
Hosted by Erika Rothenberger · EN

Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace and Glitz, host Erika Rothenberger sits down with Jennifer Clearwaters, a licensed professional counselor, yoga instructor, Reiki master, certified integrative nutrition coach, and co-author of Elevation Principles, to discuss the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and creating a life aligned with your purpose. Jennifer shares her journey from spending over 20 years in public education to building her own private practice focused on health and wellness. She opens up about recognizing burnout, creating an intentional exit plan, and taking the courageous steps needed to pursue a more meaningful career path. Together, Erika and Jennifer explore why self-care is not selfish, how small daily habits can create lasting change, and why taking care of your mind, body, and relationships is essential for long-term happiness and longevity. They also discuss the growing impact of burnout, the importance of social connection in an increasingly digital world, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal transformation. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why self-care is not selfish and why making yourself a priority benefits everyone around you. How small, consistent actions can become powerful habits and lifelong rituals. Why waiting for the “perfect time” to prioritize yourself often keeps you stuck. How Jennifer transitioned from a stable career in education into private practice through careful planning. The warning signs of burnout and how to address them before reaching a breaking point. The connection between nutrition, sleep, stress, and emotional well-being. Why high-functioning burnout can affect even successful professionals. How meaningful relationships and real-life connection impact happiness and longevity. Why social media interactions cannot replace genuine human connection. How stepping into uncomfortable rooms and new environments can create life-changing opportunities. The importance of approaching growth with a “beginner’s mind.” How finding your purpose can lead to a more fulfilling and abundant life. Episode Timeline: 01:37 The Importance of Self-Care 06:14 Mindfulness in a Busy Life 07:56 Navigating Career Transitions 10:39 Recognizing and Preventing Burnout 13:52 The Role of Nutrition and Sleep 15:29 The Power of Connection 18:52 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 24:23 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Where to Find Jennifer Clearwaters: Website: https://www.mindsetnj.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetjen/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace and Glitz, host Erika Rothenberger sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, author, and leadership coach Angela Goodman to explore how life's greatest challenges can become the foundation for purpose. Angela shares the life-threatening health crisis that completely changed her perspective on success, explains her Aligned Perception Framework, and discusses why fulfillment comes from intentional choices—not external achievements. Together, they dive into overcoming burnout, redefining success, finding joy, navigating financial hardship, and embracing every season of life with grace. If you've ever felt stuck on the treadmill of achievement or wondered how to create a life that feels aligned instead of simply successful, this conversation will give you practical tools and powerful perspective shifts. In This Episode, You'll Learn How a near-death experience completely transformed Angela's outlook on life. What the Aligned Perception Framework is and why perception shapes your reality. Why slowing down can be the key to greater success. A simple exercise to identify what energizes—and drains—you. How to stop living according to other people's expectations. Why helping others is one of the fastest paths to fulfillment. The importance of choosing joy intentionally every day. How to navigate financial setbacks without losing hope. Why life's toughest moments often prepare you for your greatest purpose. The powerful mindset shift from "Life is happening to me" to "Life is happening for me." Episode Timeline: 02:21 Angela's Life-Changing Experience 06:35 The Importance of Presence and Perspective 10:40 Identifying Joy and Energy 13:35 Midlife Awakening and Authenticity 15:08 The Power of Choice and Community 17:37 Navigating Life's Challenges 22:30 Angela's Upcoming Projects and Future Plans Where to Find Angela Goodman: IG: https://www.instagram.com/msangelagoodman/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace and Glitz, Erika Rothenberger and Misha Homara discuss servant leadership, burnout, resilience, women's leadership, and creating a life by design instead of by default. Together they explore why so many women prioritize everyone else before themselves, how meaningful relationships become the foundation for lasting success, and why personal growth always begins with the courage to choose yourself. Erika also shares the powerful story behind Audacious Expansion and how surviving a violent assault became the catalyst for changing laws, building a movement, and helping women step into their own expansion. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, working professional, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start building the life you truly want. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why burnout isn't a badge of honor—and how to recharge before you reach empty. How women often lose themselves while building careers, businesses, and families. Why your biggest breakthrough starts by asking yourself what you truly want. The surprising connection between personal growth and meaningful relationships. How writing down one audacious goal dramatically increases your chance of achieving it. Why success comes from applying pressure in the right areas—not carrying more weight everywhere. Erika's inspiring story of surviving a violent attack and transforming tragedy into purpose. How community, retreats, masterminds, and live events accelerate personal transformation. Why sharing your accomplishments can inspire others instead of feeling like bragging. Practical ways to create a life by design instead of living by default. Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome & why this collaborative episode is different 01:20 Building businesses while building yourself 03:00 The Misha Method and overcoming burnout 06:20 Why women must recharge before reaching empty 07:50 What transformation looks like inside women's retreats 10:35 Designing your life with intention instead of default 12:10 Erika's "Add Weight" philosophy and creating diamonds under pressure 15:20 Why growth requires hard work—not instant gratification 17:15 Letting go of guilt and learning to say no 19:35 The inspiration behind Audacious Expansion 20:45 Erika's life-changing assault and choosing purpose over victimhood 24:10 Turning pain into action through small daily steps 26:00 Why connection is the key to resilience 28:20 The importance of finding the right community 30:30 Why loneliness is becoming an epidemic 32:20 Building meaningful relationships in a digital world 34:10 Final advice: celebrate your wins and share your story 37:00 The power of resilience, expansion, and embracing discomfort 39:00 Psychological safety and surrounding yourself with the right people 41:55 Final challenge: write down one audacious goal today Where to Find Misha Homara: Website: https://www.themishamethod.com/ linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishahomara/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace and Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with coach and former corporate executive Kristen Ripmaster to discuss what it means to live your legacy now instead of waiting for “someday.” Kristen shares her journey from a 20-year corporate career to entrepreneurship, revealing how she learned to trust her intuition, embrace uncertainty, and create a life aligned with her values. Together, Erika and Kristen explore personal growth, midlife awakenings, overcoming fear, defining success on your own terms, and the power of taking small, intentional steps toward the life you truly want. If you've ever felt like there's something more for you, but aren't sure where to start, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start moving. Tune in for a powerful reminder that your next chapter doesn't begin someday. It begins today. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why waiting for the “perfect time” often keeps you stuck • How to begin living your legacy before retirement or empty nesting • The importance of modeling courage and fulfillment for your children • Practical ways to carve out time for personal growth, even with a busy schedule • How small daily actions build confidence and momentum • Why discomfort is often the gateway to transformation • The difference between failure and feedback • How clarity helps you make aligned decisions and pursue meaningful goals • Strategies for overcoming fear, criticism, and self-doubt • Why success should be defined by your values, not society’s expectations Episode Timeline 01:16 – The Story Behind the “Silver Springs” Metaphor 02:46 – Why So Many Women Feel Called to Something More 04:00 – Modeling Courage and Fulfillment for Your Children 06:08 – How to Start Before You're Ready 07:30 – Escaping the Hamster Wheel of Life 09:09 – Midlife Crisis or Midlife Awakening? 10:19 – Finding Time for Personal Growth and Purpose 12:16 – Small Daily Actions That Create Big Change 13:16 – Overcoming Fear, Judgment, and Criticism 15:14 – Defining Success on Your Own Terms 16:30 – The Power of Clarity and Knowing Your Purpose 17:08 – Entrepreneurship, Community, and Avoiding Burnout 19:33 – Taking the Leap of Faith 20:29 – Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone 22:22 – Why Fear Is Often a Sign You Should Move Forward 23:35 – Life in Asheville & Quick-Fire Questions 26:42 – Where to Connect with Kristen 27:12 – Final Thoughts on Grit, Grace, and Glitz Where to Find Kristen: Website: https://ripmastercoaching.com/ linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ripmastercoaching/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Grit, Grace, and Glitz, host Erika welcomes Dr. Suzanne Simpson, a Canadian educator, speaker, mental health researcher, and parenting expert with over 30 years of classroom experience. Together, they explore the critical role of connection in raising resilient, emotionally healthy children and why authentic relationships matter more than perfect parenting. Dr. Simpson shares insights from her research, experiences working with youth in crisis, and her own parenting journey. She explains how connection serves as an antidote to many of today's mental health challenges and offers practical strategies parents can use to strengthen trust and communication with their children. Connect with Dr. Suzanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 208 6/09/26 Shownote Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace, and Glitz, host Erika Rothenberger welcomes Robyn Robledo to discuss her family's bold decision to step away from the traditional path and create a life centered around adventure, connection, and purpose. Robin shares how she transitioned from a busy, highly structured life of homeschooling, entrepreneurship, and constant achievement to embracing freedom, travel, and intentional living. Together, they explore the difference between being "busy" and living abundantly, the importance of slowing down, overcoming fear and perfectionism, setting healthy boundaries, and redefining success beyond money and material possessions. Connect with Robyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-robledo-367579120/ https://instagram.com/ robynrobledo/ https://www.instagram.com/ nomadswithapurpose/ https://robynrobledo.com https://nomadswithapurpose.com Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace, and Glitz, host Erika Rothenberger welcomes Christina Langdon, who shares her journey through leadership, resilience, and redefining success. She discusses the importance of belief, confidence, and intentionality in achieving your goals, along with practical tools like the IDC framework and the Human AI Index assessment. Connect with Christina https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinalangdonkeynotespeaker/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Grit, Grace, and Glitz, Judi Holler shares her journey of stepping out of her comfort zone, evolving her understanding of wellness, and embracing authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and clarity in personal growth, while also discussing the significance of courage and the acceptance of discomfort as a pathway to success. Judi's insights on the 'Year of the Horse' serve as a metaphor for maintaining focus and lightness in one's pursuits, encouraging listeners to trust their unique paths and embrace their true selves. Connect with Judi https://www.linkedin.com/in/judiholler/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Grit, Grace, and Glitz, host Erika Rothenberger speaks with Cathy (Moxley) Richards, an exercise physiologist and wellness coach, about her journey into bodybuilding at 58, the evolving definition of wellness, and the importance of strength training and self-care. They discuss the significance of grace in personal growth, the role of meaningful connections in longevity, and the necessity of setting intentional goals. Cathy emphasizes the value of authenticity in social media and encourages listeners to take messy action towards their goals. Connect with Cathy https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathymrichards/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d www.linkedin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Grit, Grace and Glitz, host Erika Rothenberger and guest Mihika Patel discuss the challenges faced by modern women, particularly the overwhelming burdens they carry due to cultural expectations. Mihika shares her insights on empowerment, the importance of self-reflection, and establishing a morning routine to foster mental strength. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to recognize their inherent mightiness and to focus on small, consistent actions rather than striving for perfection. The episode concludes with practical advice on being present and the significance of community support. Connect with Mihika https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihika-patel/ Connect with your host, Erika: Linkedin (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices