Superlatively Yes
Superlatively Yes is a fun lifestyle and personal growth podcast hosted by Tanya Smith and Jennifer McCroddan.Through witty, relatable conversations, the show explores mindset, productivity, self-improvement, intentional living, creativity, relationships, and the art of navigating modern life. Blending humor, motivation, and real-life experiences, Superlatively Yes delivers uplifting insights, practical encouragement, and positive energy for listeners seeking personal development, work-life balance, and a more meaningful everyday life.
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Breakdowns Before Breakthroughs
04/06/2026
Breakdowns Before Breakthroughs
Good morning, sweet friends. Today’s Mini Monday episode of the Superlatively Yes podcast is coming from a very full week—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The kind of week where life feels heavy and beautiful at the same time. In this episode, Tanya reflects on the contrast of life—deep, lingering emotions from what we watch, questions about the pace of modern life, meaningful moments with family, and the quiet realization that sometimes we’re simply doing too much. From cleaning out closets and refreshing spaces to praying through hard things and sharing intentional time around a Seder dinner table, this conversation gently reminds us that life is happening in both the sacred and the ordinary. Tanya shares a personal shift—choosing to slow down and do just one thing at a time—and how that simple decision brought unexpected peace. She also reflects on the question so many of us ask: why do breakthroughs so often follow breakdowns? Through scripture, personal stories, and honest reflection, this episode offers encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stretched, or simply busy with life. If you’ve been moving fast, carrying a lot, or feeling the weight of it all, this is your invitation to slow down, take the scenic route, and focus on one meaningful thing today. Because maybe the breakthrough isn’t in doing more… maybe it’s in doing less, with more intention. Keep saying yes to the good stuff.
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Trusting God With What We Cannot Control
03/30/2026
Trusting God With What We Cannot Control
Today’s Mini Monday episode of the Superlatively Yes Podcast is coming from a very real and tender place. If you woke up feeling overwhelmed, behind, or carrying something heavy before your feet even hit the floor… this episode is for you. Tanya shares an honest reflection on what it means to live through seasons of unexpected change, emotional weight, and the quiet pressures of everyday life. In a world that often pushes us to keep going faster, this episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe, and remember what actually matters. You’ll be reminded that you are not alone in what you’re feeling. Behind every front door are real lives filled with both joy and struggle. And even in the middle of uncertainty, you still have the capacity to move forward. This episode explores the powerful idea that the opposite of anxiety isn’t calm… it’s surrender. Letting go of what was never ours to carry. Trusting God with what we cannot control. And choosing to take just the next right step. Tanya also brings back one of the most meaningful concepts from the show: Proof the Day Existed. A reminder that progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Showing up counts. Taking a breath counts. Choosing peace counts. If life feels like a lot right now, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with grace. Because the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is proof. And some days, that is more than enough.
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Straight to Jail: Taxes, Pants & Spring Problems
03/23/2026
Straight to Jail: Taxes, Pants & Spring Problems
In this episode of the Superlatively Yes podcast, Tanya and Jen bring their signature mix of humor, honesty, and real-life conversation as they cover everything from skincare and spring trends to stress, taxes, and finding joy in everyday life. Fresh from a laser skincare appointment, the conversation starts light with reflections on beauty treatments, changing environments, and life in Northwest Arkansas before quickly turning into a hilarious and relatable discussion about the frustrations of the IRS and the stress of tax season. From there, Tanya and Jen dive into spring fashion, including current trends, the return of statement pants, and why high-waisted comfort might be here to stay. They share personal style insights, relatable struggles with finding the right fit, and their thoughts on evolving fashion in midlife. The episode also explores seasonal transitions, including Easter traditions, hosting during busy life seasons, and the balance between productivity and presence. At the heart of the conversation is a meaningful reminder to embrace “whimsy” in daily life—adding small, joyful moments that bring lightness and personality into routines that can otherwise feel overwhelming. This episode is perfect for listeners who enjoy real conversations about life, style, stress, humor, and personal growth, all delivered with warmth and authenticity. If you love lifestyle podcasts, conversations about everyday life, or finding joy in the middle of busy seasons, this episode is for you. Be sure to follow, share with a friend, and come back every week for more real-life encouragement and laughter.
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The In-Between Season of Life (And Why It Feels So Hard)
03/23/2026
The In-Between Season of Life (And Why It Feels So Hard)
In this encouraging Mini Monday episode of the Superlatively Yes podcast, Tanya shares a heartfelt reflection on navigating life in the “in-between” season—where wisdom has grown, but life still feels uncertain, overwhelming, and full of responsibility. From worrying about children and finances to managing anxiety, change, and the fast pace of life, this episode reminds listeners that growing older does not mean life gets easier—but it does mean we gain perspective, resilience, and deeper understanding. Tanya opens up about the tension between missing simpler times and embracing the present, while offering practical encouragement for coping with stress, regulating your nervous system, and returning to faith when life feels heavy. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious about the future, or carrying a sense of emotional weight you can’t quite explain, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that peace is still available to you. This episode also explores themes of self-care, emotional wellness, faith, joy, and letting go of control, encouraging listeners to release what they were never meant to carry and to embrace each day as a fresh start. Take a deep breath, reset your week, and come back to what matters most. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and follow the podcast for more uplifting conversations each week.
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The Truth About Unexpected Change
03/16/2026
The Truth About Unexpected Change
Unexpected change has a way of getting our attention. We can hear about changes happening in the world all day long, but until something shifts in our own routines, our families, or our plans, we don’t truly feel the weight of it. In this Mini Monday episode of the Superlatively Yes Podcast, Tanya talks about navigating seasons of uncertainty, stress, family dynamics, and the unexpected turns that life brings. She reflects on the reality that behind every front door is a family experiencing both good days and hard days, and that the human condition connects us all more than we realize. Tanya shares how faith, prayer, patience, and simple daily actions can help us move forward even when life feels overwhelming. She introduces her word for 2026—Triple—and what it means to pray for triple provision, opportunity, creativity, strength, and influence. This episode is an encouraging reminder that most problems are temporary, most people are good, and most situations are figure-out-able with faith, patience, and one irreversible task at a time. If you are navigating change, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need a hopeful reset for the week ahead, this episode will remind you that you are not alone and that the best chapters of your life may still be ahead. Topics in this episode include: Unexpected life changes Faith during difficult seasons Prayer and trusting God’s timing Managing anxiety and stress Family dynamics and life transitions The power of daily progress The “Irreversible Task” mindset Finding strength during uncertain times Be safe, be funny, and say yes to the good stuff.
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It’s Giving Swinter
03/12/2026
It’s Giving Swinter
A few themes from this episode: Healing is humbling, and sometimes accepting help is its own kind of growth. Not everything in modern life feels as user-friendly as it should. Your nervous system deserves compassion, too. Midlife may come with more sock decisions than anyone prepared us for. A good evening routine can be an act of self-respect. In this episode of Superlatively Yes, Tanya and Jen are back behind the microphones, talking through one of those very specific life seasons where everything feels just a little harder than it should. From the strange weather whiplash of “swinter” to the humbling realities of recovering from surgery with only one working arm, this conversation is full of the kind of honest, funny, and deeply relatable moments that make you feel less alone. Jen shares the surprisingly long list of everyday tasks that become nearly impossible with one arm, including driving through Chick-fil-A, putting on deodorant, typing, fixing hair, changing sheets, and simply opening a bag of almonds with dignity intact. Tanya, meanwhile, brings stories from real life that include cleaning an apartment alone for hours, nearly taking Shawn out with a Swiffer after being startled half to death, and trying to make sense of why husbands seem uniquely gifted at appearing out of nowhere and alarming the women they love. The conversation takes a delightful turn through Bridgerton parties, Life360 surveillance by beloved family members, and the deeply unserious but somehow very important question of what socks grown women are supposed to be wearing now. Compression socks, slouch socks, no-shows, crew socks — nothing is simple anymore, and Tanya and Jen are not afraid to say so. Underneath all the laughter, this episode also lands on something meaningful. The girls talk about why life can suddenly feel more complicated in certain seasons, how technology should be making life easier but often doesn’t, and what it looks like to thoughtfully care for yourself when your energy feels stretched thin. Jen shares what she is saying “superlatively yes” to right now: a new evening routine, better rest, and creating time for herself before bed instead of falling into the trap of revenge bedtime procrastination. Tanya opens up about self-talk, inner criticism, and the slow work of learning to treat yourself with more kindness. This episode is funny, comforting, thoughtful, and full of the kind of side conversations that somehow end up telling the truth. If you’ve ever felt overstimulated, overcomplicated, under-rested, or personally attacked by seasonal wardrobe changes, this one is for you.
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When You Don’t Know What to Do, Do This (Mini Episode)
03/11/2026
When You Don’t Know What to Do, Do This (Mini Episode)
Some weekends stretch us. They stretch our patience, our hearts, our thoughts, and sometimes our faith. In this Mini Monday episode of the Superlatively Yes podcast, Tanya shares a gentle reminder for those moments when life feels confusing, overwhelming, or uncertain. What do we do when we don’t know what to do? Tanya reflects on a weekend that left her heart spinning and reminds listeners of a simple but powerful approach to life’s hardest moments. First, we pray. Then we take the next step. Drawing from her own practical approach to tackling overwhelming tasks, Tanya shares her “left to right, top to bottom” philosophy for moving forward when everything feels chaotic. Instead of waiting for clarity or motivation to magically appear, we begin with the next small step and trust that progress will follow. She also reads a meaningful passage from the book ReFramed, which she co-wrote with Jennifer, reflecting on the pace of Jesus and the quiet reassurance that we are not meant to panic our way through life. Jesus didn’t run through the storms of life—He walked, steadily and purposefully, toward the next place He was meant to be. This episode is a comforting reminder that we don’t need the whole plan to move forward. We simply need the courage to pray, cast our worries onto God, and take the next step. If your thoughts feel like a tornado today, this Mini Monday is here to steady your heart. Forward progress is still progress.
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Bent Wheels, Blonde Hair & Evidence the Week Existed (feat Shawn)
03/03/2026
Bent Wheels, Blonde Hair & Evidence the Week Existed (feat Shawn)
“Maybe adulthood isn’t having it all together. Maybe it’s just leaving evidence the week existed.” This week on Superlatively Yes, Tanya is joined by Shawn while Jennifer recovers from torn bicep surgery (her hair is surviving… barely). What unfolds is a funny, honest, midlife conversation about bent Mercedes wheels, marriage dynamics, decision fatigue, blonde hair transformation, and what it really means to show up during a quiet week. From dealership warranty letters to sorting tax receipts as two self-proclaimed “alphas,” Tanya and Shawn unpack the tension and humor of working together after 31 seasons of marriage. They talk about finishing The Lincoln Lawyer, streaming fatigue, DIY confidence with a new Dewalt miter saw, IKEA cabinets from San Antonio, and why sometimes the biggest growth comes from small, ordinary tasks. Plus, the SEC football metaphor that explains why Tanya walked into the salon as a redhead and walked out blonde. This episode is about alignment — in cars, in closets, in leadership, and in life. And sometimes? That’s enough. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Jennifer’s surgery update & Shawn joins 02:40 – The bent wheel story (Little Flock edition) 07:30 – Warranty letters & dealership “facts” 12:00 – Marriage + taxes + alpha energy 17:00 – Finishing The Lincoln Lawyer & streaming fatigue 21:00 – Buying a Dewalt miter saw (DIY era?) 24:30 – IKEA cabinets from San Antonio & closet organization 29:00 – Rooms changing with seasons of life 32:00 – SUV vs sports car debate 35:00 – Rental cars & controversial metaphors 39:00 – Redhead to blonde: decision fatigue explained 46:00 – Midlife leadership & outsourcing small decisions 52:00 – “Switch jobs for two weeks” marriage experiment 55:00 – Rotisserie chicken pot pie & Taco Bell philosophy 58:30 – Leaving evidence the week existed
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Grace in a Changing World:Mini Episode with Tanya
03/03/2026
Grace in a Changing World:Mini Episode with Tanya
“Every grain that falls through the hourglass is not a moment lost. It’s a moment lived, and it is never outside of His hands.” In this Mini Monday episode of Superlatively Yes, Tanya reflects on Lent, Generation X nostalgia, cultural change, aging, faith, and the grace that holds us steady through shifting times. From latchkey-kid memories and roller rinks to AI, technology overload, and spiritual surrender, this episode explores how the outside world changes whether we cooperate or not, but the heart remains sacred ground. If you’ve ever felt the ache of growing older, the speed of cultural change, or the weight of time passing, this conversation will gently remind you: you’ve come a long way, baby, and you are still becoming. This is an encouraging reflection on faith, resilience, nostalgia, Gen X childhood memories, and trusting God through life transitions. ⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:00 – A gentle beginning: Lent and slowing down 02:15 – Generation X memories: History Project, latchkey life, and roller rinks 06:30 – The busy signal, encyclopedias, and simpler times 09:40 – “The times they are a changin’” — technology, culture, and AI 13:15 – Dust, surrender, and the spiritual weight of Lent 17:10 – The hourglass metaphor: grains of sand as sacred moments 20:45 – What we can control: our posture, response, and grace 23:30 – “You’ve come a long way, baby” and you’re still becoming 💛 What This Episode Is Really About Nostalgia without idolizing the past Faith during cultural and technological change The spiritual meaning of Lent Gen X childhood reflections Aging with grace Surrendering what we cannot control Living fully in each moment
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Small Things, Greater Things (Mini-Monday)
02/23/2026
Small Things, Greater Things (Mini-Monday)
Good morning and welcome to another quiet little corner of Monday. This episode came from a gentle, reflective place in my heart — the kind of place that notices how often we underestimate small things. Small beginnings. Small progress. Small faith. We live in a world that celebrates big, loud, dramatic transformations. But God? He has always had a soft spot for the small. An acorn that becomes an oak tree. A tiny jar of oil that becomes an abundance. Loaves and fishes that become overflowing baskets. And maybe most tender of all… Little faith. Wobbly faith. Fear-wrapped faith. Faith that shows up trembling but shows up anyway. Because if this episode holds one truth I hope settles into your spirit, it’s this: Small has never intimidated God. Little has never limited Him. Even wobbly faith is still faith. We talked about how easy it is to believe: “If it’s small, it doesn’t matter.” “If I don’t have much, not much can happen.” “If my faith feels shaky, it must not count.” And yet… God’s entire history says otherwise. Some days, I come to Him with faith that feels brave. Other days? Faith wrapped tightly in fear, anxiety, questions, and “what ifs.” And still… He receives it without disappointment. Without condemnation. With grace. Always grace. Tanya once said (and still believes): “Faith doesn’t always feel like courage. Sometimes it feels like showing up while scared.” Tanya once said: “My faith is strong. My nerves are not. God understands the difference.” And maybe my favorite reminder of all: “You can bring God faith wrapped in fear. He’s never turned that away.” This episode is especially close to my heart during Lent — This season of returning. Recalibrating. Softening. Letting go of the illusion that we must arrive polished and perfect. Because Lent gently reminds us: We come as we are. Sometimes steady. Sometimes wobbly. Sometimes peaceful. But always welcome. And so I’ll leave you with the same question we explored together: ✨ What do you want multiplied in your life? Peace? Energy? Joy? Confidence? Hope? Patience? And perhaps the braver question: ✨ How would you live if it overflowed? Thank you for spending a few minutes of your Monday with me. For listening. For reflecting. For walking this beautiful, imperfect, grace-filled life alongside us. Take care of your small things this week. They matter more than you think. With so much love, Tanya
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Porch Pick Ups, Walking Pads, and Binge Worthy Shows
02/17/2026
Porch Pick Ups, Walking Pads, and Binge Worthy Shows
This episode is what happens when we sit down with “notes” and immediately ignore them. We cover life updates, corporate trauma, Marketplace porch pickups, and the shocking reality that it is ONLY FEBRUARY and we are already exhausted. Episode Highlights 00:00 — “It’s February, and we’re already tired.” We kick things off with life updates, mild disbelief at the calendar, and the universal truth that January lasted so much longer than necessary. 01:00 — Valentine’s Day Energy (or lack thereof) Red shirts are discussed. Red lipstick is admired. Valentine’s Day is gently exposed as a commercially fed holiday. White cake with white icing remains undefeated. 02:30 — The Lighting Situation We debut our fancy new lights and immediately wonder if Jen's eyeballs will ever be ok again. 03:00 — Beats Headphones & Survival Risks Noise cancellation: amazing for productivity, terrible for situational awareness. Shawn fears Tanya will be unknowingly kidnapped while vibing. 04:00 — Walking Pads & Accidental Strength Training Why are they so heavy? Where is the Olympic medal for dragging fitness equipment across a house? 05:00 — Olympics, But Make It Realistic Proposed new categories include: Sleeping, Late-Night Purchasing, Forgetting You Own Things, and Competitive Marco Polo-ing. 06:30 — CPR Confidence Levels Jen is certified. Tanya would “call professionals first.” Honesty is our brand. 07:00 — Mark’s Birthday Rules Just white cake, white icing, and lots of lack of fanfare. 10:20 — Romance? Hard Pass. Valentine’s Day officially moved to the parking lot. 10:30 — Cultured Adventures with Adult Children Jen attends a play with Emalie, like the sophisticated theater mother she is. Nails, dinner, literature debates — we love character development. 13:10 — The Super Bowl That Time Forgot A riveting evening of… absolutely nothing happening. Snacks carried the event. 14:05 — Commercials vs. Reality AI Gronk. Confusing plots. “Help me understand what that was about?” becomes the night’s recurring theme. 17:15 — San Antonio Flashbacks Hotel lockouts. Cardboard engineering. Shawn wandered shoeless through a luxury mall like a legend. 18:00 — Jordan’s Facebook Marketplace Horror Story What began as Pioneer Woman measuring cups turned into: Porch pickup House tour Upstairs Five china cabinets Only one decorated room We are STILL NOT OKAY. 21:50 — True Crime Spiral Because of course we did. 23:15 — Corporate America Evaluations Nothing says corporate America like assigning human beings numbers and wearing them like a pageant sash of disappointment. 27:00 — Evaluating Ourselves Like Executives Strengths: Enthusiasm, friendship, charmingly unhinged energy. Opportunities: 97 topics per episode (we regret nothing). 34:00 — Flat Tire & Christian Road Rage A reminder that bumper stickers do not guarantee behavior. 35:45 — Cute & Fun Segment 💅✨ Things we’re loving: TikTok cleaning products (Mississippi Whiskey and Saltwater Sol) DIFF sunglasses Walking pads that are actually treadmills Greek yogurt as dessert Beats headphones (harder to lose, allegedly) 41:35 — What We’re Watching Lincoln Lawyer — binge mode activated His & Hers — emotional damage sustained Bridgerton — gowns, drama, walking pad companion 46:45 — Bridgerton Party Panic Empire waist confusion. Wig considerations. Grand entrance anxiety. 50:40 — Book Recommendation That Became a Command A TikTok-influenced read so good, Jen is slowing down the Audible. 53:10 — “What are you saying Superlatively Yes to?” Tanya: Putting herself first (WE LOVE THIS ARC) Jen: Energy audits & intentional living 55:30 — Journaling & Record Keeping Scrapbook-adjacent joy. Tiny photo printers. Creating “evidence the month existed.” 57:55 — Final Life Advice Avoid porch pickups that become house tours. Journal like you’re writing an alibi. Stay delightful. Closing Thought Life is weird. February is tiring. Friendship makes everything better. White cake with white icing is a lifestyle choice. Thanks for spending your time with us 💕 With Love, Tanya and Jen
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For Your Future Self; A Mini-Monday Reminder
02/16/2026
For Your Future Self; A Mini-Monday Reminder
Mini Monday Takeaways You are building a life for yourself, not a stranger. Later, older you is still you. This season is not a waiting room. Your life is happening now. Small actions create momentum. Tiny wins truly count. Schedule what matters. If it isn’t scheduled, it gets sacrificed. Choose one irreversible task. One decision that moves life forward. If you’re reading this, I just want you to know how genuinely glad I am that you’re here with me. Mini Monday is about real life. Your real life. The one you’re living right now. This week, we talked about something that sounds small but is actually enormous: You are not working for a stranger. You are very well acquainted with the person you are working so hard for. You are building a life for you — the same you that is reading this, just a few years down the road. I kept thinking about that beautiful reminder from the woman in her eighties: “This is the most wonderful time of your life. Remember to enjoy it.” Not someday. Not “you’ll miss this.” But now. Because this season? This busy, messy, sometimes-chaotic middle? It isn’t a holding pattern. It isn’t the lobby before your real life begins. It is your life. And yes — the world feels loud. Fast. Unsettled. But even here, even now, life is still packed with extraordinary possibilities. Whether you’re stepping into your wild-and-free empty-nest era or deep in the trenches of raising kids (and somehow also raising yourself), the invitation is the same: Live intentionally. Because if we don’t gently direct our days, life will do it for us. And life, bless it, is not always the most thoughtful planner. So this week’s Mini Monday challenge is simple and totally doable: Choose one irreversible task. One forward-moving action. One decision. One tiny moment of proof that your life progressed. Not everything. Just one thing. Friend, if your brain resisted? That’s not failure — that’s biology. Human brains are wired for comfort and safety, not productivity and spreadsheets. We’re not broken. We’re human. Which is why intentional living matters so much. It’s not about becoming a machine. It’s about becoming awake inside your own life. So wherever you are right now — busy house, quiet house, workday, reset day — I hope you’ll ask yourself: “What can I do today that my future self will thank me for?” Then do just that. Nothing dramatic is required. Just fingerprints on the day. I’m cheering for you always 🤍 Love forever, Tanya
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When Your Brain Tries to go Rogue (Spec. Guest Shawn)
02/09/2026
When Your Brain Tries to go Rogue (Spec. Guest Shawn)
"Vision isn't about becoming someone else. It's about becoming the person who actually shows up for their own life." In today's Mini Monday episode of Superlatively Yes, Tanya sits down with Shawn for a thoughtful—and unexpectedly funny—conversation about fixing what's fixable, motivating ourselves without pressure, and developing a clear vision for the person we are already becoming. This episode is not about reinventing your life or chasing some future version of yourself. It's about leading your thoughts, energy, priorities, and well-being right where you are. Tanya and Shawn talk honestly about how our brains absorb our environments, often without us realizing it, and why awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have for growth. You'll hear practical insights paired with real-life humor as they explore how we sometimes overperform in one area to make up for another where we're underperforming, and how noticing that pattern can be freeing rather than discouraging. This Mini Monday is grounded, motivating, and refreshingly doable, with reminders that growth doesn't require perfection, just intention. If you're looking for a Monday reset that feels encouraging, realistic, and human, this episode is for you. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome to Mini Monday and why today's conversation is about fixing, motivation, and vision 00:28 – What it really means to become the best version of yourself (not someone else) 01:20 – Leading your thoughts, energy, priorities, and well-being 02:10 – Why your brain is your most valuable asset 03:05 – How our environment shapes us more than we realize 04:20 – The idea of overperforming in one area to compensate for another 05:40 – Practical awareness without shame (and a little humor along the way) 06:55 – A realistic, encouraging Monday mindset reset
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Propaganda, Purchases, and the Hotel Fiasco
02/07/2026
Propaganda, Purchases, and the Hotel Fiasco
Welcome back to the Superlatively Yes podcast. Somewhere between IKEA and a hotel room fiasco, we officially stopped caring — and honestly, it felt healthy. This episode is brought to you by the new official members of the “We Do Not Care Anymore Club.” After leaving the house, traveling to San Antonio, and then immediately returning home, only to be unexpectedly confined indoors for over a week, Tanya and Jen are processing life, culture, movies, and expectations in real time with humor, honesty, and zero filter. They talk about the emotional whiplash of travel followed by forced stillness, including a hotel room fiasco that will absolutely make you feel better about your own travel stories. There’s commentary on IKEA, hotel logic that makes no sense, and the strange way being stuck inside recalibrates what you suddenly care about… and what you absolutely do not. The conversation weaves through movies, modern culture, and the propaganda we’re all subtly falling for — productivity myths, lifestyle pressure, and the unspoken rules we’ve accepted without ever agreeing to them. Tanya and Jen also explore what they may be opting out of heading into 2026, and why choosing comfort, clarity, and humor might actually be the most rebellious move. If you’ve ever come home from a trip exhausted, questioned why everything feels so loud, or found yourself thinking “I simply cannot care about this anymore,” this episode will feel like sitting in a hotel room with friends, laughing through the chaos and making peace with where you actually are. Come for the San Antonio stories. Stay for the cultural observations. Leave feeling validated, entertained, and significantly less alone. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:01 — Welcome back to Superlatively Yes and the immediate realization that leaving the house and returning home are two very different emotional events 00:30 — Introducing the unofficial sponsor of today’s episode: the We Do Not Care Anymore Club 01:15 — The elephant in the room: being unexpectedly confined at home for over a week after travel 03:00 — Travel whiplash is real: why coming home can feel harder than leaving 05:45 — San Antonio reflections and how perspective shifts when routine disappears 08:30 — The hotel room fiasco: expectations vs. reality and why hotel logic never makes sense 12:00 — IKEA thoughts, consumer confusion, and how quickly priorities rearrange themselves 16:00 — Movies, media, and the propaganda we’re all casually falling for 20:30 — The unspoken rules we’ve agreed to without remembering when we signed up 25:00 — What Tanya and Jen may officially be opting out of heading into 2026 30:00 — Humor, clarity, and realizing it’s okay to care less about the wrong things 34:00 — Closing thoughts, laughter, and gentle permission to loosen your grip
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Mini Monday: Evidence the Day Existed
02/02/2026
Mini Monday: Evidence the Day Existed
Some days pass quietly. Others leave fingerprints. In today’s Mini Monday episode, Tanya invites you to consider one simple, grounding question: What will be your evidence that this day existed? Not proof of productivity. Not hustle. Not a full reset. Just one intentional action that leaves a mark. This episode explores what evidence can look like, starting a DIY project, reading a chapter without distraction, watching a movie on purpose, taking a walk, opening a journal, hosting friends, making something with your hands, or capturing a moment you don’t want to forget. Because when we choose to participate in our days, even in small ways, they stop slipping through us. Tanya shares a tender story from her daughter Jordan’s birthday celebration and reflects on how moments, photos, conversations, and connection become lasting proof that a day mattered. From printed photos and handwritten captions to long phone calls that nourish the heart, this episode is a reminder that meaning is created—on purpose. As the week begins, this Mini Monday encourages you to do one thing that leaves evidence. One finished task. One memory. One beginning. Because tonight, when the day is done, you deserve to say: Yes. Today existed. And I was part of it.
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Mini Monday: Direction (Over Perfection)
01/26/2026
Mini Monday: Direction (Over Perfection)
“A rest area isn’t a place to stop — it’s a place to reroute. That’s often where guidance begins.” 190. Mini Monday: Direction (Over Perfection) Welcome back to Mini Monday on the Superlatively Yes podcast. I’m Tanya, and I’m really glad you’re here. Today we’re talking about direction — not perfection, not hustle, not starting over… just choosing where you’re headed next. If you’ve found yourself paused, distracted, or pulled into a mental rest area lately, this episode is your reminder: rest areas aren’t meant to be permanent stops — they’re places to reroute. And sometimes, that’s exactly where guidance begins. This Mini Monday is about small course corrections, tender progress, and choosing one irreversible step that leaves evidence your life moved forward today. Growth doesn’t usually happen on a big stage — it happens quietly, in hallways, in ordinary moments, and yes… sometimes while being locked out of your own hotel room. If January didn’t go how you planned, or if you feel behind before the week even starts, this episode will gently help you reset your direction with grace, humor, and clarity. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a next right step.
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Analog Bags, Binge Revolt and Craving Elegance
01/20/2026
Analog Bags, Binge Revolt and Craving Elegance
Something is trending on TikTok like it’s brand-new, and Tanya is over here, like… sweet friends, I’ve been doing this since 1987. Welcome to the Superlatively Yes conversation about the “analog bag,” aka your car purse, your tote, your emotional support bag, your tiny portable sanity kit. The one filled with notebooks, pens that actually write, something to read, something to do, and a little piece of your personality that does not require Wi-Fi. In this episode, Tanya and Jen talk about why having a “bag with a place to land” is more than cute. It’s a practical way to reclaim your attention and calm your nervous system in a distracted world. Instead of automatically grabbing your phone while you’re waiting in the car line, in a coffee shop, or between errands, you can reach into your bag and choose something that makes you feel present again. A journal for brain dumping. A list notebook that holds all the mental tabs you’ve been carrying. A magazine like it’s 2003. A tiny creative hobby that keeps your hands busy and your mind quiet. Or even letters and cards, because yes, we are bringing back correspondence, and we are proud. Then we pivot into a second “everything old is new again” trend that honestly might change your evenings. We’re watching one episode at a time, like the good old days. No bingeing the whole season. No Netflix asking if we’re still alive at 2:00 a.m. Just one episode, the loop is closed, the TV turns off, and you get your night back. Better sleep. Better mood. Better attention span. Actual time for real life. Shawn Smith gets a proper shoutout here because he has apparently become the household spokesperson for emotionally stable adult behavior, and we love that for him. We also talk about why society is craving elegance again. Beautiful sets. Tailored clothing. smart, witty dialogue. Shows and movies that feel like a whole aesthetic reset, from Bridgerton’s pop songs in a violin section to the anticipation of The Devil Wears Prada returning to the big screen. We don’t want to consume everything instantly. We want to look forward to it, savor it, and let it be a fun part of our week. And because we cannot be trusted to stay on one topic for too long, there’s also a quick snack segment that might actually become your new obsession. Warm dates (for five seconds, do not disrespect the microwave), a little cream cheese, hot honey, flaky salt, and chopped walnuts. One bite. Ten out of ten. You’re welcome. We circle back to Tanya’s Irreversible Task Challenge and celebrate the magic of finishing something that leaves evidence—cleaning a messy drawer and resetting a space. Letting go of the expired makeup palettes and doing the small things that make you feel like yourself again. Jen also makes a brilliant request that needs to happen immediately: Irreversible Tasks as stickers, so you can peel, place, and celebrate in your journal like the organized queen you are. This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to let life dissolve into your phone. You can create calm on purpose. You can build a bag that supports who you are. You can watch one episode and turn it off. You can practice your talents. You can bring elegance back in tiny, realistic ways. And you can remember who you are again. If this episode made you feel calmer, more grounded, or like you suddenly need a fresh notebook and a tote bag that means business, would you do us a favor? Please download this episode and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Reviews help more sweet friends find the show, and they mean the world to us. And if you want bonus content, video episodes, downloads, life coaching with Jen, behind-the-scenes, and all the extra Superlatively Yes goodness, come hang out with us on Patreon at Patreon.com/SuperYes. We’ll see you there, friends!
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Mini Monday: Delete, Replace, Visualize and Close a Loop
01/19/2026
Mini Monday: Delete, Replace, Visualize and Close a Loop
“You don’t need more motivation. You need traction.” Welcome back to Mini Monday. I’m Tanya, and I’m really glad you’re here. In this episode, I wanted to gently remind you of something January has a habit of making us forget: it is not too late. If you didn’t start the year perfectly on January 1st, you haven’t failed. That’s not how real life works, and it’s definitely not how growth works. This Mini Monday is about traction, not pressure. I’ve been challenging us this month to focus on one irreversible task a day. Just one small, completed action that can’t be undone. Something that leaves evidence your life moved forward today. It might be sending an email you’ve been avoiding, hanging a picture that’s been leaning against the wall, or finally scheduling the appointment you keep putting off. Quietly starting still counts as progress, and progress is pleasing to the brain. Finished things build confidence. When we stop chasing motivation and start building traction, something shifts. Practicing the habit of finishing strengthens our confidence and helps us master our time. And time management isn’t about pressure or hustle—it’s how we begin to recapture our lives. This is preparation, not punishment. I also invite you to take an honest look at your life without shame or comparison. What’s working? What’s draining you? What have you outgrown but keep carrying anyway? You are allowed to make a change before things fall apart. You can reset without a crisis forcing it. Sometimes growth simply looks like stopping and choosing to do things differently. I shared a sweet moment from a recent family game night that reminded me how often life deals us into seasons we don’t fully understand. Just like learning a new game, we watch, listen, and learn as we go. Learning still counts as progress. You belong in the season you’re in, even if you don’t know all the rules yet. We also talk about visualizing your future self—not in a vague or “woo woo” way, but clearly. How does that version of you move through mornings? What does she tolerate? What does she no longer put up with? That future version isn’t imaginary. It’s potential. And you don’t become that person all at once. You become her one irreversible task at a time. I speak directly to self-esteem in this episode, because I see so many capable, thoughtful, qualified people holding themselves back from spaces where they absolutely belong. Confidence isn’t loud. Confidence is giving yourself permission to show up, to take your place, and to be seen without apology. You don’t always feel ready—but when you step forward, readiness follows. Before we wrap up, I offer a small bonus challenge for the week: delete one thing that steals your time and attention but doesn’t serve you. Replace it intentionally with something that builds you. Replacement matters. It keeps your mind moving forward instead of feeling deprived. When you choose loops that actually close—loops that leave evidence—you begin to feel capable again. If you’ve been feeling behind, uncertain, or hesitant to step into the next version of your life, I want you to hear this clearly: you are not late, you are not behind, and you are not done. Take a deep breath with me. You still have time, and you are allowed to use it well. I’m so glad you’re here, friends. Spending Mondays with you is my favorite part of the week.
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National Quitters Day & Trading TikTok for Talents
01/13/2026
National Quitters Day & Trading TikTok for Talents
Hi friends, It’s Tanya and Jen, and we had so much fun recording this first episode of 2026 with you. This one started the way most of our best conversations do over chips and salsa… and somehow turned into a full-blown heart-to-heart about quitting, trying again, common sense, and how we’re all accidentally wasting our talents on our phones. We talk about National Quitters Day (the second Friday in January — yes, we Googled it 😂) and why so many of us give up on our goals so quickly. Not because we’re lazy… but because we set the bar so high and rely on motivation instead of grace. In this episode, we laugh, ramble, and tell the truth about: Why motivation never stays How “all-or-nothing” thinking makes us quit The Trim Healthy Mama rule that changed how we see mistakes (you get a reset in three hours!) Why tiny choices beat big, dramatic overhauls Learning to cook ten meals instead of becoming a gourmet overnight Reading more books and scrolling less And giving ourselves permission to start again tomorrow We also went full-soapbox about society in 2026 — because apparently we had some feelings 😅 — including: Traffic etiquette (LET ONE CAR IN, PEOPLE) Chick-fil-A drive-thru behavior Airport pajamas, bare feet, and barbecue on planes Bathroom manners (yes, we said boob-water) And why using a turn signal is not optional And then we got serious in the best way: We talked about trading TikTok for our talents — playing piano, cooking, reading, learning, creating, living — instead of scrolling away our lives. Jen shared her goal to read more in 2026 after going from 50 books to 12, and Tanya committed (on record!) to learning how to cook real meals instead of surviving on crockpot chaos and restaurant food. We ended with a simple invitation: What’s one thing you could quit this year? And what’s one thing you should make more room for? You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to do it every day. You just have to keep coming back. Thank you for being here with us, laughing with us, growing with us, and doing life alongside us. We love you so much, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 holds for all of us. 💛 Tanya & Jen
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Mini Monday: A Gentle Reset
01/12/2026
Mini Monday: A Gentle Reset
In this Mini Monday episode of Superlatively Yes, Tanya invites you to slow down, reset, and gently begin your week, and your year, with purpose instead of pressure. We’re living in a noisy, distracted world where most of us wake up already feeling behind. In this episode, Tanya talks about how easy it is to spend our days reacting, scrolling, and carrying too much in our minds and why a small reset can change everything. You’ll hear: Why modern life leaves us overstimulated and exhausted The power of pausing instead of constantly pushing How writing things down helps the brain feel lighter and more in control Why simple lists, prayers, or honest conversations can bring clarity How small, finished tasks build a meaningful life over time Tanya also shares a heartfelt reflection on the journey of Superlatively Yes from its beginnings in early 2022 with Jasa, to Jennifer becoming a co-host, and how the podcast continues to grow and evolve alongside its listeners. This episode is a reminder that this show was never about being polished; it’s about being present and walking through life together. As we step into 2026, this Mini Monday is a gentle invitation to live on purpose to notice, to choose, and to build a life you’re proud of, one small moment at a time. To close, Tanya gives one simple challenge: Do one irreversible task today. One small thing that leaves evidence that today mattered — a walk, a prayer, a phone call, a page written, or a surface cleaned. Because we don’t change our lives with giant leaps. We change them with small, finished steps. 🎧 New Mini Monday episodes drop every Monday on Superlatively Yes. Follow the show and share this episode with someone who could use a soft reset today. 💛
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Progress Is Pleasing: A January Reset That Works
01/05/2026
Progress Is Pleasing: A January Reset That Works
My sweet friends 🤍 If you’re feeling a little foggy after the holidays, distracted, behind, or like everything is slightly “off," this episode is for you. Today isn’t about restarting your whole life. It’s a reset. A soft landing into 2026 with some simple systems that help your brain breathe again. What this episode is really about: Resetting, not reinventing. Getting the noise out of your head and into one place (because progress is pleasing to the brain). Creating evidence that the day moved forward. Recapturing our time, attention, and talent (instead of handing it to doom scrolling). Key takeaways (quick + clear): ✅ Progress calms the brain. Open loops create mental noise. ✅ A brain dump is a reset button. The goal isn’t to do it all—the goal is to see it. ✅ Saving something to your phone isn’t an action step. (Ask me how I know 😂) ✅ One irreversible task a day builds momentum and self-trust. ✅ When nothing in your environment reminds you what matters, you lose focus. That’s why boards work. January Challenge: One Irreversible Task a Day An irreversible task is something that leaves evidence and can’t be easily undone: A workout A journal page Reading a chapter Hanging a picture Styling a shelf Completing one project step 3 Board Ideas from the episode (choose ONE to start): Prayer Board – names, requests, scriptures, gratitude Vision Board – not “manifesting,” just setting direction Life Board – current projects + punch lists + what matters right now (Simple supplies. No perfection. Just visible reminders.) 📎 Your Printable Download (Patreon Exclusive): ✨ 12 Irreversible Tasks Challenge — fridge-friendly + cute + motivating Use it exactly as-is, or let it inspire your own list. The magic is getting it out of your head and into the real world. 12 Irreversible Task Ideas (from the episode): Read a chapter or two Clean out one messy drawer Write in your journal Style an outdated/unfinished shelf Clean out your tote bag/diaper bag/back seat Go to sleep early Create a project you saved on your phone Create a January playlist Stretch on the floor for 20 minutes Put a meal in the crockpot early Do a 20-minute workout/walk/jog Take a pet for a walk (yours or somebody else’s 😄) We’re not trying to be busier in 2026. We’re trying to be more intentional, more present, more skilled, and more engaged with our real lives. Pick one thing today that can’t be undone… and let that be enough. 🤍
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Rest Isn't Just Sleep, Ya'll
06/04/2025
Rest Isn't Just Sleep, Ya'll
Let’s Talk About the Rest We Really Need (And Probably Aren’t Getting) In this episode, Tanya and Jen take a much-needed breather and invite you to do the same. We're not just talking about getting more sleep (although yes, please)—we’re diving into the whole wild world of rest: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and even the kind you need after too much small talk. 😅 From personal confessions about burnout to laugh-out-loud moments about introvert crashes and DMV despair, we’re sharing how we try to rest and why it’s okay, essential, even, to stop and exhale. You’ll walk away with real-life tips, a few giggles, and permission to put your phone on Do Not Disturb. So grab a cozy blanket (or hide in your car for 45 minutes—we don’t judge), and press play.
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Why Am I Like This? Dealing With Our Quirks.
05/20/2025
Why Am I Like This? Dealing With Our Quirks.
In this episode of the Superlatively Yes podcast, Tanya and Jen share their quirky moments, discuss their recent Easter celebrations, and reflect on Mariah's beautiful baby shower. They dive into their favorite books and TV shows, share their thoughts on reality TV, and recount a delightful road trip filled with food and laughter. The conversation also touches on home improvements and the humorous challenges of aging. Tanya and Jen explore the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them who they are, while sharing humorous anecdotes about their lives, reflecting on family connections, self-awareness, and embracing authenticity. The discussion also delves into the significance of reframing our inner dialogue from critical to curious, encouraging listeners to understand their behaviors and thoughts more compassionately. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the joy of connection and the beauty of being true to oneself. 00:00 Introduction and Quirky Moments 02:58 Easter Celebrations and Family Gatherings 06:05 Baby Shower Joy and Anticipation 09:02 Books, Shows, and Recommendations 12:02 Reality TV and Personal Preferences 14:59 Road Trip Adventures and Food Delights 17:55 Home Improvements and Family Projects 20:57 Garage Lighting and Aging Humor 24:39 The Joy of Family Connections 25:55 Roasting Ourselves: A Fun Exploration 27:32 Self-Reflection and Quirks 30:21 The Need for Control and Preparedness 33:15 The Humor in Everyday Life 36:04 Understanding Our Quirks 42:20 The Importance of Self-Awareness 44:11 Reframing Our Inner Dialogue 51:34 Embracing Authenticity and Connection
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The Gratitude Episode
04/27/2025
The Gratitude Episode
Hello listeners! Jen and I explore gratitude, personal growth, and simplifying life in this episode. We share our reflections on what we are grateful for, from small daily joys to deeper connections with family and friends. The conversation also delves into practical tips for streamlining tasks and simplifying life, emphasizing the value of mindfulness and intentional living. This conversation explores various strategies for simplifying life, managing household responsibilities, and expressing gratitude. We also discuss practical tips for meal preparation, household management, and the benefits of gratitude on mental and physical health. The dialogue emphasizes the power of positive thinking and the impact of gratitude on overall well-being. Again, thank you so much for listening, and in case we haven't told you lately, we are SO GRATEFUL for you!
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Jumping on the Self-Improvement Bandwagon (Yet Again!)
04/09/2025
Jumping on the Self-Improvement Bandwagon (Yet Again!)
In this episode of the Superlatively Yes podcast, hosts Tanya and Jen explore themes of self-improvement, aging, and personal experiences. They share stories about family events, reflections on retail changes, culinary influences, the importance of sleep, and personal safety. The conversation also touches on the process of decluttering and letting go of the past, emphasizing the need for self-care and well-being as they navigate life's challenges. In this engaging conversation, Jen and Tanya explore various aspects of self-improvement, from practical self-care routines to the impact of digital consumption on mental health. They discuss innovative technologies for fitness and skincare, the importance of hormone balance, and the benefits of reading both fiction and non-fiction. The conversation also touches on the significance of planning and organization in leading a fulfilling life, emphasizing the need for balance in all areas. In this engaging conversation, Tanya and Jen explore the humorous and serious aspects of aging, the importance of friendship, and the journey of self-improvement. They share personal anecdotes about the realities of getting older, including physical changes and the need for more light. The discussion emphasizes the value of support in friendships, the significance of understanding and forgiveness, and the importance of prioritizing peace and self-care in their lives. Links we mentioned in today's episode: Red light therapy. Get $50 off with code Tanya47659 Infrared sauna Get$50 off with code Tanya47659
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An Award Winning Podcast
03/03/2025
An Award Winning Podcast
Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Superlatively Yes Podcast, Jennifer and I discuss various topics ranging from awards and personal achievements to fashion insights and conspiracy theories. We get tickled by our personal experiences with award-winning and losing, discuss a trending TikTok personality, and talk about what we are currently watching, including shows like Severance. Also, Jen tells me some very disappointing news about the Publishers Clearing House. We also explore the significance of awards and recognition in both personal and professional contexts. We reflect on our own achievements, the prestige of major awards like the Nobel Peace Prize and the Pulitzer Prize, and the journey of creativity in writing. Of course, we give made-up awards to one another for home management and finding lost items. Most importantly, we discuss the importance of acknowledging personal achievements, embracing flaws, and letting go of unnecessary competition. The conversation also touches on the significance of remembering others, the challenges of consumer culture, and the journey of personal growth and resilience. Thanks so much for hanging out with us. We think YOU deserve an AWARD! Tanya Links we mentioned in today's episode: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Awards and Recognition 02:48 Fashion Insights and TikTok Trends 05:33 Exploring Conspiracy Theories 08:24 Diving into TV Shows and Cultural Commentary 11:07 Navigating Travel and Technology 13:46 The Myth of Publishers Clearing House 16:44 Personal Stories of Awards and Achievements 19:36 The Value of Awards and Recognition 22:44 Reflecting on Personal Achievements 23:08 The Prestige of Major Awards 25:47 The Journey of Writing and Creativity 27:36 The World of Entertainment Awards 29:26 Celebrating Everyday Achievements 32:07 The Importance of Family Roles 35:58 The Art of Home Management 39:35 The Search for Lost Items 40:36 Navigating Everyday Life with Humor 42:02 Celebrating Home and Personal Achievements 42:43 The Art of Forgetfulness and Daily Struggles 43:23 Skincare Adventures and Self-Care Rituals 44:04 Acknowledging Our Flaws and Learning from Mistakes 45:02 Letting Go of Unnecessary Competitions 45:59 Embracing the Absurdity of Life 48:06 The Importance of Remembering and Acknowledging Others 50:32 The Challenge of Returning Items and Consumer Culture 51:54 Going Down the Rabbit Hole of Information 53:11 Celebrating Personal Growth and Resilience 55:40 Reflecting on Achievements and Learning Opportunities 57:39 Radical Surrender and Embracing Life's Journey 01:00:22 The Journey of Parenting 01:07:00 Trusting God Through Life's Waters
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The Pressure We Put On Passion
03/02/2025
The Pressure We Put On Passion
In this episode, Jennifer and I delve into the multifaceted concept of passion, exploring its role in our lives (beyond the romantic notion often associated with it.) We discuss the pressures society places on individuals to find and monetize their passions, the importance of recognizing that passion can evolve, and the idea of Ikigai as a guiding principle for finding purpose. Also, we talk about nurturing passion without the burden of expectation, allowing it to enrich our lives instead of dictating our career paths. Thanks so much for being here, Tanya Takeaways Passion is often misunderstood and can create unnecessary pressure. It's okay for passion to change over time; it doesn't have to be a constant. Many people feel lost when trying to identify their passion, which is normal. Passion should enrich our lives, not dictate our careers. Finding your Ikigai can help clarify your purpose in life. It's important to separate passion from the need to monetize it. Real-life experiences can help uncover what you are passionate about. Nurturing passion can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Hard work and honest jobs have intrinsic value, even if they aren't our passion. We should allow ourselves to explore different interests without the pressure of being perfect. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Concept of Passion 09:55 The Pressure of Passion in Our Lives 19:55 Finding Your Ikigai and Life Purpose 28:02 Nurturing Passion Without Pressure
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Survival Mode, Moving Forward, and So Many Alarms!
02/12/2025
Survival Mode, Moving Forward, and So Many Alarms!
Hello Friends! We are back! In this episode of Superlatively Yes, Jen and I reconnect to discuss the importance of self-acceptance, the power of friendship, and navigating life's challenges. We explore the shift away from traditional New Year's resolutions towards a more compassionate and understanding approach to personal growth. We truly laugh and enjoy our heartfelt conversation, interruptions and all! We talk about the significance of embracing one's current season in life and the necessity of support in achieving personal goals. Also, Jen and I explore the themes of survival mode, self-care, and emotional wellness. We also discuss the challenges of navigating personal and professional changes, the importance of self-compassion, and strategies for managing stress and burnout. There is such a huge need for understanding one's emotional state and the significance of spiritual wellness in maintaining balance and perspective in life. We are so glad to be here with you on this amazing platform and in this precious community. Tanya Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings 02:05 The Power of Friendship and Support 06:03 Embracing Self-Acceptance 10:07 Navigating Life's Challenges 14:06 Mindset Shifts for Growth 17:50 The Importance of Self-Compassion 23:37 Navigating Change and Respect in Education 26:14 Understanding Survival Mode 31:22 Strategies for Self-Care and Compassion 35:46 The Importance of Spiritual Wellness 39:59 Embracing Change and Moving Forward TRANSCRIPT: Hello listeners. Welcome to Superlatively Yes's seventh season. We are back in this first episode of 2025 and we are so excited to connect with you all and bring some fun, fresh new content. Today I am here with my good friend and yours, Jennifer McCrodden. You know Jen, she's been around since season one. She's an OG. Jasa, our hilarious world traveling friend will be in and out this season. Before you get concerned, everyone and everything is fine. We're fine. We're just like in a super busy season. And this makes a lot of sense to us right now. We're so excited. We're committed to all of you in the SY community, committed to this platform. And we love this opportunity. Okay. Since we last had Jen on the Superlatively Yes podcast, she has become a drum roll please certified life coach. And do you know who has benefited the most from this so far? Me. I love to unwrap topics and conversations with Jen because she has such a wise and unique perspective. I learned something new from her guys every time we have a coaching session or a long lunch at Tacos for Life. Welcome back to the Superlatively, I'm sorry, the Superlatively Yes podcast, Jen. Jen (01:25.08) Thank you, Tanya. And that is so kind of you to say. I have greatly benefited from life coaching as well, and always from having tacos with you and hanging out. So it's a mutual benefit for sure. Tanya N Smith (01:35.535) Tanya N Smith (01:39.867) It really is. Yeah. Okay. So, let's just get right into it. Listen, everybody listen. Jen wrote me this letter and one of our back and forth moments of talking through topics and it absolutely made my day. It made me laugh out loud and that is kind of hard to do. So I want you to hear it. I want you to hear in her sweet voice and then we're going to talk about it right after. Jen (01:44.311) Yes. Jen (02:05.356) All right, a letter to my dear friend Tanya. Dear Tanya, all right, before we begin, a disclaimer. Do you remember when your grandparents used this phrase? If I had a quarter, I think my grandparents said if I had a dime, for every time you, fill in the blank, I'd retire and move away and be rich. Well, sadly, my friend, due to inflation, we are retiring coin money. Tanya N Smith (02:25.235) Mm-hmm. for sure. Jen (02:34.626) And we are only allowed to deal in tens and twenties because I mean, it's spendy out there folks. It's spending. So Tanya, if we had a $10 for every time either one of us has used one of these phrases, we would be podcasting from an island somewhere. And here are the phrases most often used by us. And this is why I can't be in charge. All the time. Here's another one that we use all the time. Tanya N Smith (02:47.667) Mm. Tanya N Smith (02:59.292) every day. Jen (03:03.608) From now on, you are the one making all my decisions. I'm done. I'm done. Why didn't you step in and intervene? Tanya N Smith (03:07.813) every other day. Jen (03:17.476) of For the Love of Nancy Reagan. You let me. Tanya N Smith (03:19.933) For the love. Yes, why did you let me do that? my word. Jen (03:25.42) Yes, and I don't know why Nancy Reagan, that's just who we use. And then here's one of my all-time favorites that we have said multiple times. What would Dolly do? I mean, what would Dolly do? Tanya N Smith (03:36.051) preach that one what would Dolly do? Listen, we know she would put on her heels and put on her makeup and she would look fantastic doing it. Jen (03:43.894) and she would do it, and she would do it well. So listen. Tanya N Smith (03:46.545) I love these. love these. I'm sorry. You have more. Go on, go on. Jen (03:49.484) No, no, listen, I'm not too proud to say it and I know you're not too proud to say it either. We need help, all of the help, in all of the ways, at all of the times. And both of us helping each other and supporting each other, it's been a pillar of our friendship for the past 25 years. The fact that we have either been on the front row of each other's lives or possibly co-piloted one another into some kind of shenanigans. Tanya N Smith (04:06.087) Yeah. Yeah. Jen (04:18.068) situation and the goings-on and the doings, it means that we have historical records. These are receipts, if you will, of all of the things. And so this letter is simply to remind you that there are no takesy-backsies. We've come too far. We're just going to keep moving on. And as such, I was going to make you a promise that I was going to be more chill in 2025. But even as I'm writing this, you and I both know Tanya N Smith (04:23.911) Mm-hmm. Tanya N Smith (04:47.059) You Jen (04:47.296) And I can, I know you're laughing because that's just simply not going to happen. But here's what I'm going to attempt. And by attempt, that means of course you're signed up to support in all the ways I'm going to attempt self acceptance. No wait before you I roll self acceptance does not include the following. We will not be accepting fine lines and wrinkles. Tanya N Smith (05:15.027) Mm-mm. Jen (05:16.856) gray hair, or ugly shoes. Tanya N Smith (05:17.811) No, no, no, ugly shoes and no, absolutely not. Jen (05:22.67) There may be more that we add to this list later, but those are the top three that we will not be accepting in 2025. Tanya N Smith (05:28.453) No fine lines and wrinkles, no gray hair for us. For us, other people it's okay, but for us, we can't do it. Yeah. Right. Jen (05:34.21) You know, some people look amazing in gray hair and I celebrate it, but I'm probably not one of those people. So perhaps you were suspecting that I was going to reach out to you in early 2025 and say, this is the all new improved gin, new year, new me. But alas, no, but also yes, because I think that even though self-acceptance might seem small, It's going to be something that's big. And so part of self-acceptance might be me being OK with being an ambivert, which I can hardly even say. Tanya N Smith (06:05.777) Yeah. Tanya N Smith (06:12.787) Did you say ambivert? Did you say the word ambivert in the first five minutes of our podcast? Jen (06:19.63) Yes, yes I did. Mic drop. I need to be okay with not writing a novel, but enjoy writing all the same. Okay, we're gonna accept that my pie crust will always be classified as rustic. Okay, it's just going to be, that's how it's going to go. I will always be reading at least two books. I... Tanya N Smith (06:30.675) Hmm. Tanya N Smith (06:38.163) Hmm. Jen (06:47.118) Probably have spices in my spice cabinet that are expired. I mean who really needs coriander honestly Tanya N Smith (06:53.331) What is it? No, don't even need to It's okay. I've gone this long. Jen (06:56.162) We can't go down that rabbit hole. Jen (07:00.376) There are pictures of you and me from the 1900s before straightening irons and hair therapy, honestly. And they're going to stay out there. And here's what we need to do. We need to say, she was me. I am her and accept that. So here are marching orders together, dear friend for 2025. God loves us and we love one another. And let's just keep moving on. Tanya N Smith (07:05.871) bless our hearts. Tanya N Smith (07:18.589) Yeah, yeah, Tanya N Smith (07:29.991) I love it. Yay! Do you know how it thrilled me to read this letter? Like it was, okay, first of all, a letter, come on. Who has sent me a letter? I felt like the Blue's Clues guys. Like, yeah, I got a letter. And then I just love everything about it. And here's why it meant so much to me. You and I have been on this roller coaster when it comes to all the things we are supposed to accept or try to forget or. Jen (07:31.107) Love, Jen. Jen (07:36.654) Aww. I know, I was throwing it back old school. Tanya N Smith (07:58.575) work through on our healing journey. I mean, and I'm not downplaying any of that stuff, but isn't it fascinating that we have seen a revolt or maybe a revolution against New Year's resolutions, the New Year, new you mindset. And I wonder, know, friend, like, what does it say about us as a society that we are done? We are done with it always being on a 12 month improvement plan that starts every 12 months. Jen (08:12.792) Right. Jen (08:27.086) Right. Well, first of all, at first I thought it's just me. I'm, I'm revolting. But then I realized, no, I think the whole world is saying, I can't, I can't do it. And I think what it is is, you know, there are probably 915 million books, self-help books out there. There's so many plans. There's so many gurus. There's so many helping us. And again, like you, I'm all in. I want to do my best. want to learn. I want to grow. want to heal. I want to do all the things. But to be able to keep up with all the ounces of water and all of the vitamins and all of the... I can't. And so I need to pick what works for me. I need to accept myself where I am and move forward. But love where I'm at. If I'm always waiting... Tanya N Smith (09:09.094) Right? Jen (09:23.118) For the best me there is, I don't get to enjoy the me that I am now. Tanya N Smith (09:27.195) my gosh, that is so good. And I wish I knew that before I was, I mean, now that I'm 30, I'm beginning to learn a few things. Jen (09:35.67) Right. Same. Same, sister, same. Yeah. Well, a little. Tanya N Smith (09:39.079) Right? LOL. I'm a little older than that. But yeah, yeah. No, I mean, I say all the time I wouldn't go back to being 20 or 30. And that's not because I didn't love that part of my life or I don't appreciate other people being in that part of their life. It's because that's an exhausting thought to like go back and do it over again. It just really has to do with going back and doing it all over again. Jen (09:51.822) Mm. Jen (10:07.598) Maybe we're more tired. But I also think I wouldn't want to go back to those thought patterns. Right? If I went back, I've got to take my older 30 brain back to my 30 year old self, if that makes sense. Right? I need the wisdom that I have now in my 30 plus. Tanya N Smith (10:09.556) yeah. Tanya N Smith (10:17.171) There you go. Tanya N Smith (10:24.531) Right. Tanya N Smith (10:31.699) Because we've learned a thing or two along the way, coping strategies, mechanisms, survival skills in this world. And we just frankly didn't know them earlier. Jen (10:42.732) Yeah, and I kind of like myself now. Tanya N Smith (10:46.737) I like you too. Okay, I am not going to waste anybody's time. I'm to get right to four questions because you are so good at these four, at these suggestions, I should say. You have four suggestions and I call them ways to like navigate forward in life. There's probably a much better title for them. But Jen, what are your four suggestions for someone wanting to navigate forward in their life? Jen (10:47.989) Aw, thanks, Fred. Jen (11:11.169) Yeah, yeah. Jen (11:15.48) Well, just as we were talking about, these are not resolutions. These are not things we're going to go out and do. But I think, first of all, they have to be our mindset. And if there's anything I want to change, it's less doing and more how I'm approaching or my perspective towards the way that my life is right now. So the first one on the list is the best way to change anything is to understand what it is and why. And so. Tanya N Smith (11:43.223) That's good. Jen (11:44.396) you've heard about the five whys. Yes, everyone knows that you ask why five times to kind of get down to the basis level of what you're thinking or what you're feeling or what you're needing. And I think we don't employ that exercise often enough to really ask ourselves what is happening? Why am I feeling this way? what does this all mean for me right now? We just kind of push that aside. We push our feelings aside and we say, well, I read this article. I watched this great TikTok. I've got to move on with what this person is saying because they're an expert, right? And so stopping to examine why it's important to me or why it's not important to me or why I feel this way, I think it's the first real step in evaluating where you are and what you Tanya N Smith (12:25.116) Yes. Jen (12:38.39) are about and what you want to change or not change. Why are you wanting to make those changes? Tanya N Smith (12:41.553) Okay, so good. This is so, so good. I have a story about this that I have, we've talked about that I want to share it with the listeners about understanding why so that you can figure out what. But before we go, I mean, I want to tell the story because I think it will help somebody else because it did me. But I just want to put a pin in that and I want to say it again, that because you said it. Jen (12:55.47) So good. Tanya N Smith (13:08.505) These are your words. The best way to change anything is to understand what it is and why it is. And like you said, there are so many voices in our head that I think we forget to stop and say, what am I feeling? Why am I feeling it? And like, am I dead inside? Like me, like, you know, because sometimes when I am feeling that way, it's because I have absolutely forgotten to check in with myself, but we're going to come to that later. Please tell us number two, the second suggestion. Jen (13:37.038) I love that check in with yourself number two. These are some of the wisest words that I've ever read that were written by you my friend and You wrote them in a book titled reframed in the year 2020 of our of our Lord and Savior when life was super hard and You said embrace the season that you were in and boy did we have to embrace that season hard or that Season, embrace that's hard. But embrace the season that you're in. You know, I was reminded the other day, there's this song by Trace Adkins and it says, you're gonna miss this, right? And he's talking about raising the kids and things are hard and things are difficult and your job and your family and this and that or something else. And you know, you're gonna miss it. There are joys and there are beauty. Tanya N Smith (14:08.947) Right? Yeah. Yeah. Jen (14:35.286) all around us, all the time, even in the difficult times. And we have to stop and check in with ourselves and embrace the season that we're in and learn from it. Really dig in and learn from it to enjoy it before we move. Yeah. Tanya N Smith (14:48.307) Thank you. Tanya N Smith (14:53.031) Wise words. Jen (14:55.672) Kudos to you, friend! Tanya N Smith (14:57.427) Well, what I need to do is go back and read that chapter again called embrace in in our book because In that time period I believe I was doing that. I don't believe I've done it well Every single season since I wrote it or have I even thought about it, but it is my goal and I think it was on my mind and in my heart when I wrote it definitely but Yeah, I mean this too shall pass Jen (15:25.496) Sometimes we just need the reminder. Tanya N Smith (15:27.155) is a good and a bad thing, right? Okay. Well, thanks for quoting me. I didn't see that coming. Okay. Jen (15:29.708) Yeah. Yeah. Jen (15:34.414) Well, number three is that mistakes will be made. So plan for your discomfort. know, several years ago, my coach told me you need to pre plan. You need to prepare for prepare for difficult conversations ahead of time. Prepare for what resources are you going to need to get you through this season or this next difficult thing? And, you know, a lot of times we hop up and we put our boots on and we go out there and we try to do life and we, don't even think about really what we need to prepare ourselves for. And it was her wise words. Things are going to come up, prepare yourself ahead of time. Know that when you go to have this conversation, that's going to be difficult and walk into the discomfort knowing it's going to be uncomfortable, but I'm going to do it anyway. and so Tanya N Smith (16:10.193) No, we don't. Jen (16:31.434) in this self-acceptance moment, I'm gonna make mistakes. I'm gonna make mistakes every single day. And I need to plan for that to be painful and to hurt and to be patient with myself and to try again tomorrow. Tanya N Smith (16:48.631) that's so good. I have two things to add barely. Number one is, Jesus make this easy. The number of times a day that I say that to Jesus, Jesus make this easy. I'm about to encounter something that it's either uncomfortable. I'm not prepared for, I didn't expect whatever. And then the second thing is you said mistakes will be made and those aren't always mistakes made by us. Sometimes it's someone else's mistake. Jen (17:13.998) That's right. Tanya N Smith (17:17.127) that lands in our lap and you talk about learning how to be patient, planning for discomfort. Jen (17:25.282) That is so true. Absolutely. A fender bender, a word that someone says to you that just lands wrong or hurts your feeling. Choices are made, you know, loss. All of that comes at you not planned for, not prepared, not picked by you. But your discomfort is going to be off the charts. And we have to be prepared for that. Tanya N Smith (17:25.361) when it's like out of your control. Tanya N Smith (17:43.005) Right. Tanya N Smith (17:46.983) That's so true. Yes. Well, in the way that we prepare is by, I mean, what you said planning ahead, it's so brilliant because we have put this into action. You and I in different ways have talked about this throughout the year. Sean and I have talked about this. When something blindsides us, I mean, whether you want to talk about like someone driving badly on the interstate or a family member, whatever is having something or a friend, know, just whatever a coworker, like whatever you're dealing with, you decide ahead of time how you're going to react. Jen (18:20.142) Mm. Tanya N Smith (18:20.379) And you think, you can't do that. You can't decide in every situation how you're going to react, but you can decide to pause. And you can decide to pull back for a second and take a deep breath and not react until you have thought about it. And I just always like to think, what do I look like in the moments that I'm reacting? It can be very humbling. Let me tell you, can be very scary. Jen (18:39.95) Right. Yeah. Jen (18:46.796) I'm glad there's not a camera recording every moment of my life. Yeah. Tanya N Smith (18:49.403) Right, it's not the actual Truman Show. Okay, so good. Let's go on to your fourth suggestion. Jen (18:55.054) So this last one is maybe not a suggestion as much as a reminder that self-acceptance is not a resignation. I'm not giving up. Right. I'm not quitting all the things. What I'm doing is putting acceptance of myself and where I'm...
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The Episode with Shawn
11/27/2024
The Episode with Shawn
Welcome to Season 6 of the Superlatively Yes Podcast. In today’s episode, we are talking about some movies, some of our favorite things from 2024, and what we have learned about ourselves from 30 years of marriage. This is episode 161 of our regular podcast episodes, but you can find our bonus content and the video versions of our conversations at . So thank you for joining us, as always, and please enjoy special guest Shawn Smith. Amazon links earn commission Thank you for supporting the podcast by shopping our links! I'm referring you to Tovala! This code lets you buy the Tovala Smart Oven for FREE* ($250 off) or the Tovala Smart Oven Pro for $50 ($250 off).
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Junie's Party, Chocolate Coke and Little Rock
11/02/2024
Junie's Party, Chocolate Coke and Little Rock
Welcome to Season 6, Episode 159 of The Superlatively Yes Podcast. Jasa and I have been running in circles this week, but unfortunately, not the same circles. We talk about Junie’s over-the-top birthday celebration (which led Quincy to a new dog sitter,) my time doing some in-state work traveling with Shawn, and then I introduce Jasa to an old favorite childhood beverage of mine: Chocolate Coke. I quickly drove through Jasa’s hometown of Bee Branch, Arkansas, yesterday and couldn’t wait to tell her all about it. We recapped The Golden Bachelorette, and I did a little shopping in Little Rock that I was happy to tell Jasa about. We tried out a new intro and outro and can’t wait to hear what you think about it. As always, thanks for spending time with us! We sure do love you! Tanya Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Super Yes Podcast 02:54 Travel Tales and Fun Stories 05:58 Celebrating Birthdays and Family Gatherings 08:55 Party Planning and Creative Ideas 12:04 Pet Sitting Adventures 14:53 Rage Cleaning and Home Maintenance 18:00 Unexpected Travel Plans 21:00 Wellness Rooms and Hotel Experiences 23:57 Exploring Arkansas and Nostalgic Memories 26:55 Charlie Brown and Holiday Traditions 30:11 Outdoor Sculptures and Nostalgia 32:56 Chocolate Cokes and Sweet Memories 35:51 Pajama Comfort and Shopping Finds 39:50 Fall Fashion and Shopping Adventures 43:00 Anthropologie and Dress Shopping Tips 47:57 Fall Mood and Seasonal Changes 53:58 Tea Adventures and New Experiences 55:59 The Golden Bachelorette Recap 59:16 Joan's Journey and the Golden Bachelor 01:01:22 Dating Dynamics: Age and Compatibility 01:03:15 Connections and Chemistry: The Contestants 01:06:00 Class and Grace: Joan's Approach 01:07:10 Movie Recommendation: The Starling 01:11:29 Weekend Plans and Family Dynamics 01:15:16 Fire Incident and Community Impact 01:18:18 Podcasting and Future Collaborations
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