Shows
The Distracted Dreamer#52: 7 Signs You’re Closer to Living Your Dream Than You ThinkSend Carlene a textEver wonder why some people seem to actually bring their dreams to life—while yours stays stuck in “someday”? Here’s the secret: it’s not about being the smartest, most disciplined, or most "together" person in the room. It’s about how you think, feel, and show up—especially when things get hard, boring, or uncertain.In this episode, I’ll walk you through the 7 powerful pieces of - think of it as a code of conduct for dr...
2025-11-0431 minThe Distracted Dreamer#51: Here’s Why Celebrating Yourself Isn’t Selfish — It’s NecessarySend Carlene a textWhen’s the last time you really gave yourself credit, really celebrated yourself? Not just for what you did, but for what you overcame — or how much you’ve grown. I used to think that celebrating myself would come after I did something “big enough.” But what if celebration isn’t a reward for results — what if it’s actually fuel for the next step? Today I’m sharing some of the quiet ways I used to downplay my growth — and how I’m learning to claim my wins without apology...
2025-10-2818 minThe Distracted Dreamer#50: Midlife, Menopause, and the New Brain You Didn’t ExpectSend Carlene a textI’ve been flooded with messages from you since last week’s episode — so many of you said, “This is me. This is what I’ve been feeling. And I had no idea what to call it.”You’re not alone.If you’re in your 40s or 50s, and your brain suddenly feels foggy, unmotivated, or like it’s just… off — this episode is for you. We’re talking about what’s actually happening to your brain in midlife, and why it’s not about aging — it’s about repetition, hormone...
2025-10-2128 minThe Distracted Dreamer#49: Is It ADHD… or Menopause? (And What It Means for Breast Cancer Survivors)Send Carlene a textBrain fog? No motivation? Can’t remember anything? You might be wondering — is it ADHD… or menopause? And what does either one have to do with chasing a dream?In today’s solo episode, I’m unpacking what happens when estrogen drops, dopamine crashes, and your once-focused brain suddenly can’t finish a sentence — much less a creative project. I’ll also share my own experience with breast cancer and what it means to rebuild your rhythm when hormones aren’t an option.If you’re stuck in the loop of starting, st...
2025-10-1425 minThe Distracted Dreamer#48: The Science of Recovery: How Your Nervous System Fuels Your DreamsSend Carlene a textI used to think recovery meant sleep, a long walk, or a girls’ weekend — but even after all that, I still felt drained. It didn’t make sense… until I learned what was actually happening in my nervous system.In this episode, I’m breaking down the real science of recovery — how your body toggles between go mode and rest mode, and why so many of the things that look restful still keep you stuck in performance mode. We’ll talk about what true recovery feels like, why your energy dips are...
2025-10-0729 min
Breaking Beauty PodcastCarlene Introduces Her New Skincare Brand, Cassatt Beauty, With “La Pommade” Retinoid Ointment – Inspired By a Beauty Editor Cult FaveA new retinoid ointment is here! In this week’s *exclusive* episode, Carlene leaps into the founder role with the launch of her debut skincare brand, Cassatt Beauty. Listen in as Jill interviews Carlene about the making of Cassatt “La Pommade” Retinoid Skin Ointment - a modern, barrier-supporting update on a French pharmacy classic. From the science behind the low-and-slow retinoid “bio-ointment” to the realities of bootstrapping a beauty brand, Carlene shares what it really takes to bring a dream product to life. In this episode, you’ll learn:“This one’s for my peeps.” – Why Carlene created Cassatt...
2025-10-0142 minThe Distracted Dreamer#47: Steal My 7-Step Focus Routine and Make Real Progress on Your DreamsSend Carlene a textYour dreams deserve more than scattered energy and half-finished to-do lists. They need your focus. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact 7-step focus routine I use behind the scenes to move my dream work forward — even when life gets full, messy, or distracting (which, let’s be honest… is most of the time). This isn’t about being more productive just for the sake of it. It’s about creating a rhythm that actually supports your creativity, your energy, and your ability to follow through on the things that ma...
2025-09-3022 minThe Distracted Dreamer#46: Start Dreaming Again: A Mini-Workshop to Rediscover What You Really WantSend Carlene a textYour companion guide for this special episode 👇Start Dreaming Again: 3 Gentle Steps to Rediscover What You Really WantHere’s the thing no one tells you about “figuring out your dreams”…You don’t actually think your way there.You feel your way back.This episode isn’t about setting goals or chasing productivity.It’s a gentle, coaching-style mini-workshop designed to help you wake up the part of you that still wants something — even if that something feels blurry, buried, or completely out of r...
2025-09-2334 minThe Distracted Dreamer#45: How To Experiment With Your Dreams (Without Fear of Failure)Send Carlene a textClick here to hop on Dream Studio Waitlist and get founding member perks!What if chasing your dream didn’t have to feel so heavy?For a long time, I thought if I was serious about a dream, I had to make a Big Plan and then follow it perfectly. You know… map it out, get it right, make sure I really knew what I was doing before I even started.But the truth? That pressure kept me stuck.What finally helped me move...
2025-09-1614 minThe Distracted Dreamer#44: Learning vs. Doing: How to Know When It’s Time to Make a MoveSend Carlene a textWhat if all your “research” is actually a really sneaky form of procrastination?Let’s be real — I’ve spent way too much time thinking I was making progress just because I was learning. I had tabs open, courses saved, notebooks full of ideas… and still felt totally stuck.At one point, I even signed up for a course on how to code my own website. (Yep. Coding. Me.🙃)But here’s what I’ve learned — and am still learning:Gathering information only get's you so far...
2025-09-0917 minThe Distracted Dreamer#43: That Thing You're Avoiding? It matters. How to Do It ScaredSend Carlene a textWhat if the thing you’re avoiding is the very thing that could change everything?Let’s be honest—there’s probably a task sitting at the bottom of your list that’s been there for weeks. The one that low-key haunts you.It feels too big, too scary, too uncomfortable. And if you're like me, you've probably moved that one thing from Monday… to Tuesday… to “someday.”I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit—staying busy with all the easy stuff while the one thing that actua...
2025-09-0216 minThe Distracted Dreamer#42: Daydreams are Born Here: The Surprising Science of BoredomSend Carlene a textWhen was the last time you let yourself be bored? Really bored?Growing up, boredom was a normal part of life — long car rides staring out the window, endless summer days of “go outside and play” with no plan, and doodles on scrap paper that turned into wild ideas. Out of those empty spaces came creativity, play, and daydreams.But somewhere along the way, we started treating stillness like failure. Daydreaming got labeled as “slacking off,” and boredom became something to fill with scrolling, swiping, or busywork. The truth? Neuroscien...
2025-08-2616 minThe Distracted Dreamer#41: Embracing Self-Care and Recovery: Fuel Your Dreams and Prevent BurnoutSend Carlene a textHave you ever pushed through the week only to crash—your brain foggy, your body drained, your heart disconnected from your dreams?I used to fight those crash days, but I’ve learned they’re not failures—they’re signals. Our bodies are always whispering what they need, and when we ignore them, they shout. The good news? When we practice small, daily acts of self-care and recovery, those crashes get gentler, our energy steadier, and our dreams easier to hold onto.In this episode of The Distracted...
2025-08-1920 minThe Distracted Dreamer#40: Perfectionism Is Stealing Your Dreams — Here's How to Take Them BackSend Carlene a textThis episode is one I needed to hear as much as I needed to record.Because perfectionism? It’s still something I wrestle with almost every day.It shows up when I try to write. When I go to share something personal. When I wonder if what I’m doing is “enough.”And here’s what I know now: perfectionism is stealing our dreams.In this episode, I’m opening up about my own struggles with getting stuck in the “not good enough” spiral — and how I’m using...
2025-08-1217 min
Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother26. How to Set Boundaries with Toxic Family Members Without GuiltDoes setting boundaries with family (espeically toxic family members) feel excruciating—like guilt, obligation, or fear of conflict always get in the way? In today's episode of Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother, Alyssa Carlene talks about how to set clear, healthy boundaries with toxic relatives without drowning in guilt. You’ll learn why boundaries are necessary for healing, how to hold them with confidence, and what to do when pushback comes. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: How do I know if a family member is toxic or just difficu...
2025-08-0519 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother25. Three Hidden Beliefs Holding You Back While Mothering Without Your Mom's SupportWhat if some of the biggest obstacles in your motherhood journey aren’t your circumstances, but the silent beliefs you’ve internalized along the way? In this episode, Alyssa Carlene takes a deep dive into three hidden beliefs that keep so many moms, who are mothering without their own mom's support, stuck in survival mode. These beliefs often stem from unhealed wounds, generational patterns, and the absence of a nurturing maternal figure, and they directly impact how we mother our children and care for ourselves. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: What ar...
2025-07-2914 minThe Distracted Dreamer#39: ‘Hard’ Is Part of the Dream: 6 Mindsets to Keep Going AnywaySend Carlene a textI know what it’s like for the dream to feel so much harder than you imagined. I’ve been there—facing fear, self-doubt, unexpected curveballs, and the deep exhaustion that comes from caring so much. Because the hard parts make you want to throw in the towel, question everything, and wonder if maybe you were wrong for wanting it in the first place. That’s exactly why I wanted to have this conversation with you.Today, I’m opening up about the behind-the-scenes moments of my own dreams and the six mindse...
2025-07-2918 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother24. Five Life-Changing Books for Moms on a Healing JourneyIf you’re a mom doing the hard work of healing while raising little ones, these five books belong on your shelf! Whether you’re navigating motherhood without the support you needed, working to break generational cycles, or learning to remother yourself with compassion, these life-changing books can offer the guidance, validation, and hope you’ve been craving.In this episode, Alyssa Carlene will briefly introduce you to five powerful reads that support your emotional growth and help you feel more grounded, empowered, and seen on your motherhood healing journey.Listen to the episode to answer...
2025-07-2214 minThe Distracted Dreamer#38: When the Parenting Dream Collides with Reality: Letting Go of GuiltSend Carlene a textHave you ever carried that quiet guilt—the kind that whispers you're not doing enough, even when you're doing everything? You're not imagining it. Parenting today asks more of us than ever before—and it’s leaving a lot of us burned out, overwhelmed, and riddled with guilt.I used to think the stress was just part of the job. But then I looked at the numbers. And I realized—this isn't a personal failing. It's a system that’s stacked against us.In this episode, I’m diving into what ha...
2025-07-2228 minThe Distracted Dreamer#37: Overthinking Your Dreams? Here’s What Other Dreamers Are Doing InsteadSend Carlene a textWhile you're stuck in your head, someone else is taking the next step toward your dream— or a version of it.I've been there — stuck in my head, overthinking every move, waiting for the perfect moment to start. But this week, I looked around and realized... while I was overthinking my dreams, other dreamers were out there doing the the thing. Planting gardens. Writing books. Starting messy.In this episode, I'm calling out the fear that keeps us stuck and sharing how real peop...
2025-07-1312 minThe Distracted Dreamer#36: The 7 D’s: The Secret Distractions That Quietly Detour Your DreamsSend Carlene a textFeeling stuck, scattered, or creatively off track? In this episode, I’m sharing the 7 D’s of distraction—seven sneaky ways we lose focus on our dreams without even realizing it. Distractions aren’t always loud. Sometimes they show up as quiet whispers, gently pulling us away from what matters most. Using a simple self-rating tool, I’ll help you gently name what’s really pulling your attention away. Because when you can name it, you can change it. You’ll leave with more clarity, to help you refocus your...
2025-07-0826 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother21. When Motherhood Feels Lonely: How to Care for Yourself & ConnectYou might be surrounded by your kids all day long and still feel incredibly lonely. Maybe you don’t have a strong circle of mom friends to lean on. And if you’re navigating motherhood without the support of your mom, that loneliness can feel even deeper. Do you experience this? Today, on Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother, Alyssa Carlene explores why loneliness is common to many mothers and important ways you can care for yourself. She also mentions simple ideas to connect with other mothers and create real, meaningful relationships. Listen to today's episode to ans...
2025-07-0111 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother20. Ten Reasons to Join the Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother Facebook GroupAre you looking for a supportive space where you can vent, feel understood, and connect with other moms who truly get what it’s like to navigate motherhood without your mother? Today on the podcast, join Alyssa Carlene to hear TEN powerful reasons to join the Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother Facebook community! Finally, you'll have a place to build meaningful friendships, share your emotions without judgment, and feel empowered by moms who are walking a similar path. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Where can I find other...
2025-06-2410 minThe Distracted Dreamer#35: Reclaim the Dreams You Tucked Away — Alicia’s Story of Courage and Heart Could Be the Nudge You’ve Been Waiting ForSend Carlene a textIf you’ve ever felt like you missed your chance—or that it’s too late to go after what you really want—this episode is for you. I sat down with Alicia Staley Johnson—a friend, photographer, and creative soul who stopped hiding the most authentic part of herself and reclaimed her dream at 59. She finally went all in on a dream she’d tucked away for years. And WOW... what happened next blew me away.This isn’t just her story—it’s your wake-up call. Her journey is proof tha...
2025-06-2451 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother19. Why a Supportive Community is the Missing Piece to Navigating Motherhood Without Your MomIf you're navigating motherhood without your mother, a supportive community is your missing piece to healing, alignment, and validation! You were never meant to mother alone. And for moms without moms, that isolation can run even deeper. Join Alyssa Carlene on today's episode to hear some exciting news and seven specific reasons why confidence and empowerment grow faster and stronger in community. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why do I feel so alone in motherhood, even when I’m surrounded by people? How do I find other moms who und...
2025-06-1709 minThe Distracted Dreamer#34: Why You Compare (and 6 Ways to Use It to Your Advantage)Send Carlene a textHave you ever felt that quiet ache of not measuring up—like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try? You know those moments where it feels like everyone else is ahead—more successful, more creative, more together?I used to believe that if I just learned more, worked harder, or polished everything to perfection, I’d finally catch up to…well, everyone else. But here’s what I know now: comparison was keeping me stuck. It was robbing me of my voice, my creativity, a...
2025-06-1726 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother18. Five Steps to Navigating Motherhood Without Your MotherAre you stepping into a season of motherhood where you claim your power, even without the support you always deserved?Join Alyssa Carlene as she shares the exciting news about her free video training: Five Steps to Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother (which can be accessed below)! This training is all about her five-step ROOTS framework, the same five steps that she used to move from pain, shame, and survival…to purpose, joy, and rooted motherhood.Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why does motherhood fee...
2025-06-1006 minThe Distracted Dreamer#33: Why Adults Stop Dreaming: Healing the Childhood Messages That Keep You SmallSend Carlene a textIf dreaming feels silly, selfish, or out of reach — you’re not alone. In fact, you might just be hearing echoes of childhood messages that told you to stay small, play it safe, and be realistic.The messages we absorbed in childhood — about obedience, achievement, and staying “realistic” — still shape the way we show up as adults.In today’s episode (our first with a guest!), I’m joined by my longtime friend and counselor Becky Stevenson to talk about why adults stop dreaming… and how to get back in tou...
2025-06-1046 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother17. Why Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother Feels So HardThere’s something people don’t talk about enough: how utterly alone, lost, and overwhelmed you can feel when you’re raising children without the presence or support of your mother. In today's episode, join Alyssa Carlene as she breaks down the emotional and psychological loss of navigating motherhood without your mother. Even though there is deep pain, there is also hope and healing!Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why does it feel so devastating and tragic to navigate motherhood without my mom? Am I broken because I still lon...
2025-06-0308 minThe Distracted Dreamer#32: It's Time to Charge What You're Worth: A Money Mindset Reset for DreamersSend Carlene a textIf you’ve ever whispered, “Who am I to charge for this?” or felt weird about putting a price on your work — this episode is for you.For so many of us creative dreamers — whether you’re offering personal services like coaching, selling a product you dreamed up, or sharing art you’ve poured your heart into — charging can feel deeply personal.In this honest conversation, we’re diving into self-worth, pricing, and the hidden fears that keep so many creatives undercharging. We’ll also explore why underpricing your work isn’t sustainab...
2025-06-0325 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother16. Four Practices to Shut Down Negative ThoughtsAs a mom, do you ever feel like negative thoughts have taken over your headspace? In this quick episode, Alyssa Carlene shares four simple, real-life practices to help you shut down that inner critic and bring your mindset back to center—because motherhood is hard enough without your brain working against you. These bite-sized mindset shifts are perfect for busy moms who need a reset in five minutes or less. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why do I keep thinking the worst about myself as a mom?How can I stop...
2025-05-2709 minThe Distracted Dreamer#31: Can I Be Both? Choosing Your Dreams and Your Family in MidlifeSend Carlene a textIn this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal moment that brought me face-to-face with a question I know many of us wrestle with: Can I be both? Can I be the mom who shows up, the grandma who’s present, the daughter who cares—and still say yes to my dreams?If you’ve ever felt like just as you were finally making space for your own dreams, life started pulling you in another direction, I see you. I’m right there with you.Today's conversation is like sitting do...
2025-05-2719 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother15. How to Open Your Heart to ForgivenessHave you ever carried a hurt so deep that it changed the way you saw yourself or the world? Perhaps you've held on—not because you wanted to, but because you didn't know how to let go. In today's episode, Alyssa Carlene explores the power of forgiveness. She meets you exactly where you are through spiritual wisdom, honest reflection, and simple steps to start healing today.Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: What does forgiveness mean—and does it mean I have to forget what happened?How do I know if I’m tru...
2025-05-2017 minThe Distracted Dreamer#30: How to Say No with Confidence (Without Guilt or Apology) and Protect Your Time, Energy, and DreamsSend Carlene a textSaying no is hard.Maybe you’ve felt it too—that tug-of-war between wanting to help and secretly knowing you’re already stretched way too thin. I’ve been there more times than I can count. If you’ve ever struggled to say no because you didn’t want to disappoint someone—you’re not alone.In fact, I’ve had so many of you reach out asking “How the heck do I say no without feeling guilty or ruining relationships?” That’s exactly what we’re talking about today....
2025-05-2024 minThe Distracted Dreamer#29: Overthinking Is Killing Your Dreams: 8 Strategies to Break the SpiralSend Carlene a textIn this episode, I’m getting real about something that so many of us silently struggle with—overthinking. You know, those 3 a.m. spirals, the constant “what ifs,” and the endless loops that leave you feeling stuck and drained. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in your head, overanalyzing every decision, replaying conversations, or imagining every possible outcome before you even take the first step—you’re not alone.I’m walking you through the real cost of overthinking (spoiler: it’s your peace, your creativity, and yes—your dream...
2025-05-1329 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother13. When Mother's Day Hurts: Honoring Your Feelings with GraceMother's Day can be a challenging holiday for a mom who is grieving her mother because of loss, distance, or estrangement. Does this resonate with you? Today's episode is for anyone who may find this day more painful than peaceful. Alyssa Carlene, your host, shares the importance of gracefully honoring your complex feelings and thoughtful ways to guard your heart this Mother's Day. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: How do I make space for my grief without feeling guilty? How can I protect my peace when social media and family gath...
2025-05-0615 minThe Distracted Dreamer#28: It's Your Turn: Reclaiming Your Dreams After Years of Putting Others FirstSend Carlene a textDownload your guide below 👇Reclaiming Your Dreams Reflection GuideHave you spent years showing up and putting everyone else first - your kids, your partner, your parents - while your own dreams quietly waited in the wings? I get it. Just like you, I'm trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like - this in-between space where we're not quite who we were and not yet sure who we're becoming. What if you didn’t need permission to start again?What if this mo...
2025-05-0618 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother12. Grieving a Mother Who is Still AliveAre you grieving a mother who is still alive? This feels like mourning a maternal relationship that is unresolved, confusing, or missing something essential, like the love, safety, or presence you needed but didn’t receive from her. Today's important conversation, of Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother is an invitation for you to honor this complicated grieving journey. Join Alyssa Carlene in processing all of these intense feelings and acknowledging your loss. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why does it hurt so much when my mother is still alive? Can I grie...
2025-04-2917 minThe Distracted Dreamer#27: Dreams vs. Goals: Why You Need Both to Build the Life You WantSend Carlene a textToday we’re talking about the real difference between dreams and goals—and why it matters more than you think.These two words are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In this episode, we’re untangling what dreams truly are (hint: they’re more about who you want to become), what goals really mean (they’re the how), and why gaining clarity between the two can completely shift the way you move through life.We’ll explore:✨ What sets dreams and goals apart—and why...
2025-04-2921 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother11. Why Gratitude Shifts the Energy of Your HomeWould you like a simple way to quickly shift the energy of your home? Motherhood can be extremely loud and exhausting—and sometimes the tone at home starts to match that chaos. In this episode of Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother, gratitude is the answer! Join Alyssa Carlene as she shares her experience with thankfulness and ways to plant seeds of gratitude in your children! Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: How can I bring more peace into my home, starting with me? What can I do to help my kids feel m...
2025-04-2212 minThe Distracted Dreamer#26: Own Your Day, Part 3: How to Build a To-Do List That Actually WorksSend Carlene a textEver stared at a to-do list that somehow made you feel more overwhelmed instead of focused?You’re not alone.For a long time, I thought productivity was about cramming everything into one massive list and just powering through it. But the truth is, your to-do list shouldn't be another source of pressure. It should support you, your goals and your dreams. In this final episode of the Own Your Day series, we’re digging into the real reason most to-do lists don’t work—and how to create...
2025-04-2223 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother10. A Mantra for the Motherless MotherWhether your mother is absent through loss, distance, or pain, this offering is here to hold you. Today, Alyssa Carlene delivers a beautiful mantra that honors your grief, growth, and the sacred work of re-mothering yourself as you mother your child/children. May these words become a soft place to land in your deepest struggles. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: What can I say to myself when the ache and absence of my mother feels overwhelming? Where can I go for support as a motherless mother? Can I really heal & thriv...
2025-04-1506 minThe Distracted Dreamer#25: Own Your Day, Part 2: The One Thing Stronger than Willpower or Habits to Stay Focused on Your DreamsSend Carlene a textHave you ever had one of those days where you really meant to stay focused… but somehow, your energy vanished, your to-do list exploded, and your day went completely sideways again? Yeah. Me too.For a long time, I thought I just needed more willpower. Or maybe better habits.But here’s the truth: willpower wears out, and even the best habits can fall apart when life gets chaotic.We all want to stay focused, be productive, and actually move forward on the things that matter most...
2025-04-1518 min