Podcast Summary: Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan

Episode: Confidence Classic: Finding Joy In the Journey to Turn Ordinary Moments Into Unlimited Possibility
Guest: Kelley Tyan
Date: December 31, 2025

Overview

In this lively and warm “confidence classic” episode, Heather Monahan sits down with her close friend Kelley Tyan to explore the theme of finding joy—not just at the finish line, but in every step of life’s journey. Set against real moments from a recent wedding—a night of reconnections and unexpected reconciliations—they discuss the power of positive declarations, forgiveness, faith, meaningful relationships, and staying open to the magic of possibility. The conversation is packed with laughter, honesty, and actionable insights for embracing life’s uncertainties with optimism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Declaring Your Best Day and the Power of Positivity

(02:30 – 03:00)

• Heather and Kelley recount how they declared the wedding day “the best day ever” before it began.
• They stress the importance of “put[ting] out there what it is you want for your day.”
  • “Declare this is going to be your best day ever, and watch the chips fall, because it literally came to fruition yesterday.” – Heather (02:35)

Unexpected Possibility: Anything Can Happen

(03:01 – 05:57)

• Heather shares the story of their friend, 48, getting married for the first time—something no one thought would happen.
  • “Anything is possible, and you just … have to stay open to that possibility of what could come.” – Heather (03:48)
• The friend became a meticulous (bridezilla!) groom, showing how people can surprise us when they care deeply.

Reconciliation & Forgiveness: Healing Long-Standing Rifts

(07:20 – 14:56)

• Heather describes reconnecting with a friend she hadn’t spoken to in 20 years, prompted by a compliment at the wedding.
• She chooses to directly acknowledge the estrangement, despite discomfort.
  • “I have to address the elephant in the room.” – Heather (09:29)
  • “If you have the opportunity to forgive someone, find joy, choose it. … Pick happiness and move on.” – Heather (15:42)
• Conversation about whether it’s better to address old rifts directly or just let them fade. Kelley admits it’s not her style, but supports Heather.
• Both agree happiness and forgiveness are visible and improve relationships and one’s own well-being.

Joy Radiates from Within

(14:10 – 15:13)

• Happiness is visible: “You can see happiness on someone. … That’s something you can’t fake. You either have it or not.” – Heather (14:12, 14:44)
• Observations about how being in a good place transforms how a person looks and interacts.

The Faith Journey: Religion vs. Relationship

(18:43 – 25:10)

• Heather shares her nerves about returning to a Catholic Church after years in a different faith community, noticing how old feelings (about rules, judgment) surface instantly.
• Kelley distinguishes between “religion” and a living “relationship with God.”
  • “You don’t have to feel nervous about God. … Just know that you can have a relationship with God. Your own special, unique relationship with Him.” – Kelley (22:07)
• The value of supportive friends who grant “permission” to defy unnecessary rules and find meaning (Heather receiving communion).
• Importance of environment and leadership—how a priest who knows the couple personally transformed the wedding mass.
  • “It makes such a big difference who’s leading in an environment like that.” – Heather (24:24)

Appreciating the Present – Foliage, Singlehood, and Homecomings

(25:57 – 29:07)

• Heather expresses new appreciation for New England’s fall foliage after living in Miami; absence makes the heart grow fonder.
• Reflection on attending weddings as a single person—this time, no one “asked why I was single,” and it felt freeing.
• Multiple ex-boyfriends at the wedding sparked laughter; Heather jokes about past dating choices.
  • “I might be single, but I’m glad I didn’t settle for any of these people that were not meant for me.” – Heather (28:56)
• Encouragement to embrace the adventure and not fixate on what’s next: “Life is literally an adventure … You just have to move forward with optimism and excitement for … who knows what’s going to happen next?” – Heather (29:07, reprised at 29:32)

Marriage & Long-Term Relationships: Staying Excited and Evolving

(30:00 – 33:45)

• Heather asks Kelley about keeping marriage fresh. Kelley emphasizes dating your spouse, trying new things, and investing in yourself and each other.
• Both partners also nurture independent interests, which they bring back into the relationship, keeping it dynamic and respectful.
  • “He loves me for me, I love him for him. And we don’t try to change each other.” – Kelley (32:52)
• Heather notes they are “champions for each other,” highlighting the importance of encouraging your partner’s growth.
• Daily affirmations and positive messages around the house help maintain motivation and faith.

Staying Inspired – Messages, Affirmations, and Resources

(33:57 – 35:54)

• Heather admires the affirmations and photos in Kelley’s office: “Power of messaging and the power of frequency and what you see and surround yourself with.” – Heather (33:57)
• Kelley explains needing constant reminders of possibility and faith in challenging times: “God is making a way where there seems to be no way.” (35:03)
• Kelley shares where to find her work—her book and podcast, “Addicted to the Climb.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The joy is in the journey. … It’s not the finish line always. It’s like, what’s next? Where am I going to be next? Who am I going to meet next?” – Kelley & Heather (29:32–29:36)
• "If you have the opportunity to forgive someone, if you have the opportunity to find joy, choose it." – Heather (15:42)
• “You can see happiness on someone. It’s visible.” – Heather (14:12)
• “You don’t have to feel nervous about God. … You can have a relationship with God. Your own special, unique relationship with Him.” – Kelley (22:07)
• "He loves me for me, I love him for him. And we don’t try to change each other." – Kelley (32:52)

Recommended Listening Segments (Timestamps)

• Declaring your best day: 02:30–03:00
• Unexpected possibilities (the wedding story): 03:01–05:57
• Conversation on forgiveness & reconciliation: 07:20–14:56
• Faith journey and discussion on religion: 18:43–25:10
• Marriage & relationship secrets: 30:00–33:45
• Positive affirmations and closing advice: 33:57–35:54

Final Thoughts

This episode is a celebration of optimism, joy, faith, and intentional living. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, healing old wounds, or nurturing relationships, Heather and Kelley’s candid conversation exemplifies the confidence-building power of chasing possibility, staying open to change, and finding meaning in every step of your journey.

Connect with Kelley Tyan:

• Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook: Kelley Tyan
• Book & Podcast: Addicted to the Climb

Hosts:

• Heather Monahan: Best-selling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and champion of confidence.
• Kelley Tyan: Coach, author, podcaster, advocate of faith and resilience.

“Keep creating your confidence!” – Heather Monahan (36:08)