Running Your Own Race Exhausted Sparrows Unite podcast

32:21

In a world that’s supposed to keep us constantly connected, why are so many of us feeling so incredibly alone? In this deeply personal episode, we’re digging into the hidden epidemic of loneliness—what it really feels like, where it’s coming from, and why no amount of scrolling or small talk is filling the void. We’ll explore how our modern lives have made connection harder than ever, why it’s so damn hard to admit we’re lonely, and the simple (but powerful) ways we can start rebuilding real relationships. If you’ve ever felt invisible, left out, or like you’re screaming into the void—this one’s for you. You’re not broken. You’re human. And connection is still possible. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: - What loneliness really feels like (and why it’s more common than we think) - How social media creates connection on the surface but isolation underneath - Why we’ve stopped showing up for face-to-face connection—and how to change that Three Big Takeaways: 1. You’re not weak for feeling lonely—you're wired for connection. 2. The world has changed, but your need for community hasn’t. 3. You don’t need a huge social circle—you need people who see you. Start there. Take This With You: - Send a message to someone you haven’t talked to in a while—just a simple “thinking of you.” - Be the first to be real. Vulnerability opens doors to deeper connection. - Give yourself permission to crave community. That doesn’t make you needy. It makes you human.…

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Rebuilding After Life Falls Apart 39:53

11天之前39:53

39:53

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, it completely falls apart—whether it’s losing a loved one, facing a major career change, or feeling lost in your own story. But rebuilding isn’t about going back to who you were—it’s about creating something new, one small step at a time. In this episode, Krista and Chauntel dive deep into what it really takes to move forward after everything shifts. They’ll talk about the pain of starting over, the myths about healing, and the unexpected strength that comes from life’s hardest moments. If you’ve ever felt like you’re standing in the wreckage of a life you didn’t choose, this one’s for you.…

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The Beauty of Boundaries- Learning to Say No and Protecting Your Peace Without Guilt 32:06

18天之前32:06

32:06

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that so many of us struggle with — boundaries. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, said “yes” when you really wanted to say “no,” or found yourself drained from constantly trying to be everything for everyone… this one’s for you. We’ll chat about why boundaries aren’t about shutting people out — they’re about letting the right things in. You’ll hear about the sneaky guilt that shows up when you start saying no, and how to quiet that inner voice that tells you you’re being “selfish.” (Spoiler alert: you’re not. ) In fact, setting boundaries is one of the most loving things you can do — for yourself and for the people around you. But we’re not stopping there. I’ll walk you through different types of boundaries — like protecting your time , creating emotional space , and even setting digital boundaries (yes, you’re allowed to log off). Plus, I’ll share some go-to phrases for those tough conversations when you need to hold your ground but aren’t sure what to say. And because life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, we’ll also dig into what happens after you set a boundary. Some people won’t like it… and that’s okay. We’ll talk about standing firm, handling pushback, and embracing the peace that comes when you finally start prioritizing yourself. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the beauty of boundaries — you’ll feel empowered to start setting them in your own life, guilt-free. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea … or wine — no judgment here), and let’s have an honest conversation about protecting your peace. You deserve it.…

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Hustle Less, Thrive More: The Power of Rest 29:31

25天之前29:31

29:31

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, Krista Jones and her crew challenge the work “hustle culture” and dive into the importance of taking breaks — whether you’re the boss or the employee. With co-host Chauntel Shaffer and special guest Stephen Whalen from Whalen Architecture, the trio explores the science behind rest, the role of leadership and setting boundaries, and practical tips for unplugging without guilt. What You’ll Learn: The Science Behind the Break: Why your brain needs downtime to boost creativity and prevent burnout. - Boss’s Role: How leaders can set the tone for a no-guilt rest culture. - Employee’s Role: Advocating for your own boundaries and embracing the power of “no.” - Practical Tips: From scheduling quiet hours to embracing tech-free moments, small changes make a big impact. - Redefining Success: Why we need to celebrate balance, not burnout. Take a break and spend 30 minutes taking a breath!! Learn why the world needs you to take a moment.…

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Lettuce Talk: The Real Dirt on Food, Farming, and Fresh Choices 30:55

5 weeks之前30:55

30:55

Who doesn’t love food? Food is more than just what is on your plate- it’s a lifeline, a comfort, and sometimes, even a form of healing. The choices we make about what we eat can shape our energy, our emotions, and even our ability to fight illness. But with so much conflicting information out there, how do we know what’s truly nourishing? Join me, your host Krista Jones, as I sit down with my friend and farmer Matt Sabellico for a deep dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly about our food choices. We’ll talk about the power of real food, the relationships built through local farming, and how something as simple as what is on your plate can make a world of difference. This isn’t just a conversation about fruits and vegetables- it’s about the way we care for ourselves and each other.…

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Mother Guilt: The Silent Struggle We ALL Need to Overcome 34:22

6 weeks之前34:22

34:22

In this episode, Krista and Chauntel dive deep into the topic of mother guilt—an issue that all moms face at one point or another. We discuss the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers by society and themselves, and how these pressures can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we emphasize the importance of giving ourselves grace and recognizing the hard work we put into parenting. We talk about the pressure to be perfect on and offline, the importance of self compassion and the many times we have not gotten it right ourselves. We hope this episode frees you from the guilt you shouldn't be feeling and instead helps you embrace the toughest job on the planet- motherhood.…

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The Productivity of Pause 38:33

7 weeks之前38:33

38:33

Episode Overview: In a world that glorifies hustle, have we forgotten how to rest? In this episode, we dive into the lost art of reclaiming downtime—how to slow down, unplug, and give ourselves permission to just be . We’ll explore why stillness isn’t laziness, how guilt-free rest can actually make us more productive, and the small ways we can start embracing quiet moments in our everyday lives. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ✅ Why we feel guilty about resting—and how to unlearn it ✅ The science behind why downtime fuels creativity and mental health ✅ Simple ways to reclaim moments of stillness in your day ✅ Personal stories of burnout and the lessons learned from slowing down ✅ A challenge: One small way you can reclaim your downtime today…

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Caught in the Spiral: The Anxiety of Overthinking 38:10

8 weeks之前38:10

38:10

In this episode, we explore the impact of overthinking on our mental well-being, especially how it can fuel anxiety. We break down the vicious cycle of overthinking and anxiety, and how it keeps us in a state of heightened awareness, making problems seem bigger than they are. Join me as we discuss practical strategies to manage overthinking, stop the mental clutter, and reclaim peace of mind.…

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Curbing Your Stinkin' Thinkin' 37:06

9 weeks之前37:06

37:06

In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite, I’m joined by my good friend and radio buddy, Tom Morel, as we tackle a topic that resonates with so many of us: those sneaky, negative thought patterns—what I like to call “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Together, Tom and I share funny, relatable stories about the times we’ve had to reframe our thoughts (spoiler: there’s some good laughter involved and a few a-ha moments for me) and dig into the science behind why our brains are wired to focus on the negative. We’ll explore common mental fallacies, like black-and-white thinking, and discuss how recognizing and challenging these patterns can lead to a more positive and productive mindset. This episode is packed with laughs, insights, practical tools, and plenty of inspiration to help you retrain your thoughts and take back control of your mental landscape. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!…

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The Wins Aren't Always on the Field 34:36

10 weeks之前34:36

34:36

In this heart-to-heart episode, I’m joined by my husband, a high school football coach, as we talk about how success in sports goes far beyond the final score. We dive into the lessons that kids learn from football that shape them for life, from resilience and teamwork to perseverance and leadership. Sometimes, the true victories aren’t measured in touchdowns—they’re found in the way players grow off the field and the lasting impact coaches have on their lives.…

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Finding Joy in the Small Things- The Art of Noticing Happiness 32:19

11 weeks之前32:19

32:19

In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite , we explore the transformative power of appreciating the small, everyday moments that bring us happiness. From savoring a morning coffee to cherishing a loved one’s smile, these moments are often overlooked but hold the key to a more joyful life. Together, we dive into the science behind small joys, share personal stories, and offer practical tips for cultivating gratitude and mindfulness. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to slow down, notice the beauty around you, and embrace the little things that truly make life extraordinary…

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Through Their Eyes: Social Media and Middle Schoolers 53:21

12 weeks之前53:21

53:21

In this heart-to-heart episode, we sat down with a group of thoughtful and candid 6th graders to explore their personal experiences with social media. These young voices gave us a glimpse into how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat shape their daily lives, relationships, and mental health. From the pressures of likes and followers to the challenges of navigating online drama, their insights are both eye-opening and profound. We explored topics like: The Good: How social media keeps them connected with friends and inspires creativity. The Bad: The pressure to compare themselves to others and maintain a "perfect" image. The Ugly: Cyberbullying, FOMO (fear of missing out), and the overwhelming feeling of being "always on."…

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Tweets, Trolls, and TikTok: Navigating the Online Jungle 29:19

13 weeks之前29:19

29:19

Social media is everywhere, and for today’s youth, it’s almost unavoidable. While it can foster creativity and connection, its challenges—like its impact on self-esteem, mental health, and the pressure to fit in—can feel overwhelming, even catastrophic. In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite , I sit down with my good friend and social clinician, Jennifer Greene, to explore the rollercoaster of emotions that come with life online. Together, we unpack the challenges and celebrate the bright spots of social media, offering practical insights and tips to help young people develop healthier online habits and thrive in a digital world.…

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Asking For Help- The Survival Skill Nobody Talks About 34:58

14 weeks之前34:58

34:58

Asking for help can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step toward living authentically and letting go of the pressure to be perfect. In this episode of Exhausted Sparrows Unite , we dive into why asking for help feels so difficult, how leaning on others can transform your life, and simple strategies to make it easier. We’ll also explore the importance of giving yourself—and others—grace, and how shifting your mindset about needing support can lead to greater connection and resilience. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for help, this episode will remind you that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.…

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Love and Loss: A Mother's Story 40:38

15 weeks之前40:38