Shows
This Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 42: We Thing Wintering Should be Easy (Part 1)As the year winds down, Amy and Cheryl explore the idea of wintering, not just as a season, but as a necessary pause. In this first part of a two-part conversation, they reflect on rest, unfinished goals, shifting intentions, and the tension between wanting to slow down and still having responsibilities. This episode is about giving yourself permission to rest, reflect, and soften before deciding what comes next.
Key Topics & Takeaways
What “wintering” means beyond cozy aesthetics
The pull between hibernation and ongoing responsibilities
Reflecting on goals without labeling them as success or failure
Why bingo card...
2025-12-2430 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 41: We Thought Listening to Holiday Music Was Supposed to be EasyHoliday music has a way of time-traveling us straight into our favorite memories, whether it’s vinyl spinning in the living room, singing in the car on a long road trip, or turning decorating day into an event. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl talk about the songs that shaped their holiday seasons, the “rules” about when it’s acceptable to start listening, and how music helps us create memories that stick. Plus: holiday concerts, cozy movies, and a listener invitation to help us build the ultimate winter-holiday playlist.
Key topics and takeaways
Why holiday music is so po...
2025-12-1736 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 40: We Thought Psychological Safety at the Holidays Was Supposed to Be EasyThis Was Supposed to Be Easy with Amy & Cheryl
The holidays are supposed to feel magical, connected, and full of ease, but often they come with pressure, unspoken expectations, emotional landmines, and complicated relationships. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl take a heartfelt and humorous look at psychological safety during the holiday season and all the ways it can be challenged. They unpack why the dynamics we grew up with can impact how safe (or unsafe) we feel now, how to recognize when your nervous system is signaling danger, and how to create moments of emotional safety...
2025-12-1039 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 39: We Thought Letting Go After the Gift Was Given Would Be EasyIn this “oh no I do that” conversation, Amy and Cheryl explore the complicated emotions wrapped up in something that should be simple: giving a gift. From the meaning we attach to presents, to the anxiety of letting go once the gift leaves our hands, this episode dives into the psychology behind generosity, expectations, and the stories we create around what a gift “should” mean.
With personal anecdotes and gentle wisdom, this episode invites listeners to reconsider the way we approach gift-giving and maybe release a little pressure in the process.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The emot...
2025-12-0335 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 38: We Thought that Trying Some Group Gratitude Games Might Be Fun and Easy!In this creative episode, Cheryl and Amy explore the idea of thankfulness as a lifestyle and how gratitude becomes even more powerful when shared in community. Together, they dive into playful, accessible, and joy-filled ways to gamify gratitude—from gratitude walks to Pictionary, paper chains, pottery, and meaningful group activities that spark connection. Whether you're looking to deepen your own gratitude practice or inspire your family, workplace, or community, this episode is full of ideas to help you cultivate more joy, awareness, and appreciation every single day.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Thankfulness as a lifestyle rather than a...
2025-11-2630 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 37: We Want the Holidays to Be EasyWhen the calendar starts bossing you around, joy taps out, so Amy and Cheryl share how they took it back: trading obligation math for memory-making, flexing dates, and building traditions that actually fit real life.
Key topics & takeaways
Why “the day on the calendar” doesn’t have to rule your plans
Swapping obligation for flexibility (and sanity)
Thanksgiving reimagined: restaurants, leftovers, and low-lift joy
Christmas Day at home: open-door, pajamas, and appetizers all day
New traditions: Christmas Eve movies, turkey trots, Black Friday sister dates
Making room for teens/partners/in-laws, and for people who’d otherwis...
2025-11-1934 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 36 We Didn’t Know How Much “Trust” Could Make Joy and Happiness Easier!Episode description
Fresh off a “Joyful Leadership” workshop, Amy and Cheryl dig into the quiet engine behind joy and happiness: trust. They unpack how trust (or the lack of it) shows up at work, in partnerships, parenting, even in how we talk to ourselves. Expect real stats, relatable stories (hello, micromanaging), and practical ways to build, rebuild, and protect trust without burning out.
Key topics & takeaways
Trust turbocharges wellbeing & results. In high-trust environments: 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, 106% more energy, 76% more engagement, 40% less burnout, and 13% fewer sick days (stats cited in episode from workplace happiness rese...
2025-11-1243 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 35: Who Said Co-Parenting Was Supposed to be Easy?Listener requests for real-life parenting topics led us to a candid conversation with Shannon, a newly divorced mom navigating co-/parallel-parenting with firm boundaries, smart tools, and a lot of self-work. From rewriting a custody agreement and using a parenting app, to protecting her peace (and her daughter’s), Shannon shares what helped, what she’d do again, and what she wishes she’d known sooner. This one’s practical, validating, and full of “copy/paste into your plan” ideas.
Guest introduction
Shannon (“SayItShay05” on TikTok)
Mom to a 10-year-old
Legally divorced in 2022; separation and full boundar...
2025-11-0543 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 34: We Thought Noticing the Good Was Supposed to Be EasyIn this cozy, laughter-sprinkled episode, Amy and Cheryl kick off with weekend stories from Myrtle Beach and Mackinac Island, then dive into why our brains notice what we tell them to notice. Cheryl introduces the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the brain’s sensory filter, and the two explore practical ways to “train” it toward noticing the good and fueling joy without slipping into toxic positivity. From confirmation bias at work to social media algorithms, gratitude habits, and photographing everyday symbols (hello, heart-shaped clouds and Blue Jays), this is a grounded, science-meets-woo conversation for leaders and humans who want more good i...
2025-10-2936 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 33: We Hoped Dating After Widowhood Would Be Easier (Part 2)Guest note: Our guest requested anonymity. We refer to them as Lee throughout.
Episode Description
In Part 2 of our dating series, Amy and Cheryl continue our sit down with Lee, a therapist and widow, who takes us behind the scenes of midlife online dating: the hope, the gut checks, and hard boundaries. We talk about AI-polished profiles, spotting scams, healing after heartbreak, and what it looks like to "choose yourself" first. This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly funny, because sometimes the best way through a rollercoaster is to laugh, take notes, and keep your...
2025-10-2236 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 32: We Hoped Dating After Widowhood Would Be Easier (Part 1)
Guest note: Our guest requested anonymity. We refer to them as Lee throughout.
Episode description
In this warm, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Lee to unpack what it’s really like to re-enter the dating world in midlife, after losing a spouse. From grief and menopause to algorithms and questionable selfies, Lee shares the highs, lows, and laugh‑out‑loud moments of navigating online dating while healing. She brings a counselor’s insight and a human heart to every detail, reminding us that finding connection starts with knowing who you are first.
2025-10-1537 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 31: We Thought Listening Was Going to be Easy (Part 2)In Part Two of our listening series, Amy and Cheryl move from awareness to action. Building on Part One, they explore Stephen Covey’s levels of listening, how “pauses” create space for understanding, and four practical tools pausing, reflecting, reading nonverbals, and asking better questions that transform everyday conversations at home, at work, and with kids. Expect laughs (Grandma’s “selective listening”), real talk about discomfort, and a gentle push to listen in ways that improve relationships.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Covey’s Levels of Listening: ignoring, pretend, selective, attentive, and empathic use awareness to notice (and shift) your cu...
2025-10-0828 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 30: We Thought Listening Was Going to be EasyListening sounds simple, but as Amy and Cheryl discover in this two-part series, it’s one of the most misunderstood, and underdeveloped, skills we carry into our families, friendships, and workplaces. In Part One, the conversation dives into the culture of listening we inherit, the distractions that keep us from being present, and the surprising ways we confuse “hearing” with truly listening.
Through personal stories, reflections on ADHD, family dynamics, sarcasm, and even the role of technology, Amy and Cheryl unpack how listening shapes connection, and why it’s harder than we think.
Key Topic...
2025-10-0130 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 29: Who Knew That Trying Glamping Would be Easy?Amy and Cheryl say yes to a “hen party” weekend that turns into glamping-in-domes magic in northern Michigan. What starts as “are we really camping?” becomes a masterclass in trying new things the comfy way, surrounded by friends, thoughtful details, and just enough nostalgia to spark joy. Together they unpack how environment, company, and baby steps can make new experiences feel safe, meaningful, and even transformational.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Start with comfort to try something new: Pick conditions (people, place, amenities) that make you excited, not overwhelmed.
Environment matters: Design, small touches, and thoughtful amenities can flip a may...
2025-09-2431 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastSeason 2 Episode 28 - We Thought Showing Kindness Would Be Easy (with Suzanne Axelsson)We thought nice would be easy… but it turns out kind is braver. In this conversation with Swedish play advocate Suzanne Axelsson, we unpack why “niceness” can be a hollow performance while kindness is a courageous practice rooted in empathy, listening, and community. We explore how adults and children learn the skills underneath kindness (self‑regulation, curiosity, patience), and how play creates a safe space to practice them.
This episode also touches on cultural norms (pleases/thank‑yous), the risks and rewards of discomfort, and how educators can move beyond forced “I’m sorry” scripts toward authentic repair and conne...
2025-09-1733 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 27 We Thought Learning How to Delegate Would Be EasyIn this episode, Amy and Cheryl dig into the messy, often misunderstood, and absolutely necessary practice of delegation. From laundry lessons to grading papers to letting AI pick up some of the load, they explore the ways we resist delegation, the excuses we use, and how learning to let go can bring freedom, growth, and even joy – and it’s NOT cheating!
Highlights
Why women, in particular, often struggle with delegation and mental load.
The common excuses: “It’s faster if I do it myself” and “No one can do it as well as I can.”
Teaching kids...
2025-09-1041 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS2 Episode 26: We Thought Getting to Season Two and Trying New Things Would Be EasySeason 2 is here! We tried something new – this podcast – and we did it! Amy and Cheryl set the tone for another year of trying new things—big and small—while keeping our “permission to be human (and messy)” vibe. From first-time international travel to experimenting with edible flowers and dreams of glassblowing, forest bathing, mocktail making, and maybe even sea kayaking, we invite listeners to share ideas for and stories about trying new things so we can continue to be brave together—in community.
Highlights
Framing Season 2 as “a year of trying new things” together and in community
Amy’s first passpo...
2025-09-0327 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 25 – Season Finale: Celebrating This Was Supposed to Be EasyWe did it - 25 episodes, 21 Wednesdays in a row (Week 1 we launched 4)! In this special season finale, Amy and Cheryl reflect on what it means to wrap up Season One of This Was Supposed to Be Easy. From family adventures and Broadway moments to pumpkin bread, golf cart confessions, and everything in between, this episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part look ahead.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Our behind-the-scenes journey—how a nine-month idea became a podcast with over 1.2K downloads.
Fun listener stats (17 countries strong!) and what that milestone means to us.
The e...
2025-08-2735 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 24: We Thought Managing Our To-Do Lists Was Supposed to Be EasyAmy and Cheryl are back, and this week we’re tackling the mythical creature that is…the never-ending to-do list. You know the one the list that magically grows every time you cross something off. From summer chaos and office clutter to misplaced microphones and the myth of “when things slow down,” we’re sharing the real-life mess behind our own lists (and laughing along the way).
We’re diving into the invisible work of mental load, the “good enough” mindset, and why sometimes doing less is the smartest thing you can do. You’ll hear us swap stories about...
2025-08-2055 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 23: We Thought Using Credit Cards Was Supposed to Be EasyFollowing our two-part deep dive into finances with Jeremy Bond, we’re shifting gears to get real about credit cards, the good, the bad, and the lessons learned along the way. In this candid conversation, Amy and Cheryl open up about their first experiences with credit, the cultural pull of “cool” store cards, and the pitfalls that come with not understanding interest rates or payment schedules.
This isn’t about shaming past decisions, it’s about learning and growing together. Whether you’ve had credit card wins, made a few missteps, or you’re just curious about building healt...
2025-08-1332 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 22: We Thought Talking About Finance Was Supposed to Be Easy – Part 2In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jeremy Bond, we dig even deeper into real-world money habits, from splitting raises between “today you” and “future you” to creating simple systems that keep saving automatic. Jeremy shares candid stories from his own financial missteps (hello, Jaguar!) and how those experiences shaped his perspective on debt, lifestyle creep, and building true financial independence.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance enjoying life now while still planning for later, this episode is packed with practical tips, relatable examples, and a little encouragement to just start where you are.
Guest...
2025-08-0629 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 21: We Thought Talking About Finance Was Supposed to Be Easy – Part 1Money talk can feel overwhelming and let’s be honest, most of us didn’t grow up having open conversations about it. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl bring on their first-ever male guest (and Amy’s husband!), Dr. Jeremy Bond, to help break down what personal finance actually looks like in real life.
Jeremy shares how our early experiences shape the way we think about money, why “wealth” isn’t always what it looks like on TV, and practical ways to start saving and investing without feeling intimidated. Whether you’re just starting your first job, somewhere in m...
2025-07-3027 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 20: We Thought Doing a Midyear Check-in Was Supposed to be EasyIn this reflective and engaging midyear episode, Amy and Cheryl invite listeners to pause and check in on their intentions, goals, and growth in 2025 so far. Rather than pushing productivity or grinding toward unrealistic timelines, they approach the idea of goal setting with gentleness, curiosity, and joy. Through the lens of their personal “Bingo cards,” they unpack what’s working, what needs to shift, and what can be let go of altogether—with zero guilt.
This Conversation Touches On
The power of pausing midyear to reflect
Moving away from hustle culture and rigid timelines
Using a “Bingo card...
2025-07-2341 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 19: We Thought Letting Go of Guilt Was Supposed to be EasyIn this caring and introspective episode, Amy and Cheryl dive into a conversation about guilt, specifically how it manifests in the lives of women. They explore the internal and external pressures that make women feel like they need to constantly “do more,” and they challenge the cultural norms that glorify busyness while devaluing rest.
The conversation unfolds around themes like:
Feeling guilty for taking time for oneself
The connection between time, productivity, and self-worth
The myth of “earning rest”
How guilt is often embedded in the praise we give (especially to girls...
2025-07-1642 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 18: We Thought Becoming Confident Was Supposed to Be EasyIn this heart-to-heart episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Amy and Cheryl open up about the winding, sometimes bumpy journey of confidence at different stages of life. From the myth that confidence simply comes with age to the surprising moments that can shake it, they explore where confidence shows up, where it wobbles, and how curiosity, courage, and micro-wins help us grow along the way. Whether you’re stepping into something new or cheering on someone else, this conversation offers gentle reminders (and some real-life stories) that encouraging someone else’s confidence isn’t pie — there’s plenty to...
2025-07-0941 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 17: We Thought Leading with Joy Was Supposed to Be EasyIn this uplifting and thoughtful episode, Amy and Cheryl welcome back Dr. Holly Hoffman (Central Michigan University) and introduce Dr. Katie Sloan (Oakland University), both professors of Early Childhood Education and Development in Michigan. Together, they share the story of how a virtual book club brought educators together across the state to explore what it truly means to lead with joy — and why it’s both more challenging and more essential than ever. From practical strategies to personal reflections, this episode invites you to think about joy not as a fleeting feeling, but as a way of being.
...
2025-07-0248 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 16: We Thought Supporting a Person Through a New Idea Was Supposed To Be EasyIn this episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Amy and Cheryl dive into what it really means to show up for someone chasing a dream—especially when your inner alarm bells are ringing. Through an all-too-relatable scenario involving a handmade candle business, they explore how fear, love, and protection often get tangled up in our responses.
This conversation touches on:
The difference between support and subtle sabotage
Why our “rational” advice can feel like rejection
The power of emotional attunement in relationships
What it means to lead with curiosity instead of control
Amy and Che...
2025-06-2525 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 15: We Thought Going Off The Rails Was Supposed to Be Easy (Said No one Ever)What happens when life doesn’t go the way you thought it would? In this episode, Amy and Cheryl open up about the twists and turns no one sees coming—when careers shift, roles change, and the road you're walking wasn’t exactly the one you picked.
It all starts with a text about theater tickets… and unfolds into a conversation about detours, disappointments, and the weird in-between spaces where the “what has beens” are no longer on the path forward. There are laughs (of course), but also some real talk about grief, identity, and learning to find yoursel...
2025-06-1819 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 14: We Thought Choosing a Ranch Dressing Was Supposed to Be EasyThis week, Amy and Cheryl welcome Ashley Arnett, founder of The Dressing Room at DressingApproved.com—the only place on the internet bold enough to rate ranch dressings with a five-tier scale and a whole lot of heart. What started as a little joke between friends became a surprisingly thoughtful passion project, and now a deliciously specific corner of the internet.
But this episode isn’t just about ranch. It’s about what happens when a lingering idea finally gets acted on. Ashley opens up about watching past businesses fail, learning to follow through, and what it feels l...
2025-06-1133 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 13: We Thought Letting Go of a Person who no Longer Fit Was Supposed to be Easy We always talk about growth like it’s the goal (and it is!)—but what happens when your personal growth pulls you away from people you used to feel close to? In this heart-to-heart episode, Amy and Cheryl tackle one of the quiet heartbreaks of adulthood: outgrowing relationships that once felt like forever.
With warmth, honesty, and the kind of wisdom you’d expect from your favorite friend who’s been around the block a few times, we talk about what it means to honor friendships that have run their course, how to recognize the signs of distance...
2025-06-0429 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 12: We Thought Letting Go of an Idea that no Longer Fit Was Supposed to be EasyIn this listener-inspired episode, Amy and Cheryl explore what it feels like to arrive at a crossroads—the kind where something you once loved, worked for, or felt aligned with… no longer quite fits. Whether it’s a career path, a long-held goal, or a version of yourself you’ve outgrown, these moments of transition can feel confusing, bittersweet, and deeply clarifying. Through personal stories and practical reflection, they share how to recognize these shifts, what to do when boredom sets in, and how to move forward without guilt.
Theme + Ideas
Letting go with grace
Identity shifts
Dream reevalua...
2025-05-2847 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastEpisode 11: We Thought Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Was Supposed to Be EasyIn this honest and heartfelt episode, Amy and Cheryl unpack the sneaky grip of imposter syndrome. They reflect on moments when confidence was mistaken for certainty, when self-doubt crept in after success, and how much of what we perceive is shaped by comparison. Through laughter, storytelling, and some deeply relatable truths, they explore how to move through imposter syndrome—not by waiting for it to disappear, but by building confidence and self-worth along the way.
Themes/Ideas:
Comparison culture
Invisible doubt vs. visible confidence
Building confidence through action
Owning your presence even when you feel unsure
Episode Highlights:
Am...
2025-05-2150 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 10: We thought Supporting Friends Through Trauma Was Going to Be Easy – Actually, No We Didn’t.This episode takes you inside an honest, eye-opening conversation with Dr. Cheryl Geisthardt, professor of child development and expert in stress, coping, and resilience. Cheryl bravely shares her family’s journey after her daughter’s rare cancer diagnosis, offering a window into what it’s really like to navigate trauma and lean on a community of support. We explore the realities of being there for someone in crisis, the small but mighty ways friends can show up, and how grace and connection keep us afloat through life’s toughest challenges.
Theme/Ideas:
support during trauma, f...
2025-05-1431 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 9 We Thought Inviting People Over to Make Friends Was Supposed to Be EasyInstead of focusing on going out to meet people, we explore what it looks like to invite others in—whether that’s into your home, your world, or just a shared moment. Friendship can begin in the simplest ways, and sometimes the best connections happen right in your own backyard (literally).
Themes covered:
hospitality, vulnerability, hosting, friendship-building, connection, spontaneous gatherings, creative spaces
Episode Summary:
In this cozy, feel-good episode, Amy and Cheryl dive into the beautiful (and sometimes vulnerable) art of bringing people together. Inspired by personal stories—like Che...
2025-05-0731 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 8: We Thought Going Out to Find Friends Was Supposed to Be EasyIn this heartwarming and relatable episode, Amy and Cheryl dive into a conversation sparked by a simple but powerful question: “Where do you go to make friends?” What unfolds is a thoughtful, honest, and often funny exploration of the routines that keep us stuck, the vulnerability that comes with trying something new, and the small (and big!) ways we can open ourselves up to connection again.
Drawing on quotes from Tony Robbins and Steve Jobs, stories from cooking classes and trivia nights, and their own experiences as introverts and extroverts navigating adulthood, Amy and Cheryl walk us throu...
2025-04-3035 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 7: We Thought Talking About Disability Was Supposed to Be EasyIn this heartfelt episode, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. JoDell Heroux—educator, advocate, and professor of Disability Studies—for a powerful conversation about what it really means to understand and live with disability.
Together, they explore:
- Why disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time
- How internalized ableism shows up in our everyday lives—often without us realizing it
- The profound difference between the medical model and the social model of disability
- Why masking, minimizing, or denying a disability is so...
2025-04-2339 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1Episode 6: We Thought Workplace Well-Being Was Supposed to Be Easy“Women’s wellness impacts generations.” That powerful quote from Karen Guggenheim of the World Happiness Summit (WOHASU) became a guiding light for this week’s episode. Fresh off a trip to Washington, D.C., Cheryl and Amy sit down to reflect on the WOHASU Women event focused on Gallup insights into women's workplace well-being and success.
In true This Was Supposed to Be Easy fashion, they unpack big ideas with honesty, vulnerability, and a few "we were bursting at the seams until we hit record" moments. From stress statistics that stop you in your tracks to questions that made us...
2025-04-1629 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 5: We Thought Being Curious Was Supposed to Be EasyHosts: Amy & Cheryl
Theme: Coaching, curiosity, self-growth, and the art of asking the right questions
In this episode, Cheryl flips the script and interviews Amy about her passion for coaching, learning, and leadership.
Amy shares her powerful mantra: "Instead of getting furious, get curious." This mindset has transformed how she navigates conflict, decision-making, and growth.
Her coaching style is all about asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that help others uncover their own answers, rather than giving advice or solutions.
Amy introduces her personal coaching framework—developed over the past decade—built around self-reflection, curiosity, and helping people reach thei...
2025-04-0930 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 4: We Thought Tapping Into Our Own Strengths Was Supposed To Be EasyHosts: Amy & Cheryl
Theme: Strength-based mindsets, joy, and the science of living well
In this episode, Amy interviews her co-host, Dr. Cheryl Priest, for a deep-dive into one of her biggest passions: cultivating a strength-focused mindset.
Cheryl shares how her interest in strengths and positive psychology has been woven through her personal and professional life for over 25 years—dating all the way back to her doctoral work on character strengths in early childhood.
The conversation centers around the VIA Character Strengths Survey, which outlines 24 universal character strengths. Everyone has all 24—just in different orders.
Cheryl’s signature streng...
2025-03-2830 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 3: We Thought Finding Joy Was Supposed To Be EasyHosts: Amy & Cheryl
Special Guest: Dr. Holly Hoffman
Theme: Friendship, humor, and the intentional pursuit of joy
Cheryl and Amy welcome their first guest, Dr. Holly Hoffman—expert in laughter, joy, and creating human connection.
Holly shares how friendships have shaped her life, especially during big life transitions like moving, parenting, and becoming an empty nester.
The conversation explores how different friendships serve different purposes—from laughter and support to goal-setting and everyday connection.
There’s a hilarious look back on office-sharing and the infamous “clean desk” photo prank, revealing how humor deepens bonds—even through messes (and...
2025-03-2831 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 2: We Thought Keeping Friends Was Supposed To Be EasyHosts: Amy & Cheryl
Theme: The how-tos of friendship, connection, and the intentional work behind relationships
Cheryl and Amy expand on their “why” for creating the podcast, diving into personal stories and behind-the-scenes planning sessions—complete with backpacks full of glittery inspiration and Ted Talk nuggets.
They reflect on how friendship sometimes seems effortless in early childhood, but becomes layered with overthinking, self-doubt, and hesitations in adulthood.
Amy discusses her passion for coaching around connection—drawing parallels between guiding young children into friendships and the often-lacking support for adults in making new connections.
They share thoughts on friendship as a ski...
2025-03-2827 minThis Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastS1 Episode 1: We Thought Making Friends Was Supposed To Be EasyHosts: Amy & Cheryl
Theme: Building Connection, Friendship, and Glitter ✨
Cheryl and Amy reflect on their journey from being work colleagues to becoming real-life friends.
Discussion highlights the importance of craving connection—and how that desire often leads us to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
They explore a common experience: why women often make things look easier than they really are—and what it means to let your guard down.
The conversation touches on the science of connection: how validation + caring creates a powerful, proven recipe for stronger ties.
Cheryl shares her unapologetic love for edible glitter, while Amy introd...
2025-03-2825 min