The Story Behind the Dynamic: Love, Power, and a Toxic Relationship

The Art of Receiving: Why Accepting Can Be Harder Than Giving with Lauren Jewel

We often hear about the importance of giving, serving, and showing up for others. But what happens when it’s our turn to receive? In this heartfelt episode, Jill sits down with mind-body practitioner Lauren Jewel to explore a challenge that many women quietly struggle with: receiving. Lauren shares a powerful story from a birthday trip to Peru that unexpectedly became one of the greatest lessons of her life. Surrounded by strangers who wanted to celebrate her, honor her, and offer gifts of kindness, she found herself face-to-face with something surprisingly uncomfortable—allowing herself to receive. Together, Jill and Lauren dive into why so many of us have been conditioned to pour into others while feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or even undeserving when love, support, or generosity is directed toward us. They discuss the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energy, how both exist within each of us, and why embracing our feminine energy often requires us to soften, trust, and open ourselves to receiving. This conversation is an invitation to examine where you may be over-giving, over-functioning, or carrying more than your share. It’s a reminder that receiving isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Whether it’s accepting help, receiving a compliment, allowing someone to care for you, or simply resting without guilt, learning to receive can be one of the most healing practices of all. If you’ve ever struggled to let others show up for you, this episode may be exactly what your heart needs to hear. INFO: Name: Lauren Jewel Job title: Trauma-Informed Mind-Body Practitioner — specializing in decoding stress-driven physiology — her work bridges functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and identity recalibration to create real, sustainable change at the root. Email: Jewelandcoaching@gmail.com [Jewelandcoaching@gmail.com] Social Media Handles: IG: @Lauren_michelle_jewel FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AG9EPzFEn/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1AG9EPzFEn/]

The Summer of Calm: Simple Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System

What if the things that help heal and regulate us aren’t complicated at all? In this solo episode of Soul Stories with Jill, Jill explores the importance of nervous system regulation and why so many of us are living in a constant state of stress without even realizing it. From racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing to feeling overwhelmed by everyday life, chronic stress can show up in ways we often overlook. Jill shares the signs of a dysregulated nervous system, why rest can sometimes feel uncomfortable, and how our bodies often respond to imagined worries the same way they respond to real threats. She also dives into the science behind nature, laughter, connection, and simple summer activities that can help shift us out of survival mode and back into a place of calm. From walking barefoot in the grass and watching a sunset to spending time with loved ones and creating your own “Nervous System Menu,” this episode is a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t always require doing more. Sometimes it begins by slowing down, reconnecting with what brings us joy, and remembering how to simply be. If life has felt heavy lately, consider this your invitation to take a deep breath, step outside, and discover the power of small moments that help your mind, body, and spirit find balance again. Take a listen and let this be your reminder that peace isn’t something you have to earn. It’s something you can begin practicing today.

The Untold Side of Motherhood: Postpartum, Identity Shifts & Asking for Help with Averie Thayer

Motherhood is often portrayed through soft baby blankets, sweet snuggles, and picture-perfect moments, but what about the parts that aren’t talked about nearly enough? In this week’s episode of Soul Stories with Jill, returning guest Averie Thayer, occupational therapist, retreat co-host, and new mom to a six-month-old baby boy, joins Jill for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the realities of life after bringing a child into the world. Together, they explore the emotional, physical, and mental adjustments that come with becoming a mother. Averie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum life, the invisible responsibilities that often fall on mothers, and the profound identity shift that can occur when caring for a new baby becomes your primary focus. The conversation also touches on the importance of support systems, why so many women feel pressure to “do it all,” and how isolating the postpartum season can be for mothers who don’t have family, friends, or partners nearby to help. Jill and Averie discuss the conversations that need to happen more often, including postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and the importance of recognizing when a mother may need additional support. This episode is a reminder that while motherhood can be beautiful, it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply transformative. Most importantly, it reminds women that they are not alone in what they’re feeling. Whether you’re a new mother, an expecting parent, a grandmother, a partner, or someone who simply wants to better understand the postpartum experience, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and a much-needed look behind the curtain of early motherhood. Join us for a heartfelt discussion about resilience, support, identity, and the often-unspoken realities of one of life’s biggest transitions. INFO: https://www.livingrevivedtherapy.com/ [https://www.livingrevivedtherapy.com/] Name: Averie Thayer Job title: Occupational Therapist/Owner of Living Revived Therapy Email: averie@livingrevivedtherapy.com [averie@livingrevivedtherapy.com] Social Media Handles: Living Revived Therapy or @livingrevivedtherapy [@livingrevivedtherapy]

Borrowing Tomorrow While Worry Steals Today

This week on Soul Stories with Jill, we’re exploring something that affects every one of us: worry. Inspired by a simple church sign that stopped me in my tracks, this episode dives into the ways we borrow trouble from tomorrow and miss the beauty of today. Together, we’ll explore why our minds tend to live in the future, how worry impacts the body, and what we can learn from nature about trusting the process. Through stories, reflection, a powerful Cherokee teaching, and an original poem called “Borrowing Tomorrow,” we’ll examine the difference between fear and faith, control and surrender, and worry versus trust. If you’ve ever found yourself replaying conversations that haven’t happened, stressing over outcomes you can’t control, or feeling weighed down by “what ifs,” this episode is for you. What if peace isn’t found in controlling the future, but in fully living the present moment? Take a deep breath, settle in, and join me for a conversation about worry, trust, and the freedom that comes when we stop carrying tomorrow today.

From Chaos to Calm: Conversations on Clutter, Healing, and Home

This week on Soul Stories with Jill, I sit down with Heather Kistner of Sorted Sparrow for a powerful conversation about clutter, organization, mental health, and the emotional weight of the things we hold onto. What started as an organizing consultation quickly turned into a full-circle moment when we realized we had gone to school together and hadn’t seen each other in over 30 years. Heather shares stories from her work ranging from simple organization projects to difficult hoarding situations, while also discussing the deeper emotional and psychological reasons behind why we accumulate so much and how everything we own takes a little bit of our energy. With her background in mental health, she brings compassion and understanding to a topic so many people quietly struggle with. This is an eye-opening and heartfelt episode you won’t want to miss. About our Guest: Name: Heather Kistner Job title: District Manager @ Sorted Sparrow Email: heathermkistner@gmail.com [heathermkistner@gmail.com]