Advertise on podcast: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff with Kristine Carlson

Reinventing yourself after divorce is not about becoming someone new, it’s about remembering who you’ve always been beneath the roles, expectations, and shared history. In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, Kristine Carlson welcomes Heather Sloan to explore what it really looks like to move through the emotional terrain of divorce and into a more grounded, self-honoring life. Heather opens up about the quiet grief, the identity shifts, and the tender moments of reckoning that often accompany the end of a marriage. She also shares how, little by little, she began to reconnect with her own voice, her own needs, and her own sense of possibility. Together, Kristine and Heather reflect on the power of not sweating the small stuff, especially during life’s most overwhelming transitions. When everything feels uncertain, it’s often the smallest acts of self-kindness and presence that help guide us forward.  You’ll hear reflections on letting go of perfectionism, softening self-judgment, and allowing space for both grief and growth to coexist. Heather’s story is a beautiful example of how clarity and strength can emerge when we choose to meet ourselves with compassion instead of criticism. Let this conversation be an invitation to trust your resilience, honor your healing, and embrace the unfolding of your next chapter. About Heather: Heather Sloan is a life coach, author, educator, retreat leader, and spiritual director trained through SoulFormation’s Academy of Spiritual Formation and School of Spiritual Direction. She has a background in international studies and public health nursing. She’s worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in East Africa, a community health nurse, and as a non-profit executive director. The throughline in her work and interests has been supporting whole-person health and well-being. After experiencing the personal crisis of divorce and rediscovering herself and a life that excites her on the other side of it, Heather wrote a book to help others do the same. It’s called Make a Tour de Force of Your Divorce – Emerge from the Split with Grace and Grit. In it, she draws on her spiritual foundation and training to offer a practical guidebook to accompany others through the core themes, challenges, and opportunities that a significant breakup presents. It offers a transformational path to rebuild one’s life and thrive. Learn more about Heather and get a copy of her book at www.TheHeatherSloan.com

In part two of Kristine Carlson’s conversation with Dr. Erin Stokes, they unpack the essentials of cultivating restorative sleep and vibrant well-being. You’ll hear why your sleep journey starts with your morning routine, like stepping outside for natural light, anchoring your day with gratitude, and eating balanced meals. Erin discusses the science of circadian rhythms, reasons to avoid late-day caffeine, and how winding down at night with healthy boundaries (including screen time) can help you feel more rested and present. They offer supportive tips like the power of magnesium and herbal remedies, creating a gentle bedtime ritual, and why honoring your own rhythm matters most. Kristine shares her personal routines and reflections on listening inward for what your body truly needs. For more insights, connect with Dr. Erin Stokes on Instagram. After listening, you’ll be inspired to nurture your nightly rest and bring a more grounded presence into your days and nights!   About Erin: Dr. Erin Stokes, ND believes that transformation begins when we reconnect with the healing power of nature. As a Naturopathic Doctor for 20+ years, Erin has dedicated her career to translating complex health concepts into actionable insights that empower people to participate fully in their own healing. Currently serving as Medical Director at WishGarden Herbs, Dr. Erin Stokes is at the forefront of innovative herbal education. She is a media spokesperson and frequent podcast guest, being featured in Forbes, Well + Good, EatingWell, Medium, Brit + Co, and The Everygirl Podcast.  Dr. Erin is known for her engaging personal style and deep scientific knowledge to create an environment where learning becomes both inspiring and actionable.  

This week, Kristine Carlson shares a conversation with Dr. Erin Stokes, a seasoned naturopathic doctor, speaker, and wellness advocate. Together, they explore what it means to step into your "heroine's journey" through significant changes like a child leaving home, divorce or a career transformation. You’ll hear Erin’s personal stories of resilience, including: How she uses daily meditation and a regular yoga practice to stay centered through grief and uncertainty Why giving yourself permission to be alone can deepen your self-connection and courage Powerful feminine archetypes that offer inspiration during challenging transitions Kristine and Erin reflect on the importance of healthy distractions, community, and physical movement in building renewed strength. They share gentle practices like the simple power of morning breath work and gratitude that can help you reconnect with the joy and meaning within every transition. After listening, you’ll be empowered to embrace the beauty in change, honor your authentic self, and nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health. Looking for more? Join us next week for part two of our conversation where we discuss herbal remedies and the essentials of quality sleep! About Erin: Dr. Erin Stokes, ND believes that transformation begins when we reconnect with the healing power of nature. As a Naturopathic Doctor for 20+ years, Erin has dedicated her career to translating complex health concepts into actionable insights that empower people to participate fully in their own healing. Currently serving as Medical Director at WishGarden Herbs, Dr. Erin Stokes is at the forefront of innovative herbal education. She is a media spokesperson and frequent podcast guest, being featured in Forbes, Well + Good, EatingWell, Medium, Brit + Co, and The Everygirl Podcast.  Dr. Erin is known for her engaging personal style and deep scientific knowledge to create an environment where learning becomes both inspiring and actionable.

This week Kristine Carlson shares her personal journey with gratitude, joy, and happiness.  You’ll learn how Kristine navigates her own moments of grief and low mood by staying engaged in the present, noticing simple joys like sunlight streaming through trees or a beloved pet playing freely. She beautifully explains the difference between happiness and joy; happiness as a gentle hum you live from, and joy as the sparkling moments that elevate your spirit. Throughout the episode, you’re invited to remember how gratitude can bring you back to your natural good feeling state, and how your thoughts and feelings are intricately connected through your heart and mind. Practice noticing and shifting your mindset into gratitude, allowing positive feelings to return. If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider exploring the classic books “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day” and “You Can Be Happy No Matter What.” After listening, you will feel uplifted, centered, and empowered to choose happiness no matter what’s going on around you. Thanks for listening!

This week Kristine Carlson shares her personal journey with gratitude, joy, and happiness.  You’ll learn how she navigates her own moments of grief and low mood by staying engaged in the present, noticing simple joys like sunlight streaming through trees or a beloved pet playing freely. She beautifully explains the difference between happiness and joy; happiness as a gentle hum you live from, and joy as the sparkling moments that elevate your spirit. Throughout the episode, you’re invited to remember how gratitude can bring you back to your natural good feeling state, and how your thoughts and feelings are intricately connected through your heart and mind. Kristine invites you to practice noticing and shifting your mindset into gratitude, allowing positive feelings to return. If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider exploring the classic books “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Every Day” and “You Can Be Happy No Matter What.” After listening, you will feel uplifted, centered, and empowered to choose happiness no matter what’s going on around you. Thanks for listening!

What if your life is unfolding exactly on time?  Vedic astrologer Carol Allen joins Kristine for a deeply personal conversation about the chapter she’s in now: the growth within her romantic relationship, her enduring soul connection with Richard, and the larger cycle the United States is moving through. Kristine and Carol discover: • the season of life Kristine is stepping into • why her Rahu cycle signals destiny and expansion • what the U.S. chart reveals about this transformative time • how astrology helps us trust life’s timing If you’re navigating change or wondering where you are on your path, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and the reminder that nothing in our lives is сoincidence; yet all part of a greater unfolding. GUEST BIO: Carol Allen is a Vedic astrologer and relationship coach who’s been happily married for over three decades and is passionate about helping women align love with timing, wisdom, and intentional action. Her approach beautifully bridges Eastern astrology with modern relationship research, offering guidance that is both spiritual and practical. She has been featured on E!, EXTRA, Bridezillas, LifeChangers with Dr. Drew, and in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Woman’s World, and is the author of Love Is in the Stars: The Wise Woman’s Astrological Guide to Men Visit Carol’s website here Book your reading here

Following the passing of her 93-year-old father, Kristine reflects on the legacy he leaves behind and the profound impact he had on everyone who loved him. As her first spiritual teacher, his guidance shaped her inner world, deepened her faith, and continues to influence the way she moves through life. This episode is a powerful reminder that our deepest teachers are often the ones who raise us; and that their wisdom lives on within us. Read Kristine’s Substack article: A Beautiful Transition for My Father

All supplements are not created equally! This week on the Health Tips Series, Kristine gets specific about the vitamins and supplements she personally uses and trusts. She shares how she views supplements as supportive tools rather than quick fixes, and how to stay informed and empowered without getting lost in wellness trends.  Kristine shares: why supplement quality matters more than quantity the vitamins and supplements she personally takes and why the brands she trusts and what she looks for when choosing them how she approaches supplements as support, not a shortcut listening to your body and adjusting over time staying grounded and empowered instead of overwhelmed by wellness trends   If you’re in a season of transition, you don’t have to walk it alone. Kristine’s What Now? Retreat and Course offer gentle guidance, reflection, and connection as you step into your next chapter. Only a few spots left! Details here.   Please Note: This episode is a deep dive into Kristine’s personal supplement routine, and is not intended as medical advice. 

In the first episode of Health Tips Series, Kristine Carlson shares the personal practices she relies on to look and feel her best as she enters a new year. This episode is an honest look at how Kristine supports her health in real life, through choices that help her stay steady, energized, and emotionally centered. Kristine reveals: • the sleep rituals that help her truly rest • how she approaches food, gut health, and understanding her sensitivities • supplements and daily wellness supports she trusts • meditation, mindfulness, and prayer for staying positive • creating an atmosphere that supports her mind, body, and spirit If you’re craving a healthier way to move through this year, Kristine shares exactly where she begins - so you can, too!  If you’re in a season of transition, you don’t have to walk it alone. Kristine’s What Now? Retreat and Course offer gentle guidance, reflection, and connection as you step into your next chapter. Only a few spots left! Details here.   Please note: Kristine is sharing her personal experience and practices. This episode is not a substitute for medical advice.

Kristine shares how she’s welcoming fresh energy for the year ahead, what it’s been like entering a new live-in relationship, and how love can return after loss. If you’re stepping into something new, this one is for you. Listen in for her reflections on: letting go of what no longer fits healing in love in real time allowing new opportunities to unfold trusting life’s next chapter If you’re in a season of transition, you don’t have to walk it alone. Kristine’s What Now? Retreat and Course offer gentle guidance, reflection, and connection as you step into your next chapter. Only a few spots left! Details here.

Do you know your personal year number and what it reveals about the year ahead? In this two-part conversation, Kristine sits down with professional numerologist Michele Landers to explore the ancient wisdom of numerology and how numbers quietly shape our lives. Listen in and gain insight into your personality, life path, and the themes gently shaping this season of your life. Michele Landers is a board-certified life purpose coach, hypnotherapist and professional numerologist. She is a dynamic and gifted lecturer, teacher, author and consultant on the subjects of personal empowerment, spiritual wisdom, the law of attraction and numerology. Recognized and highly regarded as an authority in her field, her books, The Tao of Numbers and The Year of Living Miraculously are both informative and entertaining.  For more information on her upcoming Truth Mapping workshop, visit her website here.

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Kristine Carlson sits down with professional numerologist Michele Landers to explore the foundation of numerology: your Life Path number. Michele explains how to calculate your Life Path number using your birth date and what it reveals about your natural strengths, challenges, and recurring life themes. It’s a grounded, easy-to-follow introduction that invites greater self-understanding and clarity. A must-listen for anyone curious about the patterns shaping their path. Michele Landers is a board-certified life purpose coach, hypnotherapist and professional numerologist. She is a dynamic and gifted lecturer, teacher, author and consultant on the subjects of personal empowerment, spiritual wisdom, the law of attraction and numerology. Recognized and highly regarded as an authority in her field, her books, The Tao of Numbers and The Year of Living Miraculously are both informative and entertaining.  For more information on her upcoming Truth Mapping workshop, visit her website here.

We all have days when our energy dips and everything feels a little heavier. In this gentle, heart-opening episode, Kristine reminds you that low moods are simply part of being human—and that they don’t define you. She shares how gratitude can shift your inner state, open your heart, and help you return to a place of peace and perspective. You’ll learn: -why it’s okay to experience low moods without judgment -how gratitude transforms your emotional energy -simple ways to reconnect to presence and lift your spirit Listen in to rediscover your natural resilience and remember: you don’t have to fix a low mood, you can breathe through it and let gratitude lead you back to calm.  

Peace begins the moment you pause, turn inward, and trust the quiet guidance of your own spirit. In this episode of the Communication Mastery Series, Kristine walks you through three specific steps to open yourself to spiritual guidance and listen to what your deeper intuition has to say. You’ll learn how to: -open your heart to Spirit and release doubt -attune yourself to presence so you are divinely aligned -say a simple prayer to receive true wisdom -turn spiritual insight into meaningful, inspired action Join Kristine as she guides you—step by step—through a gentle process of tuning in, listening deeply, and allowing Spirit to lead the way.

Amy Wong helps visionary leaders and teams – like Salesforce, Meta, and LinkedIn – build relationships that drive real results. Today she joins Kristine on the show to explore what it really takes to communicate with clarity, confidence, and heart. Amy shares how fear and anxiety shape the way we speak and listen, and offers practical tools to move from uncertainty to trust.   Amy Wong is a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and leadership expert who helps organizations use human connection to drive breakthrough performance. With a background in mathematics, transpersonal psychology, and two decades in Silicon Valley, she’s shaped thriving cultures at companies like LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Meta. She teaches leadership and communication at Stanford University Continuing Education and wrote Living on Purpose. Her work centers on trust, alignment, and exceptional communication to fuel fulfillment and success.   Visit her website: https://amyelizawong.com/