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The Message In The Mess!

Heather Presley Leydekkers·42 episodes

HealthFitnessMentalSolo narrator20-35 minHealing storiesMidlife growthMental healthStandalone episodes

Mission Statement The Message in the Mess is my heart’s work—born from a deep belief that even in life’s hardest, most chaotic moments, there is something sacred to be found. My mission is to help others uncover the beauty, truth, and growth that often hide within the mess. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and compassionate insight, I aim to create a space where healing begins, humor is welcome, and vulnerability is celebrated. I believe every mess carries a message—and it’s my purpose and passion to help bring those messages to light. This podcast is not just somet...

Why listen

The Message In The Mess! is Heather Presley Leydekkers talking directly and honestly about grief, anxiety, relationships, boundaries, self-worth, and healing after hard seasons. It feels like sitting with someone who is still doing the work herself, with vulnerable personal stories, plainspoken encouragement, and occasional humor for listeners who want emotional support without a clinical or polished tone.

Episodes

32 min
Jun 2, 2026
Toxic Workplaces!

Send us Fan Mail Today on The Message in the Mess, I'm talking about surviving a toxic work environment and finding the courage to walk away. For a long time, I questioned whether I should even talk about this topic. I never want to come across as bitter or stuck in the past. But the truth is, there are so many people who wake up every morning with anxiety because of where they work. People who sit in their cars before work trying to gather the strength to walk through the door. People who have slowly begun to question their worth because of the environment they are in. I've learned that toxic workplaces don't always look toxic from the outside. Sometimes they have great missions, great people, and great intentions. But when communication breaks down, accountability is missing, fear replaces trust, and leadership refuses to listen, even the best employees can find themselves struggling. One of the things I talk about in this episode is how easy it is to lose yourself in a toxic environment. You start second-guessing yourself. You take work stress home. You begin carrying burdens that were never yours to carry. Before long, you're surviving instead of thriving. I also share what I've learned about loyalty, boundaries, leadership, and self-worth. Sometimes we stay too long because we care. We hope things will improve. We believe we can help fix what's broken. But I've learned that you cannot heal a culture that isn't willing to acknowledge there's a problem. Most importantly, I talk about what walking away can teach us. That our worth is not tied to a title. That peace matters. That sometimes God closes doors we desperately wanted to keep open because He has something different planned for us. If you're currently struggling in a workplace that is affecting your mental, emotional, or even physical health, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not weak, you are not crazy, and you are not alone. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is stay and fight. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is walk away. The wisdom comes in knowing the difference. As always, thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey with me. ❤️ #TheMessageInTheMess #Podcast #Healing #WorkplaceCulture #ToxicWorkEnvironment #Growth #Leadership #FaithOverFear #FindingTheMessageInTheMess #HealingOutLoud #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #WorkplaceWellness

20 min
May 15, 2026
Healing Out Loud

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode of The Message in the Mess, Heather opens up about what it truly means to heal out loud. From surviving trauma and grief to navigating anxiety, identity shifts, and personal growth, she shares why vulnerability is often misunderstood as “oversharing” — and why she refuses to stay silent about the journeys that shaped her.Heather explores the difference between healing and trauma dumping, why honesty makes some people uncomfortable, and how sharing our stories can help others feel less alone. She also discusses the importance of boundaries, authenticity, and learning to release shame while embracing the power of connection.This episode is for anyone who has ever been told they are “too much,” too emotional, too honest, or too vulnerable. It’s a reminder that your story matters, your healing matters, and sometimes the very thing you’re afraid to share becomes the lifeline someone else desperately needed.Raw, heartfelt, compassionate, and honest — this conversation is about finding the message in the mess and having the courage to heal out loud.

21 min
May 14, 2026
Hurt People.....Hurt People

Send us Fan Mail Trauma Isn’t an Excuse — It’s an Invitation to HealWe’ve all heard the phrase:“Hurt people hurt people.”But what if that isn’t the whole truth?In this deeply honest episode of The Message in the Mess, Heather challenges one of the most commonly repeated statements about trauma and pain. By the time most of us reach adulthood, we’ve experienced heartbreak, rejection, family dysfunction, loss, abandonment, criticism, or emotional wounds that shape how we move through the world.But pain alone does not automatically make someone harmful.Heather shares why she believes the real issue isn’t simply being hurt — it’s remaining unhealed.Through personal reflection and powerful conversation, this episode explores:• the difference between hurting and being unhealed• why trauma may explain behavior but should never excuse it• how unaddressed wounds can continue cycles of pain• the courage it takes to become self-aware• why healing is a personal responsibility• what it means to break generational and emotional cyclesHeather also shares pieces of her own journey with trauma, anxiety, survival mode, and the decision to become the kind of person she once needed instead of allowing pain to define her.This episode is for anyone trying to heal, grow, and choose a different path despite what they’ve been through.Because trauma may shape parts of our story……but healing shapes who we become.Sometimes the greatest message in our mess…is the healing we choose.

28 min
Mar 2, 2026
Teaching My Body It’s Safe Again — And Why Anxiety Shows Up After Life Gets Better

Send us Fan Mail When survival mode becomes normal, peace can feel unfamiliar. In today’s episode, we talk about why anxiety often shows up after life finally starts getting better — and how our nervous system must learn that it’s safe again. This conversation explores how trauma lives in the body, why calm can feel uncomfortable at first, and the gentle process of retraining ourselves to move from survival into safety, healing, and true presence. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel anxious even when everything is finally okay… this episode is for you.

22 min
Dec 20, 2025
Finding Peace Where You Are: Healing, Letting Go & Gratitude at Year’s End

Send us Fan Mail As we close out 2025, this episode is a pause and a reflection. I’m sharing an honest conversation about healing, letting go, forgiveness, family, gratitude, and grief. On the 27th, it marks one year since my dad passed, and I talk about finding comfort in love, loss, and the belief that those we love never truly leave us. This episode also includes gentle journal prompts to help you find peace right where you are. Thank you for listening and for being part of this journey — there is always a message in the mess.

20 min
Dec 12, 2025
Episode Description: Choosing Your Tribe in a Toxic World

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode of The Message in the Mess, we’re having an honest, soul-level conversation about the people we allow into our lives — and the power we have to choose differently.In a world that can feel loud, chaotic, and emotionally draining, it’s easy to believe we have to tolerate toxic relationships simply because they’ve always been there. But the truth is this: in a toxic world, you don’t have to choose toxic people.Together, we explore what it means to build a tribe that reflects who you are becoming, not who you once were. We talk about recognizing one-sided friendships, releasing relationships that no longer serve your growth, and giving yourself permission to let connections fade without guilt or drama.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt exhausted by friendships that drain their peace, confused by loyalty that costs too much, or afraid to choose themselves out of fear of being alone. Through reflection, compassion, and a little humor, we discuss how healthy relationships feel like home — safe, reciprocal, supportive, and grounding.If you’re in a season of growth, healing, or boundary-setting, this episode will remind you that protecting your energy isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. You deserve people who bring light to your table, not chaos.✨ Grab a drink, get comfortable, and give yourself permission to choose peace, growth, and the right people. This conversation may be the reminder your heart didn’t know it needed.

32 min
Dec 3, 2025
Choosing you in your 50's

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Message in the Mess, Heather gets raw, real, and a little hilarious about what it truly looks like to try and lose weight in your 50s. Spoiler: it’s not like your 20s… or your 30s… or honestly anything your metabolism ever tried to prepare you for. Heather opens up about walking back into the gym after years away — how the hardest part wasn’t the workout, but the courage it took to walk through the door. She talks about battling hormones, a slower metabolism, cravings that negotiate like seasoned lawyers, and the universal “Where did that come from?” moment in front of the mirror. But this episode isn’t about chasing “skinny.” It’s about chasing healthy. It’s about choosing YOU… even when it’s hard. Even when giving up feels easier. Even when the scale seems to be gaslighting you. Heather shares why you don’t have to give up ice cream, the occasional cocktail, or the soul-comforting macaroni and cheese. Instead, she talks about finding balance — real balance — not punishment disguised as discipline. With compassion, humor, and honesty, she reminds listeners that starting again in your 50s is not a failure. It’s courage. It’s strength. It’s a love letter to your future self. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, defeated, or like your body suddenly switched to “low power mode,” this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going — one brave step at a time.

40 min
Nov 16, 2025Episode 1
Holding Space During The Holiday....Tissues May Be Needed

Send us Fan Mail The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone — and that truth deserves to be spoken out loud. In this heartfelt episode, Heather opens up about what it means to “hold space” during a season that can feel heavy, complicated, or painfully quiet. Whether you’re navigating grief, longing for someone you lost, wrestling with family dynamics, or simply feeling out of rhythm this year, this episode is a gentle reminder that your feelings matter. Heather shares personal reflections, real-life moments, and tender encouragement for anyone who needs to hear, “You’re not alone.” Together, we explore how to honor your heart, protect your peace, and create room for both the joy and the ache this season brings. If you’ve been carrying a lot this year, this is your space. This is your reminder to breathe. This is your permission to feel. Tissues may be needed — but so is this conversation.

19 min
Jul 13, 2025Episode 7
Consistency!

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Message in the Mess—a podcast about finding purpose, strength, and truth in life’s messiest moments. This season, we're diving deep into a powerful and often overlooked tool that transforms lives: consistency.Let’s be honest—life is rarely tidy. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and full of detours. But in the middle of that mess, there’s a message—and it reveals itself when we keep showing up.This podcast is for the woman who’s healing, building, stretching, or just trying to make it through the day. It's for the ones who feel tired but not done. The ones who know that growth isn’t about doing it all perfectly—it’s about staying committed, even when it’s hard.Every week, we’ll talk about how to build trust with yourself, create routines that serve your soul, and find peace in the process. Because consistency isn’t about being rigid—it’s about being faithful to who you’re becoming.You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep going.Come sit with me in the mess. There’s a message waiting for you here.

23 min
May 24, 2025Episode 6
Do you ever feel unworthy

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to The Message in the Mess—where we dig through the chaos of life to find the truths that heal us, grow us, and connect us. I’m your host, Heather, and today’s episode is one that hits close to home for so many of us…Have you ever felt like you’re not enough? Like no matter how much you give, do, or try… it still doesn’t feel like you measure up? Maybe you’re carrying shame, guilt, or a quiet belief that you don’t deserve the good things in life. If that’s you—I see you. I’ve been you.Today, we’re going to talk about those moments—the ones where self-doubt whispers louder than truth. Where we confuse our worth with our productivity, our past, or the way others have treated us. We're going to unpack why those feelings of unworthiness show up, how to challenge them, and how to begin rewriting the story we've been telling ourselves.Because even in your most broken moments, there is a message. Even in your pain, your mess, and your silence—you are worthy. Not because of what you’ve done, but because of who you are.So take a deep breath. Grab a cup of something warm. And let’s walk through this together.

22 min
May 10, 2025Episode 5
The Loss Of My Dad Jerry Presley 12.27.24

Send us Fan MailThis episode by far is the hardest one I have ever done, and to be honest I was not sure I wanted to do podcasts anymore! But with some time, and some healing here is a very small tribute to the first man I ever loved! This podcast is raw and real and filled with some tears!Much Love Heather

25 min
Dec 21, 2024Episode 4
Self-Sabotage.....How do we learn to show up for ourselves?

Send us Fan MailThis has been a struggle for me for a minute and I am learning how I can show up for myself, keep my word to myself and how to create healthy attainable goals! Let's smash our goals and heal together! You got this!

25 min
Dec 14, 2024
Overly Critical People....Are You One?

Send us Fan MailHow to deal with overly critical people! And some help if you are one of those people!If you enjoyed this podcast, please like and share!

36 min
Nov 2, 2024Episode 2
Why marriages and relationships fail! And how do you heal them?

Send us Fan MailOn this podcast we talk about why relationships/ marriages fail and how can we heal them!If my podcast touches you in any way please share it!Thank YouHeather

31 min
Aug 17, 2024Episode 1
Politics and Your Mental Health! And Letting Yourself Just Be!

Send us Fan MailOn today's podcast I talk about letting yourself just be! How I am learning how to heal and get out of my head! We also cover politics and your mental health!I hope you enjoy!Much LoveHeather

26 min
Jul 4, 2024
What is a True Friend! And being thankful for my freedom!

Send us Fan MailOn today's podcast I share my thoughts on what is a true friend. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject!I am thankful for ALL of you and thank you for making my life a better place.

25 min
Jun 30, 2024
Self Love and Keeping Promises to Yourself!

Send us Fan MailThis podcast is about self love, self compassion, self forgiveness and keeping promises to yourself!I hope you enjoy!

25 min
Jun 23, 2024
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.

Send us Fan MailJune is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. So today we focus on how we can show up, and support our men! If this touches you at all please share and download.Thank you for ALL your support!!!!

32 min
May 11, 2024
Fear is a funky emotion! How can you work through it and heal.

Send us Fan MailToday I talk about my walk with fear and how it brings up other emotions like guilt and shame. I share that 2024 is my year of healing and I am going to do it outloud and without ANY shame!

33 min
Apr 14, 2024
Mean People Suck!

Send us Fan MailI really believe that we as a society are backsliding on this! People feel entitled to behave and say things that are just not okay! I also talk about my new healing venture of 365 of self-care and self-love!

37 min
Apr 7, 2024Episode 22
Words Matter...And much more!

Send us Fan MailWords Matter, how you speak to others and yourself...mattersNo response...is a responseFamily, friends and letting people just be.

33 min
Mar 30, 2024Episode 21
Grief! And how you digest and move past it!

Send us Fan MailOn today's podcast I share about my own grief! I share how it effects every aspect of our lives including our bodies! How do we deal with it! When does it end? Does it end? How can we share our stories to help others?

37 min
Mar 9, 2024Episode 20
When it is time to say goodbye or let go of friends, relationship, family member or a job!

Send us Fan MailLearning when it is time to let go ofFriendshipsRelationshipsFamily MembersA JobAnd me sharing a song I love!If this has an impact please like, share and download!

33 min
Feb 24, 2024Episode 17
Hi I AM BACK! Healing is Hard!

Send us Fan MailThis episode is raw and real! I will cover mental health, depression and PTSD.  I  also talk about healing and how I am working on me! Pull up a seat....I hope something I have shared touches something you need to hear!Thank you for your love and support!

30 min
Jan 14, 2024Episode 16
Finances, Getting Healthy and Your Mental Health

Send us Fan MailOn today's podcast Eric dives deep into how to get out of dept! I speak about my struggle with weigh loss and depression. As always we hope you get something out of our podcast and if you do please share!#deptfree#gethealthy#depression#yougotthis

21 min
Dec 24, 2023
Holidays' With Family....dysfunction and all!

Send us Fan MailToday Eric and I talk about how holidays can be hard. And things you should not talk about....like politics, religion and finances. I also shared how I have not spoken to one of my sisters since the 2016 election. There is a lot of laughter in this podcast and we hope we leave you with some takeaways.

21 min
Dec 18, 2023
More on Relationships!

Send us Fan MailThis weekend Eric and I were invited to a renewal of vows! It brought up a lot of great topics so we thought we would share them with all of you! As always like and share so we can reach more listeners.

22 min
Nov 19, 2023Episode 15
Thanksgiving Year-Round

Send us Fan MailOn this special Holiday podcast Eric and I talk about being thankful, kindness and having an attitude of gratitude even when you are struggling.

22 min
Nov 19, 2023Episode 14
Electronic devices and how they can take away from our relationships.

Send us Fan MailOn today's episode Eric and I talk about how our phones, TV's and gaming devices can affect our relationships, and not in a good way. Let us know your thoughts on this subject! We would love to hear!

28 min
Nov 6, 2023Episode 13
Today's topic is on being selfish and having a big ego

Send us Fan MailEric and I open up and talk about how to tame your ego and not be selfish in your friendships and relationships! I absolutely love having my Husband co-host with me

27 min
Oct 28, 2023Episode 12
Your Partner Comes With Care Instructions!

Send us Fan MailOn this podcast Eric and I talk about how your partner has care instructions.  How do you show up for your partner? How do love, support, and encourage your partner? We hope you enjoy this podcast, and if you do, please hit the share button.  Thank you for taking the time to listen Heather & Eric

28 min
Oct 22, 2023Episode 11
Living with an Empathic Person!

Send us Fan MailMy husband Eric shares what life is like living with me. You will get an inside look from my husband perspective.If this podcast makes you think, laugh or learn please hit the share button!

28 min
Oct 15, 2023
Dating After Divorce...And Much More!

Send us Fan MailDating after divorce and much more! My amazing hubby joined me again! I love the fact we can just be honest and talk about our life before one another! We talk about family, friends and prenuptial agreements! If you like what you hear, please download and share, it helps us grow!

29 min
Oct 7, 2023Episode 8
Relationships!

Send us Fan MailOn this podcast I have my first guest who is my amazing Husband Eric! We talk about how we met and how we make our marriage work!Relationships take time and communication to work...we talk about that and other ways we have found to make our relationship work for us!

32 min
Sep 30, 2023Episode 7
Anxiety & Depression...Now What?

Send us Fan MailIf you are battling anxiety and depression this podcast is for you! There should never be any shame in having conversation about this subject! September is suicide awareness month if you are struggling and don't have anyone to talk to please call 988  or reach out to someone you are close with! Your enoughness is enough!

28 min
Sep 23, 2023Episode 7
Feelings and how we can sort through them!!!!

Send us Fan MailWhile we think feelings are simple, they are far from it! Anger is not just anger! It is also feeling let down, humiliated and the list goes on! Then if you dig a little deeper, I feel angry, humiliated, and disrespected! I am so excited to share this feeling wheel with all of you! It was a gift from Reiki practitioner Bonnie Sue. Here is her website if you are looking for healing! https://bonnisuehealing.com/As always thank you for your time! If you like my podcast, please share…. This is how I grow!Much Love Heather

26 min
Sep 14, 2023Episode 6
Mean Girls I can't Even!

Send us Fan MailMean Girls! How to spot them, and how to leave them where you found them! Don't allow your tribe to have these types of women in them! Also workplace mean girls and how to spot them and deal with them.

32 min
Sep 9, 2023Episode 5
Domestic Violence, how I survived and thrived!

Send us Fan MailTrigger Warning!This is part of my story of surviving domestic violence! I also share statistics on domestic violence. I ask that if this touches you, that you share. Silence kills!October is Domestic Violence awareness month!

27 min
Aug 19, 2023Episode 4
Shame...how do we heal from it?

Send us Fan MailToday's topic is about shame! There are several types and I cover most of them! Family ShameFriendship ShameRelationship ShameWork ShameAll of these are toxic and we need to learn how to heal from them so we don't in turn do this to others.  You may not even know you are one of these people! I also talk about shadow work and how you can heal your past traumas.

26 min
Aug 12, 2023Episode 3
Requested Topics From Facebook

Send us Fan MailThis Podcast CoversTaking care of abusive parentsNarcissistic relationshipsFinding the right careerAnxiety in toxic situationsHow not to take things personallyPeople always seeking the bad in peopleI cover a lot in about 25 minutes! Thank you for taking the time to listen. #abuse #narcissist #findingyourcareer #don'ttakethingspersonally #kindness #justdoyou #anxiety #healing #findingyourtribe

31 min
Aug 5, 2023Episode 2
Self worth and self esteem...how do I get those?

Send us Fan MailToday I talk about self worth and self esteem. If you feel you struggle in this area, join the club! I hope by me sharing it will help you start to heal those areas if need be! Your enoughness is enough!#selfworth#selfesteem#yougotthis#youareenough

21 min
Jul 27, 2023Episode 1
Who am I and why are you here?

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Message in The Mess! This is my first episode and I hope it is the first of many! I have so much to share and hope I can help others along the way.