Dear Inner Critic

Mental Health: You Never Know What Someone Is Carrying ⭐

Some struggles are visible. Many aren’t. In this episode, I open up about my own experiences with body dysmorphia, PMDD, mood swings, and the emotional highs and lows that so many of us quietly carry. I’m not a mental health professional—just someone trying to understand my own mind while learning how to be a little kinder to myself along the way. We talk about the pressure to always appear happy, how easy it is to hide pain behind a smile, and why checking in on the people we love matters more than we realize. Mental health looks different for everyone, and no matter what you’re facing, your struggles are valid. This is a conversation about compassion, resilience, mindfulness, and hope. Because one bad day—or even a few bad days—doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made. Healing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about continuing to show up for yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone, you’re worthy of support, and you’re doing better than you think. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to a trusted person or contact emergency or crisis services in your area. Help is available, and you don’t have to face it alone. https://linktr.ee/Jschwartz615

I Love My Kids… But I Need Five Minutes (Summer Break)

Summer break has officially humbled me. Between one child recovering from surgery, another with endless energy, the Florida heat, and hearing “Mom, I’m bored!” more times than I can count, I found myself needing a few quiet minutes behind a closed bedroom door. In this episode, I’m talking about the guilt parents often carry—the pressure to make every day magical, to constantly entertain our kids, and the feeling that we’re somehow not doing enough. The truth is, loving your children and feeling overwhelmed can exist at the same time. I’m sharing an honest look at what summer has been like in our house, why it’s okay to take a breath when you need one, and the reminder I keep coming back to: these are the days I once dreamed of, even when they’re loud, messy, and exhausting. If you’ve ever hidden in the bathroom for five minutes, wondered if you were doing enough, or counted down the days until school starts, this episode is for you. We’re all figuring it out together. I also think this episode ends perfectly with the line:

Dear Inner Critic: A Conversation Instead of a Battle

In this episode, a guest challenges the stories I’ve believed about myself for years. Why do we accept our harshest thoughts as facts? Why do we speak to ourselves in ways we’d never speak to someone we love? Together, we explore the difference between making mistakes and becoming our mistakes, why our brains seem wired to notice what’s wrong, and whether our inner critic is actually trying to protect us—even if it’s doing a terrible job. This isn’t about silencing the inner critic. It’s about questioning whether it deserves the microphone. If you’ve ever felt like you’re your own worst enemy, this conversation might sound surprisingly familiar.

A Work in Progress

When I first started this podcast, I wasn’t trying to become an expert or pretend I had life figured out. I simply needed a place to think out loud, process my experiences, and grow. In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason this podcast exists. We talk about anxiety, personal growth, learning to become a better communicator, healing from the past, and how becoming a wife and mom challenged me in ways I never expected. I also share why I believe growth isn’t about becoming perfect—it’s about becoming more aware, one small step at a time. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling, overthinking, or trying to become a better version of yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone. I’d love to hear your story. What’s one area of your life you’re actively working on right now? Reach out and let’s continue the conversation. https://linktr.ee/Jschwartz615

Life Is Happening Right Now

A simple moment caught me off guard today. While cleaning the house and listening to music, I found myself thinking about how quickly life moves. One minute our children are little, and the next we’re wondering where the years went. In this episode, I reflect on time, gratitude, mindfulness, and the question of how we want to be remembered. It’s easy to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets from the past, but life is happening right now—in the ordinary moments we often overlook. This isn’t an episode about having all the answers. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the people we love, and pay attention to the chapter we’re living before it becomes a memory. Take a breath, look around, and don’t miss the moment you’re in. https://linktr.ee/Jschwartz615