Shows
Her Next Chapters92. Reclaiming Your Professional ConfidenceI recently renewed my SPHR certification—60 hours of continuing education that represent more than just staying current. They reflect a deeper commitment to my growth, my clients, and the message I want to share with you today:You don’t have to start over. But you do need to start moving.In this episode, I’m sharing:What it looked like to retake the SPHR exam after a 13-year career breakWhy investing in yourself—certification or not—can build real momentumPractical ways to show employers (and yourself) that you're serious about your next chapt...2025-07-2309 minHer Next Chapters91. Protect the Asset: My Biggest Takeaway from the book Essentialism, by Greg McKeownLet’s be honest—“self-care” can feel cliché at best and selfish at worst, especially for moms who’ve spent years putting everyone else first. But what if the real problem isn’t the concept, but how we frame it?In this episode, I share how the phrase Protect the Asset from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism completely shifted the way I think about wellness, motherhood, and energy management. When we see ourselves as the asset, self-care becomes essential maintenance—not indulgence. This mindset shift was game-changing for me.I share small but meaningful habits I’ve been buildin...2025-07-1614 minHer Next Chapters90. Rejection (job search or otherwise) reframed as redirectionRejection hurts. But what if it’s actually redirecting you toward something better?In this episode, I share a personal story about the time I lost what I thought was my dream home—and how that painful “no” made space for an even better “yes.” It’s a reminder that rejection isn’t always the end of the road. Sometimes, it’s a protective nudge toward something more aligned.Whether you're facing job search setbacks, supporting your kids through disappointment, or just feeling the sting of something not going your way, this episode offers a gentle bu...2025-07-0913 minHer Next Chapters89. Midyear Reset: Redefining Your GoalsMidyear is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset—especially if those January resolutions have long faded into the background (you're not alone—most don’t make it past February!). In this episode, we explore how July offers a fresh opportunity to check in on your goals in a way that feels aligned with your real life right now.Whether you’re in the thick of summer with kids at home or preparing to launch a teen to college, this season invites intentionality. We’ll talk about how to make time for memory-making moments, reset career momentum w...2025-07-0212 minHer Next Chapters88. Don’t Wait for September: Build Job Search Momentum This SummerThinking about returning to work or making a career change this fall?Don’t wait until September to start. In this episode, I share a summer checklist of quick career-boosting tasks you can do in between everything else life throws your way.Reconnect with your network. Ask for references. Organize your interview outfits. Clarify what you’re looking for. And yes—even get help from your teen with your Zoom setup.These micro-actions build confidence, clarity, and career momentum—one step at a time. 🔗 Links & Resources: 🎧 Free Job Search Playlist 💼 Join the Waitlist: Septemb...2025-06-2511 minHer Next Chapters87. From Empty Nest to What’s Next: Rebuilding Community and IdentityWhat happens when the community we built through our kids starts to fade? After years of bonding with other parents on sports sidelines, at school events, and in group texts, many women in midlife find themselves navigating a quiet but powerful shift—in friendships, identity, and purpose. In this episode, I share how my own shift from new motherhood to empty-nester-in-progress revealed just how temporary some of those connections can be. And how that loss often shows up right when we’re craving more meaning—in our relationships, in our work, and in our identity beyond “Mom.”That’s...2025-06-1810 minHer Next Chapters86. When Summer Shakes Up Your Routine, Reset with This Simple Micro-Step StrategySummer hits, and suddenly everything is off: school’s out, routines vanish, the weather changes our habits, and even good things—like graduations, college kids moving home, or family vacations—can leave us feeling scattered and unmotivated.If your energy is low and your to-do list feels overwhelming, this episode is for you.I’m sharing the truth that helps me every single time I feel stuck:Motivation doesn’t create action—action creates motivation. Whether your goals are personal, household, or career-related, taking even the tiniest action—a 1- to 5-minute t...2025-06-1115 minHer Next Chapters85. Summer Refresh: Declutter with Guest Melina Kane (Replay)It's the first week of June, and with my college freshman home for the summer, I'm definitely facing the challenge of decluttering! I recently tackled my son Alex's overflowing room after moving him home from the dorm (barely fitting all his stuff in our SUV), a task that immediately brought back memories of my most popular episode with professional organizer Melina Kane.In this timely replay, originally aired in January 2025, Melina shares invaluable insights and practical tips for organizing your space. While my basement clean-out is still a work in progress (a relatable struggle, I'm...2025-06-0443 minHer Next Chapters84. Mental Health Awareness for Moms: Barefoot in the Grass: A Burnout Recovery StoryMy guest, entrepreneurial mom Gabs Hayes, reveals how building a seven-figure business the hard way taught her that success shouldn't cost families their well-being. After a transformative journey through career pivots, mental health struggles, and a fundamental shift in priorities, she shares powerful insights on redefining success on your own terms.• Building a sustainable business without sacrificing mental health or family time• Recognizing burnout before hitting rock bottom • Using human design to understand decision-making patterns and strengths• The healing power of being "present where your feet are"• Why entrepreneurship is hard but worth it with th...2025-05-2841 minHer Next Chapters83. When College Kids Come Home: Navigating the Summer TransitionNavigating the transition when college students return home for summer break presents both joys and challenges for the entire family. Christina is bringing her son Alex, a freshman at CSU, home for the summer after his first year of college. This episode explores how to adjust expectations and build new relationships with your young adults who have grown during their time away.• Students change significantly during their time at college in ways parents may not fully recognize• The entire household develops new rhythms during a student's absence that will need readjustment• Setting expectations about schedules, shared...2025-05-2110 minHer Next Chapters82. When They Graduate, So Do You: Navigating the Space Between Pride and NostalgiaGraduation season brings a complex mix of emotions as we celebrate our children's achievements while also grieving the end of a significant chapter in our lives as mothers. This bittersweet transition marks not only our children's growth but also our own evolution from full-time caregivers to witnesses of their adult lives, prompting us to consider what comes next in our own journey.• The celebration of graduation represents the culmination of years of hard work and personal growth• Different transitions exist between high school and college graduations, each with unique emotional impacts• Leaving the K-12 system after...2025-05-1410 minHer Next Chapters81. The 1-10 Scale Every Family Should Know AboutHave you ever wished for an easier way to check in on your loved ones' mental health without awkwardness or fear? Today's powerful episode introduces a life-saving communication shorthand that could transform how your family discusses emotional wellbeing.Born from personal experience, this simple numbered scale system creates a gateway to discuss even the heaviest topics, including suicide ideation. We unpack both the "mood check" (assessing general emotional state) and the more targeted "safety check" (gauging suicide risk) that allow families to regularly connect without overwhelming conversations.The episode walks through specific scenarios of how...2025-05-0718 minHer Next Chapters80. Job Searching and Mental Health: A Survival Guide during Mental Health Awareness MonthJob searching can take a toll on your mental health. In this episode, I share practical strategies and my GRACE framework to help you stay grounded and resilient. If you’ve ever felt like job searching is messing with your head… you’re not wrong.Behind every resume you send and interview you prep for is a whole swirl of emotions: hope, rejection, doubt, frustration. It’s a lot. Especially when you’re doing it alone.In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode gets real about what the job search does to your men...2025-04-3023 minHer Next Chapters79. Two Moms. Two Seasons. One Honest Conversation, with Guest Susan LeeWhat do a toddler mom and an almost-empty nester have in common?More than you'd think.In this episode, Christina (navigating the early stages of an empty nest) and Susan Lee (mom to a 15-month-old) sit down for a raw, honest conversation about the identity shifts that unfold across every stage of motherhood.Together, they explore how to preserve your sense of self while embracing the ever-evolving role of “mom.”You’ll hear:Why the transition into motherhood feels immediate, while the empty nest sneaks up slowlyHow holding onto something that's yours...2025-04-2338 min
Overwhelmed and Over It • Business Coaching for Parent EntrepreneursStart Scrappy: Building a Business Without Perfection with Christina KohlJoin Christina & I both in The Village: https://gabshayes.com/villageIn this episode of 'Overwhelmed and Over It,' we explore the scrappy beginnings of Christina Kohl's entrepreneurial journey. Despite lacking a website, business cards, or extensive resources, Christina successfully transitioned from stay-at-home mom to a thriving coach for women returning to the workforce. She shares how courage, community support, and focusing on the essentials helped her launch and grow her business. If you're a parent entrepreneur feeling held back by the idea of needing everything perfect...2025-04-2316 minHer Next Chapters78. Rest Isn’t Lazy - It’s Strategy. Part 2 with Guest Alexandra CliftonWe explore the distinction between sleep and rest with wellness coach Alexandra Clifton, diving into practical techniques for calming your nervous system and protecting your energy during major life transitions.• Vagus nerve calming techniques including intentional yawning to increase oxygen flow and mental clarity• "Shalom My Body" exercises that combine breathing, body positioning, and relaxation for stress reduction• The importance of creating a "dopamine and serotonin menu" of activities that genuinely replenish your energy• How to incorporate rest breaks throughout your day, especially during demanding periods like job searching• The value of sitting down to ea...2025-04-1620 minHer Next Chapters77. Emotional Resilience Isn’t a Myth (It’s Neuroscience) with Guest Alexandra CliftonChristina welcomes holistic wellness coach Alexandra Clifton to explore how busy individuals can break free from chronic stress and overwhelm with simple, sustainable lifestyle changes. Alexandra shares her journey from psychology studies to founding To Breathe Again, where she empowers people to cultivate lasting peace through neuroscience-based wellness strategies.• Moving from survival mode to growth through personalized wellness practices• Distinguishing between psychological counseling (past-focused) and coaching (future-oriented)• Using "life pie" assessment to evaluate physical health, mental wellness, emotional maturity, spiritual practice, and social connection• Understanding neuroscience principles that help strengthen brain health• De...2025-04-0932 minHer Next Chapters76. My Favorite April Fools Story: A Disrupted Day with a Perfect EndingA chance encounter on the ski slopes of Winter Park on April Fool's Day 1995 led to meeting my husband in the most unexpected way possible.• Brief encounter with a skilled skier who complimented my skiing ability by calling me "Susie Chapstick"• Had my skis stolen after lunch, causing a frustrating afternoon of riding ski lifts down, filing reports, and borrowing equipment• Discovered a woman had mistakenly taken my skis just as I made one final check with ski patrol• Reconnected with the morning's mystery skier on the train ride home when he asked if I ever g...2025-04-0211 minHer Next Chapters75. Unlock Financial Freedom: Change Your Mindset... with Guest Christiane DavidChristiane David, personal finance coach and co-founder of Green Wealth Legacy, shares how changing your money mindset can transform your financial reality and create genuine financial intimacy.• Financial coaching differs from financial advising by focusing on day-to-day money management and emotional relationships with finances• The Mindset Money Map offers a seven-day process requiring just seven minutes daily to build financial awareness and intimacy• Saying "I'm broke" creates negative emotions that drive harmful financial behaviors• 72% of women don't feel confident managing their finances and often defer financial decisions• Self-awareness is the first step toward financial...2025-03-2633 minHer Next Chapters74. Podcasthon: Empowering Women, One Outfit at a Time. Guest Jennifer Waines, Dress for SuccessThis special episode features Jennifer Waines, Operations Manager at Dress for Success Denver, as part of the global Podcasthon movement highlighting nonprofits worldwide during the third week of March. Dress for Success began in New York in 1996 has grown to over 100 affiliates across multiple countries, with the Denver location serving 22,000+ women since 2006.While known for providing professional clothing, Dress for Success Denver offers comprehensive support through four key programs: their boutique providing complete professional ensembles, a career center offering interview coaching, the Professional Women's Group for employed women to network monthly...2025-03-1923 minHer Next Chapters73. "If I knew then what I know now" - ChatGPT interviews me about career adviceThis week, I’m doing something a little different—I let ChatGPT interview me! The topic: “If I Knew Then What I Know Now”—advice career returners and career changers wish they had known earlier.In this unique episode, I hand the “mic” to ChatGPT (yes, really!) to ask me the big questions about my 13-year journey from stay-at-home mom back to HR professional—and the strategies that finally broke through my job search plateaus.We cover: ✅ Mindset & Confidence ✅ Resume & Job Search Strategy ✅ Networking & Interviewing ✅ Negotiation & Career Growth ✅ Work-Life Balance & Adjusting B...2025-03-1228 minHer Next Chapters72. 2 Years Out: What I Thought, What Really Happened, and What I’ve LearnedBig life changes always come with their fair share of surprises, and my leap from corporate to full-time coaching was no exception. As I hit the two-year mark, I’m taking a look back at what I thought would happen, what actually happened, and everything I’ve learned along the way. Spoiler: it hasn’t been a straight path!In this episode, I’m sharing the real, behind-the-scenes journey—navigating unexpected family crises, figuring out entrepreneurship, and realizing that success isn’t just about business wins but also about personal growth. We’ll talk about:The transferable...2025-03-0519 minHer Next Chapters71. Rediscovering Your Career: Women, Midlife, & Meaningful Work With Guest Jackie BrownHave you ever felt like your career path is leading you away from success and into confusion? In today’s episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey many women experience as they navigate the complexities of midlife career changes. Joining us is Jackie Brown, a career and leadership coach who specializes in helping individuals reclaim their sense of purpose and redefine their identities beyond their current job titles.Jackie shares her own journey of thriving as a graphic designer and creative director to feeling unfulfilled and lost in her career. Her experience resonates with ma...2025-02-2635 minHer Next Chapters70. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Cathleen Mohr’s Journey to Healing and Self-DiscoveryEmbracing life after motherhood can lead to profound self-discovery and personal transformation. Guest Cathleen Mohr shares her journey from a high-stress corporate career to becoming a family constellations facilitator, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and presence in nurturing relationships.• Introduction of Cathleen Mohr and her work • Discussion on her career in corporate America and the stress involved • The pivotal wake-up call that led to major life changes • Transitioning to Ireland for self-care and reflection • Writing a book as a part of rediscovering passions • Explanation of family constellations and shadow work • Persona...2025-02-1935 minHer Next Chapters69. Returning to Work? These Women Did It - And So Can You!Self-belief is essential for successfully re-entering the workforce after a career break. Christina shares inspiring stories of women who overcame self-doubt and found fulfillment, emphasizing that with small steps and the right support, anyone can achieve their professional goals. • Sharing Ann's journey back to work • Highlighting Fay’s proactive career change• Exploring Debbie's experience with volunteering• Patty's successful return to tech after 20 years • Bonnie enrolled in a 12-week community college program to get up to speed in her industry and will likely be hired by an employer sponsoring the program....2025-02-1218 minHer Next Chapters68. Empowering Midlife Transformation: Carin Luna-Ostaseski’s Journey from Entrepreneur to Menopause AdvocateCarin Luna Osseski joins us to share her transformative journey from founding a Scotch whiskey brand to creating "Hot or Just Me", a resource dedicated to supporting women through perimenopause. This episode emphasizes the importance of advocacy, understanding common symptoms, and fostering open conversations about the often-taboo topics surrounding menopause.• Carin's transition from graphic designer to entrepreneur • The birth of Hot or Just Me as a resource for menopause • Common symptoms associated with perimenopause • Importance of advocacy and open dialogue with partners and doctors • Practical tools and products to manage menopause symptoms • Navigating m...2025-02-0533 min