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Sometimes strength looks like pushing through, and sometimes it looks like knowing when to pause. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares why she is stepping away from Soul Stories for a little while, with no pressure to decide exactly how long the break will be. She opens up about carrying the weight of the world, trying to keep everything afloat, and realizing that something has to come off her plate. This is not goodbye. There are still so many stories to tell. It is simply a reminder that we are allowed to honor our mental health, loosen the armor, say no, change our expectations, and give ourselves grace. If life has felt especially heavy lately, may this episode remind you that you do not have to carry everything at once, and you do not have to have it all together to be strong. https://music.apple.com/us/album/carry-this-all/1739719818?i=1739719819

This one is personal. ❤️ Growing up in East Tennessee, Dolly Parton was so much more than a country music superstar. She was one of ours. She came from the Smoky Mountains, from incredibly humble beginnings, and somehow went on to touch the entire world, without ever forgetting where she came from. I grew up going to Silver Dollar City before it became Dollywood. I remember riding the Blazing Fury as a little girl, never imagining what that place, or that little girl from Sevier County, would eventually become. In this week’s Soul Stories with Jill, I’m talking about Dolly’s life, what she meant to me growing up in East Tennessee, the way she lived unapologetically as herself, and the incredible ripple she created through her music, generosity, philanthropy and kindness. One person. One life. One enormous ripple. And maybe that’s the greatest lesson she left us: You don’t have to change the whole world. Just use what you’ve been given to make your corner of it a little brighter. You may never know how far that ripple will travel. Rest well, Dolly. ❤️ Thank you for making these mountains proud.

What happens when a powerful full moon meets a lunar eclipse? In this episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I sit down with Tammi Lipp, intuitive development coach, energy healer, medium, and founder of Intuitive Living Out Loud. I reached out to Tammi at the last minute because I woke up thinking about the powerful energy surrounding the upcoming lunar eclipse and knew I wanted someone who could help us understand what it all means. We talk about the power of full moons and eclipses, the solar eclipse we experienced earlier this month, and what this lunar eclipse may bring to the surface. Tammi also explains how your birth chart can help you understand where this eclipse is showing up in your own life and how astrology can be a tool for getting to know yourself on a deeper level. Whether you’re deeply into astrology or simply curious about why you may be feeling more emotional, reflective, energized, or ready for change, this conversation offers a fascinating look at intuition, energy, self-awareness, and the cycles happening both around us and within us. Sometimes the universe gives us a reason to slow down, pay attention, and ask ourselves what is ready to be released, understood, or changed. And sometimes, the timing of a conversation is part of the story. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Tammi Lipp and see what this eclipse might be inviting you to notice in your own life. About Tammi Lipp Tammi Lipp is an intuitive development coach, energy healer, medium, and founder of Intuitive Living Out Loud. She is also the host of her own new podcast, where she explores intuition, energy, spiritual growth, and living more consciously. https://sacredphilosophies.myflodesk.com/intuitiontracker Name: Tammi Lipp Job title: Intuitive Coach, Medium, Founder of Intuitive Living OUT LOUD ™️ Email: [email protected] Social Media Handles: @tammilipp

What if creating a different life doesn’t require fighting the one you’re leaving behind? In this episode of Soul Stories with Jill, Mena Teijeiro shares the unlikely path that took her from life in Miami to creating The Florrest, a 153-acre leadership sanctuary in rural Georgia and the deeper philosophy that emerged along the way. A hurricane became an unexpected catalyst. Faced with the possibility of losing investment properties she had spent years building, Mena began questioning not only what she owned, but what she actually wanted to create next. She followed that knowing into something she could never have fully planned. What followed wasn’t a clean reinvention story. There were unconventional decisions, resistance, county meetings, attorneys, structures that didn’t know what to do with what she was creating, changes in family life, and plenty of moments when the path she could see seemed to disappear. Rather than making the obstacles the center of the story, Mena learned to look for the opening. She calls it Breathing Through the Cracks: allowing something new to emerge without draining our energy fighting what already exists. That philosophy ultimately shaped far more than a piece of land. Today, Mena is a Leadership Calibrator and founder of The Florrest. Her body of work, Return to Center, explores what happens when we notice where our energy is being drained by what isn’t ours to carry, fix or fight and reclaim that energy for what we actually want to create. Her work with leaders, teams and individuals is rooted in a simple idea: when we return to ourselves, we can discern more clearly what is ours, what isn’t, and where our energy can create the most good. This conversation explores what becomes possible when we stop measuring our lives by the paths already available to us, stop exhausting ourselves fighting what isn’t ours to change, and begin paying attention to where there is still life, possibility and room to create. Sometimes you don’t need to break through the wall. Sometimes you find the crack and breathe life through it. Name: Mena Teijeiro Job title: Leadership Calibrator Email: [email protected] Social Media Handles: @menafesting @theflorrest

The world can feel incredibly heavy sometimes. We turn on the television, scroll through social media, or read the latest headlines, and it can feel like we are surrounded by division, anger, fear, tragedy, and negativity. We may not be able to control everything happening around us, but we can control what we choose to carry and what we choose to put back into the world. In this episode of Soul Stories with Jill, Jill reflects on a simple reminder hanging in her massage room: Be the Light. Inspired by the words of Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world,” Jill explores what it really means to be a source of light when the world feels dark. It doesn’t mean ignoring what’s happening or pretending everything is okay. It means choosing kindness over cruelty, hope over fear, compassion over judgment, and love over division whenever we have the opportunity. Because sometimes being the light is much simpler than we think. A smile. A phone call. A compliment. Holding a door. Listening to someone who needs to be heard. Checking on a friend. Giving grace. Refusing to participate in negativity. Choosing to leave someone feeling a little better than they did before they encountered you. We may never know how far one small act of light travels. Maybe we can’t change the entire world today. But we can change the energy we bring into our little corner of it. And perhaps if enough of us choose to do that, one small light at a time, the world becomes a little brighter.

Last week, I shared my struggle with the weight I’ve carried on my body and the decision to stop fighting against myself and start treating my body with more kindness. This week, I want to talk about another kind of weight. The invisible weight. The guilt we can’t seem to let go of. The expectations we place on ourselves. The fear of failure. The need to be perfect. The opinions of other people. The resentment, comparison, worry, and self-doubt that quietly follow us everywhere we go. Those are the things that often become much heavier than anything the scale could ever measure. The truth is, many of us keep postponing our lives while we wait for the “perfect” moment. We tell ourselves we’ll take the trip after we lose the weight. We’ll start the business when we feel more confident. We’ll wear the swimsuit next summer. We’ll pursue the dream when life slows down. But what if that perfect time never comes? What if the life you’ve been waiting for is available right now? In this episode, I invite you to pause and ask yourself two simple questions: What am I carrying? And what is it costing me? Because sometimes the greatest freedom doesn’t come from losing pounds. It comes from laying down the burdens we’ve carried for years and finally choosing to live. If you’ve been thinking about making a change, don’t wait until next Monday, next month, or next year. Begin your own Climb Within today. One small step is all it takes to start becoming the person you were created to be.

After celebrating another birthday, I found myself reflecting on the roller coaster I’ve been on for most of my adult life. Like so many women, I’ve spent years chasing a number on the scale, trying diet after diet, believing that happiness or confidence would come when I finally reached my goal. But this year, something shifted. I realized my greatest struggle was never just my weight. It was the emotional weight I had been carrying. The stress. The expectations. The hurts. The habit of putting everyone else before myself. As I’ve entered my fifties and menopause, I’ve become much more intentional about how I want to live the next chapter of my life. I don’t want to spend it fighting my body. I want to care for it. That means listening to my body instead of punishing it. Drinking more water. Eating with intention. Moving because I’m grateful my body can move. Walking. Stretching. Strength training. Resting. Paying attention to whether I’m truly hungry or simply trying to fill an emotional need. If you haven’t listened to my episodes on The Importance of Water, I encourage you to go back and give those a listen. This journey is also why Mount LeConte holds such a special place in my heart. Some of my favorite memories have happened on that mountain, and every time I leave, I come home with a little more perspective than I had before. That’s why this retreat is called The Climb Within. While we’ll be climbing a mountain together, the real transformation happens within us. Whether your mountain is Mount LeConte, one of our August or September day retreats, or simply taking your first walk around the neighborhood, I’d love for you to join me. Our virtual program is available for anyone who wants the three month training plan, encouragement, and community from wherever they live. This isn’t about losing weight. It’s about becoming healthier, stronger, and more intentional. One step at a time. The mountain isn’t the destination. Who you become while climbing it is.

In this episode, I’m joined by my brother, Matt, as he shares the story of climbing Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. This wasn’t his first attempt. After being forced to turn back because of weather on a previous climb, Matt talks about what it was like to return with renewed determination, the months of physical and mental preparation it took, and the discipline required to accomplish a goal that once seemed just out of reach. We dive into the realities of preparing for a mountain like Mount Whitney, the training, the setbacks, the unpredictability of nature, and the perseverance it takes to keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan. Along the way, we draw powerful parallels between climbing a mountain and navigating everyday life. Whether you’re pursuing a dream, overcoming obstacles, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, success often comes from preparation, resilience, and the willingness to try again after disappointment. We also talk about the peace and perspective that nature offers, the friendships built along the trail, and the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from standing at the summit after earning every step. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply facing your own mountain in life, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep climbing, one step at a time.

The Climb Within is back! In this episode, Averie Thayer, occupational therapist, owner of Living Revived Therapy, and retreat co-host, joins me to share everything you need to know about our second annual Mt. LeConte Women’s Retreat. After an incredible first year, we’re expanding the experience to help you feel even more prepared, supported, and connected before you ever step onto the trail. We talk about our three-month training program designed to help participants build confidence, endurance, and strength leading up to the hike. Averie shares how her background as an occupational therapist will help prepare women physically while we both focus on the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the journey. We also introduce our new VIP experience beginning Thursday, October 29, where participants can gather the evening before the hike to connect, settle in, and begin the retreat together. The adventure officially begins on Friday, October 30, as we hike approximately six miles to LeConte Lodge, spend the night on the mountain, enjoy dinner together at the lodge, and soak in one of the most unforgettable sunsets and sunrises the Smokies have to offer. On Saturday, October 31, we’ll hike back down the mountain and celebrate the completion of our journey with a special Greenhouse Dinner at the Wellness Farmhouse. This retreat is about so much more than reaching the summit. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of, pushing beyond your comfort zone, building meaningful friendships, and realizing that the climb often mirrors life itself. If you’ve been looking for a sign to challenge yourself, reconnect with nature, and experience personal growth in a supportive community, this just might be it. We can’t wait to climb with you! Registration information and retreat details are available through the Wellness Farmhouse. We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable weekend of adventure, growth, and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the salon chair, this episode is for you! In this fun and lighthearted conversation, Jill sits down with her best friend, Michelle Hurst, who has spent more than 30 years behind the chair as a hairstylist. Together, they share some of the funniest, most surprising, and unforgettable stories from Michelle’s career, along with tales she’s heard from fellow hairstylists over the years. From awkward moments and hilarious client encounters to the things every hairstylist secretly wishes their clients knew, this episode is full of laughter, honesty, and plenty of “I can’t believe that happened!” moments. Whether you’re a regular salon-goer, a fellow beauty professional, or just enjoy hearing entertaining stories about people and life, you’ll leave this episode with a whole new appreciation for the work that happens behind the chair.

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, I never saw this coming? In this solo episode, Jill shares how a series of small nudges, unexpected conversations, and repeated encouragement led her from massage therapy and yoga into sound healing, breathwork, podcasting, and now creating guided audio meditations. She explores why the biggest pivots in life rarely begin with certainty, why fear doesn’t always mean “stop,” and how the compliments people consistently give you may actually reveal gifts you’ve overlooked. If you’ve been feeling called toward something new, wondering if it’s too late to reinvent yourself, or talking yourself out of a dream because it feels unfamiliar, this episode is your reminder that the next chapter of your life may begin with something as simple as listening to the whisper instead of the doubt.

We often hear about the importance of giving, serving, and showing up for others. But what happens when it’s our turn to receive? In this heartfelt episode, Jill sits down with mind-body practitioner Lauren Jewel to explore a challenge that many women quietly struggle with: receiving. Lauren shares a powerful story from a birthday trip to Peru that unexpectedly became one of the greatest lessons of her life. Surrounded by strangers who wanted to celebrate her, honor her, and offer gifts of kindness, she found herself face-to-face with something surprisingly uncomfortable—allowing herself to receive. Together, Jill and Lauren dive into why so many of us have been conditioned to pour into others while feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or even undeserving when love, support, or generosity is directed toward us. They discuss the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energy, how both exist within each of us, and why embracing our feminine energy often requires us to soften, trust, and open ourselves to receiving. This conversation is an invitation to examine where you may be over-giving, over-functioning, or carrying more than your share. It’s a reminder that receiving isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Whether it’s accepting help, receiving a compliment, allowing someone to care for you, or simply resting without guilt, learning to receive can be one of the most healing practices of all. If you’ve ever struggled to let others show up for you, this episode may be exactly what your heart needs to hear. INFO: Name: Lauren Jewel Job title: Trauma-Informed Mind-Body Practitioner — specializing in decoding stress-driven physiology — her work bridges functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and identity recalibration to create real, sustainable change at the root. Email: [email protected] Social Media Handles: IG: @Lauren_michelle_jewel FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AG9EPzFEn/

What if the things that help heal and regulate us aren’t complicated at all? In this solo episode of Soul Stories with Jill, Jill explores the importance of nervous system regulation and why so many of us are living in a constant state of stress without even realizing it. From racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing to feeling overwhelmed by everyday life, chronic stress can show up in ways we often overlook. Jill shares the signs of a dysregulated nervous system, why rest can sometimes feel uncomfortable, and how our bodies often respond to imagined worries the same way they respond to real threats. She also dives into the science behind nature, laughter, connection, and simple summer activities that can help shift us out of survival mode and back into a place of calm. From walking barefoot in the grass and watching a sunset to spending time with loved ones and creating your own “Nervous System Menu,” this episode is a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t always require doing more. Sometimes it begins by slowing down, reconnecting with what brings us joy, and remembering how to simply be. If life has felt heavy lately, consider this your invitation to take a deep breath, step outside, and discover the power of small moments that help your mind, body, and spirit find balance again. Take a listen and let this be your reminder that peace isn’t something you have to earn. It’s something you can begin practicing today.

Motherhood is often portrayed through soft baby blankets, sweet snuggles, and picture-perfect moments, but what about the parts that aren’t talked about nearly enough? In this week’s episode of Soul Stories with Jill, returning guest Averie Thayer, occupational therapist, retreat co-host, and new mom to a six-month-old baby boy, joins Jill for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the realities of life after bringing a child into the world. Together, they explore the emotional, physical, and mental adjustments that come with becoming a mother. Averie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum life, the invisible responsibilities that often fall on mothers, and the profound identity shift that can occur when caring for a new baby becomes your primary focus. The conversation also touches on the importance of support systems, why so many women feel pressure to “do it all,” and how isolating the postpartum season can be for mothers who don’t have family, friends, or partners nearby to help. Jill and Averie discuss the conversations that need to happen more often, including postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and the importance of recognizing when a mother may need additional support. This episode is a reminder that while motherhood can be beautiful, it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply transformative. Most importantly, it reminds women that they are not alone in what they’re feeling. Whether you’re a new mother, an expecting parent, a grandmother, a partner, or someone who simply wants to better understand the postpartum experience, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and a much-needed look behind the curtain of early motherhood. Join us for a heartfelt discussion about resilience, support, identity, and the often-unspoken realities of one of life’s biggest transitions. INFO: https://www.livingrevivedtherapy.com/ Name: Averie Thayer Job title: Occupational Therapist/Owner of Living Revived Therapy Email: [email protected] Social Media Handles: Living Revived Therapy or @livingrevivedtherapy

This week on Soul Stories with Jill, we’re exploring something that affects every one of us: worry. Inspired by a simple church sign that stopped me in my tracks, this episode dives into the ways we borrow trouble from tomorrow and miss the beauty of today. Together, we’ll explore why our minds tend to live in the future, how worry impacts the body, and what we can learn from nature about trusting the process. Through stories, reflection, a powerful Cherokee teaching, and an original poem called “Borrowing Tomorrow,” we’ll examine the difference between fear and faith, control and surrender, and worry versus trust. If you’ve ever found yourself replaying conversations that haven’t happened, stressing over outcomes you can’t control, or feeling weighed down by “what ifs,” this episode is for you. What if peace isn’t found in controlling the future, but in fully living the present moment? Take a deep breath, settle in, and join me for a conversation about worry, trust, and the freedom that comes when we stop carrying tomorrow today.