Episodes

Melissa sits down with Gretchen Cromwell, who does all the transcripts for the podcast. Gretchen and Melissa discuss what surprised them along the way, some memorable guests, and what's next for Pursuing Uncomfortable. Sign up for updates Follow Gretchen: Instagram Facebook Support the show More From Melissa and Pursuing Uncomfortable: Resources fiLLLed Life Newsletter YouTube Leave a review Pursuing Uncomfortable Book

Join host Melissa as she interviews accomplished author and journalist, Judy Foreman. In this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, Judy shares about her experiences with chronic pain, passion for exercise, and her journey from childhood trauma to healing, as narrated in her memoir,"Let the More Loving One Be Me." They delve deep into the power of therapy to unravel family truths and generational patterns. Judy also addresses emotional courage, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth in one's l...

Megan has been fascinated by dreams since she was a child. She had both incredible flying dreams and disturbing nightmares, always wanting to understand their meaning. She would look up dream dictionaries but found them unsatisfying. Megan was drawn to the magical and mystical, loving Halloween because it acknowledged the presence of spirits. However, it wasn't until she faced a serious health crisis that she reevaluated her life and listened to her inner calling. Through meditation and spiritua...

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, Melissa welcomes career transition coach John Tarnoff to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by mid to late career professionals. They delve into the statistics of job loss for individuals over 50, John's personal journey through various industries, and the importance of embracing change and finding the right fit in today's fast-paced and disrupted economy. Tune in as they uncover the power of self-reflection and proactive decision-making in shaping a fulfilling career.

Welcome to another episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable! In today's episode, we are joined by the incredible Angela Legh, a children's author who has created something truly special with her Bella Santini Chronicles. Angela's books are designed to help children navigate emotional challenges like bullying and abandonment, empowering them with the tools to overcome and thrive. But before diving into her fascinating work, Angela shares her own personal journey of growth and transformation. From a diff...

Welcome to another episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable! In today's episode, titled "Pursuing the Happiness Habit with Kara Payton," our host Melissa is joined by special guest Kara. They dive into the power of internal conversations, the impact of subconscious beliefs, and the importance of reframing our perspectives. Together, they explore the journey of personal development and overcoming fear to create lasting change. Kara, who started a podcast called the Happiness Habit, shares their own transformation and the evolution of their show. Join us as we unpack the uncomfortable and discover the keys to pursuing happiness. Stay tuned!

Welcome to another captivating episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable! In today's episode, we have the talented and insightful Liv Arnold joining us to talk about her journey as a romance writer and the powerful themes she explores in her books. Liv takes us on a fascinating exploration of her own experiences with anxiety and how writing has become her outlet for understanding and coping with her symptoms. Her series, Investor in You, delves into the world of finance, crime, and the challenges faced by female characters in male-dominated industries. Liv also shares her unique approach to tackling anxiety through unconventional methods like cold therapy and fasting, revealing the deep connection between the mind and physical resilience. Get ready to be inspired and captivated as we dive into Liv's world of writing romance and pursuing uncomfortable truths. Let's jump right in!

In this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, host Melissa welcomes special guest Prof. Pete Alexander, a multi-talented individual with a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share. Prof. Pete discusses the power of laughter as a stress relief technique and how it can positively impact our health and well-being. He also opens up about his personal journey with stress and burnout, sharing a pivotal moment that led him to prioritize his health over his career. Tune in to this insightful episode as Prof. Pete inspires us to find joy in laughter and take charge of our stress levels.

Welcome to a special episode of the Pursuing Uncomfortable podcast. Today, we are joined by the incredible Justin Bryan, a mental health advocate, speaker, transformational coach, and author. Justin's journey is one of immense courage, vulnerability, and ultimately, triumph. From battling self-esteem issues as a child to struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges as a young adult, Justin's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. In this episode, we dive deep into Justin's experiences, his work in helping others overcome their own suffering, and how he found the strength to pursue a path of healing and growth. Get ready to be inspired and challenged as we explore the importance of courageous vulnerability and the pursuit of a better future. Join us as we embark on this transformative conversation with Justin Bryan on Pursuing Courageous Vulnerability. Let's dive in!

In this episode of "Pursuing Uncomfortable," host Melissa is joined by guest Megan Webb to discuss the journey of pursuing sober living. Megan shares her personal story of addiction, recovery, and finding her purpose in helping others on their own sober journey. They delve into the importance of support, listening to the voice within, and the subtle signs that may indicate a problematic relationship with alcohol. Join Melissa and Megan as they shed light on the path to sobriety and the resources available for those seeking a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.

Welcome back to Pursuing Uncomfortable, the podcast where we dive deep into challenging topics to fuel personal growth and self-discovery. In today's episode, "Pursuing Boundaries," we have the incredible Sheryl Green joining us to share her journey towards establishing healthy boundaries in her life. From struggling to find her path to discovering her talent for writing, Sheryl's story is one of resilience and self-discovery. We'll explore the importance of recognizing physical cues, such as the "sigh," as a sign of setting boundaries, and how saying no is a complete sentence, but often easier said than done. Sheryl will also give us valuable insights into her experience in forensic psychology, the power of giving, and her pursuit of personal and professional growth. Get ready for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about boundaries, self-worth, and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. Let's jump right in!

In this episode of "Pursuing Uncomfortable," host Melissa interviews Wayne Faulkner, an author and coach, about his journey as a writer and his unique approach to thinking and creativity. Wayne shares his four-step process of thinking, creating, meditating, and journaling, which he believes are essential for success. He emphasizes the importance of meditation in accessing ideas and insights from the infinite source and discusses the benefits of journaling in gaining clarity and reflecting on personal growth. The episode also explores the concept that thinking is a form of creation, highlighting the power of positive thoughts and the potential impact they can have on one's life.

Welcome to another episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable! In this episode, we have the incredible Skyler Fleming as our guest. Skyler is passionate about personal finance and believes that starting with the basics is the key to significant financial improvements. We'll be delving into various budgeting strategies and simpler alternatives to tracking every dollar, as well as discussing strategies for paying off credit card debt that many people are unaware of. Skyler will also be sharing insights from a resource called Seven Money Talking Points, designed to help individuals and couples have conversations about money and navigate common financial steps like saving, investing, and paying off debt. Get ready for a conversation that will empower you to take control of your finances and pursue financial stability. Let's dive in!

I'm your host, Melissa, and in today's episode, we have a special guest joining us. Get ready to dive deep and challenge your beliefs as we sit down with Oli Anderson, an author and life coach, who will unpack the concept of deconstructing the ego and embracing realness. Oli shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and discovering the power of integrating the shadow self. He also shares practical tips on how to take inspired action and build a fulfilling life. So grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and get ready to explore the transformative power of pursuing uncomfortable. Let's jump in!

On this episode of pursuing uncomfortable, our guest, Lauren Hackney shares her incredible journey. Like many, she lost her job during the pandemic and was left to find a new path. She was encouraged to make a children's book around the bedtime stories she shared with her kids about a magic lollipop store.  From self publishing a book to overcoming job loss during the pandemic, Lauren's story is a testament to the power of pursuing uncomfortable situations. Join us as we dive into her inspiring mountain climb of personal growth, sprinkled with tales of resilience and the pursuit of new opportunities. So grab your lollies and get ready for an episode filled with hope courage and the sweet rewards of embracing discomfort.

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, our guest Jenna Brocious takes us on her healing journey from childhood and shares how becoming a mother brought up unresolved pain. She discusses tapping into her true self and connecting with spiritual experiences, which eventually led her to create positive intention prayer cards. Jenna emphasizes the power of shifting focus to the positive and stepping out of our comfort zones for personal growth. She also explores the importance of forgiveness, self-care, and embracing uncomfortable feelings. Tune in to hear Jenna's inspiring story and learn how to stay happy in challenging times.

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, join host Melissa as she dives into the world of AI with guest Josh Bachynski. They discuss the potential impact of AI on various industries, the financial opportunities it presents, and the need for caution and testing. The conversation also delves into the ethical implications of AI, the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the misconception that AI will inevitably turn evil. With thought-provoking insights, Josh challenges the audience to navigate the discomfort of AI advancements and embrace the potential for positive change.

Join Melissa, Amanda, and Ginny in this powerful episode of "Pursuing Uncomfortable," where they create a safe space to address the often unspoken experiences of addiction, trauma, and finding one's true self. Through their authentic and relatable stories, listeners are encouraged to embrace healing, seek help, and realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Don't miss this powerful conversation that can inspire transformation and ignite the pursuit of uncomfortable truths.

On this episode of PU, Melissa welcomes Sasha and Camilla - two of the three founders of the Hero Tribe. The three met in Vietnam over 10 years ago and bonded over their shared passion for embracing discomfort, experiencing new things, and connecting with others. The Hero Tribe was born out of their vision to inspire individuals to acknowledge themselves as the main protagonists of their own life stories. We talk about embracing discomfort, pursuing our dreams, and unleashing the hero in all of us! They have a book called "The Hero's Handbook" and monthly community events to inspire and empower others on their own hero's journey. Plus, they organize incredible camps where you can immerse yourself in the hero's path!

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, host Melissa talks with guest Selena Willows about the importance of learning to swim and self-rescue, especially for children. Selena shares her concerns about infant swim rescue courses and offers her program Swim to Me, which teaches parents how to teach their children to swim and self-rescue. She emphasizes the importance of introducing children to water early and gradually, utilizing the dive reflex, and teaching swimming in a more natural way that allows for individual learning styles. Selena also discusses the physical benefits of being upside down and encourages parents to introduce different orientations and sensations to their kids. Listen in to find out how Selena is changing drowning rates and helping families enjoy water activities safely.

With over 28 years of experience coaching children in high fear sports in and out of the water, Selena combines her coaching experience with her water safety background of coaching cold water survival for the military and training police in water safety to teach parents how to help their children overcome fear in the water and teach them to swim and keep themselves safer in just ten practices of under ten minutes as early as two and a half years of age. Follow Selena Website Instagram Facebook Y...

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, host Melissa welcomes guest Rosalind Sedacca to discuss the importance of pursuing healthy children after divorce. Staying together for the sake of the kids may not be the best option, as it can negatively impact their growth and relationships. Sedacca tells her own experience and what led her to found the Child Centered Divorce Network, advocating putting the children's well-being first. They dive into tools for successful co-parenting, communication strategies, and the potential challenges of blending families together. Sedacca emphasizes the importance of respecting children and making decisions together, not as a way to get back at an ex-spouse. While divorce or post-divorce experiences can be stressful, chaotic, and confusing, parents have choices every step of the way to achieve harmonious co-parenting for the sake of their children's well-being. The episode offers various resources, such as Coparenting scheduling tools to help keep chi…

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, host Melissa interviews guest Sean Robinson, author of "Going Dry," about his journey of overcoming habitual drinking and implementing positive change in his life. Sean discusses the impact of lifestyle changes on relationships and the importance of finding the right mechanism to simulate the common movement of drinking. He also reflects on his upbringing and experiences with toxic masculinity, sharing personal experiences to help others who may be struggling. Sean highlights the effectiveness of compounding on small habits to build lasting positive change, as well as the power of goal-setting and accountability. Join us as we pursue uncomfortable habits and strive for personal growth.

On this episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable, host Melissa invites guest Amy Stein, a healer who believes in the power of nature to heal mind, body, and spirit. Amy shares how her own experiences with chronic illness led her down the path of studying plant and energy medicine, as well as embracing somatic healing. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique gifts, rather than viewing them as negatives, and the significance of listening to your body's signals. Amy also delves into the idea that traditional medicine and talk therapy may not work for everyone and offers advice for those struggling to find relief. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the power of somatic healing and the importance of reconnecting with Mother Nature.