AskYourselfWhyNot

Ask Yourself Why Not is a feel-good personal growth podcast where two friends share what they’re learning from self-help books, podcasts, and their community and talk through how it actually shows up in real life. Hosted by Shaye and Jayla, AYWN is rooted in a Why Not mindset choosing curiosity over pressure, honesty over perfection, and small, supportive shifts over trying to fix yourself. This is a space for real conversations, everyday wisdom, and reminders that you’re allowed to grow gently and in your own time. Come as you are. Stay as long as you need.

Are We Delusional or Just Influenced? 05/14/2026

Your Routine Might Be Running You—Let’s Fix That 04/23/2026

Your Routine Might Be Running You—Let’s Fix That In this episode, Shaye and Jayla dive into the importance of regularly checking in with your routines to ensure they serve your well-being and happiness. They share practical tips on how to identify habits that may no longer benefit you and ways to make intentional changes for a more fulfilled life. Key Topics: The significance of adapting routines as life evolves Recognizing unhelpful habits and habits that no longer serve you Practical ways to reset during everyday transitions (like in line or while commuting) The role of dopamine and how to get it from healthy, meaningful sources Spring cleaning your mental space and physical environment for mental clarity The importance of connection and intentionality in daily life Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and upcoming Empower Fest event 00:58 - Details about Empower Fest Wheeling on June 27th 02:07 - How to get involved as a vendor, sponsor, or experience station 03:04 - Tips for event sponsorships and ideas like signature drinks or swag 04:30 - The theme of the episode: checking in with routines to see if they still serve us 05:28 - How routines evolve and the importance of adapting them 06:23 - Mindful coffee drinking and managing caffeine intake 07:14 - Using lunch and breaks more intentionally 08:35 - Being present during car rides and waiting in lines, disconnecting from phones 09:54 - Transition moments and how they affect stress levels and productivity 10:20 - Moving through the day without energy or mental space 11:46 - The thriving need for dopamine and avoiding instant gratification 13:00 - The brain's craving for dopamine and healthy ways to meet that need 13:58 - Connection, real food, and physical movement as sources of dopamine 14:27 - Spring cleaning for your mind and environment 15:27 - Over-scheduling and reconnecting with loved ones and yourself 15:54 - Closing encouragement to tune into what benefits your well-being Resources & Links: (search: "Mark Hyman" on Amazon for related books) (search your local Kroger for availability) Connect with Shaye & Jayla: /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/40870130

Hurt or Fueled? Choosing Growth When Criticism Hits 04/16/2026

Hurt or Fueled? Choosing Growth When Criticism Hits Are you tired of feeling hurt or defensive when faced with criticism or insults? In this episode, Shaye and Jayla explore how to recognize, reframe, and leverage negative comments—whether direct or backhanded—to propel your personal and professional growth. Key topics: The significance of insults and negative feedback as signals rather than setbacks Personal stories of pivotal moments involving misunderstood or backhanded insults How to use criticism to ignite motivation and prove doubters wrong Recognizing when comments reflect others' limitations versus your potential Strategies for maintaining confidence and setting boundaries amid negativity The importance of reframing "insults" into opportunities for self-awareness Practical ways to handle unwelcome opinions: asking ChatGPT for perspective, talking with friends, or going for a walk The power of self-reflection: understanding why certain remarks sting and how to turn that into growth Overcoming imposter syndrome and societal expectations through resilience and self-trust Cultivating gratitude and redirecting energy into positive action and self-affirmation Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to turning insults into growth opportunities 00:28 - Announcing EmpowerFest Wheeling details and engagement opportunities 02:17 - Handling backhanded and unkind comments in personal life and career 03:15 - Overcoming initial feelings of insult during real estate career beginnings 04:40 - How a comment about young motherhood fueled Jayla’s motivation 06:00 - Seeing criticism as a reflection of others' limitations, not personal failure 07:17 - Facing COVID-related challenges and asserting confidence in business 08:46 - Using feedback to highlight your competence, not diminish it 10:10 - Acknowledging the power of pushing through perceived limitations 11:33 - Reframing societal labels like "too much" or "all over the place" into assets 12:33 - Recognizing the value in personal routines and boundaries 13:31 - The role of others’ perceptions in growth and setting boundaries 15:24 - Self-awareness, apology, and growing from accidental missteps 16:44 - The importance of understanding your communication style and energy 17:40 - Overcoming the narrative of being "too much" and embracing your full self 18:36 - Practical tools: asking ChatGPT for perspective, talking with friends, and physical movement 19:06 - Final thoughts and encouragement to embrace criticism as a growth tool Remember, every insult or criticism can be spun into motivation. Your response defines your growth! /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/40869830

Breaking the Groundhog Day Routine: Small Shifts for a More Exciting Life 04/02/2026

Breaking the Groundhog Day Routine: Small Shifts for a More Exciting Life Breaking the Groundhog Day Routine: Small Shifts for a More Exciting Life In this episode, Shay and Jayla explore practical ways to break free from the monotony of daily routines and infuse more excitement, awareness, and purpose into everyday life. Whether you're feeling uninspired or just looking for fresh ideas, these tips can help you create more space for joy and growth. Key Topics: How our brains operate on autopilot and why routines can feel monotonous Simple ways to introduce novelty, like changing inputs or trying new experiences The power of micro-adventures and local explorations to boost mood How to incorporate intentional focus and mindfulness into daily activities Practical tips for reducing overwhelm by asking for help or delegating tasks Using gratitude, reflection, and perspective shifts to enhance overall well-being Tools and apps, like masterclass and health trackers, to inspire learning and self-care The importance of connection—reaching out to friends and re-evaluating your perceptions Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Empower Fest 3.0 and upcoming event details 00:31 - Venue highlights and food vendor updates at Waterfront Hall 01:27 - Experience stations and vendor showcases at EmpowerFest 02:51 - Intentional living and creating space in your day 03:17 - Reflecting on the busy first quarter and finding pauses 04:16 - The concept of "softening" and asking for help 05:14 - The benefits of creating mental and physical space 06:08 - Tips for reducing mental overload and managing nervous system health 07:03 - The idea of brain dump and to-do list management 07:56 - Self-care practices like dressing up or trying new products 08:45 - Using wearables like Aura Ring to understand your body better 10:31 - Eating mindfully and avoiding distractions 11:25 - Micro adventures and local exploration as a way to challenge routines 12:19 - Reframing perceptions and hosting small adventures in daily life 13:44 - Trying new activities, like rollerblading, and discovering new spots 14:43 - Planning future self-care activities and learning experiences 15:36 - Cultivating human connection and reaching out intentionally 16:34 - Shifting perspectives on irritations and challenges 17:31 - Summing up small ways to spark inspiration and gratitude Resources & Links: Connect with Shay & Jayla: Let's embrace small intentional changes to brighten our days and renew our spirit! /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/40636260

Create Space & Soften: Practical Tips to Reduce Stress and Find Calm 03/26/2026

Stop Starting Over: Simple Mindset Shifts That Help You Reset and Move Forward 03/19/2026

The “I’m Fine” Trap: Why Women Delay Their Own Health 03/12/2026

Small Steps, Big Change: Micro-Habits for Real Life Growth (Mindset Munchie) 03/05/2026

Small Steps, Big Change: Micro-Habits for Real Life Growth (Mindset Munchie) Embracing Bite-Sized Personal Development: How Small Steps Transform Your Growth In this episode, Shaye and Jayla discuss the power of small, manageable actions in personal growth and self-development. Perfect for busy minds, they emphasize that you don't need to finish every book or overhaul your entire routine — just taking one page or one action a day can lead to meaningful change. Key Topics: The importance of bite-sized content in busy lives How completing all books isn't necessary; focus on snippets that inspire Personal experiences with favorite books like Rhonda Byrne’s "Countdown to Riches" and Gabby Bernstein’s programs The concept of taking one small, focused action daily inspired by "Atomic Habits" Managing expectations and perfectionism in personal development journeys How mental health benefits from simple, consistent micro-actions The significance of reducing pressure to "do it all" and embracing progress The role of technology apps in facilitating daily growth activities Reflections on past challenges and the power of persistence and small wins Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode intro: redefining personal growth with small steps 02:20 - Our relationship with self-help books and podcasts: finishing vs. consuming in bite-sized pieces 03:33 - How consuming varied content influences your mindset and persona 04:27 - The challenge of finishing books and embracing incomplete progress 05:49 - Focus on recent practices: Rhonda Byrne and Gabby Bernstein’s 21-day programs 06:45 - The benefits of 21-day focus challenges on clarity and manifestation 07:42 - Introducing "The Pivot Year": building confidence with daily small insights 08:41 - Connecting "Atomic Habits" to daily micro-actions for lasting change 09:31 - Actionable tips: taking small steps during anxiety or overwhelm 10:30 - Revisiting the roots of the podcast and the power of consistent manifestation practices 11:18 - Tools and apps to support daily growth and reducing pressure 12:06 - Overcoming perfectionism: doing enough without the stress of "doing it all" 12:36 - Future plans for the podcast: deep dives, community episodes, and growth goals 13:04 - Gratitude for listeners and encouragement to share and support the community Resources & Links: Connect with Shaye & Jayla: (if applicable) Note: Remember, small consistent actions create profound long-term results. Don’t stress over finishing everything — just showing up with a little effort each day is enough. /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/40115070

The February Slump Is Real: Small Wins & Habits That Actually Stick 02/26/2026

The February Slump Is Real: Small Wins & Habits That Actually Stick Feeling stuck in the February doldrums? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not failing. In this episode, Shaye and Jayla unpack why motivation dips after January, how winter affects energy and mood, and why building small, consistent habits matters more than waiting to “feel ready.” This is your permission slip to reset without guilt, stop chasing perfect discipline, and start focusing on simple actions that actually build confidence and momentum. Because real change doesn’t come from overhauling your life. It comes from small wins — repeated consistently. Quick note: We’re no longer numbering episodes. Think of AYWN like a drop-in conversation — not a series you have to keep up with. Jump in wherever you are. No catching up required. No pressure to listen to everything. Just press play on what resonates today. What we talk about: Why February can feel heavy (and why that’s normal) Seasonal mood shifts and their impact on motivation Dopamine, momentum, and the science behind habit-building Why habits and discipline matter more than motivation Scaling goals so they feel doable instead of overwhelming Creating small daily actions that build self-trust Resetting routines without shame or “starting over” Practicing self-compassion when consistency feels hard Simple strategies for movement, mindfulness, and energy Celebrating progress instead of waiting for perfection Resources mentioned: Atomic Habits — James Clear Pomodoro Technique Seasonal Affective Disorder education + awareness resources Why Not Nudge of the Day: Get curious about your habits today. Not judgmental — curious. What’s working? What feels heavy? What’s one tiny shift that could make things easier? Connect with us: Follow along + stay in the community: Big change happens through small, consistent action. Share this episode with a friend who might need a reminder: You don’t need to start over. You just need one small win today. /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/40114965

Episode 217: Keeping the Magic Alive (Even When Adulting Hits Hard) 12/24/2025

Episode 216: New Year, New Intentions: Intentions Activate 12/18/2025

Episode 215: Why Not Be in a Movie? Our Late-Night Film Adventure 12/12/2025

Episode 214: The Pre-Thanksgiving Peace Plan 11/21/2025

Episode 213: New Season, Who Dis? 11/14/2025

Episode 212: It’s All How You See It: The Truth About Perception (and Why It’s Never the Same for Everyone) 11/07/2025
Episode 212: It’s All How You See It: The Truth About Perception (and Why It’s Never the Same for Everyone)
Keywords

perception, reality, experiences, perspectives, personal stories, communication, understanding, life updates, psychological thriller

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Jayla and Shaye explore the theme of perception, discussing how two people can experience the same event yet derive completely different meanings from it. They share personal anecdotes, including life updates and experiences that illustra /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675805

Episode 211: Believe It’s Working (Even When You Can’t See It Yet). 10/23/2025
Episode 211: Believe It’s Working (Even When You Can’t See It Yet).
Keywords

Ask Yourself YNOT, belief, patience, personal growth, podcasting, Taylor Swift, community, resilience, goals, self-improvement

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself WHYNOT podcast, hosts Jayla and Shaye discuss the importance of believing in the process of personal growth and the power of patience. They reflect on their journey with the po /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675810

Episode 210: Why Not Make a Wish Come True? 10/10/2025
Episode 210: Why Not Make a Wish Come True?
Keywords

podcast, Special Wish Foundation, Lip Sync Challenge, community event, fundraising, children's wishes, nonprofit, local impact, emotional connection, mindset

Get your Tickets to the Lip Sync Challenge Here or /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675815

Episode 209: The Neuroscience of Feeling Good: Celebrate Your Progress 10/02/2025
Episode 209: The Neuroscience of Feeling Good: Celebrate Your Progress

/episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675820

Episode 208: Why Not Let Go of Excuses + Build Your Momentum 09/18/2025
Episode 208: Why Not Let Go of Excuses + Build Your Momentum
Keywords

gratitude, excuses, consistency, accountability, self-improvement, mindset, feel good habits, personal growth, motivation, positive thinking

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shay and Jayla discuss the importance of gratitude and how to overcome excuses that hinder personal growth. They introduce their 'Feel Good Five' challenge, emphasizing the significance of consistency in developing positive habits. T /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675825

Episode 207: Stack Your Wins: The Path to Confidence and Momentum 09/11/2025
Episode 207: Stack Your Wins: The Path to Confidence and Momentum
Keywords

momentum, small wins, confidence, habit stacking, feel good, personal growth, accountability, gratitude, self-improvement, motivation

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla discuss the importance of momentum and how it is built through small wins. They emphasize the significance of accountability and confidence in personal growth, encouraging /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675830

Episode 206: Reset Your Mindset: How to Choose Again This Season 08/29/2025
Episode 206: Reset Your Mindset: How to Choose Again This Season
Keywords

podcast, mindset, self-improvement, gratitude, emotional awareness, feel good challenge, choose again method, personal growth

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla discuss the transition from summer to fall, introduce their Feel Good Five Challenge aimed at promoting mindfulness and positivity, and explore the C /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675835

Episode 205: Why Not Prioritize You? Join the Feel Good Five Challenge 08/21/2025
Episode 205: Why Not Prioritize You? Join the Feel Good Five Challenge
Keywords

self-care, community, Feel Good Five Challenge, gratitude, self-love, daily movement, meditation, intentional consumption, accountability, personal growth

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shayla and Shay discuss the upcoming Feel Good Five Challenge, designed to help listeners prioritize self-care and build posi /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675840

Episode 204-Feel the Fear, Do It Anyway-Comfort Zones Don't Build Confidence 08/14/2025
Episode 204-Feel the Fear, Do It Anyway-Comfort Zones Don't Build Confidence
Keywords

fear, courage, personal growth, whitewater rafting, comfort zone, self-trust, excitement, overcoming fear, life lessons, adventure

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla discuss the relationship between fear and courage, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to embrace fear as a signal for g /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675845

Episode 203: Consistent, Not Perfect: The Real Key to Growth 08/07/2025
Episode 203: Consistent, Not Perfect: The Real Key to Growth
Keywords

discipline, motivation, habits, habit stacking, consistency, burnout, personal development, productivity, self-improvement, goal setting

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla discuss the importance of discipline over motivation, emphasizing how habits play a crucial role in achieving goals. They explo /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675850

Episoden202: Motion = Emotion: How Movement Transforms Your Mindset 07/31/2025
Episoden202: Motion = Emotion: How Movement Transforms Your Mindset
Keywords
cryotherapy, recovery, wellness, movement, mindset, health, exercise, inflammation, mental health, stress relief
Summary
In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla discuss the benefits of cryotherapy and the importance of movement for recovery and mental health. They share personal experiences with cryotherapy, emphasizing its role in reducing inflammation and aiding recovery. The conversation shifts to the concept of movement as medicine, highli /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675855

Ep.201: Why Not Celebrate Community?-Live with the Washington Wild Things 07/17/2025
Ep.201: Why Not Celebrate Community?-Live with the Washington Wild Things
Keywords
Wheeling Community Night, Washington Wild Things, baseball, sports mindset, community engagement, athlete journey, fun in sports, sports psychology, local events, podcast
Takeaways
The importance of community in sports events.
Celebrating local teams fosters a sense of belonging.
Mindset and mantras can significantly impact performance.
Fun should be a priority in youth sports.
Athletes often face pressure but can learn from failure.
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Episode 200: The Content Cleanse: Choose Better Fuel for Your Mind 07/10/2025
Episode 200: The Content Cleanse: Choose Better Fuel for Your Mind
Keywords

self-care, Brazilian wax, mindset, social media, mental health, content cleanse, empowerment, personal growth, wellness, summer

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Welcome to Episode 200 of the Ask Yourself, Why Not? podcast! 🎉 In this milestone episode, Shaye and Jayla dive into the ofte /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675865

Episode 199: Mindset Munchies: Fuel Your Day with Intention, Self-Love & the Feel Good Five 06/26/2025
Episode 199: Mindset Munchies: Fuel Your Day with Intention, Self-Love & the Feel Good Five
Keywords

mindset, meditation, intention, self-love, daily routine, mindfulness, personal growth, Feel Good Five, positive energy, mental health

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Jayla and Shaye introduce the concept of 'Mindset Munchies'—short, impactful episodes designed to set a positive tone for the day. They /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675870

Episode 198: Episode 198: Grounding Yourself Through Grief-Wheeling we love you 06/19/2025
Episode 198: Episode 198: Grounding Yourself Through Grief-Wheeling we love you
Keywords
community resilience, mental health, grounding techniques, survivor's guilt, compassion, support, tragedy, Ohio Valley, Wheeling, floods
Ways to donate
Summary
In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts /episode/index/show/842fa36f-920f-4975-a5c0-25a7dbac285d/id/39675875

Episode 197: Pageants with Purpose: Mrs. West Virginia on Confidence, Courage & Showing Up for Yourself with Lacy Ferguson 06/12/2025
Episode 197: Pageants with Purpose: Mrs. West Virginia on Confidence, Courage & Showing Up for Yourself with Lacy Ferguson
A Special Wish OV
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