AskYourselfWhyNot

Ask Yourself, Why Not ?

Ask Yourself Why Not is a feel-good personal growth podcast where two friends share what they're learning from self-help books, podcasts, and their community and talk through how it actually shows up in real life. Hosted by Shaye and Jayla, AYWN is rooted in a Why Not mindset choosing curiosity over pressure, honesty over perfection, and small, supportive shifts over trying to fix yourself. This is a space for real conversations, everyday wisdom, and reminders that you're allowed to grow gently and in your own time. Come as you are. Stay as long as you need.

  1. 3 days ago

    Why Is Changing Yourself So Freaking Hard?

    Summary Jayla and Shaye explore the challenges of changing habits, the programming of our beliefs, and how environment influences transformation. They share personal stories, insights from experts, and practical tips for embracing change and living authentically. Keywords habit change, behavior, transformation, environment, mindset, self-improvement, programming, confidence, fear, growth  Key  topics The difficulty of changing habits due to deep programming The role of environment and surroundings in supporting change The importance of self-compassion and giving oneself grace during transformation The impact of belief systems and labels on behavior Strategies for building confidence and reducing fear in new endeavors The concept of attachment to self-improvement and analysis paralysis The influence of social environment and community on growth Practical tips for embracing change and living authentically Takeaways Change is hard because it requires reprogramming deeply ingrained beliefs. Surrounding yourself with supportive environments and people accelerates transformation. Giving yourself grace and empathy is crucial during the change process. Belief systems and labels can limit or support your growth. Confidence grows as fear diminishes through evidence and experience. Attachment to self-improvement can become a barrier to living fully. Seeking out environments with like-minded people fosters growth. Progress involves giving up parts of your old identity and story.  sound bites 00:00 Introduction and personal updates 347:12:23 Shopping, fashion, and fall vibes 6305:32:29 Online estate sales and vintage finds 9999:59:15 Weekend trip to Canton and soccer tournament 14944:26:08 Chile's fruits and avocados 16527:46:11 Introduction to Carol Meese and behavioral change 18666:39:36 The programming of beliefs from childhood 20083:19:38 The challenge of transforming deeply ingrained habits 21527:46:20 The importance of environment and surrounding support 23722:13:02 The power of community and big picture thinking 24916:39:44 Next steps for personal growth and podcast expansion 26444:26:27 Transformation requires giving up parts of your identity 28083:19:48 Supporting children in healthy habits and choices 29999:59:50 The role of social environment in change 31555:33:10 The difficulty and necessity of giving oneself grace 33166:39:51 The danger of attachment to self-improvement 34777:46:34 Living and trusting your inner instincts 36333:19:55 Building confidence through evidence and experience 38694:26:38 Seeking out environments with like-minded people 40277:46:40 Closing thoughts and encouragement to embrace change

    Why Is Changing Yourself So Freaking Hard?
  2. 3 Sept

    So… Here's What's Happening With Us.

    content  type Solo  primary  goal Discussion  summary In this episode, Jayla and Shay share personal updates, discuss fitness journeys, real estate ambitions, and reflect on inspiring stories about staying true to oneself and making bold decisions.  keywords self-improvement, fitness, real estate, motivation, decision-making, personal growth, Dolly Parton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, podcasting, community  key  topics The importance of conviction and having no backup plan Balancing family, work, and personal growth during summer Fitness journey and shifting to low-impact workouts Real estate licensing and opening a new studio The significance of community, culture, and environment Inspirational stories of Dolly Parton and Arnold Schwarzenegger The impact of making bold decisions and staying true to oneself Handling safety concerns around school zones and community activism The value of taking breaks and consuming content mindfully Future plans for the podcast studio and community events  sound bites "Stay true to you and make the hard decision" "All I ever wanted was to be a star and famous" "Freaking no to Elvis Presley" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and podcast return 01:57 Summer challenges and managing family and work 04:01 Fitness journey and shifting to low-impact workouts 09:07 Real estate licensing and opening a new studio 15:00 Studio branding, location, and community plans 19:50 Inspiring stories of Dolly Parton and Arnold Schwarzenegger 25:03 Community safety concerns and activism 29:56 Reflections on content consumption and personal growth 34:52 Lessons from Dolly and Arnold about conviction and decision-making 37:02 Closing remarks and future podcast plans

    So… Here's What's Happening With Us.
  3. 23 Apr

    Your Routine Might Be Running You—Let's Fix That

    In this episode, Shaye and Jayla dive into the importance of regularly checking in with your routines to ensure they serve your well-being and happiness. They share practical tips on how to identify habits that may no longer benefit you and ways to make intentional changes for a more fulfilled life. Key Topics: The significance of adapting routines as life evolves Recognizing unhelpful habits and habits that no longer serve you Practical ways to reset during everyday transitions (like in line or while commuting) The role of dopamine and how to get it from healthy, meaningful sources Spring cleaning your mental space and physical environment for mental clarity The importance of connection and intentionality in daily life Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and upcoming Empower Fest event 00:58 - Details about Empower Fest Wheeling on June 27th 02:07 - How to get involved as a vendor, sponsor, or experience station 03:04 - Tips for event sponsorships and ideas like signature drinks or swag 04:30 - The theme of the episode: checking in with routines to see if they still serve us 05:28 - How routines evolve and the importance of adapting them 06:23 - Mindful coffee drinking and managing caffeine intake 07:14 - Using lunch and breaks more intentionally 08:35 - Being present during car rides and waiting in lines, disconnecting from phones 09:54 - Transition moments and how they affect stress levels and productivity 10:20 - Moving through the day without energy or mental space 11:46 - The thriving need for dopamine and avoiding instant gratification 13:00 - The brain's craving for dopamine and healthy ways to meet that need 13:58 - Connection, real food, and physical movement as sources of dopamine 14:27 - Spring cleaning for your mind and environment 15:27 - Over-scheduling and reconnecting with loved ones and yourself 15:54 - Closing encouragement to tune into what benefits your well-being Resources & Links: Mark Hyman - Brain and Dopamine (search: "Mark Hyman" on Amazon for related books) Kroger 80 Acre Salad (search your local Kroger for availability) Connect with Shaye & Jayla: Instagram Facebook

About

Ask Yourself Why Not is a feel-good personal growth podcast where two friends share what they're learning from self-help books, podcasts, and their community and talk through how it actually shows up in real life. Hosted by Shaye and Jayla, AYWN is rooted in a Why Not mindset choosing curiosity over pressure, honesty over perfection, and small, supportive shifts over trying to fix yourself. This is a space for real conversations, everyday wisdom, and reminders that you're allowed to grow gently and in your own time. Come as you are. Stay as long as you need.

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