Balancing Ambitions Podcast

Kim's Boston Marathon Journey

Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast! In this special solo episode, Kim Menapace shares a heartfelt journey that’s been years in the making. Kim opens up about her lifelong dream to run the Boston Marathon, a dream that's finally coming true in 2026. She gets into her earliest memories of cheering on family members along the iconic marathon route, recounts both triumphs and setbacks from her college days at Boston College, and discusses the challenges of overcoming injury and an eating disorder. As Kim sets out to run the marathon through a charity she’s been connected to for years, listeners will hear about her fundraising efforts, the power of community, and the deep meaning this race holds for her. You’ll also get an inside look at the incredible work of Family Reach Foundation, an organization supporting families during cancer treatment and why Kim feels a personal connection to their mission. With a blend of vulnerability, determination, and inspiration, this episode invites you to celebrate ambition, resilience, and the beauty of coming full circle in life. Click this link to donate to Kim's Boston Marathon Fundraiser today [https://www.givengain.com/project/kim-raising-funds-for-family-reach-foundation-115054] Key Takeaways: * Reconnection to the primal joy of running * Importance of self image and mindset, especially for entrepreneurs * Emotional and full circle significance of running Boston as a mother

Rebuilding Confidence After Burnout with Angela Lee

In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Angela Lee opens up about her journey through burnout, identity loss, and rebuilding confidence as a working parent. Angel shares what burnout really looked like in her life, how it impacted her work and motherhood, and the moment she realized something had to change. The conversation explores the pressure many parents feel to “do it all,” the guilt that comes with slowing down, and how redefining success can lead to a healthier and more sustainable version of ambition. Angel offers honest insights on setting boundaries, trusting yourself again, and allowing growth to look different in each season of life. This episode is a powerful reminder that ambition doesn’t disappear when priorities shift—it evolves. For parents navigating exhaustion, self-doubt, or major life transitions, Angel’s story offers reassurance, perspective, and practical encouragement. 00:00 – Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast 00:36 – Introducing Angel Lee 01:10 – Angel’s background and career journey 03:02 – Recognizing the early signs of burnout 05:40 – How burnout shows up in work and parenting 08:15 – Losing confidence and identity during burnout 11:22 – The pressure to keep pushing and “hold it all together” 14:05 – The turning point that forced a reset 17:30 – Learning to slow down without guilt 20:18 – Redefining ambition in different seasons of life 23:45 – Setting boundaries that actually stick 27:10 – Rebuilding confidence one decision at a time 30:40 – Advice for parents feeling exhausted or stuck 33:55 – What balance really means now 36:20 – Final thoughts and encouragement Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions [https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace [https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace]

How Lindsey Rodriguez Built Freedom Through STRs, Mindset, and Motherhood

In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Lindsey (Schmidt) Rodriguez shares the deeply personal journey that led her into real estate, short-term rentals, and a completely transformed way of living. From navigating New York City lockdowns in a 400-square-foot studio with her husband, to discovering financial freedom through house hacking, Lindsey opens up about the pivotal moments that reshaped her family’s trajectory. Lindsey also reflects on the mindset work that changed everything. The shift from survival mode to alignment, and the “missing piece” she discovered when learning to operate from trust, intuition, and a higher sense of purpose. As a mom of two little ones, she speaks candidly about the chaos, beauty, and gratitude of motherhood. She shares the nightly reminder that grounds her — a simple piece of art in her hallway that reads, “In another universe, I’m dreaming of this life right here.” It’s a conversation about ambition, identity, family, and the power of choosing the life you want. 00:00 – 01:05 — Opening & Lindsey’s Early Spark 01:05 – 02:28 — Exploring New Paths Beyond Corporate Life 02:28 – 03:15 — Leaving NYC During COVID & Their First House Hack 03:15 – 04:25 — Discovering Real Estate & Seeing the Upside 04:25 – 06:20 — Their Accidental Entry Into STRs 06:20 – 08:05 — Taking Risks, Fear, and Momentum 08:05 – 10:10 — Motherhood, Identity, and Emotional Growth 10:10 – 14:22 — Staying Grounded Through Big Life Shifts 14:22 – 17:40 — Creating a Home That Feels Expansive & Intentional 17:40 – 21:30 — Fear, Gratitude, and Trusting the Universe 21:30 – 24:30 — Alignment, Ambition & Identity Shifts 24:30 – 27:38 — The Reminder That Grounds Her: “In Another Universe…” 27:38 – 31:46 — Embracing Chaos & Letting Go of Perfection 31:46 – 33:10 — Unlearning Self-Doubt & Internal Criticism 33:10 – 35:00 — Why Negative Feedback Lands Stronger Than Praise 35:00 – 38:33 — Mindset Teachings That Changed Her Path 38:33 – 39:04 — The First Call That Shifted Everything 39:04 – 40:15 — Peace, Surrender & Letting Go of Control 40:15 – End — Final Reflections on Motherhood & AlignmentConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/lindzrodriguez [https://www.instagram.com/lindzrodriguez] Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions [https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace [https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace]

From Wall Street to Mindset Mastery | Angie Wisdom on Values, Self-Trust & Living Your Best Life

In this episode of the Balancing Ambitions Podcast, Kim sits down with Angie Wisdom — ICF Master Certified Coach, author, and co-owner of a global alternative investment firm — to explore the powerful connection between values, self-trust, and creating a fulfilling life. Angie shares her journey from starting in the financial industry at just 16 to discovering her true calling in coaching and personal development. Together, Kim and Angie unpack: ✅ Why most people spend more time planning a birthday party than planning their lives ✅ The importance of values as your compass for decision-making ✅ How language shapes your self-trust and mindset ✅ Shifting from achievement mode to actually living with presence ✅ Why fulfillment comes from impact, not performance ✅ How to cut the cord from expectations and live with freedom This conversation is filled with real stories, practical wisdom, and reflective insights that parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking balance will find deeply valuable. ✨ Don’t just chase success — learn how to live it daily. 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:25 – Angie’s early start in finance and what it taught her about ambition 07:10 – Shifting from money to meaning: discovering her deeper purpose 12:30 – Why most people plan parties better than their own lives 16:45 – Living by values and making conscious choices 22:00 – Language, self-trust, and the mindset that shapes daily decisions 28:20 – Achievement vs. presence: moving from doing to being 34:15 – Finding fulfillment through impact, not performance 39:30 – Angie’s 4:15am mornings and intentional daily rhythms 44:50 – Breaking free from expectations and embracing freedom 49:05 – Reframing fear, choosing courage, and honoring your path 54:20 – Final reflections and gratitudehttps://angiewisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Angie-Wisdom-Values-Sheet-Revised.pdf [https://angiewisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Angie-Wisdom-Values-Sheet-Revised.pdf] Connect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/angiewisdomlifecoach Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace [https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace]

Running Toward Growth: Marathon Goals, Cape Cod Living, and Finding Peace in the Unexpected

In this solo episode, Kim shares a deeply personal life update covering everything from big fitness goals to summer rhythms in Cape Cod. She opens up about her decision to officially run the Boston Marathon in 2026, the mindset shifts that inspired her, and how zone 2 training has already changed her physical and mental discipline. Kim also reflects on the unexpected stress and growth that came with a surprise home renovation, the decision to skip renting their Cape Cod house this year, and what it’s really been like to embrace a slower, more intentional summer season with her family. Plus — turning 37, finding inspiration in Princess Diana’s legacy, and learning how to balance impact, rest, and service in this season of life. 0:00 – Welcome back to the podcast + why Kim took a break 0:45 – Big news: Kim is running the Boston Marathon 2026 1:50 – Suspending disbelief & visualizing success 2:55 – Making the decision official: hiring a coach + choosing a charity 3:40 – Kim’s marathon history: bandit runs, NY Marathon, and unfinished goals 4:57 – Zone 2 training explained + how it’s testing her discipline 6:50 – Progress update: pace improvements, mental focus, and staying grounded 7:45 – Juggling strength training with marathon prep 8:35 – Home renovation update: water leak chaos + unexpected growth 9:40 – Lessons in communication, advocacy, and trusting your gut 11:40 – Summer in Cape Cod: choosing presence over profit 12:30 – From vacation mode to real-life rhythms: what’s changed 13:50 – Making space for peace, routines, and local joy 14:45 – Finding a new yoga studio + the gift of unexpected self-care 17:20 – Kim’s 37th birthday reflections: legacy, presence, and Princess Diana 19:45 – Final thoughts: balancing urgency, grace, and personal alignment 🕒 Timestamps: