Optimistically Overwhelmed

Let's face it, "adulting" is hard. Whether you are a single, independent woman, married with kids or anything in between, the daily juggle can be pretty overwhelming! When quitting is not an option, what is a woman to do? How do we find joy in the juggle? How do we stay optimistic in an overwhelming world? It's simple, find your tribe. DeDe and Chelsea have been friends since they were in 4th grade and even though so many years have passed they can still belly laugh, cry and encourage each other. So, if you can relate to being overwhelmed, need some perspective and are simply interested in hearing real women share their stories ... then we invite you to sit down and listen in.

155: "It's a Wonderful Life!" 12/16/2025

155: "It's a Wonderful Life!" Join DeDe and Chelsea for another new episode! DeDe is in the holiday mood and shares a beautiful lesson she’s learned from a classic holiday film. She discusses choosing joy, embracing the mess, and how to be huge! Chelsea shares lesson she and her family learned from a recent road trip, and the connection that can come from grandparents sharing stories and life lessons. She also shares practical advice she heard about how grandparents can foster great relationships, and the positive effect intergenerational relationships can have on everyone. The ladies hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and they will see you again in the New Year! Go Shine Bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/39327585

154: Never Admire Quietly 12/09/2025

154: Never Admire Quietly Join in and listen as DeDe & Chelsea chat about their latest “beauties!” Chelsea is a people-watcher … a people-observer, and in this episode shares some examples she’s observed lately of people who genuinely give others verbal praise. The ladies discuss how great it feels to receive compliments - especially from strangers, and Chelsea reminds us all that we have an endless supply of encouragements … so use them! In this episode DeDe shares a positive mantra and experience she learned from Awesome with Allison. She gets real with the feeling we’ve ALL had before of feeling like we don’t belong or that we are the only one that struggles. DeDe then teaches us a great mantra to repeat to ourselves before we walk into different situations. Thank you for joining the ladies this week… they’re so happy to have you in their “tribe” of listeners! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/39327325

153: Find a Third Place 12/02/2025

153: Find a Third Place Happy December to our Optimistically Overwhelmed tribe! DeDe and Chelsea hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family and friends. Thank you for tuning in for another new episode this week. DeDe starts things off by describing our role in other’s life as being a “spotter” for those that are “lifting” heavy weights. She shares how hard (and exhausting!) it can be to cheer on, to watch the lifter struggle under the weight, and to hold back ourselves from grabbing the weights. DeDe wants all of these spotters, who have to “lift the lifter,” to know that we see them and they are doing amazing. Next on the episode Chelsea shares something she read about having a place (outside of our home and work) to build a community, and how in our modern day we often turn to screens instead. She compares the values of Americans from decades ago (who had that community) to the values today and the ladies discuss what a “third place” might look like for them and if they think it would help American values increase instead of decline. Have a great week, and don't forget to go "shine bright!" /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/39228990

152: Traditions and Tips from our "Tribe" 11/25/2025

152: Traditions and Tips from our "Tribe" As we head into Thanksgiving week DeDe and Chelsea both wanted to say “THANK YOU!” to their amazing listeners - they appreciate your support! This episode is *extra* special! DeDe and Chelsea called in some “experts” (some of their listeners and friends) to share their thoughts or traditions regarding gratitude, and also some ideas on how to stay “optimistically overwhelmed” during this crazy holiday season! The ladies know you will love hearing from these wonderful tribe members! Have a great Thanksgiving week … go shine bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/39136265

151: Don't Get Trapped in the "Land of Er" 11/18/2025

151: Don't Get Trapped in the "Land of Er" Happy Thanksgiving season, friends! Today DeDe and Chelsea are talking about gratitude—not just the holiday tradition, but the everyday practice that brings families closer, strengthens communities, and helps us see the goodness around us. DeDe reminds us all that gratitude and grief can co-exist, and later shares some of her tried-and-true tips to keep a grateful heart. Next, Chelsea talks about how gratitude is a solution from our biggest traps … comparison, and what new gratitude practice her family is implementing this year. Have a great week! Go shine bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/39047090

150: Justice and Mercy 11/11/2025

150: Justice and Mercy Welcome to another brand new episode of Optimistically Overwhelmed … thank you for being here! Are any of our listeners ready for the holidays? (Are we ever REALLY ready?) Well, Chelsea starts off today’s episode by asking a thought-provoking question that will get us all in the right frame-of-mind as we approach the holidays. The ladies discuss the importance of slowing down and also making realistic expectations. DeDe switches gears and talks about all of our favorite subject (parenting!). She shares something she learned from one of our favorite’s, Brooke Romney, about how we can use both justice and mercy simultaneously as parents to give boundaries and to also show we care! We hope our listeners have a wonderful week, and don't forget to go "shine bright!" /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38983600

149: What's the BEST That Could Happen? 11/04/2025

149: What's the BEST That Could Happen? Welcome to another new episode of “Optimistically Overwhelmed” … where we like to look for the good, and when we find it - we SHARE it! Come listen in this week as DeDe shares the good she found after running her marathon, and the parallels it has with each of our lives. DeDe discusses a concept she discovered about trusting first and expecting the best! Chelsea surprises DeDe with her personal social media challenge that she has been working on this past month, and deep dives into the why, how, and results of changing her social media use. Share this episode with friends that want to be inspired to think positively, or if they want to have a healthier use with social media! Enjoy friends, and go shine bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38901845

148: Do it Scared 10/28/2025

148: Do it Scared Come listen to the ladies share some awesome “beauties” on this week’s new episode. When Chelsea first heard this week’s beauty she thought it would be a great reminder for her kids, but it turns out it was actually for HER too! Listen in as she discusses the difference between being scared and being afraid, and the power that can come from “Doing it Scared!” DeDe has been keeping a secret and finally lets the tribe in on her big goal of running the St. George marathon. In this episode she explains her many “why’s” and the lessons she learned from the miles (and miles!) of preparation she did. Come & be inspired, and feel free to share this episode with friends! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38549920

147: We are Linked, Not Ranked 10/21/2025

147: We are Linked, Not Ranked The ladies are so excited to bring you more of their “beauty hunting” finds in this week’s episode. DeDe starts the podcast out by describing some of her thoughts on comparison and how we should stop worrying about someone else’s “cards” they’e been dealt, and reminds us all we are not here as humans to “compete” but to “complete.” After DeDe’s discussion Chelsea shares an interesting thought she came across about not just having a “support” network of family/friends but also a “challenge network and what that might look like. Come and listen as they discuss these topics, and don’t forget to hunt for “beauties” in your own lives! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38549375

146: Build Bridges, Not Walls 10/14/2025

146: Build Bridges, Not Walls DeDe & Chelsea are so excited to be back with their tribe and sharing their latest “beauties” on this new episode! Many of us can feel the anger, hurt, confusion and disunity in our country today. Come be a part of Chelsea’s discussion on the political divisiveness that is hurting our country, and what she has learned about doing her part to build bridges with those she disagrees with (not walls). DeDe’s beauty this week adds to that discussion as she challenges us to “collect people” and to remember life is about people, not politics. She relates what she’s learned about “disagreeing agreeably” and more! Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends! Episode links Russell M. Nelson's article in Time Magazine: Elizabeth Hasselbeck's book, /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38549200

145: Poise Above the Noise 10/07/2025

145: Poise Above the Noise The ladies are so excited to bring you more of their “beauty hunting” finds in this week’s episode. DeDe found beauty as she has implemented a new “15 minute rule” in her life that helps her choose “poise” instead of reacting emotionally, and she teaches us that when storms come we can be steady, graceful and ready by using that "poise." Chelsea found beauty this week as she learned about a great intentional conversation we can have as families that include our “Pits, Peaks, Proverbs and Prayers,” and how it’s personally helped her kids open up, share, and become invested in each other’s days. Come and listen as they discuss these topics, and don’t forget to hunt for “beauties” in your own lives! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38257460

144: Pull Up 09/30/2025

144: Pull Up DeDe and Chelsea are excited to share their latest “beauties” on this week’s new episode. The ladies are constantly looking for inspiration and optimism to share with this tribe, and are so grateful to you for listening! Chelsea shares an inspiring post she read about the “Invisible Audience” we each have, and discusses what type of people are in that audience and what happens when we let them affect our choices. She challenges the tribe to CHOOSE their audience and only give tickets to those that support us. Later in the episode DeDe shares about the last year she’s spent surrounding and being stretched, and how an amazing thought and painting by Jenedy Paige (her favorite artist!) inspired her to “pull up” against the negative forces that try to pull us down each day. The ladies hope you enjoy this episode and feel so grateful for your support! Please share with friends and spread the “beauty!” Episode links: “All in” episode with Jenedy Paige “Lean In With Lizzy” episode with Jenedy Paige “Pull Up” - the story behind the video on YouTube /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38247930

143: Cheers, Ears, and Prayers 09/23/2025

143: Cheers, Ears, and Prayers Welcome Tribe! DeDe and Chelsea are so glad you are joining them for their latest episode. 🎙️ On today’s episode DeDe recalls the many expectations she’s had in her life and her family’s lives, and how learning to live in the “Even if…” has brought her so much joy and peace. Chelsea has been on the look-out for advice as a fairly new parent of an “adult” child and shares an amazing formula she found to support those kids in the ways they need. We’re so glad you are here. Enjoy the episode and share with friends! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38247710

142: Trust and Adjust 09/16/2025

142: Trust and Adjust Are you ready for some “beauties?” 😍 DeDe and Chelsea are coming at you some brand new “beauties” that have inspired them this week. 💐 Chelsea shares one of her family’s favorite traditions (“Back to School Feast”) and their “theme” for the 2025-26 school year. She hopes it will inspire the tribe, and encourages them to go listen and DANCE along to the song it is based off of. DeDe talks about the out-of-control feelings she experienced in the last few years, and how trusting and adjusting got her through those rough times. She shares the analogy of going from cheering for her oldest child on the sidelines to having to then cheer from far away outside the stadium. Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends! Episode links “” song by Forrest Frank /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38039140

141: Make It a Claudine Day 2025 09/09/2025

141: Make It a Claudine Day 2025 Join DeDe and Chelsea as they mark another “Make it a Claudine Day” by sharing Claudine’s story, legacy and light! This year Chelsea asked some special guests, who never met Claudine in real life, to share how she has impacted them … and their thoughts are so beautiful and inspiring. ❤️ Chelsea and DeDe also both share their Claudine-inspired “beauties” for this year. Please join the ladies in doing small acts-of-service for family, friends or strangers this year in Claudine’s honor and help spread her light and love! Previous Make it a Claudine Day episodes (2020): with Brent and Justin (2021): with Brooke (2022): with Annie (2023): Go on the Offense with Grief /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38039085

140: Still Optimistic, Still Overwhelmed 09/02/2025

140: Still Optimistic, Still Overwhelmed DeDe & Chelsea are back after a (very) long podcast break! Come and listen as they share a little bit of where they’ve been and why they put away the mics for a season. In this special episodes the ladies reflect back on the last two (podcast-free) years and each picked 3 “beauties” from the archive that helped them through that time or defined that season of their lives. They hope you feel like time hasn’t passed at all, and that you are still members of the “Optimistically Overwhelmed Tribe” forever and always! ❤️ Enjoy! Episode links to Chelsea’s “beauties”: Drink While you Pour () Judge Your Juggle () Unleash the Power of Families () Episode links to DeDe’s “beauties”: Show up on the Fun Bus () You Must Be So Proud of Yourself () “Mayonnaise from Heaven” () /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/38038990

139: Values are Your "Life Raft" 10/30/2023

139: Values are Your "Life Raft" DeDe & Chelsea are so excited to join their tribe this week, and are sharing their latest “beauties” on this new episode! 🎙 Chelsea leads thing off with a discussion of finding joy in midst of the “piles” of our lives … the tangible “to-do” piles (like laundry, to-do lists, etc) and the non-tangible piles (like phases of our lives, the different hats we wear, etc). Next, DeDe defines what “values” mean to her, and what she’s learned in a mothering class about pinpointing which values are *most* important to each of us. It’s harder than you think, but it is so eye-opening. Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends! Episode Links: Brent Brown: /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/28422101

138: Guard Your Inputs 10/23/2023

138: Guard Your Inputs Hello to our Optimistically Overwhelmed tribe! Thank you for being here … we hope you come away from this episode with some great takeaways and the encouragement to stay optimistic! DeDe starts out the “beauties” by sharing some wonderful insights and points about shifting your perspective. She asks herself, Chelsea, and you listeners what in our lives need a perspective change, and then gives her thoughts on how she puts on her “perspect-ables.” Next, Chelsea discusses the affect our “inputs” (what we read, watch, and listen to) have on our lives, our brains, our mood, etc. She goes on to suggest the importance of guarding those inputs and shares some of her favorite “inputs” she’s enjoyed lately. /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/28389743

137: Pinch Yourself...It's Real 10/16/2023

137: Pinch Yourself...It's Real Join in and listen as DeDe & Chelsea chat about their latest “beauties!” Both ladies are BIG fans of tiny/consistent habits, and Chelsea discovered some amazing advice for habits that are good for your brain and for your happiness! Listen in as she explains the difference between flooding and dripping your dopamine. In this episode DeDe brings up a topic the ladies haven’t touched on too much … Marriage! After reflecting on her wedding anniversary DeDe came up with some tangible tips and advice on this important relationship. Thank you for joining the ladies … they are so happy to have you in their “tribe” of listeners! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/28324133

136: Be a Glimmer-Seeker 10/09/2023

136: Be a Glimmer-Seeker Welcome Tribe! DeDe and Chelsea are so glad you are joining them for their latest episode. Chelsea starts things off by sharing a cool concept she learned about “glimmers” and the positive impact it can have on our daily lives when we seek them out and notice them! You’re going to want to listen and start listing of your OWN “glimmers!” DeDe discusses the strong feelings of being offended, having feelings hurt, and jealousy or comparison … and a phrase she has learned to switch her viewpoint and do the work to be less-judgmental. We’re so glad you are here. Enjoy the episode and share with friends! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/28181159

135: Be a Tums-Runner 10/02/2023

135: Be a Tums-Runner Welcome back to our little corner of the podcast world! Thank you for tuning in and listening last week after our summer break. DeDe kicks off this week’s episode with an amazing story, and the example she saw of someone stepping up and easing a burden. It’s amazing how much relief a kind gesture can cause when we are feeling overwhelmed and anxious! Each fall Chelsea shares her back-to-school theme for her family. In this new episode she explains why this year was unique, and why she chose a theme that would emphasize the power of families. Hope everyone has a great week. Go shine bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/28180391

134: Go on the Offense with Grief (Make it a Claudine Day 2023) 09/25/2023

134: Go on the Offense with Grief (Make it a Claudine Day 2023) Welcome back everyone to Optimistically Overwhelmed … DeDe and Chelsea are thrilled to be back behind the microphones! Chelsea starts out reminding listeners about “Make it a Claudine Day” that honors her oldest sister each year on September 9th. For this episode, Chelsea chose a beauty that perfectly describes her experience with grief, and the lessons she’s learned from joining together with others each September to serve in honor of Claudine … and how that has impacted her grief process. DeDe has made an amazing goal that encourages her (and now all of us!) to focus more on our “To-BE” lists than our “To-DO” lists. She beautifully explains what that looks like, and reminds us that life isn’t just about what we do. The ladies are SO happy to have you here listening! Thank you for joining them, and always feel free to share an episode with friends! Go shine bright! Episode links: - /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/28115684

133: Chelsea's "Organizing 101" 06/05/2023

133: Chelsea's "Organizing 101" Welcome to this special episode of Optimistically Overwhelmed! Besides being a podcast co-host and busy momma, Chelsea is also a HUGE fan of organization. She has shared tips over the last few years (including on her very first episode as a guest!) … and the ladies decided to do a “one-stop-shopping” episode with ALL of her very BEST tips! There may be some old favorites shared (“Drawer-a-Day”), but Chelsea will be sharing some new tips as well. She breaks down her tips into two categories: an organized “home” + an organized “life,” and hopes that each of you will be able to learn/apply at least ONE idea after listening. Happy listening … and then happy organizing! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26995143

132: Have a Conversation "Check-up" 05/22/2023

132: Have a Conversation "Check-up" Welcome back to another new episode of Optimistically Overwhelmed - we are SO glad you are here! Today DeDe starts us out with an amazing “beauty” about giving our selves grace. She talks about realizing it’s all about an “increase” in our lives … not have fast we are increasing, but that we are moving forward. And also the importance of learning to give ourselves grace so we can give it to others! Chelsea digs in to a topic the ladies haven’t discussed yet in their “beauties” on this show … the importance of having a conversation “check up” with yourself and asking how good you are at meaningful conversations. And, DeDe chimes in with her thoughts because this was her EXACT beauty she picked for their next episode (we love when Chelsea & DeDe surprise each other by being on the same wavelength!) We hope you tune in, reflect, and share this episode with someone who could use some light! Go shine bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26901531

131: Stand on the Shoulders of Giants 05/15/2023

131: Stand on the Shoulders of Giants Hello to our Optimistically Overwhelmed tribe! The ladies hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day, and are excited to share this episode with you. Chelsea starts things out with encouraging us all to “Go For It,” and to face our fears and the things that are holding us back. DeDe finishes the episode talking about the lessons she’s learned in motherhood, from her kids & others (including her ancestors). Hope you all have a wonderful week - go shine bright! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26808327

130: Be a Difference-Maker 05/08/2023

130: Be a Difference-Maker Are you ready for some “beauties?” DeDe and Chelsea are coming at you with some self-reflection and “beauties” that have inspired them this week. DeDe leads a conversation on aiming to be a “difference-maker” instead of an “influencer,” and how the ways we are “difference-makers” might change throughout stages of life. Chelsea shares the power that comes from “naming” the things that are blocking our light, and reminds us all that we aren’t alone! Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26740932

129: Go Find Another's Balloon 05/01/2023

129: Go Find Another's Balloon Welcome to a fresh new episode of Optimistically Overwhelmed! DeDe and Chelsea hope you each find some “beauty” this week as they discuss this week’s topics. Chelsea shares a powerful metaphor on looking for other’s happiness, instead of just your own. DeDe wraps up the episode with her thoughts on the power that comes from living vertically and looking UP. Have a great week everyone … go shine BRIGHT! /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26710224

128: Thin the Carrots 04/24/2023

128: Thin the Carrots Are you all ready for another episode FULL of “beauties” and inspiration? DeDe helps the listeners visualize what carrots look like when they are grown close together, and how (like gardeners) we need to “thin the carrots” in our lives. She challenges us all to think about what things (physically, mentally, spiritually, etc) we need to thin out of our lives. It’s no secret the ladies love learning from the characters of animals, and this week Chelsea shares what she learned about how buffalos handle storms. /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26461134

127: Control the Controllables 04/17/2023

127: Control the Controllables DeDe and Chelsea have their latest “beauties” all ready to share with you on this new episode! Come listen in and be inspired. Chelsea is sharing a “beauty” she’s had in her back-pocket for a while … and it’s one she learned and implemented in her own life before sharing. Come hear her explain how to help others around you focus more on internal motivation vs external influence. On this episode DeDe shares some points that have helped her with her biggest challenge … learning that she can’t control everything! Her tips and advice are spot-on and she invites the listeners to try to only “control the controllables.” /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26461083

126: Magic in the Middle 04/10/2023

126: Magic in the Middle Hellllooooo to our Optimistically Overwhelmed tribe! It has been a minute, huh? DeDe and Chelsea are thrilled to be back after a break with brand new episodes coming your way. DeDe starts this episode off with some amazing “beauties” that encourages us all to “Live Life in Full Bloom” by rejoicing for each other’s wins, by being delighted, and also by living “smarter not harder!” Chelsea then leads a discussion on the “messy middle” we are all probably finding ourselves in, and how to change our outlook from “messy to MAGIC!” /episode/index/show/dedeandjamie/id/26460990

Optimistically Overwhelmed

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