Best Heidi Gustafson Podcasts (2025)

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68. Tired of Pretending & Perfecting Just to Be Liked? 2 Steps to Stop People Pleasing & Be Yourself 17:18

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7h ago17:18

17:18

Are you afraid that if people saw the real you, they’d walk away? If you’ve ever felt like you had to wear a mask just to be accepted, this episode is for you. I spent over 50 years shape-shifting into who I thought others needed me to be—just to avoid rejection. But all that time, I was quietly rejecting myself. In this episode, I share the two po…

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67. People Pleasing: How to Break Free Without Guilt; 20 Things I Refuse to Feel Guilty About in Midlife 23:10

15d ago23:10

23:10

Are you constantly feeling guilty for saying no, putting yourself first, or just needing a break? I used to feel that way too. Guilt whispered that I was selfish, lazy, or letting people down. So I kept over-giving, over-doing, and over-apologizing… until I finally said "enough." I faced decades of saying yes when I meant no, repressing my own need…

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66. Are You Subtly Trying to Prove You’re Good Enough? 15 People-Pleasing Behaviors Keeping You Stuck in Guilt & Self Doubt 15:47

1M ago15:47

15:47

Are you the one always trying? Always giving? Does your inner voice whisper, "No matter what - it's never enough!" So you try harder and give more. You may think you're just being helpful, easygoing, or kind—but underneath it all, you might be working overtime to prove you're good enough. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 15 people-pleasing be…

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We Are Taking A Break 12:53

1M ago12:53

12:53

After 11 months of podcasting, we are taking a break. Both of us have been in incredibly busy seasons of life, and one of the greatest gifts of creating your own thing is having the freedom to do what feels right. Right now, that means pressing pause for the month of July. We already have August laid out, and amazing guests scheduled, but this litt…

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Are You a Too Good Mom? 41:30

1M ago41:30

41:30

We start this episode with almost-empty coffee cups and Jaime singing (because... why not?). But don’t be fooled by the playful start, this one gets real, fast. As we step into the empty-nest phase, or see it coming around the corner, we’re asking the honest questions: Have we been too good as moms? Are our kids truly ready to take care of themselv…

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65. People Pleasing Is a Trap and ‘Sorry’ Is the Bait; What to Say Instead of Apologizing 20:48

1M ago20:48

20:48

What if saying “sorry” isn’t kindness — but self-doubt in disguise? And what if the key to less doubt and more respect is simply choosing a new way to speak? In this episode, I'm showing you why "sorry" isn't creating the connection you think it is—and why it's actually making things worse. Here's what you'll learn: Why apologizing when you've done…

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You Are Not Designed to Be Liked by Everyone 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

On today’s adventure of Coffee with M and J, we start off with Jaime feeling peaceful and grounded… and Mandy feeling like she’s caught in a tornado. We’re both in busy seasons of life for totally different reasons — and as usual, it doesn’t take long for us to go off the rails. We start with public water preferences (yes, really), touch on divine …

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64. Why You Feel Invisible When You’re Always the Helper, Fixer, or Peacekeeper; This Disconnects You From Your Value 16:32

2M ago16:32

16:32

Do you show up one way with others, but feel completely different inside, maybe even the polar opposite of what others see in you? In this episode, I’m revealing what causes us to be this way and how this disconnection leaves us feeling small and invisible. Listen to hear: how the pain of always being what others needed (the helper, the dependable …

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Featuring Mastering Midlife with Heidi Gustafson 52:59

2M ago52:59

52:59

On today’s adventure of Coffee with M and J, we sit down with the incredible Heidi Gustafson — certified hypnotist, mindset coach, YouTuber, and host of the Mastering Midlife with Heidi podcast. From divorce and getting fired, to letting go of people-pleasing and perfectionism, Heidi’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the “trucks” that h…

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Off the Rails-It’s a Busy Season of Life 31:01

2M ago31:01

31:01

This episode lives up to its name! We went way off the rails—in the best possible way. We dive into Mandy’s jam-packed schedule, get the scoop on a recent trip (with a few surprise gems), and chat about everything from time blocking and travel to social media and looming deadlines. Expect more than one valuable tip, lots of laughter, and plenty of …

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63. Love Isn’t Earned & Neither Is Your Worth or Value: How People Pleasers Mistake Approval for Love 14:38

2M ago14:38

14:38

Do you say yes when you REALLY wanna say no — just to avoid disappointing someone? Or say no, but then immediately feel guilty? Yeah… the guilt? It’s not about that moment — it’s about a deeper belief you probably don't realize you’re carrying. In this episode, we’re unpacking why so many women end up chasing approval without realizing it… and how …

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Flying Sh*t & Creative Blocks 32:27

2M ago32:27

32:27

Buckle up, friends—a lot is flying around in this one. We dive deep into creative blocks—what causes them, how we sometimes move through them (because let's be honest, it’s not always graceful), and why forcing creativity just doesn’t work. From surprise Zoom balloons 🎈 to real talk about prioritizing your to-do list, using fun planners, and giving…

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Organize Your Life & Go for It with Kerry Pearce 45:16

3M ago45:16

45:16

Today we welcome the amazing Kerry Pearce, owner of Luxxe Organizing and Budaful Sents. From her collection of coffee mugs from travels to her take on the perfect coffee temperature, this episode is full of warmth, inspiration, and practical gems. We dive into how our differences make us beautifully unique, why mental and physical clutter are more …

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62. Why People Pleasers Overshare; Regain Your Inner Peace & Power in 4 Steps 15:38

3M ago15:38

15:38

Do you ever walk away from a conversation thinking, “Why did I say all that?” You’re not alone — and there’s nothing wrong with you. Oversharing is a sneaky people-pleasing habit that feels like connection… but usually leaves us feeling exposed, regretful, or misunderstood. I'm breaking down why we do it — and how to quit this habit to take back yo…

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Clear Your Clutter, Clear Your Mind 41:59

3M ago41:59

41:59

We start this episode laughing and go off the rails before we even share what’s in our cups! But once we dive in, we explore Jaime’s deep decluttering journey—along with the wild, unexpected stories behind what she’s finding. We talk about overwhelm, frustration, and how to turn them into action. Start small! This episode is tough to wrap up becaus…

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Stop Waiting, Start Living! 33:31

3M ago33:31

33:31

In this season of wellness, we’re off to the races with a deep and passionate conversation about what truly matters. Life is short—are you living it fully? In this episode, we break down fear, small steps, and the reality that your next move might not look like what you expected—but trust that everything is happening exactly as it’s supposed to. We…

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61. The Price of Being Nice: 5 Hidden Dangers of People Pleasing 18:54

3M ago18:54

18:54

Have you spent your life being "nice" and putting others first, even at the cost of your own happiness and peace of mind? If the answer is yes, it's time to rethink your approach. Tune in to discover how embracing kindness over niceness can rejuvenate your life. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden dangers of being too nice and how it can lead…

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The Ripple Effect 24:58

3M ago24:58

24:58

Now “off the rails” might just be our thing—and honestly, we kind of love it. This episode was a completely unexpected (in the best way), and you’ll want to listen to the whole thing—we drop some really exciting news. We are shifting and getting rid of seasons. Moving forward, we will drop weekly episodes with natural breaks, when we need them—with…

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Wellness: Featuring Renee Barnes 59:49

4M ago59:49

59:49

This season, we’re diving into wellness—a vast topic with endless possibilities. And today, we’re kicking things off with a truly inspiring guest: Renee Barnes, the most impressive and vibrant 87-year-old we’ve ever met! Renee is an artist, illustrator, author, designer, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and so much more. She’s full of wisdom, h…

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60. Tired of Feeling Responsible for Everyone Else’s Happiness? 15 Habits to Stop 22:19

4M ago22:19

22:19

If you're someone who bends over backwards to keep the peace, this episode is for you! Tune in to learn how you can stop carrying the emotional weight of everyone else and start breathing more freely in your own life. In this episode, you’ll learn: How fear of disappointment can lead us to compromise our own needs and well-being The 15 specific beh…

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Welcome to Season 3: Wellness from Every Angle! 29:37

4M ago29:37

29:37

On today’s adventure of Coffee with M and J, we immediately go off the rails, followed by a seriously deep conversation. We do our best to share our vision for Season 3—where we’re focusing on wellness from every possible angle. It’s a broad topic, we know, but trust us, we’re diving in. This season, we will have fewer guests, but the ones we’ve li…

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Community: Season 2 Wrap-Up 50:37

4M ago50:37

50:37

Buckle up, friends—this one jumps off the rails FAST! In today’s episode, we kick things off with an extra-caffeinated Mandy and take a wild ride through all the incredible guests from Season 2. From unexpected mishaps (balls to the face, anyone?) to powerful conversations on community-building, giving back, and real connection, this season had it …

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59. 7 Hard Truths About Self Worth and Acceptance I Wish I'd Learned Sooner 13:36

4M ago13:36

13:36

Are you trapped in the cycle of people-pleasing and losing sight of who you truly are? It took me over four decades to break free, and this episode is here to guide you on the journey of self-worth and acceptance. Join me as I reveal seven transformative lessons that helped me let go of the exhausting need to be everything to everyone. In this epis…

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Community: Featuring Allen Deaver 45:11

4M ago45:11

45:11

This week, we sit down with Allen Deaver—an Air Force veteran, husband, father, granddad, dog dad, Mason, and community builder. Alan is deeply involved in organizations like the Masonic Lodge, Kyle VFW, Kyle and Buda Chamber, and Hays County Networking Group. We talk veterans, service, and the power of community. Alan has been a Mason for 30 years…

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Community: Featuring Stephanie Swan 42:01

4M ago42:01

42:01

On today’s episode of Coffee with M and J, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Stephanie Swan! A devoted wife and mother, Stephanie spent eight years working in ministry and is currently making a difference with the incredible nonprofit Austin Angels. She loves spending time with her family, her dogs, and creating beautiful things that fill her …

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58. Why Speaking Up For Yourself Feels Hard; Gain Confidence With 10 Vital Steps 20:08

5M ago20:08

20:08

Have you ever left a conversation wishing you'd spoken up? Or found yourself over-explaining and then feeling guilty afterward? If the fear of expressing yourself has left you silent or overwhelmed, you're not alone, I've been there too. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to differentiate between wanting to be right and wanting to be heard in your …

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Community: This one gets Spicy 25:37

5M ago25:37

25:37

We love our guests and have missed these deep conversations—so today, we’re diving into a spicy one! ☕🔥 Jaime is sipping on Embrace The Grind coffee (totally unsponsored, just a shoutout), and we’re exploring the darker side of community. What do you do when a person, place, or event leaves you feeling drained? Community can serve us, but it can al…

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Community: Featuring Dane Aziz 45:13

5M ago45:13

45:13

On today’s episode of Coffee with M and J! We have the pleasure of sitting down with Dane Aziz, the owner of Water 2 Wine Buda and Water 2 Wine USA. He’s an Air Force veteran, a motorcycle enthusiast, a devoted father of two, and a God-loving man who’s passionate about serving his community. In this deep episode, Dane opens up about how tragedy can…

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57. How to Gain Confidence, Self Respect, and Acceptance: 10 Steps to Break Free of People Pleasing 23:48

5M ago23:48

23:48

What really happens when you stop people pleasing? Speaking up and setting boundaries are powerful steps, and they can also bring unexpected challenges. In this episode, you'll learn: The ten key steps to break free from people pleasing and how each can empower you in living more authentically. The initial discomfort and pushback you might face as …

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Community: Featuring Jaime Mattox - You are not alone! 24:17

5M ago24:17

24:17

In this heartfelt solo episode, Jaime asks the hard questions: Why do we hide when we need community the most? Why don’t we ask for help? Why do we isolate when we’re struggling? Jaime opens up about facing difficult times alone, sharing the toll it takes on both the mind and body. She explores how isolation can deepen trauma and stop us from livin…

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Community Featuring Dagan Martinez-Varges 55:51

5M ago55:51

55:51

We’re thrilled to welcome Dagan Martinez-Vargas—a published author, entrepreneur, Gold-Level Toastmaster, husband, father of two boys, and proud owner of a dog and a chicken. In this episode, we start with Dagan’s Toastmasters journey and quickly dive into his fascinating experience as “the mayor of Austin’s nightlife.” He shares how he transformed…

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56. What Would I Tell My Younger Self? Is This People Pleasing? How Do I Handle Resentment? Your Questions Answered 15:53

6M ago15:53

15:53

Breaking free from people pleasing can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what to expect or how to handle the discomfort that comes with this huge change. Today, I'm answering some questions that have come through comments on my new YouTube channel (Mastering Midlife with Heidi). In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify and br…

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Community: Featuring Mandy Hedrick- The Power of Community 18:19

6M ago18:19

18:19

In this heartfelt solo episode, Mandy dives into the profound impact community has on our lives, the good, the challenging, and everything in between. From childhood experiences that shaped her perspective to the incredible connections, formed as an adult, Mandy shares personal stories and actionable insights on building meaningful relationships. W…

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Community Featuring Terry Lee 37:49

6M ago37:49

37:49

On today’s episode of Coffee with M and J, we chat with Terry Lee—a financial planner, community builder, and family man who knows the power of connection. Whether you’re saving for college, buying a home, or planning for retirement, Terry shares his journey, insights, and the importance of work-life balance. We explore how men can benefit from com…

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55. 25 Simple Things I Did to FINALLY Accept, Love & Trust Myself in Midlife 27:09

6M ago27:09

27:09

It's a very special 2-year anniversary episode of the podcast! Today, I'm giving you 25 simple life changes I made to reinvent my life over the last 7 years after my toxic marriage ended and I got fired from my job. In this episode, you'll learn: The power of rewiring your subconscious mind and why doing so can transform your love, acceptance, and …

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Community: Featuring Jen Baker 38:23

6M ago38:23

38:23

On today's episode of Coffee with M and J, we are thrilled to welcome the inspiring Jen Baker. From her extensive coffee order to her passion for personal growth & development, and community, this conversation has something for everyone. This season, we are diving deep into the theme of community, and Jen brings valuable insights to the table. She …

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Community: Featuring Kimberly Shoemaker 44:06

6M ago44:06

44:06

In today’s episode of Coffee with M and J, we’re thrilled to welcome the amazing Kimberly Shoemaker! A proud Texan, wife, mother of four, grandmother to an adorable little cowboy, and the queen of networking and community-building, Kim brings her passion and expertise to the mic. Kim shares her first encounter with the power of community and dives …

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54. What 62 Years Taught Me About Self Trust, Self Acceptance, and Self Worth: 10 Lessons 22:03

7M ago22:03

22:03

Throughout my life, I've experienced hard lessons that pushed me to figure out self trust and taught me to finally accept myself. Changing your life starts with changing how you see yourself, and in this episode I'm sharing 10 lessons to help you do that. You'll learn: How keeping small promises to yourself builds self trust and diminishes people p…

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Exploring Community 23:24

7M ago23:24

23:24

On today’s episode of Coffee with M and J, we continue our deep dive into all things community. After everything we learned in Season 1, we found ourselves asking, “How can we use this platform for the greater good?” Community has the power to lift us up, give us the push we need, and bring us together. We feel called to build this podcast into a t…

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Building and Embracing Community 21:28

7M ago21:28

21:28

Welcome back to Coffee with M and J! Season 2 is here, and we’re diving into the heart of what makes life meaningful: community. This season, we’re exploring the power of connection—what community means to us, how it evolves through different phases of life, and the beautiful (and sometimes tricky) process of merging communities. From supporting lo…

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53. The LIE That’s Destroying Your Confidence, Self-Esteem, & Hurting All Your Relationships 15:01

7M ago15:01

15:01

How often do you catch yourself changing your words or actions to avoid someone else's negative reaction? If you're familiar with this habit, it might be rooted in a pattern of people-pleasing that erodes your confidence and relationships over time. In this episode, you'll learn: The deeply ingrained belief that often fuels people-pleasing behavior…

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52. Stop These 7 People-Pleasing Behaviors for a Confident, Joy-Filled 2025 19:18

8M ago19:18

19:18

Do you ever find yourself saying yes when your gut is screaming no? If you struggle with people-pleasing, this habit can rob you of your time, energy, and self-worth. In this episode, you'll learn: The seven sneaky people-pleasing behaviors that are holding you back Why striving for perfection and over-apologizing are toxic to your confidence Pract…

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S1 E11 Final Bonus Episode of 2024! 28:53

8M ago28:53

28:53

Welcome Back to Our Final Bonus Episode of 2024! Join us for a relaxed and heartfelt conversation as we dive into topics like preparing for graduation, navigating life after the kids grow up, embracing the holiday season, and the transformations that come with life’s many changes. Season Two launches in January 2024 and will focus on everything com…

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51. 8 Secrets to Increase Your Confidence & Self Esteem & Escape the People Pleasing Cycle 20:28

8M ago20:28

20:28

It took me over five decades to realize that being "nice" was actually damaging my self esteem and confidence. Today, I'm revealing 8 eye-opening behaviors that were keeping me trapped in this cycle, plus sharing how you can break free from this people pleasing cycle. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden ways people pleasing depletes your conf…

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S1 E10 Bonus 2 Holiday Traditions & Triggers 31:39

8M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, we dive into the ups and downs of holiday traditions, and the stress that often comes with them. From heartwarming memories, to moments of frustration we are exploring how to embrace the season while managing those inevitable triggers. Whether you are ordering mowing, standing traditions, or creating new ones, we share ways to buil…

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50. People Pleasing Trap: How Do I Say ‘No’ & Avoid Disappointing Someone? 21:51

8M ago21:51

21:51

Have you ever felt obligated to say yes just to avoid disappointing someone? This common people pleasing dilemma can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and resentful. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why a reluctant yes is more harmful than an honest no for both you and the other person The hidden costs and ripple effects of always saying yes when yo…

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Season 1 E9 Bonus 1 Finish the Year Strong & Set Youeself up for Success! 28:59

8M ago28:59

28:59

In this special bonus episode, we dive into the power of finishing the year with intention and purpose. Join us as we discuss making that final marketing push, taking consistent steps toward your goals, and gearing up for success in 2025. Are you ready to go all in? We’re here to share tips on building momentum, setting realistic goals, and marketi…

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49. How People Pleasing Destroys Self Worth! Take Back Control with One Game-Changing Question 16:46

9M ago16:46

16:46

Do you ever catch yourself asking, "what if they don't like me?" If you're a people pleaser, this question can end up running, and even ruining your life. In this episode, you’ll learn: What causes us to people-please and seek validation from others The physical and mental toll people pleasing can take on us A simple question you can ask yourself t…

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S1E8: Season One wrap 28:09

9M ago28:09

28:09

On today’s adventure of Coffee with M and J, we dive into the key takeaways from our first season—lessons we've learned, words we tend to overuse (or say incorrectly!), and why being in action is more important than perfection. This journey has taught us so much about ourselves and the process of creating a podcast. It’s a reminder to never let you…

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48. More Life Lessons from an Ex People-Pleasing Procrastinating Perfectionist 21:33

9M ago21:33

21:33

If you've ever hesitated to ask for help, felt trapped by your commitments, or lost touch with your true self, this is your wake-up call. In this episode, you’ll learn: The three lessons that shattered my people-pleasing, perfectionist mindset Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness The liberating truth about changing your mind - ev…