Be Sweet Ya'll

In this episode, I’m beyond excited to sit down with the multi-talented Jason Hedden — Executive Director of Recruitment and Community Relations at Gulf Coast State College, theater professor turned comedy producer, and the creative mind behind Panama City Comedy. Jason shares how his journey from theater to comedy started by simply showing up at an open mic and evolved into a thriving comedy scen...

Happy New Year! This week, I’m thrilled to sit down with Kevin, the co-owner of Wewa Films and co-founder of the Redfish Film Festival. Kevin’s story is one of creativity, reinvention, and building community through shared vision and purpose. Kevin shares his transformative story recounting his experience from running a childcare center to launching Wewa Films and eventually a film festival in the...

Hey, y’all! It’s just me today, coming to you live with some thoughts straight from the heart. The holiday season is here, and  I want to share something that’s been a lifelong lesson: letting go of trying to change others and focusing on what we can control. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ new book Let Them, I reflect on the struggles and beauty of learning to let people be who they are—and letting ours...

What does living a life rooted in music, faith, and family mean? Today, I’m thrilled to share a heartfelt conversation with my dear friend, Will Thompson. Will is a talented musician and leader and a dedicated husband, father, and advocate for the arts in our community. We explore Will’s inspiring journey of growing up in a musical family, his love story with his wife, Lindsey, and his passion for...

What does it mean to truly connect—with others and with yourself? Today, my daughter Britt Matthews and I are joining for an honest conversation about the challenges of connection, vulnerability, and self-discovery. We share our thoughts and experiences on people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the bravery it takes to craft your story. Britt shares her journey of working through codependency, recover...

Imagine the joy of welcoming a new baby into your life, followed by the heartbreak of an unexpected tragedy just days later. In this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Ayers—a singer, author, widow, and mom. Just three days after giving birth to their son, Jessica's husband Justin was tragically killed by a stray bullet. With courage and faith, Jessica worked through her grief to find light again. She...

This week, I’m sharing a quick yet powerful reminder about the life-changing power of gratitude. Inspired by a message from Andy Stanley, I talk about why gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a transformative way of living. We’ll reflect on how choosing gratitude can bring joy, strengthen relationships, and help us navigate life’s challenges with grace. I also open up about a recent honor that di...

In this episode, I’m joined by my sweet best friend, Jody Morgan, for a heartfelt conversation about the beauty of true friendship, navigating complex family dynamics, and discovering joy even in the hard times. Jody and I share stories of our adventures together and reflect on what it means to have a friend with whom you feel truly safe. This episode is about friendship that uplifts, inspires, an...

Lessons from a Hot Sauce HeroWhat do you do when someone says the sky is falling? You catch it! In this episode, we talk about how to turn challenges into chances for growth. I share an amazing story about Drew Davis, a young guy who started a hot sauce company called Crippling Hot Sauce, even though he has cerebral palsy. People thought his idea was unrealistic, but he made it happen anyway! We a...

Welcome to the very first long-form episode of My Happy Ass Life! Today, I'm excited to share this journey of growth in mind, body, and spirit. In this debut episode, I discuss why and how we’re moving from daily affirmations to this extended podcast format. We explore how life's transitions call for changes in our routines and how stepping out of the comfort zone leads to more profound transforma...

Are distractions keeping you in your comfort zone? Imagine if true growth requires stepping away from distractions to live a more focused life. In this episode, I share my journey of trying to stay focused, including the irony of getting distracted while listening to Bob Goff’s Undistracted. We explore the importance of giving God control of our schedules, balancing fun with productivity, and find...

What if the strength you’ve always sought is actually what’s keeping you stuck? Imagine if real growth means letting go of what feels comfortable and embracing the uncertainty that comes with change. In this first episode of Season 4, I sit down with my amazing coach, Dr. Jenn Burg, to talk about what strength really means. We talk about everything from how to make real changes in our daily habits...

Hey, y’all! 🎉 Thanks for waking up with a Happy Ass! This season, we’re shifting from daily affirmations to weekly episodes, letting us dive even deeper into what makes life brighter, sweeter, and more purposeful. 🌞 Four and a half years ago, during the COVID days, a friend nudged me to share my daily affirmations online, and I thought, "Why not?" So, we started gathering each morning, lifting e...

In today’s episode, I’ve got some big news—after over four years of daily episodes, we’re saying goodbye to My Happy Ass Life as a daily show. Instead, we’re moving to a weekly format! This transition is all about making space for what matters most, being intentional, and continuing this journey with you in a way that fits into a more balanced life. I’m grateful for every single day we’ve shared,...

In today’s episode, we're getting honest about money. Spoiler alert: I haven't always been the best with it—and that's putting it lightly. But I’m on a journey to change that and inviting you to come along. Today, I’m sharing some personal stories, lessons from Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and the real truth about how we can make money work for us instead of always working for money. It’s not about shame;...

In today’s episode, we get real about personal growth. Spoiler alert: I’m still learning, and that’s okay! Life is about stumbling, learning, and standing back up again. Today, I’m sharing an honest confession, a couple of lessons, and how I’m embracing those moments when I don’t quite get it right. Inspired by some wise words from Jim Rohn and a humbling news interview, I’m reminded that the only...

In today’s episode, I’m talking about the importance of ditching the “when and then” thinking—you know, the idea that when you reach a certain point, then you can finally rest. Spoiler alert: there is no perfect “there,” so it’s time to take control of our calendars and make rest a part of our routine. I share my own journey through Colorado’s high altitude, reflections on overworking, and why we...

In today’s episode, we’re shattering the myth that people can't change. Guess what? We absolutely can! I share some real and raw reflections on my own journey—how I used to think I was invincible, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and why it's so important to be growth-conscious. Whether it’s health, mindset, or becoming more organized, I’m here to remind you that positive change is always w...

In today’s episode, we get real about balance. Spoiler alert: I’m still very much a work in progress on this one! If you’re wondering whether you’re at the right place, you definitely are—because if I’m talking about balance, then anything can happen, right? Life is a juggling act, and staying balanced is something I’m always working on. Inspired by a recent podcast with Rick Warren, I’m sharing a...

Ever feel like someone's words just cut too deep, or like you're on the edge of snapping back? In this episode, I dive into how to handle criticism—whether you're the one receiving it or tempted to dish it out. This week was a bit rough for me—like when I dropped my phone in the toilet! But I learned to laugh it off. We discuss why we shouldn't let negative comments bring us down, especially if th...

In this episode, I talk about why it's so important to practice what we say we believe, instead of just talking about it. I share a story from my recent golf trip, full of surprises, to explain why trusting your instincts is so valuable and how we can learn from both our successes and failures. I also ask an important question from Shana Nyquist's book Saber: Are there things in your life that you...

In this episode, I talk about how important it is to replace old, negative thoughts with new, positive habits. I was inspired by my amazing language arts teacher, Joyce Buttermore, who made a big impact on my life. I also share lessons from books like What to Say When You Talk to Yourself and ideas from Mel Robbins. The goal is to see life as an adventure and replace old habits that hold us back....

Chaos taking over? In this episode, I talk about what it’s like when everything feels chaotic—like juggling laundry, kids, and work deadlines—and how I find my balance again. I share how I navigate chaos at home and find small moments of peace. For me, it's about doing more than just enough—filling the gas tank or taking time for a proper workout. Let's talk about finding balance and being intenti...

What if the start of a new month is the perfect time for new beginnings? In this episode, I talk about embracing the opportunities that come with a fresh start—like setting aside time each morning for quiet reflection or choosing one healthy habit to focus on for the month—making mindful choices for a healthier, more fulfilling life. From focusing on wellness instead of illness to embracing the po...