HERself

324. Staying Out of the Comparison Trap

We turned the conversation over to you and asked one powerful question: In what ways do you struggle with comparison? The overwhelming response was the realization that comparison shows up far more often than we think, especially around money, careers, bodies, relationships, and even our kids. We unpack why comparison feels so loud today, how much of what we see is a highlight reel, and why everyone’s starting point, values, and circumstances are completely different. From navigating career shifts and body image to friendships, marriage, and parenting, this episode is a reminder that you are not behind, broken, or doing life wrong. You are simply living your own version of it.In this episode, we talk about:The sneaky ways comparison shows up, especially the thought of “What am I doing wrong and how can everyone else afford this?”Why social media hides financial stress, marriage struggles, and real life challenges.How different values and priorities shape what people choose to spend money and energy on.Career comparison and promotions, including Abby’s experience leaving the corporate world and redefining fulfillment.Why your job might not be the problem and how finding fulfillment outside of work can change everything.Body comparison, genetics, and why not everything is meant to come easily or naturally to everyone.The truth behind our friendship and why working together skews what people see.Comparing kids, milestones, achievements, and even siblings within the same family.LINKS AND RESOURCES:HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzlink.to/az0BrkLl5pX9u Let’s connect!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

323. Building Your Parenting Village Without Parents Nearby

Parenting in a village isn’t anything new. It’s a necessity for many families, especially when extended family isn’t close by. In this episode, we talk candidly about what it really looks like to build and rely on a village of friends, neighbors, and other families. If you’ve never done this before, know that it can feel intimidating at first. Trusting others with your kids, your schedule, and your needs takes time and practice but it gets easier, and it’s worth it.Key Topics CoveredWhat it means to build a parenting village when family isn’t nearby.Why relying on others often starts out of necessity.How to ask for help clearly, specifically, and in a way that feels fair.Making drop-off birthday parties work for your family.When and how to incorporate paid support into your village.The impact of unexpected support and paying it forward.How building a village models healthy relationships and help-seeking for kids.Letting go of what you thought your village would look like and getting creative.Abby’s go-to coaching prompt for asking for help.LINKS AND RESOURCES:BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herselfLMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF Let’s connect!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

322. How to Have Fun INSIDE Your Relationship

What if the missing ingredient in your marriage, friendships, and parenting isn’t more fixing, but more fun? In this episode, we explore a powerful shift inspired by a viral quote: instead of always focusing on what’s wrong, what happens when we intentionally prioritize joy and play in our relationships?We reflect on how fun often comes naturally in dating but slowly fades as responsibilities, exhaustion, and parenthood take over. Through our honest stories, we unpack why fun is essential, how to bring it back in small, realistic ways, and how it can transform not just your marriage, but your friendships and your experience of parenting.In this episode, we cover:Why having more fun can be just as important as therapy for long-term relationships.How marriage dynamics shift after kids and why fun is often the first thing to disappear.Simple questions to help you take inventory of what actually feels fun and energizing right now.The difference between fun that happens away from your kids and fun you can create with them.Why shared experiences are key to deeper adult friendships and the power of being the one who sends the invite.A simple question to ask your kids to uncover when they feel most connected to you.Realistic, everyday ideas for adding more fun into parenting, even in busy seasons.Fun isn’t optional. It’s often the thing that restores energy, strengthens connection, and makes this season of life feel lighter and more sustainable.LINKS AND RESOURCES:HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastLet’s connect!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

321. Four Keys to Friendship as We Near 40

Friendship doesn’t stay the same as we move through different seasons of life. Many of us grow up with built-in friends from childhood or college, but as we move, build careers, get married, and have kids, our relationships naturally shift. In this episode, we’re not talking about casual friendships or surface-level connections. We’re diving into the deeper, dependable friendships that truly support us, especially as we near 40.We share four key elements that define meaningful adult friendships. First, we talk about the importance of genuinely being proud of the people closest to us. True closeness often goes hand in hand with how someone makes us feel in our body and nervous system. The friends who help us feel calm, safe, and comfortable tend to be the ones who take relationships to the next level.We also explore the value of friends who celebrate our wins. Everyone deserves people they can run to with exciting news, knowing it will be met with genuine joy. If a relationship consistently feels one-sided or competitive, it may be a sign that it’s not meant to be a deeply close friendship.Life inevitably brings hard seasons, and we reflect on how powerful it is to have friends who show up when things get tough. We discuss how small acts, like following up when someone is going through something important, can leave a lasting impact and strengthen trust over time.We also remind listeners that no friendship is perfect. A single comment or moment doesn’t have to define an entire relationship. When something doesn’t sit right, honest conversations can create deeper understanding and connection, especially when the friendship is built on mutual respect.Finally, we talk about staying open to new friendships. You may not have met your future best friend yet. So many people are looking for meaningful connection, but it often takes courage, vulnerability, and someone willing to take the first step to make it happen.Molly Millwood’s Book: https://amzlink.to/az0iWvIxqfuUD Listen to HERself episode #10 with Molly Millwood: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/listen/10-herself-expert-molly-millwood-on-motherhood-marriage-and-the-modern-dilemma LINKS AND RESOURCES:LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herselfLet’s connect!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

320. How to Get Unstuck - Our Tips for Being More Decisive

Decision making doesn’t get easier as life gets fuller and for many women, the constant stream of choices can feel exhausting. In this episode we unpack what decision fatigue really looks like, how it shows up in work and family life, and why trusting yourself is often the most important part of the process.Abby kicks things off by breaking down what actually makes a “good” decision, drawing from her coaching background and education at UW–Madison. She reminds us that we’re always making the best decision we can with the information we have at the time, and explains how the nervous system and personal values play a bigger role in decision making than we often realize.Amy shares behind-the-scenes insight into a recent work decision and reflects on how she gives herself more grace than most women do when it comes to the decision making process. Together, Abby and Amy walk through real-life examples; from building a home, to managing family logistics, and highlight how two people can arrive at the same decision through very different paths.They also explore confidence, indecision, and when it’s helpful (or not) to bring other people’s opinions into the mix. The episode wraps with a few simple, practical ways they’ve each reduced daily decision fatigue - small shifts that have made a big difference.If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed yourself, or wished decisions felt a little lighter, this episode is your reminder that you already have what you need. Trust yourself.LINKS AND RESOURCES:FORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest locationMEDICUBE: https://amzlink.to/az0zgEJC7OXMuHERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastLet’s connect!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.