How to Choose a Life Coach: Red Flags, Green Flags, and What to Ask Before You Hire

How to Choose a Life Coach: Red Flags, Green Flags, and What to Ask Before You Hire

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/fan_mail/new] Life coaching is everywhere right now, but how do you know if a life coach will be a fit for you?  In this episode of Life Coaches Unfiltered, Desiree, Michelle, and Doree break down how to choose a life coach you can trust, what life coaching actually is, and how it differs from therapy, mentoring, and advice from friends. They talk candidly about red flags, green flags, credentials, confidentiality, contracts, values alignment, and why the right coach should feel like a fit, not a sales pitch.  You’ll also hear real examples of what to look for, what to avoid, and how to ask smart questions before investing your time, money, and heart. If you’ve ever wondered 🤔 “How do I find a good life coach?” ❓“What questions should I ask before hiring one?” This episode gives you a grounded, practical starting point. In this episode: * Why life coaching has become so popular and why it can be hard to tell who is credible. * What life coaching is at a high level, and how it differs from therapy and mentoring. * Why coaching should be objective, collaborative, and centered on the client’s goals. * Red flags to watch for, including hard sells, ego-driven coaching, lack of listening, and shame-based sales tactics. * Green flags to look for, including certifications, training, integrity, clear pricing, confidentiality, and a strong fit. * Why connection, values alignment, and coachability matter. * Questions to ask before hiring a coach, including contract terms, refunds, session limits, cancellation policies, and confidentiality. * How EAP benefits and payment plans may make coaching more accessible. Key takeaway: a great coach should help you feel heard, supported, and more clear - not pressured or worse than when you started. Is your teen choosing college based on pressure or purpose? The College Clarity Program is an 8-week guided experience for sophomores and juniors. Powered by the Harrison Assessment, your teen discovers their strengths, motivations, and the right path forward. In-person in Metro Atlanta or online. Limited spots. Visit the link to enroll or book a free parent strategy call today. https://www.michelle-hibbert.com/college-clarity-program-page Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/support] ***** Connect with the Coaches ***** Michelle Hibbert [https://www.michelle-hibbert.com] Doree O’Neal [https://www.therealdoreeo.com ] Desiree Doucet [https://desireedoucet.com/] Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6  [https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6] Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

How to Date After 40: Health, Honesty, Kids, and the Real Compatibility

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Life Coaches Unfiltered, the hosts dive into the realities of dating after 40.  Tune in to hear their thoughts on dating apps and ghosting to kids, co-parenting, health, and the wisdom that comes with experience.  If you’re dating in midlife and wonder why it feels different, you’ll find honest dialogue about what changes, what matters more, and why “chemistry” is no longer enough. Dating after 40 is less about proving yourself and more about knowing yourself.  Desiree, Doree, and Michelle talk about how life experience makes people more selective, more aware of red flags, and less willing to waste time on mismatched relationships. Tune in to hear real stories about dating in your 40s, including what midlife daters should look for now, what they should no longer tolerate, and how age, life experience, and healing shape relationship choices. The coaches also explore the difference between exciting and stable, why compatibility matters more than fantasy, and how to recognize the green flags that actually support a healthy relationship. Dating in midlife can shift from chasing intensity to valuing peace, depth, and mutual effort. The co-hosts also highlight the importance of health, family dynamics, and emotional maturity when evaluating a potential partner. In this episode: * Why dating after 40 can feel harder, clearer, and more selective than dating in your 20s. * How dating apps changed the modern dating experience. * Why kids, exes, and co-parenting add new layers to midlife dating. * What green flags look like in real life: consistency, kindness, emotional maturity, and follow-through. * Why many people no longer want drama, chaos, or “manufactured bullshit.” * How health, self-care, and life rhythm affect long-term compatibility. * Why dating after loss or divorce takes courage and vulnerability. Related episodes & resources:  * Listen to our episode on Setting Boundaries & Safe People [https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/17024953] * Dating Coach Erica (@alittlenuge on IG [https://www.instagram.com/alittlenudge/] / website [https://www.instagram.com/alittlenudge/]) Is your teen choosing college based on pressure or purpose? The College Clarity Program is an 8-week guided experience for sophomores and juniors. Powered by the Harrison Assessment, your teen discovers their strengths, motivations, and the right path forward. In-person in Metro Atlanta or online. Limited spots. Visit the link to enroll or book a free parent strategy call today. https://www.michelle-hibbert.com/college-clarity-program-page Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/support] ***** Connect with the Coaches ***** Michelle Hibbert [https://www.michelle-hibbert.com] Doree O’Neal [https://www.therealdoreeo.com ] Desiree Doucet [https://desireedoucet.com/] Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6  [https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6] Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Healthy Relationships: Green Flags, Communication, and What Real Love Looks Like

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/fan_mail/new] After talking about toxic relationships and red flags in their last episode, the hosts of Life Coaches Unfiltered flip the script, and explore what healthy relationships really look like. From green flags and emotional regulation to communication, consistency, and mutual respect, this conversation challenges the idea that healthy love is boring and shows why stability is actually the goal. The episode also gets personal. Michelle, Doree & Desiree reflect on how family dynamics shaped what felt “normal,” how old patterns show up in dating and friendships, and how healing changes what we are willing to accept. If you’ve ever wondered whether healthy relationships are supposed to feel calm instead of chaotic, this episode offers honest insight, relatable stories, and a grounded look at what makes connection work. In This Episode * Why healthy relationships can feel unfamiliar if you grew up around chaos or dysfunction. * How family patterns influence the way we choose partners and friends. * The difference between excitement and instability in relationships. * Green flags like consistency, reliability, accountability, and emotional regulation. * Why communication and speaking up for yourself are essential in adult relationships. * How healing changes your attraction patterns and your standards. Key Takeaways The hosts share that it took time to understand that their early models of love and family did not represent the full picture of what healthy relationships can be. They discuss how some people are drawn to familiar dysfunction because it feels easier to navigate, even when it isn’t good for them. The episode makes the case that many people confuse intensity with connection, when what they actually need is consistency, honesty, and safety. Another major theme is self-awareness. The hosts talk about how healthy relationships require emotional regulation, being able to pause before reacting, and saying “this doesn’t work for me” without fear. They also explore the idea that as people heal, their “green flags” change too, and what once seemed attractive may no longer fit who they are becoming. Related episodes:  If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy listening to ~ Setting Boundaries and Safe People [https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/17024953] Is your teen choosing college based on pressure or purpose? The College Clarity Program is an 8-week guided experience for sophomores and juniors. Powered by the Harrison Assessment, your teen discovers their strengths, motivations, and the right path forward. In-person in Metro Atlanta or online. Limited spots. Visit the link to enroll or book a free parent strategy call today. https://www.michelle-hibbert.com/college-clarity-program-page Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/support] ***** Connect with the Coaches ***** Michelle Hibbert [https://www.michelle-hibbert.com] Doree O’Neal [https://www.therealdoreeo.com ] Desiree Doucet [https://desireedoucet.com/] Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6  [https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6] Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

When Love Turns Toxic: Signs You’re in a Dumpster Fire Relationship

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/fan_mail/new] Join Desiree, Doree & Michelle for this raw and honest episode of Life Coaches Unfiltered. The 3 hosts get real about toxic relationships, red flags, manipulation, and what it takes to finally say, “enough.” They explore how dysfunction can feel normal when you grow up surrounded by it, why toxic dynamics can show up in dating, friendships, family relationships, and even marriages, and how fear, isolation, and low self-worth can keep people stuck far too long. The conversation goes deep into the emotional toll of toxic relationships, from lying and controlling behavior to jealousy, anger, cheating, and unsafe conflict. The hosts also talk about the hard, necessary work of therapy, nervous system regulation, and rebuilding self-esteem after leaving harmful relationships. Key takeaways & how to move forward This episode highlights the emotional cost of staying too long in toxic dynamics. The hosts discuss how manipulation often convinces people they are unlovable or that nobody else will want them, which makes leaving feel impossible. They also talk about how therapy can help reveal the truth of a relationship once the “blinkers” come off. A major theme is recovery: learning to trust yourself again, rebuilding self-esteem, and recognizing that leaving a toxic relationship is often a decision you make more than once. The conversation closes with a strong reminder that healing is possible, but it takes honesty, support, and a willingness to stop calling chaos love Domestic Violence help is available If you are experiencing domestic violence and need help, there is help.  The National Domestic Violence Hotline  [https://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or TEXT START to 88788  The Partnership Against Domestic Violence [https://padv.org/] Women's Resource Center to end Domestic Violence [https://www.wrcdv.org/] Related episodes:  * When ‘Self-Centered’ Becomes Toxic: Understanding Narcissism in Relationships [https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/18079103-when-self-centered-becomes-toxic-understanding-narcissism-in-relationships]  * Gaslighting: What It Is, How It Shows Up, and How to Reclaim Your Reality [https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/18006416-gaslighting-what-it-is-how-it-shows-up-and-how-to-reclaim-your-reality]  * https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/18692433-self-esteem-are-you-stuck-in-a-cycle-of-self-doubt Is your teen choosing college based on pressure or purpose? The College Clarity Program is an 8-week guided experience for sophomores and juniors. Powered by the Harrison Assessment, your teen discovers their strengths, motivations, and the right path forward. In-person in Metro Atlanta or online. Limited spots. Visit the link to enroll or book a free parent strategy call today. https://www.michelle-hibbert.com/college-clarity-program-page Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/support] ***** Connect with the Coaches ***** Michelle Hibbert [https://www.michelle-hibbert.com] Doree O’Neal [https://www.therealdoreeo.com ] Desiree Doucet [https://desireedoucet.com/] Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6  [https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6] Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Career Transitions: When It’s Time to Leave the Soul-Sucking Job Behind

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/fan_mail/new] Do you get the "Sunday scaries" before another week in a career that no longer feels right for you or the life you want? In this episode of Life Coaches Unfiltered, Desiree, Michelle, and Doree get real about career transitions, burnout, and what happens when your work no longer matches your values, purpose, or season of life. They share personal stories about leaving familiar careers, talk through the emotional and practical side of change, and explore why a career shift is about much more than just finding a new job.  You’ll hear honest advice about transferable skills, support systems, side hustles, and how to start moving forward without jumping blindly. If you’re feeling stuck, over it, or quietly wondering “Is this really it?”, this conversation is for you. In this episode: * Sunday scaries and the feeling of being stuck in a soul-sucking job. * Why people consider career transitions, including burnout, outgrowing a role, misaligned values, and major life changes. * The difference between leaving a bad job and making a true career shift. * Personal career transition stories from Desiree, Michelle, and Doree. * How transferable skills can help you pivot into something new. * Why support systems matter when you’re making a big life change. * The role of side hustles, passion projects, and small steps in exploring a new path. Related episodes:  * Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor: How to Stop Spinning All the Plates and Start Healing [https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/18764014-burnout-is-not-a-badge-of-honor-how-to-stop-spinning-all-the-plates-and-start-healing] * Is Work–Life Balance Bulls**t? Redefining Balance, Boundaries and Burnout in Real Life [https://lifecoachesunfiltered.buzzsprout.com/2448048/episodes/18856898-is-work-life-balance-bulls-t-redefining-balance-boundaries-and-burnout-in-real-life] Is your teen choosing college based on pressure or purpose? The College Clarity Program is an 8-week guided experience for sophomores and juniors. Powered by the Harrison Assessment, your teen discovers their strengths, motivations, and the right path forward. In-person in Metro Atlanta or online. Limited spots. Visit the link to enroll or book a free parent strategy call today. https://www.michelle-hibbert.com/college-clarity-program-page Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448048/support] ***** Connect with the Coaches ***** Michelle Hibbert [https://www.michelle-hibbert.com] Doree O’Neal [https://www.therealdoreeo.com ] Desiree Doucet [https://desireedoucet.com/] Do you have any questions you'd like the coaches to answer? Awesome - we'd love to hear from you! You can submit questions via this form and we'll answer them in a future episode: https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6  [https://forms.gle/QMPqRrvhvkzezPRn6] Intro & Outro background music provided by: Bliss by Luke Bergs |   / bergscloud   Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/