Balancing Ambitions Podcast

Kim Menapace

Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast, where we support and inspire those juggling family, work, side hustles, and personal care. Join host Kim Menapace, a corporate woman by day and entrepreneur by night, as she shares insights from her own journey and other high achievers. Subscribe and tune in weekly for stories, tips, and community.

  1. Rebuilding Confidence After Burnout with Angela Lee

    2025-12-29

    Rebuilding Confidence After Burnout with Angela Lee

    In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Angela Lee opens up about her journey through burnout, identity loss, and rebuilding confidence as a working parent. Angel shares what burnout really looked like in her life, how it impacted her work and motherhood, and the moment she realized something had to change. The conversation explores the pressure many parents feel to “do it all,” the guilt that comes with slowing down, and how redefining success can lead to a healthier and more sustainable version of ambition. Angel offers honest insights on setting boundaries, trusting yourself again, and allowing growth to look different in each season of life. This episode is a powerful reminder that ambition doesn’t disappear when priorities shift—it evolves. For parents navigating exhaustion, self-doubt, or major life transitions, Angel’s story offers reassurance, perspective, and practical encouragement. 00:00 – Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast 00:36 – Introducing Angel Lee 01:10 – Angel’s background and career journey 03:02 – Recognizing the early signs of burnout 05:40 – How burnout shows up in work and parenting 08:15 – Losing confidence and identity during burnout 11:22 – The pressure to keep pushing and “hold it all together” 14:05 – The turning point that forced a reset 17:30 – Learning to slow down without guilt 20:18 – Redefining ambition in different seasons of life 23:45 – Setting boundaries that actually stick 27:10 – Rebuilding confidence one decision at a time 30:40 – Advice for parents feeling exhausted or stuck 33:55 – What balance really means now 36:20 – Final thoughts and encouragement Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

    59 min
  2. How Lindsey Rodriguez Built Freedom Through STRs, Mindset, and Motherhood

    2025-12-10

    How Lindsey Rodriguez Built Freedom Through STRs, Mindset, and Motherhood

    In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Lindsey (Schmidt) Rodriguez shares the deeply personal journey that led her into real estate, short-term rentals, and a completely transformed way of living. From navigating New York City lockdowns in a 400-square-foot studio with her husband, to discovering financial freedom through house hacking, Lindsey opens up about the pivotal moments that reshaped her family’s trajectory. Lindsey also reflects on the mindset work that changed everything. The shift from survival mode to alignment, and the “missing piece” she discovered when learning to operate from trust, intuition, and a higher sense of purpose. As a mom of two little ones, she speaks candidly about the chaos, beauty, and gratitude of motherhood. She shares the nightly reminder that grounds her — a simple piece of art in her hallway that reads, “In another universe, I’m dreaming of this life right here.” It’s a conversation about ambition, identity, family, and the power of choosing the life you want. 00:00 – 01:05 — Opening & Lindsey’s Early Spark 01:05 – 02:28 — Exploring New Paths Beyond Corporate Life 02:28 – 03:15 — Leaving NYC During COVID & Their First House Hack 03:15 – 04:25 — Discovering Real Estate & Seeing the Upside 04:25 – 06:20 — Their Accidental Entry Into STRs 06:20 – 08:05 — Taking Risks, Fear, and Momentum 08:05 – 10:10 — Motherhood, Identity, and Emotional Growth 10:10 – 14:22 — Staying Grounded Through Big Life Shifts 14:22 – 17:40 — Creating a Home That Feels Expansive & Intentional 17:40 – 21:30 — Fear, Gratitude, and Trusting the Universe 21:30 – 24:30 — Alignment, Ambition & Identity Shifts 24:30 – 27:38 — The Reminder That Grounds Her: “In Another Universe…” 27:38 – 31:46 — Embracing Chaos & Letting Go of Perfection 31:46 – 33:10 — Unlearning Self-Doubt & Internal Criticism 33:10 – 35:00 — Why Negative Feedback Lands Stronger Than Praise 35:00 – 38:33 — Mindset Teachings That Changed Her Path 38:33 – 39:04 — The First Call That Shifted Everything 39:04 – 40:15 — Peace, Surrender & Letting Go of Control 40:15 – End — Final Reflections on Motherhood & AlignmentConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/lindzrodriguez Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

    51 min
  3. From Wall Street to Mindset Mastery | Angie Wisdom on Values, Self-Trust & Living Your Best Life

    2025-10-06

    From Wall Street to Mindset Mastery | Angie Wisdom on Values, Self-Trust & Living Your Best Life

    In this episode of the Balancing Ambitions Podcast, Kim sits down with Angie Wisdom — ICF Master Certified Coach, author, and co-owner of a global alternative investment firm — to explore the powerful connection between values, self-trust, and creating a fulfilling life. Angie shares her journey from starting in the financial industry at just 16 to discovering her true calling in coaching and personal development. Together, Kim and Angie unpack: ✅ Why most people spend more time planning a birthday party than planning their lives ✅ The importance of values as your compass for decision-making ✅ How language shapes your self-trust and mindset ✅ Shifting from achievement mode to actually living with presence ✅ Why fulfillment comes from impact, not performance ✅ How to cut the cord from expectations and live with freedom This conversation is filled with real stories, practical wisdom, and reflective insights that parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking balance will find deeply valuable. ✨ Don’t just chase success — learn how to live it daily. 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:25 – Angie’s early start in finance and what it taught her about ambition 07:10 – Shifting from money to meaning: discovering her deeper purpose 12:30 – Why most people plan parties better than their own lives 16:45 – Living by values and making conscious choices 22:00 – Language, self-trust, and the mindset that shapes daily decisions 28:20 – Achievement vs. presence: moving from doing to being 34:15 – Finding fulfillment through impact, not performance 39:30 – Angie’s 4:15am mornings and intentional daily rhythms 44:50 – Breaking free from expectations and embracing freedom 49:05 – Reframing fear, choosing courage, and honoring your path 54:20 – Final reflections and gratitudehttps://angiewisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Angie-Wisdom-Values-Sheet-Revised.pdf Connect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/angiewisdomlifecoach Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

    55 min
  4. Running Toward Growth: Marathon Goals, Cape Cod Living, and Finding Peace in the Unexpected

    2025-07-21

    Running Toward Growth: Marathon Goals, Cape Cod Living, and Finding Peace in the Unexpected

    In this solo episode, Kim shares a deeply personal life update covering everything from big fitness goals to summer rhythms in Cape Cod. She opens up about her decision to officially run the Boston Marathon in 2026, the mindset shifts that inspired her, and how zone 2 training has already changed her physical and mental discipline. Kim also reflects on the unexpected stress and growth that came with a surprise home renovation, the decision to skip renting their Cape Cod house this year, and what it’s really been like to embrace a slower, more intentional summer season with her family. Plus — turning 37, finding inspiration in Princess Diana’s legacy, and learning how to balance impact, rest, and service in this season of life. 0:00 – Welcome back to the podcast + why Kim took a break 0:45 – Big news: Kim is running the Boston Marathon 2026 1:50 – Suspending disbelief & visualizing success 2:55 – Making the decision official: hiring a coach + choosing a charity 3:40 – Kim’s marathon history: bandit runs, NY Marathon, and unfinished goals 4:57 – Zone 2 training explained + how it’s testing her discipline 6:50 – Progress update: pace improvements, mental focus, and staying grounded 7:45 – Juggling strength training with marathon prep 8:35 – Home renovation update: water leak chaos + unexpected growth 9:40 – Lessons in communication, advocacy, and trusting your gut 11:40 – Summer in Cape Cod: choosing presence over profit 12:30 – From vacation mode to real-life rhythms: what’s changed 13:50 – Making space for peace, routines, and local joy 14:45 – Finding a new yoga studio + the gift of unexpected self-care 17:20 – Kim’s 37th birthday reflections: legacy, presence, and Princess Diana 19:45 – Final thoughts: balancing urgency, grace, and personal alignment 🕒 Timestamps:

    21 min
  5. From Corporate to 7-Figures: How Stacy St. John Built Her Dream Life

    2025-06-06

    From Corporate to 7-Figures: How Stacy St. John Built Her Dream Life

    What if one unexpected moment could change your entire path? In this episode, Stacy St. John shares how her son's last-minute college decision became the start of a thriving real estate empire. From rebuilding with purpose to launching a bestselling book, Stacy opens up about trusting your gut, making bold moves, and redefining what success looks like. 🎯 We talk motherhood, mindset, barbershop quartets (!), and how to turn pivots into purpose. 🔥 Whether you're balancing ambition with family or considering a leap of faith—this is the episode for you. 00:00 – Welcome to the episode 00:27 – Stacy’s journey: From $50K to a 7-figure real estate portfolio 01:12 – Why she wrote Live Big and the mindset behind it 03:00 – The trap of comparison and how to escape it 06:36 – How her son’s college decision launched her real estate career 10:59 – Learning to trust intuition: “The God Rod” 14:50 – Serving others—whether it’s with knowledge, business, or just a smile 17:00 – The Mustang story: spreading joy outside your comfort zone 18:57 – Stacy’s surprising barbershop quartet success (and love story!) 30:00 – Making the leap: transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship 33:09 – Overcoming mom guilt and giving yourself grace 36:45 – Kim’s snapping turtle moment: choosing presence over perfection 38:39 – Why she left corporate and never looked back 41:02 – Keeping promises to yourself = building confidence 42:59 – Commit. Be. Do. The mindset shift that fuels long-term success 45:30 – Be strict on your goals, flexible in your methods 47:03 – Final advice: Get clear on what feels right and build around it 48:03 – Where to find Stacy onlineConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/stacey_st.john/ Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

    49 min
  6. From Financial Rock Bottom to $20M Portfolio: Brad Flanagan’s Journey

    2025-05-23

    From Financial Rock Bottom to $20M Portfolio: Brad Flanagan’s Journey

    In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Kim Menipace sits down with Brad Flanagan—a U.S. Army veteran turned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and coach. Brad opens up about going from a 400 credit score and repossessed vehicle to building a $20M+ real estate portfolio with his wife, Jamie. They dive deep into money mindset, financial transparency in marriage, and practical tips for couples to build aligned financial goals. 💡 Whether you're trying to get out of debt, align financially with your partner, or scale your investing game—this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and real talk. 00:00 – Intro 00:27 – Brad’s story: Army to real estate 02:40 – Building a mobile family business 06:00 – Why focus matters 08:20 – From financial rock bottom to $20M 13:45 – Blind faith & scaling up 17:00 – Marriage, money & communication 22:40 – Spender vs. saver dynamics 24:30 – Brad’s surprising past 27:00 – Finance tips for couples 32:00 – Building a shared money plan 40:20 – Handling financial stress 47:00 – Trust, leadership & honesty 56:00 – “Yours, mine, ours” system 1:03:00 – Final thoughts & storm mindset 1:06:30 – Connect with BradConnect with the Guest:Instagram - bradflanagan_bfhomeloans Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

    1h 8m
  7. From Burnout to Boundaries with Kim Fitzpatrick

    2025-05-01

    From Burnout to Boundaries with Kim Fitzpatrick

    In this powerful episode of Balancing Ambitions, Kim Menapace sits down with Kim Fitzpatrick—speaker, leadership coach, CEO of Legacy by Kim, and co-host of Fitz Life Unfiltered. From building million-dollar businesses and navigating near-bankruptcy to reclaiming time, presence, and purpose, Kim shares how she went from corporate hustle to intentional legacy-building. This conversation is filled with real talk about motherhood, mindset, burnout, boundaries, and how to train for the life you want. ✨ Grab a cozy drink, take a breath, and tune in—this one’s packed with wisdom.00:00 – Meet Kim Fitzpatrick 05:00 – Living your purpose, not just a title 10:00 – Peace vs. chaos in your life 13:30 – Mindset shifts that change everything 15:00 – Mastering focus + screen time tips 20:00 – Replacing numbing with growth 24:00 – Boundaries + parenting in the digital age 30:00 – Leaving corporate for legacy 35:00 – Rebuilding after rock bottom 38:00 – Creating a mission-driven business 44:00 – Rest is not lazy 49:00 – Perfectionism, anxiety, and self-worth 53:00 – Training for the life you want 56:45 – Where to find Kim Connect with the Guest: https://www.instagram.com/kim_m_fitzpatrick/ Connect with the Host: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

    59 min

About

Welcome to the Balancing Ambitions Podcast, where we support and inspire those juggling family, work, side hustles, and personal care. Join host Kim Menapace, a corporate woman by day and entrepreneur by night, as she shares insights from her own journey and other high achievers. Subscribe and tune in weekly for stories, tips, and community.