Are your goals inspiring you—or overwhelming you? Ever feel like your relationship with goals is more “complicated” than “motivating”? You’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about making progress when big ambitions feel heavy, and how the power of “quarter turns”—small, consistent tweaks—can transform your results in work, health, and life. If you’re ready to end the year strong without burning out, let’s talk about how to make your goals work for you, one simple step at a time.HighlightsReflections from the Global Leadership Summit and insights from John Acuff’s “All It Takes is a Goal”Real talk: how people describe their relationship with goals (spoiler: it’s not always positive)The concept of “quarter turns” and why small changes matter more than big overhaulsPersonal stories about family routines, health, and building better habitsThe difference between goals and results—and why focusing on effort is the real game-changerPractical tweaks for making progress, even when life feels chaoticEncouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed as the year wraps upChapters00:00 – Welcome & gratitude00:23 – Why talk about goals? Global Leadership Summit recap01:15 – Partnering with the Global Leadership Summit & John Acuff’s influence01:51 – Community impact and the GLS Next Leader program02:42 – Group discussion: “Describe your relationship with goals in one word”03:12 – Why goals feel heavy (and why that’s normal)03:57 – The real challenge: systems behind the goals04:22 – Dreaming vs. executing on goals04:54 – What I’m learning: the power of “quarter turns”05:20 – The “quarter turn” metaphor from cycling and life06:12 – How small steps add up (and why I used to resist them)06:43 – Learning from my team: consistency over perfection07:10 – Family routines: the “nightly three” for smoother evenings08:00 – Health changes: using a blood test to make better choices09:00 – The surprising impact of one small dietary tweak10:00 – Focusing on effort, not just results11:00 – Separating goals from results: a writing example12:00 – Why your goals should be in your control13:00 – Final encouragement: finish the year with small, meaningful steps14:00 – Wrap up & see you next weekResourcesGlobal Leadership SummitJohn Acuff, All It Takes is a GoalSubstack (for building a writing habit)Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the biggest challenges facing Kansas aren’t the ones you see on the surface? From earthquakes shaking the plains to the slow-motion crisis of water in the High Plains Aquifer, this conversation with Rex Buchanan, Director Emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey, uncovers the hidden forces shaping the state’s future. Along the way, we explore the beauty and complexity of Kansas’ landscapes, the power of community-driven solutions, and the stories that make our state unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Kansan or just curious about the heartland, you’ll find new reasons to appreciate what’s beneath your feet.HighlightsThe surprising connection between oil, water, and earthquakes in KansasHow induced seismicity changed the way the state manages natural resourcesThe real story behind the High Plains and Ogallala aquifers—and why it matters for the futureWhy “crisis” isn’t always the right word for slow-moving environmental challengesThe role of community, conversation, and compromise in solving big problemsKansas’ hidden gems: from wildflowers on the Cimarron National Grassland to the pride of the Flint HillsThe importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in seeing the beauty of KansasChapters0:00 – TikTok Surprise & Opening Banter1:20 – Introducing the Podcast and Guest2:01 – Rex Buchanan’s Background & Kansas Roots4:49 – Career in Geology and Science Communication7:48 – Dealing with Induced Seismicity (Manmade Earthquakes)11:51 – Earthquake Public Relations & Task Force22:00 – Understanding the High Plains Aquifer28:31 – Future of Water in Kansas: Is It a Crisis?36:31 – Political Challenges in Natural Resource Management36:59 – Misconceptions About Fracking and Earthquakes41:38 – Fieldwork, Measuring Water, and Appreciating Kansas’ Beauty47:53 – Promoting Kansas’ Hidden Gems56:23 – Closing Thoughts, Acknowledgements, and Fun StoriesResourcesKansas Geological Survey – Learn more about Kansas geology and water resourcesPlainspoken Scientist Blog – Science communication interviews, including a 2015 interview with Rex BuchananSmoky Hill Museum, Salina, KS – Local history and First Thursdays presentationsAudubon of Kansas – Field trips and prairie chicken viewingCimarron National Grassland – Largest publicly accessible property in KansasAsk a Kansan Podcast Website – More episodes, show notes, and resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

Are you ready to discover what it really takes to build a business you can step away from and still thrive? Join me as I sit down with Ashleigh Jones, a permanent makeup artist whose journey spans continents, motherhood, and the art of niching down. From building a sought-after salon in Australia to starting over in Wichita, Ashleigh shares the real stories behind her success, the challenges of letting go, and the power of community in business and life.HighlightsAshleigh’s path from part-time waxing to becoming a renowned eyebrow specialist in AustraliaThe leap from solo entrepreneur to managing a team of sevenHow she built a business designed for independence—and actually stepped awayNavigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving countries and running a business remotelyThe impact of motherhood and postnatal depression on her career and identityRebuilding in the U.S.: why she chose to focus on herself and her craftThe science and artistry behind cosmetic tattooing, lip blushing, and 3D areola tattooingWhy trends don’t belong in permanent makeup—and how Ashleigh educates her clientsHilarious and surprising client stories (including fake IDs and eyebrow requests to the ears!)Advice for beauty professionals on finding and owning your nicheChapters00:34 — Meet Ashleigh Jones: From Perth to Wichita01:08 — Building a Business on Brows02:41 — Stepping Back: Trust, Team, and Letting Go04:29 — Moving to the U.S. & Maintaining a Business Abroad05:21 — Motherhood, Postnatal Depression, and Business Transitions07:00 — Reconnecting with the Business and Letting Go10:41 — Starting Fresh: Focusing on Services in Wichita13:19 — The Art and Science of Cosmetic Tattooing16:07 — Trends, Client Education, and Natural Results22:38 — Niche Down: Advice for Beauty Professionals25:44 — Building Trust, Connection, and Community28:00 — Closing Thoughts & Ashleigh’s Contact InfoResources MentionedAshleigh Jones — Permanent Makeup Artisthttps://bellesorelle.com.au/wichita-homeTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

Are you making time for what matters most, or are you letting the little things crowd out your biggest priorities? Discover how designing your ideal week can transform your productivity, boundaries, and sense of fulfillment. Today, I’m sharing practical strategies and personal stories to help you create a weekly schedule that actually works for your real life, not just your dream life. In this episode I think you’ll find actionable tips to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. And be sure to get my ideal week template in the resources below!HighlightsThe power of an “ideal week” and why it’s a game-changer for women leaders and entrepreneursHow to use the “big rocks” concept to prioritize what matters mostBalancing external requests with your own goals and boundariesReal-life examples of flexible scheduling (and why perfection isn’t the goal)Step-by-step ideas for building your own ideal week, from high-level blocks to daily routinesTips for managing the “little rocks” and gamifying your weekly to-do listEncouragement to experiment, adapt, and share your own ideal weekChapters[0:00] Welcome & Gratitude[0:48] Introduction to The Thread and Supporting Women Leaders[1:40] High Performance Habits Webinar Recap[1:44] The Ideal Weekly Schedule: What Is It?[2:10] My Experience with Ideal Weeks[2:33] Creating Your Own Ideal Week[3:28] Purpose of an Ideal Week[5:00] The Big Rocks Concept[6:23] Balancing Requests and Priorities[7:03] Handling External Requests[7:46] Flexibility in Ideal Weeks[9:19] Starting with Big Rocks[11:53] Medium Rocks and Morning Routine[12:55] Managing Little Rocks[14:04] Conclusion and Call to ActionResources MentionedIdeal Week Template - I put this together just for you to download: http://eepurl.com/jqro9EFull Focus Planner – Tool for mapping your ideal week: fullfocus.co/plannerHave you created your ideal week? Do you have tips or questions? I’d love to hear from you—let’s keep the conversation going!Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What is it like to be the person everyone turns to when the sky turns dark and the sirens start to wail? This episode pulls back the curtain on the world of broadcast meteorology, storm chasing, and the unique Kansas weather community, featuring Ross Janssen, chief meteorologist at KWCH, and a few surprise guests (both human and canine).HighlightsThe story behind Kansas’ most famous weather dog, May, and her predecessor MillieHow Ross Janssen’s passion for weather started in fourth grade and led to a 22-year careerThe science (and art) of predicting tornadoes, hail, and Kansas’ wild weatherWhat it’s really like to deliver life-saving information during severe stormsThe evolution of storm chasing—from palm pilots to live-streaming and crowded highwaysHow meteorologists balance scientific accuracy with the psychological needs of their audienceThe impact of streaming, social media, and YouTube on local weather coverageAdvice for aspiring meteorologists (and why you shouldn’t let a low math score stop you)Personal stories from the hosts and guests about storm chasing, weather clubs, and growing up in KansasChapters00:00 – Weather Club Origins & Storm Chasing Stories02:17 – Introducing Ross Janssen & May the Weather Dog04:53 – Ross’s Path to Meteorology and Kansas Roots13:14 – The Human Side of Weather Broadcasting21:10 – The Science of Tornadoes and Severe Weather34:46 – Technology, Storm Chasing, and the Changing Media Landscape46:06 – The Psychology of Weather Communication56:43 – Streaming, Social Media, and the Future of Local News1:10:07 – Advice for Aspiring Meteorologists1:18:46 – Storm Chasing Tales with Tanner1:27:54 – Listener Call to Action & ClosingResources MentionedKWCH (Ross Janssen’s station): https://www.kwch.com/Ask a Kansan Podcast Website: www.askakansan.comNational Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/Submit your storm photos or questions: http://www.askakansan.com/contactIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!