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Send us Fan Mail I recorded this during my birthday week in June. I turned 53! So I want to talk about something that doesn't get said enough: the real fear of getting older isn't about wrinkles or gray hair. It's the fear that life gets smaller. That you stop doing the hard things, the brave things, the things that make you feel like you. In this episode, I'm challenging that story, not with a pep talk, but with evidence. My own evidence. And I'm inviting you to look at yours. In this episode: The cultural story most women have absorbed about life after 50 — and why it's working against youWhy pre-limiting yourself is the real danger (not aging itself)What Half Dome, backpacking Colorado, and solo travel to Portugal and Spain taught me about what's still possibleWhat actually gets better in body, mind, and spirit as you get olderThree reflection questions to help you rewrite the story you're telling yourself about this seasonResources & links: Episodes mentioned: Episode 115: Lessons Learned in the Colorado WildernessEpisode 117: Do it Scared - Lessons Learned from Climbing Half DomeWork with me — Private Coaching: www.kortneyrivard.comInstagram: @kortney.a.rivardIf this episode resonated, share it with a woman who needs this reminder. And leave a review — it helps this show reach more women who are ready to stop playing small. Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever looked at your life, you know, the one that looks pretty good from the outside, and felt like something just doesn't quite fit? Not a crisis. Just that persistent sense that something's off and you can't explain why. In this episode I get personal about my own experience with misalignment: imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and the attachment patterns quietly running the show,  and why this feeling is far more common than we talk about. I break down two kinds of misalignment most of us never distinguish, what your body, mind, and spirit are trying to tell you when something feels off, and practical starting points for closing the gap without overhauling your entire life. If you've ever thought "I should be happier than this",  this one's for you! Resources mentioned:  ➡️ Life Wheel Exercise ➡️ Values Exercise  ➡️ Wellness Wake Up intro program — $99  Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail That moment when your partner asks what you want for dinner and it feels like an unreasonable question. The 17 browser tabs open for two weeks. The thing you reached for at 9pm that you told yourself you wouldn't. This isn't laziness or weakness. It's decision fatigue — and it's hitting women in their 40s and 50s especially hard. In this episode I break down what's actually happening in your brain, why this season of life makes it so much worse, and why the solution has nothing to do with willpower. You'll learn why decision fatigue is a real physiological phenomenon and not a character flaw, what's making it harder for women in their 40s specifically (the mental load, the sandwich generation squeeze, perimenopause, sleep deprivation), how it shows up in ways you might not recognize, why you keep making the "wrong" choice at the end of the day, and five practical strategies to protect your mental energy. But the bigger question this episode asks is this: decision fatigue isn't the problem. It's the signal. The real question isn't "why can't I make better choices at night?" It's "why am I so depleted by evening that I have nothing left for myself?" Connect with Kortney: Instagram: @k.a.rivard | kortneyrivard.com Work with Kortney: Wellness Wake Up intro program  Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm getting a little personal — sharing what it felt like when my marriage ended unexpectedly in 2014 and how the messy, nonlinear years of rebuilding that followed shaped everything, including why I became a coach and why this podcast exists. This isn't a tidy glow-up story. It's an honest look at what rebuilding actually looks like, and five of the most important lessons it taught me: Emotions are survivable — they build, they peak, and they always passThe difference between regret and guilt, and a simple 3-question framework for moving through the hard stuffYou don't need to see the whole staircase — just the next stepRebuilding has no finish line, and why that's actually okayAuthenticity is where real connection lives — with others and with yourselfWhether you're navigating a divorce, an empty nest, a career shift, or any season where life has asked you to rebuild something, this one will meet you where you are. Mentioned in this episode: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — a skills-based approach to emotional regulation worth looking into  Daring Greatly by Brené Brown — on vulnerability and connection  Wellness Wake Up intro program — $99 [LEARN MORE HERE] Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 we talked about why so many women feel disconnected — going through the motions, life feeling flat even when nothing is technically wrong. In Part 2, I get into what you can actually do about it. But first, a reframe: feeling alive isn't about being happy all the time or overhauling your life. It's about feeling present and engaged — like you're actually in your life instead of just moving through it. And that's something you can start building right where you are. In this episode, I walk through five practical, doable shifts for reconnecting across body, mind, and spirit: Create space — even 10-15 minutes of not multitasking can open the doorStart with micro moments — small things like music, movement, or noticing your surroundings start to rewire the connectionFollow what feels expansive — pay attention to what gives you energy, not just what you "should" doUse your body as an entry point — movement and body awareness are one of the fastest ways out of your headInterrupt autopilot thinking — not perfectly, just more oftenThis episode is a shorter, practical one — exactly what you need to start moving. Resources mentioned:  Wellness Wake Up intro program — $99 — LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever catch yourself thinking "Is this it?" or "I thought I'd feel happier by now" — even when nothing is technically wrong?  You're not broken. You're disconnected. And there's a difference. In Part 1 of this two-part series, I open up about my own post-divorce experience of doing all the "right" things while still feeling like something was missing, and why that feeling is far more common than we talk about. This isn't a motivation problem or a discipline problem. It's a disconnection problem. Using my body, mind & spirit framework, I break down why so many women pour energy into two of those pillars while the third — spirit —  fades into the background. The result is a life that looks good on paper but feels flat, busy but not fulfilling, productive but not alive. In this episode: why "going through the motions" sneaks up on us, how management mode takes over without us noticing, and why you genuinely cannot think your way into feeling alive. Part 2 will cover what to actually do about it. === Mentioned in this episode: === Wellness Wake Up intro program — $99 — LEARN MORE HERE Untamed by Glennon Doyle* *Full disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates program. When you buy through my Amazon links, I earn a small commission that helps support my podcast Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll start tomorrow”… and then didn’t, this episode is for you. Today, we’re breaking down motivation, willpower, procrastination, and avoidance and why it’s not actually about laziness or lack of discipline. You’ll learn why waiting to feel motivated keeps you stuck, how your beliefs about willpower shape your behavior, and what’s really driving procrastination (hint: it’s not what you think). Plus, I’m sharing simple, practical strategies to help you take action—even when you don’t feel like it—so you can build momentum and start following through. In This Episode, We Cover:  Why you don’t have a willpower problem—you have a perception problem  The truth about motivation (and why it’s unreliable)  Why procrastination is really about avoidance - not laziness  The hidden role of discomfort (and how it keeps you stuck)  Simple strategies to take action and build momentum  A practical framework: Notice → Name → Neutralize → Act💡 Key Takeaway: You don’t need more motivation—you need a different approach. ❤️ Get Support If this episode resonated, this is exactly the kind of work I do with my clients. Visit my web site to learn more about how I can help you overcome procrastination and lack of motivation so that you can start moving toward living the life you want. 🔗 Learn more here: www.kortneyrivard.com 🎧 Loved This Episode? Share it with a friend who’s been saying “I’ll start tomorrow” 💛 Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail If you feel like you’re doing everything right but still feel exhausted, flat, or just off, this episode is for you. In this episode, Kortney breaks down what burnout actually looks like (beyond just being “too busy”), especially for women in their 40s and 50s navigating changing energy, hormones, and life demands. You’ll learn why burnout isn’t just about doing too much, the hidden patterns that keep you stuck, and how to start supporting yourself differently (without adding more to your plate). ✨ In this episode:  Why burnout is about constant pressure, not just a full schedule  The patterns driving burnout (perfectionism, over-functioning, invisible load)  How burnout shows up in your body, mind, and energy Why this season of life can make everything feel harder  Simple shifts to start breaking the cycle ❤️ Ready for more support? If this resonated, this is exactly the work I do with my clients - helping you reconnect with your energy, your body, and your life in a way that actually feels good. 👉 Learn more: www.kortneyrivard.com Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Confidence isn’t something you need before you take action. It’s something you build along the way. In this episode, I share a powerful story from climbing the Half Dome cables in Yosemite and explains why confidence almost never comes first. Instead, confidence grows through courage, action, and small moments of bravery. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting to feel “ready” before pursuing a goal, starting a new habit, speaking up, or making a life change, this episode will help you shift your perspective and take the first step. You’ll learn why fear is often a signal that you’re on the edge of growth and how small acts of courage can gradually reshape how you see yourself. Remember: confidence isn’t the starting point...it’s the result of taking action. Key TakeawaysWhy confidence usually comes after action, not beforeThe real sequence: Fear → Courage → Action → ConfidenceHow fear often signals you’re on the edge of growthWhy confidence is built through small acts of courageHow courageous actions slowly reshape your identity and self-beliefA simple 3-step practice to start building confidence todayResources ** Work with Me: The Wellness Wakeup ** For just $99, you get a 60-minute lifestyle audit session where we find the "trouble spots" that are keeping you from living the you want. We'll come up with a short-term action plan reaching your goals and getting consistent with habits is a no-brainer.  Click HERE for more info.' Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever had a “Magic Monday” where you’re fully committed to getting your life together… only to feel like you’ve blown it by Tuesday afternoon? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not lazy. In this episode, we’re unpacking all-or-nothing thinking and how perfectionism can quietly fuel burnout, especially for women navigating the demands of midlife. I share why our brains default to extremes, how self-judgment keeps us stuck, and practical ways to shift toward a more sustainable “middle way.” Instead of swinging between all and nothing, you’ll learn how small, consistent actions can help you rebuild self-trust and momentum. In This Episode, We Cover: What all-or-nothing thinking is and how to recognize itWhy this pattern often intensifies in our 40s and 50sThe connection between perfectionism, shame, and burnoutWhy showing up at 60% consistently beats 100% occasionallyHow to use a “low power mode” approach to stay consistent even on hard daysWhy small habits are the key to lasting changeShare Your Win If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you!  Come share your “level two win” with me: Instagram: @k.a.rivard Facebook: @KortneyRivardWellnessCoaching Website: kortneyrivard.com Resources Episode 117: Do it Scared: Lessons Learned from Climbing Half Dome ** Work with Me: The Wellness Wakeup ** For just $99, you get a 60-minute lifestyle audit session where we find the "trouble spots" that are keeping you from living the you want. We'll come up with a short-term action plan reaching your goals and getting consistent with habits is a no-brainer.  Click HERE for more info. Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail What does strength actually mean in this season of life? For many women, strength has quietly become performative. Longer workouts, more discipline, pushing through exhaustion, and constantly wondering, “Am I doing enough?” But real strength isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about supporting yourself. In this episode, we move beyond the traditional definition of strength training and explore a deeper, more sustainable version of strength through the three pillars of wellness: body, mind, and spirit. You’ll hear a refreshing perspective on: Why longer and harder workouts aren’t always better (especially in your 40s and beyond)The hidden pressure of the “should” voice and comparison cultureHow mental strength is built through self-awareness, not self-criticismThe emotional side of overworking, overtraining, and staying busyWhat it means to stop performing strength and start choosing what’s aligned for your life and energy This episode is especially for the woman who wants to feel strong and empowered, but is also tired of the constant pressure to do more, be more, and push harder. True strength isn’t about domination or discipline alone. It’s about self-trust, sustainability, and choosing what genuinely supports your body, your mind, and your life right now. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to feel strong and feeling completely exhausted by the pressure of “doing enough,” this conversation is for you! Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt stuck, flat, or quietly disconnected — even though your life looks good on paper? Not burnout. Not crisis. Just… meh. In this episode, I explore what I call the “meh” season” — the in-between phase where you’ve outgrown who you’ve been, but you haven’t fully stepped into who you’re becoming. We talk about: Why feeling stuck is part of normal growthHow feeling “meh” shows up across body, mind, and spiritWhy wanting more doesn’t make you ungrateful or selfishThe difference between motivation problems and identity shiftsHow to move forward by pausing, listening, and gently realigningIf you’ve been wondering, “Why do I feel this way when my life is good?” , this conversation will give you a compassionate new lens. Feeling stuck isn’t a failure. It’s feedback. When you stop fighting it and start listening to it, it becomes your compass back to aliveness. === Resources === The Wellness Wakeup - Introductory Program for New Clients If this episode resonated and you’re ready to move from “meh” to aligned, my $99 intro session — The Wellness Wake Up — is the perfect next step. Together, we’ll audit your life across the three pillars (body, mind, and spirit), identify where you feel stuck, and create simple, meaningful action steps in any or all of the pillars to help you realign with who you’re becoming. You don’t need a new life, you need a more aligned version of the one you already have. Learn more HERE Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to perform in your life? In this episode of Real, Brave, & Unstoppable, we explore how performing often shows up in subtle ways—editing yourself, second-guessing your truth, or living by the “shoulds” to feel accepted or safe. I share a personal dating example that highlights how performing doesn’t always come from insecurity, but from a desire for clarity, self-respect, and choice. From there, we unpack why we perform, the hidden cost of doing so, and how to begin living with unapologetic authenticity. This episode is an invitation to stop managing how you’re perceived and start making choices that are aligned with who you really are.  In this episode: What performing really is (and what it’s not)Why we learn to edit ourselvesHow performing shows up in dating, work, and wellnessThe hidden cost of living this wayWhat unapologetic authenticity actually looks likeSimple steps to stop performing and start living more honestly === Resources === Wellness Wake Up: $99 Intro Coaching Session A one-hour session to clarify aligned, actionable goals across body, mind, and spirit.Free Quiz: What's Your Habit Hangup? Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of Goals With Soul, we take everything from the foundation episode — your values, identity, priorities, and desired feelings — and turn it into clear, actionable goals you can actually follow through on. This episode is all about the how: breaking goals down so they feel doable, flexible, and aligned — without losing the soul behind them. In this episode: The key difference between outcome goals and behavior goalsWhy you can’t control outcomes — but you can control your actionsHow to break goals into skills, actions, and supportive practicesUsing SMART goals without making them rigid or joylessHow to track progress without pressure or punishmentWays to measure feeling-based goals like energy, confidence, or presenceWhy celebrating wins and bright spots is essential for momentumHow to create goals that support body, mind, and spirit === Resources mentioned:=== Companion Goals With Soul Worksheet Wellness Wake Up: $99 Intro Coaching Session A one-hour session to clarify aligned, actionable goals across body, mind, and spirit. Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Every January, we set goals with the best intentions — and by February, many of them are already forgotten. In this episode, I’m revisiting Goals With Soul, a more meaningful, sustainable way to approach goal setting. This isn’t about rigid resolutions or pressure. It’s about creating goals that come from the inside out — based on how you want to feel, who you’re becoming, and what truly matters in this season of your life. In this episode: Why most New Year’s resolutions don’t workThe problem with setting goals based on “shoulds”How to set goals based on core desired feelingsWhy identity-based goals are more powerful than to-do listsThe role of values and priorities in meaningful goal settingReflection questions to help you define your next chapter === Want support? === Why do this alone? I offer a $99 Intro Wellness Session where we create aligned goals across body, mind, and spirit. Check it out HERE. === Resources mentioned: === Creating the Life You Want (free eBook)Values & Wheel of Life exercises (Etsy shop)The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorteDayOne journaling app Support the show Want more? For more information about the podcast, visit www.realbraveunstoppable.com. To learn more about your host, Kortney Rivard, visit www.kortneyrivard.com Follow Kortney on Social media: Instagram Facebook