Shows
Bitter to BetterEp. 61: Signs That You're Making Progress in DatingIn this episode I highlight the many small-but-mighty ways you’re likely making progress in your dating life—especially if you’re a mom juggling a lot. Dating is a process, not an event and acknowledging incremental wins is key to staying motivated. I walk through practical markers of progress: seeking resources, building and actively using a dating profile, engaging men in low-pressure conversations, saying yes to dates, and actually going on them. I also cover mindset shifts like bouncing back faster after disappointments, spending less energy analyzing poor behavior (ghosting, inconsistent texting), and continuing to engage with men who sh...
2026-02-2311 min
Wedding WeedsThe Wedding Shoppe, Owner, Michelle McFarlandMichelle’s career before The Wedding Shoppe and why she chose Weddings How The Wedding Shoppe is different than other bridal salons in Metro DetroitPlus sizes, accessories, alterations and pricesMichelle’s advice on dress shopping and memorable moment with a brideTrunk shows, designers and trendsScaling the business and hiring You’re The Bride THREE times! Donate to the podcast to help cover hosting / editing fees or bless me with an espresso for my late nights! Thank you in advance :) https://www.paypal.c...
2026-02-1538 minBitter to BetterEp. 58: I Challenge You To Casually DateIn challenge number three of the Empowered Dating Challenge, I invite you to truly date casually—and explain exactly what that means for moms seeking a long-term, monogamous relationship. I break down the three distinct relationship stages (casually dating, exclusively dating, and committed relationship) and why getting exclusive too soon leads to sliding into mismatched partnerships. You’ll hear how to build and use your Ideal Partner List to distinguish a fun companion from a life partner, the importance of active vetting, and why you should avoid one-sided exclusivity and dating in the DMs. I offer concrete next steps: expa...
2026-02-0212 minBitter to BetterEp. 57: The Power of Scaffolding- Mom Moments with DanielleIn this Mom Moments episode I sit down with my friend Danielle—human, woman, mother, photographer, and fellow fifth-grade mom—to talk highs, lows, and finding our footing as our kids grow more independent. Danielle shares how she’s re-emerging professionally after years of prioritizing parenting, rebuilding her wedding and family photography business post-divorce and post-pandemic, while navigating the constant juggle of time, boundaries, and self-care. We swap stories about meaningful mom self-care, daily logistics and the household hacks we swear by—plus the chores we hate.We also get candid about the fifth-grade frontier: independence, friendship drama, a...
2026-01-261h 07Wedding WeedsWe’re Wedding Planners, Not Catch-AllsPut contact info on contracts — planners are not detectives.Assumptions-wedding planners are not the wedding-day catch-all. Respect role boundaries.Common courtesy and respect. Vendors should do their “one job” well — be prepared, be communicative, and collaborate.Respect vendor meals — if the client pays for it, vendors should get it as promised.Collaboration > competition: we’re all part of the same dream team.Donate to the podcast to help cover hosting / editing fees or bless me with a Espresso for my late nights! Thank you in advance...
2026-01-241h 07Bitter to BetterEp. 56: I Challenge You To Go On A DateIn this episode of the Bitter to Better podcast, I introduce the second challenge in our Empowered Dating series: go on a date. I share simple, practical criteria for saying yes—feel safe, haven’t been turned off or offended, and you’re at least somewhat attracted—so you can get out there, practice, and learn what you want, how you like to be dated, and how to show up confidently. I encourage low‑stakes engagement as a first step, from replying to a dating app message to “dropping the handkerchief” in everyday situations, and I remind listeners to prioritize saf...
2026-01-1907 minBitter to BetterEp. 55: I Challenge You To Achieve A Personal GoalIn this kickoff to the Empowered Dating Challenge, I invite you to start with a challenge that’s all about you: choose and pursue one personal goal. While it isn’t directly about dating, showing up for yourself, building momentum, and feeling proud of your progress naturally boosts confidence, passion, and presence in every area of life—including how you show up on dates. I share how practices like scripting “look back letters,” manifestation habits from The Magic/The Secret, and consistent micro-actions (hello, hula hooping, Supernatural on Meta Quest, and light weights) have helped me feel grounded, motivated, and joyful...
2026-01-1213 minBitter to BetterEp. 54: Introducing The Empowered Dating ChallengeIn this episode I introduce our Empowered Dating Challenge kicking off alongside the launch of the Date Better Group Coaching Program. Over the next couple of months, we’ll focus on what you can control in your dating life—your choices, boundaries, energy, and actions—rather than what you can’t, such as a guy's interest level, values, or communication style. ---------------------------------------------------------------Date Better Program: https://www.coachtracie.life/date-better Join Email List: https://app.podia.com/editor/pages/17498315/edit Coach Tracie YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@CoachTracie Website: https://www.coachtracie.life/ In...
2026-01-0506 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root - Gratitude for Season One!Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:As we close out Season One of the Bold and Brilliant Podcast, host Tracie Root reflects on a year of courageous conversations, bold decisions, and real stories from real women. With 30 episodes released in 2025, this season became a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins when women choose themselves and take the next right step—often before they feel fully ready.In this solo finale episode, Tracie shares the heart behind launching the podcast, the lessons woven through every guest conversation, and what’...
2025-12-3111 minBitter to BetterEp. 53: Mom Moments- Black Girl Magic with Sherie (Part 2)In part 2 of Mom Moments with Sherie, we dive into her evolving career in mental health—from years of in‑home substance use recovery work and pandemic burnout to finding a new groove in research. We then pivot to self‑care and life outside the office: luxurious bath rituals, DIY home projects, and travel as restoration. From Vegas and Riviera Maya plans to dream trips across Japan, New Zealand, Peru, and national parks, we explore what it looks like to craft joy and adventure at every stage. We close with a very important mom hack—making space for kids...
2025-12-3135 minBitter to BetterEp. 52: Mom Moments - Golden Retriever Energy with Sherie (Part 1)In this Mom Moments episode I sit down with my friend Sherie—human, mother, pole fitness instructor, and licensed professional counselor—for a candid conversation about empty nesting, rediscovering self, and the unexpected joys (and cringe) of modern dating. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter’s college years, what the first year of empty nesting felt like, and the freedom she found in solo travel—complete with a tearful layover in Hong Kong. We also celebrate her first-place win at a pole competition and talk about movement as therapy—pole for her, hula hooping for me.We al...
2025-12-2934 minBitter to BetterEp. 51: Making Your Dating Profile Work For YouIn this episode I walk you through how to make your online dating profile do more of the work for you. Drawing from my own experience—especially on Hinge—I share why using mixed media matters (photos, a voice note, video), and the specific photo types that help best display your personality and lifestyle. I also explain why you shouldn’t lead with your trauma or a list of “don’ts,” and how to keep your profile warm, inviting, and easy for potential matches to engage with.Beyond the profile itself, I offer simple usage habits to improve your...
2025-12-2211 min
Exotic Pets™Alfred the Little Albino Tortoise Talks to Tracie#340: Paul Radice at Angels Hatchery and his wife Judith were the first breeders to create Albino tortoises — and enchanted Tracie by introducing her to Albert, the great grandson of their first breeder Norman, who is now 130 lbs and still lives with them.
2025-12-2223 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Lia AllenSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this energizing conversation, Tracie sits down with Lia Allen—entrepreneur, community builder, and networking powerhouse—to talk about the bold decisions that reshaped her life and business. Lia shares her “immigrant-to-impact” origin story, the career pivot that saved her health, how she built a thriving business from her skills (starting with transcription and virtual support), and the brave season where she homeschooling two boys while keeping her business alive. Along the way, you’ll hear why community is the secret ingredient to resilience...
2025-12-2125 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Mary LummerdingSend us a text🎧 Episode SummaryIn this feel-good (and wildly practical) conversation, Tracie sits down with Mary Lummerding—Chef Mary + cooking coach—to talk about the real reason so many people avoid the kitchen… and how to change that without turning cooking into another “should.” Mary shares how she helps clients fit cooking into their actual lives, why “enjoyment” is the missing ingredient, and how a simple playlist can turn kitchen chaos into culinary bliss.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why enjoying cooking matters more than forcing yourself to “be bette...
2025-12-2129 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, with guest Clara MinorSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the Bold and Brilliant Podcast, Tracie Root sits down with Santa Cruz community icon Clara Minor of Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness. Clara shares her origin story—growing up with entrepreneurial parents, launching her first business in Alaska during the pipeline days (yes… Wild West energy!), and building a decades-long legacy in martial arts and fitness.The bold decision that changed everything? Clara chose to step fully into ownership and run the studio on her own—and the unive...
2025-12-2135 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Sharda RyanSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:What happens when a single mom in “hustle + survival mode” gets asked one simple question—“What would happen to your daughter if something happened to you?” In this episode, Tracie sits down with Sharda Ryan of Wealth Design Group to talk about how an “accidental” entry into finance became a purpose-driven career helping women create clarity, confidence, and real security with their money. Sharda shares the bold moves that reshaped her business (hello, niche + boundaries!), the lessons she learned starting her career right before the financial crisis, and why g...
2025-12-2136 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Donya FahmySend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this powerful conversation, Tracie sits down with Donya Fahmy, Alchemist-in-Chief at Sustainable Health Solutions and creator of Dropwise Essentials. Donya shares her long, bumpy “healing journey”—from years of chronic symptoms and frustrating dead-ends in traditional care to reclaiming her personal power and finding real relief through natural solutions. You’ll hear how essential oils became a surprising turning point, why Donya believes the future of health is personalized, and how her “whole life detox” approach helps clients create sustainable wellness without fear, g...
2025-12-2142 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Tina SpoletiniSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:What happens when your kids drive away… and you suddenly realize your entire identity just shifted? In this heart-opening episode, confidence coach and Confidence in Bloom podcast host Tina Spoletini shares how an “almost empty nest” moment sparked her reinvention—and how her work evolved from styling outfits to helping women rebuild self-trust, quiet self-doubt, and truly bloom into their next chapter. If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, battled negative self-talk, or felt like you’re starting over, Tina’s story will feel like a warm hand...
2025-12-2125 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Diana MorganSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:What happens when a “recovered corporate misfit” merges her inner geek with her spiritual heart—and turns it into a movement? In this episode, Tracie sits down with Diana Concoff Morgan, Conscious Digital Impact Strategist and author of The Whole Heart Social Media Success Formula™, for a truth-telling, permission-giving conversation about visibility. Diana shares how corporate culture nearly broke her, why her son’s words became a turning point, and how she built a purpose-driven business by cracking the code on Google… then evolving into the work s...
2025-12-2141 min
The BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie RootThe BOLD and Brilliant Podcast with Tracie Root, w/Guest Kat MitchellSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:What happens when life asks you to hold everything—a demanding career, caregiving, grief, big transitions—and you finally choose yourself? In this powerful episode, Tracie sits down with Kat Mitchell (Master Transformation Coach, NLP Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, and energy-work guide) to talk about the bold decision that changed her path from corporate tech to deep inner work. Kat shares her origin story, the unexpected “bridge” skills that made her successful in tech, and how her personal journey through loss and caregiving led her into neuroscienc...
2025-12-2130 min