Five Year You

Have you ever felt an internal pull toward something more—even though your life looks “fine” on the outside? In this episode, Andrew and Cat explore the quiet but powerful feeling many people experience when they’re ready for growth: the sense that the current version of yourself no longer fits. This conversation unpacks why this feeling shows up, what it actually means, and how to listen to it wi...

Why Resolutions Don’t Stick Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions — and by mid-January, most of them feel frustrated, discouraged, or convinced they’ve failed. In this episode, Andrew and Cat break down why resolutions so often fall apart , why it’s not a personal flaw, and what actually works if you want real, lasting change. This conversation is about releasing shame, underst...

Rejection can feel deeply personal — whether it’s not getting the job, not hearing back, being left out, or feeling unwanted in relationships. In this episode, Andrew and Cat unpack why rejection hurts so much , what’s actually happening in your brain when it happens, and how to move through it without letting it define your self-worth. This conversation is for anyone who tends to replay rejection...

Bad days happen to everyone — the spilled coffee, the rude driver, the overwhelming to-do list, the kid meltdown, or the spiraling thoughts that won’t quit. But a bad day doesn’t have to turn into a bad week or a bad season. In this episode, Andrew and Cat break down exactly what’s happening in your body and mind during a tough day and share practical, science-backed steps to interrupt the spiral...

Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year — but for many people, it’s one of the hardest. In this episode, Andrew and Cat talk honestly about holiday burnout, grief, pressure, and unrealistic expectations, and offer compassionate, practical ways to experience Christmas in a way that actually feels good for  you . This episode is especially for anyone who feels overwh...

You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely — and that’s something almost everyone experiences. In this episode, Andrew and  Cat  unpack the difference between being  alone  and  feeling lonely , explore where that emptiness comes from, and share practical, compassionate ways to rebuild connection — both with others and yourself. Big ideas Loneliness ≠ isolation....

Do you ever wake up and think,  “Is this it?”  You’ve checked all the boxes — career, home, family — but something still feels flat. In this episode, Andrew and  Cat  unpack why life can suddenly feel boring even when everything looks good on paper. They share insights on midlife lulls, lost curiosity, and how to bring energy, novelty, and purpose back into your everyday routin...

Everyone wants to be liked — but trying too hard can make the opposite happen. In this episode, Andrew and  Cat  unpack the psychology of likability and share practical, science-backed (and heart-backed) ways to connect more deeply with others. Whether you’re navigating work events, friendships, or dating, these tips will help you become the kind of person people remember — for all the r...

When was the last time you felt  truly  peaceful? In this episode, Andrew and  Cat  unpack what peace actually means — and how to protect it when life, family, work, and the holidays all compete for your calm. You’ll learn how to draw healthy boundaries, avoid people-pleasing, and keep your inner world steady even when the outer world isn’t. Big ideas Peace is an inside job. &n...

Episode snapshot Personal growth is beautiful — until it’s not. In this episode, Andrew and  Cat  talk about the  hidden fatigue  that comes with healing, self-development, and “always improving.” They unpack why the messy middle is normal, why growth never really ends, and how to rest without guilt. Big ideas Growth is cyclical, not linear.  You’re not failing — you’re ju...

Episode snapshot Ever been told you’re “not fun” or “too serious”? Andrew and  Cat  unpack what  fun  actually means — and why chasing other people’s version of it leaves you drained. This episode helps you redefine fun on your own terms, whether that means karaoke nights or coloring budget charts. Big ideas Fun got complicated.  It used to be sticks and puddles; now it’s...

Feeling stuck, numb, or like the light went out? Andrew and  Cat  talk about rebuilding hope—without toxic positivity. You’ll learn why hope is a brain-and-body shift (not a mood), what quietly erodes it, and small, doable steps to feel a spark again. Big ideas Hope ≠ denial.  It accepts reality  and  imagines a different future. Your brain likes anticipation.  Even t...

If you’ve ever rewritten a simple text 3x, “rescued” the dishwasher, or tried to schedule spontaneity… hi, friend. Andrew and  Cat  unpack why control feels so necessary (spoiler: anxiety + safety), the hidden costs on your body and relationships, and simple ways to loosen your grip without letting life fall apart. Big ideas Control ≠ safety.  It’s often an anxious mind trying to pr...

“Calm down” never calms anyone down. Andrew and  Cat  share practical, under-a-minute techniques from their  Quick Calm Method —tools you can use at work, in traffic, or mid–dinner chaos to regulate your nervous system fast (without a 60-minute meditation). Big ideas Co-regulation beats commands.  “Breathe with me” works; “calm down” doesn’t. Not all “wellness” fits all bodies....

Joy isn’t only for big vacations and milestone days. Andrew and  Cat  share how to spot, savor, and  create  tiny moments of joy inside regular Tuesdays—using reframes, mini rituals, and presence. Big ideas Reframe “have to” → “get to.”  (“I get to make my teenager breakfast.” “I get to have coffee.”) Joy is a muscle.  Start from where you are and build reps with smal...

Overthinking feels productive—but it’s really a mental treadmill. Andrew and  Cat  share simple, science-backed ways to break rumination loops, calm anxiety, and take clear next steps. Big ideas Overthinking ≠ problem-solving.  It’s a certainty-seeking loop fueled by anxiety. Awareness is step one.  “I’m trying to change what can’t be changed” stops past-focused spirals. Name i...

Arguments don’t need winners; they need resolution. Andrew and  Cat  share calm, practical ways to defuse conflict at home, with friends, and at work—so everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Big ideas Stay calm first.  Regulated nervous systems make regulated conversations. Listen to understand, not to win.  Most “arguments” are unmet needs in disguise. Name the real issue...

Decision dread, analysis paralysis, and the fear of “messing it up” can keep you stuck on the couch while life moves on. In this episode, Andrew and  Cat  break down how to make choices with more ease, treat “wrong” choices as data, and shift from scarcity (“there’s only one right path”) to abundance (“there’s another bus coming”). Expect gentle reframes, fast decision tools, and permiss...

In this heart–forward episode, Andrew shares the shoulder injury that forced him to stop, sit still, and confront a lifelong belief that his worth equals his usefulness. Cat opens up about what it’s like to love a helper who suddenly needs help—and how “failing” often just means you’re in a season of healing, not a verdict on who you are. Expect reframes, gentle tactics for the “I’m behind” spiral...

Ever feel like you're following a script you didn’t write? In this episode, Andrew and Catherine crack open the idea that many of the “rules” we live by—college, career, homeownership, timelines for success—are completely made up. Some rules serve a purpose (looking at you, traffic lights), but others just keep us stuck, stressed, or chasing lives that don’t fit who we are. They talk candidly abou...

Making friends as a grown-up isn’t as easy as it used to be. In this vulnerable and practical episode, Andrew and Catherine talk candidly about their own struggles with adult friendship—and why it's harder than it looks. From mom-friend pickup lines at the park to feeling ghosted after a good conversation, they explore what makes friendships work, how to initiate without overthinking it, and why p...

We all get angry—but what do you  do  with it? In this candid episode, Andrew and Catherine explore the role of anger in our lives, especially when we’ve been taught to suppress it or feel shame for having it. They share deeply personal stories from childhood and parenting, unpack how anger manifests in the body, and offer practical tools for managing big emotions in healthy, non-destruc...

In this episode of the Five Year You podcast, we dive into the framework we created called  The Layers of Life . This model helps you understand the difference between living a life on autopilot and living a life on purpose—from your soul outward. We’ll walk you through the five layers: Soul  – your essence and spiritual center Self  – your emotional, mental, and physical well-being...

Feeling burnt out or constantly critical of yourself? In this episode, we explore how becoming your own best friend can radically transform your life, mindset, and self-worth. Learn how to talk to yourself with more compassion, set better boundaries, and build a life rooted in inner support—not just external validation. ⏱️  Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: A message to the burnt-out overachi...

We’ve all faced money stress — but what if solving financial problems could actually feel… empowering? In this episode, Andrew and Catherine share a simple 3-step framework to help you approach money issues without shame, panic, or overwhelm. Whether you're dealing with debt, budgeting challenges, or cash flow confusion, this episode will help you feel calm, clear, and ready to take action. 💬 Wha...