The DASH Mindset Podcast

42. Choosing Commitments That Matter to YOU

What are you saying "yes" to that's requiring you to say "no" to something else?
Is your calendar full of obligations? Or commitments you've made out of genuine desire?
How you spend your time is how you spend your life. Are you living it in a way that's meaningful to YOU?
In this episode, we examine the tendency to fill our calendars with obligations that may not truly align with our desires. Through relatable examples, I share how to evaluate your social commitments and prioritize activities that genuinely bring you joy and fulfillment, highlighting the importance of making conscious choices about your time to create a more meaningful life by YOUR standards.
Key Takeaways:
Your time choices ultimately define your life experience.
Learn to recognize when you're filling your calendar with obligations versus genuine desires.
Evaluate social commitments based on how they truly serve and fulfill you.
Remember that every "yes" automatically creates a "no" to something else.
Create a life that's meaningful by YOUR standards, not others’.
Thanks for listening! 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend, and subscribe for future insights and inspiration!
If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts! On iTunes, simply scroll down, tap to give it a five star rating, then tap “Write a Review.” On Spotify, select “Rate show.” Your rating and review will help more people lead their lives and lead others in a way that truly matters.
Let’s Connect!
Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset website.
Find me on LinkedIn.
Contact me here to schedule a free consult, gain clarity, and determine if we’re a good fit.
Contact me here to share your ideas for future episodes!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

41. The Illusion of "Someday": Why Waiting for the "Right" Time Doesn't Work

"I’ll do it when things slow down."
"Next month has to be better."
When was the last time you said something like that?
I’ve said it several times throughout my life, and I’m guessing you have, too. But here’s the thing…Life rarely slows down. So why do we keep believing it will?
In this episode, I dive into the psychological reasons behind our tendency to postpone meaningful activities and goals. I share the concept of future time slack, the belief that we’ll have more time in the future than we do today, and why it so often leads to regret.
Spoiler: The perfect time to start doesn’t exist. But small steps do.
Takeaways:
✔ We often postpone things, thinking there will be a better time later.✔ Future time slack explains why we tend to postpone things we actually want to do.✔ Regret often comes from overcommitting to future plans.✔ Life is always busy, and the “right” time doesn’t exist.✔ Experiences and connections are more valuable than work.✔ Small steps toward your goals create momentum.✔ Reflect on what truly matters to you.✔ Postponing can lead to missed opportunities and regrets.✔ Engaging in activities you love is essential for happiness.
Thanks for listening! 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend, and subscribe for future insights and inspiration!
If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts! On iTunes, simply scroll down, tap to give it a five star rating, then tap “Write a Review.” On Spotify, select “Rate show.” Your rating and review will help more people lead their lives and lead others in a way that truly matters.
Let’s Connect!
Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset website.
Find me on LinkedIn.
Contact me here to schedule a free consult, gain clarity, and determine if we’re a good fit.
Contact me here to share your ideas for future episodes!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

40. Deliberate Creativity with Dr. Amy Climer

What if the story you've been told about creativity isn't true?
Many of us have been conditioned to believe we’re not creative, that creativity belongs only to artists, designers, or "gifted" people. But what if creativity is actually within all of us? Just waiting to be unlocked?
Creativity expert, Dr. Amy Climer, joins me to challenge the limiting beliefs that hold so many of us back. Creativity isn’t just about art…It’s about problem-solving, innovation, and making an impact in our work and lives overall. Amy shares her definition of creativity as "novelty that is valuable" and breaks down why organizations must embrace creativity to thrive.
We explore the intersection of creativity, structure, and innovation, even in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. Amy also shares how to foster creativity within teams, how conflict (when managed well) can spark innovation, and practical ways to overcome self-judgment.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m just not creative,” this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity is often limited by societal conditioning.
Many people believe they lack creativity due to past experiences.
Creativity is defined as “novelty that is valuable.”
Being creative requires practice and understanding of the creative process.
Organizations that innovate are more likely to thrive.
Team dynamics play a crucial role in fostering creativity.
Conflict can be beneficial if managed properly in teams.
A strong team purpose enhances creative collaboration.
Leaders must recognize that creativity comes from all team members.
Deliberate approaches to creativity can lead to better outcomes, and clear process improves team behavior and collaboration.
Brainstorming sessions often lack necessary structure, and creativity thrives within certain limitations and structure.
Even regulated environments can benefit from creative thinking.
Creativity can manifest in various professional roles.
Individuals can unlock creativity through practical exercises.
Self-judgment hinders creative idea generation.
Climer Cards, a creativity and teambuilding tool designed by Amy, can facilitate engaging team discussions.
About Amy Climer:
Dr. Amy Climer is a speaker, trainer, and coach who teaches teams how to innovate on demand. She is the author of Deliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results written to help leaders understand how to increase creativity in their teams. She hosts The Deliberate Creative™ podcast, and she is the designer of Climer Cards, a creativity and teambuilding tool. Amy has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change.
Follow Amy, and find her resources here!
Amy's Website: ClimerConsulting.com
Deliberate Creative Teams Book
Website
Amazon
Climer Cards: com
Amy Climer on Facebook (@climerconsulting)
Amy Climer on LinkedIn (in/amyclimer)
Amy Climer on Instagram (@amyclimer)
Amy Climer on BlueSky (@amyclimer.bsky.social)
Amy Climer on X/Twitter(@amyclimer)
Thanks for listening! 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend, and subscribe for future insights and inspiration!
If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts! On iTunes, simply scroll down, tap to give it a five star rating, then tap “Write a Review.” On Spotify, select “Rate show.” Your rating and review will help more people lead their lives and lead others in a way that truly matters.
Let’s Connect!
Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset website.
Find me on LinkedIn.
Contact me here to schedule a free consult, gain clarity, and determine if we’re a good fit.
Contact me here to share your ideas for future episodes!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

39. Turning 50: Why Time Flies & How to Slow It Down

Every day comes with its surprises, reflections, and lessons, and my 50th birthday came with even more than expected.
In this episode, I share the story of my incredible surprise birthday celebration, a shocking revelation about the Golden Girls everyone needs to know, and why I still feel somewhere between the ages of 25 and 40 in my head. We’ll also dive into why time seems to move faster as we age and, more importantly, how to slow it down.
Key Takeaways
The Science of Time Perception: Why the years feel shorter as you age and how new experiences can help you hold onto time more intentionally.
Feeling Younger Than Your Age: The mental disconnect between your physical age and how old you feel.
How to Slow It Down:
Seek out new experiences to create more memorable moments.
Let go of the belief that you’re "too old" to try something new.
Take small, intentional steps toward the life you truly want…now rather than someday.
Thanks for listening! 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend, and subscribe for future insights and inspiration!
If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts! On iTunes, simply scroll down, tap to give it a five star rating, then tap “Write a Review.” On Spotify, select “Rate show.” Your rating and review will help more people lead their lives and lead others in a way that truly matters.
Let’s Connect!
Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset website.
Find me on LinkedIn.
Contact me here to schedule a free consult, gain clarity, and determine if we’re a good fit.
Contact me here to share your ideas for future episodes!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

38. What’s Your Tiger’s Nest? What If You Don’t Climb It? What If You Do?

In this episode, I share my unforgettable experience climbing to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, 10,000 feet above the Paro Valley in Bhutan. An experience filled with uncertainty, curiosity, and some surprising life lessons. From mule riding to navigating self-doubt and discomfort, this adventure revealed powerful insights about what holds us back and how to move forward.
The 6 key takeaways we’ll explore…
We want a full map before we start. Sometimes, we hold ourselves back waiting for clarity or certainty. The truth? We only need to see the next step.
Regret is scarier than discomfort. Temporary discomfort or the lasting weight of wondering, “What if?”
Motivation looks different for everyone. How our “why” shapes our choices.
Comparison is unhelpful. Your journey doesn’t need to match someone else’s. What matters is what motivates you.
Doing it or not doing it shouldn’t be dependent upon someone else. Ensure your decisions are aligned with your own values and priorities rather than someone else’s opinion or limitations.
Support matters. Whether it’s guides, mules, or fellow travelers along the way, having support makes a world of difference.
Along the way, I’ll dive into…
What made it impossible for me to not attempt the climb.
The mental hurdles we face when the path ahead isn’t clear.
What kept me going, even when I couldn’t see the bridge or the stairs.
How potential regret often weighs more heavily than temporary discomfort.
How to honor your own unique motivation and let go of comparison.
The importance of support and how it can transform daunting challenges into achievable ones.
What’s that one thing you’re putting off because it feels uncertain, uncomfortable, or just plain hard? What’s your Tiger’s Nest? What if you don’t climb it?
Let’s explore what’s holding you back and how you can start your climb today!
My conversation with Eric Recker regarding his Snowbasin climb…
Episode 29 of The DASH Mindset Podcast
More about the incredible Derek / Wandering Earl…
Wandering Earl on Facebook
WanderingEarl.com
Wandering Earl Tours
Hear my conversation with Derek in episodes 4 & 5 of The DASH Mindset Podcast!
More about our incredible travel guides…
Mithu
Raihan
Follow each of them to learn more!
Thank you for listening to The DASH Mindset Podcast!
If you liked the podcast, please subscribe and rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people live more authentically in their lives, too.
Learn more at The DASH Mindset website, & download your free PDF to begin unlocking your true potential & the life you want, or find me on Facebook & LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

37. Exploring Similarities, Differences, & Approaches to Life Overall with Susan M. Barber

I’m joined by my friend Sue Barber for a fun and insightful conversation sparked by Sue’s Ideation strength, my recent “surprise” trip, and Episode 35 of the podcast.
Sue and I dive into the differences and similarities between us, from our approaches to planning and spontaneity to how our strengths, values, and experiences shape our perspectives.
Join us to hear about…
Our shared strengths and values and where we differ.
The role of strengths and values in shaping our decisions and approaches to travel and life overall.
Sue’s two-minute cab ride across the piazza in Milan.
How we balance preparation with flexibility in our personal and professional lives.
The impact of other people’s fears and reactions on our personal growth.
How to recognize and overcome limiting beliefs that hold us back.
Why others feel uneasy when we transform and grow in unexpected ways.
Why it’s okay to become a different version of yourself through new experiences, even if others struggle to understand it.
Viewing life through the lens of curiosity and experimentation.
About Sue:
As a former Fortune 500 IT Director turned Executive Coach, Author & Podcast Host, Sue experienced her own challenges throughout her 25+ years in the corporate environment at Kraft Heinz. Now, Sue helps business leaders play bigger, increase their visibility & shine a light on their leadership strengths so they can elevate their position in the workplace.
As a leader who was somewhat invisible for a long time, she took a journey to learn how to be visible in her own authentic way. Her mission is to share what she learned with others & leverage her platform to create a visibility movement for leaders to show their value & be seen for their true talent.
Listen to Episode 14 of The DASH Mindset Podcast to learn more about Sue and her book!
Find videos & resources on Sue’s website, & follow her on LinkedIn. Buy her book, The Visibility Factor, wherever books are sold, & listen to The Visibility Factor Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Thank you for listening to The DASH Mindset Podcast!
If you liked the podcast, please subscribe and rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people live more authentically in their lives, too.
Learn more at The DASH Mindset website, & download your free PDF to begin unlocking your true potential & the life you want, or find me on Facebook & LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

36. Cultivating Calm with Mary McCarthy

In this special episode, I’m joined by my beautiful friend Mary McCarthy, founder of Resilience & Grace. Mary has a unique presence that instantly creates a sense of calm…something I desperately need, especially during this chaotic time of year! If the holidays tend to feel overwhelming, this episode is for you.
Mary shares her journey of discovering yoga over 20 years ago and how it transformed her life. She offers insights into the power of breath and even walks us through a simple and effective breathing exercise. You’ll learn how to breathe the right way, something you may not have realized could be done the wrong way because you’ve made it this far!
Mary’s wisdom and grounded energy are exactly what we all need to bring a little more peace into our lives.
Take a deep breath, press play, and join us in cultivating a sense of calm this holiday season. You won’t want to miss this grounding conversation!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Mary’s inspiring story of discovering yoga and its life-changing impact.
Why proper breathing is essential (and how most of us are doing it wrong).
A step-by-step guided breathing exercise to bring calm into your day.
Practical tips for finding calm amidst the holiday chaos.
About Mary & How You Can Bring More Calm Into Your World:
Mary is a leader in the wellness industry and has been a yoga and meditation teacher for over 20 years, offering a unique integration of ancient yogic wisdom merged with evidence-based western science. Her teachings embody holistic practices that guide students on a path of self-discovery and healthy aging, supporting each person’s physical, mental, and spiritual journey.
Her insights, integrative practices, and intuitive teachings offer an invitation to practice from a place of meaning and purpose, inner guidance and authenticity, gratitude and joy. Mary shares from her heart and invites you into the journey to your best life, connecting with your true Self.
To learn more about Mary and to bring more calm into your world, visit her Resilience & Grace website, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
Thank you for listening to The DASH Mindset Podcast!
If you liked the podcast, please subscribe and rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people live more authentically in their lives, too.
Learn more at The DASH Mindset website, & download your free PDF to begin unlocking your true potential & the life you want, or find me on Facebook & LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

35. Our Surprise Trip to Bangladesh & Bhutan: Exploring the How & Why Behind What We Do

Have you ever considered taking a surprise trip? My husband and I just returned from one!
In this episode, I share the story of our unexpected journey to Bangladesh and Bhutan and reflect on how our vacation planning and travel choices help reveal our values and strengths.
How do you choose your vacation destinations? How do you approach vacation planning? What’s most important to you and why? How does your approach apply to your decision-making and life overall?
Tune in to hear…
What a surprise trip is!
Highlights and surprises from our trip.
About our incredible leader (Wandering Earl) and travel guides along the way…Check out their details below!
Insights about my own strengths and values and how to recognize and apply your own.
Considerations regarding how your values align and DON’T align with others’ and how to understand and even appreciate differences.
Considerations…Are you taking the vacations you want to take? Or postponing and taking the ones you think you should in the meantime?
More about the incredible Derek / Wandering Earl…
Wandering Earl on Facebook
WanderingEarl.com
Wandering Earl Tours
Hear my conversation with Derek in episodes 4 & 5 of The DASH Mindset Podcast!
More about our incredible travel guides…
Bangladesh Guides
Mithu
Raihan
Bhutan Guides
Chozin
Ratu
Follow each of them to learn more!
Thank you for listening to The DASH Mindset Podcast!
If you liked the podcast, please subscribe and rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people live more authentically in their lives, too.
Learn more at The DASH Mindset website, & download your free PDF to begin unlocking your true potential & the life you want, or find me on Facebook & LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

34. Well-Being & Hormone Health with Tammy Watkins

“If you don't know what your options are…If you don't have the information to make a choice, you can't make a good choice.”
One of my favorite statements from my friend and podcast guest, Tammy Watkins.
In this episode, Tammy and I dive into women’s health with a focus on hormonal shifts, the power of education, and proactive health choices. As a chiropractor and women's health advocate, Tammy shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting the importance of understanding one's body during midlife transitions.
We discuss the impact of stress on hormone levels, the need to recognize that "common" does not mean "normal" for many health issues, and how proactive choices can empower women through these changes. Tammy emphasizes the need for women to take control of their health through informed decisions and self-care, which can lead to a smoother, more confident journey through midlife.
Key Takeaways:
Knowing your health options is essential for informed decision-making.
Midlife can feel overwhelming, often leaving women feeling isolated.
Education is crucial to empowering women to understand their bodies.
Hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, not a sign of decline.
Managing stress is critical for maintaining hormonal balance.
Awareness of hormonal cycles aids in health and well-being.
Common health issues should not be accepted as inevitable.
Men also undergo hormonal changes that deserve attention.
Estrogen is vital for vitality and overall health.
High cortisol from chronic stress can lead to health challenges.
Stillness and self-care are essential for healing and personal growth.
Traditional medicine may lack time for a holistic health approach.
Listening to your body can help prevent serious health issues.
Community support is valuable for women in midlife.
Intentional self-care and connection can help navigate post-menopause.
There is hope for a fulfilling life after menopause.
About Tammy Watkins:
As a midlife wife, homeschooling mother of four, and prenatal/pediatric chiropractor with a dedication to women's health, Tammy has experienced the natural hormonal shifts that come after years of birthing, nursing, and nurturing children. She knew that her 40’s were going to be different, but she had no idea how dramatically her body would respond to the hormone variations and stressors of the environment around her. With almost two decades of empowering women through pregnancy and childbirth, she now aims to guide women through the perimenopause phase and beyond. Understanding the importance of simple and effective habits, she is committed to helping women navigate this perimenopause-menopause / (peri)menopause season with confidence and well-being.
What Tammy Offers:
Are you wanting to understand how your hormone cycles work and what that cyclical pattern means for optimizing your movement, productivity, nutrition and beyond? Tammy helps women address issues like weight gain, mood swings, and sleepless nights by exploring holistic approaches to balancing hormones. Through simple daily habits, she supports women in reclaiming energy, mood, and well-being naturally, helping them feel more like themselves.
To learn more about Tammy and her offerings, visit The Well website, and follow her on Facebook!
Thank you for listening to The DASH Mindset Podcast!
If you liked the podcast, please subscribe and rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people live more authentically in their lives, too.
Learn more at The DASH Mindset website, & download your free PDF to begin unlocking your true potential & the life you want, or find me on Facebook & LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

33. Joy Is My Job with Lisa Even

Are you incorporating joy into your life?
If you aren’t, why not?
If you are, are you being intentional about it? Are you incorporating enough?
My friend, Lisa Even, shares ideas on how to intentionally incorporate more!
Lisa is a speaker, best-selling author, and JOY Connoisseur. Her podcast, "Have Good Ripple Effect," and her book, "Joy is My Job," embody her entire approach to life.
Lisa challenges organizations and individuals to look beyond their backyards and realize they happen to the world, not the other way around.
From her humble beginnings waitressing at the R&R Café in small town Iowa (serving coffee and breakfast to locals, farmers, and truckers) to leadership roles in corporate America and raising a family, Lisa understands the pressures of designing a life (work and play) that is impactful yet enjoyable. Her authentic connection, contagious energy, and wealth of real-life experiences captivate audiences, inspiring them to create meaningful ripple effects.
Lisa has addressed diverse audiences, from corporate giants like Disney and ESPN to universities, associations, and over 30 industries, consistently delivering content and insights that resonate deeply.
And I’m thrilled to have her here, too!
In this episode, Lisa & I discuss:
Her journey from healthcare leader to JOY Connoisseur
Joy postponement…I’ll have time for joy when…
Happy to crappy…It’s your choice.
Sock parties, camping in the living room, mini dates, and pre-vacation staycations
Perspective shifting and the possibility of being two things at once
Her book, Joy Is My Job
Strategies for adding joy to your life without creating another list
More about Lisa:
Follow her on:
Her website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Listen to her podcast, Have Good Ripple Effect
Order her book, Joy Is My Job
Thank you for listening to The DASH Mindset Podcast!
If you liked the podcast, please subscribe and rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people live more authentically in their lives, too.
Learn more at The DASH Mindset website, & download your free PDF to begin unlocking your true potential & the life you want, or find me on Facebook & LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!