Life Happens with Barb & Michelle

This week, Barb and Michelle invite you to revisit a past episode with a timely message of managing difficult times and finding peace amid drama. Barb and Michelle unpack a quote that has been simmering in their minds, “Please let go of the habit of comforting people after they have harmed you” by Liana Naima. It’s easy for many of us to go into people pleasing mode to keep the peace in our relati...

In this week's episode of Barb Knows Best , Barb shares a personal experience of acting out of alignment in the heat of the moment. Facing self-criticism and judgment, Barb walks us through her healing and acceptance process, as well as provides practical tips to help prevent future triggers and unnecessary outbursts. This episode serves as a reminder that it’s normal to have difficult interaction...

In this week's episode, Barb and Michelle reflect on the devastating California wildfires, highlighting the deep pain and loss so many are experiencing right now. In moments like these, the strength of our communities and the care we offer one another becomes not just important but essential. Nakita Valerie’s words ring especially true: “Shouting ‘self-care’ at people who actually need ‘community...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle explore how to navigate the transition into the new year with compassion and care. Rather than diving headfirst into the hustle of achieving every resolution, they’re encouraging you to embrace slowness, self-care, and reflection during this first month of 2025. Join them as they share their personal experiences and practical tips for letting go of...

Happy New Year! This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle dive into the transformative practice of intention setting. Take a moment to reflect: how often have you truly followed through on a New Year’s resolution? While many of us start the year eager to grow and thrive, studies show that only 1% of resolutions stick for the entire year. In today’s episode, they explore why resolutions ofte...

As the year draws to a close, we’re reminded of the beauty in pausing to reflect on the journey we’ve taken—the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the gratitude that anchors us. In this week’s episode of Barb Knows Best, we delve into the defining moments of 2024 and share how these experiences have shaped us, prepared us, and inspired us for the year ahead. View full show notes of this...

This week on  Barb Knows Best ,  Barb—a lifelong perfectionist—shares her wisdom and personal journey with perfectionism. Together, Barb and Michelle explore how this mindset shows up, especially during the holidays, and how to break free from its grip. View full show notes of this episode. Follow us  @MichelleMaros  and  @Peaceful_Barb  and share your experiences with us  @BarbKnowsBestPod  or at...

The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, family, and celebration. But for many, it can also bring about big, complex emotions—whether it's stress, grief, or the weight of unresolved conflicts.  This week on Barb Knows Best , my mom and I open up about how we can process these emotions and still find meaning, connection, and peace during the holidays—even when they don’t feel perfect. Vi...

Over the last few episodes, we’ve explored the complexities of managing difficult and toxic relationships. This week on Barb Knows Best , we’re diving deeper into one of the most challenging yet transformative practices: loving people from afar. Together, we’ll share our experiences and insights, unpacking how to transform relationships filled with pain, stress, or emotional turbulence into someth...

In this week's episode of Barb Knows Best , we delve into the often misunderstood world of toxic relationships. What truly defines a toxic relationship? How can we tell the difference between a relationship that’s imperfect and one that’s harmful? With a holiday twist, we’re sharing insights, reminders, and practical steps to help you protect your peace and joy during this busy season. If you’ve e...

This week on Barb Knows Best , we share practical strategies and heartfelt insights to help you reclaim your peace this season. From setting boundaries and managing expectations to staying grounded when chaos swirls around you, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s handling that one relative who always tests your patience or learning how to put your own well-being first, this episode is your guide t...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle dive into a practice that is transformative for them, especially during life’s toughest moments: gratitude . It’s easy to get caught up in striving for more or waiting for the “next big thing,” but the true magic lies in appreciating the here and now. Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling, but rather a way of life. It anchors us during hardships,...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle explore a transformative yet challenging concept: giving yourself permission to feel . In a culture that often tells us to “stay positive” or “power through,” fully embracing our emotions can feel unfamiliar—even radical. Yet, it’s one of the most healing and empowering acts we can do for ourselves. View full show notes of this episode. Follow us  @...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle dive into a topic we all face but rarely talk about openly: disrespect and recognizing when enough is enough.  In this episode, they talk about the subtle signals that can tell us it’s time to reassess or even step away from people or situations that no longer feel respectful or aligned. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and practical...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle dive into the topic of imposter syndrome and share their personal experiences of how they've learned to reclaim their confidence — and hopefully inspire you to do the same. They explore what imposter syndrome looks like, how it manifests, and the impact it can have on our lives. Through the insights and strategies they discuss, they hope to help qui...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle talk about how we can cope with our own anxieties around world events, and the uncontrollable, unpredictable unknown. They also give tips and reminders to help navigate the overwhelm of these times and reminders of how to stay present through it all. We hope this episode encourages you to take your power back and know that you always have a voice an...

This week on Barb Knows Best , Barb and Michelle explore the topic of rejection and how to navigate life’s unexpected detours. They discuss ways to shift your perspective when faced with rejection—whether in relationships, career opportunities, or personal goals—and how it can actually serve as guidance if we learn to surrender and trust the process. They also share personal stories that have help...

In this week's episode, Barb shares her deeply personal and ongoing 40-year journey with bulimia—an addiction that she has battled for much of her life. She candidly discusses how she has found freedom, healing, and self-love through her recovery process. By opening up about her experience, we hope to provide a space for those struggling with addiction to feel seen and empowered to take steps towa...

Grief is a universal human experience—no one escapes it. However, there is a form of grief that begins before the actual loss takes place: anticipatory grief . This week, Barb and Michelle talk about navigating loss before it happens. Anticipatory grief is when someone is expecting or preparing for an impending loss, such as the death of a loved one, the decline of health, or significant life chan...

This week, Barb and Michelle discuss the hot topic of entitlement. They talk about different ways entitlement can show up, letting go of entitlement, and dealing with entitled people. They also discuss how the instant gratification mentality can spark entitlement in our lives.  In this episode, they talk about: The distinction between confidence and entitlement. The idea of holding onto your worth...

This week, Barb and Michelle are diving deep into the idea of reframing or shifting our minds from certain negative belief systems. For anyone who is stubborn, a perfectionist, a fixer, a pessimist, an overthinker, or a planner, this episode will especially resonate with you. Through cultivating awareness and transforming our self-talk, we can release our rigid thinking patterns and find joy in ne...

This week, Barb and Michelle are acknowledging a common problem many of us have—being too hard on ourselves. If you’re someone who feels like you’re always the problem and at fault, then this episode is for you. They’re breaking down our inner-critic and discussing new insights on how to start developing a trusting, loving relationship with ourselves. In this episode, Barb and Michelle discuss: Gi...

This week, Barb and Michelle share how an unfortunate accident led to Barb being forced to slow down physically and mentally. This incident reminded Barb of the importance of being intentional and mindful in thought and action. It can feel impossible to consider moving at a slower pace, the thoughts in the mind are always racing, and the responsibilities are endless. In this episode, they discuss...

This week, Barb and Michelle are talking about an emotion many of us avoid and express poorly—anger. Barb shares her personal experience with avoiding anger throughout her life and her journey with moving through this difficult emotion. They share insights they learned from a somatic healer along with ways to express, acknowledge, and feel your anger. In this episode, they talk about: Acknowledgin...

This week, Barb and Michelle are continuing the manipulation series with this manipulation tactic that is disguised as charm and affection—love bombing. Love bombing is when someone is too loving in the beginning of a relationship before they’ve earned your trust. They share their personal stories and insight on this tricky tactic. In this episode, they talk about: Recognizing and dealing with lov...