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Ever stop yourself from saying what you really think because you're worried people will judge you? Maybe you don't apply for the job, start the business, go to the networking event, or post about your handmade dog sweaters because you're convinced everyone is watching... and silently deciding you're a disaster. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about why your brain cares so much about other people's opinions, why that fear feels so intense in your body, and why a surprising amount of the judgment you think you're getting is actually coming from inside your own head. I'll also teach you a simple three-step tool called Stop, Drop, Choose to help you move through the fear instead of letting it run your life. If you're ready to stop living in the world's tiniest prison, built entirely out of imagined opinions from Aunt Sally and that one woman from high school you haven't seen in 20 years, hit play. Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

Do you ever find yourself quietly hoping someone will read your mind? Maybe you wish your partner would ask before inviting the whole family to stay at your house. Or your friend would notice you're running out of social battery. Or your coworkers would magically realize you can't take on one more thing. Instead of speaking up, you stay quiet, stuff down your frustration, and wonder if asking for what you need would make you selfish, rude, or just... a lot. In this episode, I'm sharing expressing your wants and needs isn't just "nice," it's your ethical duty. You'll learn why asking for support actually strengthens relationships, how to stop feeling guilty for taking up space, and my simple four-step "Velvet Glove" technique for asking for what you want with kindness, confidence, and zero bulldozing. If traditional assertiveness advice has always given you the ick, this episode is for you. Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

Last week we talked about one of the biggest mindset shifts around boundaries: "I don't want to" is a perfectly good reason to say no.  But that leaves a very practical question... How do you actually say no without feeling like a jerk? In this episode, I'm sharing the surprisingly simple formula for saying no with confidence, without apologizing, overexplaining, making excuses, or accidentally inviting people to argue with you.  We'll talk about: Why a short, direct no is often the kindest responseWhat to do when someone won't accept your answerWhy letting other people have their feelings is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. If saying no makes your stomach flip, this episode will help you protect your time and energy without carrying around a suitcase full of guilt. SARAH'S INSTAGRAM Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

Have you ever noticed that you feel like you need a really, really good reason to say no? Like donating-a-kidney-level good. Because somehow, "I don't want to" doesn't seem like enough. In this episode, we're talking about why so many of us treat other people's wants like they're our obligations, and why that habit is quietly draining our time, energy, and nervous system.  In this episode of Climb Your Mountain, I'll share four mindset shifts that will help you stop people pleasing, say no without making up elaborate excuses, and finally believe that protecting your time isn't selfish. It's part of being the person you're here to be. If you've ever said yes with resentment, rehearsed fake excuses in the shower, or spent way too much energy worrying that someone might think you're mean... this one's for you. Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

Should you invest in therapy, coaching, or both? And why does this question somehow feel more stressful than picking a health insurance plan? (Which, admittedly, is a very low bar.) In this episode, I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about coaching and therapy. We talk about whether a degree automatically makes someone better at helping people, why insurance-covered therapy isn't always the bargain it seems, how to choose the right person to support your growth, and why fit matters more than most people realize. Along the way, I share a few stories from my own experiences, including a truly unforgettable 15-minute mental health appointment that left me wondering if I needed therapy for the therapy. Most importantly, we're talking about the return on investment of working on yourself. Because while a bigger house, a fancy car, or a dream vacation can be lovely, you're still bringing the same brain along for the ride. The skills that help you process emotions, set boundaries, challenge old beliefs, and stay calm when life gets messy? Those are gifts you get to keep forever. If you've been wondering whether investing in your emotional well-being is worth it, this episode is for you. Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

How do you choose the right therapist or coach when there are so many options... and the stakes feel pretty high? In this episode, we're talking about one of the most overlooked factors in personal growth: the relationship between you and your helper. Yes, training, credentials, and methods matter. But whether you're looking for a therapist, coach, or some other kind of support, research consistently shows that the connection itself is often what creates the biggest shifts. I'll share what I've learned from working with a lot of coaches, seeing several therapists, and investing many thousands of dollars in my own growth. We'll talk about why the most qualified person on paper isn't always the best fit, how to tell if someone's style works for you, and what to look for before investing. We'll also cover how to do your homework when coaching is largely unregulated, why consuming someone's free content can tell you more than a page full of testimonials, and the questions you should ask before signing a contract.  If you're wondering whether coaching, therapy, or a particular practitioner is right for you, this episode will help you make a more informed decision, and hopefully save you some time, money, and awkward Zoom calls. CONTACT SARAH Instagram: @missadventurepants Email: [email protected] Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

If you’re struggling with your mental health, feeling stuck in life, or wondering whether life coaching or therapy is the better investment, this episode is for you. As someone who has worked as both a therapist and a coach, I’m breaking down the real differences between the two — without the black-and-white internet hot takes. We’ll talk about when therapy is the smartest place to start, when coaching can help you grow faster, and why some people benefit from both.  We’re diving into everything from anxiety, trauma, and depression to stress, burnout, boundaries, habits, career transitions, and personal development. Plus, I’ll share some surprising exceptions to the “rules,” including why some coaches can be incredibly effective for deeper emotional work — and why finding the right practitioner matters more than the title on their website. If you’ve ever wondered where to invest your time, energy, and money to actually feel better and move forward, this conversation will help you make a more informed decision.  Coach With Sarah Sarah offers a 6-month nervous system coaching program for humans who are neurodivergent, sensitive, and highly creative. Learn to rewire your brain for calm, load up your stress toolkit, and address the root causes of overwhelm . To learn more and get started, schedule your free consult or email [email protected].

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a therapist or a coach — or why the internet seems so divided about it — this episode breaks it all down without the black-and-white thinking. We explore the real differences between therapy and coaching, where they overlap, and what most people misunderstand about both professions. From licensing, ethics, and evidence-based treatment to personal growth, goal setting, and modern coaching culture, you’ll learn what each role is actually designed to do — and how to decide what kind of support is right for you. WORK WITH SARAH Click here to schedule a free coaching consult

Ever mess up — and feel like everyone saw? In this episode of the Climb Your Mountain Podcast, life coach Sarah Maurer dives into what to do when you’re feeling judged. Maybe you missed a meeting at work. Yelled at your kid in Target. Snapped at your aging parent. Got dumped and now dread showing up solo to your cousin’s wedding.  Sometimes people really are judging. But here’s the deeper truth: it only burns when you’re judging yourself too. We explore why shame hits hardest when you secretly believe you should be better, more perfect, more put-together. Often that harsh inner voice isn’t even yours — it’s an old parent, teacher, coach, or middle school bully living rent-free in your head. This episode covers: Why imagined judgment feels so realThe two common protection patterns: ruthless perfectionism or freezing and playing smallTall poppy syndrome and the fear of visibilityWhy failure is proof you’re in the arenaInspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” quote, this conversation is about choosing courage over criticism. You’ll learn practical life coaching tools to build real self love and self compassion: How to talk to yourself like a supportive coach (not a drill sergeant)Making mistakes an exception, not your identityNormalizing failure as part of growthBuilding emotional strength to handle shame, disappointment, and embarrassment without numbing outWhen you stop joining in on your own judgment, everything changes. You can make mistakes at work and still believe in your value. Parent imperfectly and still see yourself as a great mom. Ask for what you want in dating. Take the big swing. Everything you desire lives on the other side of fear and failure. Enjoy ❤️  WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected] FOLLOW SARAH ON INSTAGRAM @missadventurepants

Raise your hand if you want to feel more love in your life. In this episode of the Climb Your Mountain Podcast, life coach Sarah Maurer explores a belief many of us carry: that love comes from other people. If you’re single and worried you’re missing out… if you’re in a relationship but don’t feel fully loved… or if you secretly believe you’re just “not lovable enough,” this conversation is for you. We unpack the hidden “love manuals” we create — the unspoken rules about how someone must behave for us to feel loved (they must say “I love you,” remember birthdays, help around the house, respond sexually, get us completely). When those rules aren’t followed, we feel rejected, unseen, or alone. But here’s the shift: other people don’t create your feelings. They don’t beam love into you. The emotion of love is created by your thoughts, your beliefs, and the stories you tell yourself. This episode dives into: Why trying to control others to feel loved never worksHow people-pleasing and relationship anxiety are rooted in fear of being unlovedWhy “they hurt my feelings” misses the deeper truthThe powerful reframe: all love is self loveSarah shares practical life coaching tools to help you build real self love and self compassion, including: Noticing harsh self-talkChallenging the story that you’re “lazy,” “too much,” or “not enough”Learning to validate yourselfCelebrating small wins and personal growthWhen you become your own source of love, everything changes. You can enjoy being single. You can speak honestly in relationships. You can stop trying to control your partner’s behavior. You can feel steady and connected — even in lonely seasons. If you’re ready to feel more loving, lovable, and secure from the inside out, this episode is your starting point. Enjoy ❤️  WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected]

What if self-acceptance wasn’t just a feel-good idea—but the key to becoming more effective, motivated, and fulfilled in every area of your life? In this episode of the Climb Your Mountain Podcast, Sarah Maurer explores radical self acceptance and why beating yourself up for “falling short” actually blocks the results you want. If you struggle with shame, harsh self-talk, or the belief that you need to fix yourself to be worthy, this conversation is for you. We dig into the familiar “greatest hits” many high-achievers carry—you’re lazy, you’re too much, you’re not capable, you’re not lovable—and how these thoughts show up in real life: yelling at your kids after a long day, forcing yourself into tight jeans, skipping the gym, overspending, or trying to be smaller and more pleasing than you really are. Sarah breaks down why self-criticism is actually a form of self-protection, why it doesn’t work long-term, and how operating from shame fuels emotional overwhelm, burnout, and inconsistency. Then she offers a powerful alternative: choosing self compassion and believing you are fundamentally good, worthy, and capable exactly as you are. The sooner you practice radical self acceptance, the sooner you create more of what you want—connection, confidence, consistency, and peace. WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected]

For the first 48 years of my life, my only experience with hypnosis was a stage show at college. The hypnotist told the participants they were in class. They sat looking straight ahead like they were listening to the professor.  Suddenly the hypnotist yelled BADGER! and pointed at the ground. And all the participants freaked out and jumped up on their chairs. It was hilarious. But I didn’t exactly associate it with healing and empowerment. It felt kind of coercive, to be honest. When you think about hypnosis, what comes to mind? A bearded guy swinging a gold watch? A cult leader? 😵‍💫 If so, you’re not alone. There are so many misconceptions out there. Which is really a shame, because science suggests hypnosis is a fast and effective way to relieve stress and anxiety. It’s also great for pain management and behavior change. I’ve personally undergone hypnosis to help with guilt, social anxiety, and a driving phobia. And the results feel like a miracle. And as a life coach certified in hypnosis, I’ve seen this modality help clients change faster and with less struggle. But don’t just take it from me! On this week’s episode of the Climb Your Mountain podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Wella Jay. She’s a past client who came to me specifically for hypnosis. In our conversation she opens up about her experiences with hypnocoaching. We dive into: ❇️ How clinical hypnosis (the one we do in coaching) actually empowers you to take control of your own healing ❇️ What to expect in a typical hypnosis session ❇️ Why hypnosis might work better for some people than traditional “talking” methods of coaching ❇️ Debunking common myths, e.g. that it’s a form of mind control or manipulation ❇️ How hypnosis changed how we see life and ourselves (there’s definitely a spiritual benefit) ❇️ Our own experiences and results in hypnotherapy — and how it sometimes surprised us with “bonus” healing we weren’t even looking for If you’re curious about hypnosis … If you’ve thought about coaching, but dislike the idea of talking about yourself or answering lots of questions … This one is definitely for you! Enjoy! ❤️ WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected]

I hired my first coach because I wanted to stop overdrinking.  It worked. And to this day, it remains one of my favorite things to coach my clients on. I’m living proof that a coaching approach can help you cut way back. Enough to make a real difference in your health and mental well-being. (Ask my blood pressure!) And this week on the Climb Your Mountain podcast, in honor of Dry/Damp January, I’m going to walk you thought my recommended cut-back approach. You’ll get a ton of tips and insights you can action on right now to finish Dry/Damp January strong — or start your own 30-day break today. Things like: ⭐️ Shouldn’t we be going for total abstinance? What the latest science says about cutting back and quitting alcohol. (This might come as a huge relief!) ⭐️ The most important success factor you must nail before you start that makes everything else easier. ⭐️ The immense benefits of taking a 30-day break (even if you have to go to your snottiest cousin’s 200-person wedding in Mexico this month). ⭐️ Common triggers and stumbling blocks to expect (boredom, loneliness, mental exhaustion, etc.) ⭐️ How stopping overdrinking is an invitation to bring more fun and pleasure into your life. Enjoy! ❤️  WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected]

If you’d rather eat broken glass than set new year’s goals, I’ve got a podcast episode for you! So many of us have PTSD around goals. We feel shame about all the times we’ve gone for something in the past … only to fall on our faces. Every time we see a successful person, we assume they did it “right.” (Set goal. Followed up with disciplined action. Got result.) But what if the opposite was actually true? What if creating your dreams is always supposed to look and feel like a shit show? It’s like this drawing. No one escapes the scribble! (Including all those successful people who make it look so easy. Remember, you’re only seeing their after.) The only reason goal-setting hurts is that we massively underestimate the time and energy it will take to create our results. And on this week’s episode of the Climb Your Mountain podcast, I’m going to walk you through: 🌺 Why so many people quit on their goals when they’re on the verge of success (and how to avoid it) 🌺 Why goals are still worth it (even when they’re hard) 🌺 Why it doesn’t matter how much you’ve failed in the past. 🌺 Some new ways to look at goals (beyond do-or-die measures of your self-worth) Enjoy! ♥️  WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected]

Last week in Mexico, I tried to take the bus to a cenote (swimming hole).  I was SURE it would take just 15 minutes to jump on the colectivo (mini-bus). 90 minutes later … 😭 I’d just walked all over Tulum in the blazing sun trying to get cash for the bus fare … 😭 And then walked another 30 minutes looking for the right bus stop 😭 I was sweating, dehydrated, frustrated and PISSED because I wanted to get to the cenote early before the crowds 😭 I finally caught the damn bus What went wrong here? Absolutely nothing.  This is the way it’s supposed to work.  Our brains tell us we can do it faster. But our brains are wrong. By planning only for the best-case scenario, we create a lot of frustration for ourselves. We end up feeling stressed, behind, incapable, and overwhelmed. Life feels chaotic. We’re late for everything. And we quit on our dreams because we think they’re taking too long. (When really we just underestimated the time and effort required.) So this week’s episode of the Climb Your Mountain podcast, let’s talk about a new way to plan. One that factors in delays, missteps, friction, and obstacles. It’s incredibly simple. And if you’re setting 2026 intentions, it will save you so much heartache! Enjoy. ❤️  WORK WITH SARAH Curious about how life coaching can help you? You can schedule a free consultation by: Clicking here and grabbing some time on my calendarEmailing me at [email protected]