Shows
This 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