Infertility, Depression & Alcohol with Maureen Benkovich

In this bittersweet season finale, Sarah Baillie and I come together to share some big news: the early wrap-up of Season 4. It's been a tough decision, but one that opens up exciting opportunities on the horizon for both of us. We peel back the curtain on the "why" behind this choice, exploring the joyous spaces it's creating for personal pursuits.

For me, Wendy McCallum, it means dedicating more time to my passion for writing fiction and diving into my Business Building Bootcamp community for coaches and my podcast, The Coaching Edge. Meanwhile, Sarah is excited about immersing herself in patient care, family time, and generating innovative ideas for her coaching practice. We take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about where we began in Season 1 (the "fake podcast") and marveling at the incredible journey of personal and professional growth since our estrogen-fueled conversations about nurturing and women’s midlife.

Join us for a heartfelt review of what we've cherished about Bite-Sized Balance, the joy it's brought us, the key things we’ve learned, and the bonds it's forged. As we bid adieu to Season 4, we embark on a hiatus, ready to focus on fresh endeavors and recharge our creative spirits. This isn't goodbye; it's a "see you soon" as we gear up for new beginnings. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey—and stay tuned, we’ll likely be back in some form or fashion again. We’ve got too much to say!

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

To contact Sarah Baillie about coaching, email her at: sarahbailliecoaching@gmail.com

Psst...Coaches! Follow Wendy at The Coaching Edge Podcast

In this second to last episode of Season 4 of Bite-Sized Balance, I'm joined by Sarah Baillie to explore what’s been a game-changing concept for both of us: "No One Is Coming." We dive deep into the profound reality that if our lives aren't what we want them to be, the power to change that rests solely in our hands. This awakening often hits women hard in midlife, around menopause, as the awareness of time becomes more acute.

Drawing inspiration from unexpected places like the Trolls movie, Sarah shares her insights into personal responsibility and the freedom it brings. We discuss the big-picture and smaller-picture ways we can apply the idea of "No One Is Coming" to craft days and years that align with our desires. 

Letting go of what doesn't serve us, whether it's social media, alcohol, or unfulfilling relationships, creates uncomfortable but fertile space for creativity and the exploration of what brings us joy.

Join us as we discuss the difference between reacting and responding, and how saying no more often opens up the space to live a life that feels genuinely better. I also share some exciting changes in my own journey to joy, focusing on fiction writing and my business coaching program for coaches. Get ready for an episode that encourages you to take charge, make proactive and intentional choices, and embrace the freedom that comes with realizing that you are the captain of your own ship! 

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

To contact Sarah Baillie about coaching, email her at: sarahbailliecoaching@gmail.com

Hey there, lovely listeners! First, I've got some big news to share with you on this short episode of Bite-Sized Balance. But mostly, I want to dive deep into a mindset shift that has truly transformed my life (and that I recently applied in relation the big decision that prompted today’s announcement): the powerful perspective shift from "What if it goes wrong?" to the game-changing question, "What if it goes right?"

Fear and anxiety have a sneaky way of holding us back, keeping us stuck in situations and habits that don't serve us. They're like quicksand, trapping us in a cycle of hesitation and self-doubt. But what if, instead of succumbing to fear, we embraced anticipation, excitement, and hope? These emotions act as catalysts, propelling us into action and nudging us towards the outcomes we desire.

In this episode, we unpack the magic that happens when we shift our perspective, exploring how a simple change in mindset can transform our actions, decisions, and ultimately, our lives. So, grab your favorite beverage, tune in, and let's embark on a journey of empowerment, courage, and embracing the endless possibilities that come with asking, "What if it goes right?" 

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

In this down-to-earth episode, Wendy sits down with Natasha Carrillo, a Financial Educator and Coach, to chat all things women and money. No stiff suits or complicated jargon here – just a real conversation about why women need to take the reins when it comes to their finances, and how avoiding the topic isn’t serving us! 

Natasha breaks down the impact our upbringing has on our money mindset and shares some practical advice on how to shift those beliefs to feel more empowered about our cash. They tackle everything from why budgeting isn't a bad word to the secret to curbing emotional spending.

So, if you're ready to kiss financial stress goodbye and step into your planning power, grab your coffee and tune in. Natasha's practical tips will make you realize managing your money isn't just for the suits; it's for every woman out there looking to make her wallet work for her midlife and retirement dreams. 

To connect with Natasha and learn more about her work, check out her website at www.moneywithconfidence.com.

In this short episode of Bite-Sized Balance, I'm serving up practical, empowering strategies to keep your holiday balance in check, with a goal of you wrapping up the year feeling rested, restored, and not even a tiny bit over-stuffed and annoyed!
 
I'm dishing out practical tips on how to prioritize what truly matters by deciphering between energy drains and gains, and using the 4 Ds (delete, delegate, defer, and do) to get those lists serving you better. No more overcommitting, no more overwhelm.
 
Join me as I set the stage for a transformative personal experiment this year. Learn how to craft feeling-based goals, allowing you to navigate December with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Together, we'll redefine your holiday experience, leaving you restored, recharged, and completely resentment-free come January.

So, buckle up for a journey of conscious choices, self-care, and holiday harmony. Let's make this season truly magical and leave you feeling lighter and more fulfilled than ever before.

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

In this heartwarming episode of Bite-Sized Balance, Wendy McCallum sits down with a remarkable guest, her client Chantal. Chantal recounts her transformative journey from decades of addiction to true freedom from alcohol. Chantal candidly shares her experience with the medication Antabuse and the pivotal role it played in her recovery.

The conversation takes a beautiful turn as Chantal unveils her unique practice of specific gratitude, demonstrating how it has reignited joy in her life. By focusing on the little things, she has discovered the immense power of gratitude in her journey toward lasting freedom from drinking. This episode is an inspiring testament to the profound impact of finding joy in the simplicity of everyday moments.

We talk about: 

• Naltrexone v. Antabuse as aids in sobriety
• Gratitude as part of your sobriety toolkit
• Finding the joy when your life looks “good on paper” but something is missing
• The unexpected gifts of sobriety

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

In this brief yet powerful episode of Bite-Sized Balance, my regular guest and BFF Sarah Baillie and I explain the transformative idea behind "Holding it Lightly", a tool we both use regularly in our coaching practices. I open up about a challenging period in my life and how intentionally loosening my grip on the problem (with the help of a fantastic coach!) led to a remarkable shift in my feelings, behaviors, and overall well-being.

We explore the tendency among women to hold tightly to situations and desired outcomes, and how often this is driven by a need for control. But we can’t control other people, we can only choose how we respond and react to them. Have a listen and then experiment with holding life a little more lightly yourself – we can’t wait for you to discover the magic that unfolds when you let go of the need to tightly grasp every aspect of your journey!

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

To contact Sarah Baillie about coaching, email her at: sarahbailliecoaching@gmail.com

In this fascinating episode, I’m joined by Adele Spraggon, a Behavioral Change Expert and author, to explore the complicated world of decision-making in your brain. Adele sheds light on why your brain is always making choices on your behalf (spoiler alert: it's not your fault!) and unveils the step-by-step path to reprogramming it with a fresh set of operating instructions. 

Together, we dig into neuroscience to uncover how understanding your brain can empower you to make positive changes in your life (in all areas, even your drinking!). If you've ever wondered why you do what you do, and how to regain control, this episode is your key to unlocking your brain's full potential.

In this conversation, Adele and I delve into practical strategies and insights that can help you take charge of your decision-making process. 

We talk about:

• Why you can’t (and shouldn’t) believe everything you think
• Why you also shouldn’t always believe what your BFF thinks 
• Why you need to stop asking “why” you’re doing something and ask “what” you’re thinking, feeling, and doing- instead
• And why breaking free from habits that aren’t serving you isn’t nearly as much work as you think!

Learn more about Adele at www.adelespraggon.com

Get her book here: 4 Steps to Personal Empowerment

In this short and insightful Bite-Sized Balance episode, my regular guest and BFF, Sarah Baillie, and I explore the notion of "Filling the Space" that often arises as we begin to say "no" to things that no longer serve us, set boundaries, and experience a shift in caregiving duties as our children grow older. Sarah beautifully articulates the common discomfort we feel with unoccupied time, driven by societal expectations of busyness. 

This tendency to fill the void immediately can lead to hasty decisions that don’t actually serve us and the adoption of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Sarah's heartfelt story about "Hershey," the almost-adopted dog, highlights the profound lessons she gained about her own relationship with free time. Tune in to uncover how embracing the space in midlife can pave the way for authentic self-discovery and transformation.

To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

To contact Sarah Baillie about coaching, email her at: sarahbailliecoaching@gmail.com

No matter what kind of healing or balance you're seeking in this season of life, you've probably realized that quick fixes and shortcuts rarely bring about lasting results. But taking that initial step towards educating yourself is the first stride toward creating real change.

In this episode, I sit down with Ayurveda Health Coach, Carina Greweling, who helps women achieve lasting hormone balance by restoring healthy sleep, gut health, and energy. She's a certified Ayurveda Hormone Coach, Chinese medicine practitioner, and naturopath.

In this crash course in Ayurvedic wisdom, Carina explains the three constitution types known as doshas, which are rooted in the five fundamental elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether. According to Ayurvedic medicine, the doshas play a significant role in shaping an individual's physical, emotional, and mental characteristics.  This was all new to me, but I found it fascinating. It’s a really interesting complementary approach (that’s been around for thousands of years!) to conventional approaches to supporting midlife wellness.

We talk about: 

• Understanding Ayurveda as a holistic system of healing, that includes the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects, within the context of the universe and nature
• The three constitution types and why you might resonate with more than just one
• The influence of the earth’s seasons on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
• How drinking alcohol might impact your constitution type
• The significance of aligning lifestyle habits—such as sleep, nutrition, and movement—with your constitution type

You can learn more about Carina and connect with her on her website at https://carinagreweling.com/, and listen to her podcast THRIVE.

Work with Carina: 

20-Week Hormone Thrive Program

3-Week Ayurveda Hormone Detox