Plucky Not Perfect Podcast

Coach Carrie
  • 3.7 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Plucky Not Perfect—a podcast for women in midlife who want to build resilience, find courage, and embrace life’s messy middle with grit and grace. Hosted by Carrie Bradley—coach, caregiver, and cancer survivor—this podcast is about showing up as you are, letting go of perfection, and discovering strength in unexpected places. In Season 2, you’ll hear a mix of solo episodes and interviews with inspiring women who are navigating midlife transitions, health challenges, career shifts, family dynamics, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore practical tools for resilience, self-care strategies that actually fit into busy lives, and mindset shifts that help you thrive when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re over 40, caring for others while trying to care for yourself, or simply looking for encouragement to keep going—this podcast will remind you that you don’t have to be perfect to feel worthy and live bravely. Plucky means “determined courage.” Not perfect? That’s all of us. Join us to find hope, connection, and inspiration for one imperfect step at a time.

  1. JAN 20

    How to Not Quit on Yourself: Plucky Courage to Keep Going (#37)

    This isn’t about keeping resolutions or trying harder. It’s about not quitting on yourself. In this first episode of 2026, I explain what it really means to be plucky and why determined courage (not perfection) is the key to living an authentic, aligned life. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What “plucky” really means and how to practice determined courage Why perfectionism keeps us stuck (and how to move forward anyway) The PLUCKY framework: Proactive over reactive Longevity over rushing Underdog courage before confidence Consistency that compounds Kindness to your inner beginner Yet — the mindset that keeps you going If you’ve fallen off track, feel discouraged, or are tempted to quit, this episode will help you keep moving forward — imperfectly and bravely. Resources Book a free Courage Consult with Carrie  Let’s connect on Instagram @carriejobradley

    16 min
  2. Reclaiming Life After Traumatic Brain Injury with Erika Brouillette (#36)

    12/16/2025

    Reclaiming Life After Traumatic Brain Injury with Erika Brouillette (#36)

    What happens when life doesn’t just take a detour—but completely reroutes your future? In this deeply moving episode of Plucky Not Perfect, I’m joined by Erika Brouillette—mom, caregiver, advocate, podcast host, and founder of Reclaim: TBI Wives. Erika shares her story of becoming a full-time caregiver overnight when her husband suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and how that moment reshaped her identity, faith, boundaries, and purpose. We talk about: Advocating for a child with special needs—and a spouse with a traumatic brain injury Becoming a caregiver in the middle of crisis (and COVID) Losing yourself in survival mode—and how to slowly reclaim who you are The permission many women need to care for themselves without guilt Setting boundaries after years of people-pleasing Finding hope when doctors give none Why community matters when no one else truly “gets it” Gratitude, faith, and recognizing glimmers of hope in the darkest seasons Erika also shares how her own healing led her to create a space for other women walking similar roads—women who are so often asked how their husband is doing, but rarely how they are. This conversation is for anyone who has found themselves living a life they didn’t plan—and is learning how to keep going anyway. Connect with Erika: Website & Community: Reclaim TBI Wives Podcast: Real Lives of TBI Wives Socials: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok Connect with your host:  Carrie

    38 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    Instead of “Let Me Know If You Need Anything,” Here’s How to Help a Struggling Friend (#35)

    When someone you care about is facing grief, illness, divorce, or any major life shake-up, it’s easy to worry about saying the wrong thing… and end up doing nothing. After my own cancer journey and recovery, I learned firsthand what truly helps and what doesn’t. In this episode, we cover: Why something is better than nothing (even if you feel awkward) How to check in without adding pressure or expecting a reply Offering specific, practical help instead of “Let me know if you need anything” Caring for friends from afar: texts, cards, gift cards, meaningful little touches Supporting friends nearby: homemade food, errands, childcare, time together What not to do when you're trying to help A gentle reminder: You don’t have to be perfect, just present. Plucky helps! Small gestures of care go a long way. Email me at thecarriejobradley@gmail.com if you would like the companion guide to this episode, a free printable PDF with tangible reminders of how to help in a time of need.  Let’s connect on Instagram @carriejobradley.

    15 min
  4. Revolutionary Rest: Living Worthy with Heather Boersma (#34)

    11/11/2025

    Revolutionary Rest: Living Worthy with Heather Boersma (#34)

    What if the bravest thing you could do was to slow down?  In this episode, Carrie talks with life coach, speaker, and author Heather Boersma about redefining success, finding rest, and living from a deep sense of worthiness instead of striving for it.  Heather shares how years of chasing achievement led her to burnout and anxiety, and how she learned to live “from significance, not for it.”  Together, they explore rest as a courageous act, how to realign with your core values, and why being present is the true measure of a meaningful life. In this conversation: The difference between living for success and living from significance How burnout taught Heather to reimagine rest as strength, not laziness Co-regulation, nervous system safety, and redefining identity beyond productivity Courage, worthiness, and the beauty of slowing down Practical ways to live from your values  Resources & Links: www.heatherboersma.com  The Rest Revolution  Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.

    28 min
  5. Traveling Through Uncertainty as a Cancer Mom Turned Midlife Explorer with Jennifer Montgomery-Lay (#33)

    11/04/2025

    Traveling Through Uncertainty as a Cancer Mom Turned Midlife Explorer with Jennifer Montgomery-Lay (#33)

    If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to start over—or felt stuck between who you’ve been and who you want to become, this is the episode for you.  Jennifer Montgomery-Lay’s story is one of unimaginable resilience. As a cancer mom for more than two decades, she’s spent much of her adult life caregiving. Instead of letting fear or past identities define her, Jenn has learned to lean into discomfort to step out into new adventures. Jenn and Carrie met at a business networking event a few years ago. Back then Jenn didn’t have a business—just a quiet nudge that she was meant for something more. What she did have was courage. In this episode, Jenn shares how her family traveled the world in the midst of heartbreak, chaos and uncertainty. She talks about how travel became a catalyst for healing, and how she’s now helping others rediscover themselves through adventure. We talk about perfectionism, giving ourselves permission to dream again, and what it really means to be plucky in midlife. As Jenn said, “You’re gonna be okay. Even if you look silly. Even if you mess up. You can find people who believe in you until you believe in yourself.”  In This Episode: The uncomfortable moment that sparked Jenn’s reinvention Life as a cancer mom: the raw truth, not the hashtag version How a one-way ticket and a leap of faith changed everything The healing power of travel and curiosity Saying yes to new adventures (even when it feels scary) Resources & Links:  www.instagram.com/lifealloverthemap Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.

    48 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    How I’m Approaching Fear of Surgery (#32)

    In this episode, Carrie shares her personal journey of facing the fear of surgery following her battle with colorectal cancer and past traumatic hospital experiences. She discusses the emotional challenges of preparing for surgery, the importance of acknowledging fear, and the role of mindfulness and community support. Carrie discusses the Plucky Challenge as a way to build courage and emphasizes that who we are matters more than our actions in moments of fear. She encourages listeners to embrace their fears and lean into their inner courage. The episode concludes with a listener’s insight.    Resources & Links: This Simple Mind Hack Will Help You Overcome Any Fear: www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-15/ Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.

    13 min
  7. From “Too Shy to Speak” to Top 1% Podcaster with Teri Holland (#31)

    10/21/2025

    From “Too Shy to Speak” to Top 1% Podcaster with Teri Holland (#31)

    Do you ever hold yourself back because you’re afraid to speak up — or worried what people will think? Today’s guest, Teri Holland, knows that fear well. Once nicknamed “Mouse” for how quiet she was as a child, Teri has transformed into a confident speaker, coach, and top 1% podcaster. We trace her journey from a shy little girl whispering to her parents, to a coach who has given a TEDx talk and helps others use their voices with courage and confidence.  Teri shares: How a single solo line in a Christmas concert changed everything What acting taught her about safety, scripts, and control  and how she learned to be confident without them How burnout and illness led her to the world of NLP, hypnotherapy, and timeline therapy The story behind starting her podcast, Success in Mind — and what happened when imposter syndrome shut it down at its peak What it really takes to build confidence and transform self-doubt How courage and confidence are skills we can all practice and grow 🎧 This conversation will remind you that courage and confidence aren’t fixed traits, they’re muscles we can build. Teri proves that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about a fulfilling life fueled by growth, grit and courage. Resources & Links www.instagram.com/theteriholland www.teriholland.ca Connect with your host, on www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.

    34 min
  8. Rebuilding Life After Loss: A Young Widow’s Story of Courage with Lindsay Aho (#30)

    10/14/2025

    Rebuilding Life After Loss: A Young Widow’s Story of Courage with Lindsay Aho (#30)

    Carrie reconnects with her friend Lindsay Aho (Kuehster), who shares her powerful story of loss and rebuilding with courage. Lindsay opens up about life behind the façade of perfection — navigating her husband’s alcoholism and PTSD and facing unimaginable loss when he took his own life. Through it all, Lindsay found the strength to start again, to heal, and to redefine what grace looks like. Her story reminds us that courage isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about facing the truth, asking for help, and rebuilding one brave step at a time. In this episode: The hidden pain behind “having it all together” Recognizing when it’s time to leave and finding the courage to do it Healing from trauma and loss through writing and community The power of forgiveness for ourselves and others What “strength” looks like when you don’t feel strong Resources & Links Lindsay’s memoir: Redefining Grace Connect with Carrie: @carriejobradley

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Plucky Not Perfect—a podcast for women in midlife who want to build resilience, find courage, and embrace life’s messy middle with grit and grace. Hosted by Carrie Bradley—coach, caregiver, and cancer survivor—this podcast is about showing up as you are, letting go of perfection, and discovering strength in unexpected places. In Season 2, you’ll hear a mix of solo episodes and interviews with inspiring women who are navigating midlife transitions, health challenges, career shifts, family dynamics, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore practical tools for resilience, self-care strategies that actually fit into busy lives, and mindset shifts that help you thrive when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re over 40, caring for others while trying to care for yourself, or simply looking for encouragement to keep going—this podcast will remind you that you don’t have to be perfect to feel worthy and live bravely. Plucky means “determined courage.” Not perfect? That’s all of us. Join us to find hope, connection, and inspiration for one imperfect step at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Carrie
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Plucky Not Perfect Podcast