Backseat Thriver

Join us with special guest, Therapist and Author, Lacey Kelly as we talk about finding something that was never missing, shedding beliefs that may have been inherited and learning to break the self-help cycle. Turns out you may be just fine.

Is being called high maintenance actually an insult... or is it just what people say when someone has standards? And on the flip side, when someone proudly claims they're low maintenance, does that mean they're easygoing - or just used to accepting the bare minimum? Let's figure this out.

We are going behind the scenes of colon hydrotherapy. Try to unclench and give this a listen. We will also yap about whether having wine after is a good idea. And we know just the spot!

This is the hard stuff. But your freedom is in reach!

As we roll into the chaos of the holiday season, what are you doing to take care of yourself? Explore some tiny luxuries that can make you feel like you have your life together and how those micro-joys can really shift your brain patterns for the better.

This one’s for every woman standing on the edge of what if. Ever felt that tug to do something bold — quit the job, say yes, walk away, start over — but froze at “what if”? Backseat Thriver is talking about leaps of faith , why they’re terrifying, and how they change everything.

We’ve made it through 35 episodes, and here’s the question: are we just talking about growth, or are we actually doing the work? It’s easy to dish out advice, but are we looking in the mirror and calling ourselves out, too? Here’s the truth—self-improvement isn’t all sunshine and journaling. It’s messy. It’s owning your crap. And it’s realizing that forgiveness isn’t about letting people off the h...

Joining us is Mari Peralta, senior wealth manager Today, we’re diving into a subject that impacts every single one of us—money. More specifically, investing. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, there are certain financial truths every woman should have in her toolkit. We’ll talk about the most common mistakes women make when it comes to investing, the unique challenges we face...

Today, we sit with a mother whose life was forever changed in the blink of an eye. Her vibrant 13-year-old was taken by cancer, a battle that came quickly and unexpectedly, leaving her world shattered. But what she has chosen to do with her grief is nothing short of extraordinary. This conversation is about love and loss, about the rawness of saying goodbye far too soon, and about the strength it...

Today we’re joined by special guest Emily Fenton, LCSW. We’re diving into some heavy but important topics—mental health, suicide, and anxiety—especially as the back-to-school honeymoon ends and reality sets in for so many kids who are struggling. We’ll also be exploring the inner voice—how to change the tune when it’s working against us and how to truly validate ourselves in the process. And, as a...

Grief. It’s the one thing we’re all guaranteed to face, but nobody experiences it the same way. This week, we’re sitting down with Dr. Serign Marong, who doesn’t just talk about grief in theory—he’s lived it. Together, we’re asking the questions that don’t come with neat, tidy answers: Can you grieve someone who’s still alive? How has social media changed the way we show (or hide) our grief? And i...

As women, we move through the world every day in ways that require us to balance freedom with awareness. From walking across a dimly lit parking lot, to traveling solo, to navigating packed public spaces—confidence and preparation are the real game changers. This episode is about reclaiming that narrative. We’re breaking down the habits, mindset, and practical tools that help you feel secure, stan...

First impressions can speak louder than a thousand conversations. In this episode, we’ll unpack the subtle—and sometimes surprising—ways we come off to other people. Are you actually intimidating, or are they just feeling intimidated? We’ll explore the difference, and why it matters for your relationships, career, and confidence. We’ll look at the unspoken cues you send—your body language, tone of...

From post-baby bods to perimenopause , we’re getting real about the glorious (and sometimes WTF) rollercoaster that is our ever-changing body. Let’s talk about the boobs that forgot their job, the sagging skin, and the mirror moments that make us pause and wonder: Who even IS she? This week, we’re diving into aging, hormones, self-image, and learning how to love (or at least laugh at) the skin we’...

Today we’re diving into the back-to-school season—and let’s be honest, it’s not always as picture-perfect as those first-day photos. Whether it’s first-day jitters, forgotten homework, or friendship drama, this time of year can bring a lot of stress for kids and parents. In this episode, we’re talking all about how to help your kids tackle anxiety, get back into solid routines, stay organized, and...

Today’s episode dives headfirst into a topic that’s raw, real, and potentially life-saving. We’re joined by a very interesting—and yes, controversial—guest: Mike Brown, founder of Never Use Alone. This isn’t your typical hotline. This is a 24/7, judgment-free, harm reduction service for people who use drugs alone. It’s not about enabling. It’s about saving lives. Mike brings personal experience, u...

Meet Bradner Lawrence, — full-time food tour guide, full-time firefighter, and forever a dad (just ask his kids who’ve heard the same five jokes on repeat since 2012). When he’s not saving lives, he’s saving you from bad restaurant choices. He can spot a five-alarm chili and a five-star taco with equal precision, and if the tour gets too spicy, don’t worry — he’s got a hose. Strap in for laughs, s...

For many women, intuition is a survival tool, a creative compass, and a soul-level GPS. The challenge? We live in a culture that tells women to second-guess it, silence it, or call it “crazy.” In this episode of Backseat Thriver, we sit down with keynote speaker, coach, and creative soul Sheila Elaine to talk about something every woman has — but many have been taught to ignore: intuition. Sheila...

You ever make a decision so bold, so wild, so absolutely based on zero logic that even your own brain was like, “Wait… what are we doing?” That, my friend, is what we call trusting your gut —aka handing the steering wheel to your inner GPS who hasn’t updated since 2009 but feels like it knows the way. Taking a leap of faith is basically jumping off a cliff and hoping your instincts packed a parach...

Sure, we all know drugs and alcohol get the spotlight when it comes to addiction. But what about the sneaky stuff—like obsessively refreshing your ex’s Instagram, or dropping way too much money on things you swear you needed from Amazon at 2 a.m.? These are called behavioral addictions—repetitive habits that can quietly mess with your mental health, bank account, and life in general. We’re talking...

In this episode, we welcome the incomparable Giovanni , the mind and heart behind Imp of the Perverse — a space where indulgence meets intention. From culinary visions and chunky jewelry to curated style and unapologetic self-expression, Giovanni brings a fresh take on living deliciously and dressing for joy.  We talk about everything from a childhood obsession with bell bottoms, to what it’s like...

Ever ridden a bike through the desert with a javelina in a suit? Or hike in a hot dog suit?  Neither have we—but Joe Pagac has! He paints that wild ride like it’s just another Tuesday. On this week’s episode of Backseat Thriver , we take a detour into the surreal world of Tucson muralist Joe Pagac —a man who turned desert whimsy into nine-story masterpieces and made his art a living experience. We...

We’re calling BS on the “glowing new mom” stereotype. Because sometimes, that glow? It’s just sweat, tears, and exhaustion. This week on Backseat Thriver , we’re talking postpartum depression—what it feels like, how to spot it, and why so many moms suffer in silence. We’re talking depression, unrealistic expectations, and why crying over spilled breast milk might actually be the most honest moment...

Today we’re chewing the fat on weight loss, healthy habits, and feeling your best! Because let’s be honest, losing weight isn’t just about eating less and moving more. In this episode, we’ll break down meds, big pharma, and exercise  and will share some practical tips you can start using today, and, of course, keep it all realistic and sustainable. No quick fixes, no gimmicks—just real strategies...

Do you ever hear your kids talk and wonder WTF are they teaching them at school? Or are your kids embarrassed by your slang, “OMG Mom Stop!”  In this episode, we’re diving into the world of modern slang—breaking down terms like Gyuat, Fit, Fanum Tax, and Delulu so you don’t embarrass yourself or your kids trying to use them in a sentence. Consider this your crash course in Internet Linguistics 101...