Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast

Samantha Elizabeth

Welcome to Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast.Hosted by me, Samantha Elizabeth—coach, consultant, and a medically diagnosed stressed-out human.Let’s be real: life is a chaotic dumpster fire sometimes, and stress? It’s the gasoline. Whether it’s work, relationships, your never-ending to-do list, or just existing in a world where emails never stop—this podcast is your judgment-free zone to unpack it all.Each episode, we’ll dive into the real shit that makes us unravel—and more importantly, how to stitch ourselves back together. Some days it'll be me ranting with love and truth bombs. Other days I’ll bring in guests to spill their stress stories and survival tactics.Swearing sometimes happens (and that’s okay).This isn’t your typical "breathe in, breathe out" wellness podcast. It’s honest, occasionally inappropriate, and always aimed at helping you go from a full-blown stress mess… to just slightly less of a mess.Let’s stress less, together.

  1. Aug 11

    Episode 31: Talk About It! with Elvia de la Garza Morales

    Send us Fan Mail What happens to the stress we never talk about? In this episode of Stress Mess, Samantha is joined by Elvia de la Garza Morales, co-founder of DLG Research, a consumer research firm specializing in Hispanic and multicultural consumers. Through her work conducting focus groups and individual interviews, Elvia has seen how conversations that start with products, services, and consumer behavior can uncover something much deeper: the emotions, worries, and stress people are carrying beneath the surface. Samantha and Elvia talk about how our upbringing, culture, family dynamics, gender expectations, and relationship with money can shape the way we experience and express stress. They dive deeper into the expectations placed on men, particularly Hispanic men, to be strong, provide for their families, remain grateful, and handle their struggles without talking about them. They also discuss why vulnerability and strength can coexist, the importance of creating judgment-free spaces for people to talk openly, and why simply becoming aware of what we are feeling can be a powerful first step. Because sometimes stress isn’t just about what we’re going through. It’s also about what we’re carrying without ever saying out loud. In this episode: How upbringing can shape our relationship with money and stressDifferences in how men and women may express emotionsCultural and family expectations surrounding mental healthThe pressure Hispanic men may feel to provide and remain strongHow gratitude and positivity can sometimes make it harder to acknowledge strugglesWhy psychological safety matters when encouraging someone to open upThe connection between vulnerability, resilience, and strengthWhy emotional awareness is an important first stepHow we can normalize conversations about feelings, especially with the boys and men in our livesConnect with Elvia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elviadelagarzamorales/ DLG Research: https://dlgresearch.com/ Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC samanthaelizabeth.com

    Episode 31: Talk About It! with Elvia de la Garza Morales
  2. Apr 28

    Episode 27: Panic Attack or Heart Attack?! with Dr. Joseph Luftman

    Send us Fan Mail What if the thing you think is just stress… isn’t? In this episode of Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Joseph Luftman, a board-certified physician with over 25 years of experience, who experienced a near-fatal “widowmaker” heart attack that completely changed how he understands stress, burnout, and healing. As a physician, he thought he understood the body. But when he became the patient, everything shifted. We talk about:  The difference between panic attacks and heart attacks—and why it’s not always clear  How chronic stress and burnout can show up physically  The role of inflammation and long-term stress on the body  Why high achievers often ignore warning signs  Micro practices for stress relief that actually fit into real life  Mindfulness, sound, and practical ways to reset your nervous system Dr. Luftman is the author of The Widowmaker’s Gift: Balancing Science and Well-Being in Healthcare, a powerful blend of personal story and practical tools for healing burnout and reconnecting with yourself.  If you’ve ever brushed something off as “just stress,” this episode might make you think twice. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Joseph Luftman Website: https://saturationofsound.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saturation_sound LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephluftmanmd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saturation_of_sound X: https://x.com/saturationsound 📘 About the Book The Widowmaker’s Gift shares Dr. Luftman’s journey from burnout and a life-threatening heart attack to a more balanced, intentional approach to health. It blends Western medicine with mindfulness, sound healing, and simple, time-efficient practices designed for real life—no retreats or rigid routines required. Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC samanthaelizabeth.com

    Episode 27: Panic Attack or Heart Attack?! with Dr. Joseph Luftman
  3. Mar 24

    Episode 24: Another F*ing Growth Opportunity! with A.J. Riedel

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stress Mess, Samantha sits down with AJ for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about growth, mindset, and the stories we tell ourselves. This episode is especially meaningful because it marks AJ’s very first time as a podcast guest, and Samantha is honored to be part of that milestone. Together, they explore the pressure of the “should” voice, the internal dialogue that tells us we’re behind, not doing enough, or not where we’re supposed to be. They unpack how that voice, while trying to protect us, often creates stress, shame, and self-doubt. AJ introduces the concept of AFGO, short for “Another Growth Opportunity,” a reframing that turns life’s challenges into moments of expansion instead of frustration. From career pivots to redefining success, this conversation dives into what it really means to evolve without abandoning who you’ve been. They also talk about:  Letting go of timelines and expectations  The connection between gratitude and growth  Emotional dependency vs. emotional stability  Why your past experience is your greatest asset  How to stay grounded, even when life feels chaotic This episode is a reminder that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it is always available. And sometimes, the thing that feels like a setback is actually setting you up for something bigger. Contact A.J. Riedel: https://www.ajriedel.com/ Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC samanthaelizabeth.com

    Episode 24: Another F*ing Growth Opportunity! with A.J. Riedel

About

Welcome to Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast.Hosted by me, Samantha Elizabeth—coach, consultant, and a medically diagnosed stressed-out human.Let’s be real: life is a chaotic dumpster fire sometimes, and stress? It’s the gasoline. Whether it’s work, relationships, your never-ending to-do list, or just existing in a world where emails never stop—this podcast is your judgment-free zone to unpack it all.Each episode, we’ll dive into the real shit that makes us unravel—and more importantly, how to stitch ourselves back together. Some days it'll be me ranting with love and truth bombs. Other days I’ll bring in guests to spill their stress stories and survival tactics.Swearing sometimes happens (and that’s okay).This isn’t your typical "breathe in, breathe out" wellness podcast. It’s honest, occasionally inappropriate, and always aimed at helping you go from a full-blown stress mess… to just slightly less of a mess.Let’s stress less, together.