Year of the Fire Horse: 5 Powerful Ways to Harness 2026 Energy Without Burning Out

The Truth About Co-Parenting: Emotional Regulation, Boundaries & Raising Secure Kids with Jay Skibbens

Co-parenting can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a parent faces. And if we’re serious about mental performance, nervous system regulation, and raising secure kids, we can’t ignore it. In this episode, I’m joined by co-parenting coach Jay Skibbins, who helps parents navigate the emotional realities of raising children across two households. Jay has been co-parenting for over 11 years and works with parents to help them regulate emotions, communicate clearly, and create peace in their homes, regardless of what their co-parent does. We talk about the mindset shifts that can transform co-parenting, why trying to control your co-parent rarely works, and how emotional regulation can completely change your parenting experience. This conversation goes far beyond co-parenting, it’s about learning how to show up as a grounded, confident parent no matter the circumstances. In This Episode We Discuss: * Why focusing on your co-parent keeps you stuck * The role emotional regulation plays in parenting * How boundaries create safety for kids * The “inverted V” parenting model for raising independent children * Why healing yourself can shift the entire family dynamic Connect with Jay Skibbins Jay works with parents through group programs and coaching designed to help them navigate co-parenting challenges with emotional clarity and confidence. His newest project, Grounded Co-Parent University, is designed to help parents develop emotional regulation, build healthier parenting dynamics, and create stability for themselves and their children. Check it out here: https://www.skool.com/groundedcoparentuniversity/about [https://www.skool.com/groundedcoparentuniversity/about] Enjoyed this episode? You’ll love this one too: Check out “The Hidden Link Between Your Gut, Stress, and Women’s Health [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hidden-link-between-your-gut-stress-and-womens-health/id1854820156?i=1000751199319],” where I break down how chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation impact energy, mood, hormones, and overall wellbeing, and why so many high-performing women live in survival mode without realizing it. Subscribe to The Mind Performance Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow The Mind Performance Podcast so you never miss a conversation on mental health, nervous system regulation, parenting, and personal growth. Because better mental performance doesn’t just improve your life, it changes the lives of the people around you.

What Lawyers Know About Negotiation That Most Entrepreneurs Miss: Lessons from Attorney and Mediator Natalie Lehman

When I first met Natalie Lehman, she was deep in her career as a litigation attorney. Over the last year, I watched her begin to explore something different—something that would eventually become Blackacre Mediation, her own business helping people resolve complex property disputes outside the courtroom. In this episode, Natalie and I talk about what it really looks like to step away from a secure legal career and build something on your own terms. With over 20 years of experience in property and real estate law, Natalie now uses mediation to help individuals, businesses, and attorneys resolve disputes more efficiently—often avoiding years of costly litigation. We also talk about the behind-the-scenes journey of entrepreneurship: building the right network, recognizing the right season of life to start something new, and learning how to say no so you can stay aligned with your bigger vision. Natalie shares what mediation actually looks like in practice, the types of real estate disputes she helps resolve, and the lessons she learned while launching her business less than a year ago. If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own—or wondered how legal disputes can be resolved without spending years in court—you’ll want to hear this conversation. In This Episode We Talk About: * Natalie’s transition from litigation attorney to mediator * What property and real estate mediation actually involves * Why some disputes are better resolved outside the courtroom * How networking played a key role in building her business * Recognizing the right season to start something new * Setting boundaries and saying no as a new entrepreneur Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. Learn more & join here: Gut Brain Reset [https://lindseypaoli.mykajabi.com/the-gut-brain-reset]   Connect with Natalie Lehman Website: https://www.blackacremediation.com/ [https://www.blackacremediation.com/]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackacremediation [https://www.instagram.com/blackacremediation] Natalie Lehman is the founder of Blackacre Mediation, where she helps individuals, businesses, and attorneys resolve property and real estate disputes through mediation.   Similar Episode to Listen To: If you enjoyed this conversation about networking and building a business through relationships, check out: Proximity Is Opportunity: The Relationship Strategy Behind Long-Term Business Success with Ruth Furman. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proximity-is-opportunity-the-relationship-strategy/id1854820156?i=1000749090190]

Breast Cancer, Intuition & Feminine Power: An Unpredictable Conversation on Matriarchy

This conversation felt timely in a way I can’t fully explain. Lisa Malia and I reconnected after she commented on one of my “Becoming a Housewife” posts, about how I was viewing feminism wrong. And suddenly, what started as a cheeky exploration turned into something much deeper. We talked about feminine energy, matriarchy vs. patriarchy, trust in relationships, and what it actually looks like to redesign feminism instead of abandoning it. We also went somewhere more personal than I expected, into her breast cancer journey, dense breast tissue, medical advocacy, and what it really means to trust your body when the system doesn’t fully trust you back. Here’s what we unpacked: * The difference between masculine energy and patriarchal systems (they are not the same) * What matriarchal leadership actually looks like * Why this cultural moment feels like a shift (hello, firehorse energy) * How stress, suppression, and over-hustling can show up in women’s bodies * The under-addressed experience of dense breast tissue * Advocating for your health and choosing what gives you peace * Trust inside relationships (and how my resistance to certain “roles” might actually be about broken trust) * Community as medicine, especially in person, not just online * What it means to live in your archetype (yes, I’m apparently still very much a midwife) This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s layered. It’s vulnerable. It’s reflective. And it’s VERY timely in today’s volatile times.  If you’re a high achieving woman navigating: * A shift in identity * Questions about feminine vs. masculine roles * Health advocacy * Or just a quiet nudge that something in you is changing This episode will meet you there. ----more---- Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. Learn more & join here: Gut Brain Reset [https://lindseypaoli.mykajabi.com/the-gut-brain-reset] Connect with Lisa Malia If this conversation stirred something in you, I highly encourage you to explore Lisa’s work more deeply. * Website: https://www.lisamalia.co/ [https://www.lisamalia.co/] * Instagram: @lisamalia.evoke [http://instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke] * Offerings / Programs: https://www.lisamalia.co/evoke-feminine-leadership-collective [https://www.lisamalia.co/evoke-feminine-leadership-collective] Lisa brings nuance, courage, and grounded wisdom to conversations around feminine energy, leadership, and health advocacy. If you’re navigating identity shifts or reclaiming trust in your body and relationships, her work is a powerful place to start. Similar Episode You’ll Love If this episode resonated, I also recommend: Bridging Science & Spirituality: How Energetics Shape Your Health, Mind, and Business with Dr. Shalane Carter [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-science-spirituality-how-energetics-shape/id1854820156?i=1000741523425] In that conversation, we explore the energetic foundations of health and performance — how stress, belief systems, nervous system regulation, and spiritual alignment directly shape the body and business outcomes. It pairs beautifully with this episode, especially if you’re curious about the science-meets-spirituality side of feminine embodiment and health.

The Hidden Link Between Your Gut, Stress, and Women’s Health

In this episode of the Mind Performance Podcast, I talk about nervous system regulation, chronic stress, and the hidden signs of nervous system dysregulation in ambitious women. We explore how stress affects your energy, gut health, hormones, and overall wellness — and why so many high-performing women live in constant survival mode without realizing it. I break down six unexpected signs your nervous system is overwhelmed, including burnout, inflammation, energy crashes, irritability, and feeling tired but unable to rest. I also explain the gut-brain connection, the role of cortisol and chronic inflammation, and why mental health and physical health must be addressed together. I share my personal journey with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and chronic inflammation that led me to develop the Gut-Brain Reset, a simple framework focused on nervous system regulation, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle habits to support women’s health and long-term performance. If you’re struggling with burnout, chronic stress, hormone imbalance, low energy, or emotional overwhelm, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your body and how to start restoring balance. What You’ll Learn * Signs of nervous system dysregulation in women * How chronic stress affects energy, mood, and hormones * Why you feel tired but wired or constantly overwhelmed * The gut-brain connection and inflammation explained * Survival mode, burnout, and stress response patterns * How gut health impacts mental health and performance * My experience with PCOS, inflammation, and recovery * Simple habits to support nervous system regulation * What the Gut-Brain Reset is and how it works At the end of the day, this conversation isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about understanding yourself. So many of us have learned to function in constant stress, exhaustion, and survival mode that we mistake it for normal. But your body is always communicating with you, asking for balance, rest, and care. My hope for you is that this episode encourages you to slow down, listen more closely to what your body is telling you, and recognize that regulation, ease, and sustainable energy are actually possible. Small, intentional shifts can create powerful change — and you deserve to feel well, supported, and at peace in both your mind and body. intentional, more aware, and more compassionate with ourselves as we learn what our bodies need.

Year of the Fire Horse: 5 Powerful Ways to Harness 2026 Energy Without Burning Out

The lunar new year is here, and we’re officially stepping into the Year of the Fire Horse, which means bold energy, big movement, massive growth, and yes… major burnout potential if you don’t manage it correctly.  In this episode, I’m breaking down what this energy actually means, how it differs from the traditional January reset, and how I’m personally approaching 2026 so I can expand without exhausting myself.  I’m sharing the psychology behind Fire Horse energy, what it means for your decisions, relationships, and identity shifts, and the five actionable strategies to stay focused, aligned, and intentional all year.  If you’re ready for growth, momentum, and clarity, but want to protect your nervous system while doing it, this episode is for you.   What I Talk About In This Episode * Why Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar (and why that matters for your energy) * The shift from last year’s shedding and growth cycle into fast-moving Fire energy * The Fire element: passion, visibility, leadership — and the shadow side of burnout * Why this year brings more opportunity, faster decisions, and big identity shifts * How the mind fundamentals help you channel expansion without overwhelm   The Big Message This isn’t a year to shrink. It’s a year to expand, take risks, and step into a bigger version of yourself. But growth only works when your energy has direction, structure, and intentional recovery.    💬 Let’s Connect Tell me your one big focus for the year, the lens you’re using to make your decisions. DM me on Instagram → @themindperformancepod   Coming Next… The official launch of The Gut Brain Reset, plus early listener bonuses and exclusive access. Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. Learn more & join here: Gut Brain Reset