This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

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,...

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...

In 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...

Season 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...

We 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, y...

Amy 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...

Following 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. T...

In 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 ind...

Money 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...

In 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...

In 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...

In 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. W...

In 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...

In 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 su...

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 th...

This 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...

 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 b...

In 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...

In 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...

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 fo...

Instead 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 gatherin...

In 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. Draw...

In 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 real...

“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...

Hosts: 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 s...