This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

In this uplifting and thoughtful episode, Amy and Cheryl welcome back Dr. Holly Hoffman (Central Michigan University) and introduce Dr. Katie Sloan (Oakland University), both professors of Early Childhood Education and Development in Michigan. Together, they share the story of how a virtual book club brought educators together across the state to explore what it truly means to lead with joy — and...

In this episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Amy and Cheryl dive into what it really means to show up for someone chasing a dream—especially when your inner alarm bells are ringing. Through an all-too-relatable scenario involving a handmade candle business, they explore how fear, love, and protection often get tangled up in our responses. This conversation touches on: The difference between su...

What happens when life doesn’t go the way you thought it would? In this episode, Amy and Cheryl open up about the twists and turns no one sees coming—when careers shift, roles change, and the road you're walking wasn’t exactly the one you picked. It all starts with a text about theater tickets… and unfolds into a conversation about detours, disappointments, and the weird in-between spaces where th...

This week, Amy and Cheryl welcome Ashley Arnett, founder of The Dressing Room at   DressingApproved.com —the only place on the internet bold enough to rate ranch dressings with a five-tier scale and a whole lot of heart. What started as a little joke between friends became a surprisingly thoughtful passion project, and now a deliciously specific corner of the internet. But this episode isn’t just...

 We always talk about growth like it’s the goal (and it is!)—but what happens when your personal growth pulls you away from people you used to feel close to? In this heart-to-heart episode, Amy and Cheryl tackle one of the quiet heartbreaks of adulthood: outgrowing relationships that once felt like forever. With warmth, honesty, and the kind of wisdom you’d expect from your favorite friend who’s b...

In this listener-inspired episode, Amy and Cheryl explore what it feels like to arrive at a crossroads—the kind where something you once loved, worked for, or felt aligned with… no longer quite fits. Whether it’s a career path, a long-held goal, or a version of yourself you’ve outgrown, these moments of transition can feel confusing, bittersweet, and deeply clarifying. Through personal stories and...

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Amy and Cheryl unpack the sneaky grip of imposter syndrome. They reflect on moments when confidence was mistaken for certainty, when self-doubt crept in after success, and how much of what we perceive is shaped by comparison. Through laughter, storytelling, and some deeply relatable truths, they explore how to move through imposter syndrome—not by waiting for...

This episode takes you inside an honest, eye-opening conversation with Dr. Cheryl Geisthardt, professor of child development and expert in stress, coping, and resilience. Cheryl bravely shares her family’s journey after her daughter’s rare cancer diagnosis, offering a window into what it’s really like to navigate trauma and lean on a community of support. We explore the realities of being there fo...

Instead of focusing on going out to meet people, we explore what it looks like to invite others in—whether that’s into your home, your world, or just a shared moment. Friendship can begin in the simplest ways, and sometimes the best connections happen right in your own backyard (literally).   Themes covered: hospitality, vulnerability, hosting, friendship-building, connection, spontaneous gatherin...

In this heartwarming and relatable episode, Amy and Cheryl dive into a conversation sparked by a simple but powerful question: “Where do you go to make friends?” What unfolds is a thoughtful, honest, and often funny exploration of the routines that keep us stuck, the vulnerability that comes with trying something new, and the small (and big!) ways we can open ourselves up to connection again. Draw...

In this heartfelt episode, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. JoDell Heroux—educator, advocate, and professor of Disability Studies—for a powerful conversation about what it really means to understand and live with disability. Together, they explore: - Why disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time - How internalized ableism shows up in our everyday lives—often without us real...

“Women’s wellness impacts generations.” That powerful quote from Karen Guggenheim of the World Happiness Summit (WOHASU) became a guiding light for this week’s episode. Fresh off a trip to Washington, D.C., Cheryl and Amy sit down to reflect on the WOHASU Women event focused on Gallup insights into women's workplace well-being and success. In true This Was Supposed to Be Easy fashion, they unpack...

Hosts: Amy & Cheryl Theme: Coaching, curiosity, self-growth, and the art of asking the right questions In this episode, Cheryl flips the script and interviews Amy about her passion for coaching, learning, and leadership. Amy shares her powerful mantra: "Instead of getting furious, get curious." This mindset has transformed how she navigates conflict, decision-making, and growth. Her coaching s...

Hosts: Amy & Cheryl Theme: Strength-based mindsets, joy, and the science of living well In this episode, Amy interviews her co-host, Dr. Cheryl Priest, for a deep-dive into one of her biggest passions: cultivating a strength-focused mindset. Cheryl shares how her interest in strengths and positive psychology has been woven through her personal and professional life for over 25 years—dating all...

Hosts: Amy & Cheryl Special Guest: Dr. Holly Hoffman Theme: Friendship, humor, and the intentional pursuit of joy Cheryl and Amy welcome their first guest, Dr. Holly Hoffman—expert in laughter, joy, and creating human connection. Holly shares how friendships have shaped her life, especially during big life transitions like moving, parenting, and becoming an empty nester. The conversation explo...

Hosts: Amy & Cheryl Theme: The how-tos of friendship, connection, and the intentional work behind relationships Cheryl and Amy expand on their “why” for creating the podcast, diving into personal stories and behind-the-scenes planning sessions—complete with backpacks full of glittery inspiration and Ted Talk nuggets. They reflect on how friendship sometimes seems effortless in early childhood,...

Hosts: Amy & Cheryl Theme: Building Connection, Friendship, and Glitter ✨ Cheryl and Amy reflect on their journey from being work colleagues to becoming real-life friends. Discussion highlights the importance of craving connection—and how that desire often leads us to deeper, more meaningful relationships. They explore a common experience: why women often make things look easier than they rea...