In this episode, I go into a bit of my personal story of growing up Mormon in Utah. I reflect on how my upbringing shaped who I am today, from my parents' strong Mormon roots to the values instilled in me growing up in a community where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was central. I share how this background, filled with love, family focus, and unique experiences, has influenced my perspective on life and relationships, even as I've moved away and encountered different perspectives. Join me as I explore the aspects of my Mormon upbringing and how it continues to resonate in my life.





"Oh, You're from Utah? Let’s Talk About Growing Up Mormon"

In this episode, I’m diving into a topic close to my heart during this wild mess—self-love.

Like many of us, I’ve spent most of my life making sure everyone else feels comfortable, often at the expense of my own peace. But now, as I navigate this new chapter, I'm realizing just how important it is to choose ourselves, not in a selfish way, but as a foundation for living our best lives. Loving ourselves is the key to everything, but it's something many of us forget in the hustle of daily life. When we don't understand our own worth, we allow other people's actions and opinions to define how we feel about ourselves.

This episode is all about taking that power back. I want you to reflect on how you’re treating yourself. Are you giving yourself the same love and compassion that you give to others? If not, it's time to start. Because when you know your worth, the right people will stay in your life, and those who don’t respect that will naturally fall away. It’s not always easy, but learning to love yourself is the first step to everything else falling into place—and trust me, it always does. Join me as I share my own journey and help you remember that you are worthy of all the love and success you desire.

Reminder: Take the compliment.

Alexa play “Dead Set” by Max McNown

S2 Ep. 6: Everything Falls Into Place When You Love... You

This episode of Wandering the Wild Mess dives into the complex emotions of guilt and growth when relationships come to an end. Whether you’re the one leaving or the one left behind, the weight of that decision impacts us deeply. I’ve been reflecting on this, trying to unravel the feelings of guilt, sadness, and even relief. Sometimes, we evolve in ways our partners can’t, and while it’s hard to let go, there’s strength in choosing your own path—even when it hurts.

I’ll share a story that might seem unusual, comparing relationships to running a pizza shop, but trust me, it makes sense. Sometimes, you outgrow the pizza and start craving something different, and that’s okay. Listen to hear how I’ve come to terms with this in my own life, and how you can too! I’m learning so much on my self-discovery journey don’t forget to visit my website www.wanderingthewildmess.com [http://www.wanderingthewildmess.com/] to find the inspiring books I’m reading and find my blog, where I will explore more topics like this one!

Alexa play "Sayin' What I'm Thinkin'' by Lainey Wilson 

Check out the Apple Playlist "Wandering the Wild Mess' for every song mentioned in my podcast !!! 

S2 Ep. 5: Take Nothing Personally: The Guilt in Growth 

In this episode, we jump into how fear can stop us from living our purpose and how life often presents unexpected opportunities disguised as endings. I focus on how important it is to “give yourself permission to expand your world” and let go of the "what was" that’s holding you back. It's all about trusting the process, letting go of what you can't control, choosing yourself, and leaning into who you're meant to become.

If you're navigating your own challenges or looking for inspiration to push forward, this episode is for you. Whether you're starting over or simply searching for clarity, I’ve got insights that will resonate with you.

Be sure to visit my website at wanderingthewildmess.com [http://www.wanderingthewildmess.com/] for some of my favorite book recommendations and ways we can continue this journey together!

Alexa play "Starlight" by Jon Pardi 

S2 Ep. 4: Give Yourself Permission to Expand Your World

In this episode, I explore the question, "How do we find our way?" After my life changed, I wandered down many paths—some healthy, others not so much. I turned to distractions like wine and whiskey to numb the uncertainty of not knowing who I was anymore. Through this journey, I realized that being messy and lost was essential for understanding who I didn’t want to be and discovering who I wanted to become.

I also share the story of my first date post-divorce—a messy but pivotal moment in finding my way and recognizing how easily we can slip back into old habits and the comfort of just having someone there.

Embracing the messy path taught me that transformation requires stepping out of familiar routines and trying something new. Instead of dwelling on what might have been, I've learned to see everything as part of the journey toward becoming who we're meant to be.

Alexa Play "Put me in my place" by Muscadine Bloodline

Next in queue:

 * "Can't turn you down" by Jon Pardi 
 * "Can't tell you no"  by Muscadine Bloodline 
 * "How do I do this" by Kelsea Ballerini 



S2 Ep. 3: Through the Mess to Find Yourself 

In this episode, I reflect on the importance of trusting ourselves even when it feels messy or confusing. I remind us how in those moments of uncertainty, we find the people and experiences meant to guide us. I share the story of my meeting a Nashville native bartender with the most amazing of minds, which aims to remind us of the power of intuition and the beauty of letting things unfold naturally. Sometimes, we're drawn to certain people for reasons we can’t explain at first, but when we trust that pull, we open ourselves to meaningful connections.

The message here is simple: all the right people will find their way into your life when the time is right. Everything happens for a reason, and even in moments of confusion, there are valuable lessons to be learned. As we go through transitions, especially when starting over, it's important to embrace the mess, laugh at the uncertainty, and live in the moment. Eventually, all the pieces will fall into place, and in the meantime, we just need to trust ourselves and enjoy the ride. You deserve to!

Alexa Play “Broken Window Serenade” by Whiskey Myers

S2 Ep. 2: All the right people are going to come

In this episode, I kick off season 2 with an inspiring discussion about the challenges and opportunities that come with starting over and making changes. I dive into the exciting yet daunting experience, whether it's by choice or chance, of starting fresh, which can feel both invigorating and terrifying. Reminding us that although we will often crave the familiarity of our comfort zones we must recognize that true growth happens when we step out of them. I share my insights on shifting from frustration and negativity to excitement and possibility.

I share how recently my eyes have opened to how we often sabotage our own happiness, believing we don't deserve the good things in life, and how I now look to see setbacks as life working in my favor. This season, I'm focusing on taking action, embracing change, and letting life be good, even when it feels scary or unknown. If you've ever hesitated to take a leap or have a hard time understanding how your mindset truly can change your life, this episode is for you. 

Let's explore how to shift our minds to one who understands things are working out for us, the world is not against us, and good things are always on the way! I know, I know, it sounds like a lot of sunshine, but come on you deserve a little tan ;)

Remember, life will always "show you the surface, the plot, and the purpose" when you open your mind to the bigger, more beautiful picture that is your life.

Alexa Play “Bubble Up” by Jimmy Buffett

Visit WanderingtheWildMess.com - Exciting Things Coming!! 

S2 Ep. 1: Starting Over with a New Perspective

In this season-ending episode, I take you on a recent journey back to Utah, a place that holds so much of my past, yet no longer feels like home. I dive into the emotions of returning to where everyone remembers you as you once were, even though you've changed. I talk about the struggle of feeling lost, the nostalgia of a life that’s no longer yours, and the realization that home isn’t a place, but a feeling.

This episode serves as a reminder that life is a series of changes, lessons, and self-discovery that allows us to reinvent ourselves at any time. If you've ever felt like you no longer fit in where you once belonged, or if you're navigating your own path of transformation, this one’s for you.

As you navigate these new changes, I seek to remind you that you will see the signs you are where you're meant to be if you're open to receiving them. Here I am overwhelmed by the feeling that as much as I want to change and I know "People Change" the truth is some people never do.

Alexa play "People Change" by Ella Langley

Next in queue:

Morgan Wallen "Tennessee Fan"

S1 Ep. 30: Don't be surprised when I change myself 

In this episode, I reflect on the meaningful parts of my previous life that I want to carry forward as I continue building my new one. I draw parallels between my experience running my first and only half-marathon and how life presents us with goals—leaving it up to us to achieve them. 

I aim to remind you of the power of overcoming challenges that initially seem unachievable, how to push past self-doubt, stay motivated, and turn setbacks into successes. This episode is all about finding the strength to believe in yourself, focusing on changing what is within your control, and carrying the best parts of your past self into the new life you’re creating.

"It took a whole lot of yes, I will, and I don’t care."

Alexa play "Girl, Going Nowhere" by Ashley McBryde 

S1 Ep. 29: Be willing to believe you can; then prove it 

In this episode, I reflect on the years without my dad and the profound influence he had on my life. I share memories of my first visit to his hometown, the lessons I learned from his kindness and integrity, and how these have shaped the person I strive to become. I discuss the importance of allowing men to express their emotions, inspired by my father's experiences, and emphasize the value of love, compassion, and understanding in relationships.

This episode is a tribute to my father, who continues to inspire my journey toward becoming the best version of myself. I encourage you to reflect on who you want to be and to embrace your true self without judgment. Life is too short and not serious enough to be anything but happy! Even when you lose the best thing you ever had. Be grateful that you had it at all. 

Alexa play "Gonna Get There Someday" by Dierks Bentley

Next in queue:

"Keeper of the Stars" by Tracy Byrd

"I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars —He sure knew what He was doing when He joined these two hearts."

S1 Ep. 28: Gonna get there someday

Welcome to the podcast! If you've found your way here, I have no doubt it's meant to be! 

Join me on a journey of self-discovery as I embrace life's uncertainties in a way I never could have imagined and help you learn that life is more about what we make of it in our minds and less about our circumstances. 

I'm a Utah native who left the only home I’d ever known to move to Nashville. I left a man who wasn’t meant for me, the Mormon culture I grew up in, the mountains that I loved, and a version of me that I no longer know. Come with me to wander this wild mess, from finding my purpose and reconnecting with my passions to being single and dating again after divorce to making very questionable decisions that made for good stories, making new friends in a city where I knew not a soul, and leaving behind a fancy corporate title. 

I'll share the raw, real, and relatable moments, ones that make you feel less alone. Let’s be honest, none of us have it all figured out. This podcast is aimed at reminding you and helping you learn that it's OKAY! It’s not that serious! Let's embrace life's mess together. 

Subscribe now for stories of resilience, growth, and chaos! Like many of us, I had swept things under the rug for far too long. Now I’m finally ready to admit it: life is messy. Let’s talk about it! Find more about my journey and how I can help you learn to enjoy yours at WanderingtheWildMess.com