The DASH Mindset Podcast

49. Love, Limiting Beliefs, & Letting People In with Cat Cantrill

Ever find yourself (or your friends) dating the same type of person over and over? Wondering why it never works out?
Or maybe you're not dating at all…because the whole thing feels exhausting, confusing, or like it just isn't working anymore?
In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Cat Cantrill, a professional matchmaker and dating coach who's not afraid to tell it like it is with honesty and kindness.
Cat shares her own unexpected journey from corporate life to dance studio ownership to helping people find love for a living.
And, of course, we talk about why people stay stuck in the same patterns, how early experiences shape our approach to love, and what it really takes to find (and keep) a meaningful relationship.
It’s not about having a longer checklist or perfecting your profile (although pics without shower curtains, toilets, or dead fish is a great start).
Whether you're swiping, settled, or somewhere in between, you'll be entertained and reminded why we're all a little weird, especially when it comes to love.
What You’ll Learn
Why your dating “wants” might be blocking your actual needs
How limiting beliefs and early experiences shape your love life (and how to change them)
What attachment styles are and how they play out in relationships and even at work
Common dating mistakes and how to refine your dating behavior without changing or faking who you are
Why being “open for business” is the #1 tip for finding love
Whether you're single, supporting a friend, or just fascinated by human behavior, you'll find insights and entertainment about relationships, vulnerability, and what it means to truly connect.
Some Highlights
Cat’s collaborative and global matchmaking network and database
Cat’s live dating gameshow in 2022
Why secure attachment styles are relationship gold
About Cat Cantrill
Cat Cantrill is a professional matchmaker and dating coach who has been helping singles find meaningful connections since 2015. With a background in psychology and sociology, she combines her deep understanding of human behavior with a passion for guiding clients through the complexities of modern dating. Cat is the founder of The Scottsdale Matchmaker (formerly The Heart Agency), with offices in Iowa and Scottsdale, Arizona, where she offers bespoke matchmaking services tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Cat’s approach is grounded in empathy and relationship science, offering practical, no-nonsense coaching to help clients refine their dating strategy and gain clarity about what they’re truly seeking in a partner.
In 2021, Cat launched the podcast, Dear Matchmaker, which ranked in the top 5% globally and was nominated for the Iowa Podcast Award’s Best Relationship Podcast in 2024. She has been a featured speaker at the Global Love Institute and has been a guest expert on over 20 podcasts. Cat has made appearances on CBS and PBS, and has been featured in Datingadvice.com (July 2024) as a leader in her industry and Fortune Magazine (June 2024) as an elite matchmaker. Additionally, she was honored as a nominee for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year in 2016 and received the HER Magazine Women of Achievement Award in 2018.
Where to Find Cat Cantrill
Instagram: catcantrill
Facebook: catcantrill
TikTok: @catcantrill
LinkedIn: catcantrill
Website: ScottsdaleMatchmaker.com
Podcast: Dear Matchmaker
All the Links
💬 “Don’t dull your shine. The brighter you shine, the more people can find you.” – Cat Cantrill
Thanks for listening! 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend, and subscribe for future insights and inspiration!
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Let’s Connect!
Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset website.
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Contact me to see how I can be a resource for you!
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Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

48. 3 Strategies to Break Out of Your Groundhog Day Life

Ever feel like you're living the same day over and over? Wake up, check email, coffee, shuffle kids to practice or a game, try to get a few more things done, collapse into bed, repeat.
In this episode, we explore why high-achieving professionals get trapped in cycles of autopilot living, both at work and at home. The very traits that drove your success (ambition, discipline, consistency, drive) can become the prison bars that keep you stuck in predictable routines that drain rather than energize you.
We'll dive into examples of how successful professionals find themselves in cruise control at work despite their achievements, and how that same autopilot energy extends to their personal lives, turning relationships into logistics coordination and weekends into just another to-do list. And we'll discuss three specific strategies to introduce intentional change without overhauling your entire life.
This episode is for you if you're killing it professionally but feel like you're disappearing from your own life. If you're tired of feeling like an efficient hamster on an expensive wheel and want to feel alive in both the career and personal life you've already built, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
How to recognize when success has shifted into autopilot mode and why it's draining your energy across all areas of life.
Why high achievers get trapped in predictable patterns and how this affects both work satisfaction and personal relationships.
Small adjustments that create ripple effects without overwhelming your schedule.
Three practical approaches: Do something surprising, incorporate adventure into your day, and have a two-minute conversation.
How to redirect existing energy rather than adding new tasks to your already full life.
Check in with yourself this week: What's one small shift you can make that breaks your current pattern? Pick the strategy that excited you most and commit to trying it for four weeks.
If you found value in today’s episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from hearing this message!
And if you loved it, 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.
Thanks for listening! 
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!

47. Stop Proving, Start Choosing: How to Break the Cycle

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of proving your worth?
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked, yet constant need to prove ourselves. Whether it’s proving our worth to others or to ourselves, this mindset can lead to burnout, frustration, and a sense of emptiness—despite all the achievements we accumulate along the way.
We’ll dive into real-life examples of how high-performers often find themselves stuck in the endless cycle of over-proving and why this habit can be so exhausting. And we’ll discuss why it’s important to shift from proving yourself to intentionally choosing what aligns with your true desires and values. It’s all about moving from “I CAN do this” to “Do I WANT to do this?”
This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt compelled to prove your worth in your career, relationships, or any other aspect of life, even to yourself. If you're tired of running on empty and want to align your choices with what truly matters, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
How to recognize the cycle of proving yourself and how it affects your well-being.
Why it’s easy to get stuck in “proving mode” and how this leads to burnout.
The power of shifting from “I CAN” to “Do I WANT?” and how it changes the way you approach decisions.
Practical tips on setting boundaries and aligning your choices with what energizes and fulfills you.
Check in with yourself this week: What’s one area where you’re still trying to prove yourself? Take action and start making intentional choices that align with your true self!
If you found value in today’s episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from hearing this message!
And if you loved it, 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.
Thanks for listening! 
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!

46. Take It All Apart with Lindsay Leahy

Are you living your authentic life or following someone else's formula?
Lindsay Leahy joins me for this episode, where we discuss the journey from conventional success to authentic purpose. Founder of The Restoration Project and USA Best Selling Author of Take It All Apart: How to Live, Lead, and Work with Intention, Lindsay shares her personal transformation from a corporate career that left her "deeply lonely and empty" despite checking all the societal boxes for success. Through her story of intentional inner work, Lindsay reveals how true fulfillment comes from within rather than external achievements.
The discussion dives into how our inner narratives shape our choices, the importance of letting go of control, and why leadership development must include personal reflection. Lindsay emphasizes that everyone's path is unique, challenging listeners to create their own "life formula" rather than following predetermined routes. This episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone feeling successful on paper but unfulfilled in reality.
Episode Highlights:
Lindsay's Personal Journey:
Transition from college to corporate life with the mindset of "I want to try all the things"
The awakening to her true purpose despite external success
Experiencing deep loneliness and emptiness while "checking all the boxes"
The Process of Transformation:
The importance of "letting go" as the first step in personal growth
How coaching creates safe spaces for authentic exploration
The continuous nature of inner work…a journey, not a destination
Practical approaches to changing limiting beliefs and behaviors
Leadership and Self-Discovery:
Why leadership development must include personal reflection
Creating your own unique "life formula" rather than following others'
The balance between listening to your heart and your head
How self-honesty becomes the foundation for meaningful growth
Choice and Control:
Understanding how our inner narratives shape our actions
The relationship between control seeking and the desire for safety
Embracing flexibility and adaptability in planning
Celebrating the courage to change paths
About Lindsay Leahy:
Lindsay Leahy is a proud wife, daughter, auntie, and friend. She is passionate about Jesus, hugs, dreams, adventures, and deep conversation. She is the author of Take It All Apart: How to Live, Lead, and Work with Intention; creator of the blog Grit, Gratitude, and Grace; and the founder and Dream Builder at The Restoration Project, a women-owned coaching and consulting practice that provides experiences, programs, and services to improve organizational health, team and leadership effectiveness, and individual well-being.
Where to Find Lindsay Leahy, Her Best-Selling Book, and The Restoration Project
Take It All Apart
Swamp Fox Bookstore in Marion, Iowa
The Restoration Project
Facebook: The Restoration Project
LinkedIn: Lindsay Leahy
LinkedIn: The Restoration Project
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 to see how I can be a resource for you!
Share your ideas for future episodes!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of The DASH Mindset Podcast!

45. Beyond Busy: When Burnout is More About Worth Than Workload

Ever wonder why "work smarter, not harder" advice feels so frustrating when you're burned out? What if your exhaustion has less to do with time management and more to do with your beliefs?
We explore how tying your sense of worth to your productivity creates a trap that no productivity hack can fix. Discover three signs that your burnout might be worth-related and walk away with a powerful reflection that could change your relationship with work and with yourself.
Key Takeaways:
Burnout isn't just about having too much to do. It's about what's driving your busyness.
When your sense of value is tied to your productivity, it’s hard to stop, even when you’re exhausted.
The pressure to prove yourself often drives burnout more than the actual workload.
3 Signs Your Burnout Is Connected to Worth:
1. You feel uncomfortable resting
You feel pressure to be productive in all aspects of life all of the time.
Rest triggers guilt instead of recovery.
2. Positive feedback adds pressure
Being known as reliable makes you feel trapped.
You worry about disappointing others if you slow down.
You hide struggles to maintain your "capable" image.
3. You say yes even when tapped out
Decisions are driven by managing others' perceptions.
Setting boundaries feels threatening to your relationships.
Saying "no" creates significant discomfort.
Ask yourself this question…"If I believed I was already enough, what would I do differently today?" 
Want to make one small shift this week? Make one decision today that supports your energy, not your image.
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!

44. You Don’t Need to Burn It All Down: The Process Is the Point

In this episode, I reflect on my experience at the Fallas Festival, an unforgettable annual celebration in Valencia, Spain, complete with fireworks, traditional attire, and hundreds of giant sculptures locals spend months building, then ultimately set on fire.
At first glance, it seems unbelievable and a tad insane. How could they burn something so elaborate to the ground? But then I realized that’s not really the point. What matters most is what was built along the way. The teamwork. The growth. The shared experience. And maybe that’s what we take with us more than anything else.
I explore three lessons from this tradition and how they apply to our personal and professional lives, particularly when we’re navigating change, starting something new, or deciding what to let go of.
This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt the urge to start over, have been discouraged by a detour, or need the reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, you’ve still moved forward.
Listen in to reframe what “starting over” really means and rediscover the value in what you've already built.
Key Takeaways:
The process is the point. Growth happens in the doing, not just the outcome.
Not everything needs to be burned down. Sometimes a pivot is more powerful than a restart.
What you learn is transferable. Every step forward builds momentum, even if the outcome changes.
Setbacks aren’t failures. They help you learn and move forward next time.
Nothing is wasted. Your effort, learning, and growth stay with you.
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!

43. Career Pivots & Common Threads with Lance McDonald

What are the common threads throughout your life and career? Strategic thinking? Risk-taking? Innovation? Human understanding? Something else entirely? 
These patterns are often unclear until we take a step back and reflect.
My friend Lance McDonald shares his career journey from aviation to youth ministry to finance, including his strategy for approaching each transition along the way. While these industries seem vastly different, a step back reveals the common threads that connected them all.
Lance’s story highlights the power of informational interviews, intentional networking, and recognizing when to pivot versus when to persist. 
We also discuss how early exposure to diverse career paths shapes better professional choices and why building meaningful connections is key to navigating career transitions.
Key Insights:
Your career path may not be linear, but you have more transferable skills than you think.
Risk analysis, problem solving, relationship-building, and strategic thinking are valuable across industries.
A strong network and openness to learning accelerate career transitions.
Adaptability and persistence are equally important in determining the career meant for you.
Whether you're considering a career change or reflecting on your own professional journey, this episode will help you identify the common threads that shape your path.
More About Lance:
Lexington Capital, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor, dedicated to reducing investment risk and increasing investment return with client accounts. Prior to the creation of Lexington Capital, LLC, Lance worked for an institutional investment firm where he was responsible for marketing investment strategies and providing technical market research on a $3 billion fixed income investment portfolio.
 
Learn more about Lance and Lexington Capital, LLC here, or contact Lance at research@lexingtoncapitallc.com.
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 to see how I can be a resource for you!
Share your ideas for future episodes!
Thank you to the team at Sheep Jam Productions for the amazing support of 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!