Let’s talk about adulting— actual adulting. Not just paying bills or keeping a houseplant alive, but the kind that involves emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and conscious self-leadership. Because let’s be honest, most of us weren’t taught how to be fully functioning adults… and it shows. Joining us is Michelle Chalfant , licensed therapist turned holistic life coach, creator of The Adult Chair® model, and author of the new book The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life . With millions reached through her podcast, coaching programs, and retreats, she’s here to walk us through the five pillars of being a healthy, grounded adult. Here’s the truth: being an adult isn’t about checking boxes or pretending you’re fine. It’s about owning your truth. Feeling your feelings. Practicing compassion without letting yourself off the hook. It’s about setting firm boundaries—with no need for justification—and recognizing that your triggers are not flaws, they’re clues. None of us were handed a guidebook for how to grow up emotionally. We inherited patterns from people who were figuring it out as they went. But what Michelle shares today is empowering: it’s never too late to unlearn what no longer serves you and become the adult you were meant to be. Whether you’re starting this work or knee-deep in your personal development era, this episode will meet you where you are—and help you move forward with clarity, self-trust, and strength. Connect with Michelle: Website: https://theadultchair.com/ Book: https://theadultchair.com/book IG: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMichelleChalfant/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/michellechalfant Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Boundaries vs. Ultimatums with Jan & Jillian Yuhas | 297 Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
The Pausecast podcast offers insights into effective leadership using Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience, Mindfulness, and more. Hosted by Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, ACC, an executive coach with over a decade at Google and co-founder of SIC Venture Studio, she empowers executives and startups to excel - without the overwhelm. Her 3 books 'pause', 'Pause the Journal', and her latest collaboration 'Leading with Self-Awareness' are key resources for career growth. Her work is featured in the NYT, WSJ, HBR, and TEDx. The Pausecast inspires a transformative approach to leadership worldwide.
The Pausecast podcast offers insights into effective leadership using Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience, Mindfulness, and more. Hosted by Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, ACC, an executive coach with over a decade at Google and co-founder of SIC Venture Studio, she empowers executives and startups to excel - without the overwhelm. Her 3 books 'pause', 'Pause the Journal', and her latest collaboration 'Leading with Self-Awareness' are key resources for career growth. Her work is featured in the NYT, WSJ, HBR, and TEDx. The Pausecast inspires a transformative approach to leadership worldwide.
Recently I had the honor of leadingfour workshops — two in-person, two virtual — for innovative companies across fintech, wealth management, adtech, and Google. Each team was unique, but the challenges weren’t. The workshops were titled: • Push Pause: Managing Stress in High-Pressure Jobs • Five Keys to Pause and Reset in Challenging Times • Three Keys to Finding Your Inner Calm • Resilience Lab: Tools to Leverage as a Team From seed-stage startups to global orgs, one thing was clear: leaders and teams are under pressure — and they’re looking for real tools to help them rise. Here are the three themes that stood out most: 1. The pressure is real — everywhere. Whether you're a team of two or 200,000, times are uncertain. Stress is high, resources are stretched, and many employees are quietly struggling. Uncertainty is no longer a phase; it’s the backdrop we’re operating in. 2. Resilience isn’t optional — it’s a critical need and differentiator. Everyone’s asking: how do we keep going when what used to work… doesn’t anymore? These sessions made it clear that resilience — real, embodied resilience — is what teams need now. Not just as a buzzword, but as a lived practice. That’s what my workshops deliver. 3. People want to connect — more than ever. Across every session, people leaned in. Whether through 1:1 shares, breakout chats, or group reflection, the desire to feel seen and supported is stronger than ever. Teams are craving psychological safety, trust, and real connection — and it starts with giving them space to speak. Bonus: Update on my almost 3-month frozen shoulder saga and how it is helping and informing my own resilience - physcially, emotionally and mentally.…
Yes, you read that right— AI read my book Pause and pulled out the gold. In this special episode, I share the AI Audio 17 minute synopsis by two completely digital voices as they have coffee chat about the book Pause: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break - from Google’s new NotebookLM. The results? Pretty surreal. Surprising. Spot-on. Pause-worthy! Whether you're an AI enthusiast or just need a real reason to stop spinning in overdrive, this episode gives you: 🧘 The timeless leadership lessons from Pause , now filtered through Google’s AI 🧠 Why pausing isn’t lazy—it’s neuroscience-backed clarity ⚡️ How this book still hits, 7 years later, in the middle of our always-on tech culture 🔄 Real-life reset tools you can apply today to lead, think, and feel better It was a lot of fun to upload the book and get this back in return in a matter of minutes - truly AMAZING and frankly, a lot of fun to listen to! If you love pausing, AI, leadership, and coffee talk about self-mastery—please check this out between the male and female vapors of Pause. :) 📘 Grab the book that started it all: Pause: Harness the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break → https://www.amazon.com/Pause-Harnessing-Life-Changing-Giving-Yourself/dp/0143129244 💡 Sometimes the smartest thing you can do… is pause...and not gush because something seems so cool - this was such a trip to listen to - what do you think?! #AIforleaders #pausebook #powerofpause #executivecoaching #resilientleadership #notebookLM #googleai #innerwork…
What if your next level of leadership isn’t about doing more—but rewiring how you respond under pressure? 🧠🔥 In this powerful episode, I’m joined by one of my all-time favorite thought leaders— Dr. Rick Hanson , psychologist and bestselling author of Buddha’s Brain , Resilient , and NeuroDharma —to explore how neuroscience can help you lead with strength, calm, and clarity. 💡 This is more than just a conversation—it’s a mini-masterclass in emotional intelligence and embodied leadership . 🔄 Here’s what you’ll experience: ✨ A 10-minute guided Pause Practice with Rick—reset your nervous system on the spot 🧠 Why pausing changes your brain chemistry—and how to make it a high-performance habit 🐍 How to work with your "reptile brain" (Hint: Feed the mouse, pet the monkey 🐭🐒) 🔑 The 3 essential psychological needs you must meet to feel resilient 🌱 How your mindset literally shifts your biology 💪 Rick’s recipe for building unshakable inner strength (and how many neurons you’re working with) 🎯 If you’re a leader, founder, or high performer who wants to stop reacting and start leading with calm authority—this episode is for you. *** Interactive Challenge for Listeners: After you listen, ask yourself: 👉 “Where in my leadership am I reacting instead of responding?” Then DM me your biggest insight—or what you’re committing to shift. ✨ Ready to go deeper? If you want support integrating these tools into your leadership, I’ve got spots open for 1:1 coaching. Let’s make your inner growth your greatest advantage. About Dr. Rick Hanson Rick is a psychologist and has written and taught about the essential inner skills of personal well-being, psychological growth, and contemplative practice – as well as about his relationships, family life, and raising children. His online program – the Foundations of Well-Being – an experiential journey of personal healing and growth that is a year long course anyone can take. Continue studying with Rick in his online class and a 15% discount PAUSE15 - Foundations of Well Being which Resilient is based upon. About Rachael O'Meara Rachael O’Meara, MBA, MA, ACC is an executive coach helping successful leaders learn the proven tools and strategies to rise to their next level of leadership - without the overwhelm. Her previous thirteen years at Google helps her have a pulse on what it takes to be a successful leader. Her first book Pause was a top business book for your career. She's been featured in the New York Times, WSJ.com and on the TEDx stage . Learn more at www.rachaelomeara.com #NoMoreExcuses #TimeToTakeAction #emotionalintelligence #podcast #pausecast #CorporateLeaderGoals 🔥 Let's do this! 🌟 #EndProcrastination #TakeActionNow #LeadWithPurpose #Rickhanson #buddhasbrain…
Still putting off the things that matter most - in 12 minutes you will learn exactly what to do. You’re not lazy—you’re caught in a loop your brain thinks is protecting you. But high performers can’t afford to stall. In this milestone episode, you’ll learn: 🔢 A quick self-assessment (1–5) to rate your procrastination habits 🧠 What neuroscience says about why we delay—even when we know better 🧭 The exact questions I use with clients to turn avoidance into aligned action ✅ How to finally finish what you start—with clarity and calm 🎯 If you’re ready to move from “I’ll get to it” to “It’s done,” this episode is your starting line. 💡 Want support turning insight into momentum? Let’s work together—your next level is waiting.…
We’re taught not to brag. To be humble. To downplay. But here’s the thing: if you don’t own your story, no one else will. 🤷🏽♀️ In this episode, we cover: ✅ what a redemptive narrative is and why you need one 💪 Why you need to stop downplaying your journey—now 🚦 🗣️ How to confidently share your wins (without oversharing or over-explaining) 🎤 🔥 The moment I stopped laughing uncomfortably and started standing in my power 💡 📢 How to help others by showing up fully—without apology 🙌 Your Challenge: What’s one thing you’ve accomplished that you never give yourself credit for? 🎉 DM me and own it right now! 💬 👉 That’s a wrap on this series that began with Ep. —but if you’re ready to take your next big step, let’s make it happen - your next step is to message me 'ready' and I'll follow up. 🚀…
Feeling wired, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately? 😵💫 This episode is a brief moment to pause, reset, and come back home — to your breath, your body, and your calm center. 🧘♀️✨ Join me for a 7-minute BreathLab body scan , a gentle breathwork practice designed to: 💨 Calm your frazzled nervous system 🛑 Interrupt the spiral of overthinking 🧬 Trigger a natural reset through alkalosis , supporting better immunity & clarity 📉 Reduce stress by bringing you back into your body Whether you're a beginner or on the path, this is beginner-friendly — no experience needed, just your breath and a few quiet minutes. 🙏 PLUS — I break down the science 🧠 behind why this works (hint: your CO₂ levels play a BIG role) and how breath can shift your state faster than your thoughts can. ✨If you want to feel more in the calm zone and less in the stress zone, join me live! 👉 You’re invited to my FREE 60-minute BreathLab Experience — a full-body reset you won’t want to miss. 📅 May 21st ⏰ 4PM PT / 7PM ET 💻 Live on Zoom 🎟 Reserve your spot now: pages.rachaelomeara.com/breathlab What you’ll get: ✅ A calming, meditative breathwork session (lying down, beginner-friendly!) 📝 Pre + post journal prompts to help you integrate & reflect 💓 Space to get out of your head and back into your body Because resetting your nervous system isn’t a luxury — it’s your leadership edge . 🦋…
Ever wonder if you can actually train your brain to be more focused, present, and resilient—especially when the pressure’s on? In this standout re-airing of one of our most popular VIP guest episodes, I sit down with Dr. Amishi Jha—neuroscientist, professor, and bestselling author— before her groundbreaking book Peak Brain hit the shelves. She shares cutting-edge insights from her lab’s research with high-stress, high-performance groups like soldiers, athletes, and professionals just like you. Whether you're someone who wants to meditate but never quite sticks with it—or you're craving real, science-backed tools to help your mind stay clear amidst the chaos—this episode is for you. We explore: 🧠 Have we hit a mindfulness tipping point in society? 🎯 What mindfulness actually trains —and what it doesn’t. 💡 Why brain-training apps can only go so far. ⚙️ What makes generalized mindfulness training different (and effective). 🪖 How mindfulness tools helped pre-deployed military units do their jobs better—and the magic number researchers discovered. 🤔 What the heck is MBAT (and how it might help you too)? 🛑 Dr. Jha’s go-to ways to pause in her own life. 📝 Why making a Pause Pledge matters more than you think. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who leads under pressure, lives in their head, or feels constantly on . (Sound familiar?) About Dr. Jha: Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD is the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. A cognitive neuroscientist by training, her work explores how attention and mindfulness impact the brain’s performance under stress. She’s worked with the U.S. military, elite athletes, first responders, and corporate leaders to bring these tools into real life. 🎧 Hit play—and discover what your mind is capable of when you start training it with intention. Learn more at: https://amishi.com/ Amishi's TED Talk Taming Your Wandering Mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2JBnql8lc About Rachael O'Meara Rachael is an Executive Leadership Coach and author who helps her fellow humans at every level of leadership to amplify their impact without the overwhelm. Sign up for her upates and future trainings at www.rachaelomeara.com…
You know that nagging feeling that something’s off , but you tell yourself it’s fine ? The “I’ll wait until the timing is right” trap? 🙃 I know it well—I stayed in it while working on my book, thinking the answer would magically appear. Spoiler: it didn’t. In Ep. 196 of The Pausecast, we cover: 🚦 The hidden signs that you’re ready for a change (even if you don’t feel ready yet) 🔍 😰 How staying stuck actually drains you MORE than making a move ⚡ 📖 What working on my book taught me about doing “almost enough” inner work 🤯 💪 How to tell when it’s time to stop preparing—and start acting 🚀 Your Challenge: What’s one area of your life where you’re “almost but not quite” happy? 🎭 DM me and let’s get real about it! 💬 👉 Next up: The mindset shift that makes all the difference—how to OWN your story without shrinking or oversharing. 🔥 Watch on Youtube Pausecast Channel: https://youtu.be/WctU2yroHQM…
In Ep. 195 of the Pausecast...we continue on the series of how saying yes to yourself starts with inner work - here's what we cover: 💡 Why inner work is the missing piece in every big decision 🔑 🔥 The mindset shifts that gave me the clarity (and courage) to take my next leap 🚀 😬 How we avoid the hard work of facing ourselves—and why it keeps us stuck ⚠️ 🛠️ A simple way to start preparing for your next move NOW (before it’s urgent) Bonus Challenge: What’s ONE thing you know deep down you need to face before your next big step? 💭 Be honest—DM me or comment here! 💬 👉 Next up Ep. 196: What happens when you stay stuck for too long… and why most people wait way too long to leap. Stay tuned! ⏳…
Feeling stuck at work—even though you’re doing all the things “right”? It's not You - You are just at a turning point! In this Ep. 194 of Pausecast , you’ll hear the story of a powerhouse client who turned a season of uncertainty into a comeback story—by working from the inside out. We’ll cover:🧱 How to spot the “brick wall” that’s quietly draining your energy 🧠 How emotional intelligence (EQ) shifts everything —from decision-making to self-trust 📝 How to change your inner narrative so it works for you, not against you 🥣 My 3-step recipe to move through big change with clarity and courage: 1. Reconnect to your bold vision2. Rewrite the story you're telling yourself3. Get the kind of support that actually gets you This is for the leader who’s ready to stop shrinking, stop spinning—and start leading from deeper power. 🔥 You don’t have to choose between success and self. You get to have both. Let’s turn change into fuel, are you ready?! reference: Matt Taylor, Noble Story Group https://noblestorygroup.com/about/ #PowerOfPause #WomenInTech #InnerWork #EmotionalIntelligence #ResilientLeadership #EQInAction #AuthenticLeadership #ChangeIsAnInvitation #Pausecast…
Fellow lovely leaders - are you feeling like no matter how hard you push, it’s never enough ? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck in that loop. In this soul-soothing "practicum" episode of The Pausecast , join Rachael for a guided integrative breathwork session 🧘♀️ designed specifically for leaders like you - who crave less stress and more spaciousness. 🌬️ I'll guide you through 3 powerful breath patterns to reset your system in under 8 minutes (plus a few more to explain it all) using the mantra, "Things are always working out in my favor."🔹 Tri-active breath (3-part energizer)🔹 Halo-active breath (2-part softener)🔹 Bliss breath (short, cleansing exhales) 💡 Plus: 👉 Why setting an intention is the secret to shifting your inner state👉 How breathwork reconnects you to your body’s natural intelligence👉 A simple somatic practice you can do anytime overwhelm hits This is your moment to pause, realign, and reclaim your calm. ✨ #LeadershipWellness #SomaticLeadership #BreathworkForLeaders #ThePausecast #WomenWhoLead #EmbodyCalm #podcast #leadershipdevelopment #changingwork #presentleaders…
🚀 EP 192: FREE YOURSELF FROM CONFLICT WITH DR. JENNIFER GOLDMAN-WETZLER 🎧 Conflict is inevitable—but staying stuck in it is optional. 💡 In this must-listen episode of The Pausecast Vault of VIPs , I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Goldman-Wetzler , a global expert in conflict leadership, to explore how top executives can break free from unproductive conflict and lead with clarity and confidence. 🔹 The real reason conflict feels so challenging—and how to shift your approach 🔹 The 4 common conflict habits that trap even the smartest leaders (and how to avoid them) 🔹 A free assessment to uncover your conflict type (link in show notes!) 🔹 The #1 strategy to move through conflict with ease 🔹 The two types of pauses that transform tension into progress 🔹 How to harness anger and other emotions as strategic leadership tools 🎙️ Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, scaling a high-growth startup, or navigating boardroom tensions, this episode will equip you with the insights to turn conflict into opportunity. 🔥 Don't just manage conflict— master it. Tune in now! #Leadership #ExecutivePresence #ConflictResolution #EmotionalIntelligence #ThePausecast #managingconflict #changingwork #businesspodcast LINKS Jennifer's Book Optimal Outcomes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062893653?tag=harpercollinsus-20 Watch Jennifer's TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_goldman_wetzler_free_yourself_when_conflict_resolution_fails Take the conflict assessment:https://jengoldmanwetzler.com/optimal-outcomes-assessments/…
Episode 191: ⏸️ How to Mini-Leap Before a Big Leap Everyone loves the idea of pausing these days—whether it’s a sabbatical, a “soft life” moment, or a break from the grind - just look at the bestselling books out there (Hello, Power Pause!) or strategic pause articles on LinkedIn (yay!) . But what if stepping away wasn’t just about rest… but about preparing for something bigger? 🤔 In this episode, we cover: 🔍 Why pausing is actually a power move —when done with intention 🎯 🔥 How my 3-month break wasn’t an escape, but a strategy 🛠️ 😨 The fears that come up when you step back (and how to handle them) 💭 🚀 Why most people don’t use their break wisely—& how you can Your Challenge: If you could step away for 3 months, what would you actually do with it? 💡 Dream bigger—DM me your answer! 💬 👉 Next up: The real work that happens behind the scenes— the inner work that makes big decisions possible. Stay tuned! 🔥…
Ever catch yourself downplaying your success or feeling weird / awkward / squirmish about sharing your journey? 🤐➡️ It’s time to change that. In this episode 190 of The Pausecast... ✨ Why we shrink our stories (and how to stop!) 🚫 🔥 The difference between oversharing & true confidence 🎯 💡 How inner work helps you OWN your journey —without second-guessing yourself 🛠️ 💪 The mindset shift that makes you bold (not boastful) 🚀 Your Challenge: What’s a moment in your life where you stepped up? 💭 Are you owning it or shrinking it ? Message or comment "story" and share! 💬 👉 Next up: How taking a mini-leap set up for a bigger leap and how you can do the same … stay tuned! ⏳…
As a high-achieving leader , you’re constantly making decisions, juggling responsibilities, and striving for excellence. But without intentional pauses , stress accumulates, focus declines, and performance suffers. That’s where breathwork comes in—a simple yet powerful way to reset your mind, regulate your emotions, and step into clarity . In this 6-minute guided breathwork session , you’ll anchor into our mantra: 💭 “I do my best. I let go of the rest.” ✨ 3 Benefits of this quickie for High-Achievers: 1️⃣ Instant Nervous System Reset – Shifts you from stress mode ( fight-or-flight ) to a calm, focused state ( rest-and-digest ) so you can make decisions with clarity. 2️⃣ Enhances Emotional Resilience – Helps you regulate emotions, reducing reactivity in high-pressure situations. 3️⃣ Boosts Energy & Mental Clarity – Increases oxygen flow to the brain, sharpening focus and improving overall cognitive function. When you pause to breathe, you pause to lead with intention. Ready to shift gears and feel more at ease? Take 10 minutes for yourself—you deserve it. Let’s breathe, shall we? 🌬️✨…
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