Start Scared

My husband, Frank, and I spent the weekend at our annual couple's retreat, and although the timing in December is never the best, we make going a priority. Not only does it help strengthen our marriage, but it also helps us become better parents and models for our kids. Today, we are sharing some of the things we learned about having a grace-filled marriage and some of the things we are hopin...

I have never been more excited for a month to change then I was to flip the calendar from November to December, because November was literally the worst month of my life... But in alllll things there are always lessons to be learned... Today, I am sharing all about the November from HELL... It is literally too crazy for a movie script... But, I am also sharing what I learned while in the trenches....

GIRL! GET READY TO GO TO CHURCH ON A WEDNESDAY! Jerakah Heady is a podcaster, author, multi-passionate entrepreneur, speaker and self proclaimed Target Shopping Connoisseur on a mission to help ambitious women make themselves a priority. Jerakah is your internet BFF. She keeps it real, raw, honest and graceful. We recorded this back in September before many people knew my dad was sick, and it hit...

I am in the HARDEST season of my life, but I am finding myself stopping and sitting in GRATITUDE. I am forever thankful for YOU for allowing me to share this journey. I am forever thankful for those who came to celebrate my dad. I am forever thankful for the amazing stories shared at his celebration. I am forever thankful for my family and friends who have been so strong for us. So. Much. Gratitud...

My dad, Geoff Leighton, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in August 2022, and he died peacefully in his sleep on November 6, 2022, with my mom and me by his side... Although we are left to grieve on Earth, I am filled with peace that we will see him again in Heaven. Please don't forget that we are raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for earlier detection to save lives! You c...

At the time of this recording, my sweet daddy has taken a turn for the worse and instead of bringing you the golden nuggets that I learned from Amber Lilyestrom at the EmpowerHER Live event back in October, I am bringing real and raw and what is on my heart... Girl... don't waste the time you have on this Earth... Stop waiting and start living. Tell the people you love that you love them. Do...

After attending the EmpowerHER Live personal growth conference a couple of weekends ago, I wanted to take the time to share some of my biggest takeaways from each speaker over the next several episodes of Start Scared. Today, I am sharing some takeaways from the event host, Kacia Ghetmiri. [@kacia.ghetmiri on Instagram] Things we discussed today: ~stop dulling your sparkle ~gratitude and sadness c...

GIRL! Buckle on UP! You are NOT going to want to miss this episode! Katrina McMurtry is a wife, momma, educator, podcaster, coach & your biggest cheerleader! She wears ALL of the dang hats!   She is teaching you to put yourself first, so you can show up as your best self! It is her dream to make a positive impact in the lives of other women and she wants to help others discover that putting yo...

Nothing in me wanted to get muddy that day…  I was planning to just watch him and take pictures, but when Bruce, my 7-year-old, asked me to go down the slide with him, I reminded myself that I only have so little time…   And then I couldn’t say no…  Because THIS is when moments turn to memories. So Mama… Get muddy.  Wear the swimsuit.  Get your hair wet.  Toss the football.  Ride the bike.  Whatev...

Lindsay Helm is a professional writer, speaker, and international best-selling author. Her memoir, Vixen released in October 2021 and became a #1 new release and topped the Amazon bestseller charts in multiple categories. Lindsay is also a well-loved wife and mother who resides in western Washington with her family. She is here to light a fire under your butt to pursue your dreams, be a “selfish”...

Rebecca Santos is a mama to two littles, a certified health coach, and a self-proclaimed hot mess mom! She is passionate about providing inspiration, education, and accountability for hot mess moms who are wanting to reclaim their health. Buckle on UP because you are going to be OBSESSED with this one, and don’t forget to tag us on IG with your favorite takeaway! WAYS TO CONNECT WITH  REBECCA ~ In...

This episode was inspired by TWO amazing women, Kacia Ghetmiri and Diana Keller. Today, I am sharing how that rumble in your gut or that tug on your heart could take you from good to great or to even better! But, girl, you'll never know until you TRY. What are YOU going to Start Scared on?! THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE ~ - Kacia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kacia.ghetmiri/ - Diana...

Yes... Unfortunately, the C word has entered the chat, so I am giving you the information I can, but being slightly vague, out of respect for the parties involved... But I am also putting the health care system on blast and begging you to love your people hard because we have a TBD amount of days here. I LOVE YOU, GIRL! 🏼 WAYS WE CAN CONNECT ~ - Come hangout with me on Instagram - https://www.ins...

For sooooo many years, I PUSHED myself hard to work out... I would either follow my workout calendar to a T no matter what or if I didn't wake up in the AM to workout, I thought the day was a lost cause or I would feel that if I wasn't dripping with sweat, the workout didn't count. Can you relate? Today, I am sharing how learning about my hormones and how out of whack they are have...

Do you sometimes feel like you are going through the motions? Your life is full of work, parenting, wash, rinse, repeat? 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️ You are NOT alone. Man, this podcast community is something else… If it weren’t for IG and Start Scared, I never would have been introduced to the amazingly fierce Andrea Parker! She is a former police detective (my true crime loving heart LOVES this!) turn...

AHHH! MY FRIEND WROTE A FREAKING BOOK AND IT IS ALMOST HERE! You are NOT going to want to miss this back porch chat today! Diana Keller is a former HS Math teacher, turned corporate employee, turned entrepreneur! She is the host of the podcast "Keep Moving Forward", is currently in the process of releasing her book, "Stop Talking About the Weather", and she is building out her...

Do you have a clear sense of who you are? Not that you are a Mom, Wife, Daughter, etc... But who are you on the inside? If you are anything like me, you struggle with knowing who you are outside of the many hats you wear. If so, then you are not going to want to miss this episode! I found a super interesting article all about WHY we experience a loss of identity and questions we can ask ourselves...

Now that school is back in session or almost back in session, depending on where you live... I did an IG live with my girl, Bridgitte Carroll, all about how magnesium can help children and adults with ADHD. Bruce takes The Miracle Worker in the morning along with his probiotic, The Go-To, and The Miracle Worker in the evening before bed. I love the integrity of the company because I know that we a...

You are going to LOVE the chat that I am bringing with Erin Trier today!   Erin is a Mom of 4, Mental Health Advocate, Special Needs Parent and has been married to her husband Dave for almost 13 years. Erin has degrees in social work and psychology, which, combined with her personal and professional experience, has served as the catalyst to teach on the importance of mental health in everyday life...

Some days we have it all together & some days we don’t… This past weekend was one of those times. I immediately jumped on the mic to share with YOU in hopes that it makes you feel seen, heard and understood. I am pulling back the curtain to a REAL TIME moment that happened between me and my 7 year old, Bruce. *This story is shared with his permission. (I have learned my lesson! IYKYK) And afte...

You are going to LOVE today’s episode… Sam Altieri is a certified women’s life coach for empaths and women with ADHD. She helps aspiring and new entrepreneurs get in control of their life and take focused messy action toward their goals. She has organically created well over $700k in her coaching business and is traveling the world full time in a converted van! How freaking COOL! Sam is on a missi...

GIRL! Get freaking ready because you are about to be taken to church! Jenna Klopfenstein, is  a wife, boy mama to two awesome boys, Orthopedic Physician Assistant, Growth Coach, and Podcaster. She is  passionate about EMPOWERING women and helping them see the goodness within themselves. She is  a Growth Coach who helps women love themselves unconditionally and start living a life they really love....

Let's talk about POOP, baby! Is it weird? YES! Is it important? ALSO YES! Today, let's take a deep dive into HOW I started working with an RD, what tests she recommended for me (HINT: A poop test!), the supplements she recommended I take to address the ROOT CAUSE of my symptoms and WHY it is important to invest in your health NOW (HINT: Because you are worth it!). THINGS MENTIONED IN THI...

You are going to LOVE today’s episode! Lindsey Konchar is a licensed graduate social worker, which basically means she brings some credentialed experience to the mental health world. Now, she is a mom by day and a social worker by heart! While she is thrilled to be a stay-at-home mama, she knew couldn’t lose who she was along the way. Doesn’t THAT sound familiar?! She found a way to use the clinic...

Do you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list? Do you feel frazzled and all over the place? Do you feel run down and exhausted by the end of the day? Girl… I 100% feel you! But I have a question… When was the last time you did something that just brought you pure JOY?! When was the last time you put your to-do list aside and did something for YOU!? If it’s been a while, you need to listen to THIS! If...