The Steady Steps Podcast

Nobody likes criticism… but most of us get a surprising amount of it—sometimes even on purpose. In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we talk about what it actually looks like to accept criticism well Why does feedback hit so close to the bone? Why do we either want to defend ourselves immediately or crawl under the nearest table? And what would change if we treated criticism as informatio...

Why does worry feel like caring… even when it’s draining the life out of us? In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we explore the subtle but powerful difference between worry and healthy concern . Using everyday examples—from tense moments watching a big game to those 3 a.m. mental spirals—we unpack why worry so often masquerades as responsibility, love, or preparation. This is a practical...

When everything feels urgent at once, it’s easy to freeze. The inbox fills up, the to-do list grows, and even simple tasks feel hard to start. In this episode, we talk about a simple rule for moments like that: do the next thing . Not the perfect thing. Not the whole plan. Just one small, concrete action that actually finishes something. If you’ve been stuck lately, this episode offers a practical...

“Don’t overreact” sounds like good advice—until you realize it doesn’t tell you what to do instead. In this episode, we unpack why overreactions happen and how responding too fast or measuring a situation too big can throw us off. The goal isn’t to suppress emotion, but to slow the moment down and respond in proportion.

We all experience Intrusive thoughts – strange, unwantedideas that pop into our minds and can be hard to shake. They can be frustrating or even unsettling. This episode is a calm, practical conversation about how torespond to those thoughts without fear or self-judgment. Instead of trying to fight your mind, we explore gentler, more effective ways to stay grounded, refocus your attention, and keep...

Some questions don’t have clean answers. In this episode, we step into one of the hardest and most uncomfortable conversations many people quietly carry: pain, suffering, and where God fits when life just doesn’t make sense. When faithful people suffer. When good lives are cut short. When illness, loss, or heartbreak feels random and undeserved. We talk about why the tidy explanations we often hea...

A tiny shift in language can completely change the way we face our day. In this episode, we explore the difference between saying “I have to ” and “I get to ,” and how this simple reframing can lighten difficult tasks, soften tough conversations, and bring a sense of purpose back into ordinary moments. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by responsibilities or stuck in dread before an uncomfortable i...

Episode 20 is a special one. We’re hitting a meaningful podcast milestone, and in this episode we take a step back to talk honestly about what it’s taken to get here—what’s gone well, what’s been harder than expected, and why so many shows quietly fade out around this point. We look at the statistics behind pod-fade, the realities of creative burnout, and the gap between the podcast we planned to...

It’s easy to let life settle into routine — work, home, screens, repeat. But staying curious and deliberate about learning can keep your mind sharp, your spirit awake, and your sense of purpose alive. In this episode, we explore why lifelong learning matters, what keeps people from doing it, and how even fifteen minutes a day can make you better than most in any skill you choose. Whether it’s a ne...

We all want to be liked — but when the need for approval starts shaping our decisions, it can quietly drain our energy, cloud our judgment, and even lead to moral compromise. In this episode, Brian Volpone shares a personal story about learning he was a “people pleaser,” and explores what happens when kindness turns into approval addiction. The conversation dives into how people pleasing shows up...

Sleepless Anxiety Ever find yourself wide awake at 2 AM, replaying every mistake you’ve ever made — or worrying about things that probably aren’t even real? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore why anxiety hits harder in the middle of the night, what’s happening in your body and mind, and how to find calm until morning. Because as we like to say, nothing is right in the middle of the nigh...

Sleep isn’t wasted time — it’s one of the most powerful tools you have for clarity, focus, and health! In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we’ll explore why rest matters so much, how small habits before bedtime can change the quality of your sleep, and why “preparing to sleep” is just as important as the sleep itself. Sometimes spiritual, always thoughtful — in less than 15 minutes, disc...

Ever feel like you don’t belong — like everyone else has it figured out and you’re just faking it? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we unpack imposter syndrome with help from stories and quotes by Kate Winslet, Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks, and more. Discover why even the most accomplished people doubt themselves, and how preparation, practice, and perspective can give yo...

Boundaries aren’t walls that keep everyone out — they’re fences with gates. You decide what comes in and what doesn’t. Too often, we think of boundaries as selfish or negative, but the truth is they create space for healthier relationships and a more focused life. In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we explore why boundaries matter, why they’re so hard to set, and how healthy limits prot...

Why is it so hard to ask for help? For many of us, the struggle runs deep — tied to pride, fear, or the belief that needing help somehow makes us less. In this episode, we explore why asking for help isn’t weakness but wisdom. We’ll look at the hidden cost of silence, the pressure to appear self-sufficient, and what real courage looks like when we let others come alongside us. We’ll draw lessons f...

The world can feel heavy, negative, and exhausting — but fun isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we explore the truth that joy, laughter, and play are every bit as important as being serious. Consider this your permission slip to lighten up : watch something funny, smile at a stranger, go outside and play, or just notice the little things that make life...

Extended Edition – Don’t Drop the Baton: The Deep Dive Some values we inherit give us strength, while others quietly hold us back. Why is it so hard to let go of unhealthy, inherited beliefs? In this extended edition, we dig deeper into the baton analogy, exploring identity, family loyalty, cognitive dissonance, and even what cult deprogramming can teach us about breaking free. You’ll also hear pr...

We don’t always choose the values we carry — many were handed to us and reinforced until they feel like part of who we are. But what happens when those values are unhealthy? In this episode, we explore practical ways to surface those inherited beliefs, examine where they came from, and exchange them for values that move you toward the life you truly want.

We all carry values we didn’t choose — some help us, others hold us back. Here’s how to spot the hidden beliefs that shape your life. Some of the values we carry aren’t ones we chose — they were handed to us, reinforced for years, and woven into our identity. But what happens when those values are unhealthy? In this episode, we look at how to spot these hidden, inherited beliefs, bring them into t...

You’ve gotta suck before you succeed. Nobody wants to fail… but what if failure isn’t bad? What if it’s actually one of the most important parts of success? In this episode of The Steady Steps Podcast , we explore why you have to “suck before you succeed,” with insights from Dave Grohl, sports, and even baseball’s reputation as a “game of failure.” You’ll hear why the awkward, clumsy stage is esse...

Most time isn’t lost — it’s drifted away. In this episode, we talk about the quiet power of choosing how you spend your moments. Whether it’s ten minutes or a full afternoon, intention makes the difference between drifting and deciding. Learn how a simple mindset shift can help you take ownership of your time. Your feedback is always welcome! www.steadystepspodcast.com steps@steadystepspodcast.com

We don’t always notice the clutter that builds up around us—but it affects us more than we think. In this episode, we’ll explore how a messy space can weigh on your focus, your time, and even your stress level—and how small, simple habits can help you reclaim a sense of clarity. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that helps your mind breathe.

In this special extended edition of The Steady Steps Podcast , we take a deeper look at the voice inside your head—your self-talk—and how it shapes your emotions, decisions, and sense of identity. this 30-minute deep dive explores how to spot unhelpful patterns, reframe your internal narrative, and build a more encouraging mindset. It’s a thoughtful conversation about the stories we tell ourselves...

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Wow, I really messed that up”? That’s self-talk—and it’s more powerful than you might think. In this episode, let's explore how the quiet voice in your head can shape your confidence, your mood, and even your future. With a mix of humor, insight, and practical steps, we’ll learn how to reframe negative thoughts and start talking to yourself like someone who actua...

Episode 3 – Noticing Your Self-Talk What do you say to yourself when no one’s listening? In this episode, we take a closer look at your inner dialogue—how it shapes your mood, confidence, and spiritual well-being. You’ll learn why simply noticing your self-talk is a powerful first step toward lasting change. Your feedback is always welcome! ⁠⁠www.steadystepspodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠steps@steadystepspodcast...