Let’s be friends! Instagram Website Join the Girls Night Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything “right” — checking every box, following every rule — and still ending up restless, disappointed, or wondering, Is this really the life I want? In today’s episode, we’re talking about something many of us rule-followers were never taught how to do: questioning authority. We’ll unpack: Where the formulas and “life scripts” we’ve been following actually came from How to recognize when a leader, community, or cultural voice doesn’t deserve authority in your life A practical vetting process for deciding who should get a seat at your table What to do when a leader you trusted lets you down How to quiet the noise of other people’s expectations and hear your own voice again If you’ve ever felt crushed by the weight of doing what you’re “supposed” to do, this episode will help you take a deep breath, release the old scripts, and start writing a life that truly fits. ✨ Resources & Links 📘 Create a Life You Love (my newest book) 💻 My online courses & journals 💍 Newlywed couples course — Just Married: StephanieMayWilson.com/JustMarried ❤️ Free resource to find a counselor you can trust: StephanieMayWilson.com/Counseling Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s ahead this season — because together we’re going to keep unpacking how to let go of other people’s expectations and rebuild a life that feels like home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 22 is here — and Girls Night just turned 8! In this special kickoff, Stephanie introduces our new series, Not the Life I Ordered, a single, long, rolling conversation about what to do when your life doesn’t look or feel the way you thought it would — especially in The Everything Era, when all the biggest decisions arrive at once. You’ll hear the origin story of Girls Night, why this season is different, why so many of us feel disoriented and isolated right now, and a simple practice to turn down the noise so you can hear (and trust) your own voice again. Stephanie also guides you through three clarifying questions and leaves you with four grounding reminders — including this one: It’s not too late. In this episode: • The Everything Era (and why you’re not behind) • When the formula “A + B = C” fails you • The people-pleaser’s trap • How to create quiet in a noisy world • A guided reflection to name what’s hard (and why it helps) Resource mentioned: What to Say Script Guide — practical, word-for-word responses for uncomfortable family questions (marriage, kids, timelines & more): stephaniemaywilsonshop.com If this resonates, please follow/subscribe and leave a quick rating & review — it helps more women find the show. And say hi! DM or email me — I truly write back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when two of the biggest parts of your life collide—your career and your desire to start a family? That’s exactly what we’re talking about in today’s Girls Night episode. I’m joined by my dear friend Jena Dunay—a mom of two, business owner, and career strategist who has spent years helping women navigate big transitions in their work lives. Jena knows firsthand what it looks like to juggle both career ambitions and motherhood dreams, and she’s here to share the wisdom she’s learned along the way. In this conversation, we cover: How to prepare your career for baby before you’re even pregnant What to do if you love your job but also know you want to start a family soon Whether you should “pull back” at work before baby—or lean in until it’s time to pivot How to know if your workplace will really support you as a mom The truth about maternity leave (paid vs. unpaid, how it works, what to ask your HR team) When and how to tell your employer you’re pregnant Practical ways to set boundaries and actually enjoy your maternity leave How to define “success” in your career during different motherhood seasons This episode is full of encouragement and practical advice for anyone who’s in what I call The Everything Era—that stretch of life when so many big decisions seem to come at once. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold space for both a career you love and a family you’re dreaming of, this conversation will be such a gift. Resources & Links: Connect with Jena: Instagram / Company Listen to Jena’s past Girls Night episodes on dating, singleness, and career transitions. More encouragement + resources for navigating The Everything Era: stephaniemaywilson.com ✨ If you loved this conversation, would you take 30 seconds to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It means the world and helps more women find the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friend, welcome to Girls Night — a podcast for women who are figuring out what's next.  Whether you're focused on career, dating, getting married, having kids, or honestly just trying to figure out your life right now — this show gives you expert guidance and practical next steps to create a life you genuinely love, not one someone else thinks you should live. I'm Stephanie May Wilson — 9x author, TEDx speaker, and your host here at girls night and in each episode, we tackle the questions that keep so many of us up at 2 AM — like what to say when people ask invasive questions about your life choices, how to stop comparing your timeline to everyone else's, and most importantly, how to figure out what you actually want and what your next right step is to get there. As we’re trying to figure out our lives, you might find yourself running into some obstacles and wondering, “Is this normal?” Does everybody struggle with this or am I the only one?” Or maybe like me, you've had several friends receive ADHD diagnoses recently, and you're wondering,”What about me? Am I neurotypical? Or are there some things that are different and unique about my brain too?” Friend, in this episode you're going to hear from Greer Jones. Greer is the host of The Unfinished Idea podcast and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent families, helping others build lives that actually work for their unique brains.  I learned SO much from this conversation. I can’t wait for you to hear it.  Resources Mentioned: → "We Need to Talk" guide with scripts for 44 difficult conversations https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/products/we-need-to-talk-scripts-for-44-of-lifes-most-difficult-conversations → Love Your Single Life course for building confidence and navigating dating conversations https://stephaniemaywilson.com/SingleLife → Just Married course for newlyweds learning to navigate conflict and communication https://stephaniemaywilson.com/JustMarried → Becoming Mama course for advocating for yourself during pregnancy and early motherhood https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama → Create A Life You Love book https://stephaniemaywilson.com/create Connect with Girls Night: 🎧 New episodes every week: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girls-night-with-stephanie-may-wilson/id1278993781 📱 Follow @SMayWilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/ 💌 Weekly newsletter with exclusive content https://stephaniemaywilson.com/email 🌐 Show notes and resources https://www.girlsnightpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like everything on your to-do list is important? Like, genuinely important? And you want to do it all well, but you're also feeling completely overwhelmed and maybe a little burned out? If you just nodded your head, this episode is for you. I'm sitting down with my new friend Alexandra Kaval — who coaches ambitious women through exactly this struggle. And friends, this conversation is going to give you permission to think differently about your priorities and actually provide you with a roadmap for getting unstuck. We're talking about the big rocks method, why the things we get distracted by are never as important as the things we get distracted from - that's an Andy Stanley quote that will stick with you - and honestly, some pretty vulnerable stuff about how to rank the people in your life when you can't say yes to everyone. This is one of those conversations that's going to make you want to grab a notebook because Ali shares some really practical tools that you can start using today. So let's dive in. Resources Mentioned: → Join the email fam to receive instant access to our 15-minute coaching workshop → Apply for your complimentary clarity call for 1:1 coaching to live your most intentional, Christ-centered life both personally & professionally → Apply for Flourish - GSCC's Mastermind to grow your business, ground your faith, and cultivate community → "We Need to Talk" guide with scripts for 44 difficult conversations https://stephaniemaywilsonshop.com/products/we-need-to-talk-scripts-for-44-of-lifes-most-difficult-conversations → Love Your Single Life course for building confidence and navigating dating conversations https://stephaniemaywilson.com/SingleLife → Just Married course for newlyweds learning to navigate conflict and communication https://stephaniemaywilson.com/JustMarried → Becoming Mama course for advocating for yourself during pregnancy and early motherhood https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama → Create A Life You Love book https://stephani

Ever wonder how happy couples actually divide up household tasks without constant arguments? In this candid conversation, Stephanie sits down with her husband Carl to reveal the ONE thing that transformed their marriage: figuring out who does what around the house. After 11 years of marriage, they've cracked the code on avoiding resentment, eliminating daily arguments about chores, and creating a system that actually works. They share their real-life examples (including Carl's Marie Kondo folding methods vs. Stephanie's "bomb went off" approach), how they handle disagreements, and why clarity is the secret to feeling seen and appreciated. Whether you're newlyweds, engaged, or just tired of fighting about the dishwasher, this episode gives you practical tools to create your own system that works for YOUR relationship. What You'll Learn: How to inventory and assign household tasks fairly Why traditional gender roles don't have to dictate your marriage Real examples of how Carl and Stephanie divide everything from laundry to meal planning How to handle tasks you both hate (hint: outsourcing isn't just for the wealthy) The importance of acknowledging and appreciating each other's contributions Resources Mentioned: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky: [Book Link] Eve Rodsky's Girls Night Interview: [Episode Link] Just Married Course: stephaniemaywilson.com/justmarried Household Tasks Spreadsheet (available to Just Married and Becoming Mama students) Connect with Stephanie: Instagram: @SMayWilson Website: stephaniemaywilson.com Email: [email protected] If this episode helped you, please leave a quick rating and review - it makes such a difference in helping other couples find these conversations! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever rehearsed a difficult conversation perfectly in the shower but completely froze when it came time to actually have it? Maybe you're avoiding setting a boundary with a friend, dreading the "where is this relationship going?" talk, or putting off asking for help when you're overwhelmed. If you've ever lost sleep over conversations you know you need to have but keep putting off, this episode is for you. This episode is for you if you've ever felt like everyone else got a manual for how to navigate conflict while you're just winging it, caught yourself saying "yes" when you wanted to say "no" because you didn't know how to set boundaries, or worried that speaking up about your needs would damage your relationships instead of strengthening them. In this episode of Girls Night, Stephanie breaks down exactly how to prepare for and navigate life's most difficult conversations. You'll get word-for-word scripts, practical strategies, and the confidence to finally have those talks you've been avoiding. What You'll Learn: Why your Everything Era makes difficult conversations both more important and more challenging The six-step framework for preparing for any hard conversation (so you never freeze up again) When you need to speak up versus when to let things go (the key indicators that will save you from unnecessary conflict) What happens when we avoid these conversations (spoiler: we end up living smaller lives) Word-for-word scripts for three of the most common difficult conversations women face How to anticipate pushback and respond thoughtfully instead of defensively Why people-pleasers and highly sensitive people actually have an advantage in these conversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're tackling something I know so many of you are dealing with as we head into summer family gathering season. Have you ever been at a family event when someone - let's call her Aunt Sharon - starts asking those pointed questions that somehow manage to hit every single insecurity you've been trying not to think about? You know the ones: 'So, are you seeing anyone special?' followed immediately by 'You're not getting any younger, you know.' Or maybe it's 'When are you giving me some grandchildren?' or 'Are you still doing that little blog thing?' Cue the internal screaming, right? Today we're diving into what I call 'The Aunt Sharon Effect' - why these well-meaning questions feel like such a gut punch, and most importantly, how to handle them with grace while protecting your own heart and mind. We'll cover practical scripts you can actually use, mindset shifts that will change everything, and how to walk away from these conversations feeling empowered instead of deflated. Because here's what I've learned: the way we handle these moments says so much about how confidently we're walking in our own authority. And building that confidence? That's exactly what we're going to work on today. Let's dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram seeing friend groups on vacation together, celebrating everything as a unit, and genuinely wondered, "How do they all live in the same city? How did they find each other? And how can I find my people?" Maybe you've moved somewhere new and you're still making small talk with acquaintances months later. Or you're tired of being the one who always has to reach out first, scheduling friend dates 30 days in advance like business meetings. If you've ever felt like everyone else has their tight-knit friend group figured out while you're still searching for yours, you're not alone. In this episode of Girls Night, Stephanie sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Liz Forkin Bohannon to talk about how to build the kind of intentional community we're all craving — even when you're starting from scratch. What You'll Learn: Why most Americans have friendship completely backwards (and the mindset shift that changes everything) The four pillars of building lasting community that actually work in real life Why you need to commit to consistency BEFORE you feel connected (not the other way around) The "look for the losers" strategy that's more effective than trying to break into existing friend groups How Liz went from knowing zero people in Portland to living next door to her best friends The practical steps they took to buy property together and create intentional community How to have difficult conversations that deepen trust instead of damaging relationships The science behind why friendship is literally a matter of life and death (the data will shock you) You'll relate to this episode if you've ever: felt like everyone else has their friend group figured out while you're still searching, moved somewhere new and struggled to build meaningful connections beyond small talk, or wondered if deep adult friendships are actually possible outside of college. We cover everything from why Americans live in isolation to practical steps for building community, from the loneliness of moving to a new city to creating support systems that last through every life stage. Stephanie shares about living nine minutes from her best friend in Spain and how it's revolutionizing her perspective on proximity and friendship. Liz vulnerably walks through her journey from complete isolation growing up to now sharing property with multiple families in Portland, proving that intentional community isn't just a dream — it's totally doable. Resources Mentioned: → Love Your Single Life co

Hey friend! Welcome to Girls Night — your home as you navigate your Everything Era. I'm Stephanie May Wilson, and if you've ever had to excuse yourself to cry in a bathroom at someone else's celebration, this episode is for you. You know the feeling, right? You're genuinely happy for your friend who just got engaged, promoted, or pregnant — but there's this other part that feels like each piece of good news for someone else somehow makes your own dreams less likely to come true. If you've ever wondered how to be happy for friends when you're struggling with jealousy of friends' success, you're absolutely not alone. Today, I'm giving you a complete survival kit for celebrating friends' success when you're still waiting for your own good news. We'll talk about navigating wedding jealousy when you're single, baby shower jealousy when you're trying to conceive, and promotion parties when you're job searching. But first, let me tell you about the day before my husband Carl proposed to me, when one of my good friends got engaged — and I completely broke down at an Italian restaurant. Because here's what I learned that changed everything: just because someone else got something before you doesn't mean they got it instead of you. Your story is still being written, and someone else's timeline doesn't determine yours. So grab your coffee, put in those earbuds, and let's dive in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Girls Night! This podcast is for every woman in her Everything Era — that wild decade where we're making the most significant decisions of our lives all at once. Whether you're second-guessing a career move, questioning a relationship decision, or wondering if you're making the right choices about your future — you're in the perfect place. Today's episode is especially close to my heart because it's about something I see constantly in our community: why we keep second-guessing our best decisions and how understanding your emotional patterns can help you stop letting fear masquerade as wisdom. I'm sharing the story of the night before my family moved to Spain — when I was lying in bed having a complete panic attack about a decision I knew was right — and the breakthrough that changed how I navigate decision-making anxiety forever. If you've ever made a thoughtful choice only to immediately start doubting yourself when things got uncomfortable, this episode will give you the tools to trust your decisions even when they feel scary. You'll learn to distinguish between "this feels hard because it's wrong" and "this feels hard because it's new." Let's dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friend! Welcome to Girls Night! I'm beyond thrilled to share today's episode with you because I’m talking with my very best friend, Kelsey Bennett. Kelsey and I both took the leap and relocated our families to Spain just 10 months ago, and I'm so excited to dive into what our experience has been like navigating this significant life change. In this conversation, we'll explore the highs and lows of our journey so far, how we navigated the decision-making process, and what's on the horizon for both of our families. Fair warning, there were tears shed in this episode, but for a good reason! If you’re in the midst of working through a big decision in your own life and need encouragement for what to do next, then this conversation is for you.  Okay, let’s jump into my conversation with Kelsey!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friend! Welcome to Girls Night! It's hot here in Granada, Spain - my family and I moved here last summer - which means I'm instantly desperate for a pool. I cannot wait to go swimming this summer, and as we speak, I'm trying to wiggle one last weekend getaway out of our hotel points before we head back to the US for the summer. But naturally, just like summer means swimming, swimming means swimsuits, which means we're all going to be dealing with our feelings about our bodies in a way we don't have to quite as directly when we're covered in spring dresses or winter coats. Today I wanted to get a little candid - okay, a LOT candid - and share with you what I've been sharing with my in-person friends at my real-life girls' nights lately. And that's how I'm feeling about my body these days, especially considering me and everybody else is about to see a lot more of it. If you're someone who dreads swimsuit season, who starts panicking about "getting beach body ready," or who has ever felt like your worth is tied to the number on the scale or the size of your jeans, this episode is for you. We're going to talk about what it really means to get your body image ready for summer - and spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with losing weight. Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that everyone's experience with their body is different — and that for a lot of us, the one we have with our body is by FAR our hardest relationship. For some of us, talking about body is tender, for some of us, it’s THE MOST TENDER THING. And my hope for this episode is that I’ve been able to create a safe space for you to process, no matter your experience. And if you find a place where I inevitably fell short, please forgive me in advance. If you've struggled with your weight your whole life, if you've been in a bigger body and faced discrimination because of it, if you've dealt with health issues - your experience is valid, and your feelings are valid. This conversation isn't meant to dismiss the real challenges that some people face, including the very real ways that society treats different bodies differently. What I am saying is that regardless of your starting point, regardless of your body size or shape, you deserve to feel at home in your body. You deserve to define what health means for you. And while mindset work can't erase societal discrimination, it can help you reclaim some power in how you relate to your own body. We’ll chat more about this in the episode. Let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night! I’m so excited. We’re officially back for Season 21 of the Girls Night Podcast! Can you believe it? Twenty-one seasons of this show started in my bedroom closet when Carl and I were newlyweds and trying to figure out life, and here we are - still figuring it out together, just in different ways. This season, we're going back to the heart of Girls Night. This show has always been for women in their twenties and thirties who are navigating the biggest decisions of their lives. Maybe you're single and wondering if you'll ever meet your person. Maybe you're newly married and trying to figure out how to blend two lives into one. Maybe you're thinking about having kids but you're not sure about the timing, or the finances, or if you even want to be a mom at all. Maybe you love your job but you're wondering if there's something else out there for you. Maybe you're feeling stuck, or lost, or like everyone else got a playbook that you never received. If any of that is you - you are in exactly the right place. Now, I have to tell you something. This summer, I'm doing something that feels pretty scary to me, but scary in the way where I know, "Oh gosh, this is definitely what I'm supposed to do." I'm going to be doing more solo episodes. Just me, talking to you, like we're having coffee together or texting back and forth. No guests, no interviews – just the conversations I wish we could have if we were sitting across from each other right now. I'm trying to listen and follow where I feel led, and this is where it's taking me. So we'll see where it goes! But I'm excited to go there with you. Before we dive in, I want you to know something: this is a safe space. You don't have to have it all figured out here. You don't need a polished answer to "So what's next for you?" In fact, if your honest answer right now is "I have absolutely no idea," you are in exactly the right place. Today we're talking about something I know so many of you are feeling – that nagging sense that you're falling behind in life. That everyone else figured out the secret playbook while you were... what? Making coffee? Scrolling Instagram? Living your actual life? Here's what I want you to know right up front: You're not falling behind. You're not broken. And there's nothing wrong with you. What you're experiencing? It's not a you problem - it's an us problem. I’ll tell you what I mean by that in the episode. Let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night! I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to stop letting fear run your life. If you're like me, you have a vision for your life and career and your family- but somehow, fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty keep creeping in, whispering that you're not enough or that you're just not ready. Well, it's time to silence those voices and start living the life you ACTUALLY want to live. Our guest for today’s episode is my friend, Mary Marantz. Mary is the three-time bestselling author of Underestimated, Dirt, and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots, as well as the host of the popular podcast The Mary Marantz Show. She grew up in a trailer in rural West Virginia and was the first in her family to go to college before going on to Yale for law school. I was so blown away by Mary’s story. She's teaching us how to reclaim our power from fear and create a new narrative for our lives. This is seriously one of my favorite episodes ever! I know I say that all the time, but it’s true. I can’t wait for you to hear from her!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night! I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re addressing one of the most common root causes of tension and resentment in marriage. The things we’re talking about in this episode are so universal and so pervasive and so toxic (when left unchecked), my friends and I have been talking about this a TON in person, and that’s why I’m so glad to be talking about it here on the show. Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Paige Connell. Paige is a working mother of four who works to highlight the everyday experiences of women balancing motherhood, careers, and relationships. Known for her candid insights on the mental load of motherhood and the challenges of creating equity at home and work, Paige’s content resonates with millions.  And I have a feeling you’ll resonate with her as well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about why your closet may be full but you still feel like you have nothing to wear!Getting out the door in the morning can be a struggle, and for many of us, the hardest part is figuring out what to wear. Finding that perfect balance between style and practicality can be a challenge, and it's even harder when you're not sure where to start or what pieces to invest in.To help us with this, I invited my new friend, someone I’ve followed for years, Conni Jespersen. Conni is the educational wardrobe stylist behind Art in the Find. Over the last 10 years, Conni has worked with countless style clients in person and virtually all over the world, helping them to craft an intentional wardrobe that feels personal, pulled together, and practical for the rhythms of their daily life.Conni is offering her best advice on finding clothing that truly resonates with us, and sharing practical tips to make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable.After chatting with her, I already feel like I have a way better understanding of my personal style and a practical plan for improving my closet. I know you'll find her advice just as helpful! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about what’s going on in the United States politically — how to wrap our minds around it, how to stay informed without losing our minds, and how to participate in a way that creates the real, lasting change we want to see for our communities.A few caveats here: Why are we talking about politics? Because I don’t know about you, but this topic DEFINITELY is coming up at my girls nights. And if we talk about something at our real life girls nights, I want to make sure we’re talking about it here too! I know that not all of our listeners live in the United States. I actually don’t currently live in the United States. But the majority of our listeners are in the States, and as I’m learning as a US citizen living abroad, the things that are happening back in my home do really affect the rest of the world. But if this episode doesn’t really apply to you, feel free to skip! We’ll catch up with you at the next one. So, who’s going to walk us through all of these questions and help us find some peace and clarity? My friend, Sharon McMahon, of course. After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon took her passion for education to Instagram, where more than a million people rely on her for non-partisan, fact-based information as "America's Government Teacher." In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, Sharon is a reliable source for truth and logic.In this episode I ask her if what’s happening in the US is truly unprecedented and how it measures up to other seasons our country has been through. We talk about how to get along with people who think differently from you and what that looks like, how to stay sane while also staying informed, and how to make the real, lasting change we want for our communities. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what’s been happening in our country the past several months, you’re not alone. In these uncertain times, it's refreshing to hear a voice of clarity and hope. That's exactly what Sharon brings to the table. I can’t wait for you to hear from her!One last thing before we dive in: This season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson.One last thing: I know that some of our episodes are pretty personal (in fact, a lot of them are) an

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today we’re sharing one woman’s courageous journey of living with an autoimmune disorder and navigating the challenges of motherhood. I know there are women listening who dream of being a mother. But for those living with chronic illness or other health complications, that dream can come with uncertainty and doubt. Even if you haven't walked this path, you may know the ache of longing for something that feels just out of reach. Today's conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if their dream of motherhood will ever become a reality.Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Ashley Fenker. Ashley is the author of a new book called Good (Enough) Mother. In this new collection of stories and essays, Ashley explores the complexities of chronic illness, modern motherhood, and faith. Ashley’s story is full of hope and resilience – I was so inspired by it and I know you will be too!One last thing before we dive in: This season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. One last thing: I know that some of our episodes are pretty personal (in fact, a lot of them are) and so I want you to know that you don’t have to share the exact episode you’re listening to in order to enter the giveaway. You can just share the show in general.(That way you’re not accidentally giving your Aunt Susan and all your old high school friends information about your personal life that you don’t necessarily want them to have!) Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Ashley! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to identify your attachment style and feel more fulfilled in your relationships.To help us with this, I invited my new friend Eli Harwood on the show! Eli is a therapist, author, and online you might know her as the Attachment Nerd — and she’s passionate about helping people understand attachment and learn how to relate in more secure ways. If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard about attachment styles but you’re not really sure what they are or why they matter — and that’s why I’m truly obsessed with this episode. I learned so much and I can’t stop thinking about what I learned. This is the absolute KEY to healthy relationships, and I can’t believe I didn’t learn about this sooner!One last thing before we dive in: This show is all about women supporting women — and so that’s why, this season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. Again, we’ll pick the winner at the end of the week and all you have to do to enter to win a $50 visa gift card is share about the show on social media and tag me, I’m @SMayWilson on Instagram. Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Eli! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!As a new mom, I desperately needed guidance on what to worry about and what to let go of. I'm sure many of you can relate to those frantic 2am Google searches! That’s why today we're diving into the top 5 things new moms can stop worrying about, and the 5 essential things that deserve your attention.There’s no better person to help us with this than my favorite parenting guru, Emily Oster! Emily is the founder and CEO of ParentData, a data-driven guide to pregnancy and parenting, and a  Professor of Economics at Brown University. Emily is on a mission to empower parents by providing the data and tools they need to make confident decisions. I’m also excited to share about her brand new newsletter called PregnantData that is loaded with resources about trying to conceive. Head to the show notes for the link! You can always find our show notes at Girls Night Podcast.Com!Emily's resources have saved me from so much unnecessary stress and anxiety as a new mom. I can’t wait for you to hear from her! One last thing before we dive in: This show is all about women supporting women — and so that’s why, this season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own! To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. Again, we’ll pick the winner at the end of the week and all you have to do to enter to win a $50 visa gift card is share about the show on social media and tag me, I’m @SMayWilson on Instagram. Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Emily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!This last April I wrote a book called Create A Life You Love: How to quiet outside voices so you can finally hear your own. In the book, we talked about the voices we grow up with as women — and there are a lot of them — all telling us who we should be, what we should look like, how we should behave, how we should spend our time, what we’re allowed to do, what we’re not allowed to do, and more. The most confusing thing about this is that oftentimes, the voices disagree. One section of the peanut gallery says we should be doing this, while another section would judge us HARD for doing that exact thing. Some of the loudest voices when it comes to who a woman should be come from the church. I know they have in my life. And in a lot of ways, that’s a good thing. Our faith — the bedrock of who we are and what we believe — should absolutely impact who we become.The problem is… while many of us are looking to God to tell us who we are and what we should do with our lives, oftentimes that message has gone through a bit of a game of telephone. The message started one way, but by the time it reached our ears, it was something completely different.A few years ago, I came across a book that changed my life. It’s called The Making of Biblical Womanhood — How the Subjugation of Women became Gospel Truth. The book takes a look at what women are told in the church today — and then traces the thread back through history — trying to figure out where it came from and if what we’re being told God wants from us is actually what God said in the first place.Today on the show, I’m so honored to get to welcome my new friend, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Beth Allison Barr. Beth is James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women's history, and church history. This episode is SO powerful — and if you have questions about what we’re supposed to be doing as women and where exactly those rules came from, this episode is for you. One last thing before we dive in: This show is all about women supporting women — and so that’s why, this season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Beth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoi

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today we’re continuing our “How She Does It.” series. About once a month we do a profile of a woman who’s living a beautifully, unique life and we'll get to hear the behind-the-scenes of how she does it.And I’m so excited because today we’re talking with my dear friend, Suzanne Kianpour - I call her Suzy. Suzy is an Emmy-nominated journalist, documentarian, and presenter who has reported from conflict zones and corridors of power as a BBC foreign correspondent. She is the founder of Helmet to Heels, a platform amplifying the voices of women driving global impact, and the host of News with Suz, a series blending international affairs with fashion and culture. Suzy is a force to be reckoned with - a confident, passionate, and inspiring individual who has spent years telling the stories that need to be told. I know you'll love hearing about her journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.Don’t forget — all season long we’re doing a weekly giveaway — all you have to do is take a quick screen shot of the show as you’re listening and share it on social media. This week, our winner is going to get a $50 visa gift card — perfect for a girls night of your own! Again, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show and share it on your social media. Tag me @smaywilson and you’re entered to win! We’ll pick a winner every week! Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Suzy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today we’re talking about how to improve your sleep so you can feel your best. I'm willing to bet that, like me, you're craving a restful night's sleep but, somehow, it always feels just out of reach. Whether your mind is racing with worries or your to-do list is overflowing, it can be tough to wind down and get the sleep you need. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to today’s guest, who also just happens to be my incredibly wise and wonderful cousin! Dr. Sarah Jeffrey is a licensed naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Aya Naturopathic Medicine. With specialized training in natural approaches to stress and sleep issues, she combines science and compassion to help her patients feel their best. Dr. Jeffrey is passionate about empowering women to take charge of their health and believes small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. I can’t wait for you to hear from her today!Don’t forget — all season long, if you take a quick screen shot of the show as you’re listening and share it on social media, each week one winner will get to pick something out from the Girls Night Gift Shop! Make sure to tag us! We’ll pick a winner every week!Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Sarah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today we’re talking about how to heal, move forward, and find your spark again after a rough breakup. We're mainly focusing on romantic relationships, but honestly, these tips can apply to any meaningful relationship that's ended - whether that's with a friend, a family member, or even a job. So, if you're looking to rediscover your passions and purpose and overall sense of self after a tough split, you're in the right place!Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Dr. Morgan Cope. Dr. Morgan is a relationship scientist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. She studies how people's sense of self is changed by romantic relationships. Her research investigates how breakups affect people’s identity, as well as how to recover and avoid breakup pitfalls after relationships end. Morgan is amazing. I so wish I had had her as a resource the gazillion times I got my heart broken over the years.And don’t forget — all season long, if you take a quick screen shot of the show as you’re listening and share it on social media, each week one winner will get to pick something out from the Girls Night Gift Shop! Make sure to tag us! We’ll pick a winner every week!Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Dr. Morgan Cope!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today is officially the launch of Season 20 of Girls Night! I can hardly believe it! We’re kicking off the new season by talking about a topic that’s so close to my heart and that’s singleness. I recently had a raw and honest conversation with a close friend about the challenges of singleness and dating. As she shared her feelings of frustration and uncertainty, I offered her some advice that resonated deeply with both of us. Today, I want to share that same advice with you, in the hopes that it might bring you comfort, clarity, and renewed hope.If you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or overlooked in your own journey, you’re not alone and this conversation is for you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends, the wait is over! Season 20 of the Girls Night Podcast drops on Monday, February 3rd! Head over to your favorite podcasting app and make sure you're subscribed! On this show, we talk about the Everything Era: that wildly confusing decade-ish where we have to make some of the most significant decisions of our lives, typically all at the same time. If you’re anything like me, it probably feels like a lot  — how do you even know what you want out of life? And even once you’ve figured that out, how do you make it happen? Thankfully, we don’t have to figure this out alone. I’ve invited some of the smartest women I know onto the show to walk us through the topics that keep us up at night. We’re going to learn from both their expertise and their experience and you’ll walk away not only knowing what your next step is, but with the support you need to actually take it.No matter who you are, where you come from, or what decisions you end up making, you’re welcome here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I can’t believe I’m saying this, but today is our very last Girls Night episode of 2024 and of Season 19! I’m closing us out with a solo episode — we're chatting about how to reflect on the past year and prepare for the year ahead! This episode was inspired by the project I’ve been working on for the past few months, but really the past few years, and that’s my New Years Reflection & Intention Journal. In it, I finally get to introduce you to the New Year's Journaling process I’ve been doing for the last ten years.Friends, 2025 is full of possibilities, and it all begins with a clear vision and intentional steps. Today’s episode is going to help us take action toward the life we actually want to live.I can’t wait for you to tune in! P.S. We will be back for Season 20 of Girls Night in February of 2025! We have incredible guests and topics in store for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m excited about this episode because I know many of you are navigating what I call The Everything Era – the decade-ish when we have to make 80% of most biographically significant life decisions all at the same time. Career, relationships, family, and identity are all intersecting, bringing immense pressure and expectations along with them. We know what this feels like for us — inside our heads and circumstances and lives — but we don’t always know what this feels like to other women. It’s so easy to wonder, “Am I the only one struggling this way?” “Is anyone else going through this too?” So today, we’re taking a step towards finding that out! Our guests for today’s episode are my new friends, Danielle Robay and Simone Boyce. Danielle is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Simone is a journalist and multidimensional storyteller who lives audaciously, leads with curiosity and embodies radical self-expression. Danielle and Simone are co-hosts of The Bright Side, a daily Podcast from Hello Sunshine. The Bright Side brings your daily dose of culture and inspiration – with the latest trends, celebrity interviews, and real conversations with women doing amazing things while navigating life’s transitions, both big and small.Through their podcast and other projects, they've gathered invaluable insights into the challenges and successes women face in their careers, relationships, and personal growth — and basically, in this episode, I’m picking their brains about what they’ve discovered along the way. I cannot wait for you to hear from them! Here’s my conversation with Simone and Danielle! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I can’t wait for today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to talk about money with your spouse as a newlywed. Money is stressful for everybody, but it's especially hard on newlyweds. You have your own money and now suddenly what's yours is theirs and what's theirs is yours and you have to figure out how to spend (and NOT spend) it all together.And really, whether you’ve been married for 2 years or 20 years, money is always going to be a topic of discussion, so the earlier you can talk through this, and learn how to talk about it, the better! Our guest for today’s episode is a Girls Night favorite — my friend, Rachel Cruze. Rachel is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, and podcast host. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people how to avoid debt, budget, and win with money at any stage in life. Rachel believes it’s possible for anyone to turn around their finances and build a life they love.The advice Rachel shares in this episode is everything I wish I could go back and tell myself and the beginning of marriage — so grab a note pad if you can because she’s sharing all the tips! Okay friends, let’s hop into the episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today's episode is deeply personal for me as we dive into the topic of IVF and infertility treatments. My husband and I shared our IVF journey on Girls Night episode 94, but with recent misinformation circulating online surrounding this topic, I've invited a trusted expert to help us figure out what information is actually true and what just isn’t. That expert is my new friend, Dr. Lucky Sekhon. Dr. Lucky is a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and OB/GYN based in New York City. Dr. Sekhon is passionate about empowering women with accurate, evidence-based information on reproductive health and fertility. She has personally gone through IVF, which has deepened her understanding of the challenges her patients face.In our conversation, Dr. Lucky explains what IVF is and, maybe equally as important, what it’s not. We also discuss other fertility treatment options like egg freezing, IUI, and more! Whether you’re currently facing a fertility issue or, like me, have been diagnosed with infertility, OR whether you’re wanting to know your options when it comes to having a family in the future — I hope this conversation will ease your mind by helping you know the facts and what options are available for you and your family.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Friends, I’m so excited because today we’re back with another episode in our How She Does it Series where I’m sharing profiles of women we look up to. Today’s guest is someone I’ve looked up to for a long time and that’s my new friend, Katelyn James. Katelyn is a photography educator based in Richmond, Virginia, with 30,000 students around the globe and co-owns an entrepreneurial-based micro-school for kids in their community called Acton Academy Westend. Her passion lies in teaching the power of personal branding and empowering others through her education.In today’s episode, she’s sharing about her journey of becoming a business owner and a mom and the doors that have opened as a result of her hard work, grit, and determination.One of the first questions I ask her is what is the accomplishment she’s most proud of and I think her answer is going to surprise you — I know it did for me, but in the very best way! This is one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had here on Girls Night, so let’s dive right in!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to take the first step (and then next 10!) when pursuing your dreams.We all are dreaming about something — maybe it’s something we want to happen in our lives, maybe it’s something we want to happen in the world because of our lives. And if you have a dream, you also have a few things that go along with it — fear, insecurity, uncertainty, and discouragement. (Among other things.)Sometimes, figuring out what we even want to do in the first place is the issue. Other times we know what we want to do, but getting started (and then keeping going!) is a whole other story. No matter where you are with your dreams for your life, I cannot WAIT for you to meet our Girls Night guest for today. Our guest for today’s episode is Liz Bohannon. Liz is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Sseko Designs, a socially responsible fashion company. She is also a Forbes Top 20 speaker, the author of the best-selling book Beginner's Pluck, the host of the Plucking Up Podcast, and a partner at Noonday Collection.I’ve followed Liz for years and her book, Beginner’s Pluck, totally changed my life. I cannot wait for you to hear from her!Let’s hop into our conversation!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Friends, I’m so excited because today we’re back with another episode in our How She Does it Series where I’m sharing profiles of women we look up to.Today’s guest is my new friend, Bri Summers! After Bri landed what she thought was her dream job after college she quickly realized that her dream job — the one she’d been working toward FOREVER, wasn’t actually so dreamy. In fact, she realized that she wanted to do something totally different and that’s when she decided to strike out on her own and build a business based on her hobbies, passion, and expertise — and that’s when her company, Brighten Made was born. Brighten Made is an artful branding and web design studio for lifestyle brands. I first stumbled upon Bri’s work as I was in the design process for my apparel line, The Girls Night Gift shop, and fell in love with everything she does! In this conversation, we’re talking through the things Bri had to overcome and figure out to get to the place where she is today — from receiving pushback from naysayers to navigating the pressures of motherhood and overcoming her own fears and insecurities that held her back. Bri is someone who is doing incredible things in the world and making a difference in the creative community — I know you’re going to love her! Okay, with that said, let’s hop into our conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about color analysis and finding your personal style. To walk us through this, I invited my new friend Lindsey Myers, to join us! Lindsey founded Created Colorful in 2020 while navigating being a new mom. Pouring any energy she had into her kids, Lindsey slowly realized she had nothing left for herself. Hope came crashing into her life once she learned color analysis–a process where each person has a set of colors that objectively flatters them. From there, she was hooked. Through sharing her findings on Instagram, Lindsey quickly was flooded with requests and became a CEO “overnight” when Created Colorful was born. Lindsey and her team have helped more than 20,000 clients to date find their colors and reignite self-confidence.I was blown away by the impact colors can have on our style, but also our confidence and how we show up in the world!I can’t wait to share this with you! Here’s my conversation with Lindsey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!A few weeks ago, I recorded a video to share with women in our community who purchased something from my shop during my blog birthday sale. It was called the 12-in-12 workshop and in it I shared 12 of the most important things I’ve learned in the last 12 years of my life. But, the more I thought about it, these are things that I wish I could tell every woman, so, instead of just sharing it with a portion of our community, I wanted to share it with everyone! So that’s what we’re doing today!In this conversation, we’re talking about boundaries, friendships, figuring out what you want to do with your life, how to dream, how to fail, and so much more! These things have absolutely changed my life in the very best way, and I cannot wait to tell you about them! Okay, let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to stop running on empty and prioritize your emotional, spiritual and physical needs.If you’re anything like me, you’re trying your best to do it all and be the person that everyone needs you to be, even if it comes at the expense of your own health and well-being. We all know that isn’t a sustainable way of living and eventually leads to things like stress and total burnout.That’s why I invited today’s guest, Debra Fileta, back on the show to help us out! Debra is a licensed professional counselor, podcaster, speaker, and author who specializes in dating, marriage, and relationship issues, along with mental and emotional health. She recently released a book called Soul Care where she teaches us 6 practices Jesus implemented in His own life and ministry and how we can apply those same practices to our lives. Two of my favorite practices she explains in the episode were protect and savor. More about that soon! Okay, let’s hop into my conversation with Debra! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to understand your personal finances and build a stronger relationship with your money!If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by budgets, savings, and investments, you're not alone. In this episode, we explore what financial freedom and security really mean — and why it doesn’t require giving up everything that brings you joy (Any other coffee shop lovers appreciate that?).Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Shanna Skidmore. Shanna is a former fortune 100 financial advisor turned business consultant, educator, and international speaker. With clients and students in more than 26 countries, Shanna has helped thousands of entrepreneurs over the last 15 years build profitable & sustainable businesses while leading a life they love. She also has amazing advice for managing your personal finances, whether you’re an entrepreneur or not. I loved this conversation because Shanna takes the scary or intimidating parts out of personal finances and offers really practical tips on how to set yourself up for a great financial future, whatever that looks like for you! Okay, I cannot wait for you to hear from her. Let’s dive in!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to unplug from our devices so we can be more present in our everyday lives. I couldn’t wait for this topic because I know firsthand how tough it can be to break free from the constant pull of our devices. We tap into social media with the best intentions, only to emerge from the digital haze thirty minutes later, wondering where the time went. If you can relate, today’s conversation is for you! Our guest for today’s episode is my dear friend, Hannah Brencher. Hannah is a writer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. She founded The World Needs More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to sending letter bundles to those who need encouragement. She also wrote a book called, The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. In this book, she shares about the exhaustion she felt from her constantly plugged-in lifestyle and the challenge she undertook to change that — the challenge being unplugging from her device for 1,000 hours in one year!Her results after completing the challenge are pretty astounding – you’ll hear more about them soon! My hope is after hearing Hannah's story, you'll be empowered to reassess your own relationship with technology and be more present for the things that matter most.Alright, friends, let’s hop into my conversation with Hannah! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited for today’s episode because you get to hear from two of my favorite humans on the planet, my dear friends, Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor. Marri and Rachel have a brand new kid’s Bible coming out this week called The Book of Belonging and to say I am overjoyed and ecstatic about it is a huge understatement. I knew I needed to invite them both on the show to not only talk about the book and incredible backstory, but also what the process was like while writing and illustrating it. I loved this conversation so much because it reminded me that when God stirs our hearts to action, he equips us to do the hard thing, no matter how daunting the task (or how unqualified we feel!). I can’t wait for you to hear from them! Let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices