Slow Living: Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society

Episode 11: How Woo are You - intersecting belief with action

Stephanie and Melessa are now two-thirds of the way through their sessions, and this conversation dives deep into rewriting old beliefs. Melessa opens up about her tendency to overcomplicate things—how her mind feels something must be “hard” to be worthwhile—and how she’s learning to embrace ease and flow instead. Together, they explore the question: Do you have to suffer to succeed? For Melessa, this marks a powerful shift away from her old patterns and toward a mindset that allows success to come without struggle.

The episode also takes a heartfelt turn as Melessa shares how she’s mapping out her upcoming book in three parts—her childhood, young adulthood, and family life—and how this process ties into her growth. She and Stephanie talk about the joy of her family’s move into a new home and how it’s brought them closer. As Melessa reflects on her daughters, she hopes her story shows them strength, resilience, and the beauty of transformation.

Past Episodes You May Love:

Episode 42: Listening to The Universe

Episode 104: 3 Year Plan

Episode 106: Manifestation vs Magical Thinking

Episode 153: Slow Parenting Series: Adult Years and Estrangement

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!

Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

Stop Asking for Permission. Melessa Session 3 (Part 2)

35 MIN

NOV 24, 2025

In this episode, Stephanie and Melessa dive into the power of routine—especially how simple habits like a nightly wind-down and consistent sleep with her CPAP have transformed Melessa’s energy and focus. She shares how she’s built a sustainable writing rhythm, dedicating a few hours several days a week to finish her book by year’s end (or stretch goal: March!). It’s all about creating structure that supports both creativity and self-care.

Melessa also opens up about the deeper layers of her family story—balancing honesty and respect as she writes about the women who shaped her. She reflects on the contrast between traditional and nontraditional roles and how she’s learning to honor both perspectives. This conversation is an inspiring look at growth, forgiveness, and finding your authentic voice—perfect for anyone walking their own journey of healing and creative expression.

Past Episodes You May Love:

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!

Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

There is Nothing Wrong With You - Melessa Session 3 (Part 1)

42 MIN

NOV 17, 2025

In this heartfelt episode, Melessa settles into her new home and begins mapping out her upcoming book. With Stephanie’s guidance, she revisits her goals and creates a fresh three-year plan that reflects who she is today. Together, they explore how to balance ambition, creativity, and self-compassion while embracing change.

Their conversation dives into motherhood, faith, and lifelong friendship. Melessa shares how her Mormon upbringing shaped her family life—and how those influences remain even after leaving the church. Stephanie also challenges Melessa and her husband to imagine their retirement and the later stages of life, sparking a meaningful reflection on growth, purpose, and what truly matters.

Past Episodes You May Love:

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!

Free Daily Journaling Worksheet: stephanieodea.com/daily

Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

Your Life Story. Melessa Session 2 (Part 2)

32 MIN

NOV 10, 2025

In this heartfelt conversation, Melessa opens up about the creative and emotional journey of writing her first book—a story shaped by resilience, self-discovery, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. As she works to narrow down her book’s focus, Melessa reflects on the pressure of putting her life on paper, from surviving an abusive relationship in her teens to her experiences within—and beyond—the Mormon faith. Alongside Stephanie, she explores what it means to set healthy boundaries and honor her story with honesty and grace.

Together, they discuss the bittersweet transition of leaving the family home where her children grew up and the idea of holding a “closing ceremony” to mark that new beginning. Stephanie also offers creative strategies to help Melessa shape her book—like using voice memos to brainstorm and crafting a theme that reads like a novel. This episode is an inspiring reminder that healing, growth, and storytelling often unfold side by side.

Past Episodes You May Love:

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!

Free Daily Journaling Worksheet: stephanieodea.com/daily

Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/

New Beginnings Melessa Session 2 (Part 1)

37 MIN

NOV 3, 2025

Episode 146: Thoughts on being married for 25 years

In this episode, Melessa and Stephanie catch up on her big move into a new home and the lessons that come with fresh beginnings. As she and her husband sort through what to keep and what to let go, Melessa reflects on how far they’ve come as a couple—learning to communicate better, compromise, and create a space that truly fits this new chapter of life.

Stephanie gives Melessa her latest “homework”: to list what she’s proud of and what she hopes to be proud of next. From raising her kids and managing life during her husband’s deployment to finally landing her dream job in grant writing, Melessa shares how intention and purpose shape her journey. They also chat about Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Karen Rauch Carter, exploring how small shifts in your environment—and your mindset—can open the door to love, peace, and possibility.

Past Episodes You May Love:

Episode 189: Do It Badly

Book Link:

Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life: How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money, Respect, and Happiness

Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!

Free Daily Journaling Worksheet: stephanieodea.com/daily

Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace

New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou

Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/

Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast

Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/

Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/