Have you ever felt like your past mistakes or challenges could define you forever? Today, we dive into the fascinating story of Martha Stewart—a name synonymous with homemaking and entrepreneurship—who went from the heights of success to hitting rock bottom and built herself back up stronger than ever. We’ll unpack the surprising lessons from her journey, including insights from her recent documentary, and how her resilience, authenticity, and high standards propelled her from federal prison to cultural icon once again. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or simply curious about the power of reinvention, this episode is packed with hope, inspiration, and a reminder that it’s never too late to start anew.

Welcome back to Mint Arrow Messages! Today, we’re diving deep into an eye-opening, transformative experience that Neil recently went through—a true “Christmas Carol” moment. After facing a tough bout with pneumonia, Neil had a revelation that shifted his perspective on what’s most important in life, uncovering how distractions can keep us from being fully present with our loved ones. In this episode, we’ll talk about the power of recognizing life’s blessings, moving past addictive habits, and embracing the people who matter most. Join us as we share insights on faith, gratitude, and prioritizing what really counts, especially as we head into the holiday season.

Let’s get into it!

In this episode, I had a lovely conversation with Chelsea Christensen, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, coach, and host of The Dance of Growth podcast, to discuss the importance of cultivating meaningful friendships.

Chelsea opens up about the complexities of friendships, offering real-world advice on knowing when it's time to part ways with friends who no longer serve your growth. Together, we explore friendship green flags and red flags, as well as the significance of being a friend to yourself in order to foster deeper connections grounded in mutual respect and compassion.

If you’re navigating friendship challenges—whether it's knowing when to step back or strengthening positive bonds—this conversation is full of insights to help you build authentic and fulfilling relationships. Follow Chelsea on Instagram at @chelseachristensen or tune into The Dance of Growth podcast for more of her inspiring content.

In today’s episode, I talk about something that I know many moms can relate to—those moments when you just need a little nudge to break the rules! I’m sharing 10 things moms might need a little permission to do that aren’t exactly “by the book.” We’ll cover everything from embracing the messiness of motherhood and letting go of the guilt around screen time to prioritizing your well-being and saying no when you need to. These aren’t just random tips; they’re real-life insights that have helped me navigate motherhood with a bit more grace and a lot more fun. So, settle in, and let’s get started!

In today’s episode, Neil and I dive into the challenges of dating while 'staying true to yourself.' We share advice on how to avoid losing yourself in a relationship and the importance of maintaining your individuality. From discussing high school relationships to finding your person later in life, we emphasize the significance of connecting spiritually and presenting your authentic self. You’ll hear stories about navigating codependency, learning to be comfortable with who you are, and why confidence in your identity can attract the right person. If you’ve ever struggled with self-betrayal or felt the pressure to fit into a mold, this episode is for you!

In this solo episode, Corrine dives deep into the pressures we place on ourselves with the word “should.” From societal expectations to self-imposed demands, she explores how many of these “shoulds” are unnecessary burdens. Corrine shares personal stories, such as dealing with sick kids and the struggles of feeling like she must always show up on social media. By offering insight into shifting mindsets, embracing essentialism, and finding freedom from codependency, she encourages listeners to zoom out, prioritize what truly matters, and shed the weight of what others think. This episode is a refreshing reminder to live authentically and intentionally.

The One Question That Will Change Your Life by Dr. Amen: https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/the-one-question-that-will-change-your-life/

In this episode, I sit down with Sharon McMahon, "America's beloved Government Teacher," about her new book, "The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement." Sharon is a podcast host, author, and educator known for breaking down civics and history in a way that's easy to understand and totally nonpartisan.

We dive into the book's fascinating stories of everyday people—like telephone operators and schoolteachers—who made a big impact on American history. Sharon shares how she uncovered these hidden gems and talks about the importance of using our own unique gifts to make a difference in the world.

We also get into why it's crucial to stay civil in our discussions, how to focus on causes that really matter to us, and why no experience is ever wasted. Sharon's insights on rising to the occasion when it counts are truly inspiring.

Join us for an enlightening conversation about storytelling, personal impact, and how small actions can change the world. For more on Sharon, check out sharonmcmahon.com and follow her on Instagram at @sharonsaysso. And don't miss "The Small and the Mighty" in bookstores nationwide, your local Target, and Amazon. You can also subscribe to her newsletter at thepreamble.com or listen to her podcast, Here's Where It Gets Interesting.

Do you often think about where you are going in life or where you want to go? Today’s podcast is all about exploring this question and why direction can be so much more impactful than just setting goals. Neil shares his perspective as a recovering addict and how direction has helped him, and those he has sponsored, to get and stay sober from their addictions. Corrine shares from the codependent’s standpoint about how direction can dictate your peace, happiness, and how much progress you are able to make as you head in the direction you choose. If this episode resonates with you, and you’re ready to dig in and do the work, then Define Your Desire is the perfect three step method to walk you through this process and get super clear on the direction you want to go in your life. Go to codafree.org to sign up or learn more.

In this episode, I sit down with Lizzy Jensen, host of "Lean in with Lizzy" — a podcast that challenges women to take charge of their lives and live with purpose. Lizzy shares how her podcast came to be and her passion for helping women believe in themselves and embrace their potential.

We talk about balancing personal goals with family life, making intentional choices, and recognizing when it's time for a change. Lizzy shares her thoughts on "divine discontent," that feeling when something just isn't fulfilling anymore, and how to take leaps of faith for growth.

Lizzy also gives some great advice on finding your hidden talents, reaching out to mentors, and making a real impact in your community. Plus, she opens up about her personal journey, including some of the challenges she’s faced and how she’s navigated them.

Tune in for a heartfelt chat that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to lean into your own life's seasons. For more on Lizzy, check out her new podcast “Lean In with Lizzy” on YouTube. You can also follow her on Instagram @lizzy.jensen and her podcast page @leaninwithlizzy.

“Divine Discontent” by Michelle D. Craig

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/divine-discontent?lang=eng

In this episode, I interviewed Summer Adamson, a children’s book author, influencer, and passionate advocate for children with Down Syndrome. Summer shared her deeply personal and inspiring journey of motherhood, particularly focusing on the surprise diagnosis of her third child, Jayne, with Down syndrome. We delved into the initial shock, the challenges, and the immense growth and joy Jayne brought to their family.

Summer opened up about the importance of celebrating each child’s unique milestones and the power of positive, person-first language. She provided invaluable advice on teaching children inclusivity and kindness, drawing from her own family’s experiences and the special bond between Jayne and her siblings. We also explored the profound impact of faith in their lives, highlighting Jayne’s deep connection with Jesus and how it has provided her with strength and courage.

Additionally, Summer introduced her upcoming children’s book, “A Little Extra Jayne,” inspired by her daughter. The book aims to help children find common ground with those who have Down syndrome, and establish more relationships and friendships.

This episode is a touching reminder of the power of love, acceptance, and the incredible lessons we learn from our children. I hope you find Summer’s insights as inspiring as I did!

For more on Summer and to preorder her book, visit @a_little_extra_jayne on Instagram or https://www.alittleextrajayne.com/

In today’s episode, Neil and I reflect on the recent passing of my grandma and how I watched the end of her life unfold. We talk about letting God write in the hardest trials that shape our stories, and how trusting God as the author and finisher of our lives can bring peace and understanding, even when things don’t make sense. We dive into personal experiences of grief, loss, and growth, discussing the lessons we’ve learned from family tragedies and struggles in our marriage. We also share insights from Camille Johnson’s message about inviting Christ to be the author of our stories and Spencer W. Kimball’s powerful words on tragedy and free agency. This episode is all about learning to embrace the difficult moments, trusting that God is guiding us through them to help us become stronger, better, and more faithful.

"Tragedy or Destiny" by Spencer W. Kimball: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-spencer-w-kimball/chapter-2?lang=eng