Thinking About Podcast

Kirsti McNabney
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Thinking About podcast is your digital equivalent to late night chats with good friends that keep you thinking. Join host Kirsti McNabney as we have deep, meaningful conversations with interesting people to help level up our lives, offer actionable outcomes and keep us thinking for days to come. Expect to hear from entrepreneurs, coaches, thought leaders, health and wellness experts and more! Every week, we cover things all the things that keep women thinking – including connections with others, building a business, friendship, mental health, wellness, boundaries, relationships, growing up, skincare, and more. No topic is off-limits and you're at a table with friends. We've saved you a seat and poured you a cup – welcome to the deep conversations that keep us growing. Subscribe to hear new episodes every Tuesday.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Science of Happiness, Building Resilience & Why You Don't Have To Be Happy All The Time with Dr. Gillian Mandich

    Chatting with a stranger on your commute. Sharing fries with a friend. Watching the sunset from your window. Turns out, these micro moments are much more than pleasant – they're the actual building blocks of happiness! I'm sitting down with Dr. Gillian Mandich, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, who holds a PhD in Health Science from Western University. She's a happiness researcher, educator, speaker, and author; founder of The International Happiness Institute; and co-lead investigator of the Happiness at Work Study with the Mental Health Association. She was also named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network! I first heard Gillian speak at Camp Reconnect and haven't stopped quoting her since. She completely reframed how I think about happiness, helping me see it as a practice instead of a destination. This conversation gave me permission to stop waiting for everything to be perfect before I let myself feel happy, and I know it will do the same for you! In this episode, we're talking about: How Dr. Gillian defines happiness and why it's both simple and complicatedThe paradox of trying to be happy all the timeMicro moments versus big tripsThe broaden and build theory and how happiness works like a muscleWhy social connection is the number one predictor of long-term health and happinessHappy hunting – a simple practice to figure out what actually makes you happyHow our environment impacts our happiness and what we can control when we feel stuckSeasonal affective disorder, winter in Canada, and navigating the dark monthsBuilding meaningful connections in a digital worldHolding two emotions at the same time and why that's a sign of emotional maturityRethinking assumptions and narratives we've held about happinessCuriosity, travel, and learning as paths to a richer life Let's Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Connect with Dr. Gillian Mandich: Dr. Gillian’s website Follow @drgillianmandich on Instagram (and her dog!) Links from the episode: Camp Reconnect Book: Think Again by Adam Grant Send a text

    1h 3m

  2. FEB 3

    We're Back! Life Updates, Getting Married in Greece & Moving to the City [SOLO Episode]

    Hi. It's been nine months… I know! I didn't mean to ghost you. Between planning an elopement in Greece, getting married, dealing with health stuff, moving to Toronto, and scaling my business, the podcast became the rubber ball I had to put down while I held onto the glass ones. But I'm finally back. And truthfully, I feel more alive than I have in years. In this solo episode, I'm catching you up on everything you missed. We're talking about getting married on a cliff in Santorini, why moving to the city has shifted my entire baseline, what it means to finally have everything little me ever wanted, and how I'm learning to delegate after running an agency alone for way too long. This is your reminder that both things can be true: the world can feel heavy and you can still feel grateful. You can be growing through hard things and also be really, genuinely happy. Welcome back to the conversations that keep us thinking. I've missed you! In this episode, I'm talking about: Where I've been for the past nine months and why the podcast break happenedGetting married in GreeceMoving to Toronto and how living in the city has changed my baseline happinessFinding joy again after desperately losing itScaling my business and learning to delegate (finally)Why showing up in this space feels like coming homeThinking about love beyond romantic relationshipsWhat's coming this year: two guest episodes and two solos a month Let's Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Links from the episode: My wedding photos on Instagram: post 1, post 2 Life Kit episode about being happier in the winter Send us a text

    22 min

  3. 2025-03-25

    Building a Transparent Skincare Brand, Scaling a Business & The Power of Community with Three Ships’ Connie Lo & Laura Thompson

    This week, we’re thinking about what it really takes to build a brand that stands out – one rooted in transparency, community, and real results. In this episode of Thinking About, I’m sitting down with Connie Lo and Laura Thompson, the co-founders of Three Ships, an all-natural skincare brand working to turn radical transparency into the industry standard. What started with just $4,000 in savings and a DIY formulation in their apartment kitchens has grown into a thriving beauty brand stocked in major retailers like Whole Foods and Indigo. Beyond their clean skincare formulas, what truly sets Three Ships apart is how they’ve built an engaged, loyal community by prioritizing real customer feedback, education, and ingredient transparency. In this episode, Connie and Laura pull back the curtain on how they scaled Three Ships without sacrificing their values, what it takes to run a business as co-founders, and why staying connected to their community has been key to their success. In this episode, we’re talking about: The origin story of Three Ships and how they turned a kitchen experiment into a thriving skincare brand.How radical transparency, community, and real customer feedback have set them apart.The realities of scaling a business while staying true to your values.Their biggest lessons as co-founders, from decision-making to navigating challenges together.The power of brand storytelling, product education, and authenticity in an industry full of marketing gimmicks.If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business, want a behind-the-scenes look at how to scale a brand with integrity, or just love hearing inspiring founder stories, this episode is for you. Let's Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Connect with Connie Lo and Laura Thompson, the co-founders of Three Ships Visit https://www.threeshipsbeauty.ca/ Laura on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laura.athompson Connie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsconnielo Three Ships on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/threeshipsbeauty Send us a text

    55 min

  4. 2025-03-18

    Magnetism, Creative Flow & Building a Business That Attracts Opportunities with Rachel Kelly of Make Lemonade

    This week, we’re thinking about what happens when you stop chasing opportunities and start attracting them by fully embracing who you are. In this episode of Thinking About, I’m catching up with Rachel Kelly, a Toronto-based floral artist, designer, and community builder who made the leap from running a coworking space to creating stunning floral installations and large-scale art pieces. Rachel’s journey has been anything but linear, but what’s made her business thrive is her deep understanding of magnetism, energy, and trusting her intuition. We dive into what it means to flow instead of force when it comes to creative work, why saying yes before you have it all figured out can lead to the best opportunities, and how she balances real-life creativity with the pressures of showing up online. In this episode, we’re talking about: How Rachel built a creative business that attracts aligned opportunities rather than chasing them.The shift from pushing in business to embracing flow and trusting what’s meant for you.Her evolving relationship with social media, online presence, and creative energy.Why prioritizing real-life experiences over digital content has been a game-changer.The lessons she’s learned about boundaries, burnout, and making space for joy.If you’ve ever felt like you’re forcing things instead of allowing them to unfold, or if you’re looking for inspiration to follow your unique path, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to go for it. Let's Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Connect with Rachel: On Instagram @makelemonadeco Visit https://www.makelemonade.ca/ Send us a text

    44 min

  5. 2025-03-12

    Showing Up Authentically, Branding with Confidence & Building a Business That Feels Like You with Puja Malhotra

    This week, we’re thinking about what it really means to show up as your full, unapologetic self – online, in business, and in life. In this episode of Thinking About, I’m joined by Puja Malhotra, a branding strategist and founder of Roop Creative Agency, where she helps entrepreneurs build authentic, impactful brands that attract dream clients with confidence. With nearly a decade of experience in branding, website design, and strategy, Puja offers personalized services, including full-service design, intensives, and audits – all with a strong focus on making businesses feel like a true reflection of the people behind them. She’s also the creator of Corporate Dropout: Mentorship for Creatives, a 6-month program empowering entrepreneurs to leave the 9-to-5 grind and build sustainable, scalable businesses. We dive into the power of authenticity in branding and business, why showing up fully as yourself is the key to creating meaningful connections, and how stepping outside the box leads to more aligned opportunities. In this episode, we’re talking about: The truth about authentic branding – what it really means and why so many people get it wrong.The permission we need to show up fully as ourselves and how to start practicing that daily.Overcoming self-doubt & imposter syndrome when building a brand that truly reflects you.How growing up in an immigrant household shaped Puja’s approach to identity, belonging, and business.The unlearning required after leaving the corporate world and why true success looks different than what we’ve been sold.Finding community, balance, and self-trust in an online world that constantly tells us to do more.Why branding is more than just a logo and how to build a business that actually feels like you.The mindset shifts that help you attract the right clients and opportunities without forcing it.If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, showing up online, or feeling like you have to fit into a certain box, Puja’s insights will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to step into your most magnetic, fully you version of success. 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Thinking About wherever you get your podcasts. Let's Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Connect with Puja: On Instagram and threads Roop Creative Agency Visti Puja's website https://www.roopcreativeagency.com Read Puja's newsletter  https://www.roopcreativeagency.com/newsletter Send us a text

    42 min

  6. 2025-03-04

    Personal Wins and Lessons from Q1 of 2025 [SOLO]

    This week, we’re thinking about what’s working, what’s shifting, and how I’m easing into a new season after a busy start to the year. In this solo episode of Thinking About, I’m reflecting on Q1 so far – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. January felt like a creative high, February brought heaviness, and now, stepping into March, I’m finally feeling lighter. We’ve had some incredible conversations on the podcast this year about energy management, burnout, and redefining success, and I’ve been learning a lot from my own journey. Let’s chat about the personal wins and lessons that have shaped my year so far, plus a look ahead at what’s coming in Q2. In this episode, I’m talking about: The highs & lows of Q1 from creative energy to the challenges of February.Being 100 days sober – what this milestone has meant to me and what’s shifted along the way.Reflecting on the progress made in running events (one of my big goals for the year).Creativity ebb & flowsRest, delegation & letting go of doing it allMy workout routine & prioritizing movementThe little things making a big impactWhat’s I’m focusing on for the next couple monthsIf you’ve been feeling like the year is flying by or if you’re still finding your groove, this episode is a reminder that things don’t have to be perfect to be good, progress happens in seasons, and every step forward counts. Links from the episode: Steff Sullivan sobriety episode Courtney Croucher episode Alyssa Fry astrology episode Let’s Connect: 📲 Follow along on Instagram & TikTok: @thinkingaboutpodcast & @kirstimcnabney 💌 Subscribe on Substack for more conversations & reflections: Substack ✨ If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a review! Your support helps Thinking About grow and reach more listeners. Send us a text

    38 min

  7. 2025-02-25

    Redefining Balance, Building a Life You Love & Trusting Your Next Step with Les Alfred, Host of the Balanced Black Girl Podcast

    This week, we’re thinking about what balance really means, why it’s okay to not have it all figured out, and how small, intentional choices can create meaningful shifts in your daily life. In this episode of Thinking About, I’m joined by Les Alfred, an award-winning podcast host, speaker, and content creator whose work in the wellness space has inspired so many – including me. Les has spent nearly a decade creating approachable, inspiring wellness content, leveraging her expertise as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and certified yoga instructor to help others create nourishing habits and build space for a life that feels truly aligned. As the host of Balanced Black Girl, a chart-topping podcast that explores all aspects of wellness—including self-care, personal finance, productivity, and movement, Les is on a mission to help others redefine success and cultivate balance on their own terms. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why balance isn’t about perfection—and what to focus on instead.How to create a life that actually works for you, instead of forcing yourself into routines that don’t fit.The power of small, intentional choices that shape how you show up every day.How Les made bold moves, left corporate life, and built a business that aligns with her values.The importance of embracing different seasons of life and learning to trust your next step—even when you don’t have it all figured out.How something as simple as getting dressed in the morning can shift your mindset and boost confidence.The key to building community as an adult and making meaningful friendships in a new city.If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just craving more ease in your daily life, this conversation will help you rethink how you define success, structure your routines, and trust yourself to make the next move—no matter what season of life you’re in. 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Thinking About wherever you get your podcasts. Let's Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Connect with Les On Instagram @balancedles and @balancedblackgirlpodcast On Tiktok @balancedles and @balancedblackgirl Listen to Balanced Black Girl on Spotify, Apple or YouTube Shop Spacious Rituals Send us a text

    46 min

  8. 2025-02-18

    From Burnout to Boundaries: How to Redefine Success Without Running on Empty with Roslyn McLarty of Within

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly pushing, striving, and checking off the next thing on your to-do list—only to still feel exhausted and unfulfilled—this episode is for you. This week, I’m joined by Roslyn McLarty, an executive coach and founder of Within, who helps high-achievers create sustainable success without sacrificing their wellbeing. After co-founding and scaling the sports media brand The GIST, Roslyn found herself deep in burnout, battling self-doubt, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Now, she helps others redefine their relationship with work, rest, and personal fulfillment. In this episode, we’re talking about: The real signs of burnout – and why most people don’t recognize them until it’s too late.Why so many high-achievers feel like they’re never doing enough (and how to challenge that belief).How to break free from hustle culture and trust that rest is productive.Practical mindset shifts and nervous system tools to help prevent burnout.How perfectionism and people-pleasing contribute to burnout—and what to do about it.Small, intentional habits that create more ease in your daily life.Roslyn’s journey from burned-out founder to building a business rooted in alignment and well-being.This episode will give you tangible insights to redefine success in a way that prioritizes your energy, creativity, and well-being. Let's Connect: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals. Continue the conversation with me on IG @thinkingaboutpodcas and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking. Connect with Roslyn: On Instagram @roslynmclarty Read her newsletter: https://within.beehiiv.com/ Learn more about her coaching: withincoaching.co Send us a text

    38 min
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Trailer

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About

Thinking About podcast is your digital equivalent to late night chats with good friends that keep you thinking. Join host Kirsti McNabney as we have deep, meaningful conversations with interesting people to help level up our lives, offer actionable outcomes and keep us thinking for days to come. Expect to hear from entrepreneurs, coaches, thought leaders, health and wellness experts and more! Every week, we cover things all the things that keep women thinking – including connections with others, building a business, friendship, mental health, wellness, boundaries, relationships, growing up, skincare, and more. No topic is off-limits and you're at a table with friends. We've saved you a seat and poured you a cup – welcome to the deep conversations that keep us growing. Subscribe to hear new episodes every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirsti McNabney
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Thinking About Podcast
  • Show Website
    Thinking About Podcast