45. From Ashes to Action: A Raw Look at Crisis, Community, and Connection

As the holiday season is set to kick into high gear, we’re taking a beat to discuss the whirlwind that is November, as the steadier routine that supports our goals in the Fall comes face-to-face with the start of the holiday hustle.During this week’s conversation, Meg Scales and I discuss how to embrace the shift with deliberate planning and prioritization, align with the organic cadence of the season, and mitigate burnout and overwhelm. We highlight our strategy for balancing the drive to accomplish big goals with the need to create meaningful, joyful holiday experiences. Together, we explore how to be “all in” during this season by choosing your priorities and cutting out the things that don’t fit without guilt or doubt.This episode is packed with insights on:How to manage the shift from fall goals to holiday priorities without feeling like you’re losing momentumCreating intentional space and reflecting on your year without adding more to your plateWhy embracing seasonal transitions is key to maintaining balance and energy year-roundTune in, get inspired, and walk away with actionable steps to plan your most intentional holiday season yet.As we gear up for the holiday season, we’re taking a pause on weekly podcast episodes for November and December. Don’t worry - we’re not going anywhere! We’re simply shifting our focus to ensure we practice what we preach by creating space for family, reflection, and the incredible community within Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership. We’ll be back in January with all-new episodes designed to kick off your new year. In the meantime, be sure to connect with the Cowgirls Over Coffee resources at cowgirlsovercoffee.com for exclusive access to our Free Holiday Priming Workshop and Year End Reflection with a week of journaling prompts to close out 2024 with the most deliberate season of presence, reflection, and restoration.Enjoy your holiday season, and we’ll be back in your earbuds in 2025, ready to hit the ground running!If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Meg Scales:Follow on Instagram @meg.scalesConnect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffeeMake sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

Today's conversation is actually a throwback that we felt needed a quick replay before fully shifting into the holiday season. I'm sitting down with Meg Scales to dive into the tough yet essential topic of self-prioritization in high-demand lifestyles. Whether you're balancing ranch life, a growing business, a family, or (most likely!) all of the above - you know that "putting yourself first" isn't as easy as it sounds.In this episode, Meg and I break down what prioritizing yourself really looks like in the midst of chaos, stress, and competing demands. Together, we get honest about the cost of self-care and how to shift from burnout to balance. You'll hear practical strategies for managing time, avoiding overwhelm, and why the "empty cup" analogy doesn't even scratch the surface.We also dig into the hard questions: What are you willing to give up? What's holding you back from prioritizing yourself? And how do you manage the constant pressure to "do it all" without losing yourself in the process? This episode is packed with raw honesty, tough love, and insights that will have you rethinking how you manage your day-to-day.If you've ever felt like you're drowning in responsibilities, this conversation is for you.Key Takeaways:Why self-prioritization isn’t just about “me time” but about reducing stress and aligning with your valuesHow to break down the overwhelm and get real about what’s truly taking up your mental and emotional bandwidthThe power of simple conversations and mindset shifts to reclaim your time and capacityWhy figuring it out and working it out are two different things—and how to move from awareness to action If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura VanderkamLearn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Meg Scales:Follow on Instagram @meg.scalesConnect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffeeMake sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

In this episode of Cowgirls Over Coffee, Lana Wilkes and I are tackling the subject of fear, not with a specific one-size-fits-all strategy to overcome it, but with an open conversation that invites reflection. As we dive into the different ways fear shows up in life, from the rational (like rattlesnakes) to the intangible (fear of failure), we explore how fear informs our actions, beliefs, and even our limiting behaviors.This episode isn't intended to provide you with a 5-step plan to crush your fears; it's about starting the conversation. We encourage you to think deeply about what's beneath your fears, how fear impacts your ability to make decisions, and how understanding fear is often the next step toward progress.Key Takeaways:Fear as information and how to recognize what your fears are really telling youWhy the "feel the fear and do it anyway" advice might be skipping an important stepHow small, consistent actions can help unravel bigger fearsRecognizing fear's impact on limiting beliefs and decision-makingWhy addressing fear doesn't mean eliminating it but learning how to move with itThis conversation is perfect for anyone who feels stuck or limited by fear but isn’t looking for easy answers. Instead, you’ll leave with the motivation to reflect on your own fears, how they show up, and what they might be telling you about the next step forward.If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffeeConnect with Lana Wilkes:Follow on Instagram @small.town.preachers.wife Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

In this episode of Cowgirls Over Coffee, I have a no-BS conversation with Amanda Radke - a rancher, mother of four, and independent businesswoman - about the real challenges of balancing family, business, and life on the ranch. This isn't your basic chat about finding balance; it's a raw, unfiltered look at what it takes to juggle multiple roles without losing your sanity. Amanda shares how she manages her cattle business, fights for property rights, and stays present with her kids, all while navigating the constant demands of ranch life. We dig into the hard truth about why balance isn't about doing it all but about making intentional choices and understanding the cost of every 'yes' and 'no' in your life. Key Takeaways:Why it's crucial to show up for what matters, even when life feels overwhelmingHow to manage competing priorities without sacrificing what's importantThe power of leaning into the messy, unpredictable seasons of life on the ranchThoughts on staying engaged in local issues and making your voice heardTips on how to integrate family, work, and personal growth - without burning outIf this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Amanda Radke:Check out her websites: www.AmandaRadke.com & www.BidOnBeef.com Follow on FB @SpeakerAmandaRadkeFollow on Instagram @AmandaRadkeFollow on X @RadkeAmandaFollow on YouTube @RadkeAmandaConnect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffeeMake sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

In this episode of Cowgirls Over Coffee, we're having an honest conversation about a topic every high-achieving woman needs to tackle: discipline. We all know that feeling of knowing exactly what you need to do but struggling to get it done or being so disciplined that it's actually working against you. Today, we're stripping back the layers and getting curious about what discipline truly means, why it's not about being perfect, and how you can build it as a skill rather than treating it like a fixed part of your identity.Together with Meg Scales, we break down the myths around discipline, willpower, and focus. We explore why hyper-discipline can be just as damaging as lacking discipline altogether and why curiosity is your secret weapon in developing the self-awareness necessary to make meaningful progress. If you've ever found yourself feeling burnt out, stuck in a cycle of inconsistency, or struggling to figure out why you're not reaching your goals, this conversation is exactly what you need.Key Takeaways:The reality of discipline: It’s a skill you can build, not something you’re either born with or withoutWhy being “overly disciplined” can sabotage your success and how to strike a healthy balanceHow to identify and plug the energy leaks in your life that are holding you backThe role of curiosity and self-compassion in creating discipline that supports your goalsPractical strategies to develop adaptable discipline so you can finally move forward with intention and clarityWhether you’re someone who prides yourself on being disciplined or you’re struggling to find any consistency at all, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, practical strategies, and raw reflections that will help you take charge of your next steps. It’s time to stop letting discipline be a barrier (or an excuse!) and start using it as a tool to create the life you want.If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Gretchen Rubin’s Book, "The Four Tendencies"Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Meg ScalesFollow on Instagram @meg.scalesConnect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffeeMake sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

We made it through September! As we go through this transitional time of year, I want you to be ready for the holiday season and soak in all the joy. Let's finish this year strong in your purpose! September is a prime month for burnout because we're coming off of the chaos of summer and gearing up for the winter season. I hit a wall in September, so I wanted to share five core practices I have used to refuel the tank and overcome burnout, such as writing a triggering journal and focusing on core care. By identifying the patterns that put you into burnout in the first place, you'll drive awareness to the root cause so you know how to prevent another cycle of it. So tune in to make an action plan to remedy your burnout and reclaim the season! Resources & Links:Cowgirls Over Coffee Episode 40: Need a Reset? I’ve Got You!Ready.Set.Reset WorkbookLearn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership Community Connect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffee Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

I’m excited to have two incredible women on today’s episode. Jan and Erin Johnson, founders of Trailblazher magazine, join us for a conversation about their mission, storytelling, and fostering connection. The mom and daughter team share how they combined their writing, research, and design skills to dream up and create their keepsake magazine. With their sixteenth issue just being launched for fall, we’ll learn how Trailblazher magazine is all about the connection, collaboration, and community between rural women. Their publication is filled with women sharing their stories that are filled with inspiration. You can also find DIY projects, mental wellness help, recipes, business info, and more in each quarterly issue. Jan and Erin give a behind-the-scenes look at what balance looks like working together for 25 years and now living together as well. They’ve always worked with female entrepreneurs, and their passion for connecting rural women is evident as they give us details about their online directory, which is going live at the end of September!Supporting women is their mission, so don’t miss their fall issue of Trailblazher to learn more. Resources & Links:Fall issue of Trailblazher magazineThe Trailblazher PodcastCowgirls Over Coffee Episode 46. From Ashes to Action: A Raw Look at Crisis, Community, and ConnectionLearn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership Community Connect with Jan and Erin JohnsonFollow on Instagram @trailblazhercoFollow on Facebook @trailblazhercoVisit the websiteFollow the new directory on Instagram @discover.ruralThe new Discover Rural Directory (coming soon) Connect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffee Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

Please be aware this episode could be triggering for those who have experienced trauma with fire or loss. In today’s episode, Meg Scales is back recounting her recent harrowing experience with the House Draw Fire, which affected her community in Wyoming. This wildfire, ignited by lightning, caused extensive damage to ranches and farms. Today, Meg shares what she saw, felt, and went through with her husband and friends as they raced to fight the fire, save their livestock, and protect their homes.With a life-altering experience like this, we wanted to reflect on the power of prayer, disaster preparedness, and believing in the good of people. Meg will also share recovery efforts and what’s next. This episode can help drive action to make a plan with your family for priorities and steps to take in the event of a disaster. If you take one thing away from this episode, let it be that hope stayed alive during this tragedy through prayer and manifestation. Resources & Links:University of Wyoming Wildfire ResourcesLearn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership Community Connect with Michelle Mensing:Visit her websiteDirect link to stock photo membershipFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on Pinterest5-Day Free Challenge Connect with Meg Scales:Follow on Instagram @meg.scales Connect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffee Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

I can’t think of any better September discussion than to talk about meals in your fall routine. In today’s episode, Kaylee Stevie joins me for a conversation about meal planning. I am personally not great at it, and I wanted to bring Kaylee on to help with tips for prepping and planning your meals. Kaylee homeschools and helps manage her and her husband’s direct-to-consumer beef sales business. She taught herself how to cook and started posting her creations on Instagram. She wants to help take the guesswork out of meal planning and offers a monthly subscription to meal planning ideas. Kaylee strives to take the guesswork out of meal planning and can help you become more efficient when building this routine. Her tips include starting small with just a few days a week and including your family in meal ideas to ensure everyone is included. Collaboration is a core value in her home, and that is evident in her meal-planning process. Can you find fifteen minutes each week to meal plan? Kaylee makes it that easy!Resources & Links:Kaylee’s monthly meal plan subscriptionKaylee’s The Table: Summer eCookbookLearn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership Community Connect with Kaylee StevieFollow on Instagram @kayleestevieVisit her website Connect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffee Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass

Welcome to September! In today’s episode, Lana Wilkes (Cowgirls Over Coffee Community Manager) is back with us! Join the conversation as we talk about transitioning into fall routines. Valuing the power of a routine is important. Routines help provide productivity, they’re constructive, and they’re comforting. Find your routine to be a safe space that helps you reach your goals. In this episode, Lana and I both share the fall routines we’ve put in place to help us focus on things we want to accomplish. We all have to find what works for us based on our priorities and what motivates us. When we’re consistent with our routines, the benefits are easily felt. What routines are working for your family? Resources & Links:Cowgirls Over Coffee Episode 42: Figuring It Out Is OverratedCowgirls Over Coffee Episode 28: Protect Your Time, Energy & Attention with this Simple StrategyLearn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership Community Connect with this week's Presenting Sponsor: Holly Allison with Ranch and Recreation showcasing the Rafter MB Arena for sale in Wheatland, WY.Check out the websiteFollow on Instagram @ranchandrecreation Connect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee     Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffee Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!Mentioned in this episode:Get your Access Pass today!Learn more about the C|C Access Pass