This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

S2: Episode 63: We Thought Talking About Mental Health Was Supposed to Be Easy

In this episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Amy & Cheryl sit down with Dr. Allison Arnekrans, counselor educator, clinician, and private practice owner, for an honest conversation about therapy, emotional wellness, relationships, and what it really means to care for ourselves in a world that often expects us to “just keep going.” Together, they explore the realities of counseling, the misconceptions people often have about therapy, and why emotional health deserves the same level of attention as physical health. The conversation also touches on high-achieving women, communication, burnout, vulnerability, and the importance of feeling truly heard. This episode is thoughtful, validating, and deeply human, whether you’ve been in therapy for years, are considering it for the first time, or simply want to better understand yourself and the people around you.   Guest Introduction About Dr. Allison Arnekrans Dr. Allison Arnekrans is a professor of Counselor Education at Central Michigan University and a practicing clinician specializing in women’s issues, high-achieving professionals, couples communication, and emotional wellness. With experience in both higher education and private practice, she brings a grounded and compassionate perspective to conversations around therapy, relationships, and mental health. Dr. Arnekrans is passionate about helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered in their personal growth journeys.   Key Topics & Takeaways * Why therapy is often misunderstood * The difference between “listening to respond” vs. “listening to understand” * How high-achieving individuals can struggle silently * The emotional load many women carry behind the scenes * Why vulnerability can feel uncomfortable but necessary * Communication patterns in relationships * The value of emotional self-awareness * How counselors balance empathy with professional boundaries * Why growth often begins with honest conversations * The importance of normalizing mental health support   Challenge for the Week This week, try creating space for one deeper conversation. Instead of rushing to fix, advise, or respond, practice simply listening. Ask someone: * “How are you really doing?” * “What’s been weighing on you lately?” * “What do you wish people understood better about your experience?” And if you’ve been considering therapy or additional support for yourself, let this be your reminder that asking for help is not weakness, it’s self-awareness.

S2: Episode 62: We Thought Slowing Down with Nature Was Supposed to Be Easy

What if something as simple as stepping outside… isn’t actually simple anymore? In this reflective and eye-opening conversation, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. Joellen Lewsader to explore what it really means to slow down, reconnect, and be present in nature. What starts as a conversation about a sabbatical becomes a deeper realization that many of us have lost touch with something essential. Through her experience studying sylvotherapy (forest bathing), engaging with nature-based research, and intentionally shifting her life’s focus, Dr. Lewsader shares how reconnecting with nature is not just a peaceful idea… it’s a practice. And maybe the biggest surprise? Slowing down, being present, and disconnecting from technology, things that seem like they should be easy, actually take intention, time, and relearning. This episode is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and reconsider how we move through the world.   🎤 Guest Spotlight: Dr. Joellen Lewsader Dr. Joellen Lewsader is a professor of early childhood development and learning in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. With a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, her work bridges research, teaching, and real-life applications, particularly in the early childhood space. During a recent sabbatical, Dr. Lewsader shifted her research and personal focus toward nature-based learning and well-being. She explored sylvotherapy (forest bathing), engaged in interdisciplinary learning through Native American studies, and conducted research on children’s connectedness to nature and biophilia. Her work highlights the powerful role nature plays across the lifespan, from supporting children’s development to helping adults reconnect with presence, purpose, and well-being. Through both her research and personal journey, she brings a thoughtful and deeply human perspective to what it means to live more intentionally. 💡 Key Topics & Takeaways * The moment when perspective shifts from “how long I’ve lived” to “how much time I have left” * Why reconnecting with nature often requires intentional unlearning * What forest bathing (sylvotherapy) actually is, and what it is not * The surprising difficulty of being present without technology * How nature impacts our nervous system, stress levels, and overall well-being * The idea that humans and nature are deeply interconnected (and what that really means) * Why re-entry after rest (like a sabbatical or vacation) can feel harder than expected * The importance of daily, intentional practices, not just one-time experiences * How children naturally connect to nature, and what adults can learn from that * The concept of biophilia (our innate or learned love of nature) * Why slowing down is not inefficient, it’s necessary   Memorable Lines * “How much time do I have left here, and what do I want to focus on?” - Dr. Joellen Lewsader * “I’m finally getting glimpses of what I want it to feel like.” -  Dr. Joellen Luceder * “Leave your phone inside.” - Dr. Joellen Luceder   Try This: Challenge for the Week Step outside… without your phone. Start small: * 5 minutes * No destination * No task Just notice: * What do you hear? * What do you see that you normally miss? * What happens when you don’t rush? Bonus: If you’re with a child, let them lead. Follow their pace. Notice what they notice.   Additional Resources * Explore the concept of forest bathing (sylvotherapy) * Look into biophilia and children’s connection to nature * Try simple practices like mindful walking, sitting in nature, or observing without distraction * Visit local parks, trails, or even your own backyard with fresh intention

S2: Episode 61: We Thought Playing by the Rules Was Supposed to be Easy (and Fair)

What if one of the biggest things we were taught about life… wasn’t entirely true? In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. Sherene McHenry to unpack a belief many of us were raised with: If you’re kind, if you follow the rules, if you treat people well… everything should work out. But what happens when it doesn’t? Dr. McHenry shares her personal and professional journey of realizing that while kindness matters, it’s not enough on its own. Relationships aren’t always easy, and without boundaries, conflict skills, and emotional awareness, even the nicest people can find themselves hurt, overwhelmed, or taken advantage of. This episode explores the hard truth: not everyone plays by the same rules. And learning how to navigate that reality might be one of the most important life skills we develop. Guest Spotlight: Dr. Sherene McHenry Dr. Sherene McHenry is a full-time author, speaker, and relationship expert with a doctorate in counseling. With decades of experience as both a counselor educator and practitioner, she brings a deeply grounded, real-world perspective to the complexities of human relationships. She is the author of multiple books, including Pick: Choose to Create a Life You Love and Navigate: Understanding the Five Types of People, where she helps individuals better understand themselves, others, and the patterns that shape their interactions. Dr. McHenry’s work focuses on equipping people with the skills many of us were never formally taught—how to set boundaries, navigate conflict, and build healthy, sustainable relationships both personally and professionally. Her approach blends practical tools, lived experience, and emotional honesty, making her insights both relatable and transformative.    Key Topics & Takeaways * The belief many of us were raised with: “If you’re nice, others will be nice back” * The difference between problem solving vs. problem managing * How “taking the bait” keeps us stuck in unhealthy dynamics * The two common defensive reactions to feedback: * Blowing up (intimidation) * Breaking down (emotional overwhelm) * Why boundaries are not punishment, they’re protection * How emotional manipulation can show up in subtle ways * Why “canceling” people too quickly can do more harm than good * The importance of giving people the opportunity to grow * How to recognize when a relationship is no longer safe or healthy * The role of therapy, journaling, and self-awareness in healing * The truth: healthy relationships require courage, not just kindness  Memorable Lines * “I thought everything was going to be fair and easy… and then life hit me.” * “Nice people without boundaries are the least equipped for difficult people.” * “Why do you always take the bait?” * “When people tell you who they are, believe them.” * “You don’t solve every problem; you learn to manage some of them.” * “This relationship works as long as you have no needs, no feelings, and no wants.” * “The only thing worse than being brave… is staying stuck.” * “If it bothers you for more than an hour, it’s worth addressing.” * “You earn your way into my life, and I get to choose how close you come.”    Try This: Challenge for the Week Think about a relationship or situation in your life that feels… hard. Then reflect: * Have you been trying to solve something that actually needs to be managed? * Is there a boundary you haven’t clearly communicated yet? * What truth about your feelings have you been avoiding? Then take one small step: * Write the letter (even if you don’t send it) * Practice the boundary out loud * Or simply name the feeling you’ve been pushing aside    Additional Resources * Pick: Choose to Create a Life You Love by Dr. Sherene McHenry * Navigate: Understanding the Five Types of People by Dr. Sherene McHenry * Try journaling or writing a “freedom letter” to process unresolved emotions * Consider working with a licensed therapist for support with boundaries and conflict Connect with us * Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ [https://supposedtobeeasy.com/]  * Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/ [https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/] * Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-was-supposed-to-be-easy-podcast/id1805249282] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PRI5RoYph7xR5jgs9c269] | Amazon Music/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/27d3b92b-b42d-453e-b2d1-807b0adac834] | iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/271653791] * Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy [https://www.instagram.com/supposedtobeeasy/] / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571685029705] We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

S2: Episode 60: We Thought Finishing Simple Tasks Was Supposed to be Easy

We’ve all had those moments, the quick errand that turns into a three-hour adventure, the “simple” task that somehow spirals into a full-day project, or the thing we swore would take five minutes… and absolutely did not. In this episode, Amy and Cheryl go back to the heart of their podcast title and unpack the reality behind it: life rarely goes as easily (or quickly) as we expect. Through relatable, laugh-out-loud stories, from store hopping for a single item, to international hotel mishaps, to crafting projects gone sideways, they explore why “easy” isn’t always easy. More importantly, they invite you to reframe those moments: What if these frustrating experiences are actually the stories we’ll laugh about later? What if they’re what make us more interesting, more connected, and a little more human?   Key Topics & Takeaways * The myth of “quick and easy” tasks, and why they often expand * “Give a mouse a cookie” moments that derail our time * The internal debate: call vs. text vs. email (and when none of them work!) * When systems should be easy… but absolutely aren’t (hello, cancellations and subscriptions) * The hidden cost of DIY: time, energy, and frustration * Finding humor in everyday inconveniences * Reframing frustration into connection and storytelling * The power of asking: What’s the hack?    Memorable Lines * “I thought this would take 10 minutes… and suddenly it’s half my day.” - Amy * “There is no true sound method to that madness at all.” - Cheryl * “You must do the thing you hate.” - Amy * “It should have been easy… but it kept revisiting me.” - Cheryl * “It is never going to be simpler if I make it myself.” — Amy Try This: Challenge for the Week Think about one thing this week that should have been easy but wasn’t. Then reflect: * What made it harder than expected? * Is there a “hack” you discovered (or could try next time)? * How might this become a story you laugh about later? Bonus: Share your story with someone, you might be surprised how quickly it turns into connection.    Additional Resources *  “100 Bad Days” by AJR * Reflect on your own “this was supposed to be easy” moments as journaling prompts Connect with us * Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ [https://supposedtobeeasy.com/]  * Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/ [https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/] * Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-was-supposed-to-be-easy-podcast/id1805249282] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PRI5RoYph7xR5jgs9c269] | Amazon Music/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/27d3b92b-b42d-453e-b2d1-807b0adac834] | iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/271653791] * Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy [https://www.instagram.com/supposedtobeeasy/] / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571685029705] We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!

S2: Episode: 59 We Thought Talking About Life’s Choices Was Supposed to be Easy

In this episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Amy and Cheryl are joined by special guest Ranee Conley for a heartfelt and thought-provoking book club-style conversation about The Midnight Library authored by Matt Haig. What begins as a casual discussion quickly unfolds into a deeper exploration of life’s choices, regrets, wishes, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves about “what could have been.” Together, they reflect on how perspective shapes our experiences, why some paths feel meaningful while others fall flat, and how even our smallest decisions can ripple into unexpected outcomes. This episode invites listeners to pause, reflect, and consider what it really means to live a life that feels like your own.   Guest Introduction This episode features Ranee Conley, a friend and colleague who brings both personal insight and deep reflection to the conversation. Ranee shares how this book impacted her in unexpected ways and sparked meaningful self-awareness around blame, perspective, and purpose.   Key Topics & Takeaways * The idea that every choice creates a different version of our life, and we don’t always see the full picture of those paths * How perspective shapes whether we see something as loss, growth, or simply a part of the journey * The difference between living for ourselves vs. living to meet others’ expectations * Why even the “perfect” life might not feel fulfilling without the lived experience behind it * The emotional weight of “what if” thinking and how the book challenges that narrative * Letting go of unnecessary blame and self-judgment (sometimes things were always going to unfold the way they did) * The importance of ordinary moments and intentional living, not just big life decisions * Reframing success and timelines because there’s no “too late” when something still matters to you * The realization that growth often comes from fully living one path, not constantly searching for or imagining a better one   Memorable Lines * “You only know what you know.” – Amy * “Why do I think I know better than someone else about their own life?” – Amy * “Do I want to do something intentional or am I going to jump back on the hamster wheel?” – Cheryl * “Acceptance isn’t giving up.” – Ranee * “You can’t skip the journey and feel right about where you land.” – Cheryl   Challenge for the Week Take a moment to reflect on your own life, not the big, dramatic “what ifs,” but the smaller, everyday choices. * Where might you be holding onto unnecessary blame? * Are you living in alignment with what you truly value… or what you think you should value? * What is one small, intentional choice you could make this week that feels more like you?   Additional Resources * The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and the opinions of the talent, it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional. Connect with us * Website: https://supposedtobeeasy.com/ [https://supposedtobeeasy.com/] * Our Podcast Home: https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/ [https://supposedtobeeasy.podbean.com/] * Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-was-supposed-to-be-easy-podcast/id1805249282] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PRI5RoYph7xR5jgs9c269] | Amazon Music/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/27d3b92b-b42d-453e-b2d1-807b0adac834] | iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/271653791] * Social Media: Instagram @supposedtobeeasy [https://www.instagram.com/supposedtobeeasy/] / Facebook @Supposed to be Easy [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571685029705] We want to hear from you! Follow and share your key takeaways, ideas, and inspiration!