The Effort Lab

Stephanie Webb and Lindsay Weston

The Effort Lab is your go-to podcast for putting in the work to become the person you want to be. Hosted by sisters Stephanie, MS in holistic nutrition, and Lindsay, LMFT, we bring you practical strategies and empowering ideas to build intentional habits, strengthen your mindset, and improve your relationships. Join us each week as we explore what it takes to show up, strive for better, and create a life of purpose--because the effort is worth it.

Episodes

  1. 2025-01-20

    Not Afraid of a Little Hard Work

    In this episode of The Effort Lab, Stephanie and Lindsay explore the reality that nothing in life stays stagnant. Drawing inspiration from children's books, natural laws, and their own experiences, they delve into the importance of consistent effort in all areas of life—from maintaining relationships to cultivating personal growth. The sisters share how neglect leads to deterioration and why intentional effort is essential for thriving in today's busy, chaotic world. Key Topics: The concept of chaos as the natural state: Why things deteriorate without effort. Maintaining relationships as a living, growing responsibility. Lessons from Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and other analogies about effort. The role of discipline and self-coaching in overcoming resistance to hard work. How building strong relationships impacts all other areas of life. Favorite Quotes: "Life is going to life." — Lindsay's client "I'm not afraid of a little hard work." — Lindsay "It's easy to let things slide, but life doesn't allow for neutral. You're either progressing or regressing." — Stephanie Takeaways and Reflections: The importance of regular maintenance: Whether it's a garden, a relationship, or your health, small daily efforts prevent larger problems later. Relationships require active nurturing—they don't thrive on autopilot. Self-coaching can help overcome resistance to hard tasks by reframing effort as an investment in long-term well-being. Links Mentioned: Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal [Link to box set] The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter [Link to book] Jordan B. Peterson's philosophy on "setting your house in order" [Link to resource] Mosiah 4:27 (LDS Scripture Reference) Join us in this week's challenge: Identify one relationship or area of your life that needs attention, and commit to one small act of effort to improve it.  Thank you for listening to The Effort Lab! Make sure to subscribe and leave a review so we can continue to share these conversations with more listeners like you.

    19 min
  2. 2025-01-13

    Ordering Your Private World

    In this episode, Stephanie and Lindsay explore the concept of "ordering your private world" inspired by the book Ordering Your Private World by George MacDonald. They share key takeaways from the book, personal reflections, and practical insights about cultivating a disciplined inner life. From the connection between our inner and outer worlds to the importance of intellectual "fitness," this episode is a call to strengthen your mind, focus your energy, and embrace the effort required for personal growth. Key Topics Discussed: The difference between our measurable outer world and our intangible inner world. The concept of "flabby thinking" vs. intellectual "horsepower." How cultivating an ordered inner life leads to greater peace, focus, and productivity. Why disciplined reading and study are essential for spiritual and intellectual growth. Strategies for managing time and eliminating distractions to focus on what matters most. Favorite Quotes: "Our outer or public world is easier to deal with. It is much more measurable, visible, and expandable. A private world is a center in which choices and values can be determined where solitude and reflection might be pursued." – George MacDonald "The mind weakens and gets out of shape when it is not given proper training." – George MacDonald "Study means developing good filing systems to store my information so that it is never wasted. It means making sacrifices to acquire a good library of reference books. But most of all, it means determination and discipline—and the result is always growth." – George MacDonald Links Mentioned: Ordering Your Private World by George MacDonald [Link to book] Instagram Reel from The Centered Life Co.: [Link to reel] Gretchen Rubin's Outer Order, Inner Calm [Link to book]

    25 min

About

The Effort Lab is your go-to podcast for putting in the work to become the person you want to be. Hosted by sisters Stephanie, MS in holistic nutrition, and Lindsay, LMFT, we bring you practical strategies and empowering ideas to build intentional habits, strengthen your mindset, and improve your relationships. Join us each week as we explore what it takes to show up, strive for better, and create a life of purpose--because the effort is worth it.